More from Gru

With Despicable me 2 in cinemas, we have been sent over two great features about the film. both narrated by Steve Carell. One one the 3D aspect of the film and the other about what has happened in Gru's life since the first film.

CHRIS MELEDANDRI and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of former super-villain Gru (STEVE CARELL of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

Now that the ever-entrepreneurial Gru has left behind a life of super crime to raise Margo (MIRANDA COSGROVE of television's iCarly), Edith (DANA GAIER of Bullied) and Agnes ELSIE FISHER (television's Masha and the Bear), Gru, Dr. Nefario (RUSSELL BRAND of Get Him to the Greek, Hop) and the Minions have some free time on their hands. But just as he starts to adjust to his role as a suburban family man, an ultra-secret organization dedicated to fighting evil around the globe comes knocking. Now, it's up to Gru and his new partner, Lucy Wilde (KRISTEN WIIG of Bridesmaids, television's Saturday Night Live), to discover who is responsible for a spectacular crime and bring him to justice. After all, it takes the world's greatest ex-villain to catch the one vying to take his place… Joining the returning cast for Despicable Me 2 are KEN JEONG (The Hangover trilogy, television's Community) as Floyd Eagle-san, proprietor of the local hair replacement club for men and key suspect in the most despicable crime to hit the globe since Gru departed the game; STEVE COOGAN as Silas Ramsbottom, Lucy's boss in the Anti-Villain League and a superspy whose surname offers an endless source of amusement to the Minions; MOISES ARIAS (Hannah Montana, The Secret World of Arrietty) as Antonio, the oh-so-suave object of Margo's girlhood affection (and Gru's supreme annoyance); and BENJAMIN BRATT (Miss Congeniality, Snitch) as Eduardo Perez, Antonio's father, owner of Salsa & Salsa restaurant, and the man who may or may not be the most macho super-villain who ever villained, El Macho.

In UK cinemas now

Confine DVD, Cinema and On Demand Short Review

This is not a bad effort at all, 3.5 stars for a very watchable film.

Confine is written and directed by Tobias Tobbell (Every Picture, Aimless) and tells the story of Pippa (Daisy Lowe - The First Days of Spring), an emotionally and physically scarred former model, hiding away from the world in her flat, unable and unwilling to let her new face be seen in public.

Her safe little existence is brutally shattered with the arrival of the psychotic yet strangely charming Kayleigh (Eliza Bennett - Inkheart, Nanny McFee), a criminal on the run, who chooses Pippa's flat as a place to hide out. Things take a turn for the worse with the arrival of Henry (Alfie Allen - Game Of Thrones, The Other Boleyn Girl), an accomplice whose presence leads Kayleigh to even greater heights of depravity.

Read the rest of the review over at Road Rash Reviews

Alan gets a new poster

A new poster for Alpha Papa has hit my in box.  I'm not sure about what has happened to Alan's right arm but it doesn't look like it should be there.

Another thing is.  If you're at Glastonbury this weekend, look out for a massive red Alan Partridge banner. If you see it, take a pic and tweet it.  Just remember to use the hashtag #IAmSeigeFace for your chance to win some Alan Partridge goodies.

Steve Coogan’s famous local radio DJ/one time talk show host Alan Partridge is one of the UK's most-loved comedy characters. He comes to the cinema screen in this summer’s unmissable British comedy ALAN PARTRIDGE: ALPHA PAPA.

When Alan’s radio station, North Norfolk Digital, is taken over by a new media conglomerate, it sets in motion a chain of events which see Alan having to work with the police to defuse a potentially violent siege. Will Alan talk round disgruntled colleague Pat Farrell? Will there be shots fired in anger? Will Alan become a public hero or simply another footnote in the history of broadcasting?

