As crisis deepens in Spain, could Catalonia succeed in its desire for full independence? September 27, 2012 YES Yogesh Chandarana Political regimes collapse when governments no longer command the people’s respect. So, when approximately 1.5m Catalonians, of a total population of 7.5m, take to the streets demanding independence, we should take note. Catalonia has disproportionately born the brunt of cuts, with public investment by the national government cut by 45 per cent [...]
Rapid Responses September 27, 2012 Pensions fiasco [Re: Auto-enrolment will fail unless it fosters a broader savings culture, yesterday] The main reason why we’ve seen a decline in long-term savings is government interference in the economy, and a similar lack of willingness to tackle the scourge of inflation. Most savings have lost their real value over time, partly due to [...]
Holy Motors is an instant cult hit September 27, 2012 FILM HOLY MOTORS Cert 18 | ***** After 13 years without making a single feature film, Leos Carax returns with an insane, anxiety-dream of a movie. Holy Motors is spectacularly, joyously weird. It’s unashamedly high-concept, but there’s enough dark, clownish humour to prevent it from ever being boring or grandiloquent. Holy Motors is a day [...]
Looper wants to be a Matrix for a new generation. In reality, it is nothing more than a forgettable, if engaging, sci-fi romp September 27, 2012 FILM LOOPER Cert 15 | *** Looper is one of those movies that keeps you engaged but then leaves you feeling slightly empty. Set in the year 2044, when the world is something of a mess, powerful criminal groups run the city and everywhere is awash with drug-taking, law breaking delinquents. The “looper” is prince [...]
Ferrell’s zaniness is a mismatch for the satirical humour of The Campaign September 27, 2012 FILM THE CAMPAIGN Cert 15 | ** Jay Roach’s new film The Campaign takes inspiration from the current US election – particularly, it would seem, the Republican primaries – with its depiction of two North Carolinians vying for a seat in congress. Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) is the folksy, Rick Perry-esque favourite, campaigning on the [...]
This clichéd war flop is a real aircrash September 27, 2012 FILM CROSS OF HONOR Cert 15 | * Cross of Honour takes place during the beginning of World War Two. The RAF and the Luftwaffe are locked in an aerial battle for strategically important, mineral-rich Norway. During a chance skirmish, two planes – one British and one German – are shot down in a snow-covered [...]
Big drift on Europe means the visitors are the value to defend the Ryder Cup September 27, 2012 IN just a few hours the 39th Ryder Cup will get underway at Medinah Country Club in Illinois where Europe will be hoping to claim a fifth trophy in six competitions. It promises to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory with all 24 of the players ranked inside the world’s top [...]
Ian Poulter to continue great record and Tiger Woods can finally shine September 27, 2012 LOOKING at the European top points scorer market, it’s no surprise to see in-form world No1 Rory McIlroy heading the betting at a general 5/1. The Northern Irishman is in superb form, having won three tournaments, including the PGA Championship, in the last two months. He is likely to be paired with fellow countryman, good [...]
Arsenal and Chelsea to cancel each other out at the Emirates September 27, 2012 ARSENAL are in the middle of a tricky set of fixtures but they were impressive at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday against champions Manchester City and thoroughly deserved their point. The Gunners are playing with far more confidence this season and they are solid at the back, except for their suspect zonal defending at corners. [...]
Classy Maureen can give Hannon another Cheveley Park September 27, 2012 RICHARD Hannon won the Cheveley Park Stakes back in 2006 with the top class Indian Ink and he may have unearthed another star filly in the shape of MAUREEN. The daughter of Holy Roman Emperor won the Princess Margaret easily at Ascot last month and she was very unlucky behind Sendmylovetorose in the Cherry Hinton. [...]
