Crave - A Review

4 people in a space. Are they all representing the same person at different stages of life? Are they simply strangers? Or best friends?
Their emotions run wild as they use Sarah Kane's poetic words to tell their stories and communicate seductively,  passionately and brutally raw with one another. Relay what you have experienced, tell what you know. Share, confess, beg. 4 people in a space. All connected somehow, all discussing the same thing; Love. Life. Pain. Death. All that was. All that is. And all that is to come. Kane's poetic technique is divine, powerfully forcing an audience into a hypnotised silence that hold onto every single syllable. Spoken with pure articulation that leaves breath caught somewhere between your lungs and your lips. Entrancing and beautiful. Romantic and violent. Mixture of emotions thats snaps you away from the real world, for just a short duration of time.

What: Sarah Kane's Crave
Who: Hypnotist Theatre
When: Thursday 12th June
Where: Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford.

The long awaited "The Radio" Review

Full of charming characters and humour 'The Radio' brings us an entirely new twist on life. 

Jonathan Lee welcomes us into a family which, like many, has it's secrets and dark stories. We watch as characters grow into new shoes and become much bolder. 

Written in a smooth flowing way this book traps you and keeps you intrigued to know more. 

I enjoyed the comedy element of this book. It was genuinely a laugh out loud read. Although there are some heavy moments that prick your eyes with tears, these are significant to the story and, once you get through them, the book reveals a really lovely tale. 

I just have to mention George is such a loveable character. Everything about him makes my heart warm. I can't wait to read more about the Poppletons! 

Relatable characters who you can picture living next door, laugh out loud moments injected with the blues and an ending that you do not expect. An all round great read written by a fantastic author. 

We're The Millers

Once upon a time there was a drug dealer who couldn't afford to pay his debts. He is therefore forced into smuggling drugs across the Mexican border so creates his own family to help him succeed the impossible task. Made up of a stripper, a virgin, a runaway and himself the four of them come face to face with plenty of obstacles to keep you on the edge of your seats at times or head thrown back gasping for air from too much laughter. 

Rawson Marshall Thurber, director of 'We're The Millers' treats us to a modern, boundary pushing comedy that leaves you with a stitch in your side. 

Jason Sudeikis performs to distinction with his witty sense of humour but arrogant demeanour. But my fingers just want to type about Jennifer Aniston. My how she has changed! Going from a 'Friends' star she has become much naughtier on film, boys please hold on to your "helmets"! 'We're The Millers' shows off Aniston's talent for diversity, along with a lot more being shown off. She is fearlessly sexy and good on her I say. 

Will Poulter, for me, made that film. His role as Kenny, an awkward virgin with a heart of gold, was spot on. Hilariously funny but maintains a sympathetic vote from the audience throughout. Priceless. 

Even Emma Roberts adapts her usual squeamish teen girl into something else. I feel these four actors were completely stripped out of their comfort zone and boldly experimented playing a new role.  

The film on the whole was better than I expected. It was also a lot more shocking than I thought as the cast obliterate the fences between acceptable and pushing the limits. Most of it was based on an unrealistic story line but the plot was really entertaining and I laughed through pretty much all of it. 

I would definitely recommend this be on your September Cinema list. It's already on my Christmas list! 

The Best Parts Of My Bookshelf

So as a reviewer my interest falls mainly on books/films/music and I guess I wanted to go through each of these - at different times - and discuss my favourites. So this blog entry brings you the three top titles on my bookshelf and why. 

Maybe it should be entitled "Why Cecelia Ahern is my Favourite Author" because most of my favourite titles come from her mind, but I'll just pick my favourite book by her (tough decision) and discuss that one, and then move on to a different author. But just so you know this is going to be difficult... 

Top Title Number 3 is Matt Haig's The Humans. This book is borrowed which sadly means it cannot live on my shelf forever but I am certainly considering buying my own copy to keep for when times get rough. Because Haig writes as if he knows all your problems and helps you through them with his words. 

Professor Andrew Martin solves the seemingly impossible mathematical problem but disappears. Found wandering naked along a motorway he seems different. Even his wife and son find him to be inhumane. Can he prevent himself from killing all those connected with his findings? Is peanut butter really invented by such a terrible race? The Humans is the reason for the phrase 'weird and wonderful'. 

Top Title Number 2 has to be Suzanne Collins - The Hunger Games Trilogy. 