Bula Quo Short review

4 Star Rock 'n' Roll Romp
Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt arrive in Fiji ready to play a series of concerts on the islands accompanied by their long suffering manager/minder Simon Craig Fairbrass (The Bank Job) and the new intern Caroline Laura Aikman (Keith Lemon: The Film).Francis and Rick are soon up to their usual antics of going off to find drinks and checking out the local sites of the  island as one of the band pushes Rick off a waterfall, working as ever Simon uses this prank as a publicity stunt and soon the (Fiji Sun Newspaper) is reporting the untimely demise of the rocker.

 

Caroline believes she has just got a job handling dinosaurs and she isn't as impressed with them as Simon is, 'I studied modern media and I ended up in a museum.'
In UK Cinemas 5 July
See the Full review at Roadrash Reviews

Hunt Vs Lauda

Good cast. Great director. What could go wrong in this biopic about the Hunt Lauda rivalry of the 1976 Formula 1 season?

Watch the trailer, below, and the problems will hit you. The CGI cars & fire looks dreadful!

Two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon), teams once again with fellow two-time Academy Award® nominee, writer Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen), on Rush, a spectacular big-screen re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

The epic action-drama stars Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers) as the charismatic Englishman James Hunt and Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) as the disciplined Austrian perfectionist Niki Lauda, whose clashes on the Grand Prix racetrack epitomized the contrast between these two extraordinary characters, a distinction reflected in their private lives.

Set against the sexy and glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing, Rush portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivals the world has ever witnessed—handsome English playboy Hunt and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Lauda. Taking us into their personal lives on and off the track, Rush follows the two drivers as they push themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and no margin for error. If you make one mistake, you die.

Driving into UK cinemas September 13, 2013

Song For Marion DVD and Blu-ray Release Short Review

This is an amazing film, 5 stars of glorious British feel-good factor.

Song For Marion is written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams (The Cottage, Cherry Tree Lane) and it is an emotional roller-coaster from start to finish.

It tells the story of Arthur (Terence Stamp - The Adjustment Bureau, Yes Man), who is a proper grumpy old man, grumpier even than Victor Meldrew. Shy and nervous of meeting new people , his only inspiration in life is his bubbly, fun loving wife, Marion (Vanessa Redgrave - Howards End, Mission: Impossible). She is a keen member of the OAPZ, a choir with a rather unorthodox song sheet, including "Ace of Spades" and "Lets Talk About Sex", and longs for him to join and sing along with her.

See what we thought about it over at Road Rash Reviews

Bula Quo - Yep THAT Quo is in it!

With the old men of rock, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, as the leads I was worried until I hit the play button. They seem to out-act some of the better known stars of the film. Jon Lovitz is the one that springs to mind.

Yes you don't expect an Oscar winning performance from the cast but the director has made a cracking little film. As tongue in cheek as you would expect with Quo as the lead actors.

Yes it is a clichéd plot but I don't really care. Just sit back and get that Air Guitar out and then hit play and watch the below trailer.

Rocking All Over The World, Status Quo witnesses a gang murder in Fiji. They flee with crucial evidence; have they played their last gig?

Rock legends Status Quo are finishing their 50 Year Celebration tour. They come off stage to thunderous applause and slip away for a quiet drink. Suspecting a bigger party is going on in the back bar, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt slip through security and gate crash the event. They witness a gambling ring forcing competitors to play Russian Roulette. The winner gets dinner. The other loses their head.

Parfitt and Rossi grab evidence of the murder and create a commotion so they can get away. Wilson (Jon Lovitz – Happiness, The Wedding Singer, Friends), the lead gangster, catches sight of them and orders their heads.

Parfitt and Rossi are on the run. Simon (Craig Fairbrass – Cliff Hanger, Rise of The Footsoldier), their manager, and Caroline (Laura Aikman - Keith lemon Movie, Freight, Blood Monkey etc), a cheeky intern, are tasked with keeping the press in the dark while protecting Status Quo.

