Change Your Image
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Reviews
Run Fatboy Run (2007)
Belly Laughing
I saw this at the Toronto Film Festival (film not yet on General Release in Canada) and it was Funny with a capital F. The audience received it very well - it was both humorous and moving and Peggs everyday Joe with a big heart and very human foibles was believable while bumbling, entertaining and at times driven.
I don't know about most people but I go to the cinema to be entertained - I know there are problems in the world and I face them every day, and I like a bit of escapism - this is the best kind - humorous but dealing with real issues, things we don't like to admit we are afraid of - commitment, failure, our children's welfare. Well written, well directed, well acted, a really sharp film. Better than Sean, better than Fuzz :)
With a Q&A session straight after the film, David Schwimmer with Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton in tow entertained the audience with their little anecdotes, - I particularly liked Thandies improv!! Well done to all involved.
Torchwood: Countrycide (2006)
Human nature!
This was scary stuff - Im not a horror movie fan and this is about as scary as I can take which is good. Plus, we seem to have several love triangles going on now so Im losing track a bit, or is it a love hexagon? Anyway, the character development is getting there now so the strangeness of the interactions between the team members is easier to understand - as you get under their skin you realise that they don't form deep relationships easily for good reasons, which makes them disjointed and suspicious, and that is what keeps me watching - it gives a gritty edge to the way they interact. The location for this one was excellent - very "Hound of the Baskervilles" - I do think that Ianto needs some field training though - he is a bit inexperienced with a gun!
Torchwood: Small Worlds (2006)
Supernatural ScFi
I liked this episode. Science fiction is in part about open mindedness. We cant always explain the world around us, when we can we call it science, when we cant we call it supernatural, but these are merely two branches of the same studies, one explained the other not. In this episode, Jack finds the idea of fairies hard to swallow, but that is when he does not know what he is facing. Even when he does know, he applies a partly supernatural explanation to events beyond his understandings. I like this show because it has hi-lighted peoples limitations both in knowledge and emotionally. Unlike Dr Who, where the Doctor is able to explain away things to the viewing public, Torchwood has to contend with the limits of human knowledge, even with Jacks assistance (and longevity). This is not a limit on the show but allows us to see how we ourselves cope with events around us that we cannot explain. Why do loved ones die when we ourselves do not, why do our children not understand us, and why do we not understand them. And, why we don't always feel good about ourselves or others even if they do things for the right reasons or the greater good - our limitations make us think only of the consequences to us and those immediately around us. Jacks actions at the end with the girl and her mother challenge us - should we like the team think badly of him, or should we thank him - would our opinion differ if we were directly involved? Sorry to spout on. I like that this show makes me think outside the box a bit.
Torchwood: Everything Changes (2006)
Torchwood carries torch
It would be difficult for any show to live up to the expectations placed on this show by the legions of Dr Who fans. But having watched it, the show has great promise, is entertaining and witty and yes at times a little bit like Xfiles meets Supernatural, but then what is wrong with that. So too, it shows a character who does not conform to "normal" social "values", but then perhaps it is time for TV to break the mold and show that everyone has a heart and everyone can be heartless equally, regardless of background, upbringing and preference. The team are a little dysfunctional for a group who have supposedly worked together for some time, which some may perceive as miscasting, but that is explained well by the secretive nature of their leader and their work. If I had to work in that situation I would be suspicious and play my cards close to my chest too. I think the cast are excellent. And for those who condemn shows on their first outing...you can please some of the people some of the time. I just hope you remember your condemnation the next time a studio exec cancels you favorite show mid season for no good (in your opinion) reason. Torchwood may not be YOUR thing....but it is mine...keep up the good work team!