Monday, 10 November 2008
Film Review - Quantum of Solace
****
I remember leaving the cinema after watching Casino Royale. I felt mixed emotions. I knew I'd just seen an amazing film, one that had redefined the oldest of movie franchises and ensured its continued existence, at least for the foreseeable future. I also knew that in Daniel Craig, I'd seen the most physical, most intense and yes, most emotional 007 ever. Somehow though, I still had this pang of regret.....it just wasn't Bond was it?
After the fallout, the dust settling on the most successful box office return of any Bond instalment, I could see through my nostalgia. This was necessary, this was a good thing and despite my initial misgivings, this was a very good movie. Besides, I could always go back to 'View to a Kill' for my grey leather jacketed, eye brow raised kicks!!
As many critics have suggested, Quantum of Solace is not as good as Casino Royale (although you have to qualify that statement by asking, "what other Bond film is that good?") However, it's still brimming with all the elements that made us swoon before. There's the heartbroken Bond, seething and remorseful, the realistic action scenes pleasingly devoid of CGI, there's the plot, twisting and turning at all the right moments. There is humour too, although now it's pleasantly understated rather than preceded by imaginary drum rolls.
The mysterious 'Quantum' group provide intrigue as MI6 struggles to ascertain exactly who they are and what they're up to, but perhaps most enjoyable of all, is the relationship between Bond and M. On more than one occasion, allusion is made to M's maternal instincts and Craig and Judy Dench's scenes together are essential in adding depth. Dench is a revelation as M and the decision to keep her on from the Brosnan era is a masterstroke. It's almost as if M is Bond's one, true love!! Freud would have a field day!!
Ironically, I found I enjoyed Quantum of Solace far more than its superior predecessor, relaxing into this new era and reveling in the smouldering cool of Daniel Craig - He almost defies comparison with previous Bond's, his take on the character being so skewed from the historic portrayal.
Quite where 007 goes in the next film, I'm really not sure. There's only so long you can maintain the lovers revenge plot line and I do worry that, this being tied up by the end of 'Quantum', he may lose some of his raison d'etre. Still, that's for a couple of years down the line. For now I'll sit back and enjoy. I may even get 'Royale' out from Blockbuster. Perhaps it deserves another chance!
Ironically, I found I enjoyed Quantum of Solace far more than its superior predecessor, relaxing into this new era and reveling in the smouldering cool of Daniel Craig - He almost defies comparison with previous Bond's, his take on the character being so skewed from the historic portrayal.
Quite where 007 goes in the next film, I'm really not sure. There's only so long you can maintain the lovers revenge plot line and I do worry that, this being tied up by the end of 'Quantum', he may lose some of his raison d'etre. Still, that's for a couple of years down the line. For now I'll sit back and enjoy. I may even get 'Royale' out from Blockbuster. Perhaps it deserves another chance!
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Who do I think I am?
My Dad is heavily into his genealogy. Before he began, he knew very little about our family, even relatively little of his own Grandparents.
However, gradually, piece by piece and like a modern, non-drug taking Sherlock Holmes without the deer stalker, Dad has filled in the blanks with census data and old photos uncovered. It's all stored in a massive lever arch file, rapidly gaining something akin to Family Bible status.
Yesterday, the old man and I went to the National Archives at Kew. Ultimately, to meet a chap researching unsung racing heroes from the early part of the last century, although as a librarian I thought the place might be interesting too. He had come across Reginald Calvert-Empson (the great grandad mentioned in an earlier blog) and was amazed to hear my Dad was his only Grandchild.
Notes were duly swapped and more info was gathered by the erstwhile 'Holmes' (I guess that makes me Dr Watson!) Anyway, not only a racer but also a Captain in WW1, he was subject to an attack by gas resulting in hospitalisation. We saw his medical records from the time and even a hand written letter requesting leave due to his 8 year old daughter (my Nan) being injured when run down by a car!!!! Incredible!
I'd never felt particularly attached to my heritage (apart from the odd bit of sympathy for the Scottish national football team) but, as Dad's gradually unearthed the names and the places over the years, it's slowly started to seep through me. Turns out my Great Grandfather, John McRae, was a dairy farmer and that his Dad was Alexander McRae from a small village in the West Highlands called Balmacara. The McRae clan even have their own castle nearby called Eilean Donan.
A couple of years ago, Laura and I were on holiday in Scotland. We drove the hire car for 3 hours up through the amazing scenery of the highlands to find it. I hate those moments in shows like "Who Do you Think You Are?" - the money shot - where the celeb breaks down in tears at some pseudo grandiose revelation. However, although I didn't go so far as to shed a tear, there was a substantial lump in my throat at the sight of the castle.
It really is beautiful and nestles at the foot of the mountains, on a small island in the Loch. Walking around it made me feel immensely proud and most moving of all was the memorial listing McRae's lost in the world wars. Thinking about it, 'old Reggie" could so easily have ended up on one of these.
Balmacara, a hamlet, has a "McRae" grocers store among the tiny collection of buildings. Finally, my name up in lights!! I always knew this was my spiritual home!
However, gradually, piece by piece and like a modern, non-drug taking Sherlock Holmes without the deer stalker, Dad has filled in the blanks with census data and old photos uncovered. It's all stored in a massive lever arch file, rapidly gaining something akin to Family Bible status.
Yesterday, the old man and I went to the National Archives at Kew. Ultimately, to meet a chap researching unsung racing heroes from the early part of the last century, although as a librarian I thought the place might be interesting too. He had come across Reginald Calvert-Empson (the great grandad mentioned in an earlier blog) and was amazed to hear my Dad was his only Grandchild.
