LM - Australian Comedies

Everyone in Midsomer should be dead! Seriously, how are they still alive.

It's sort of a weird introduction and I'm not sure how I'll segue into what I actually want to blog about today, but let's see how I go.

Basically I was thinking last night about how I haven't actually done a list completely about films, and then I thought that since I live in Australia I should probably do something to do with my heritage. And then I realised that I haven't really seen that many classic Australian films (apart from 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', and that pissed me off with it's vagueness), all I've really seen are the Australian comedies or the late 90s, and 2000s. So hey, why not make a list about them.

Ok, firstly I will have to apologise for not including on this list some of the classics like 'Don's Party' or 'The Adventures of Barry McKenzie', or even some of the newer films like 'Mad Max' or 'Chopper'. And I must also apologise because some of the ones on this list were flops or would never be considered what anyone would call a classic. But oh well. I love pretty much all of these films. They are comedies and they make me laugh, their jobs are complete.


7. The Extra (2005)

Even though this starred the exteremely talented Jimeoin and was set in my beloved city Melbourne, this flopped big time when it came out. And to be honest, you can sorta see why. But I don't care!
This is a hilarious film, featuring many an Australian actor and comedian, such as Bob Franklin, Rhys Muldoon, Shaun Micalef and Colin Lane.
The story is fairly silly, with Jimeoin taking the lead as a nobody who dreams of being an ... extra? Well, he wants to be famous but so far has only managed to land one job as an extra. One of the reasons it prbably fell as it did would be that the plot is very confusing at times and goes all out crazy in the climax, but that's what makes the film funny. Check it out if you haven't seen it, you might be surprised and laugh.


6. Danny Deckchair (2003)

That is a big picture! Anyway, I think this film is lovely. Based on the exploits of Lawnchair Larry, Danny, a builder in Sydney in an unhappy relationship, gets bored one day and ties a multitude of balloons to the deckchair he's sitting in.
It's a simple enough story, but the way the film is shot is moving, the romance between the two leads builds effectively, there is good music and the script, while predictable, has some good parts and is funny. One of the best romantic comedies and one of my favourites. And it has Rhys Ifans doing a fairly believable Aussie accent. Even though it does have a few flaws, they are so unnoticeable I can't actually think of any to put in this review. As I said first up, this is a lovely film, and pretty underrated. I know the copy of it I have has been very badly looked after. But do look it up, it is a pretty awesome, funny and moving film.


5. You Can't Stop the Murders (2003)

I will be the first to admit that this is certainly a weird film. I think I'll just give the overview that Wikipedia (GOD) gives; 'The plot revolves around a series of Village People themed murders in a small town, and the police who investigate the crimes.'
Yep, that is pretty much it. But the reason this film stands out for me is not just because of its original premise; the acting is great, with Akmal Saleh and Gary Eck taking the leads, the script is side splitting in places, and the way its shot is beautiful. You can actually see what the actors are doing!
This is a little underrated gem, hidden away in op shops and on the bottom of shelves in video stores.If you do happen to find it, watch it! It's quirky, fun and nothing you would've seen before!


4. Bran Nue Dae (2010)

This film was a disappointment to some, and I can sort of see why. It is incredibly silly. And at the same time adressing issues of Aboriginal rights in the midst of a plot straight from a 1930s screwball comedy. And why not! It's satire people!
I adore this film, and in a time when musicals are becoming more and more depressing (Sweeney Todd, Rent and Wicked to name a few), why shouldn't there be something silly that we can watch. Also, it's Australian, and it's focusing on issues that were present in Australia and affect us. Plus, I always find satire to be more effective than drama sometimes. You have to think about what you are actually laughing about. One last love letter to this film, and that is the music. It moves from funny, to loving, to angry so swiftly, and while this might be alienating for some people, it does the job that satire is meant to do; it's meant to keep you thinking, and keep you away from the characters in the film, and I think Bran Nue Dae does this awesomely!


