Hocus Pocus 2: A nostalgic treat for fans of the cult classic October 5, 2022 While there are many baffling sequels planned for streaming services, the return of The Sanderson Sisters makes some sense for Disney+. The 1993 Hocus Pocus didn’t fare well in cinemas, with the Bette Midler family comedy actually losing Disney money. However, it became a cult classic on TV and home video, making the sequel’s arrival [...]
Sidney Poitier documentary is a emotional eulogy for true icon October 5, 2022 In January, Hollywood lost a true pioneer as Sidney Poitier passed away aged 94. In that time, he had inspired generations as one of the finest actors ever to work on the silver screen. He also shattered glass ceilings, becoming mainstream cinema’s first black lead before America even had a Civil Rights act. It’s no [...]
Making the invisible, visible October 4, 2022 | City Talk How an eye health programme in Zimbabwe is using technology to ensure no one is left behind. Kiyasi can’t remember when she first noticed the problems with her eyes. “When I rubbed them, tears would come out, then I’d wipe the tears and then be able to see. My eyes seemed to have something in them but [...]
Ticket to Paradise review: George Clooney and Julia Roberts reunite October 4, 2022 Everyone loves a romcom reunion, the chance to see a celebrated duo try and recapture the magic. While there are often diminishing returns, the potential to reignite the chemistry is too much for studios to resist. It makes sense, then, that Oscar winner Julia Roberts and espresso spokesman George Clooney would come together 20 years [...]
London Film Festival 2022: Seven titles not to miss, from The Whale to Empire of Light October 3, 2022 The BFI’s London Film Festival (LFF) is just around the corner, with the Southbank Centre playing host to the great and the good of the movie business from 5-16 October. This year it will showcase 164 feature films — 22 of which are world premieres — across nine London venues. There is something for everyone in [...]
Don’t Worry Darling review: Not as bad as you’ve probably heard October 3, 2022 Olivia Wilde’s follow up to Booksmart should have been a highlight of 2022. Yet, when Don’t Worry Darling took its bow at Venice, the whole project had fallen into farce. There was tabloid scandal surrounding Wilde’s relationship with star Harry Styles; a rumoured rift with lead Florence Pugh; and a video that appeared to show [...]
Where to eat, drink and sleep in Birmingham for Tory Party Conference October 2, 2022 On 2 october, Tory Party Conference kicks off in Birmingham. It remains to be seen whether the city famous for its Bull Ring will witness any blood sport following the fallout from the chancellor’s mini-budget. But whether it’s toasting the new PM or ruefully navel-gazing over Keir Starmer’s poll lead, the city’s hotels, restaurants, bars [...]
Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the ROH is a mixed bag of a production October 2, 2022 Mozart’s Don Giovanni is famously difficult to stage, what with its intricate combination of comedy, tragedy, and a Don Juan who is so completely grotesque that he makes Daemon Targaryen look like a saint. If you are thinking that no review that starts like this can signal a five-star show, you’re right. This revival of [...]
Blonde review: Marilyn Monroe biopic is exploitative and dull October 2, 2022 Another year, another lengthy Netflix Oscar hopeful. Blonde has been in development since 2010 with Naomi Watts and Jessica Chastain attached to star at various points. Can one of Hollywood’s hottest newcomers do justice to its eternal icon? Brought to the screen by director Andrew Dominik (The Assassination of Jesse James), the film is an [...]
Aida at the ROH is a thrilling opera set against a bleak backdrop October 2, 2022 Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida is an opera usually characterised by unabashed spectacle. When the original production opened in Cairo in 1871, the stage was adorned with all manner of ancient Egyptian finery. Many contemporary productions follow this original formula, more or less, but director Robert Carson swerves away from it in this brand-new Royal Opera House [...]