Category Archives: Film

Movie star Van Johnson dies at 92

Posted on December 13, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Colourful and self-deprecating American character actor Van Johnson, who has died aged 92, was never a great actor but he always gave good value when he stopped by the American TV talk shows. He gave … Continue reading →

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How Radiohead helped Giles Borg to make rock film ‘1234’

Posted on December 9, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON — If you want to make a film about kids who dream of becoming rock stars, it helps if you know one or two genuine rock stars. For Giles Borg, knowing Ed O’Brien of Radiohead from … Continue reading →

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Don’t read about ‘Dean Spanley’, just go see it

Posted on December 8, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett If you like droll, dry and eccentric English movies then “Dean Spanley” is for you. It’s a small picture set in Edwardian times and stars Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill (pictured) and Peter O’Toole, who all perform beautifully. But … Continue reading →

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‘Slumdog Millionaire’ tops British Indie Film Awards

Posted on November 30, 2008 by admin

  By Ray Bennett LONDON – Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” (pictured), a tale of a young boy from Mumbai who becomes a surprise success on “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire”, was named best film at the British Independent Film … Continue reading →

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Lots of awards contenders in UK January film releases

Posted on November 25, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett The January UK release schedule is chock-a-block with awards contenders including two with much-anticipated Kate Winslet performances, another with Anne Hathaway, and several films featuring potential BAFTA and Oscar candidates for best actor such as Benicio Del … Continue reading →

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FILM REVIEW: Giles Borg’s ‘1234’

Posted on October 31, 2008 by admin

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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FILM REVIEW: Daniel Craig in ‘Quantum of Solace’

Posted on October 24, 2008 by admin

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

Posted on October 20, 2008 by admin

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

Posted on October 19, 2008 by admin

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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RIO FILM REVIEW: ‘Should Nothing Else Work Out’

Posted on October 11, 2008 by admin

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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