Review - Hamlet (DVD)

This classic BBC DVD is terrific. Starring David Tennant, Patrick Stewart and Penny Downie, Hamlet is intense and intimate. Elsinore is depicted as a place of shadows, mirrors and conspiracies, as this family tragedy unfolds. At 3 hours and 37 minutes, it is well worth your attention. Almost every speech has a phrase that is now engrained into our language and cultural zeitgeist. Superlative performances and production. Wendy

Review - Emma (DVD)

This is a marvelous production by BBC TV showing the romantic comedy by Jane Austen in 4 episodes plus some 'making of' special features. Starring Romola Garai (The Hour & Daniel Deronda) , Jonny Lee Miller (Sherlock in Elementary), Sir Michael Gambon (The Singing Detective and numerous other roles) and Tamsin Grieg (Black Books & Episodes), it is a visual and musical feast and the acting is superb. Many Janeites rate Emma as her best novel but Emma is not my favourite Jane Austen and I have never really warmed to the title character. This production, however, brings us a warm, personable and endearing Emma. Jonny Lee Miller's Mr Knightley is upright, a little reserved, generous and kind and their growing attraction for each other is beautifully realized. The minor characters are superb especially Tamsin Greig as the garrulous Miss Bates. Gambon's Mr Woodhouse makes you want to clutch your shawl around you and be very careful of draughts and reckless exposure to the elements. This is a real treat. Wendy

DVD Review - Happy body – Fabulous 40s and 50s with TV Physio Anna- Louise Bouvier

Happy body – Fabulous 40s and 50s with TV Physio Anna- Louise Bouvier This DVD is a general intro to how your body changes and what you can easily do to maximize your strength and fitness whatever level you are currently at as you encounter the effects of gravity as you age. The short chapters are a bit annoying but the walking workout is achievable and easily modified to all fitness levels. Also held is one targeting the 60s and 70s. Wendy

DVD Review - The Mentalist

Simon Baker is perfect as Patrick Jane with his trademark cheeky grin, uncanny powers of observation and mesmerising knowledge of human behaviour . He provides a fine balance between the compassion he displays to the victims he meets and the stark revenge he wishes to unleash on Red John, the man who brutally killed his family. Jane, Agent Lisbon and the team are introduced in the Season 1 of this series. Murder mysteries are leavened by flashes of genuine wit and humour and the team dynamics are handled deftly. Season 2 also held.
Wendy

"politics isn't rocket science"

This DVD is an English series of 6 episodes (a double DVD) on The Amazing Mrs Pritchard who, in disgust at the antics of her local candidates in a national election, decides to stand herself because politics isn't rocket science. Her knowledge of people helps her connect, her timing is right for people who are tired of professional politicians but as you may expect, she and her family are catapulted into situations she has not anticipated. A funny, serious, moving and interesting look at the pitfalls and pleasures of power and family life. Many of Britain's finest actors contribute to the strength of this series.

Wendy

who hasn't had doubts?

The DVD DOUBT has had critical acclaim for its uncompromising storyline and searingly honest portrayals of the main characters by some fine actors. Meryl Streep (Sister Aloysius) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (Father Flynn) shine in this movie, ably supported by Amy Adams as the idealistic nun slowly losing her innocence as she encounters the gritty realities of running a school. The movie is based on the Pulitzer Prize and Tony award wining play by John Patrick Shanley who also wrote and directed the movie. What is the relationship at the heart of the movie? Is the merciless headmistress or the affable priest the real supporter of the children? How does a mother best protect her son in the light of unreasonable constraints? The film raises questions rather then providing answers in an absorbing and complex exposition.

Wendy

Cranford

Cranford by Mrs Gaskell is a funny, satirical look at change in a closed off village society. Recently adapted into a very successful BBC series which the library also holds on DVD, the original novel holds up very well in its characterisations and comedy in spite of being written in the 1850s. The book is episodic and an excellent afterword explains that it was written in parts for Dickens' weekly publication Household Words. The consequent lack of an overall structure does not detract form the reader's gentle enjoyment. Interestingly, Mrs Gaskell apparently regretted killing off Captain Brown in an early chapter, so in adapting the novel for the BBC, the producers kept him alive. It is worth viewing the 'making off Cranford' special features for their discussion on the adaption.

Thoroughly recommended!

Wendy

Lars and the Real Girl

I first heard about this movie on the ABC movie show and was intrigued. You would not expect a story about an anatomically correct adult female sized doll to be a gentle, life affirming story about how people in a small town can support and look out for each other. Beautifully cast, acted and directed. There are no murders, no car chases, no real conflict and yet it is a very satisfying exploration of how one man, Lars, finds his way forward. You might find the beginning slow and/or weird - stick with this understated love story and you will be enchanted.
Wendy