Fim 2008 with Jonathan Ross
Jonathan Ross is not only known for his presenting skills, near-the-knuckle comedy and as a radio 2 DJ, but took up the gauntlet as a successor to Barry Norman as a film buff on “Film 2008 with Jonathan Ross”. Jonathan Ross has a keen interest in films – particularly Japanese and his wife Jane Goldman recently was co-writer of the screenplay Stardust. Ross has been presenting the Film series of programmes since 1999.
Film 2008 is a weekly programme that is shown late on a Tuesday evening. It has a standard format, examining releases of latest films, film clips, interviews and how films are doing at the box office.
This week, the main films being reviewed were 10,000 BC and the animated film, Horton Hears a Who – both of the films have been released in time for Easter and aimed at families. As the name suggests, 10,000 BC is set in prehistoric times and follows the story of a young mammoth hunter and his life and loves. Although the film has done well at the box office, Ross was not totally enamoured.
Horton Hears a Who received a much better view and the programme showed Jim Carrey getting into character and his visual expressions as he adopted the role. The animated film is based on the Dr. Seuss book and Horton is an elephant (voiced by Carey). This is the second Dr Seuss film in which Jim Carrey has starred – the first being The Grinch.
Film 2008 is an enjoyable half hour programme presented in Jonathan Ross’s own teasing style. He is courteous to guests but not afraid to “tell it like it is”.
Dinner Ladies
Dinner Ladies is a comedy created by the immensely talented Victoria Wood and starring a number of her friends including Duncan Preston, Celia Imrie and Julie Walters. The programme is set in the canteen of HWD Components, a factory in the North West. The canteen is run by Tony who is keen on Brenda (Victoria Wood). Brenda’s mother (Julie Walters) turns up occasionally to embarrass her by still having affairs and even claiming on one occasion that she is pregnant! The story revolves around the dinner ladies and their lives with employees of the factory – Philippa (Celia Imrie) as the not very efficient head of HR, Mr Michael (the boss) and Jane who is constantly asking if there is any toast available. The cast also includes at least two members of the Coronation Street team and there is a nice dynamic between them.
Tonight’s episode showed Brenda being concerned that Tony had gone off her, even though they planned to spend Christmas together in Scotland. He has been acting shiftily because he was trying to organise a Christmas and birthday surprise for her and managed to get hold of a brass band, an etch-a-sketch, airline tickets to Scotland and a coat. Jane and Twinkle had a £50 bet on whether or not Tony and Brenda would get it together before they made it to Scotland.
It’s hard to believe that only 16 episodes of Dinner Ladieswere made, but each one was a classic.
Crufts 2008
While to the majority of the UK dog owning public, a dog is your best friend and part of the family, some of the competitors at Crufts see their dogs as their lives – with a win at Crufts opening the door to big money sponsorships and much more. Clare Balding, Ben Fogle and Matt Baker take us through the proceedings at day two of Crufts 2008, from the NEC Arena in Birmingham.
For those who have never been to Crufts, it is more than just a dog show with a whole host of entertainment and chances to learn more about the UK dog population and where they come from. When you also consider the fact that there will be over 25,000 dogs at this years show, all looking to be crowned Best In Show come the end of the event, you might start to get a feel for the size of Crufts 2008.
Crufts is officially the largest dog show in the world, something which is reflected by the ever increasing number of entrants. While it may be a little hard to believe, the event has actually been going since 1891 which saw the first show hosted in Islington. Since the early days the popularity has grown and grown, with the size of the event even surprising the Kennel Club (UK) who own and administer the event.
This year has been a little tricky with some controversy in the media with regards to alleged irregular betting patterns on the overall show winner. While these have been investigated and discounted by the authorities, it just shows how much attention the event is attracting not only throughout the UK, but throughout the world. It will be interesting to see which dog and which breed are crowned winners this year, and see if it sparks a demand for the winning breed of dog.
New Show ‘Fight Quest’ Packs A Good Punch
By McGee Noble
Oh yes. Fighting. Smashing things using various parts of your body. Boys, you LOVE smashing things or, better still, watching other people smash them. This is a show dedicated to this honourable tradition, but the twist is that it’s not about just any fighting but FIGHTING ROUND THE WORLD. You might think this sounds like an episode of South Park but actually it’s the Discovery channel’s latest offering- Fight Quest (Friday, 10pm).
The proposition is that two young American martial arts fighters go round the world and in 5 short days learn as much as they can about the local fighting style. This culminates in a fight against a local expert.
A show like this would usually send me sobbing to another room to watch a documentary and moan about the decline of the modern world, much like the Phone Rage documentary on Channel 4 did last night. However this show was weirdly…good.
