After earning praise and glory at both Sundance and Cannes earlier this year, Beasts of The Southern Wild arrives with plenty of expectations. And the first feature film from Benh Zeitlin does not only rise to the occasion, it turns out to be one of the real treats of the year. Based on the play Juicy and Delicious by Lucy Alibar, who co-wrote the screenplay with Zeitlin, Beasts is like nothing you've seen before. Set as a fable, but with unmistakeable roots in reality, it is nearly impossible to describe without using numerous clichès. Carried by an unforgetable performance from newcomer Quvenzhanè Wallis that is bound to break your heart, Beasts of The Southern Wild is guaranteed to make its mark as one of the finest American pictures of the year, and a sure favorite among the critics come award season.
Bond is back! After the truly awful Quantum of Solace (2008) it is a joy to report that Skyfall, the return of 007 is also a smashing return to form for the worlds favorite agent. Marking the 50th anniversairy of the franchise, director Sam Mendes brings a welcome touch of elegance and class back to the series. In his third outing Daniel Craig puts in a performance that should put all the sceptics to bed once and for all. His Bond is vulnerable, but hard. Tired, but determined. Craig is terrific and makes the James Bond of 2012 the most engaging take on the character since the glory days of Connery. And in Javier Bardem, Mendes has found the most memorable villain since Richard Kiel's Jaws in the 80s. Top it off with the finest camerawork in the franchise's history, by Coen brothers regular Roger Deakins, you get one of the finest action dramas of the year, that just happens to be a Bond movie.
This month has seen Homeland hit home for its second season. Five episodes in, the sophmore season proves to come packed with even more nerve, drama and excitement than the first one. The creators have really decided to go all out, focusing on thrills more than anything else, and with the terrific Damian Lewis and Claire Danes leading the line-up it does so with great success, making this the most intense and exciting show on television at the moment.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS OCTOBER:
One of the most pleasant and enjoyable Norwegian releases this year is Mikhael Paskalevs self titled debut EP. The 25 year old singer / songwriter makes both catchy and memorable pop music, and brings charm and plenty of talent to a genre that is often overwhelmed by mediocrity. Despite a modest four tracks, the record contains plenty to enjoy. Paskalev wears both his indie and slightly more aggressive rocking boots well, and does more than enough to convince that he is one of the key talents to watch upon our own shores.
Come Home to Mama is the fourth album from Martha Wainwright, who with every single release has proved that her familys talent were not given exclusively to her brother or father. After her previous record, the sombre celebration of Edith Piaf, and 2005s brilliantly titled, and more intense, I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too, her new album comes with a bit more sunshine and is considerably lighter on its feet. Wainwrights particular style, influenced by early folk and recent pop music especially, is both heartwarming and thoughtful and comes wrapped in newfound rewards with every visit.
Despite coming out earlier this year, the second EP from London outfit Daughter went unnoticed to this writer. The Wild Youths four tracks is a wonderful, and stronger, follow-up to the bands debut His Young Heart from last year. The trio play an emotional, honest and very attractive form of folk rock tunes, supported by well written lyrics and a lovely voice from frontlady and founder Elena Tonra. Their two EPs has made such an impact that their first full lenght album has become one of the most anticipated records to this writer. Have a listen to Youth, and you will quickly understand why.