3. Bad Eggs (2003)

I am a big fan of the Late Show, one of Australia's best sketch shows in my opinion. And I'm also a big fan of Tony Martin, the New Zealand comic who we Aussies have stolen as one of our own. So, when I heard about this film which was directed by Martin, and starred Late Show actors Mick Molloy and Judith Lucy and also starred Bob Franklin, Bill Hunter and Shaun Micallef, I was over Jupiter.
And it is hilarious! Another film than bombed when it came out (partly due to the fact it came out around the same time as Crackerjack), this one is about 2 police officers (Molloy and Franklin) and their attempts to uncover a sinister plot in the dark heart of Melbourne (note: description might be slightly romanticised than actual plot).
Anyway, another silly, slightly satirical film that will entertain, and if you watch with the commentary you'll, find out just how familiar and tight the production is. EVERYONE who worked on the film has a cameo, and family of the cast are also there if you look hard enough. Also, Tony Martin gives some of the best commentaries, and you can definitely tell how much he has put into this.


2. Strictly Ballroom (1992)

My favourite Baz Luhrmann film, mainly because it is just as epic as his next films but funnier and a lot less pretentious. Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice are likeable leads and not boring like in most dance/romantic comedy films. Plus Bill Hunter again awesomes the place up, as does Barry Otto and Pat Thomson as Mercurio's parents.
Again, this could be a satirical film, focusing on the lack of freedom in Australian dance competitions, and the couple that try to change the rules. The dancing is superb and the costumes are so over the top! It's a fun and vibrant film that has such well defined characters. That is what really stands out. Every character has a story, and you get to explore them all. Worth the watch and better than any other Luhrmann film. 


1. The Castle (1997)

Oh come on! What else could it be? Yeah, it might be the obvious choice, but you can't really call yourself a true Aussie until you have seen this film. This is the quintessential Aussie film, directed by former Late Show actor Rob Sitch, and written by Sitch other Late Show graduates Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Jane Kennedy. Starring Michael Caton as Darryl Kerrigan, your typical Aussie bloke, who has to save his family home from being demolished. It also stars Anne Tenney, Sophie Lee, Stephen Curry, Anthony Simcoe and Wayne Hope as the rest of the Kerrigan family, Eric Bana in his first film role, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell and Brian Dawe (including a cameo from Tony Martin, gee this list has a lot of brackets)
Filmed in 11 days on a budget of $19,000, this film was an amazing success, gaining $10 million plus when it was released, and since has become a legend in the history of Australian films.
The thing I love about this film is the feeling of family and community you get out of it. It is very touching how close the characters are, especially the Kerrigan family. It is a genuinely moving film and ... I can't really put it into words! It's just one of those films you have to experience, so if there is one film people should watch off this list, it is most definitely this one!




 So, sorry it took so long. But at long last, here it is. Please enjoy, and comment. What are your favourite Aussie films? As I said before, I haven't really seen that many 'classic' Aussie films, but all these ones listed are some of my favourites and if you get the chance, watch some of the ones listed here!

LM - Biggest Let Downs

So, have you ever been to see a film that you were really excited about and got so worked up over it and thought it was gointo be the best thing in the world!! and it turned out to be a big pile of meh. Yeah, this is a list about those things.

For this one, I asked some close associates of mine, and went by what the media said. Of course, as I keep saying, it is mainly opinion. But at least I have some other insight into this one.

(I think I should mention that I am not bagging anyone who actually likes these things. If you like them, fine. But if you read this you should know by now that this is basically an opinion.)

So sit back and enjoy the Seven Biggest Let Downs in Media!

7.The music video for Magic by Bob and Rivers Cuomo

I must first apolgise for actually liking this piece of poptastic shite, but it reckon it's not so bad. It's got a good riff, ok rap, incredibly catchy chorus, Rivers Cuomo and it was fun. And it got in your head and made your brain bleed! I had the chorus in my head for about five days before i actually found out what it was.
So I was stoked to see the video for this fun and catchy song. And boy, was I let down!
With a name like Magic, you start to conjure of images of magicians doing silly magic tricks, maybe faries, at least something slightly supernatural! And what do we get? A mosh pit and girls dancing around in underwear... WHAT!
And what is even more annoying is that Bob (he doesn't deserve and acronym!) gives Rivers Cuomo about 4 seconds of screentime! Egotistical or what?
Ok, there is a slight plot about a dude having a dream about himself dreaming or something... but maybe if they'd focused on that instead of stupid scenes that are not necessary, it would have been a better video! Grrr.


