Hero

Have been looking forward to seeing what all the fuss was about with this one. Martial arts has never been my thing really, with the exception of The Matrix it leaves me a bit cold, but there was so much hype around this I had to see it eventually. Being pretty isn't normally enough on it's own, and yes, the story etc here is so melodramatic and at times unintentionally funny if you are not along for the ride it would be ridiculous. But it is Soooo beautiful who cares! I could watch this on loop for days and not get bored - my eyeballs were leaping out of their sockets for joy on each frame, I've never seen such colours used in a movie like this before. The message behind it too is kind of nice, it failed to reach me too deeply emotionally as it seemed the plot was just an excuse to demonstrate the skills of the choreographers and cinematographer. I will go out and buy this, for the same reasons I bought Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Interested to see House of Flying Daggers now too, but really, too much of this is not a good thing, it must have substance too, more substance anyway. 7/10 Kx

77th Oscars

How very annoying that Sky held exclusive rights to this without even advertising the fact! Had a look at the schedule in the evening to see what time Jonathon Ross and co where kicking off only to discover there would be no coverage at all, not a drop!!! Sky Movies had snaffled it greedily and denied me and many others I'm sure the pleasure of a legendary event that still feels like it means something. In desperation I streamed a blurry view of the press room from Oscar.com to hear some soundbytes of the winners about twenty minutes after the speeches, of which I didn't hear one. So it seems Clint and company stole the show, and probably deservedly, although I haven't seen the movie yet; nothing else has seemed like an all out winner, even The Aviator, and split decisions were always going to be in evidence on the night. Jamie Foxx wasn't disappointed following one of the biggest shoe-ins in recent memory for best actor, and I found myself very pleased for Hillary Swank, who seems like a genuinely nice person as well as a stunning actress. Not much to write home about for the Brits, even Clive Owen losing out to MDB's Morgan Freeman, but the big news, natch, is what the f*** does Marty have to do?! If it doesn't kill him it will only make him stronger - expect the best film the world has ever seen within 24 months from Mr Scorsese... Go on mate! Kx

Some Cities

Album of the week has to be Doves third studio effort: Some Cities. I've liked both their previous releases, especially their debut, Lost Souls, before I even knew who they were and pilferred it from my flatmates collection. They are best when they use haunting background melodies to punctuate catchy choruses and crank up the grime on the production. And thankfully, Some cities embodies exactly that. The first single, Black and White Town failed to impress me too much initially, but as part of the whole continues to grow on me - However it is from track 3 onwards that this becomes well above average, soaring and dipping at leisure with some tenacious hooks and angellic singing. Still listening to it daily and descovering more all the time: recommended. 8.5/10 Kx

Before Sunset

9 years since they met in Vienna in Richard Linklater's well thought of original, Before Sunrise. Older, more experienced, more disilliusioned and a little more insane, the tone of the verbal jousting is much darker as we see like flies on the Parisian landscape the results of that time. The beautiful thing about this is that they are not necessarily likable people, but they are perfect for each other - the dialogue is thrilling, taking unexpected turns and leaving you exhilerated, humiliated, euphoric and depressed as they tooo experience it. Before Sunrise was a little miracle a decade ago and with this as a companion the two will live long in both the memory and in film history - A must for anyone interested in human behaviour and the pursuit of the perfect love. 9/10 Kx

Bowling For Columbine

The British network premier of this extraordinary film shows that almost 3 years on the issues are no less relevent than when it was made. His use of documentary to incite action is astonishing, both in this and in Fahrenheit 9/11. You can't call them films; they are not entertainments, but they are extraordinary pieces of film-making as they well evoke emotions no matter which side of the fence you sit. The thing that struck me this time is that he is not messing about to make himself look clever or good, he's doing it because he means it and he wants things to change (click on the title to visit his site and get educational info) - if you know any Americans that still haven't signed the petition to stop Wal-Mart joining K-Mart (as in the film) in banning ammunition for sale then tell them to do so now. And boycott Charlton Heston films too, if you haven't already done so - Planet of the Apes will never be the same again. Kx

Masters 2005

A week of snooker therapy again as the BBC covered The Masters 2005, which remained on in the background as a calming influence throughout. It's a unique tournament because only the top 16 players (plus two wildcards) are invited to play, making even the opening rounds very competative. Looking at the draw my tenner was on Peter Ebdon, who has been quiet and played well to reach the semis, losing out to eventual runner up John Higgins. Higgins himself though was steamrollered by the best player ever to lift a cue - the unstopable Ronnie O'Sullivan who looks super-human compared to the rest at the moment. The final was the most perfect play over a period that I've ever seen: absolutely majestic. Not everyone has the patience to enjoy snooker, but get into it and you realise this man is one of The top British sportsmen out there. Looking forward to the world champs' in April - The Rocket will be short odds, but this time I will not be backing against him. Kx

