Hullfire Online » Arts Reviews http://www.hullfire.com University of Hull Student Newspaper Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:10:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Up http://www.hullfire.com/2010/03/27/up/ http://www.hullfire.com/2010/03/27/up/#comments Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:57:19 +0000 Online Editor http://www.hullfire.com/?p=1387 ]]> The acclaimed, Oscar nominated animation from writer/director Pete Docter is now out on DVD after its massive success at the box office last year.

Up is one of those films that tugs at the heartstrings from the off. The film begins with a summary of the life of lead character, Carl Fredricksen (voiced by seasoned pro Edward Asner), starting with his first encounter with childhood sweet-heart Ellie before leading on to his apt misadventure with a young wilderness explorer. Their adventure sees them fly away to the jungles of South America where they comes across Dug the Golden Retriever (voiced by Bob Peterson) and Kevin the giant bird.

Up is a really wonderful story with some funny dogs providing belly laughs. This film is well suited to youngsters and adults alike as it has very broad appeal with such a touching, yet at times outrageous plot.

The DVD has a special short film ‘Dug’s Special Mission’, as well as commentary, a documentary and an alternate scene.

Even if you do not particularly like animated films, this one should still do the trick. And if you do, then you will love it, as this is undoubtedly one of the greatest animations of all time: an instant classic.

Andrew M. Ward

]]> http://www.hullfire.com/2010/03/27/up/feed/ 0 The Lovely Bones http://www.hullfire.com/2010/03/27/the-lovely-bones/ http://www.hullfire.com/2010/03/27/the-lovely-bones/#comments Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:55:39 +0000 Online Editor http://www.hullfire.com/?p=1381 ]]> For those who have read the outstanding bestseller by Alice Sebold that this film was adapted from, you will find yourself quite disappointed with this interpretation. The basic story is that of a raped and murdered 14-year-old girl called Susie, narrating her life and the experiences of her family before and after her murder. The creepy guy next door did it, but is very good at clearing his tracks and is ultimately not really pressured over the killing until toward the end of the picture. Although directed by the brilliant Peter Jackson and with Mark Wahlberg and Susan Sarandon making appearances, this really does not live up to the book. The relationships between the murdered girl and her family were not really developed enough, nor that of her boyfriend, friends, or anyone in fact. If you have read the book, do not have too high hopes as you will feel let down.
Andrew M. Ward

]]> http://www.hullfire.com/2010/03/27/the-lovely-bones/feed/ 0 The Big Sleep http://www.hullfire.com/2008/11/01/the-big-sleep/ http://www.hullfire.com/2008/11/01/the-big-sleep/#comments Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:54:46 +0000 Online Editor http://www.hullfire.com/?p=490 ]]> If you’re a fan of the detective genre than you may already know about Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep. If not, and a classic detective story is what you’re after, then this could be what you’ve been looking for. The novel follows a Los Angeles private investigator, Phillip Marlowe, as he searches to discover who is blackmailing the dying General Sternwood and his two wild daughters, whose lives are far from sheltered.
What Chandler brings to the table is a mixture of detective work, guns, drugs, women and gambling which sounds like all the action you would want in a book; except that much of the excitement is lost through Marlowe’s too-cool attitude.
For anyone who f nds themselves interested in the film noir style of detection this book is definitely
for you, but be warned – this is no modern day CSI-styled story, but is more about the grunt work of the 1940s PI.

Jonni Manning

]]> http://www.hullfire.com/2008/11/01/the-big-sleep/feed/ 0 Hamlet http://www.hullfire.com/2008/11/01/hamlet/ http://www.hullfire.com/2008/11/01/hamlet/#comments Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:31:06 +0000 Online Editor http://www.hullfire.com/?p=485 ]]> David Tennant injects life and laughter into the character of Hamlet, rarely seen in other versions of this intense play, as the seriousness of the subject matter often detracts from the funny and sardonic
lines of the obstinate Prince. Tennant relishes every aspect of the complexities of the progressively brooding Hamlet as he spirals into uncertain madness and sympathetic yet comical depression,
making his breakdown all the more poignant. Alongside the talented Patrick Stewart, who plays a stern and ominously opportunistic Claudius, the pair demonstrate the explosive danger of both the private and public war of the play, reflected by the cracked mirrored backdrop. After seeing the ghost of his father, the former King of Denmark, Hamlet must avenge his father’s death by killing his uncle Claudius, his apparent murderer and now King. As Hamlet tries to prove Claudius’ guilt by feigning insanity he
gives Claudius reason and occasion to plot his downfall.
Hamlet plays in repertoire at Stratford-Upon-Avon until 15 November before moving to London from 3 December to 10 January.

Julie Visgandis

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