It works because it’s part travel show part beat down and where it could degenerate into a ‘Jackass’ goes backpacking, it instead honours the real warrior cultures of the world. In the same way that a good boxing match is a battle of muscle, co-ordination and power, there is something beautiful and raw about the fighting. There is not a jot of choreography, just pure, try-and-kill-each-other passion from both sides. It is also impressive that the bare, brutal training given the guys before the final fight is actually an immersion in the values and beliefs of the culture they are visiting. It leads to some quite poignant moments, especially from ex Iraq soldier Doug, whose approach to the whole experience has an endearing dedication and curiosity.
A surprisingly well handled show, which really balances the fight with the heart and gives a little something for those interested in the cultural aspects of a travel documentary and a little something for those who just enjoy a good old smackdown the likes of which you rarely see outside a boxing ring.
You can check out more info on the show here on the Discovery channel’s website. In fact there are some great unseen clips, including an interview with the guys talking about how much their mums worry about them. The Discovery channel are also offering the chance to win a Ninento Wii so its worth a look.
UEFA Cup Live
Even though Tottenham have had a difficult season in the English Premier League, they have been setting the world alight in the UEFA cup, reaching the last 16. Tonight sees the first leg of their game against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, a team with a real history in the European Cup competitions and one that is more than capable of giving Spurs a game on their own patch.
Tonight’s match comes with commentary from Peter Drury and Ex-Spur manager David Pleat, with Andy Townsend and Robbie offering the studio view of the game, with replays and opinions on the many talking points which are sure to occur.
Robbie Keane will lead out the Spurs team hoping that their European run can fend off pressure from their fans who have shown both frustration and annoyance at their low standing in the league. The performance of the team this season has already claimed its first victim in Martin Jol who was replaced as first team coach by Juande Ramos. Ramos has given the team a new direction, new approach and has promised a whole host of new players for next season. Many of the players who will be on show tonight are quite literally playing for their Tottenham careers.
It will not be an easy passage against the Dutch Champions, and even though Spurs have been in free scoring mode at home, they have been leaking goals at the back. As ever the first goal will be vital and if Spurs can grab even the slightest win and stop PSV scoring then it will give them something to fight for in the second leg.
This promises to be an interesting game with two teams sure to be set-up for different results and different styles. Spurs will be free flowing again while the Dutch are likely to come and defend, limiting Spurs to as few chances as possible.
The Jeremy Kyle Show
He has been slated in the press, the show has been slated in the press and even mentioned in the House of Commons, so why do people watch The Jeremy Kyle Show?
Jeremy Kyle is the Jerry Springer of the UK with a talk show which attacks issues head on, allows people to try and resolve issues on screen and above all makes you glad of your own life. The whole show is played out in front of an audience who are both vocal and opinionated, making some of the so called guest feel very unwelcome indeed. While the show has seen short bursts of violence, these are very few and far between with security as tight as possible.
While Kyle has been written off by the press for both his show and his private life, there seems to be something of a witch hunt against him and the producers – something which actually saw the sponsor of the show pull their support. However, he has kept going and while there are some very strange scenes and discussions, he has also been responsible for bringing many subjects into the public arena which are normally taboo. Without agreeing whether this is right or wrong, it has encouraged issues to be discussed and it has given both perpetrators and victims a platform to voice their thoughts and opinions.
The show has also been overseas to Africa showing the dreadful suffering of children over there – something which was never mentioned in the press – resulting in a substantial increase in donations for an array of charities. Kyle is controversial, he is opinionated and he can be controversial, but whatever they say in the press, he has his fans and they seem to be very loyal to the show.
Quite what we can expect to see today remains to be seen!
Neighbours Round Up
The strife between Libby and Darren continues this week. Darren is furious when he learns that Libby has enrolled Ben in Erinsborough Primary School, and feels that his partner is slipping away from him. Darren tells Toadie that he can never live up to Libby’s memory of Drew, while Libby confides her problems to Steph. Toadie and Steph find themselves taking sides in the fight. As Libby becomes increasingly preoccupied with her memory of a perfect Drew, Steph begins to see Toadie’s point of view. Can she make Libby see that there is a problem?
Meanwhile, Janae is having trouble swallowing her jealousy as Ned leaves town with Kirsten to attend their school reunion. Janae’s anxiety gets the better of her and she flies up to the reunion, only to discover that Ned and Kirsten have not arrived. Little does she know that their car has run out of fuel on the way and they are stranded in the middle of nowhere. Waiting for help to arrive, Ned and Kirsten begin reminiscing, and Ned is shocked when Kirsten kisses him. He manages to fend off her advances and the pair eventually arrive at the reunion, where Ned is surprised to find Janae waiting for him. Janae is unable to suppress her jealousy and lashes out at Kirsten. Will Ned and Janae’s relationship begin to disintegrate?
