Writing

Adapted from Akira Kurosawa’s 1952 drama Ikuru, itself inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s 1886 novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Living follows Bill Nighy’s reserved bureaucrat Mr Williams, who determines to live life to the full and mend his selfish ways after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He receives the news of his diagnosis with a torturously blunt stiff upper lip as he responds to the doctor with a brief acknowledgement (‘Quite’). A Christmas Carol this ain’t, with Williams first trying to seek refuge with brazen Lothario Mr Sutherland, experiencing decadent lap dances and alcohol in the dark hideouts of London before passing out.

Continue reading “Review: Living”

There’s a lot to praise about the Muppets adaptation of Dicken’s yuletide tale of humbugs, ghosts and redemption. This includes one of Michael Caine’s finest performances and great tunes filled with plenty of lyrical ingenuity (‘Cheeses for us meezes’? Fewer nonsensical rhymes have made such comedic impact). The filmmakers do a great job of employing light-hearted storytelling which incorporates much of the author’s original text. They’re also particularly astute in the quieter moments, particularly during the scenes where Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Past. 

Continue reading “Minimalist Moments: The Muppet Christmas Carol”

He’s making a list, checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice. Except he isn’t, because Animal Crossing’s titular reindeer Jingle doesn’t remember so good (we’re talking City Folk here, not any of the later versions, where he just becomes lazy and makes you do his present giving for him in exchange for rewards). Upon your first meeting, he’ll happily regale you with festive cheer, give you a present, then carry on walking on his merry way around your town. And if you walk up to him again as you are, he’ll admonish you for being greedy. Who would be greedy enough to ask for another gift, after all?

Continue reading “Animal Crossing Autumn Roasts: Jingle as Leonard Shelby (Memento)”

It’s that posh place I frequently passed as I gadded about on my undergraduate adventures. There’s usually that guy outside wearing a fancy suit and top hat. It looks fancy, and, as I found out during my recent luncheon with my pals, it’s pretty darn fancy. Here’s a summary of the grub, décor and general ambience.

Continue reading “Review: Afternoon Tea at the Randolph”

There’s a lot to love about Tim Burton’s gothic masterpiece, from those weirdly identical, colour coordinated houses to the light comedy and those fine-looking dogens after Edward has given those good boys a decent grooming. And a bit of German Expressionist imagery with Edward’s strange house. Who doesn’t love a bit of German Expressionist imagery? …I do, anyway.

Continue reading “Minimalist Moments: Edward Scissorhands”