Michael Gandolfini is goosebump-inducing as the young Tony Soprano, amid race riots and antagonism towards rival African American gangsMaybe it was inevitable that the greatest TV show in history should spawn a feature-length prequel that is somehow di…
Arrested development: why are adults still playing high-schoolers on screen?
The casting of 27-year-old Ben Platt to play a 17-year-old in Dear Evan Hansen is the latest example of a weird trend that shows no sign of abatingBy all accounts, Dear Evan Hansen has plenty of problems to contend with. Transplanted to cinema from its…
Screenwriters directory
The Writers Guild of America “Find a Writer” search is fun. IMDb has a ton of ads these days and the WGA site is, in contrast, calm and text-based. See TV and movie writing credits for writers such as Naren Shankar, Gretchen J. Berg, Glen A. Larson, Su…
Emmys 2021: Ted Lasso and The Crown triumph
The big night for TV saw triumphs for Brits – including Olivia Colman, Kate Winslet and Michaela Coel – yet a diversity problem remainsThe 73rd Emmy awards mostly stuck to the predicted script on Sunday, celebrating favorites Ted Lasso, The Queen’s Gam…
Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie and Tupac review – a rueful return to Death Row
Nick Broomfield revisits the deadly hip-hop beef he covered in 2002’s Biggie and Tupac and uncovers deeper truths about AmericaAmid a bleakly compelling film, the climactic scene of Nick Broomfield’s Biggie and Tupac, released in 2002, was particularly…
Vigil episode five recap – back to its best after being all at sea
The penultimate episode of the maritime thriller had more drive, more energy and a sharper focus than we’ve seen in recent weeks, paving the way for a gripping finaleSpoiler alert: this blog is for those watching Vigil on BBC One. Don’t read on unless …
John Challis: versatile actor celebrated for a signature snicker
Star of Only Fools and Horses became part of sitcom aristocracy and was also a classy raconteurThe used-car dealer whose forecourt it would be wise to drive past at speed is a social and cultural stereotype. However, the comedy Rolls-Royce of the profe…
Nino Castelnuovo obituary
Actor best known for playing Guy Foucher in the French musical film classic The Umbrellas of CherbourgThe actor Nino Castelnuovo, who has died aged 84, starred in one of the indisputable masterpieces of 1960s French cinema: Jacques Demy’s heartbreaking…
Only Fools And Horses actor John Challis dies aged 79
Man who played Boycie in the beloved BBC sitcom had cancer and died ‘peacefully in his sleep’The Only Fools And Horses actor John Challis has died “peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer”, his family have said.Challis was best-known f…
TV presenter Julia Bradbury reveals she has breast cancer
Broadcaster best known for work on Countryfile urges women to check their breastsThe television presenter Julia Bradbury has announced she has breast cancer, and urged other women to check their breasts and seek help if they notice any changes.The 51-y…