An ambitious reporter, Dave (Matt Kennard - Freight, BBC TV Doctors), senses there is a story. Caroline holds him off as long as possible, but as the situation escalates, enlists his help.

Using sea-planes, speed boats, jet skis, golf carts and scuba gear, Status Quo and their entourage evade capture and manage to leave paradise.

Rocking into UK cinemas from July 5, 2013

Is this the end of the world?

Zombie Invasion

Supplies

Milky Way

Who Did This To The Magazine

Cast Featurette

LA Premiere

The comedy This Is The End follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption.

In UK cinemas June 28, 2013

Portlandia DVD short Review

0.5 Star of the most annoying thing I have ever had the misfortune to watch; Ever!

From the very first sketch it became obvious that this was not my cup of tea, it rubbed me so up the wrong way; unfortunately this did not change through two seasons.

Available on DVD 24 June
For the Full review head over to Road Rash Reviews

Kiss Ass 2 gets a poster

Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for the follow-up to 2010’s irreverent global hit: Kick-Ass 2. After Kick-Ass’ (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, led by the badass Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), our hero joins them on patrol. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse)—reborn as The Mother F%&*^r—only the blade-wielding Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) can prevent their annihilation.

When we last saw junior assassin Hit Girl and young vigilante Kick-Ass, they were trying to live as normal teenagers Mindy and Dave. With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave decides to start the world’s first superhero team with Mindy. Unfortunately, when Mindy is busted for sneaking out as Hit Girl, she’s forced to retire—leaving her to navigate the terrifying world of high-school mean girls on her own. With no one left to turn to, Dave joins forces with Justice Forever, run by a born-again ex-mobster named Colonel Stars and Stripes.

Just as they start to make a real difference on the streets, the world’s first super villain, The Mother F%&*^r, assembles his own evil league and puts a plan in motion to make Kick-Ass and Hit Girl pay for what they did to his dad. But there’s only one problem with his scheme: If you mess with one member of Justice Forever, you mess with them all.

In cinemas August 14, 2013

Heroes Assemble in the LEGO movie

The other big news to hit the internet today is the first trailer for the Lego Movie has been released.

It has a stella voice cast as well as a great script and a director who should know what he's doing after directing Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

The LEGO Movie follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. Emmet (Chris Pratt) is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which he is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Nick Offerman and Alison Brie join Chris Pratt to form the cast of the first-ever full length theatrical LEGO movie, the greatest movie ever assembled, which is set to

Hitting UK cinemas February 14, 2014.

Anchorman 2, the trailer

Yesterday over on twitter Ron Burgundy told us that something big was going to happen today. He wasn't wrong as you can see.

By the Hammer of Thor, the news team is back with a brand new trailer for their film! Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.

In UK Cinemas December 20, 2013.

Ron Burgundy has an important announcement

Ron Burgundy tweeted earlier a very important announcement in regards to a new trailer that is going to hit the web early tomorrow. I'm just going to leave it to the great man himself to say a few words.

Here's a poster as an appetizer to trailer coming tomorrow. Yes I'm in a kimono smoking a cigar while writing this. pic.twitter.com/y8GmaiVQCG

— Ron Burgundy (@RonBurgundy) June 18, 2013

The Wolf of Wall Street

This hit my in-box earlier today. The first trailer for Leonardo DiCaprio’s new film THE WOLF OF WALL STREET. Set in the "glory days" of stockbroking. Too much money, sex and dwarves!

A New York stockbroker refuses to cooperate in a large securities fraud case involving corruption on Wall Street, corporate banking world and mob infiltration.

Hitting UK cinemas January 17, 2014

Diana, the film

With quite a sweet first trailer for the film that doesn't give much away apart from the fact that it;s going to be some sort of bio-pic. This is different to the documentary film Unlawful Killing. That one was never released in this country due to the fact that some of the "facts" in that film could have put the filmmakers in court.

The legend is never the whole story.

Discover the truth behind Diana’s last great love...

