Check out this page for reviews of books read and shows and films seen!

Recent Reviews

Books:

Touch the Dark - Chance - In this vampire novel, Cassandra is a claivoyant being pursued by the vampire mafia. The vampire Senate offers her protection but on the condition that she will help them as she has just inherited a destiny she wasn't aware of before. I found this book and good read. Some great characters and very sexy moments. There is a sequel, so I might give that a go in the future. It's no Chelsea Quinn Yarbro or Anne Rice...but enjoyable and good fun.

Schindler's Ark - I was, of course, already familiar with the film before reading this book and so my thoughts were naturally coloured by that. However, I thought the piece very well-written and I like the way the author approached the idea and character of Oskar. I didn't find it a distressing read, though I am of course buffered by knowing the film and being aware of history and what happened. The average reader will not find inthis a light-hearted romp but it is a book worthy of being read. Like the film, you need to be in the right mind-frame for it.

Unbearable Lightness of Being - Kundera - I had heard many things about this book and was keen to experience it for myself. I thought it was a wonderful piece and would highly recommend it to anyone. It centres around two main characters and two secondary characters, whose lives weave into each other. It looks at ideas of existence, ideas of love and basically comments on the different ways of viewing life and relationships, all set against the background of the Russian invasion of the Czech Republic. I got through this in one session as I just couldn't put it down - a thought-provoking and life enhancing book!

Films:

Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End - I was eagerly awaiting the end of the trilogy, especially after the cliff hanger ending of the second film. In a way I wasn't disappointed, as the new movie has some great gags and set pieces, but in a way I was...some scenes seemed long-winded and overall I wasn't as blown away with the story as I'd expected. That said it is a fine film and great to have Barbossa back, alongside the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow. A problem for me, I think, was the huge part given to the Elizabeth Swann character in this installment. I find her completely annoying and would have liked her to have had a smaller part to play. This is still a good film overall though and certainly worth seeing if you liked the first two.

Pitch Black/Chronicles of Riddick - I saw Pitch Black on TV recently and was inspired to buy the sequel. I thought both films excellent, though the latter possibly has the edge. The main drawing point of the films though is the character of Riddick, portrayed by Vin Diesel. Without Riddick the films would be average but he is such an interesting character that the boosts the story. Although I don't find Vin Diesel that attractive as himself, the character of Riddick is very alluring. I can recommend these to any sci-fi/fantasy fans - especially those who like an engaging anti-hero.

Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest - I finally got round to seeing this film - figuring I should before the next one comes out in a few weeks. I found the opening a little slow but when it got going it really got going and I'm glad I do only have a few weeks to wait till the next one after that cliff-hanger! Great performances again by all the cast. Keira's character is still annoying but she also got a bit evil in this one, which I found amusing. Looking forward to part 3!

Shows:

Lord of the Rings (seen at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, 23 June 2007) Being a huge fan of the books and films, I was interested to see this show. I am still not sure what I made of it though. Conceptually it was a delight with some amazing scenery and choreography, including stilts and acrobatics. However the show itself seemed a bit flat when all the spectacle was taken away. The cast did fine - especially Laura Michelle Kelly as Galadriel, but even with so much missing it seemed rushed and I wasn't keen on the way characters were 'confused' with other characters in order to try and make the story less complex. The music had its moments and I enjoyed all the Elvish-inspired songs, "Lothlorien" in particular, but the Hobbit-inspired music just annoyed me. Overall I'd say this is one to see once as it is an 'event', but not one I'd go back to a second time.

Total Eclipse (seen at the Menier Theatre, London, 5 May 2007) A complete refab of the theatre for this show with even more uncomfotable seats than usual. But the show itself was excellent with amazing performances from Daniel Evans and Jamie Doyle in the leads. The sexual tension was high and very believable between the two of them and I was transfixed the whole way through. Very atmospheric lighting and music and everything I've come to expect from a Menier production. Another triumph for the theatre and for Daniel Evans.

Attempts on her Life (seen at National Theatre, London, 13 April 2007) This was a wonderful piece of theatre, mixing acting with music, dance and film/video techniques. Telling the story of a young woman's life in the late 20th century through short scenes, her artistic work and suicide attempts. This is a very difficult play to describe but I was enthralled all the way through - to the point where I almost wanted to call out and join in during one scene. Very exciting work!