Daher review by Andrew Barclay

Daher is young Mexican singer songwriter whose debut 4 track EP is a fantastic authentic work and it’s a joy to listen to. Daher describes his sound as “healing” music, music to help soothe the soul.

There’s no cool façade with Daher he just IS cool.

His Facebook page is marching toward four thousand ‘likes’ and it’s justified.

The first track on his self-funded EP is ‘Alive’, a gorgeous mixture of acoustic guitars horns and steeped in Mexican music tradition yet still retaining an extremely catchy happy vibe that is something of a signature with Daher as he sings in the opening lines of “Alive”

“There are many possibilities there many ways anything you want it’s yours to take”

Dahers passionate vocal delivery is extremely endearing and you’re hooked on the first listen.

“Beautiful” is next up and is another celebration of love and nature and really lifts your spirits.

The backing music is slick and even has a twanging banjo in the background, along with other stringed instruments and a soft percussion.

“One” has a more danceable feel and is crying out for a full on dance remix.

It’s a lush mixture of acoustic guitars, Dahers soaring vocal horns and electronics.

“Soldier” is a more reflective serious track and darker in musical tone but still has such an uplifting chorus “I’m a soldier and I fight for love” sings Daher with conviction.

I firmly believe it won’t be long before a major label picks him up and quite right too,

Daher is a positive breath of fresh air and a beguiling listen, I wish him all the very best, and will be listening to his music for years to come.

Dahers Online Links; 

https://www.facebook.com/officialdaher/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/official_daher

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdaher/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/officialdaher

Bandcamp: https://daher.bandcamp.com

A film by Wade Radford & Jason Impey

RETIRED. EXPIRED. NO LONGER DESIRED!

Wade Radford is NOT your average LGBT filmmaker.

His work is challenging, engaging and always controversial.

Wade, who wrote and starred in ‘Sex Lies & Depravity’ and the gritty prison drama ‘Boys Behind Bars’ is back with his finest work to date.

‘Twink’ tells the story of ‘Quinn’ a former porn star finding it hard to come to terms with his self and the industry he sees as having exploited him. It’s presented in Documentary style with ‘Quinn’ being the topic of a filmmaker’s curious interest in this former porn stars life.

‘Quinn’ appears not to be looking after himself as he tells the filmmaker how his life had descended into a living hell.

Is ‘Quinn’ his own worst enemy? It’s a question put to him in a variety of ways throughout the movie.

Whilst I won’t spoil the movie for those wanting to see it, what I will say is this, ‘Twink’ explores some of the darkest depths of human nature and the reflection we see is an ugly one. Are porn stars damaged people? Are they all this way? The film is raw and unapologetic and for that it deserves considerable merit.

Wade Radford is one of the UK’s most exciting new acting/writing talents and his natural charisma allows him to put across a portrayal of a washed up porn star, as equally disturbing as it is addictive.

If you’re aware of Wade’s previous work then ‘Twink’ will not surprise you but it will delight you, if you’re new to his work this is a great place to start.

To keep an eye on the releases and screenings please check out the films Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/twinkthefilm

Review By Andrew Barclay

First of all, sorry this list is so late in the year, but 2013 was one of the better years in film. I did consider a top five list, but there were too many to choose from and doing a top twenty list may have been rather excessive!

Before the good stuff though, I thought I'd choose the three worst films. Like the worst songs of the year, these were not hard decisions!

 3. Man of Steel

I have serious issue with this film but not because it's a bad film. It was just incredibly disappointing. The original Richard Donner movie is a work of art, it had bags of humour and chemistry between the leads. None of this was here, it was just way too serious and dull. Here's hoping that the planned sequal is a big improvement.

2. Crystal Fairy & The Magical Cactus

I don't like slating indie films because they don't have the budget and production values that larger studios can offer, but this film just gave me a headache. I mean, seriously, what the hell was going on???

1. The Big Wedding

This film has Robert De Niro, Susan Sarandon and Diane Keaton. What could go wrong? Everything it seems! The whole cast just seemed to be embarrased about being involved - apart from De Niro who was overracting so much I though he was going to do "jazz hands" towards the "hilarious" finale. 

Ok, that was the bad ones. Let's turn things around now and look at the best:

10.  Despicable Me 2

Absolutely hilarious! That's all I have to say, just go and watch this film and laugh your lungs out.

9. Anchorman 2

The sequal to the original had a lot to live up to and, while it wasn't as sharp or satirical as the first one, there are plenty of laughs and inspired cameos to make this film a huge pleasure to watch.

