Anyone of my generation will have fond memories of Jon Pertwee as the lovable if slightly cantankerous scarecrow Worzel Gummidge. His interpretation of Barbara Euphan Todd’s 1930’s character shining on screen from 1979 – 1981. It is therefore with some trepidation that I settled down to watch his return on BBC One this Christmas. However, this trepidation was consigned to …
By late 1988 John Hughes had become one of the most powerful script writers and directors in Hollywood. His back catalogue of work including Train, Planes and Automobiles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club to name but a few. However, unlike many other writers and directors, Hughes continued to plough his own unique journey through the Hollywood system. …
Those of us who grew up following the exploits and adventures of Charlie Brown, were elated to see the Peanuts gang help launch Apple TV + last month. Bringing the characters created by the legendary Charles M. Schulz back to our TV screens for the first time since their 2011 TV special. While in turn placing Charlie Brown and Snoopy …
As a seven year old watching The NeverEnding Story for the first time at my local Granada Cinema in 1984. I found myself swept away by the films fantasy and imagination. While equally suffering a small degree of trauma as Artax the horse was sucked into the swamp of sadness. With this combination of both sadness and joy leaving an …
Based on the hit books by Terry Deary, Horrible Histories first hit TV screens in 2009. The shows unique format mixing historical fact and fiction with humour, battles and songs. Providing children and adults alike with a delightful mix of fun and learning. Its anarchic recipe made the TV show and instant success for Children’s BBC. Therefore, after eight seasons …
Despite all the technical wizardry, Disney’s carbon copy of their own 1994 animated film fails to fly. The Lion King (2019) undeniably pushes the boundaries of modern animation, providing a stunning and new visual experience. Unfortunately however, no amount of technical prowess can save the film from a feeling of blandness. The emotion and energy of the 1994 original absent …
Hocus Pocus debuted in British cinemas on Friday 29th October 1993. A week in which Meat Loaf reigned supreme at number one in the UK singles chart. And Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park continued to dominate UK cinema screens 16 weeks after its initial release. While a new boyband named ‘Take That’ stormed through the music industry. Wooing a whole new …
For 80 years The Wizard of Oz has captivated audiences with it technicolour beauty, its light shining across countless generations. While its music and performances have entered the realms of cinematic legend. But what makes this 1939 picture a timeless classic of cinema? Is it the cutting edge use of new effects? The beautifully written musical score? Or is it …
On December 21st 1979 Disney’s family science fiction gamble The Black Hole premiered at Odeon Leicester Square, London. Released the same month as the hotly anticipated Star Trek – The Motion Picture. The Black Hole was a huge risk for Disney’s live action studio, being its first foray into big budget science fiction territory. The Black Hole started its cinematic …
Based on the hit books by Terry Deary, Horrible Histories first hit TV screens in 2009. The shows unique format mixing historical fact and fiction with humour, battles and songs. Providing children and adults alike with a delightful mix of fun and learning. Its anarchic recipe made the TV show and instant success for Children’s BBC. Therefore, after eight seasons …