Author Archives: shmadwon
Do samba stars orbiting home know the risks?
As we all know, next year the biggest event in the world football calendar is taking place in Brazil. As hosts and arguably the most successful international outfit of all time, the nation of Brazil are expecting huge things from … Continue reading
The dark side of American youth makes for good viewing only now.
Usually so stereotypically portrayed through film as happy-go-lucky party addicts or perhaps even the classic ‘geek’ or ‘dork’; a series of brave films by relatively low-profile American directors helped open people’s eyes to the reality of the modern American youth. … Continue reading
Nicholson: The virtuoso who made film better than book.
Jack Nicholson is by far and away my favourite actor. His ability to create a consistent, recurrent theme of gentle insanity throughout his work while maintaining necessary personal and emotive aspects is, to me, incredibly talented. But my favourite performance … Continue reading
George Orwell’s 1984, more than just a book.
This book is one of the most influential and iconic pieces of literature the world has had the delight of reading. The author, George Orwell (born Eric Blair), was one of the most cunning and perceptive writers of his time … Continue reading
Holden Caulfield, a man before his time.
In case you’re wondering, Mr Holden Caulfield is the main character in J.D Salinger’s classic novel A Catcher in the Rye, first published in 1951. Arguably one of the most influential and successful pieces of fictional literature ever produced, it … Continue reading
Was the elusive ‘Warrior’ Hardy’s best performance so far?
Tom Hardy has to be my favourite British actor. You can forget the corny Connery and the surly Statham, Hardy produces convincing performances again and again in roles that vary in complexity and character, and the best thing is that … Continue reading
A lovely little town called Ellesmere Port.
Ellesmere Port, for the best part of 18 years I considered my home-town a barren wasteland stuck between Chester and Liverpool, and knowing which one it wanted to be closer too. I spent my youth and early manhood spending as … Continue reading
The issue of Norn Iron – Is Nigel really Worth it?
I’ve always had a soft spot for Irish international football teams, partly due to my own Irish ancestry and the sometimes unfair, domineering influence of Scottish players, pundits and managers in the game. Be it Northern Ireland or the Republic, … Continue reading
Charles Bukowski’s ‘Factotum’ – a worthwhile read?
At a mere 194 pages long, with generous text spacing and chapters consisting of as little as half a page, it has to be one of the most lightweight ‘bestsellers’ around. But is this gritty American tale of a drunken … Continue reading
Will ‘The Hobbit’ movie live up to Lord of the Rings?
I would think the immediate answer would be no, especially as I am an unbridled LotR ‘superfan’ and simply think no other book or film series will ever come near to surpassing it. However, The Hobbit is still Tolkien’s work … Continue reading
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