Mesrine: Killer Instinct is based around the life of notorious french gangster Jacques Mesrine. Ignoring the pretty naff title, I was eager to see what all the fuss was about.
Mesrine harks back to the bygone days of the truly great gangster film, and looks set to revitalize the now fading genre. Its beautifully and creatively edited, with inventive shots and camera angles which serve to take you inside the mind of Mesrine. One poignant moment is when Mesrine is tortured during a stay at the corrections unit in Quebec, the uncomfortable spinning pan back really fits with the at times rather difficult viewing.
Vincent Cassel darling of the french film industry, is sure to be in high demand after this role. His performance is magnetic, at times he seems to be channelling De Niro or Pacino, and it is hard to take your eyes off him.
The film is an incredibly visceral affair, it serves up an attack on the senses, and at times is incredibly brutal. Mesrine occupies a somewhat Robin-Hood type figure in French culture, though it is clear that he had his charms, the film tends to highlight his brutal behaviour, and this makes it hard to see why he is so revered in his native homeland.
Killer Instinct also fits in a number of lighter moments which serve to break up the sheer pace of the action. The plot is truly gripping, the characters engaging, and I for one cannot wait for the second part, due out next month.
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Red's take backward step
Liverpool have not started the season auspiciously, and with two losses in only 3 games, signs do not bode well for the merseyside club. The reds lost only 2 games in the entirety of last season, yet still failed to claim the coveted premier league title. With 2 losses already this season, questions will be posed as to whether the title challenge is over already.
How did the red's go from such a positive team at the end of last season, to this stuttering team short on confidence at the beginning of this season. In my opinion the loss of Xabi Alonso, was a huge backward step for the club, there is no-one in the team, in-fact in the rest of the premier league who could pick a pass like Alonso, and slice a team open with one deft touch. The reds now have a gaping hole in the middle of the park, they are lacking the creativity and inventiveness that Alonso brought to the side. Sure Benitez has brought Aquilani to the club, and he will no doubt be a good signing, but he will not be fit until October, so until then the reds are left to plug the void left by Alonso with Lucas Leiva, who simply is not good enough.
One thing is for sure, if the reds are to resurrect their title bid, which is hanging in the balance after only 3 games, they must make some sort of big money signing before the end of the transfer window. After all, a squad which has a bench so bereft of quality, with the likes of Voronin, Dossena and Babel, are not going to challenge for the title.
How did the red's go from such a positive team at the end of last season, to this stuttering team short on confidence at the beginning of this season. In my opinion the loss of Xabi Alonso, was a huge backward step for the club, there is no-one in the team, in-fact in the rest of the premier league who could pick a pass like Alonso, and slice a team open with one deft touch. The reds now have a gaping hole in the middle of the park, they are lacking the creativity and inventiveness that Alonso brought to the side. Sure Benitez has brought Aquilani to the club, and he will no doubt be a good signing, but he will not be fit until October, so until then the reds are left to plug the void left by Alonso with Lucas Leiva, who simply is not good enough.
One thing is for sure, if the reds are to resurrect their title bid, which is hanging in the balance after only 3 games, they must make some sort of big money signing before the end of the transfer window. After all, a squad which has a bench so bereft of quality, with the likes of Voronin, Dossena and Babel, are not going to challenge for the title.
Wednesday 19 August 2009
J'adore Chapter
We went to Chapter Arts in Canton last night for a film + food combo. We started with the food, the cafe still being temporarily housed in what looks like a school hall, until the refurb. is finished next month, but nevertheless it was a nice atmosphere, busy, and the staff were friendly.
As a vegetarian, the Chapter menu sends me to heaven, it is delightful to go somewhere, where the majority of the menu is veggie and vegan, and I felt spoilt for choice.
My brother decided on the gnocchi, which was lovely, and had some deliciously flavoursome olives in the sauce, this came with some ciabatta drizzled with oil. I opted for the chickpea and broccoli tagine with lemon and pomegranate cous-cous, which was simply delicious. We also had some pitta and homemade hummus, on the side, which was very nice, the hummus was not too garlicky, which I liked.
We did not have to wait ages for our food, but long enough that you know the meals are freshly prepared. I thought for the quality of food and the portion sizes, which were on the large side, that the prices of between £ 5-7 for a main was reasonable.
We finished the evening with a viewing of Coco before Chanel, the cinema was packed out, which is really good to see. I enjoyed the film though thought it could have been a little grittier, though Tatou was splendid as always.
All in all, a fab evening at Chapter, and I will definitely be returning soon.
As a vegetarian, the Chapter menu sends me to heaven, it is delightful to go somewhere, where the majority of the menu is veggie and vegan, and I felt spoilt for choice.
My brother decided on the gnocchi, which was lovely, and had some deliciously flavoursome olives in the sauce, this came with some ciabatta drizzled with oil. I opted for the chickpea and broccoli tagine with lemon and pomegranate cous-cous, which was simply delicious. We also had some pitta and homemade hummus, on the side, which was very nice, the hummus was not too garlicky, which I liked.
We did not have to wait ages for our food, but long enough that you know the meals are freshly prepared. I thought for the quality of food and the portion sizes, which were on the large side, that the prices of between £ 5-7 for a main was reasonable.
We finished the evening with a viewing of Coco before Chanel, the cinema was packed out, which is really good to see. I enjoyed the film though thought it could have been a little grittier, though Tatou was splendid as always.
All in all, a fab evening at Chapter, and I will definitely be returning soon.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
The world's greatest
Brilliant video setting a series of Sarah Palin's finest gaffes (to be honest, it must of been difficult to narrow it down) against the music of R-Kelly. Just at the time when the right is getting so out of control with regards to its questioning of Obama's healthcare reform and motives behind this, it is just what was needed, to remind us how ridiculous the republican right really are...So this one is for you, Sarah Palin, may you continue to brighten up our day with your complete stupidity.
Friday 14 August 2009
The problem with bread
I have recently discovered that not all bread or bread products are veggie...i cannot understand why so much additives and artificial crap has to be added to food. I have always eaten sainsburys rolls and bagels, but will have to reconsider this now, due to the fact that their labelling is truly appalling. Sainsburys, i find, is one of the better supermarkets with regard to labelling their food products, but there seems to be a problem with them labelling their bread and bread products, i for one, will not be eating them again, unless they are properly labelled as such.
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