christian_gil88

Once again, there's dastardly government agencies stopping at nothing to prevent public knowledge of some momentous events. In this case, the discovery of a new underwater species that could threaten the planet's ecology. Although the creature is no E.T. he does seem to befriend one youngster, who protects it at all costs, not realising it is but an infant of the species and is going to get a lot bigger – and badder This 2005 series had a lot going for it. It is family drama, sci-fi, thriller with more than a few comedic moments. The characters are believable, well acted and well photographed. The show holds the attention. Of course, as with any sci-fi show, suspension of disbelief has to be achieved. And I think it is here. Alas, the series crashed after season one, so we never get a resolution. Infuriating.. There is a general comment I feel worth making here. Many TV networks and/or film distribution companies cancel, quite arbitrarily, seemingly excellent TV series – particularly intelligent sci-fi ones. Now there may be some very good reasons for this, although the audiences are treated with utmost disdain and rarely told the reasons. This in itself is annoying. What really gets my goat is that, having cancelled the series, they then issue the thing as far as it's got, on DVD, in an obvious attempt to milk the cash cow as far as possible. For previous viewers of the series that's OK, they know what they're in for but … many of these unfinished series end on a cliffhanger. Two that come to mind immediately are "Surface", and "Odyssey 5". If you've heard good things about the series and not seen it you go and buy the blasted DVD and end up with an unresolved plot issue – it makes me very angry!! I enjoyed "Surface" immensely and didn't realise the poor characters would end up in a situation that looked totally untenable – and we'll never know what happened next. I believe that there should be a prominent notice on all such DVD issues, to the effect that the story is unfinished. Nowadays I check on TV series purchases (IMDB is an obvious excellent starting point) to find out whether a 'complete' series is really complete or not. Buyer beware.

Great Britain in the not too distant future. From the beginning of the film we are led to believe that the USA has collapsed, due to a plague and ensuing chaos and that the UK has become a totalitarian, repressive state. A combination of Hitlers's Third Reich and George Orwell's 1984. Terrifyingly realistic. (The character played implacably by John Hurt is the 'Chancellor', Adam Sutler – the references are obvious.) The story starts with a young woman being waylaid on the street at night, defying the curfew in place, and is rescued by a masked man, calling himself 'V'. She subsequently has an opportunity to repay the debt by helping him, and the story progresses from there. 'V' is a man with a single-minded mission – to destroy the machinery of the state and allow democracy to grab a chance. In a way, the tale, although well told and well acted, is only a useful metaphor for the real story – a warning of just how close we could be to the events depicted. Increasing control of people's lives, under the excuse of anti-terrorism and protection of the state, has led to a constant fear of being who you really are, if that means something other than what the State requires 'You wear a mask for so long, you forget who you were beneath it.' is a comment by the character played by Stephen Fry. Hugo Weaving is superb. His performance (in a Guy Fawkes mask the whole film) is all the more chilling for being understated and calm, (except when he's rescuing Natalie Portman or flashing knives around!) Despite not being able to see his face, his voice and body posture give us his character. Natalie Portman convinces with a stunning performance as a young woman who has been intimidated by the state for most of her life. The cinematography is also praiseworthy. Unlike some dark and disturbing films, which are shot in dark and disturbing colours (or near pitch black!) this is rendered in natural, if muted, tones and daylight is daylight and bright and stark corridors of hospitals, etc. are actually bright. This helps to make the scenes believable, real, adding to the chill. The ending is spectacular. To say more would spoil it for you. This is a splendid piece of work, and I believe, a very important film. It has rightly had a scattering of awards and nominations but Hollywood in its all-too-frequent parochial ignorance has thus far not seen fit to dish out an Oscar or two, whilst lavishing praise on a handful of over-hyped trash in recent years. If you haven't yet seen it – see it. It's the best movie I've seen in quite a while. And it makes you think.

Based on the 1998 Los Angeles production, this show ran for over 100 performances on Broadway.

Primarily a love-fest for Sondheim fans, this review was a big hit. From the authoritative baritone of George Hearn to the camp antics of Bronson Pinchot it's great fun.

There are many somewhat unusual numbers included amongst the justly famous ones. The opening number (Invocations and Instructions to the audience) comes from The Frogs, four of the five songs in the film 'Dick Tracy' are included, and a couple of numbers cut from 'A Little Night Music' are also present. Sondheim addicts will doubtless get great enjoyment from identifying what comes from where, so I won't go on. (It took me a while to get them all - my DVD does not have a listing!)

Carol Burnett is hilarious in 'Getting Married Today' and dramatically convincing in 'The Ladies who Lunch'. John Barrowman's stunning looks and equally stunning voice is put to good use in such numbers as 'Bang' – a duet with the glorious Ruthie Henshall – and 'Marry Me a Little'. Bronson Pinchot is a narrative link between scenes, and has his own moment of glory in 'Buddy's Blues', one of those tongue twisting numbers Sondheim revels in, executed with great panache.

The binding force in all this is, of course, George Hearn. Whether in solos, duets or just on stage listening (for example to Carol Burnett in 'Could I Leave You?' ) his presence is commanding and supportive.

There is not one part of this show that is less than totally enjoyable. All the extremely talented artists are having fun, and so are the audience. Join in.