Shark Tale

Thought this looked a bit naff compared with the other animations around at the time so missed it on the big screen. But to keep half-term ticking along we finally got it out a gave it a look. Pleasantly surprised to say it was a lot better than I thought it would be - the characters are all lively and with a voice-over cast like this one they should be. Getting Martin Scorsese to do a turn is amazing, De Niro is there too, and Will Smith leading the way. The idea is a bit of a cheeky theft from Finding Nemo and a few others but it is done with enough humour to keep it going - I particularly liked jellyfish rastas and the shrimp that plead for their own lives. Not bad at all and deserving of the 3rd place nomination for best animated feature at the Oscars - it is the weakest of the three, but not as weak as I was led to believe. 6.5/10 Kx

Dodgeball

Ben Stiller continues to carve out a reputation as the funniest man in modern Hollywood and with movies like this you can see why. It is insane, illogical fun from the start, with a plethora of bizarre characters well observed. It is always a test with a comedy if it makes you smile in amusement, chuckle or belly laugh - this one had me doing the latter for almost the whole 90 minutes. Great lines like "you're about as useless as a cock flavoured lollipop" blend beautifully with the more obvious slapstick on display, but it is the use of cameos which sets this apart from the crowd - Hasselhoff, Shatner, Lance Armstrong in an inspired moment and of course Chuck Norris. The show belongs to Stiller though, having created another immortal character for his C.V. - there's nothing subtle about his delivery, but who cares, it's hilarious! 8/10 Kx

Football For Hope

Ronaldinho got a bunch of his mates together for a friendly match in aid of Tsunami relief. Thing is those mates are worth over half a billion quid!! Zidane, Eto'o, Shevchenko, Raul, etc. and Beckham and Gerrard representing England all displayed a few silky skills for cash in a PG rated Europe Vs The Rest of The World bonanza. No tackling, at all, made for a weird atmosphere that wasn't quite football, and despite 9 goals it was all fairly dull. Ronaldinho himself showed the most flair and sense of occasion as his ROW team outplayed Europe to win 6-3. A myriad of subs at half time, including Terry Henry who came on for a massive 20 minutes and Gianfranco Zola, who still has it approaching 40. Most tellingly, both Man Utd and Chelsea refused to risk anyone to injury and shunned the do - wise perhaps, but not a good gesture for the game. Overall, a cheesy title and an anti-climax earned over £6million for the worthiest of causes. Nice! Kx

47th Grammys

Awards season continues in surreal fashion with the most over the top and pointless event of any year: The Grammys. I just don't get it - why does anyone care? The American music industry churns out some strange acts over many genres, most long dead in other cultures it seems. Awards are given in 107 catagories, just stopping short of best vocal act by a midget with a banjo 2005 goes to... It's crazy! The lowlight was a conglomeration of musics "top" stars lined up to sing Across The Universe, looking like cartoon cutouts of themselves in iconic poses in a performance that sounded embarrassingly under rehearsed - just awful, I had to watch through my fingers. Norah Jones went away with another armful after her duets album with Ray Charles won the sacharin votes, and both Bono and Billy Joe Armstrong (pictured) won in their catagories - but so what?! Bono said it was one of the best Grammys he could remember... Lord, what were the others like? Kx

Baftas 2005

Hurray! I like Mike Leigh. I like his films, I like his attitude and I like his beard. Great then that the night belonged to the hunchbacked genius, picking up best director ahead of Scorsese, who misses out again, even though The Aviator did pick up best film. Elsewhere, Clive Owen's mantlepiece continues to expand with another gong for best supporting actor, Imelda Staunton made it 2 for Vera Drake on the night and Jamie Foxx gets another biggy. The Baftas are such a dry and oh so British affair with the ubiquitous Stephen Fry in control of the luvvieness as ever. Laughs are had though in a way the Oscars doesn't leave room for, and it remains interesting to see who turns up from the other side of the pond; who rates Britain as important and who is conspicuously absent. Biggest smile for me of the evening was the editor of Eternal Sunshine receiving a very well deserved award and hardly knowing a word of English - sweet. Kx

