The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
Porridge
Fawlty Towers
Hancock's Half Hour
Blackadder
Porridge
Fawlty Towers
Hancock's Half Hour
Blackadder
Friday, 21 November 2008
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Saturday Night Jungle Fever
Scene: Sounds of the jungle - birds squawk, etc etc. Two men, dressed in formal evening wear from the waist up and oversized khaki shorts and jungle boots from the waist down sit on logs in a clearing in the middle of the jungle. They're drinking brandy and smoking cigars.
(Both talk in mock well-to-do accent but can't help slipping back into their cockney leanings - Think Pete & Dud putting it on)
1st Man: - I say, frightful weather we're having.
2nd Man: (woken from his slumber) - eh, what's that dear boy? I must have taken a post banquet nap.
1st Man - I was just thinking how terribly depressing this weather is. Raining cats and dogs all day.
- Quite, quite.
- I was at the Kipling Theatre for the matinee peformance yesterday...
- Oh yes, what d'you see?
- The Lion King... Soaked on the way out just getting to the car.
- I know. Only yesterday, I was out with my driver in the Jaguar, you know, we were caught in a terrible downpour, terrible. Tropical it was!
- Ahh shame, where were you heading?
- The Lagoon
- The Lagoon? (Looking around sheepishly) Is that the eh... new...erm...gentlemens club I keep hearing about?
- No the lagoon, it was time for my evening soak!! As it was I only need step from under the canopy.
- Well do tell me, what's that new establishment I've heard so much about, opening near where the Oryx herd are, just left of the savannah?
- Well don't you know? It's a Spearmint Rhino's!
- Ah yes, well I hear it's the talk of the upper canopy.
- Awful denizen of harlotry, I suggest you stay away my dear boy. Animals, the lot of them. Filth!
- Well I must say, I'm terribly out of my depth when it comes to anatomy. You could say I don't know a Baboon's arse from my elbow.
- My dear fellow, there's your problem. You should find yourself a nice, quiet, young lady...... stop messing around with these ruddy Baboons!!!...You must know they have a terrible reputation among the indigenous tribes...and selfish lovers to boot!
- Well I've always found them quite charming!..... Well, well, it's been a fine evening. Thank you for the feast but I must be heading off now - Wilson does so love his 'I'm a Celebrity', he'll be fraught if I don't let him drive me back home to The Brambles.
- Don't you mean The Bamboo's?...Anyway, you shouldn't let him watch that tripe you know.
- Well why ever not?
- Well, I mean, they're in a world of their own those celebrities, don't even know they're born. I don't even think they're in the real jungle.
- Oh come on, you're just being cynical.
- Well have you seen them round here on a Saturday night? Mark my words. It's all a sham. Cheerio then old bean.
- Right...yes...toodlepip old boy....(to imagined waiting butler)...Wilson! Wilson!!
(Both talk in mock well-to-do accent but can't help slipping back into their cockney leanings - Think Pete & Dud putting it on)
1st Man: - I say, frightful weather we're having.
2nd Man: (woken from his slumber) - eh, what's that dear boy? I must have taken a post banquet nap.
1st Man - I was just thinking how terribly depressing this weather is. Raining cats and dogs all day.
- Quite, quite.
- I was at the Kipling Theatre for the matinee peformance yesterday...
- Oh yes, what d'you see?
- The Lion King... Soaked on the way out just getting to the car.
- I know. Only yesterday, I was out with my driver in the Jaguar, you know, we were caught in a terrible downpour, terrible. Tropical it was!
- Ahh shame, where were you heading?
- The Lagoon
- The Lagoon? (Looking around sheepishly) Is that the eh... new...erm...gentlemens club I keep hearing about?
- No the lagoon, it was time for my evening soak!! As it was I only need step from under the canopy.
- Well do tell me, what's that new establishment I've heard so much about, opening near where the Oryx herd are, just left of the savannah?
- Well don't you know? It's a Spearmint Rhino's!
- Ah yes, well I hear it's the talk of the upper canopy.
- Awful denizen of harlotry, I suggest you stay away my dear boy. Animals, the lot of them. Filth!
- Well I must say, I'm terribly out of my depth when it comes to anatomy. You could say I don't know a Baboon's arse from my elbow.
- My dear fellow, there's your problem. You should find yourself a nice, quiet, young lady...... stop messing around with these ruddy Baboons!!!...You must know they have a terrible reputation among the indigenous tribes...and selfish lovers to boot!
- Well I've always found them quite charming!..... Well, well, it's been a fine evening. Thank you for the feast but I must be heading off now - Wilson does so love his 'I'm a Celebrity', he'll be fraught if I don't let him drive me back home to The Brambles.
- Don't you mean The Bamboo's?...Anyway, you shouldn't let him watch that tripe you know.
- Well why ever not?
