Monthly Archives: June 2009

Johnny Depp became a fan of Dillinger on Public Enemies

Marion Cotillard and Johnny Depp in Public Enemies, opening July 1 This preview appeared in the May issue of Cue Entertainment where there wasn’t room to mention that the music in “Public Enemies” is by the great Oscar-winning composer Elliot … Continue reading

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Year One opens the book on biblical gags

Michael Cera and Jack Black in ‘Year One,’ which opens in the UK today This preview of “Year One” appeared in the April edition of Cue Entertainment By Ray Bennett Jack Black explains his new film like this: “ ‘Year … Continue reading

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Magic and mischief in Ron Base’s novel, The Strange

By Ray Bennett Few writers know Hollywood better than my friend Ron Base. As a reporter, film critic, magazine writer, screenwriter and novelist, he has explored the magic of the movies in many ways. But Base knows his history too … Continue reading

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James Nesbitt shines in BBC's Iraq drama, Occupation

James Nesbitt plays a veteran soldier whose experience in Iraq draws him back By Ray Bennett James Nesbitt has come a long way since he first attracted notice in ITV’s “Cold Feet” in 1987 and he shows that he’s become … Continue reading

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New Transformers is loud and colorful but not very bright

Megan Fox and Shia LeBeouf in ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ By Ray Bennett LONDON — Designed to give devoted fans of the 2007 “Transformers,” which grossed more than $700 million worldwide, more of the same, Michael Bay‘s sequel “Transformers: … Continue reading

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Helen Mirren disappointing in ineffectual Phedre

Helen Mirren as Phedre at the National Theatre thru Aug. 27 Photo: Catherine Ashmore By Ray Bennett LONDON — The National Theatre‘s production of Jean Racine‘s tragedy “Phedre,” in a version by British poet Ted Hughes, is so full of … Continue reading

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Robots return in Michael Bay's Transformers sequel

‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ has its UK premier tonight and opens Friday This preview appeared in the April edition of Cue Entertainment By Ray Bennett Michael Bay’s fantasy action adventure “Transformers” grossed more than $700 million worldwide in 2007 … Continue reading

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Looking for Eric is a result for Ken Loach

Eric Cantona toots his own horn hilariously for Steve Evets in ‘Looking For Eric’ Ken Loach‘s very funny “Looking For Eric” opens in the United Kingdom today. You don’t need to be a Manchester United fan to enjoy its mix … Continue reading

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Beale brilliant in Shakespeare, Chekhov double-bill

Sinead Cusack and Simon Russell Beale in ‘The Cherry Orchard’ at the Old Vic By Ray Bennett LONDON – Simon Russell Beale leads a splendid British and American cast in William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” and Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: Tom Stoppard’s finest, ‘Arcadia’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – There are many terrific productions on currently in London’s West End but none is better than the revival of “Arcadia” at the Duke of York’s theatre, which is revealed as probably Tom Stoppard’s finest play. … Continue reading

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