6.Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox

 Holy crap was this book bad!!! Now I love the Artemis Fowl series, espicially the first three books. After The Opal Deception, you could see that Eoin Colfer was struggling a little, and the fifth book, the Lost Colony, certainly wasn't the best. But it was still kinda fun, and seem to finish off the series rather nicely. But then he went and wrote The Time Paradox!
I will be honest, I could not finish this book is was so bad!! The plot is absolutely ludicrous!! Basically, Artemis has to go back in time to stop himself killing a rare breed of monkey that can somehow cure deseases! WHAT!! That sounds the plot to a 1950s sci-fi B-movie!
This killed the Artemis Fowl series for me, and now I almost hate Eoin Colfer. It's stupid, annoying and should be burned.


5.Stephen Moffat taking over Doctor Who

 Most people were excited when it was announced that Stephen Moffat would take over head writer for Doctor Who, especially after Russel T. Davies pissed everyone off with the ending to the David Tennant doctor. But it soon transpired that Mr Moffat was going to write scenarios as incomprehensible and bland. Take the Time of Angels. For me, that was so boring with nothing happening for too long, that I didn't even care what happened in the next episode. And he completely stuffed the storyline with River Song! What the hell!!!
My main problem with the new Doctor Who series in general is that each series has too many episodes, too many extra timelines, and practically no continuation from series to series. Take the Daleks for instance. Why can they not just stay dead!!! It was cute in the first series when everyone was still reliving the excitement of having Doctor Who back, but then it just went on to be ridiculous!
I'm not saying he's a bad writer, some of the best episodes hve come from him. But Stephen Moffat just doesn't seem to know how to keep a whole series going, and I reckon he should stick to writing the one offs as he used to.


4.Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Well this one came out of left field. I know I might get murdered for this, but this book is so boring! Half of it is describing Bath, and what they do in Bath, and what society is like in Bath, and other such boring nonsense about Bath!! I know it was meant to be a satire, and it was her first book and all that.
But seriously! I have never read another book that was as boring!
Even the characters can't save it! I did not care one bit whether everyone ended up with who they were meant to end up with. They were all dull and uninteresting. The only charater of any interest was the bitchy girl, and she was just as annoying!
This is one of the rare examples of when an adaptation is better than the original, and the BBC TV film that I saw was pretty exceptional in comparison to the book. The characters were defined, the setting beautiful and there wasn't any time talking about Bath!


 3. The end of Scream
(SPOIERS)

 The real problem with this one was that it was trying to pull Matthew Lillard off as a  desperate, crazy serial killer. Seriously? Matthew Lillard?! I can't take anyone from the Scooby-Doo movies seriously, least of all Shaggy!
Another thing they tried to do with Scream that was interesting was the horror movies rules, btu they brought that in five minutes beforethe movie ended! Why couldn't they have based the entire movie around that? It was interesting, hadn't really been done before, and completely wasted!
The final thing that pissed me off was the fact that half the people didn't die, and one of the was David Arquette!! (You may not know, but he's not one of my favourite actors) and another was Courtney Cox (ditto for her!). Both their characters were annoying, and no one would've minded if they had been killed. But apparently someone had to be around for the sequel.
The rest of film was good. There was good suspense, the gore wasn't over the top, and it has a clever and highly effective opening. But the ending was so ... annoying is the only word. Sure the twist wasn't that obvious, but it was kinda expected. For me, it just fell flat.


