Film review: Duke of Burgundy February 20, 2015 Cert 18 | ★★★★☆ That The Duke of Burgundy’s release falls within a week of a certain other sadomasochistic soap opera is probably no coincidence (get them while they’re still hot), but the association does Peter Strickland’s filthy-but-tender love story a disservice. We are first introduced to Evelyn, a maid whose sadistic mistress Cynthia [...]
Theatre review: Mark Strong stars in A View From the Bridge February 20, 2015 Wyndham’s Theatre | ★★★★☆ The set in Ivo van Hove’s lauded adaptation of Arthur Miller’s classic A View From the Bridge (first shown at the Young Vic in 2014) evokes both a boxing ring and a pagan temple. It’s an ideal space for a play in which desire wrestles with reason on the way to [...]
Film review: Cake – the one where Jennifer Aniston feels sorry for herself February 19, 2015 Cert 15 | ★☆☆☆☆ Since Friends, Jennifer Aniston has gone on to build a successful, if not groundbreaking, career as a commercially bankable but critically patronised American sweetheart. But she wants more. She wants respect. She wants awards. She wants – whisper it – to do a McConaughey. Cake isn’t Aniston politely asking to [...]
Something for the weekend February 19, 2015 DRINK! LONDON BEER WEEK Round off the week with round of delicious ales at London Beer Week. A £10 LBW wristband entitles you to discounted pints at a number of watering holes around London. Brewery tours and brewing masterclasses are also on offer. Visit londonbeerweek.com PARTY! CHINESE NEW YEAR Chinese New Year fell yesterday but [...]
Europa League: Tottenham in battle to save Europa hopes February 19, 2015 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 FIORENTINA 1 TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino last night admitted his disappointment after his side’s failure to beat Fiorentina left them needing to win the return leg in Italy to keep their European aspirations alive. Goal-shy striker Roberto Soldado’s superb early volley appeared to set Spurs up for victory but defender Jose Maria [...]
Figo bidding to increase World Cup to 48 teams February 19, 2015 FORMER world footballer of the year Luis Figo has pledged to expand the World Cup to as many as 48 teams if he ousts the controversial Sepp Blatter as president of governing body Fifa. Ex-Portugal midfielder Figo also vowed to loosen the purse-strings if elected in May, promising to hand national associations most of Fifa’s [...]
Jimenez disappointed by Ryder Cup snub February 19, 2015 SPANISH veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez has admitted his disappointment at being overlooked for the European Ryder Cup captaincy but backed Darren Clarke to succeed in the role. Open winner Clarke, 46, was this week named the man to mastermind Europe’s title defence at Hazeltine next year, beating rivals Jimenez and Dane Thomas Bjorn to the [...]
Sport Comment: Beautiful game has shown it has ugly personality February 19, 2015 FOOTBALL is a game so many of us love. It is, at its heart, a fine game, the beautiful game. But we saw a profoundly ugly side of it in more ways than one in Paris this week. Two incidents brought me up short. One is blindingly obvious and gravely concerning, the other is far [...]
Gerrard blast for Mario after late penalty drama February 19, 2015 SIDELINED Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard accused Mario Balotelli of disrespect after the maverick striker grasped the ball from designated penalty-taker Jordan Henderson to give the Reds a 1-0 win over Besiktas in their Europa League last-32 first-leg match last night. Balotelli proved the match-winner for the second successive Anfield clash and his successful late spot-kick [...]
Three handed Chelsea bans February 19, 2015 CHELSEA have provisionally suspended three people from Stamford Bridge following the incident which saw fans of the club push a black man off a Paris Metro train before their Champions League clash on Tuesday. The Blues have confirmed that supporters will face life banning orders if there is sufficient evidence to prove their involvement in [...]