Celebrated and adored by millions, she was the Queen of people’s hearts, yet the bittersweet story of the last man to truly capture hers has never before been told.

Princess Diana (double Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts), at one time the most famous woman in the world, inspired a nation with her generosity, compassion and kindness - and in her final years she would meet the man who, in turn, inspired her.

When Diana met Doctor Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews), she found someone who could see beyond the exterior, to the vulnerable and complex woman underneath. An incredible source of strength to her, it was during this relationship that Diana accomplished some of her most rewarding and successful humanitarian work. As Diana fell in love with Dr Khan, she didn’t just feel like a Princess – but like the woman she truly was.

In a story that until now has remained untold, DIANA introduces a time in the Princess’s life that was uniquely important in shaping her final years, fulfilling her search for true happiness and sealing her legacy. The film is directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, stars Naomi Watts and Naveen Andrews and is produced by Ecosse Films.

DIANA will be released in cinemas nationwide on September 20, 2013

The Wolverine gets a new trailer and more images

Not that long to go before Logan makes it back to the big screen in The Wolverine. This time we've been sent a new trailer and a new set of images.

The images are quite cool but if you don't want to see some, I think, quite major plot points that may give away the film then ignore the trailer. On the other hand just click play!

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than we have ever seen him before.

THE WOLVERINE opens in cinemas across the UK on 25th July 201

The Fall DVD and Blu-ray Release Short Review

This is very tricky, 5 stars up until the last minute, then down to 2 stars in the blink of an eye.

Created by Allan Cubitt (The Boys Are Back, Prime Suspect 2), The Fall is an extremely gritty crime drama, set in Belfast, starring Gillian Anderson (The X Files, The Last King of Scotland) as the detective superintendent brought in to carry out a review of a high profile murder case, who quickly begins to suspect the work of a serial killer.

Find out where they went wrong over at Road Rash Reviews

Chasing Ice DVD and Blu-ray Release Short Review

This is a most impressive feat, 5 stars almost doesn't seem enough for the amount of work that went into the making of this incredible documentary.

Chasing Ice follows the work of James Balog,  an american photographer who specializes in capturing the relationships and interactions between humans and the planet on which we live.

Read the full review over at Road Rash Reviews

300: Rise of an Empire gets a new poster and trailer

We have already seen some images as well as a trailer for the film before here on this blog. Back then it had an August release date. now it's been set back to early March 2014.

The trailer does confirm what everyone thought. it's shot in the same way as the previous one. Lots of green screen and small sets. Spend all the budget on effects and not on physical sets.

Bassed on Frank Miller's latest graphic novel Xerxes, and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster "300," this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield "on the sea" as Greek general Themistokles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war.

"300: Rise of an Empire" pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and Artemesia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

Sailing into UK cinemas March 7, 2014

Alan Partridge gets a trailer

Steve Coogan’s famous local radio DJ / one time talk show host Alan Partridge is one of the UK's most-loved comedy characters. He comes to the cinema screen in this summer’s unmissable British comedy ALAN PARTRIDGE: ALPHA PAPA.

When Alan’s radio station, North Norfolk Digital, is taken over by a new media conglomerate, it sets in motion a chain of events which see Alan having to work with the police to defuse a potentially violent siege. Will Alan talk round disgruntled colleague Pat Farrell? Will there be shots fired in anger? Will Alan become a public hero or simply another footnote in the history of broadcasting?

Spike Island gets a trailer

It's not that long before the film hits UK cinemas, and it's been quite a wait for the trailer to hit. This has now happened for Spike Island.

You can follow our coverage, from the original casting call to the trailer below. From that request to hitting the silver screen has taken about two years.

If you're old enough to remember the early 90s sit back and wallow in some nostalga. If you don't then just sit back and be amazed at what the 90s looked like.