Being part of the poorest district doesn't benefit anyone, especially Katniss Everdeen when she is called up to fight in a battle where 24 go in but only 1 returns. 

My heart stopped quite a few times whilst reading this book. The lead roles are relatable and I pictured myself in Katniss' position countless of times as I watched her story unfold. What would I do in that situation? Who would I trust if I was her? I fell in love with this book, and that love only grew after reading Catching Fire and Mockingjay. It's got action, emotion and romance all packed into one. 

But the crowned winner, Top Title Number 1 is Cecelia Ahern - If You Could See Me Now. 

Elizabeth Egan leads a busy lifestyle, running her own business whilst looking after her sisters son, Luke. She doesn't have friends and a man is the last thing on her mind. 

Ivan, fun loving, spontaneous and always seeking an adventure to embark on, finds himself befriending Luke and soon enough Elizabeth too. He helps her rekindle with aspects of her life she considered to be lost. But is Ivan too good to be true?

This heart warming and imaginative tale is what Cecelia Ahern is all about. Leaving you hanging onto every word and never wanting the stories that she writes to end. I found myself reading this book again and again and every time experiencing a different emotion. I would happily read it more too because it just doesn't get boring. It's a beautiful piece of fiction that I love having on my bookshelf, close to hand. 

So there you have it. My three top titles on my bookshelf at the moment. Each different from one another in so many ways but all fantastic reads carrying ingenious twists, which I recommend you discover when you get the chance. 

What are your favourite books on your shelf? 

Leave me a comment below :) 

"Valfader..."

Valfader took me longer than usual to produce a review for as they are not something I would personally choose to listen to. After hearing the EP, quite a few times, I have come to appreciate their talent on instruments, their style of music, but I won’t be buying the songs. Don’t get me wrong they have done a fantastic job. The music is impressive, merging together heavy riffs with melodic sections. They are clearly influenced by an array of bands which is a must, in my eyes, when writing music. So what is it that’s stopping me from wanting to hear more? Let’s go through the EP and I’ll reveal it, just as it was revealed to me.  

‘Whispers of Chaos’, title track of the EP, grants us an exciting opening. The music tells a story and it’s as though these guys are clever and capable at expressing themselves through sounds produced solely by their instruments - a great talent to posses, especially when fashioning metal music. The song builds up and up, climaxing with epic guitar solos and heavy beats. Valfader’s heavy genre is laid out on the table with this instrumental track and I was enjoying the sound...
‘Green Sleeps’ then takes over and is again formed from really good instrumental work. However, we get our first taste of the Vocalist and I feel this seriously weakens Valfader’s sound. For me, I’m hearing someone trying to produce Korn’s Jonathan Davis style with their vocals and it just isn’t working. It’s not powerful enough. I must emphasise the music on this track is insanely good and again climaxes with distinction. But i’m sorry to say the vocals broke my excitement for the band. 
‘DMT’, in it’s ten minute length, reiterates the bands skill for writing music. Although, my critique towards the vocalist becomes more evidential. The singing is bearable but the metal roars he produces just sound like an angry man shouting. His technique needs to be practiced and bettered if I was honest, and I speak from a very metal background. I feel as though he is trying to be as epic as the bands music, but just can’t keep up with the intensity. 
‘Sacred Spiral’ evaluates the EP to be made up of skilled playing, with the band masterfully mixing their instruments sounds to harmonise and create this chaotic yet pleasurable noise.  

It’s good, it’s really good, but my ears were begging for the vocalist to stop or be replaced by something better. Valfader should write instrumental music for films such as 300 and Saw! Their music is fitting for this job because their music is epic enough to compete with the scenes of these types of films. My concern however is not only the voice, but also the lengths of their songs, eight minutes being the shortest and eleven minutes the longest. They go on, and the voice is weak so unless the EP is being produced as atmospheric music for a metal venue, I worry for their sales. I hate to sound unfair or cruel, maybe it is just because this genre Valfader presents just doesn’t ‘do it’ for me. I would still love to see them live because I can imagine the room gets completely taken over by a madness Valfader surely brings to a stage. They like things to be big and good for them, metal deserves to be EPIC and they certainly bring that to the table. I just hope something is done about the vocalist before their journey up the ladder is continued and inevitably ended before reaching the top. 
Well done guys, I still think you deserve a great pat on the back. You’re experienced and have a lot of passion for music, which is demonstrated in your efforts.   

