Homeland

With the second series of the critically acclaimed Homeland nearing it’s close on Channel 4, I thought I would take a moment to voice my views on it.

The show revolves around Agent Brody, an ex US marine (played by the charismatic Damian Lewis) and Carrie Mathison (played by Claire Danes). Carrie believes that Brody, who was held captive by al-Qaeda was turned and poses a threat to the US.

(In order to prevent any spoilers here I will steer clear of going further into the plot.)

The first series, which was highly popular, received rave reviews (I remember one saying it was ‘near flawless’) and multiple awards. I can’t help but agree. I was completely hooked after the first episode. Full of nail biting moments, I spent the majority of the time watching it on the edge of my seat.

It seemed, therefore that the second series had a lot to live up to, and, I think that it largely has.

The first few episodes were a little bit wobbly (the CIA Skype call being a low). However it has since picked up and yet again I am enthralled by every episode. It’s clever without being pretentious (hum hum... TheNewsroom…) and it helps that the cast all give strong performances.

I have to say that Danes in particular is fantastic. As the viewer I am constantly questioning her decisions, motivations and whether we should actually trust her.  

I’ve been telling everyone I know ‘you must watch this show’ and I really really think you should….

Homeland airs on Sundays at 9pm on Channel 4.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

This weekend I went to see a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Prince Charles Theatre in Soho.

As a novice to Rocky Horror (I only saw it for the first time last year), I was not particularly excited to see it again. The only thing spurring me on was that it was a friend’s birthday celebration.

However when I got there, all dressed up as Magenta (French Maid accessories and all) I couldn’t help but get in the spirit of it.

Patricia Quinn as Magenta 

At the beginning of the show everyone in the audience was provided with props, including a newspaper, a Kleenex and ‘Janet’ and ‘Brad’ cards. These were used at certain iconic moments of the film, e.g. the newspaper was used to shield our heads as Brad and Janet did the same thing in the film.

This is the thing with cult films. They are not necessarily incredibly popular, but those who love the film really LOVE the film. Like an American couple behind me who were shouting out hilarious one-liners throughout the screening.

Although I don’t think The Rocky Horror Picture Show will make it into my top films the experience was so much fun. 

Let's Do the Timewarp Again...

I will be going back to the Prince Charles theatre, as they have quote-a-long screenings of other cult films, including Mean Girls and Anchorman. They also show the hilariously awful The Room, which I definitely will be going to.