By Catherine McCulloch
From Jowl's approach to Jacobean theatre to Ryan Reynold's latest flick and even some programmes worth a watch on the BBC, The Arts Desk has the most recent reviews. The Arts Desk writers Adam Sweeting, Veronica Lee and Alexandra Coghlan review the latest contributions to the film, theatre and drama world.
Action-packed espionage thriller Safe House left Adam Sweeting wondering what it was that propelled this new film to the top spot in the US box office, as he could find no trace of originality or complexity in either the characters or the plot. The story follows a treacherous CIA agent and an ambitious young CIA officer (who doubles as the custodian of the eponymous safe house) who end up on the run together after a file containing a list of renegade spies is leaked.
Action-packed espionage thriller Safe House left Adam Sweeting wondering what it was that propelled this new film to the top spot in the US box office, as he could find no trace of originality or complexity in either the characters or the plot. The story follows a treacherous CIA agent and an ambitious young CIA officer (who doubles as the custodian of the eponymous safe house) who end up on the run together after a file containing a list of renegade spies is leaked.
The story shows the endeavours of a CIA officer and agent who accidently reveal a secret spy list decide they want out. Although Sweeting enjoys the acting in addition to the directing by Daniel Espinosa, the poor character development made the film a disappointment. However, he recommends watching it if you're in the mood for a mindless film that doesn't require much thought process or analytical skill whatsoever.
Veronica Lee was rather more positive about one of the better comedy shows of late to arrive on BBC Two. Watson & Oliver is the debut sketch series from long-standing duo Lorna Watson and Ingrid Oliver. Given the scarcity of female comics on TV and the fact they inevitably invite comparison with the great French and Saunders, they have a big task ahead of them. But the BBC's confidence in them appears to be justified on the evidence provided in the first episode. The format of the show comprises recorded and live sketches, celebrity guest appearances and a big finale, and thanks to their superior acting and original writing, it works, with remarkably few dud moments. Some of the most memorable characters include Wills and Kate, a pair of Playboy bunnies and a couple of Georgian ladies keen to lose their virtue. Several of them will recur throughout the series and will no doubt give birth to a fair few catchphr
Veronica Lee was rather more positive about one of the better comedy shows of late to arrive on BBC Two. Watson & Oliver is the debut sketch series from long-standing duo Lorna Watson and Ingrid Oliver. Given the scarcity of female comics on TV and the fact they inevitably invite comparison with the great French and Saunders, they have a big task ahead of them. But the BBC's confidence in them appears to be justified on the evidence provided in the first episode. The format of the show comprises recorded and live sketches, celebrity guest appearances and a big finale, and thanks to their superior acting and original writing, it works, with remarkably few dud moments. Some of the most memorable characters include Wills and Kate, a pair of Playboy bunnies and a couple of Georgian ladies keen to lose their virtue. Several of them will recur throughout the series and will no doubt give birth to a fair few catchphr
Veronica Lee was rather more positive about one of the better comedy shows of late to arrive on BBC Two. Watson & Oliver is the debut sketch series from long-standing duo Lorna Watson and Ingrid Oliver. Given the scarcity of female comics on TV and the fact they inevitably invite comparison with the great French and Saunders, they have a big task ahead of them. But the BBC's confidence in them appears to be justified on the evidence provided in the first episode. The format of the show comprises recorded and live sketches, celebrity guest appearances and a big finale, and thanks to their superior acting and original writing, it works, with remarkably few dud moments. Some of the most memorable characters include Wills and Kate, a pair of Playboy bunnies and a couple of Georgian ladies keen to lose their virtue. Several of them will recur throughout the series and will no doubt give birth to a fair few catchphrases, but most importantly they are all impeccably observed, believable and funny. It seems that Watson & Oliver have all the makings of a great double act.
The Arts Desk's Alexandra Coghlan considered Cheek by Jowl's version of 'Tis Pity She's a Whore to be the ultimate piece of theatre with very few flaws present. The play, which lasted for two hours, took place at the Barbican Theatre and is a modern take of John Ford's original Jacobean tragedy. There's plenty of debauchery in this teen horror flick filled with gothic flair including adultery, incest vampire tendencies and booze-fuelled sex.
About the Author:
The Arts Desk's Alexandra Coghlan considered Cheek by Jowl's version of 'Tis Pity She's a Whore to be the ultimate piece of theatre with very few flaws present. The play, which lasted for two hours, took place at the Barbican Theatre and is a modern take of John Ford's original Jacobean tragedy. There's plenty of debauchery in this teen horror flick filled with gothic flair including adultery, incest vampire tendencies and booze-fuelled sex.
About the Author:
Catherine McCulloch is an arts writer for The Arts Desk with a specialisation in theatre and comedy shows, for more information about the performing arts around the UK, visit theartsdesk.com.