8.  The Heat

Another great comedy film. 2013 was definitely the year of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy is always brilliant. Not only was this film funny, it also had a good story. I really hope they all team up again for a sequal or three.

7.  Sunshine On Leith

Dexter Fletcher directing a musical based on songs by The Proclaimers? Not the most obvious idea for a movie but it works excellently. The cast are wonderful, the scenery of Edinburgh is just beautiful and the songs work faultlessly. There's really only one word to best describe this film - JOYOUS. 

6.  About Time

If any film was going to be divisive I never expected it to be this one. The film was slated by a lot of people and I really do not understand why. It's truly captivating, delightful and enchanting. Just ignore the "sci fi" element to the film and just enjoy the beautiful love story. If you don't believe me though, this is what Joe [@jrawly] thought:

http://www.coolmanchester.com/index.php/CM/movies/movie-reviews/movie-review-about-time

5. Pacific Rim

This film was brought to you by the same studio that brought you Man Of Steel and has everything that should have been in the Superman  movie. It was funny, had characters you end up caring about and some eye popping 3D effects. A sequal is being planned. With any luck there will be a lot of mileage in this franchise.

4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Cineworld really hammered the advertising of this film to the point of me almost not wanting to see it. Thankfully though Joe and I saw the film at a "secret preview" and it ended up being the nicest surprise of the year. Visually stunning with a lovely heart to it. Beautiful.

3.  Gravity

Most of the time when films are hyped up to the level Gravity has been over the last few months, it means that the film will ultimately be a huge disappointment (Man of Steel). However, Gravity completely lives up to all the hype and, thanks to the stunning sounds and visual effects, is more than just a movie - it's a fully immersive experience. Sandra Bullock is outstanding in the lead role, especially when you consider the actual "gravity" of the task she has been given as an actress. I saw the film at Cinewords "D Box" (http://www.d-box.com/) and it honesty incredible.

2. Saving Mr Banks

A Disney film about the origins of another Disney film doesn't sound that interesting, but Saving Mr Banks was sheer bliss thanks to a brilliant performance by Emma Thompson. I really think this was some of the best acting I have ever seen by a single person. As well as this Tom Hanks makes you believe he is Walt Disney. Seeing the story behind the book adds another level to the Mary Poppins movie. If I was in charge, I would just hand every Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA to Emma Thomson now and not bother with any other nominees.

1. Frozen

Since the release of Toy Story 3, Pixar have had a few misfires and seem to be obsessed sequals and prequals. During this time, Disney's own animation studios have been going from strength to strength with The Princess and The Frog, Tangled, Wreck it Ralph and now Frozen - one of the best movies ever to have the Disney name on it.

Based on the classic Snow Queen, the film follows the relationship of two sisters, one with rather dangerous powers. During the film we hear some amazing songs written by some of the team behind the brilliant Avenue Q and some very impressive animation. When these two things work together well is during the "Let It Go" sequence and the whole thing is dazzling.

The studio was very clever advertising the film throughout the year while at the same time not giving much away about it. It obviously worked for them as Frozen is already the most successful Disney cinema release of all time. An accolade that is fully deserved. 

So they are my choices, do you agree? Have your say in the comments section.

Tonights screening was the best without doubt. In fact, it is the best film I have seen in a very very long time. It's not out until the 4th September, but when it does come out, I would really recommend that you see it. Now I need to try and write something that gives nothing away! Lets start with a trailer.

It's not often I see a film I would watch again in the cinema after I have already seen it, but this I definitely would. From beginning to end the writing from Richard Curtis was absolutely brilliant. I think Love Actually was the last film from him that I love this much.

At the age of 21, Tim discovers he can travel in time and change what happens and has happened in his own life. His decision to make his world a better place by getting a girlfriend turns out not to be as easy as you might think.

 This is the quick description from IMDB, but it doesn't give much away, which I think is a good thing. I knew the premise but none of the story so everything that happened suprised me and in a good way.

Tim is played by the very hot Domhnall Gleeson, I certainly wouldn't say no to him. The name is an odd one, but you might recognise him as Bill Weasley from the last Harry Potter film. I would like one order of him with a side of Rupert Grint please Santa. Matthew said after the film that he reminded him of Hugh Grant and I think I agree. He a loveable character and you can't help live his life with him through the film. 

It was nice to see what I assume is the last cameo from Richard Griffiths alongside Richard E. Grant (of Doctor Who Fame )

Bill Nighy plays Tim's father, and he plays it just like you would expect Bill Nighy to play it. Excellently. From the beginning when you see him explaining the time travel thing and quite a long "fuuuuuccckkkk" to the last, very emotional scene, he makes you believe that he is that person and he can time travel.