Check Valfader out and let me know your views in the comment box below:
www.facebook.com/valfader

A Night Full of Thrill ... Collins

A three piece band from Cheltenham take the stage in The Bell, Bicester. There are cheers roaring around the room and then a slap of the double bass from Andrew, a strum of the guitar from Robbie and a bang of the cajon from Pete. Then for the next forty five minutes we are immersed into a sound that is just so god damn awesome!! 

These guys are tight, energetic and a lot of fun to be around. Even an ‘Emo’ would agree! With their diverse covers that range anywhere between Whitney Houston to Pendulum. Peter Andre to Will Smith. All of them updated to meet the fresh and current demands of the music market. The only weak point I have to mention is that every song is revised to the same style of music so it can become a little too repetitive up there. But the boys are sure to include something unique in every song which keeps me, and hopefully other mean reviewers, off their backs about the repeated chords. Thrill Collins, despite this, are on their way to success having already played in multiple countries and even for royalty! They were a pleasure to dance about to. 

Now, lets get serious... Sure, fun is fun but the real question: are they any good? Well I have to be honest folks - it’s my job as a reviewer to review what I see. To be brutally truthful, Thrill Collins are absolutely amazing! The music they perform reaches so many different tastes so there is no doubt in my mind that if you (whoever you are) went to see them tonight you would enjoy their vibrant energy, still defying stage presence and imaginations, like I did. They have so much passion which literally bursts on to the scene and gets everyone bouncing along to their music. They demonstrate great skill and technique with their instruments and their vocals. They even attempted three way harmonies and, I’m happy to say, achieved with distinction. I also want to focus on how clever they are; they add comic value to their set, for example putting on voices, creating sounds effects with their vocals and add libbing to really connect with their audience. 

Thrill Collins is a group who will get any crowd moving and singing along - even to those embarrassing songs no one wants to admit that they know! They are very well rehearsed and have a fantastic bond with one another. If you are an aspiring musician I really do suggest having a word with these guys, they’re friendly and fun and clearly so enthusiastic about what they do. Well done Pete, Andrew and Robbie, I can’t wait to see you perform again. BOOM they literally shake shake the room!! 

www.thrillcollins.co.uk

Maxwell Lewis - A Total Surprise

Well, this was totally unexpected for me! I was kind of predicting a chilled out, acoustic, slow paced sound when Maxwell asked me to review his music, but my gosh was I happily surprised with what actually came out of my speakers. Maxwell, through hours of hard work (I can imagine), has self written and recorded some really catchy tracks. They have a raw element which attracts me more to his material. It’s fresh, fun and makes you just want to get up and have a little dance. 

‘All Day Long’ was the first title I listened to and so I will start here. The opening, with its enchanting, atmospheric piano, is good but as soon as Max’s voice was audible a smile grew on my face. Accompanied by Charlton Allen, a skilled and very current rapper, this song completely exceeded my expectations. And it just gets better. ‘Put You Down’ is the most downloaded track and I can see why. With its catchy beats and current vibe, who wouldn’t want that keeping them company in their everyday lives? ‘So Good’ lives up to it’s name through being just that! It’s fresh, fast paced and relatable in the eyes of the youth today. Even the one minute unfinished track holds great potential. It actually reminded me of a theme tune for a Nintendo game from the 90’s. 

Maxwell know’s exactly what he’s doing when creating and developing his music. It’s skillfully crafted together to generate a vibrant sound that could seriously get somewhere big. Right up my street with Maxwell’s talented singing and Charlton’s clever raps - I sense a duet should be formed. Keep going my friend, release an EP and watch the likes on your Facebook multiply! 

Like, Love, Share:

https://soundcloud.com/maxwell-lewis

http://www.youtube.com/user/maxwellgregorylewis

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maxwell-Lewis-Music/238644842878670

Pump Action Radio

I’ve just been teleported back to my younger days when I was into the emo-punk scene. And it was enjoyable! I am excited for this bands future... 
The EP is catchy with every song livelier than the last! It’s the CD you need when you want to fling yourself around your room in a dance type motion. The boys passion rings in your ears when you hear their version of the ever popular punk-pop sound. 

