"Tenth of December", by George Saunders

Short stories, 2013

Short story collection of surprising and stylishly varied content. Some of the pieces are absolutely captivating and hugely thought provoking - others a little less so. Overall, there's a high standard,
with society scrutinised and human frailties writ large. "The Semplica Girls" and "Escape from Spiderland" are particularly effective in showing how much of a veneer human relations can present and how easily they can fall apart and expose societal norms. When this packs a punch, it really packs a punch.

"What We Do in the Shadows", directed Jermaine Clement, Taika Waititi

Film, 2014

Mockumentary about four flat-sharing vampires and their interactions with two newcomers, one of whom is turned into a vampire and one - the hilariously popular Stu - who isn't. This preposterous set up sits on top of some occasionally almost understated humour and some amusing scenes, most notably in the face-off between the vampires and a werewolf gang. There's plenty of gore giving a contemporary feel, and although this is very neat, controlled and full of genre jokes, this is a blood and guts gentle comedy which is full of laughs.

"The Dark Holds No Terrors", by Shashi Deshpande

Novel, 1980

A story of a career woman whose encounters at home, both when growing up and then in marriage, present her with huge emotional issues. This is a story of how aspirations and rising above preassigned social roles aren't purely about breaking barriers, but also about huge toil and pressures on relationships. An easy book to get into with a strong narrative voice, and the suspicion, often peering out of the psychological undergrowth, that perhaps things aren't exactly as they seem.

"Midnight's Children", by Salman Rushdie

Novel, 1981



Towering novel, charting the story of the main narrator, Saleem Sinai and the formation and early history of India and Pakistan following partition in 1948. This is a book which needs a level of immersion, although despite the narrative tricks and freewheeling scenes and relationships between characters, it's not overly smart or tricksy. So, a great balance in a tome which punches a huge emotional and political weight, while taking the reader on a life journey, both of the main character, the other 'children' of the title and the sub-continent. Richly rewarding.

"Absolutely Anything", directed by Terry Jones

Movie, 2015

Slight, puffy comedy which never hits its stride, never really delivers the killer laugh, but at the same time, isn't that bad a film. Absolutely Anything feels like an outdated situation comedy with a touch of ludicrous science-fiction with a wheezing plot and daft devices. Still, it's neither a film which demands to be taken too seriously, nor is it savage satire. Overall, the commendable points are slightly lost and just outshot by the less successful points. But really, not that bad.

"The Man from U.N.C.L.E.", directed by Guy Ritchie

Movie, 2015

Sleek, shiny, inevitable cash-in on the 1960s spy thriller, whose production, politically, comes at a very interesting time. This is a film whose tongue is quite rightfully and respectfully in its cheek, but which isn't  as warm or charming as its source material. For all its slick delivery, the twenty-first century version feels hurried and stuck together. The conversion of Illya Kuyakin to a muscle bound intellectual doesn't entirely work, while Napolean precariously wavers between smug and charming. Perhaps it's meant to be; and the film, despite shortcomings, is very entertaining.

"The Rum Diary", by Hunter S Thompson

Novel, 1998

Pre-Gonzo and pretty straightforward story of a journalist boozing, fighting and 'loving' his way through Puerto Rico. This is Hunter S Thompson long before the hilarious twitching paranoia and cynicism of his more celebrated writing. This book's fine, although feels very sketchy in places, exactly as if markers were being left to finish later. While enjoyable enough, the novel doesn't hold a candle to later work, which is far more gusty, gutsy and original. Still, a diverting read and an easy one too.

"You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger", directed by Woody Allen

Movie, 2010

Even what feels like a slightly underwritten Woody Allen film hits home harder than most social comedies, which is certainly the case in this story of a set of couples teetering between, in and out of relationships.
Allen's films usually end with loose ends addressed if not always neatly tied and characters often getting what's coming to them. This isn't wholly the case here, which isn't to the film's detriment. But still, the plot development is easy for the most of the film, with an endearing, warm set of character. An enjoyable watch.