I can't emphasise enough how much I think you would like this film. Please see it! 

If you are interested in a Cineworld Card, take a look at http://www.cineworld.com/unlimited and if  you do decide to signup, please use my promotion code which will give me a free month, and you your 13th month free! The code is RAF-62XS-16WX-63KG-51NB

I definitely give this film 11 out of 10 and will definitely be getting this when it is released on Blu Ray to watch again and again.

By Christopher Brunner

David Yow has been entertaining crowds of maniacal rock fans for decades as well as being a fine painter and digital artist. David can also really act too, with several indie movies under his belt David Yow is hungry for more.

Christopher Brunner spoke to David Yow a few weeks ago .....

Chris "Is re-invention a term that crosses your mind either consciously or sub-consciously?"

David Yow "I've been working on reinventing myself a lot lately because I've been dissatisfied with the previously invented version of me and erm so I've been taking these classes mostly for acting, and ah they’ve been really cool, sorted of erm, not exactly renaissance but you know newer better version"

Chris "Have any roles in particular taken you more out of your comfort zone than usual?"

David Yow "well it’s never comfortable that’s one of the really cool things about it is that it’s a real challenge to sorta try and step out of yourself to try and let what ever character it is that you’re playing take over"

Chris "Is it easier playing a role you can relate with?"

David Yow "I'm generally a very nice and easy going fella, and there’s a couple roles Id played, there was one in particular in a movie called ‘Al’s Beef’ where I played a con man who tortures a women’s fiancée in front of her and then shoots her in the back and that one was a lotta fun because it was really, really different than what I'm like... and so to try and sorta slip into that place
where its someone other than me is this kinda weird and magical thing, it’s never easy, and doesn’t happen that often.
I think that’s one of the main reasons that motivates me to wanna do this acting bullshit"

Chris "Are there other roles you like to branch off into?"

David Yow "Erm I used to think I wanted to play just pretty much just villains and y’know, bad guys and shit like that, but since then I've kind of realised id like to do everything. Id like to play a fairy in a Disney move, y’know anything and everything.
Do you know who Michael Shannon is?"

Chris "No"

David Yow "Have you ever watched Boardwalk Empire"?

Chris "Yeah a few times. I dug what I saw."

David Yow "He’s the weird guy what’s his name Nelson Van Alden, I think is his name (Shannon’s Character name in BoardWalk Empire),
and we’ve become friends, and he was doing this movie last year called The Ice Man which was based on a hit man named Richard Kuklinski, and Michael played Kuklinski , and he told the Director that he wanted me to be in the movie, and so the Director and I had a meeting, and there was a particular role that he thought id be perfect for he told me he couldn’t imagine anybody else playing the role better than I would.
So I was really excited, I thought this is very cool feature length movie, and all of a sudden at the last minute the producers took the role away from me and gave it to James Franco, and I just saw a screening of the movie, and I had done a video tape for the director of the movie role that I was gonna be in, and its funny, when you see the movie and you see James Franco do his part, he did it exactly like I did, and I could be wrong y’know, but I think the director showed him the tape and said ‘ok do it like this’, so I think that’s kinda funny.
So when I meet James Franco I'm gonna beat him up (laughs)"

Chris "How are your future plans looking at this point?"

David Yow "oh yeah, there’s a bunch of stuff around the corner, I'm eager, its all good. Its all very exciting, I think it’s a slow grow y’know, you can’t expect it to happen quickly, but I need, I've had a hard time trying to find some kind of representation or manager, and so I'm looking for that to happen. Its been weird because a lot of directors sought me out because of the music I did,
and I just kinda wonder well okay there’s gotta be agents who would think id be cool"

Chris "Have you worked on any exotic set locations?"

David Yow "Urm as for acting, I don’t think I've done any acting outside of the US. Done a lot of travelling, I think the coolest set I've ever been on is, a friend if mine worked on Deadwood...
and he took me along to the set there, it was amazing, the attention to detail, and just everything was really really cool"

Chris "Who were some of your early acting inspirations?"

David Yow "oh wow, er, I've been impressed with the work of Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson and hmm Steve Buscemi, erm, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, god I guess the list could go on and on, Robert De Niro. I think often times I'm more impressed with Directors . I'm a huge fan of ‘ol Stanley Kubrick and when he died I was crushed. One of the only times a famous persons died and I cared about it, it really, really bummed me out when Stanley Kubrick died
I think he’s one of the greatest artists of our time"