Also this week, mounting bills force Karl to consider a return to medicine at long last - but can he convince the hospital to give him his job back? Susan’s eyesight returns and she decides to push her body to the limit by going on a hike. Rachel has difficulties in her own love life this week, after discovering that handsome Angus is a new teacher at her school.
Hollyoaks Round Up
Tensions are high in Hollyoaks this week. Frankie is terrified that Jake may have killed himself. He is inconsolable, presuming Jake is dead, but he sneaks back into the Dog flat while she is alone, and makes a suggestion that could put Charlie’s health at risk. Nancy is afraid to leave Charlie behind after the kidnapping incident. Jack finally tells Frankie that Jake has been admitted for psychiatric treatment. Meanwhile, Zak attempts to broach his illicit kiss with Katy but she’s too preoccupied with Justin to listen. When Justin arrives home to find an apparently carefree, tipsy Katy having a laugh with Kris and Zak, it seems he’s the last thing on her mind. Katy and Zak realise that they have feeling for each other, but when Zak moves in to kiss her Katy runs off. Will Katy finish with Justin?
Dom is not coping with Tina’s pregnancy very well, and is both amused and astonished by Tina’s pregnancy cravings. As a romantic gesture he offers to take her for a romantic picnic, but when she tries to feed him, Dom seems uncomfortable with the intimacy and backs away in panic. Tina tries a different approach and dresses up in sexy lingerie to seduce Dom, but the pregnancy is clearly freaking him out. When he is attacked by a gang of girls, he feels even more emasculated and inadequate.
Elsewhere, Max realises that supporting Steph through her family troubles is more important than his birthday celebrations. He is determined to propose to Steph as they get into their fancy dress costumes for the cancer fundraiser. But they argue about Niall’s intentions towards her. Sasha defends Fletch when Josh and Michaela question his recent behaviour. The girls think it’s pointless to revive the Baby Diegos without Fletch but can Josh persuade them, especially Sasha, that they don’t need him?
EastEnders Round Up
Tanya’s plan seems to be coming to fruition this week on Albert Square. Max is taken in by it all, and seems to be prepared to sign the shares over to Tanya. Tanya believes her plan is going well, as he has duly signed the papers and promised to post them. But is they any seed of doubt in his mind? Sean is fed up of playing things Tanya’s way, especially when his sister Stacey tells him what she thinks. Tanya keeps Max sweet by promising a special night together - he just needs to get a babysitter for the kids. Finally, the day Tanya has been waiting for arrives. But first she’s got to meet the solicitor with Max and play the role of contented wife. Can she pull it off?
Rebellious Lucy holds a house party to get revenge at Ian but is shocked by his reaction. It all goes horribly wrong and Lucy goes missing after her out of control party. When she is still officially missing a day later, a distraught Ian and Jane tell the Police, but Ian neglects to tell them the whole truth. Ian and Jane are devastated but they are soon at loggerheads. Is the trust dissolving between them?
Elsewhere, Minty is upset when he receives a postcard from Hazel.
Emmerdale Round Up
Sandy is worried about the widening gulf between Ashley and Laurel in Emmerdale this week. Betty inadvertently reveals to Ashley that Sandy’s decided not to visit Luke in India after all, knowing that he can’t leave his family now. Ashley is upset, knowing how much the trip meant to his father. Talking to Laurel, Ashley explains that Sandy is putting his life on hold because of them and suggests they try and get over things, if only for other people’s sake. When Ashley suggests that they move some of Daniel’s belongings into the loft, too tired to argue, Laurel agrees. A relieved Ashley holds her close but she remains detached. When Laurel explodes at Gabby, Ashley is driven to defend his daughter. Ashley tells Laurel that he feels like she’s blaming him for Daniel’s death, just as she blamed Hilary, and accuses her of trying to drive him away. Could Laurel be about to lose her husband as well as her son?
Charlie grows impatient and insists to Debbie that he needs a car today. Recruiting Chas to the cause, Debbie fills her in and insists that she wants him well away from Sarah. Chas refuses to do a job with Debbie to raise some cash, but agrees to help her come up with a plan. Later, Chas enlists the help of Mrs McFarlane, realising that she has the criminal connections that they need. They ask her permission to pretend to rob one of her nightclubs in order to fool Charlie. Will the girls be able to pull off their perilous plan?
Elsewhere, Donald tells Nicola that he fancies a day up on the moors and the murderous minx immediately suggesting that they go alone without Cindy. Heavy hearted, Donald realises that his young wife has taken the bait all too readily. He reveals that he knows she’s been trying to kill him. Viv continues to look for Freddie. Perdy is rattled to hear that Gray is taking Katie into Leeds to buy some maternity clothes.
