The Keeper of Lost Causes
dir. Mikkel Nørgaard (2013) [Danish; subtitled]
If Nordic cinema does one thing well, it’s grimly captivating crime drama — the sort that gives the audience credit and stays true to life. If only Hollywood would learn from Scandinavian productions, rather than remaking them to its own improbably greasy formula.
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies
by Nick Bostrom (Oxford University Press, 2014)
Machine superintelligence has the potential to make or break our future, the outcome likely depending on our methodology and the precautions we take during its development. Highly speculative yet also highly technical, Bostrom’s work deserves serious consideration, albeit by a limited readership.
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter
dir. Timur Bekmambetov (2012)
Not even Rufus Sewell can save this truly pitiful production in which the dual strains of Abraham Lincoln and vampire hunter run largely in jarring parallel. Viewers prone to hysterics should treat any sequence involving horses or trains with the utmost caution.
The Demon Headmaster
by Gillian Cross (Oxford University Press, 1982)
The first in an award-winning series of children’s books featuring schoolkids Dinah, Lloyd and Harvey, who must fight back against the eponymous demon headmaster — a sinister man/creature who uses his hypnotic powers to take over the school… while eyeing even bigger conquests!
The Professionals, Dossier 4
[Seasons 4 (partial) & 5] (ITV, 1980-1983)
For all its featuring of shootouts, fights and car chases, this CI5 action-drama never became formulaic, hooking its viewers instead on the intrigue of original (if sometimes nonplussing) plots, strong acting and the often witty character dynamic struck between its three principals.
Doctor Who: Dead Air
by James Goss (BBC Audio, 2010)
Doctor Who meets The Boat That Rocked: a creepy tale somewhat at odds with the drollness of its recounting – an extended Tenth Doctor monologue in which David Tennant (sublime and Scottish in other readings) sounds like Bill Nighy crossed with Arnold Rimmer.
The Soul Men Blues Brothers Tribute
Performance at the Grandview Hotel, Cleveland, 15 November 2015
Strong vocals (both male and female); excellent musicianship; joyful, energetic, iconic: the Soul Men Blues Brothers Tribute brings real justice to our favourite musical recidivists, unlocking the briefcase full of [mostly rhythm and] blues and delving deep into Jake and Elwood’s repertoire.
Spectre
dir. Sam Mendes (2015)
The Bond franchise is like Microsoft Windows: each release throws more money into superficially refurbishing the same product; both pride themselves in staging elaborate crashes; and if ever a good one comes along (Casino Royale) its positive features are immediately discarded. #NothingSpectral
Valley of Lights
by Stephen Gallagher (New English Library, 1987)
Valley of Lights is a compellingly dark supernatural crime novel (often marketed as horror). Gallagher’s first person narrative draws us into a lone sergeant’s pursuit of the archetypical serial killer: a creature who can jump between human bodies, wearing them like suits.
Warehouse 13, Season 4
(Syfy, 2012-2013)
Although coming down from the highs of season three — there is less cohesion and the split-story plotlines are more intrusive — much of the quirky, light-hearted charm is retained as warehouse agents try to collect and contain a plethora of historically-imbued supernatural artefacts.