The energetic EP opens with ‘Famous’, a catchy track consisting of Punky vocals and exciting riffs. ‘Cheating Perfection’ takes over with an entrancing melody soon joined by upbeat rhythm. Track three ‘The Difference’ opens weakly but don’t be put off because after the first ten seconds we’re returned to the comfort of Pump Action Radio’s funky patterns. This song will increase interest as Jim’s thrilling range of vocals are unveiled. Finally, ‘Pow! Right in the Kisser’ releases its impressively exhilarating noise to give you one last chance to casually fall in love with this band’s sheer talent. This is my favourite track on the EP because it’s lively, passionate and is made up of rock, punk and pop. 

Another fast paced, potent band to join the journey to fame. With vocals that spur on energy within. Guitarists whose sound could turn the most stuck up chav princess into a dirty little rocker. And rhythm who assists in fashioning this astounding quartet the pathway to a bright future in music. The best punk-pop band I’ve witnessed in a long time, guaranteed to meet the tastes of many. I will be looking into catching you on your tour boys because I can only imagine the liveliness you bring to a room, and I for one want to be there to experience it. 

http://pumpactionradio.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/pumpactionradio

Dirty Thrills - My New Guilty Pleasure

The name Dirty Thrills, I don’t know about you, made me think of getting thrills through dirty means - use your imagination here. However, having listened to this successful quartets EP they have quickly become a bit of a guilty pleasure for my ears. The dirty relates to their combination of heavy riffs, vocals that, hand on heart, I was NOT expecting and their modern blues meets rock ‘n’ roll swagger. As for the thrills? Well, you just listen to this EP and try not to be blown away by their clear talent and passion for music making. 

Let’s look at it track by track. ‘Shivers’, yes I got lots! The music is catchy and smart. ‘Growing Young’, harmonies, relatable lyrics and best of all - the doo doo’s!! For those of you who don’t know, you sing the doo doo’s in your song and I will love it! ‘Drunk Words’, a mixture of intense noise, melodies and vocals that prove just how amazing Louis is with his range. In my notes I wrote ‘A proper good rock song’ because it grasps all the elements you expect to find in rock with bursts of innovative features to really keep you on your toes. Finally, ‘You’re in Trouble’; the name already intriguing me, making me wonder who’s in trouble? What did they do? The opening just continued to grip me more before the cleverly crafted lyrics came into play. The Dirty Thrills EP is one of those rarities where each song is as good as the last. It’s diverse enough to listen to again and again and notice something different each time.  

It fresh, it’s original, it’s exciting, it’s everything I look for in an upcoming band. We’re granted a vocalist who’s voice is sexy, powerful and full of rock. Guitarists who could hypnotise you with their groovy yet edgy styles. The rhythm turns its attention to low, solid ranges, acting as the frame in which the band sit. Together, complimenting each other, Dirty Thrills just had me witnessing a fun, thrilling electricity that’s made me want to listen to the EP over and over. Come and liven up my hometown with your music boys! 

Follow them, like them, tweet them but most of all LOVE them! 

http://www.reverbnation.com/dirtythrills

https://www.facebook.com/DirtyThrills

www.twitter.com/dirtythrills

www.youtube.com/dirtythrills

James Blowers - A Review

“It is here we truly hear Blowers’ range and discover a star in this musical generation.”

Combining skilled guitar and talented vocals, James Blowers succeeds in the eye of current music. From the town of Bicester, Oxfordshire emerges a fresh take on the acoustic scene. 

Self described as Indie/folk, Blowers’ latest four track EP, Submarine, was written, mixed and produced by himself, in the comfort of his own bedroom! Not that this is something we pick up on as listeners. Having regularly performed with this guy I can already recommend you catch him at one of his shows, but if you don’t have the time please check out his music here: www.jamesblowers.com

 Submarine, the EP, opens with a lovely, ambient melody and is quickly joined by vocals, which hold a shocking similarity to Dave Macpherson’s tone (InMe lead vocalist).  Monarchy of 1 consists of clever lyrics and artful composition. It introduces and gives you a great insight to Blowers’ musical genre. My only uncertainty to this song is the scratching of the guitar we hear as Blowers moves his fingers, skillfully, along the neck. However, to some this can be seen as an adroit effect which provides a raw awareness to the music and so I will keep my mouth shut! 
Track number two, Believe, is lyrically my favourite. Blowers has conversations with shooting stars and oak trees and expresses his belief in being free. It is here we truly hear Blowers’ range and discover a star in this musical generation. 
Submarine, I know, is favoured by many of Blowers’ fans for its fast pace, exciting guitar patterns and relatable lyrics. The emotion to this song is also layered on thick with his expressions of pleading, rushing and smiling at the sea. 
Finally, we come to Something in the Water. Another masterpiece to really top off the EP. This is also, for me, the most catchiest tune on the CD. 