Ripley's Game

In typical Friday double bill fashion, the second film on the menu this evening was something entirely different: From the novel by Patricia Highsmith - which I have been intermitently reading since Christmas - Tom Ripley, as most famously portrayed by Matt Damon in The talented Mr Ripley, is now much older, much richer and much more camp. Didn't even know this had been made, perhaps as it was made in Eupore and not Hollywood with a fairly obscure director. John Malkovich is perfect for the part and is actually closer to my idea of TR from the book than Damon was. It's a mixed bag of a film, often looking cheap, edited with European arthouse relaxedness and often miscast: Ray Winstone is Not Reeves, and once again is asked to do Cockney lout when it just isn't necessary and Lena Headey, though she is not seen enough is just wrong as Travanney's (Dougray Scott) wife - but, it is difficult when you have an idea from the source material of how things should be, and that aside it is a decent film; the kind of thing you turn on by accident at 2am and end up watching and enjoying to the end. Malkovich, as ever, is mesmerizing at times, never straying too far from familiar methods but doing it exceptionally well. Have a look. 6.5/10 Kx

I, Robot

Will Smith's continuing quest for the perfect blockbuster continued last Summer with I, Robot from the inspiration of Issac Asimov. The story was ripe for the big screen and the effects to do it justice were fact not fiction. The main consideration for this type of film is money, and in that sense it is a resounding success - aimed at the 12 - 16yr old market, and those cinema goers whose attention span also fits that age group, it certainly is very cool, exciting, funny but not too much and slick to the bone... Shame though that two versions couldn't be made, with a more sophisticated cut for adults - the subject would have benefitted from a darker edge, as in Blade Runner and from a more claustrophobic look at the issues of sentience and the soul, and of prejudice. That said, it still works, better than I thought it would: it's a decent romp with a watchable star and possibly the coolest car ever designed. 7/10 Kx

Brits 25

They may not be the most glamourous band in the world, but their album is certainly worth praise and the public agreed as Keane picked up the coveted Best British Album award at The Brits, one of two awards. Only big winners were The Scissor Sisters, who opened the show with a cracking performance supported by colourful Henson creations, the much (over-much if you ask me) hyped Franz Ferdinand, who gave the least convincing live performance of the night, and the lovely Joss Stone who wore one of the nicest skirts I've ever seen! The show marked the return of Chris Evan's to British telly, and yeah - he was OK... better than the hell days of Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood it is a glamourous affair to be sure, but a little soulless for my taste; dry and too commercial (sponsored by Mastercard). Best performance of the night? Green Day - oh, but they're not British. Och, well... Kx

Downing Debut

Sporting number 19, Boro born, bred and academy trained Stewart Downing made his England international debut at Villa park against Holland, coming on in the 61st minute. The game itself was a non-event (0-0) as Sven tried out some strange systems, playing many players out of position, resulting in a confused mess from midfield forward. The defense came out of it best with Wes Brown and Jamie Carragher deputising well for injured regulars. Stew, though, despite looking nervous in his first five minutes certainly seemed to fit in well, but needed much longer on the pitch to show what he can do. Whether he will be picked for the next qualifier remains to be seen - he may be in the squad but would be lucky to start on this evidence. Still, it's great to see a Boroboy doing so well, it has been a meteroic rise from youth team to 1st squad to England in less than a year! Good on him. Kx

Kasabian

This album begins like an angry 16 year old's wet dream, full of stomping beats, chunky discords and rebel yells. The more you listen, however, the more grown up it sounds - there are hints of Stone Roses, flourishes of The Clash, and then, surprisingly, echoes of Air, that ultimately give the album a transcendent retro-electronica feel, but with grenades! Tunes like Cutt Off, Processed Beats, LSF and Running Battle all vie for best track honours, but there are several more that creep up on you after further listens. What is this? I ask, as I become more and more addicted to its incomparable vibe. Like the best albums of all, it changes with your own mood - too punchy to be prog rock, but there are times when I think Radiohead, or, no... hang on.... Genesis!?! (Peter Gabriel years of course). When U Boat, track 13, fades away in sythesiser bliss I want to go straight back to track 1 and think it all through again, but before I get the chance a hidden track that reprises Reason is Treason attacks the ears and leaves you breathless - Wow! Not a Sunday afternoon album, but who cares: the best yet of 2005. 9.5/10 Kx