2.Julie Taymor's The Tempest

 Oh, I had such high hopes for this film! It looked different, interesting, intense with amazing visuals, effects and costumes. And it had the last three, in small abundunce.
This film could've been so much more. I do like the way Taymor couldn't think of any male actors to play Prospero, so she changed the gender and brought in Helen Mirren... but that's about as far as she gets with being original! While the acting is awesome, with legends David Strathairn and Tom Conti as the King of Naples and Gonzalo respectively and newcomers Felicity Jones as Miranda and Reeve Carney as Ferdinand. And of course the amazingly versatile Ben Whishaw as Ariel, and the scene stealing Djimon Hounsou as Caliban. The acting is fine.
The main problems that come from, which many critics also noted, was the way Taymor actually executed the film. As a director who is known for her visuals, this film is almost completely void of them, most of them being used on the character of Ariel. (Although, the scene where Ariel scares away the people of Naples from food is spectacular.) When Taymor does try to use CGI to enhance the plot, it gets in the way and is so brief, you're left wondering if they ran out of budget.
The other problem that many people had was the casting of Russel Brand as the films comic relief, Stephano. To his credit, he wasn't as bad as he could be, but he still wasn't good. There has always been a tradition to use actual comedians in the stage adaptation, and that would've been fine if they had got a comedian who could act.
I suppose the big disappointments came from the fact that Taymor wasn't able to successfully translate the play onto screen. It was almost too big for its own boots. The thing that I had trouble with was that Taymor just didn't go far enough with casting Helen Mirren. It would've been interestin if she had tried to outline the similarities between the plight of Prospera and women to the plight of Caliban and slaves, but as it is she just ignores all of this.
There are moments throughout that stand out as spectacular, but that is largely due to the talents of the cast. If Taymor had tried to make her own version of the play on stage, instead of Spiderman: the Musical, then it would've been so much better than a film version that, in the end, just doesn't do the bard justice.


1.Glee

 I can see the pitchforks already! Where do I begin?
I have grown to hate this show, and nothing you can really say will change my mind. The characters are annoying, the plot is ridiculous, there are stereotypes hitting you in the face, the covers that they do are never better than the originals (though they pretend to be), and everyone goes on about it too much!!! But knowing how many of this show are out there, that's not going to be enough to cover it, is it? (sigh)
OK, I should point out that I did stop watching about 3/4's into series 1. So I am not an expert, these are just my opinions.
Right, the characters and their annoyingness. While it is interesting to have a shy boy and an over extroverted girl, they way they execute it is ridiculous. The girl is so in your face without an inch of shame or self control, and the dude is just a wimp for half the time. Also, is it just me, or does anyone else get pissed off at Rachel getting every freaking solo!! And the one episode she doesn't get one, she throws a hissy fit and leaves! Her character pisses me off more than the others. Although the teacher, Shuester, got to be a bit of a pain as well. A lot of the characters are manipulative and only care about themselves. Take Quinn for instance, who lies to her boyfriend about whose father her baby is.
The stereotypes are just ridiculous. They basically say that if girls aren't sleeping around, then they're prudes. And its pretty much the same with the guys; they're put into either jocks, or not fit enough to be jocks. While this might be a satirical comment on high school, it becomes very insulting. Maybe I would understand this better if I went to an American high school, but for me, the Simpsons pull off better stereotypes. Hell, Family Guy and American Dad pull off better stereotypes. This might be because the mood in the show changes very quickly between each scene, so you never really know how to react.
Now onto my favourtie part about the show to bag, the songs. I must firstly state that THEY COMPLETELY DESTROYED ROCKY HORROR SHOW!!!!!!!!!!! Holy crap, their cover of the Sweet Transvestite had me cringing!! (I like Amber Riley's voice, but she belongs to the Christina Aguilera style of singing, where if you can hit a note, you hit it!) And don't get me started on what they did wrong to the Time Warp! And now it's come to the point where you can actually see the writers going "Ooh, here's another good hit song! How can we incorporate that into the show?" Also, with all these covers coming out, it means that everyone all over the bloody world has to go along and sing what they sing!
The other thing that bugs about the songs in Glee is the fact that they are autotuned. I can't listen to a Glee song now without thinking about whether the real actor actually sounds like that or if it's just a machine singing for them. So, now not only do I hate this show, but I also can't trust it!
I think I've spoken enough about the lack of merit Glee has; what started off promising, has just turned into a sill show, with stupid characters and bad covers. AND THE BAD NEWS IS IT WONT GO AWAY!!!!!!!





Yeah, that's it for this week. Sorry about the rant at the end, but goddamn I hate that show!

LM - Cover Albums

OK, I'm really sorry this has taken as long as it has. Yr 12 sucks! But that's not whats important right now. Right now we are here to discuss eight of the best cover albums I have heard! (yeah, one more than usual, but I dont really have a usual yet, so its ok!)

