Although it comprises eight books, Stephen King's Dark Tower series is really one gigantic novel told over many volumes. The first book - The Gunslinger - was first published in novel form in 1982. The final book, The Dark Tower, appeared in 2004. In 2012, King published one additional novel, The Wind Through the Keyhole, which … Continue reading “The Dark Tower” by Stephen King
Category: Reviews
“Gravity”
Houston, I have a problem. I want to review Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity, but I can't. The truth is, I'm lost for words, incapable of communicating my complex reaction to Sandra Bullock's intense, emotional performance, to the streamlined elegance of both plot and storytelling, to the incomparable majesty of the overall visual concept and art direction, to … Continue reading “Gravity”
“Rain” – Freedom to Glide
Today is Armistice Day. It also marks the launch of "Rain", a new concept album by UK Midlands band Freedom to Glide. The album was inspired by first-hand accounts of soldiers who fought in the First World War, and in other conflicts throughout the twentieth century. With its atmospheric mix of prog rock, acoustic and … Continue reading “Rain” – Freedom to Glide
“Mythago Wood” by Robert Holdstock
The wildwood lies at the heart of English folklore. There's a good reason for that. Once upon a time, these isles were covered in forest practically from coast to coast. Tales of the Green Man, Jack-of-the-Green, Herne the Hunter and Robin Hood all sprang from that ancient wooded realm. Our oldest stories were first told … Continue reading “Mythago Wood” by Robert Holdstock
“Alien”
Anyone who knows me will be unsurprised to learn that Ridley Scott's Alien (1979) is one of my favourite films of all time. So much has been written about this futuristic horror movie, however, that it's hard to add anything useful to the conversation. I suppose I could start by telling you the story folllows … Continue reading “Alien”
“A Matter of Life and Death”
I first watched A Matter of Life and Death on home video while playing truant from school in order to avoid an English lesson. I justify the crime by asserting that films don't get much more English than this 1946 fantasy from legendary filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. What's more, the movie riffs on A … Continue reading “A Matter of Life and Death”
The Pudding Club
Like all true Englishmen, I like my puddings. Not desserts. Puddings. There's a big difference. Desserts are for sissies. Puddings are big, steaming affairs, mountains of sweetness constructed for stout-hearted men possessing more appetite than shame and, preferably, wearing trousers equipped with an elasticated waistband. Imagine my pleasure, therefore, when the wonderful Mrs E took … Continue reading The Pudding Club
“Koyaanisqatsi”
Some films haunt you. Films like Koyaanisqatsi. What's that? You've never heard of it? Okay, I'll forgive you. I'd have missed it too, had I not tuned into BBC film critic Barry Norman's regular late night review show back in 1982. Norman's positive critique included an arresting clip from the film showing stunning timelapse footage … Continue reading “Koyaanisqatsi”
Iain Banks 1954-2013
Iain Banks died yesterday, aged just 59. After his terminal diagnosis earlier this year, his final novel The Quarry was fast-tracked by his publishers for a June 2o release date, specifically so he'd get to see it on the shelves. Sadly, the cancer beat him to it, and we lost one of the true greats. … Continue reading Iain Banks 1954-2013
“HENRi”
Right from the opening voiceover I could tell that Eli Sasich, writer/director of the 20-minute indie science fiction film HENRi, grew up reading the same books as me. Anyone who talks confidentally about positronics and names his female lead Dr Calvin clearly knows his Asimov, and who else but a devotee of Philip K Dick … Continue reading “HENRi”
Graham Edwards 