Superbowl XXXIX

Tom Brady lifts the Vince Lombardi trophy for the third time to become an unlikely legend in the game. Commentators have been saying for the past four seasons that the New England Patriots were a team without stars, just solid players - well that may have to be reassessed - how do you win 3 superbowls without being a star?! The game was much closer than anticipated, with the Philadelphia Eagles hanging in there to end the first three quartes on level terms. But The Pats have been the kind of team all season that enjoys a dog fight and always comes out on top, and tonight was no different as they ground it out 24-21. My team the Jets were stomped on twice in the season by these guys and that plus the age old tradition of shouting for the underdog led me to cheer for Philly, especially Terrell Owens, who is a star, and now more so, gaining over 120 yards receiving only 7 weeks after breaking his leg! The superbowl is always such an event and there are always stories to be told, that's why I love it and would never dream of missing it. Kx

The Village

Empire magazine gave this a four star review and said that its critical pasting elsewhere stems from Shyamalan's intentions being misunderstood. The controversial twist ending that he ha sbecome famous for was so silly, they said, that any merit the film had dissipates in laughter. They also say that Mr S. had intended to reveal the ending at the beginning of the film, thus changing the mood completely - I would have liked it much more if this were the case. Some spine chilling photography and techniques do give this a spooky edge, and Joaquin Phoenix does nothing wrong in an interesting role, but Adrian Brody is miscast and William Hurt is awful as the village elder. Personally I saw the ending coming a mile off (but then again I was one of the few who sussed The Sixth Sense) and couldn't believe he was actually going through with it! It is preposterous; like a short story from an anthology of novice sci-fi writers. Cinematically there were some extraordinary moments, but the whole was too daft to care about. 4.5/10 Kx

Sideways

Paul Giamatti was already a cult hero following superb roles in Milos Forman's Man on the Moon and the recent American Splendor, but with the sleeper hit of the year, Sideways, he finally proves he is one of the finest character actors in Hollywood and perfectly capable of leading a big movie. Reaping award after award and receiving five stars across the board from a normally discordant gaggle of critics, Sideways became a must see film - and it deserves that accolade. Never trying to fly higher than it needs, it is a slight, simple story, immaculately observed and lovingly acted. Giamatti and Haden Church play off each other so well acheiving instant sympathy and earning some of recent cinema's biggest laughs in the final third. Not spectacular by any means, but faultless nontheless. The script is the real star: economical, funny and always true to its characters. It will attract the middle-ages and beyond more than the younger generation, but it will be around for years in favourites lists and by the time they mature like a fine wine they will love it too. Kx

Far Out!

To complete another bizarre double bill ultra-modern hi-tech espionage was followed by far out groovy retro flashback, as channel Five delivered the full three and a half hours of documentary footage from Michael Wadleigh and Martin Scorsese's 1969 direction. As a document of the time and mood it is a wonderul piece of movie-making, and if you have a hippy bone in your body you can't help but be moved by the intent and power of the music and the movement - leaving you terribly sad that things aren't like that anymore. The film doesn't glamorise things (the images of debris in the aftermath are shocking) but presents all sides of things, the joy, the trips, the dirt, the hunger, the angry farmers, but most of all the musicians! Jimi of course and the seminal Star Spangled Banner, but so many amazing performances, Joe Cocker and his mental air guitar were the highlight for me. Groovy! Kx

The Bourne Supremacy

An editor's nightmare with hardly a shot lasting more than 2 seconds, this is a frenetic and tension charged sequel that goes further and darker than the original, improving on the idea at every turn. The character of Bourne and his story are a terrific platform for exciting viewing and Matt Damon seems to have really grown into the part, looking more mature and tinged with sadness, you absolutely believe he could do the things he does. In it's genre, which since the 70s has been dominated by Bond and rarely done well (even in that famous franchise), it is amongst the best I've ever seen, replete with gadgets, lingo and believable scenarios in exotic locations - Berlin and Moscow especially are deliciously captured here. It could run for six or seven movies and I would be the first in line. Dialogue was keep to a minimum, but could have gone even further, if I was to have any criticism, in the hands of a braver director less worried about the stupidity of the average cinema-goer. Recommended for thrill seekers. 8.5/10 Kx

Tourist

Having discovered and enjoyed their first album just days (spookily) before Wires went stratospheric on radio playlists I've been giving their very different 2nd album a fair share of my attention over the past 72 hours. It's miles away from the quirky debut tracks Westside and You've got the Style in tone, some would say for the better, some for the worse. Common criticism I gather revolves around them being another clone of Coldplay via Keane, but that would only be criticism if you didn't like those bands - and I love 'em! Too many shoe-gazing ballads the moshing masses may say, but I say good tunes. The title track for one, which has single written all over it. As a whole it grows on me the more familiar I get with the melodies and the lyrics, with opening track Chances and track four Trading Air being my initial favourites. Not the most ground-breaking or original band in the world, granted, but emminently relistenable. 8.5/10 Kx