So, I'm pretty sure everyone knows what a cover album is, but I've made a few requirements for the ones I've selected for the list. Firstly, they can't be the soundtrack to a film, otherwise it would go on for ages and never end. Secondly, I don't really care whether it's a compilation album or a solo album. Either is good. And lastly, since I haven't heard every single cover album ever produced, so this is most definitely an opinion list. Please enjoy and if you do know of any albums I haven't listed, please let me know.

So before we begin, I would just like to acknowledge a few soundtracks of cover songs that have really stood out. Namely Across the Universe, Sucker Punch and Easy Virtue. If you get the chance check them out, particularly the Easy Virtue one.

Finally, I'm going to do what Paw does and have a best song worst song. Just cause I can really. 

So without firther ado, let us commence!

8. Cinema Paradiso - David Hobson

David Hobson has probably one of the most awesome male operatic voices ever! But his albums aren't always the best. This is probably the best of the bunch. The subjects of this albums covers are all songs from movies, and it's pretty much hit and miss.
Some of the songs are exceptional, like 'Se' and 'When Somebody Loved Me', but others aren't well suited to Hobson's vocal style and fall flat.
Best Song: I was greatly surprised by how moving 'When Somebody Loved Me' actually was. Just David and a guitar, and it would almost be the best. But it got beaten by the epic awesomeness of his version of 'Nella Fantasia'. With a massive choir in the background, and drums doing a sort of jungle craze, this is the song that suits his voice best and show it off amazingly.
Worst Song: Probably because the style is not suited to his voice, but I'm going to go with 'Moon River'. I hate to say this, but it's almost painful to listen to.


7. Reload - Tom Jones (1999)

In this collection, the Welsh singing sensation teams with numerous other artists and bands to cover songs from all over the place. This is one is almost a hit and miss as well. Pretty much all of the tracks on here are awesome, helped by Tom Jones' massive voice. The only problem here is that Jones' voice is so epic that a lot of the other artists are lost behind it and sound very bland in comparison. A prime example would be 'Burning Down the House', which he did with the Cardigans. Their singer just sounds so bored and manufactured.
Best Song: The best song in this collection would have to be 'Baby It's Cold Outside' with Cerys Matthews. I've heard quite a few versions of this song, but this is the only one I've heard so far that decides to use a big band. And it works so well!
Worst Song: I was considering going with the version of 'Lust for Life' with the Pretenders mainly because it just does not work, but I have to go with 'Sunny Afternoon' with Space, just because this version loses the fun that the original had, and there is way too much going on in terms of sampling.


6.  Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook - Ella Fitzgerald (1956)

Ella released a lot of these songbook albums in the 50s, but this is by far my favourite. I am one of the biggest Cole Porter fans, and also a massive Ella Fitzgerald fan, so this is brilliant to me!
The other good thing about this album is that a lot of the songs work. When I look at the track list on the wikipedia page I can't see one song I don't absolutely love. Ella is one of those singers whose voice is perfect for getting across the wittiness of Cole Porter's lyrics, and her timbre is simply devine
Best Song: This was a tough one to pick, because I love all these songs to pieces. But in the end I went with 'Anything Goes'. I like it for the way it slowed the song down and made it more ... lasting, I think. It's just refreshing to actually here what people are singing for once.
Worst Song: As I said, thiw was tough, but I chose 'I've Got You Under My Skin', purely because it's my least favourite Cole Porter song.

5. Strange Little Girls - Toris Amos (2001)

Wow. When I first heard the songs off this album, I was amazed. It such a strange collection of songs to choose to cover, but what I really like about this is the way Tori Amos worked with writer Neil Gaiman to come up with stories for every song she decided to cover, and characters that were meant to be represented in the songs, while also putting a female spin on songs traditionally sung by men.
Best Song: Even though her take on the Boomtown Rats' 'I Don't Like Mondays' almost made me cry, I have to go with the haunting '97 Bonnie and Clyde', originnally done by Eminem. What is amazing about this is that it's just Tori talking the words, but the feeling that she puts into it is so powerful.
Worst Song: Again it was hard, but I'm going to have to go with 'Rattlesnakes' originally by Lloyd Cole, mainly because I could not remember it after I had heard it. Though beware of her version of the Beatles 'Happiness is a Warm Gun'; it is very Tori Amos.