The year: 1990
The location: Spike Island

Shadowcaster are a four-piece band from Manchester. Or more accurately, they are five lads with guitars and a garage and an ambition to forget school, forget their troubled home lives, forget GCSEs and see their heroes, The Stone Roses, as they play the biggest gig of their career.

As the defining concert of their generation is announced, the band are convinced that all they need is to get tickets, get to the gig, meet Ian Brown, give him their demo tape, and the rest, as the saying goes, will be history.

A simple enough plan, right? But with no tickets and a sold out gig to contend with, the boys embark on a road trip in a “borrowed” florist’s van to Spike Island. Along the way friendships are tested and their futures shaped – together or apart.

Consistently hilarious and heart-warming, Spike Island perfectly captures a defining era in British music history.

This is the one...

Directed by Mat Whitecross (sex&drugs&rock&roll) and starring Elliott Tittensor (Shameless), Nico Mirallegro (The Village), Jordan Murphy (My Mad Fat Diary) and Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), SPIKE ISLAND features the music of The Stone Roses and a score by Ash’s Tim Wheeler and award-winning composer Ilan Eshkeri (Kick-Ass, Stardust). Written by Chris Coghill (24 Hour Party People, Eastenders) the film is produced by Fiona Neilson and Esther Douglas and was co-financed by Coldplay.

Rocking into UK cinemas from June 21, 2013

The Desolation of Smaug

The second in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece "The Hobbit", by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" continues the adventures of the title character Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

"The Hobbit:The Desolation of Smaug" opens in UK cinemas December 13, 2013.

The World'sEnd gets some more posters

Director Edgar Wright and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost reunite for a third film following the successes “Shaun of the Dead” (2004) and “Hot Fuzz” (2007).

In “The World’s End,” 20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hellbent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by Gary King (Simon Pegg), a 40-year-old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their hometown and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub – The World’s End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realise the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind’s. Reaching The World’s End is the least of their worries.

Hitting UK cinemas July 19, 2013

I Give It A Year DVD and Blu-ray Release Short Review

Proper British genius this one, 4.5 stars.

I Give It A Year is written (screenplay) and directed by Dan Mazer (Bruno, Borat) and is an extremely refreshing take on what has become a rather tedious genre, the "rom-com".

Read the rest of the review over at Road Rash Reviews

WICKED UK & IRELAND TOUR ANNOUNCES PRINCIPAL CAST

NIKKI DAVIS-JONES AND EMILY TIERNEY TO PLAY ELPHABA AND GLINDA

WICKED, the global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to announce that former West End cast members Nikki Davis-Jones, Emily Tierney and George Ure will all join the UK & Ireland Tour cast as Elphaba, Glinda and Boq respectively. Also heading the forthcoming tour cast will be: Liam Doyle (Fiyero), Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible), Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose) and Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba).

The UK and Ireland Tour will visit: Manchester Palace Theatre (12 September to 16 November 2013), Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (27 November 2013 to 18 January 2014), Milton Keynes Theatre (4 February to 8 March 2014), Wales Millennium Centre (12 March to 26 April 2014), Glasgow King’s Theatre (6 May to 31 May 2014), Leeds Grand Theatre (10 June to 5 July 2014) and Birmingham Hippodrome (9 July to 6 September 2014 / online booking opens 10 June 2013). Further cities and dates into 2015 to be announced.

The UK and Ireland Tour of Wicked will star Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba), Emily Tierney (Glinda), Liam Doyle (Fiyero), Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible), Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose), George Ure (Boq) and Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba).

Recently acclaimed as "one of the most popular West End musicals ever" (London Evening Standard), the record-breaking London production continues its open-ended run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre where tickets are currently on sale until 26 April 2014.

Wicked has already been seen by over 36 million people around the world and has 6 productions running concurrently. The original Broadway production remains “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times) where it is now in its 10th Anniversary year. The West End production is now in its 7th year at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by multi GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner and Olivier Award nominee Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the acclaimed novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK & Ireland): Michael McCabe.

