Jubilee boat displays, Olympics, financial meltdown and it's bloody pissing it down. Britain in the summer of 2012 is a confusing place but attempting to make sense of it are The Chapman Family.
Beneath an outstanding painted backdrop from Stella Vine, frontman Kingsley grabbed attention with a plastic bag near-suffocation routine (who needs support bands?). What followed was 45 minutes of some of the most intense playing I’ve witnessed. I want bands to write about something meaningful, to show passion, to spark a reaction. The Chapman Family do all of this. Turn off the television and seek out this band.
Words by David Williams.
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Kimi's Season: European Grand Prix
SECOND! "It's ok, but it's not what we wanted." Nothing's going to satisfy Kimi until he's reached the tallest step – and that’s any time soon, believe me.
The European GP, on the relatively new Valencian street circuit, was an absolute nail biter. For a risk-taker, Raikkonen knows exactly when to hold back (witness his manouevre on a squirrely Hamilton 2 laps from the flag). His edge-of-the-seat
style is brave, brave stuff.
He even managed a post-race smile – gone again by the press conference! Helmets off to the whole Lotus team. I can't wait for the British GP in two weeks.
Sandra Stafford
writer@sandrastafford.co.uk
The European GP, on the relatively new Valencian street circuit, was an absolute nail biter. For a risk-taker, Raikkonen knows exactly when to hold back (witness his manouevre on a squirrely Hamilton 2 laps from the flag). His edge-of-the-seat
style is brave, brave stuff.
He even managed a post-race smile – gone again by the press conference! Helmets off to the whole Lotus team. I can't wait for the British GP in two weeks.
Sandra Stafford
writer@sandrastafford.co.uk
Friday, 15 June 2012
Film Review: Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott's much trumpeted return to science fiction - and specifically the Alien universe - sees the director on top form in terms of visual spectacle, but on less certain ground when it comes to the script.
A group of scientists (led by Noomi Rapace and Charlize Theron) travel to a distant world which may hold the answer to the origins of the human race.
Prometheus commendably reaches for the epic whilst building up a genuinely eerie atmosphere, but characterisation and plot logic sadly come second to the (admittedly terrific) production design - a problem Scott didn't succumb to with his original Alien.
Words by Gavin Midgley.
The Cinemasitter /@gavinmidgley
A group of scientists (led by Noomi Rapace and Charlize Theron) travel to a distant world which may hold the answer to the origins of the human race.
Prometheus commendably reaches for the epic whilst building up a genuinely eerie atmosphere, but characterisation and plot logic sadly come second to the (admittedly terrific) production design - a problem Scott didn't succumb to with his original Alien.
Words by Gavin Midgley.
The Cinemasitter /@gavinmidgley
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Film Review: Shadow Dancer (2012)
Director James Marsh (Project Nim, Man on Wire) introduced this film to a packed audience as part of the Belfast Film Festival.
What looked like being just another film about The Troubles in Northern Ireland was instead a much more intimate story, highlighting the effects of the conflict on a girl who was forced to partake in the violence.
While the plot was a little simplistic at times, there were some confident performances from the cast and some brave choices from the director to make this an interesting watch, and overall, the audience appreciated the way the story was handled.
Words by Ian Briggs.
ianbriggs.co.uk / @thunderstreak
What looked like being just another film about The Troubles in Northern Ireland was instead a much more intimate story, highlighting the effects of the conflict on a girl who was forced to partake in the violence.
While the plot was a little simplistic at times, there were some confident performances from the cast and some brave choices from the director to make this an interesting watch, and overall, the audience appreciated the way the story was handled.
Words by Ian Briggs.
ianbriggs.co.uk / @thunderstreak
Film Review: Good Vibrations (2012)
As part of the Belfast Film Festival, directors Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn introduced their new film along with members of the cast and crew.
I can honestly say this is the best movie from Northern Ireland I have seen, focusing not on The Troubles per-se, but how people got on with their lives at that time. An innovative story centered on a Belfast music shop and the man who discovered The Undertones produced a light-hearted film akin to a Belfast version of 'High Fidelity'.
A great rock music score provided the backdrop for this gem of a film.
Words by Ian Briggs.
ianbriggs.co.uk / @
I can honestly say this is the best movie from Northern Ireland I have seen, focusing not on The Troubles per-se, but how people got on with their lives at that time. An innovative story centered on a Belfast music shop and the man who discovered The Undertones produced a light-hearted film akin to a Belfast version of 'High Fidelity'.
A great rock music score provided the backdrop for this gem of a film.
Words by Ian Briggs.
ianbriggs.co.uk / @
Monday, 11 June 2012
Film Review: The Angels' Share (2012)
Definitely a film of three halves: the socially dark, at times violent half; the light comedic cheeky half; the romantic idealism half.
And, for me, it just didn’t add up to the Ken Loach film I was expecting. Beautifully played by the (mainly non-professional) actors. Beautifully directed by Loach - the realist style he's so good at; the (in parts) 'are we/aren't we watching a documentary?’
And, OK, I get the point that everyone deserves a chance - hence the ending. But I’m not wholly convinced by the narrative manner of getting there. That said, this dram tickled the palate just enough.
Sandra Stafford
writer@sandrastafford.co.uk
And, for me, it just didn’t add up to the Ken Loach film I was expecting. Beautifully played by the (mainly non-professional) actors. Beautifully directed by Loach - the realist style he's so good at; the (in parts) 'are we/aren't we watching a documentary?’
And, OK, I get the point that everyone deserves a chance - hence the ending. But I’m not wholly convinced by the narrative manner of getting there. That said, this dram tickled the palate just enough.
Sandra Stafford
writer@sandrastafford.co.uk
Kimi's Season: Canadian Grand Prix
Seven races so far this season; seven different winners – none of them Kimi Raikkonen. The pace of the cars is definitely there. Kimi’s teammate, who bagged second place, is testament to that.
So what’s the problem, Kimi? Never one for excuses, he admits it just didn’t come together for him on the day (even though he started 12th and finished 8th). More work to be done. And it will be.
Racing aside, F1 was used again to highlight political issues (this time
tuition fees), with 30 protestors arrested. Meanwhile, the re-born Lotus team continues to learn on and off track.
Sandra Stafford
writer@sandrastafford.co.uk
So what’s the problem, Kimi? Never one for excuses, he admits it just didn’t come together for him on the day (even though he started 12th and finished 8th). More work to be done. And it will be.
Racing aside, F1 was used again to highlight political issues (this time
tuition fees), with 30 protestors arrested. Meanwhile, the re-born Lotus team continues to learn on and off track.
Sandra Stafford
writer@sandrastafford.co.uk
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