CINEMA REVIEW: 'Angels & Demons' Rated 12A (16 May 2009)
In this sequel to The Da Vinci Code, Tom Hanks returns to play the character of Robert Langdon. I had not read the book so was looking forward to a good film with plenty of twists and suspense. It was an easy to watch thriller that was fast paced enough to keep you interested. However, in my opinion, it was also easy to read the plot and as a consequence determine who the villain was behind the theft of the anti-matter and the kidnapping of the cardinals. On the positive side, the film allows you to view many of the beautiful locations and learn some interesting facts about The Vatican City and some of the history related to it. If you are a fan of Ewan McGregor then you will be pleased that he graces the screen frequently throughout the film, however I wonder if he was aware of the ridiculous climatic action scene he would have to take part in when he agreed to this film. I wouldn’t recommend rushing to the cinema to see this, but if you like an easy to follow thriller with a few gruesome episodes then this is the film for you. I'd give it 7 out of 10.

Emma Jayne.

CINEMA REVIEW: 'The Boat That Rocked' Rated 15 (1 April 2009)
Written and directed by Richard Curtis, "The Boat that Rocked" is a film showing life aboard a pirate radio station anchored in the North Sea. In the film the station is known as "Radio Rock", although it doesn't take long before you realise that the film is base on Radio Caroline and its ship the Ross Revenge. I gather that the films producers & Crew worked with Radio Caroline & the crew of the Ross Revenge for many years to gain information to get a fuller idea of Pirate Radio at Sea. Being an avid listener to pirate radio in the 80's, you can guess that I was glued to the film from countdown to end title. I found the film to be pretty close to what happened in the mid 60's, when Harold Wilson closed down the Pirates and for this reason give the film a rating of 8 out of 10, as a thoroughly enjoyable story.

AJP.

CINEMA REVIEW: 'Bruno' Rated 18 (15 July 2009)
Sacha Baron Cohen returns to our screens as an outrageous Austrian gay who is looking to kick start his career as a celebrity in America. His new persona is called Bruno, a 19 year old TV fashion journalist who is extremely flamboyant. When his show is cancelled in Austria due to a bumbled attempt to assimilate himself into the backstage world of a famous fashion event, he decides to fly to L.A. and make himself a celebrity in any way he can. He tries lots of different avenues from TV extra to adult movie star but still fails at every turn. He then decides that in order to succeed he needs to make himself straight resemble many of the big Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise and Kevin Spacey. This leads him to seek counsel from a range of people including church leaders and a martial arts instructor. All with hilarious consequences. Bruno is howlingly funny, staggeringly rude, brutally incorrect and very often just brilliant. It has some really extraordinary, confrontational moments that will leave you cringing but still unable to tear your eyes off the screen. Bruno's hoaxes certainly expose some breathtakingly shabby bigotry and ignorance, and he hilariously makes some narrow minded idiots look extremely silly. The photo shoot section just really highlights how some parents are shockingly desperate to live their dreams of celebrity stardom through their children. There are many parts that will leave you open mouthed and give you plenty to talk about later. This is not a film for the easily offended although you have to realise that this film is about tackling some real prejudices. I give it 8.5 to of 10.

Emma Jayne.

Event (13 April 2009)
Want a good day out? Try Chepstow Races. On Easter Bank Holiday Monday we went to Chepstow Races and had a fabulous day. We are not big gamblers but it didn’t take away any of the excitement when, for as little as £2, you still stood at the fence and willed your horse to win. I limited myself to a £10 stake for the whole day and if I had not had a single win, it still would have been worth it. However I had two firsts and was £45 up on the day. I realise that gambling can be addictive but like every addiction it is down to each persons self control. If you are easily led into over indulgence than perhaps this day is not for you, but if like me you like to soak up the different kinds of experiences and want to have a little fun don’t be put off by the preconception that it is only for the rich. We spent more on the meal in the pub before going into the course, than the actual races, and while both were very enjoyable, it just emphasised the fact that the latter need not break the bank. Within the grounds there were plenty of places for the children to run around and even a park to help keep them entertained. There were also plenty of refreshment facilities including hog roast stands, ice-cream vans and a good choice of food to suit a range of budgets and tastes. The paddock is well situated for you to view the horses before the races and may help you to make your choices. I would recommend this as a good family day out with a difference!

Linda.