West Side Story/Romeo and Juliet

Christopher Nolan’s 2017 movie ‘Dunkirk’ is a solid movie, but sub-par by his standards. I briefly discuss where it stands amongst his other movies and war movies, before moving on to a debate about whether memorable ads are automatically effective or not. Then my recommendation and a ‘War and Peace’ update to finish as always.

Clare Atkins’ novel ‘Between Us’ presents us with personal and interpersonal conflict over the top of cultural, gender and socio-economic issues. Great read, and timely too in the wake of the George Floyd protests. Then Ad of the Week, my recommendation and an actual ‘War and Peace’ update.

How is it that the 1961 musical adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is the best version of Shakespeare’s play? And I don’t even like musicals that much! Plus a poorly planned ad of the week, fun and light-hearted recommendation, and an update for ‘War and Peace’ (hint- there’s no real update this week).

‘Birdman’ left me as conflicted as its main character, and I wrestle with my feelings about it. As much as I love a good Batman joke, was this film worthy of Best Picture? Plus sexism in deodorant ads, a great recommendation and the usual ‘War and Peace’ update

Ernest Cline’s novel ‘Ready Player One’ is a nostalgia-ridden book that captures the pop-culture of the 80s adeptly. Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation is no different. I rave about it for a little while, and also address some of the flaws, before a Star Wars themed ad of the week, more nostalgic texts in my recommendation, and a ‘War and Peace’ wrap up as usual.

In 2010, two movies produced by Dreamworks focusing on villains becoming good guys were released. One was Despicable Me, which spawned multiple sequels and a minion merchandise empire. The other was Megamind, a movie strangely overlooked and forgotten in the decade since. Yet Megamind has a few areas where it excels that Despicable Me doesn’t. Then the usual line up of segments: Ad of the Week, Recommendation, and War and Peace

Spike Lee’s BlackKKlansman brings to light our (lack of) progress around racism, tolerance and equality, while car ads continue to perpetuate sexism. Plus a new segment where I recommend a fun little game, and War and Peace to conclude, as always.

Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Parasite’ is a ground breaking movie that doesn’t let up. Although I don’t think it will be a great teaching resource, there’s still a lot we can learn from it. Then Ad of the Week and War and Peace to conclude

The 2018 documentary ‘Free Solo’ was gripping and had me on edge! But all puns aside, it is a terrific doco. Then ad of the week and ‘War and Peace’ to conclude.

Covering the four Daniel Craig Bond films, and how incredible “Skyfall” is as a movie, let alone its place as a Bond film. Another ad of the week segment with the usual finish at “War and Peace.”