4. How Big Can You Get? - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (2009)

I love Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, mainly because they are one of the only mainstream big bands around today, and this tribute of theirs to the brilliant Cab Calloway is one of my favourites. The band are awesome and do great justice to the tunes they are playing. This is also good for people who only know Cab Calloway as the dude who wrote 'Minnie the Moocher', as it introduces you to some of his other songs.
Best Song: The song i decided to choose was 'The Ghost of Smokey Joe', which is a sort of mash up of 'Minnie the Moocher' and 'Kickin the Gong Around', but it's lead singer Scotty Morris that makes this my favourite. He puts so much emotion into his voice and give a really epic performamce.
Worst Song: I'll have to go with 'Calloway Boogie', mainly because it's just not as catchy as some of the other tunes on here, though I was very tempted to go with 'Minnie the Moocher', because no matter how good these guys are, they just can't beat the master himself.


3. 1000 Years of Popular Music - Richard Thompson (2003)

My dad came home one day, put this CD on, and blew my mind! A live album from one of England's folk kings, it literally is going through 1000 years of popular music, from traditional folk songs, to Gilbert and Sullivan, and even Britney Spears. Thompson puts his own spin on the songs and creates better versions of a lot of the originals.
Best Song: This was another hard one because there were so many to choose from. So, I just decided to go with the obvious, and that is his version of Britney Spears 'Oops! I Did It Again', which is so much better than the original will ever be. It'll shock you by how amazing it is!
Worst Song: This is definitely 'There is Beauty in the Bellow of the Blast' from the Mikado, jsut because it's the only one that really doesn't work. It sounds fairly awful, and out of all the Gilbert and Sullivan songs Thompson could've gone for, this certainly wasn't the best.


2. Cover the World - Various from Putumayo (2003)

Putumayo is a World Music label who tries to show the world all the awesome acts they have no idea exist... that come for all over the world. In this collection, there are various covers done by bands all over the place, from France to Japan, and they cover all manner of people, from Ray Charles to Bob Marley, each putting they're on their own spin.
Best Song: For the fact that is as good as the original for completely different reasons, I'm going for Angelique Kidjo's version of 'Voodoo Child' by Jimi Hendrix. Not as heavy as the original, it gives a new take and a more mellow take on the Hendrix version.
Worst Song: It would have to be 'People Get Ready' by Phoebe Snow and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, originally by the Impressions, just because it is so boring!!  I mean it, it might just be me, but it goes on for way too long and nothing happens!!!


1. Strike! - The Baseballs (2009)

I first heard their version of 'Umbrella' on exchange in France. And when I came back and looked them up, I was welcomed to a new, fantastic world of rockabilly, and this debut album from three German dudes with the same taste in music is so awesome!! Half the covers they do are better than the originals... wait, they're all better than the originals!
Best Song: Ummm, well I'll just go with my personal favourite for this one, and that is 'Chasing Cars' originally done very slowly and dull. This version is so much more fun! And the piano playeris absolutely amazing!
Worst Song: Hmm, I'm going to go with 'Crazy in Love', mainly because it sounds a lot like the original... really, a LOT like the original!!

Anyway, that's it from me. Hopefully I will get one up at least once a month from now to the end of the year, not that anyone is likely to read this. But if you did, I hope you found enjoyable!

LM - Underrated British Actresses

OK, part 2 of this set of lists. Might move on to other countries, but we'll see!

Anyway, so if you didn't read last weeks blog, these are the actresses that are never remembered or don't get the credit that they deserve. So diving right in with no. 7!

7.Rebecca Hall

This girl has one impressive list of film credits, including the Prestige, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and most recently the Town. But would you remember her name? I doubt it. She is one of those actors that her face you will recognise, but say her name and you will blank stares all around.

6.Olivia Colman

A skilled actress being able to be comic and yet also able to give some seriously chilling performances. Probably most famous for her roles on both Peep Show and Green Wing, Olivia Colman turns up everywhere from films Hot Fuzz and Confetti, and tv shows like Black Books, the Office and Beautiful People. But one of her stand out performances would have to be her cameo in Doctor Who, where she is so minimal and eerie. Definitely one of her bests.

