ASHES TO ASHES – SERIES 1
****
Opinion could hardly be more divided about this time-travelling drama, the
follow-up to Life On Mars.
It was panned by critics but is top of Amazon’s chart and has been nominated
for every gong going, including Baftas.
Whatever your view, one thing is for sure – DCI Gene Hunt, played by Phil
Glenister, is one of the great TV characters.
Ashes To Ashes finds him in a different world. It’s the 1980s and he can’t get
away with old-school policing any more.
Plus – shock, horror – he has to work with a sassy woman, DI Alex Drake
(Keeley Hawes), who is actually from 2008 but finds herself back in time
after being shot.
The mystery surrounding Alex’s time travel, along with the surreal elements,
might not be everybody’s cup of tea.
But for Gene Hunt, a sharp script, spectacular filming and a gorgeous
soundtrack, Ashes To Ashes is well worth a buy.
CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR (15) ***
Nominated but overlooked at the Oscars, Charlie Wilson’s War wasn’t a huge hit
at the box office but should find a newly appreciative audience on DVD.
Tom Hanks plays the Charlie Wilson of the title, a Texas Congressman first
seen in the early 1980s lying in a hot tub surrounded by strippers.
But despite the fun and games, his attention is attracted by a new report from
Afghanistan, which is being invaded by the Soviet Union.
Together with wealthy Joanne (Julia Roberts) and CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (the
ever-reliable Philip Seymour Hoffman), Charlie starts a secret political war
to defeat the Soviets.
It’s not historically accurate but it’s a light-hearted look at that era, with
terrific performances from three Hollywood heavyweights.
TCT – CONCERTS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL (E)
***
The Teenage Cancer Trust concerts, the brainchild of Roger Daltrey, have
become a regular fixture.
This year saw The Who, Kaiser Chiefs, The Coral, The Cure, The View, Bloc
Party, The Bees and Kasabian all taking turns.
So you can enjoy top-class entertainment, knowing you are helping to raise
money for Teenage Cancer Trust units in NHS hospitals.
DVDs are available from teenagecancertrust.org.
