Monthly Archives: October 2008

FILM REVIEW: Giles Borg’s ‘1234’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The frustrating life of young and ambitious would-be rock stars is captured with pleasing simplicity and authenticity in “1234,” the first feature from British filmmaker Giles Borg following a series of short films that have … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Zorro the Musical’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – A musical version of the saga of the Spanish Californian hero with the mask and deadly sword sounds like a commercial bridge too far but “Zorro the Musical”, with songs by the Gypsy Kings, is … Continue reading

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FILM REVIEW: Daniel Craig in ‘Quantum of Solace’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The meanest and leanest James Bond film yet, “Quantum of Solace” is a breathless splash of high-speed action that hurtles from one reckless chase to another. There’s not much solace and few words as the … Continue reading

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World of soundtracks is tough, say WSA winners

By Ray Bennett Ghent, Belgium – Veteran Hollywood film composers James Newton Howard and Angelo Badalamenti (pictured) were among those honored at the World Soundtrack Awards, held in association with the Ghent Film Festival in Belgium. But they and fellow … Continue reading

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James Newton Howard wins at World Soundtrack Awards

By Ray Bennett GHENT, Belgium – James Newton Howard (left) was named film composer of the year at the World Soundtrack Awards 2008 Saturday night for his scores to “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “Michael Clayton” and “I Am Legend,” and Dario … Continue reading

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Ashford and Simpson reach out and touch at ASCAP Awards

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Detroit’s Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson had a ballroom full of songwriters, musicians and music industry executives on their feet tonight at the UK ASCAP awards performing several of their hits including “Reach Out and … Continue reading

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RIO FILM REVIEW: ‘Should Nothing Else Work Out’

By Ray Bennett RIO DE JANEIRO – Jose Eduardo Belmonte’s wry thriller “Should Nothing Else Work Out” (Se nada mais der certo), which was named best feature film at the 2008 Rio International Film Festival, is raw, urgent and riveting. … Continue reading

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RIO FILM REVIEW: Selton Mello’s ‘December’

By Ray Bennett RIO DE JANEIRO – Melancholy bordering on morose, Selton Mello’s Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival Competition film “December” follows a reformed wastrel who goes to visit his nightmarishly self-indulgent family for Christmas. It’s original title, “Feliz … Continue reading

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RIO FESTIVAL: ‘Should Nothing Else Work Out’ wins top prize

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The top feature film prize at the 10th Rio International Film Festival, which wrapped Thursday night, went to Jose Eduardo Belmonte’s droll thriller “Should Nothing Else Work Out” (Se Nada Mais der Certo) and its … Continue reading

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RIO FILM REVIEW: Theodore Thomas’s ‘Walt & El Grupo’

By Ray Bennett RIO DE JANEIRO — Theodore Thomas’s engaging documentary “Walt & El Grupo” tells of a 1941 goodwill tour of South America undertaken by Walt Disney and a group including some of his top animation filmmakers. It screened … Continue reading

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