Blowers has clearly spent a lot of time working on his music, perfecting it to reach a level of distinction. He overlays his voice to produce echoes, harmonises his guitar picking with strums and articulates words of wisdom, knowledge and beliefs. For a flavour of great upcoming music I recommend you log into www.jamesblowers.com and witness this all for yourself. This EP took me back to my Damien Rice days where my bedroom was filled with candles and I just lay on my bed listening to the sweet sounds and tried to envision a better place. It is relatable, catchy and a vision of what I want to see more of in musics future. 

Congratulations to James Blowers, your path to self discovery has not been wasted as you share with us a piece of your life and clear talent for music writing. 

Busk Your Heart Out

Normally on Bicester’s Sheep Street you can observe youths hanging around, business people marching and shoppers on the prowl for latest trends. This weekend however was different, this weekend In Your Honour burst onto the scene, allowing everyone a musical delight as they pass by. Self described as a “beach pop sound”, In Your Honour are a three-piece band from Bicester, Oxfordshire made up of lead vocalist Amie Johnson, Guitarist and vocalist Karl Herring and Cajon player Paul Bray. Whilst In Your Honour performed an array of covers and originals, locals were spotted singing and dancing along, taking photos and even donating money to the band. Amie’s voice has been described as “powerful” and “diverse in range” which she harmonises with Karl’s buoyant riffs and Paul’s intricate beats. In Your Honour’s self written songs are carefully organised to release a contagious mood that brings cheer to all its listeners. Even the covers are rearranged to grant you an upbeat adaptation of the original. The threesome successfully created an energetic vibe that flowed through the town like a breath of fresh air, bringing folk to life. Saturday 29^th June proved In Your Honour to be an exciting band to listen to and watch with their quirky songs, and non stagnant performance. Bicester should be proud to house such a fantastic group of talent. 

The band is available for an assortment of occasions; weddings, festivals, parties etc. They have also hinted at a promising EP release later on this year, but until then here’s a YouTube link you can visit them on: www.youtube.com/inyourhonourband. 
www.soundcloud.com/inyourhonourband
www.facebook.com/inyourhonourband
www.twitter.com/in_your_honour

Photographed by Jamie Meadows.

One Hundred Names - Cecelia Ahern

‘Ps I Love You’, ‘If You Could See Me Now’, ‘A Place Called Here’; three of my many favourite titles, each written by the uniquely talented Cecelia Ahern. An Irish born author who succeeds with her creative imagination. Designing original ideas that excite her readers through granting them an exclusive look at a world where they can use her words to face their fears, answer some of life's unavoidable questions and relate to her characters emotional states. She has taken me to a world where imaginary friends are real and a place where everything that’s ever gone missing, including people, end up. ‘One Hundred Names’, however, is a little bit more realistic. 

‘One Hundred Names’ begins in an emotional place. Kitty Logan, a journalist whos career has been faulted by a scandal, is to loose the woman who taught her everything she knows about writing to cancer, something a lot of people can relate to. Whilst at her bedside Kitty curiously asks ‘what is the one story she always wanted to write?’ Kitty finds the answer consists of a list of one hundred names, no explanation or connections between these people. Kitty returns to the hospital to quiz her friend but is too late. Back at work she is assigned the task of writing the story for her friend and this is where the books pace picks up. 

We follow Kitty through her rare ups and many downs with finding these one hundred people and solving their connections. I found myself reading into late hours of the night to discover the secrets Ahern teases you with. After each chapter I thought I’d cracked the code only to read on and find that none of my guesses were right. It is a fantastic book to keep your mind ticking!

On our journey we meet many more of Ahern's wonderful characters and learn their individual stories; from a shy, retired woman to a man who hears other peoples prayers. These intriguing characters in Kitty's world made me plead for Kitty to befriend them. But there were those who I wanted to reach into the pages and strangle!! This is an important component in any book, I find; the authors ability to make readers react to their words. To trigger an emotion from each reader about each character. The best authors know how to excite their readers to the point that they are trying to hide their grin, that stretches from ear to ear, whilst on the public bus to work. Sadden them to the point of crying in bed, surrounded by snotty tissues. Relieve them with a happy ending, adding in plenty of surprises to keep them on their toes, wanting to know more. All very key features that, I think, makes a book good reading material. And whilst Ahern succeeds these things in this work, for me, it is not Ahern’s best. It was too realistic for Ahern. She needs to revert back to her dreamlike story lines that immerse readers into a fictional creation that leaves them wondering how she comes up with such fantastic ideas and unthinkable twists. Although this isn’t shown as much in ‘One Hundred Names’ I would still say it’s worth a read due to it’s unexpected ending which tugged at the heart strings and left me with one final feeling; hope. 

