Monthly Archives: June 2009

Magic and mischief in Ron Base’s novel, ‘The Strange’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Few writers know Hollywood better than my Canadian friend Ron Base. As a reporter, film critic, magazine writer, screenwriter and novelist, he has explored the magic of the movies in many ways. But Toronto-based Base … Continue reading

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TV REVIEW: James Nesbitt in BBC Iraq drama, ‘Occupation’

  By Ray Bennett LONDON – James Nesbitt has come a long way since he first attracted notice in ITV’s “Cold Feet” in 1987 and he shows that he’s become a fine actor in “Occupation”, a three-part drama about British soldiers … Continue reading

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FILM REVIEW: ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

By Ray Bennett LONDON — Designed to give devoted fans of the 2007 “Transformers,” which grossed more than $700 million worldwide, more of the same, Michael Bay’s sequel “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” is a nonstop whirl of flying, battling … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: Helen Mirren in ‘Phaedre’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The National Theatre’s production of Jean Racine’s tragedy “Phaedre,” in a version by British poet Ted Hughes, is so full of “woe is me” lamentations that when John Shrapnel as Theramene begins his round-the-houses description … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: ‘The Cherry Orchard’ and ‘The Winter’s Tale’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Simon Russell Beale leads a splendid British and American cast in William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” and Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” as the Bridge Project – which began at the Brooklyn Academy of Music … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: Tom Stoppard’s ‘Arcadia’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – There are many terrific productions on currently in London’s West End but none is better than the revival of “Arcadia” at the Duke of York’s theatre, which is revealed as probably Tom Stoppard’s finest play. … Continue reading

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George Fenton Q&A to kick off LSO concert at Barbican

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Director Stephen Frears will join composer George Fenton for a conversation with film music expert Tommy Pearson ahead of the London Symphony Orchestra concert of Fenton’s movie scores at the Barbican on Sunday. The Q&A begins … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: Jude Law in ‘Hamlet’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Anyone who expects a fey and fragile prince from Jude Law in the Donmar’s new West End production of “Hamlet” is in for a surprise as he renders the troubled Dane as rugged and fit, … Continue reading

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Actor David Carradine dies aged 72

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Associated Press has reported out of Bangkok that actor David Carradine, star of the 1970s TV series “Kung Fu” who had a wide-ranging career in the movies, has been found dead in the Thai capital. … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Sister Act” the musical

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Brash and sentimental but witty and tuneful, the stage musical version of Whoopi Goldberg’s 1992 comedy film “Sister Act” is a foot-stomping, hand-clapping success with great songs by multiple Oscar-winner Alan Menken and a star-making … Continue reading

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