Cinema

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Now and again, a film comes along that gives you hope. Not just because that’s part of its overall message – which it is – but also because someone has bothered to make it in the first place. That person is the one and only Clint Eastwood, who has produced and directed it.

Released to coincide with the anniversary of President Mandela’s release from prison on South Africa’s Robin Island, as a common terrorist to his becoming the country’s number one man. This movie for me is a triumph.

As Mandela (Morgan Freeman) copes with bringing the nation together both black and white. He decides to use the rugby team, long a symbol of the Afrikaans.

The Springboks stay together and keep their colours of green and gold much to the shock of his fellow Black South African’s. He encourages their captain François Pienaar (Matt Damon) to take the team out into the small townships to encourage support and fellowship leading up to a great win in the World Cup.

Freeman is magnificent and Damon superb.

4 stars

Cinema

Directed by Scott Cooper

I have to say in all sincerity that I, as both a country music fan and long time supporter of Jeff Bridges work, looked forward to seeing this. Bad boy (Jeff) is an old country star whose light has dimmed a little and the drink has taken its toll.

He’s encouraged to write new material by his agent and also old pal Robert Duvall. However, he seems content to wallow in small bars and bowling alleys in the desert.

Vocalising in true whisky sodden style until he gives an interview to Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaall) for whom he falls heavily.

He battles with the booze and opening shows for Tommy Sweet (Colin Farrell) but somehow comes through. Will he win the Oscar? Jeff I mean.

Well it would be nice – but at times I fear he phoned his performance in – there’s a lot of mumbling going on. So to be honest, I’ve seen him do better.

It’s okay, the music is good but Oscars…no not really.

2 stars

Cinema

Directed by Tom Ford

Colin Firth has already received the ‘Best Actor Award’ at the BAFTA’s for his role as a homosexual teacher in this film.

It’s the early sixties in California’s LA with a back draft of the cold war and Cuban crisis being evident.

Basically George (Firth) is coming to terms with the accidental death of his partner in a car crash.

Struggling to cope he mildly flirts with a student and spends a fun loving evening with his English buddy (Julianne Moore) who has long hoped for more in their relationship than he can give.

Frankly, their scene together was for me the only highlight in what is mainly a dull and lack-lustre film.

2 stars

Cinema

Directed by Peter Jackson

Directed by the ‘Rings’ king Peter Jackson, this adaptation of Alice Sebolds chiller thriller is intriguing and treads a strange path.

Set in 1970s suburban Philadelphia, it reveals that Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) vanishes whilst in the clutches of the eerie neighbour (Stanley Tucci), therefore she is murdered but only the audience know this.

An investigation follows with no conclusion, but we have the voice and spiritual presence of Susie who is in limbo guiding her desperate father (Mark Wahlberg) to unravel the truth.

Long before we get there we have the joys of Susan Sarandon as earthy grandma looking after the Salmon household badly.  Plus the cat and mouse game between Susie’s sister Lindsey and the neighbour.

There are many strands to this absorbing tale and if you’re someone who loves thought-provoking material, then it’s for you. The detective (Michael Imperioli) of Sopranos fame involving a dolls house is one that will stick in my mind…Scary!

3 stars

DVD

Director Pete Docter

I saw this wonderful Pixar/Disney animated film with a packed cinema of Saturday morning children. They loved it and so did I. I’d missed it previously – my mistake. Rent it – buy it or go to your local Saturday matinee with the kids.

Old Carl (Ed Asner) is being forced out of his picture book house by the ‘suits’ after upsetting the law, he agrees to go to a retirement home. Then he fools them all by floating off into the blue in his home supported by balloons. What he doesn’t know is that he has a passenger, a young wilderness scout called Russell (Jordan Nagai).

These two have more than a few adventurers as they journey to South America. Whatever you do try and see this film, it’s great.

4 Stars

March in the garden, for some is the beginning of spring and the gardening year. For many it is the best time of year, as it is a time that is exciting and full of anticipation of the year ahead, the best is yet to come! With longer days, shorter nights and warmer temperatures, the garden really starts to wake up.


Pots of colour are most welcome pots of bedding and bulbs placed on the patio where they can be seen from windows on colder days but enjoyed to their full when you are able to venture into the garden on milder days. If you were too late to plant spring bulbs in the autumn you can buy ready grown bulbs in pots from your local nursery. Pots of crocus,daffodils and tulips in a wide range of colours and heights to suit any arrangement you have in mind. Team them up with primroses and pansies or colour co-ordinate with a special pot, the choice is endless. Once the bulbs are planted they can be left to flower year after year, with very little help from yourself unless, of course, you want a change next year.

It really is worth watching the garden daily, as everyday there is so much to see – bulbs shooting and then flowering, buds on trees swelling and then bursting into leaf and all of this with flowers to follow. Place a benchwhere the sun reaches and enjoy the garden when the days allow to enjoy the spectacle of nature.

Flowering shrubs are starting to show, the bright yellow flowers of forsythias are a welcome sight,  longside the flowering chaenomeles. There is colour starting to show everywhere from anemone, iris, primroses and pulmonarias.

Another enjoyable sight at this time of year is watching birds starting to gather materials for making their nests, the food they collect to feed the baby birds and then seeing the fledglings emerging and then flying the nest.

It is also the time to start planning your garden, before everything is in full flower. Take a look at your flower beds and borders, pots, patios and even your vegetable plot. Do you have gaps that need filling, are they overgrown, do you feel you need to start again?

Have a wander around your patch, be it big or small and draw up a list. Then with a cuppa, sit down and plan your dream garden!

Caroline Howells

All plants mentioned can be purchased at ARCH Plant Centre, Gosmore, nr Hitchin.

 

For more information Tel: 01462 420 598 or visit our website www.arch.uk.com

All photos Copyright S Howells 2009