Notes were duly swapped and more info was gathered by the erstwhile 'Holmes' (I guess that makes me Dr Watson!) Anyway, not only a racer but also a Captain in WW1, he was subject to an attack by gas resulting in hospitalisation. We saw his medical records from the time and even a hand written letter requesting leave due to his 8 year old daughter (my Nan) being injured when run down by a car!!!! Incredible!
***
I'd never felt particularly attached to my heritage (apart from the odd bit of sympathy for the Scottish national football team) but, as Dad's gradually unearthed the names and the places over the years, it's slowly started to seep through me. Turns out my Great Grandfather, John McRae, was a dairy farmer and that his Dad was Alexander McRae from a small village in the West Highlands called Balmacara. The McRae clan even have their own castle nearby called Eilean Donan.
A couple of years ago, Laura and I were on holiday in Scotland. We drove the hire car for 3 hours up through the amazing scenery of the highlands to find it. I hate those moments in shows like "Who Do you Think You Are?" - the money shot - where the celeb breaks down in tears at some pseudo grandiose revelation. However, although I didn't go so far as to shed a tear, there was a substantial lump in my throat at the sight of the castle.
It really is beautiful and nestles at the foot of the mountains, on a small island in the Loch. Walking around it made me feel immensely proud and most moving of all was the memorial listing McRae's lost in the world wars. Thinking about it, 'old Reggie" could so easily have ended up on one of these.
Balmacara, a hamlet, has a "McRae" grocers store among the tiny collection of buildings. Finally, my name up in lights!! I always knew this was my spiritual home!
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Joe Strummer
Came across this photo again on the web. I've always loved it so thought I'd post it. He really looks the nuts!
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
The Big 'O' (Reprise)
You do wonder whether it will end up being one of those, "Where were you when..." moments. Watching Obama's acceptance speech, it definitely felt like the start of a new period in world history. Were Noel Gallagher in attendance he'd have probably shouted, "Right here! Right now!" to the onlooking crowds.
Ironically, the last time I felt this sense of era shift was watching the attack on the World Trade Center. You knew things would never be the same again. In that case, of course, it wasn't for the better, and yes, I do remember where I was at the time - Watching TV in the staff room of WHSmith's. (I knew something major must have happened to interrupt the afternoon showing of Neighbours.)
Time will tell, but lets all hope Obama can live up to the great expectations! In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy the fact he's the most eloquent and down right cool President I've ever seen. In other words, he's not George W Bush!!
Ironically, the last time I felt this sense of era shift was watching the attack on the World Trade Center. You knew things would never be the same again. In that case, of course, it wasn't for the better, and yes, I do remember where I was at the time - Watching TV in the staff room of WHSmith's. (I knew something major must have happened to interrupt the afternoon showing of Neighbours.)
Time will tell, but lets all hope Obama can live up to the great expectations! In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy the fact he's the most eloquent and down right cool President I've ever seen. In other words, he's not George W Bush!!
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
The Big 'O'
Election day is finally upon us!! I'm pretty relieved, it's been quite a build up. I do hope the swinging voters don't lose their nerve and Obama gets in. According to the polls, McCain should have had his chips, yet you do wonder if, when push comes to shove, middle America won't fall back on familiar ground.
There is an overwhelming hope that this could be a new dawn, not just for the U.S., but by association, the whole world. Could this be the moment that defines our future civilisation? The crises of global warming particularly seem to encapture the sentiment, "last chance saloon".
It's so frustrating that the lives of so many rest on the votes of, the relatively, so few. US citizenship? - Surely such a frivolous factor in deciding eligibility to vote!!!
US Citizenship? Frivolous? Tell that to the Mexicans.
There is an overwhelming hope that this could be a new dawn, not just for the U.S., but by association, the whole world. Could this be the moment that defines our future civilisation? The crises of global warming particularly seem to encapture the sentiment, "last chance saloon".
It's so frustrating that the lives of so many rest on the votes of, the relatively, so few. US citizenship? - Surely such a frivolous factor in deciding eligibility to vote!!!
US Citizenship? Frivolous? Tell that to the Mexicans.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Phewis Hamilton
People hate Formula 1 motor racing. I can understand why, it has its issues.
In my case, my great-grandad raced on the banked circuit of Brooklands in the thirties. I'd be betraying my lineage not to pay at least a passing interest.
And what a ding-dong it was yesterday. Brilliant to see Hamilton scrape through to win the title and a big shout out to Mr Glock for geniously staying on slick tyres when things were getting a little bit moist.
Thankfully, Hamilton's too error prone to 'do a Schumacher' and dominate the sport for years (plus Alonso's still the best there is for my money), so here's to many more last lap title deciders.
p.s. Farewell David Coulthard. I'll never forget him waving his middle finger at Schumacher when chasing him down for the lead a few years back. Brilliant!!
In my case, my great-grandad raced on the banked circuit of Brooklands in the thirties. I'd be betraying my lineage not to pay at least a passing interest.
And what a ding-dong it was yesterday. Brilliant to see Hamilton scrape through to win the title and a big shout out to Mr Glock for geniously staying on slick tyres when things were getting a little bit moist.
Thankfully, Hamilton's too error prone to 'do a Schumacher' and dominate the sport for years (plus Alonso's still the best there is for my money), so here's to many more last lap title deciders.
p.s. Farewell David Coulthard. I'll never forget him waving his middle finger at Schumacher when chasing him down for the lead a few years back. Brilliant!!
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