Here's just a taster of what you can read about on The Arts Desk this week: Cheek by Jowl's fresh take on Jacobean tragedy, Watson & Oliver's brand-new TV sketch show and Denzel Washington's latest movie release.
Action-packed espionage thriller Safe House left Adam Sweeting wondering what it was that propelled this new film to the top spot in the US box office, as he could find no trace of originality or complexity in either the characters or the plot. The story follows a treacherous CIA agent and an ambitious young CIA officer (who doubles as the custodian of the eponymous safe house) who end up on the run together after a file containing a list of renegade spies is leaked.
According to Sweeting, the action is portrayed powerfully by Daniel Espinosa, the film's director, however, it does not detract from the fact that the characters come across as bland and flat, ultimately damaging the entire project. Unfortunately, the impressive list of cast members fails to save the action movie, but Sweeting suggests it if you're craving an easy watch, as you won't have to think at all.
Veronica Lee considered the BBC Two's new comedy sketch, featuring the great female comics Lorna Watson and Ingrid Oliver, to be one of the best comedy shows around. According to Lee, Watson & Oliver is similar to the wit throughout French and Saunders collaborations, creating high expectations for the duo and programme. A combination of live sketches and those that have been previously recorded, the series also incorporates appearances from celebrities as well as highlighting a well-balanced type of humour that compliments both acts, playing on their strengths as comedians.
Alexandra Coghlan watched Cheek by Jowl's rendition of 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, a tragedy by John Ford at the Barbican Theatre and she gave the performance a stellar review. From vampires to alcoholism, incest and violence, this teen Gothic horror provides the audience with so many elements of chaos. The two-hour play goes by quickly thanks to great acting and simple staging, making it a must-see piece of modern theatre.
Action-packed espionage thriller Safe House left Adam Sweeting wondering what it was that propelled this new film to the top spot in the US box office, as he could find no trace of originality or complexity in either the characters or the plot. The story follows a treacherous CIA agent and an ambitious young CIA officer (who doubles as the custodian of the eponymous safe house) who end up on the run together after a file containing a list of renegade spies is leaked.
According to Sweeting, the action is portrayed powerfully by Daniel Espinosa, the film's director, however, it does not detract from the fact that the characters come across as bland and flat, ultimately damaging the entire project. Unfortunately, the impressive list of cast members fails to save the action movie, but Sweeting suggests it if you're craving an easy watch, as you won't have to think at all.
Veronica Lee considered the BBC Two's new comedy sketch, featuring the great female comics Lorna Watson and Ingrid Oliver, to be one of the best comedy shows around. According to Lee, Watson & Oliver is similar to the wit throughout French and Saunders collaborations, creating high expectations for the duo and programme. A combination of live sketches and those that have been previously recorded, the series also incorporates appearances from celebrities as well as highlighting a well-balanced type of humour that compliments both acts, playing on their strengths as comedians.
Alexandra Coghlan watched Cheek by Jowl's rendition of 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, a tragedy by John Ford at the Barbican Theatre and she gave the performance a stellar review. From vampires to alcoholism, incest and violence, this teen Gothic horror provides the audience with so many elements of chaos. The two-hour play goes by quickly thanks to great acting and simple staging, making it a must-see piece of modern theatre.
About the Author:
Catherine McCulloch is an arts writer for The Arts Desk with an extensive knowledge of theatre and film, for more information about the performing arts, visit theartsdesk.com.