Find out more at the Official UK and Ireland Tour website ~ Like it on Facebook ~ Follow on twitter

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba) previously played ‘Elphaba’ in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre where as ‘Standby’ she performed the role on hundreds of occasions to huge acclaim. Her many other theatre credits include: ‘Maureen’ in the 20th Anniversary concert tour of Rent with Kerry Ellis; the new musical LIFT (Soho Theatre); ‘Wendy’ in Peter Pan (Liverpool Empire); ‘Serena’ in Fame The Musical (UK Tour); the Take That musical Never Forget (West End); ‘Anna’ in ASAP (Liverpool Unity Theatre); ‘Lisa’ in Mamma Mia! (West End) and ‘Linda’ in Blood Brothers (West End). Film: Mamma Mia! (Universal).

Emily Tierney (Glinda) appeared in the London production of Wicked and subsequently starred as ‘Glinda’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium alongside ‘Over The Rainbow’ winner Danielle Hope. Emily’s other theatre credits include: ‘Sally’ in All the Fun of the Fair (Garrick Theatre); ‘Maria’ in West Side Story (Barbican) and Titanic - The Musical (Shaw Theatre). Film includes: ‘Ellie’ in John Carter of Mars and ‘Alice’ in Kate Modern. Television includes: ‘Lydia Harrison’ in Push and Do It in Style and Eva Roderick in New Tricks. Emily trained at Mountview.

Liam Doyle (Fiyero) first came to prominence when he entered and won the nationwide talent search hosted by GMTV to find an actor to play ‘Troy Bolton’ in the stage version of High School Musical 2. He performed the role all over the country for the next 12 months. He has subsequently gone on to star as ‘Link Larkin’ in Hairspray (UK Tour) opposite Michael Ball; ‘Shane Gray’ in Disney’s Camp Rock (Dubai) and ‘Ricky Nelson’ in Rock & Roll Heaven (UK Tour). Liam recently made his West End debut playing ‘Eddie’ in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre and will shortly be seen in the new musical Carnival of Animals at Riverside Studios.

Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible) is currently starring as ‘Mother Lord’ in the UK tour of High Society. A founding member of Fascinating Aida, Marilyn’s many theatre roles include: ‘Mrs Potts’ in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (UK Tour); ‘Mrs Sowerberry’ in Oliver! (London Palladium), directed by Sam Mendes; ‘Armina’ in Oklahoma! (National Theatre), directed by Trevor Nunn; the ‘Doormouse’ and the ‘White Queen’ in Alice In Wonderland (RSC); ‘Mme de Rosemonde’ in Adam Cooper’s production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses and ‘Helena Landless’ in the original London production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Marilyn recently appeared in Tom Hooper’s film of Les Misérables (Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh).

Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond) has recently starred as ‘Horace Vandergelder’ opposite Janie Dee in Hello Dolly! and ‘Louis Leplee’ in Piaf with Frances Ruffelle, both at the Leicester Curve. He has played both ‘Bill Austin’ and ‘Harry Bright’ in Mamma Mia! (West End and International Tour) and starred in productions at Shakespeare’s Globe; the Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park; the Young Vic; West Yorkshire Playhouse; the RSC and is currently appearing in Ostrovsky’s Larisa and the Merchants at the Arcola. His many television credits include: Doctors; Poirot; Spooks; Silent Witness; Aquila and Eastenders.

Carina Gillespie (Nessarose) starred as ‘Sandy’ in the most recent national tour of Grease, opposite Danny Bayne. Carina also played the role in the West End (Piccadilly Theatre) and on a previous national tour. Her other appearances include: ‘Linda’ in Bloodbath The Musical (Edinburgh Festival), with Siobhan McCarthy and Anthony Costa, and ‘Maria Elena’ in Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story on tour in the UK and Scandinavia.