5. Eleanor Bron

 Wow. What a legend, and what a career! From appearing in films like Help! and Bedazzled with co-stars like the Beatles and Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, (her name even inspired Paul McCartney) she hasn't kept the attention that she deserves. An amazing actress with the ability to switch effortlessly between drama and comedy who needs to come back to the limelight! 

4. Kelly Macdonald

Another actress whose name manages to escape people. And I cannot think why. Probably her most well known film would have to be Trainspotting, and from there she ahs moved on to bigger and better things. Sort of like Rebecca Hall in the unfortunate way she isn't remembered, she gets higher billing mainly for the fact that she can do anything you throw at her. Want proof? Check out her performances in No Counrty For Old Men and State of Play. Two of her finest.

3. Victoria Wood

Possibly my favourite comedian of all time, and also a very talented actress in her own right. Victoria Wood is probably more well known in Britain that she is here and most famous for her comedy series with the also very talented Julie Walters, her serious side came out suddenly in Housewife 49, with amazing results.

2. Liz Smith

 At age 89, this fabulous actress is still going. Most well known for her wonderfully batty role on the Vicar of Dibley, Liz Smith got her first big break at age 50 in Mike Leigh's Bleak Moments, and since has just kept on doing what she loves best. Turning up in such films as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Keeping Mum and the City of Ember, and almost stealing the show every time.

1. Joan Sims

I know it's weird to finish the list with someone who is most well known for her roles in the Carry On films, and not much else. In her time, Joan Sims was one of the best comic actors of her day, guest starring in many famous British TV shows. But this is a bitter sweet tale. Sims stated in her biography that she was always getting typecast, and suffered from depression. She died in 2001 from liver failure, but left an amazing collection of characters and should be one that is remembered.

So that's it for this week, and I will be the first to say how hard it was. Next time I think I will try and move on to some other medium... maybe music....

LM - Underrated British Actors

Well, here we are with the second of my pretty random posts. This time, if you didn't tell from the title, it's all about those actors and actresses who never get the credit or attention they deserve. I live in an old fashioned kind of world, hence why I still say actress. Also, I find that whenever someone says actor, I think male actors.

So, anyway, I had to restrict this to the British Isles, since otherwise the list would go on for ages. Also, this is also from the perspective of living in Australia, so most likely they are more well known in they're own coutry. Or at least one would hope so!

So without further ado, lets carry on!

7 Underrated Actors:

7. The Entire Cast of Dad's Army

Ok, not really one actor, but since all the mains are men, and since the only other people I know who's heard of this show are either related to me or were alive when it was on, I'm going to put it on here.
This show is incredible! The cast is so good, you cannot imagine anyone else playing the parts here. I'm going to have to highlight Clive Dunn, who plays Lance Corporal Jones, as being one of the best slapstick actors ever. Also for being able to play a 70 yr old when he was only 49. If you get a chance, have a look at this show, because the characterisation can never be beaten.

6. Marc Warren

OK, this dude is fairly well known in the UK, and I'm sure he is in Australia, but whenever I mention him, I always have to give an example of what he's been in, and every time the only thing down under that people remember him from is that Doctor Who episode. And he's been in so much more!!!
From a laid back con artist in Hustle, to a down right creepy Marilyn Monroe impression in Hogfather, this dude has probably done it all. But good is that when no one here knows!

5. Paterson Joseph

This guy pops up all over the place, from the suave and charismatic Marquis de Carabas in Neverwhere, to the selfish game contestant on Doctor Who. Whatever role he plays, he is completely different, and you can see him putting his all into it.
The reason he's on the list is because he doesn't get the attention he deserves, and I speak from experience when I say that no one knows who he is. This dude definitely needs some more attention from everyone out there. And to not be known just as Lyndon from Green Wing.

4. Kenneth Williams

For those who have seen a Carry On film, you will instantly know who this is. But for a lot of people, this fabulous talent has never been seen. Kenneth Williams was at the heart of the Carry On films, with the most recognisible reactions and nostril flares, perfect comic timing and ability not only to play completely daft characters, but also serious ones.
He is on this list mainly because I reckon people need to re-discover him, and his amazing abilities. He is, to me at least, among some of the great British comedians, like Peter Cook, Rowan Atkinson and Arthur Lowe. He will be missed.