- Well, I mean, they're in a world of their own those celebrities, don't even know they're born. I don't even think they're in the real jungle.
- Oh come on, you're just being cynical.
- Well have you seen them round here on a Saturday night? Mark my words. It's all a sham. Cheerio then old bean.
- Right...yes...toodlepip old boy....(to imagined waiting butler)...Wilson! Wilson!!
Monday, 17 November 2008
Film Review - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
***
I'm always dubious when it comes to these remakes. Their very existence confirms a lack of new ideas. However, being a massive fan of the original trilogy, I have to admit that, despite myself, I'd been rather looking forward to this film.
And does it disappoint? Well, yes and no. 'No' in the sense that it does nothing to taint past glories but 'yes' by way of not quite living up to those glories either.
Initially, the signs are good. It's 1957 and the Russians are led, by a suitably sinister Cate Blanchett, to find a mysterious artifact located in Area 51.
After Indy escapes the clutches of the 'Reds', and not before surviving an atom bomb test by taking refuge in a lead lined refrigerator (possibly the films most endearing moment), he's placed under suspicion by the FBI and suspended by the Dean of the School. Then, prompted by the arrival of Shia Laboeuf, who introduces the unsolved mystery which you just know Indy can't resist, it's off to discover a mythical city of gold using clues and riddles left by 'Ox', an eminent Professor and friend of Dr Jones, played by an underused John Hurt.
The foundations are laid firmly, but its at this point where things start to go a little awry. In the ensuing race between Indy and the Russians, all the initial charm seems to ebb away. What was an interesting FBI angle and a unique 1950's take on the ageing hero, is left almost completely behind and instead we start to get Indy by numbers.
In itself that need not be a problem, there being plenty to enjoy in the tomb raiding, jungle trailing and supernatural qualities of the enigmatic 'crystal' skull. However, we're met also by clumsy action sequences that feel more like filler than centre pieces.
For example, an extended military vehicle chase, mirroring 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' but more bloated, is free from any real sense of peril. By the time it culminates in an attack by super-sized, killer ants, you're left looking at your watch and wondering what silly circumstance might come next. Actually, the answer is promptly provided by a 3 tiered waterfall plunge. The problem is, having survived the 1st drop, there's no thrill in seeing it happen twice more!?
Having said all this, the climax of the film is genuinely thrilling and the extraterrestrial element adds an interesting new slant on things too. It's good, clean fun then, has all the ingredients required and it's great to see Ford excel revisiting a much loved character. I just wish I'd been more spellbound.
I'm always dubious when it comes to these remakes. Their very existence confirms a lack of new ideas. However, being a massive fan of the original trilogy, I have to admit that, despite myself, I'd been rather looking forward to this film.
And does it disappoint? Well, yes and no. 'No' in the sense that it does nothing to taint past glories but 'yes' by way of not quite living up to those glories either.
Initially, the signs are good. It's 1957 and the Russians are led, by a suitably sinister Cate Blanchett, to find a mysterious artifact located in Area 51.
After Indy escapes the clutches of the 'Reds', and not before surviving an atom bomb test by taking refuge in a lead lined refrigerator (possibly the films most endearing moment), he's placed under suspicion by the FBI and suspended by the Dean of the School. Then, prompted by the arrival of Shia Laboeuf, who introduces the unsolved mystery which you just know Indy can't resist, it's off to discover a mythical city of gold using clues and riddles left by 'Ox', an eminent Professor and friend of Dr Jones, played by an underused John Hurt.
The foundations are laid firmly, but its at this point where things start to go a little awry. In the ensuing race between Indy and the Russians, all the initial charm seems to ebb away. What was an interesting FBI angle and a unique 1950's take on the ageing hero, is left almost completely behind and instead we start to get Indy by numbers.
In itself that need not be a problem, there being plenty to enjoy in the tomb raiding, jungle trailing and supernatural qualities of the enigmatic 'crystal' skull. However, we're met also by clumsy action sequences that feel more like filler than centre pieces.
For example, an extended military vehicle chase, mirroring 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' but more bloated, is free from any real sense of peril. By the time it culminates in an attack by super-sized, killer ants, you're left looking at your watch and wondering what silly circumstance might come next. Actually, the answer is promptly provided by a 3 tiered waterfall plunge. The problem is, having survived the 1st drop, there's no thrill in seeing it happen twice more!?
Having said all this, the climax of the film is genuinely thrilling and the extraterrestrial element adds an interesting new slant on things too. It's good, clean fun then, has all the ingredients required and it's great to see Ford excel revisiting a much loved character. I just wish I'd been more spellbound.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Saturday, 15 November 2008
Wogan Worry
After a pleasant after work drink or two with the new Dr Watts in Covent Garden, I arrived home about 8 o'clock and settled down with Laura for an evening of Children in Need. It was full of the usual guff - singing newsreaders, dancing Eastenders etc, etc. but one thing struck me amongst all the goodwill and generous donating - Sir Terry.
