An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power
Former American Vice President and environmental activist Al Gore joined fans in London for a special screening of documentary sequel Truth To Power screening as part of the annual Advertising Week event. Pictures below
An American In Paris Review
The Plot
In Paris during the immediate aftermath of World War 2 an artist, a singer and a composer each find themselves falling for the same mysterious and beautiful young dancer. The three friends purse the object of their affection in very different ways while she in turn wrestles with the conflict between true love and other obligations.
The Good
An American In Paris has already been immortalized on screen in the classic Gene Kelly Film, this new production brings the timeless masterpiece back to the heart of the West End, offering a whole new generation of fans the chance to enjoy a beautifully realised and utterly iconic story.
Showcasing a dazzling costume and set design that bursts with colourful joy this new production is a powerful and unique fusion of classic score, flawless choreography and deeply romantic imagery. Those audiences that recently made La La Land a towering box office hit will find an even more faithful homage to the iconic screen and stage musicals of the past in this note perfect production.
While movie musicals do offer fans a wonderful experience and the Gene Kelly version of this show remains a beloved favourite there is simply nothing that can match or truly replicate the wondrous experience of live theatre. Innovative production design and one of the finest theatre venues in London lend an extra dimension of magic to this particular performance.
George Gershwin’s timeless score is instantly familiar, but experienced live with the full weight of a whimsical orchestra remains the ultimate way to revel in its charming delights. Songs like ‘I Got Rhythm’ ‘S’Wonderful’ and ‘Love Is Here To Stay’ are crowd pleasing treats for certain. However, the legendary show stopping and balletic climax to proceedings undoubtedly remains the productions most memorable achievement.
The entire cast is equally deserving of fine praise, however of course special mention must go to the core team of David Seadon-Young, Haydn Oakley, Robert Fairchild and Leanna Cope. Cope’s elegant dancing and timid charms provide a credible object of affection for all three male leads, who in turn inject personality and passion into each of their would be suiters. Though the show does deal with wider themes and makes the most of its sensitive historical setting at its heart it remains a story built around a compelling romantic triangle. Though scene stealing comedy does come from supporting talents like Jane Asher and Zoe Rainey, the show is till most fundamentally reliant on astonishing performances from its central romantic pairing.
The Bad
It’s a rare delight to find a production so lacking in flaws. It’s also difficult to imagine how this production could better capture the enduring charm of this particular music and story. Those that prefer a more contemporary twist on the traditions of classic musicals may not enjoy this dazzling spectacle of nostalgic celebration quite as much as others, but even they can have little to sincerely complain about.
The Ugly Truth
An American In Paris is an essential West End delight that should enchant everyone with its colourful fusion of ballet, music, comedy and romance. With a slew of iconic recognisable songs and astonishingly gifted performances form a sensational cast it is the very best that London’s Theatre district can ever hope to offer.
Review by Russell Nelson
Baywatch New Official Trailer
Check out the official trailer for Paramount’s attempt to resuscitate the Baywatch franchise. The big screen reboot stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach, Ilfenesh Hadera and Jon Bass.
Swimming back into theaters on 26th May the film clearly borrows heavily from the successful formula of the 21 Jump Street Movie series in turning a cheesy cult classic TV series into a tongue in cheek action comedy. The trailer offers up exactly what most had expected… combining iconic red swimsuits & slow motion running with some new eye candy and a barrage of explosive low brow comedy shenanigans. See for yourself below:
Robert Downey Jr Cast As Doctor Doolittle
What do Eddie Murphy and Robert Downey Jr have in common? Well soon the answer will be Doctor Doolittle! Universal Studios have hired Iron Man himself to take on the whimsical role of the doctor who can talk to animals in an upcoming reboot, The Voyage of Doctor Doolittle based on Hugh Loftings children’s books from the 1920s.
Stephen Ganghan (Gold, Syriana) is on directing duties for the reimagination of the character who has previously been played by Rex Harrison in a 1967 musical and later by Eddie Murphy in 1998 and 2001.
More news as we get it of course, but for now you can find Robert Downey Jr in your cinemas from July 7 as he reprises his role of Tony Stark/Iron Man in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Empire Awards 2017 Winners
The winners have been revealed for this year’s Three Empire Awards, which celebrates the best in film and entertainment of the past year, as voted for by movie fans. The latest instalment from the Harry Potter wizarding world, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, picked up the most awards on the night with four accolades in total, including Best Actor presented by Three for Eddie Redmayne’s performance as Newt Scamander, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design and Best Make-Up And Hairstyling. The force was also strong for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which scored a hat-trick, claiming the coveted Best Film presented by Sky Cinema award as well as Best Actress presented by Three for Felicity Jones and Best Director presented by VUE Entertainment for Gareth Edwards.
British film triumphed, with Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake taking home Best British Film presented by The Hollywood Reporter and Best Male Newcomer presented by Pure Organic for Dave Johns’ performance in the lead role, while the Oasis production Supersonic picked up Best Documentary presented by Green Tomato Cars.
The 22nd annual awards also bestowed three honorary titles during the evening: Tom Hiddleston received the Empire Hero award presented by Three; Luc Besson picked up the Empire Inspiration award; and Sir Patrick Stewart took home the Legend award.
In addition, Anya Taylor-Joy won Best Female Newcomer presented by London Hilton on Park Lane for her performance in The Witch.
Other films which took home awards included: The Greasy Strangler, which won Best Comedy presented by Absolute Radio; The Witch, awarded Best Horror presented by Monkey Shoulder; Bourne, which won Best Thriller presented by MCM Comic Con; A Monster Calls, which took Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy presented by Three; Deadpool received the Best Screenplay award; Finding Dory was named Best Animated Film; La La Land won Best Soundtrack; Doctor Strange received Best Visual Effects presented by VUE Entertainment, and Inner Workings was awarded Best Short Film.
The accolade for Best TV Series presented by Magic went to The Night Manager and the Best Game award went to Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
The Three Empire Awards 2017 was hosted at Camden’s Roundhouse, the event’s first time in the venue. In attendance were nominees, presenters and other distinguished guests from the entertainment world including: Hugh Laurie, Dame Joan Collins, Sir Ian McKellen and Dan Stevens.