Cecelia Ahern, in my eyes, you are up there with the great writers. You continue to please me with your words and every time you announce a new book I wonder (excitedly) what it will possibly be about! So, if you ever fancy a good read and enjoy comedy, romance, mystery and relatable story lines, but also have lots of imagination to spend, pick up ‘One Hundred Names’ or any of Ahern's collection. You won't be disappointed.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - A Review

Aging is a funny thing. Growing old, watching the lines in your face gradually deepen, etching your skin with hints of your past for all to see. Darkened pupils, sat back in your eyes that now droop, are complimented by the sliver tones lightening your hair. Everything you do seems to take longer as you drag your heavy feet across the floor, getting more out of breath with every step. Time slows along with everything else and daytime TV can’t occupy your mind much longer. Your home becomes a prison as it proves to be too much effort for you to leave. Well it’s no wonder aging becomes not just a “funny thing” but actually quite a scary fate for us all. Something so definite, so inevitable, can really play on ones mind. This is why I recommend The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - for the elderly and beautiful! 

If this place was real I’d be booking my tickets now, counting down the days to my escape to old age. 

Filmed with the intention to take you on a once in a life time adventure, we travel to India with a cast that truly harmonise together beautifully. We follow them as they each create their own interpretations of the countries stunning culture and experience all it’s traditions. Watching through tears of hysterics as they ride tuk-tuk’s to get them from place to place, taste the Inidian cuisine (also seeing the after-effects of eating it!) and try their best to haggle with the locals.

The only possibility of having to try to catch your breath (asides from during the many outbursts of laughter) is when witnessing the breath taking views of India the camera so kindly allows us. The bright burst of colours we see as it glides through the busy streets. The wonderful landscapes and monuments the country is momentous for. An absolute treat for the eyes.

Riddled with emotions, some of which I have never felt, the film creates an overwhelming sensation that seemed to come in waves with perfect timed intervals between each one, allowing each sense to be tapped into and pleased. 

The Director, John Madden, sucessfully presents a film full of joy and energy combined with scenes of sadness and trouble to fabricate a recipe for funny, heart warming action that leaves you feeling happy and excited to take the next step towards the rest of your life. 

An inspiring and spectacular account of seven retired English people beginning their journey to find their happy ever after. 

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen - A Reflection

Quirky and inspiring storylines, for me, are a must when it comes to film and this is an insightful production that captures both. A wonderful contribution to British film titles here, bringing together a grand collaboration of great well-known names that provide a light-hearted and remarkable story.

We watch as a sheik instructs his representative to turn his dream of having his favoured pastime of Salmon fishing enrich the lives of his people into a reality. Ewan Macgregor takes on the role of a homely fishery expert who, after asked to turn a dessert into a fishing ground, can only laugh at this idea, initially. Emily Blunt exceeds her previous experience in film by proving herself to be worthy of this spotlight role. Both actors, alongside their co-stars, present outstanding and believable performances creating an atmosphere of warmth, but most importantly faith, a significant element the film grants us. 

Something that really caught my attention was the fantastic articulation. This may sound like a strange aspect to comment on but even through complex speeches offish talk I didn’t get lost once. I was completely in the know as the words were clearly pronounced, and with such truth that I really did feel like the film was more of a documentary than a fictional story. Based on a novel by Paul Torday I was mesmerised from start to finish with each scene complimenting the last. The language is pleasant on the ears allowing us to laugh with the actors in their many moments of happiness. Even in more sensitive times comedy is found and that is a hard thing to achieve. 

The director, Lasse Hallstrom, takes us on a journey to Yemen, allowing us pleasing sites and awareness of the culture. Meeting an enjoyable cast on the way we watch them turn an impossible aspiration into a ‘theoretically possible’ mission.

If we sieve through the many memorable lines from the film we find “We need a good story about the middle east that doesn’t have explosions!” Well, this is it! My only critique would be the title not being as captivating as the film. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen really does hold high standards over most films of its kind. An absolute treat.