Is it me or has he turned into the loosest canon since Bobby Ball's sidekick last paid a visit to his local? I know it was live telly, but if people think Brucie's doddery, they should have seen Wogan!! Either he's really lost it or he just simply doesn't give a toss anymore. Frequently, he would be openly unaware of to whom he was supposed to be linking, what item was next on the agenda and, at one point, was in completely the wrong place in the audience to meet a particular group of fundraisers. At this realisation, he comically looked to those seated around him, "This lot know less about why I'm here than I do!"
It was great to watch him snipe and snide his way through an evening supposed to be given over to goodwill, criticising celebrities for being unable to read out the donation telephone number correctly - somewhat hypocritically in the circumstances - and talking over co-presenters as they tried to hold it all together. At one point, I'm sure Terry had simply had enough and walked off. Hilarious, but it won't do him any favours.
Regardless of whether this was rebellious eccentricity or woeful incapability, I salute you Terry Wogan. It takes a lot to make Bruce Forsyth look slick!!! Still, I'd take either of those ageing masters over the awful Patrick Kielty or BBC golden boy Graham Norton.
Over our post work pint, Gaz mentioned his high regard for Jimmy Carr, suggesting he was the most likely of the current crop of comics to take over the mantle of the Monkhouse, Wogan, Forsyth generation. I hope so. Some are gone and others won't be around for much longer. I, for one, will miss them.
Is it me or has he turned into the loosest canon since Bobby Ball's sidekick last paid a visit to his local? I know it was live telly, but if people think Brucie's doddery, they should have seen Wogan!! Either he's really lost it or he just simply doesn't give a toss anymore. Frequently, he would be openly unaware of to whom he was supposed to be linking, what item was next on the agenda and, at one point, was in completely the wrong place in the audience to meet a particular group of fundraisers. At this realisation, he comically looked to those seated around him, "This lot know less about why I'm here than I do!"
It was great to watch him snipe and snide his way through an evening supposed to be given over to goodwill, criticising celebrities for being unable to read out the donation telephone number correctly - somewhat hypocritically in the circumstances - and talking over co-presenters as they tried to hold it all together. At one point, I'm sure Terry had simply had enough and walked off. Hilarious, but it won't do him any favours.
Regardless of whether this was rebellious eccentricity or woeful incapability, I salute you Terry Wogan. It takes a lot to make Bruce Forsyth look slick!!! Still, I'd take either of those ageing masters over the awful Patrick Kielty or BBC golden boy Graham Norton.
Over our post work pint, Gaz mentioned his high regard for Jimmy Carr, suggesting he was the most likely of the current crop of comics to take over the mantle of the Monkhouse, Wogan, Forsyth generation. I hope so. Some are gone and others won't be around for much longer. I, for one, will miss them.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Electricityscape
Yesterday evening, being a Wednesday, was 5-a-side football night. As it was a 19:00 kick off I arranged, as usual, to meet Chris at Waterloo Station for 18:00 where we jump on a train direct to the footy. He doesn't finish until 17:30 and has just enough time to get from Old Street to Waterloo on the tube.
Meanwhile, I have an hour to kill, so usually take a slow stroll across town. When the weather's good it really is the most amazing of walks. I go past the Guildhall and on towards St Paul's Cathedral, which when lit up looks really imposing. I realise just how big it is.
Then down to the Thames and over the Millennium Bridge for great views of the river, Tower Bridge, The Globe Theatre and of course the Tate Modern. All that history and culture in such a small section of the city!!!
Meanwhile, I have an hour to kill, so usually take a slow stroll across town. When the weather's good it really is the most amazing of walks. I go past the Guildhall and on towards St Paul's Cathedral, which when lit up looks really imposing. I realise just how big it is.
Then down to the Thames and over the Millennium Bridge for great views of the river, Tower Bridge, The Globe Theatre and of course the Tate Modern. All that history and culture in such a small section of the city!!!
Before long, I reach the Royal National Theatre and the South Bank Centre with their sombre 50's style concrete. Here, there's a great collection of 2nd hand books on sale outside, laid out on rows of tables, a brilliant place to pick up the odd cheap novel or two.
Sometimes I'm amazed by how exciting and electric London can seem. Even though I've worked here for four years and lived in the city's shadow most of my life, I guess I'm still a little in awe of it. I've only ever been inside a handful of the places I've just described, a shame really, but I guess for some reason it's all a little intimidating. All that sensory overload!!! Yet that's what I love about London too - the infinite possibilities!!
Walking away from the river and past the London Studios I can see the London Eye up on high, the IMAX theatre through the gaps in the office blocks and then it's Waterloo Bridge and into the station.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
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