George Ure (Boq) trained at Mountview and upon graduating he made his West End debut in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre. He subsequently took over the role of ‘Boq’ and enjoyed a 3-year stay with the hit musical. He then went on to tour Europe in the Arena production of Hair. His TV and film appearances include: Britannia High (ITV); Don’t Stop Me Now (Sky One); and Guns on the Table (Out and Out Films). He recently appeared as a vocalist in Rod Stewarts’s Christmas (ITV).

Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba) recently played ‘Joanne’ in the 20th Anniversary concert tour of Rent and made West End debut in Lend Me A Tenor The Musical at the Gielgud Theatre, directed by Ian Talbot. Jemma’s other theatre credits include: A Tale of Two Cities (Charing Cross Theatre); Tommy (English Theatre, Frankfurt) and The Full Monty (New Players Theatre).

If you think you know the Wicked Witch of the West, think again...
When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire’s "outstanding novel" (The Independent), Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, ingeniously re-imagined the Land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story written by L. Frank Baum and first published as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900.

Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba.

Following an encounter with The Wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Experience this unforgettable, award-winning musical and discover that you’ve not been told the whole story about the Land of Oz...

The long Riders short review Blu-ray

3.5 Star of Crisp Western.

This is a class film shot in a way that pays homage to the Younger / James gang. Rather than the usual portrayal of Jesse James and Cole Younger in other big Westerns.
It follows the exploits of Cole, Jim and Bob Younger (David, Keith and Robert Carradine) Jesse and Frank James (James and Stacy Keach) with Ed and Clell Miller (Dennis and Randy Quade).We follow the gang as they take revenge from the banks and the rail road, just taking from the people that can afford it, gaining them the reputation of latter-day Robin Hoods.

Out now on  Blu-ray.
For the full review head over to  Road Rash reviews

Civvies short DVD review

4 Star hard hitting series, Linda LaPlante at her best.

A brilliant 6 part series.

Fifteen years in the army and the last five spent in Northern Ireland from 1987-1992.

Frank Dillon, Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter) walks away from his barracks with a check for £5000 in his pocket as he heads for civvie street, he heads for home to his long suffering wife Susie, Elizabeth Rider (Brothers of the Head), but he heads for his real home the pub where his old squad hang out. They are soon in trouble taking revenge on those they blame for the troubles.

Now available on DVD

For the full review head over to Road Rash Reviews

The Anomaly

IAN SOMERHALDER, NOEL CLARKE, BRIAN COX, LUKE HEMSWORTH AND ALEXIS KNAPP TO STAR IN THE ANOMALY

Principal photography commenced on 24th May 2013

London, May 2013 – Noel Clarke’s UK production company Unstoppable Entertainment are delighted to announce that principal photography has commenced on new sci-fi thriller The Anomaly on 24th May 2013. Alongside Unstoppable Entertainment, the film is produced by James Harris and Mark Lane of The Tea Shop & Film Company (Cockneys VS Zombies, Tower Block). The film will be shooting on location across London and New York.

The Anomaly boasts a host of international talent including Noel Clarke (Star Trek: Into Darkness, Fast Girls), Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries, Lost), Brian Cox (The Bourne Ultimatum, Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Alexis Knapp (Pitch Perfect, Project X) and introduces Luke Hemsworth in his first lead feature film role.

A highly original action thriller exploring the issue of global terriorism, The Anomaly’s original screenplay was written by Simon Lewis and will be directed by Noel Clarke (4.3.2.1., Adulthood).

Synopsis

Traumatised ex-soldier Ryan wakes up in the back of a van, alongside a kidnapped boy. Ryan helps him escape but when he finds a mask in his pocket he comes to an appalling realisation…. But there’s no time to act - after nine minutes and thirty seven seconds of consciousness it all goes black. What does this have to do with Ryan’s past as a patient at the experimental Medical Unit? Ryan has a lot of questions, and very little time to find any answers.