3. Matt King

Matt King is one of those actors who pops up all over the place. His most famous role is probably as drug addicted Super Hans from Peep Show, but also has an extensive resume of films, theater and tv shows.
I put him on because he doesn't get the credit he deserves. He co-wrote and came up with the idea for the Alan Davies TV show Whites, he is currently starring in Spirited alongside Claudia Karvan, and has appeared in such films as Inkheart, Rocknrolla and Malice in Wonderland. But do you know who he is? I haven't a clue, but I'm not very hopeful. This dude deserves more recognition than he gets.

2. Jack Wild

"Hey! Isn't that the Artful Dodger from Oliver?" I hear you ask. And yes it is, and that is also the reason he appears on this list. Though he was a big star in his day, and one of the youngest people to get nominated for an Oscar, he is only known for one film and the Pufnstuf series.
Even though he wasn't in that many films, he did quite a few, most of which have disappeared into the anals of filmic history. you can find copies of Melody on Amazon and The Fourteen is available on youtube, any of his other films have vanished, and it would be awesome if they could be brought back again.


And now it's time for the final person! After all the ones before I bet you're dying to know who this will be, unless you got bored earlier on and stopped reading. But enough chatter. Time for no. 1!



1. Huw Rhys

Yep, you read correctly. Huw Rhys. This guy is so unknown that he doesn't even have a Wikipedia page. And don't try looking him up youtube either. While possibly more famous in Wales, he made a name for himself in the English mystery show, The Gil Mayo Mysteries or just Mayo (depending on which hemisphere). He has also appeared from time to time in bit parts on various TV shows such as Doctor Who and Spooks, but no one really knows who he is. And he is pretty awesome!

Anyway, the girls will have to wait another day or 2. I didn't this was going to be so long. I hope you enjoy, and please keep reading.

Greetings and welcome

Hello people everywhere! Though I doubt many people will actually view this blog, I'm going to try and stick with it anyway.

So, I live in a world of lists. What films I like, what books I have to read, even what homework I have to do. And I would like to share some of these lists with all the world. This will probably end up very opinion based, but I don't really care. I'm mainly focusing on books, films and music, though I may branch off into other things like TV. Yep, I sure love my media.

So to get started, I thought I'd share some of my five favourite things, i.e books, films, albums and tv shows, and also, because I can, directors. So lets get started with books.

(Btw, these are my opnions. I don't really care if you think I'm insane for liking one thing and not liking another. It's just an opinion!! Also, I'm not going to go into detail as to why I like what I like. If people actually want that, then I can do it later. But right now, this is sort of just to get to know me.)

Books:
5. Soul Music by Terry Pratchett
4. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
3. 1984 by George Orwell
2. Peter Pan by J.M Barrie
1. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham

I never realised how many kids books I like! Anway, moving right along...

Films:
5. The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985, dir. Woody Allen)
4. Singin' in the Rain (1952, dir. Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen)
3. The Blues Brothers (1980, dir. John Landis)
2. Corpse Bride (2005, dir. Tim Burton and Mike Johnson)
1. Harold and Maude (1971, dir. Hal Ashby)

So, yeah, that's that! Now for ...

Albums:
5. Strike! - The Baseballs (2009)
4. Made of Bricks - Kate Nash (2007)
3. Americana Deluxe - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (1998)
2. 21st Century Breakdown - Green Day (2009)
1. Help! - The Beatles (1965)

Again, I would like to stress this is an opinion. I don't really want to get replies asking why I picked one album or film or whatever over another.

TV Shows:
5. Pushing Daisies
4. Firefly
3. Dad's Army
2. Blackadder
1. Black Books

And finally (god, I didn't know this would take so long!)

Directors:
5. Terry Gilliam
4. Jean-Pierre Jeunet
3. Alfred Hitchcock
2. Billy Wilder
1. John Landis

For those Burton fans out there, he came in at no.6, just in case you were wondering.


So, that's it for this weeks blog. Hopefully I can get around to doing this at least once a week, but what with yr 12 being a complete bitch, we'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for reading if you do, live long and prosper! TTFN