Nuria: The Grinch

The Grinch is one of the most popular “Christmas characters”, mainly in the United States. Dr Seuss, who created this science fiction character in 1957, wrote the first book about the Grinch: How the Grinch stole Christmas.

The Grinch is known worldwide as an anti-Christmas figure. The impact of this book brought Dr Seuss into a new project and he directed a chapter for the ABC, which was called “Halloween is Grinch night”.

Dr Seuss describes him as a black, white and red giant who lives in an isolated cave near a village. But this image has changed throughout the years. Nowadays, young people will describe him as a green “monkey”, with extremely big eyes and a sinister smile. This change comes because of both the TV series and the movies.

Since Dr Seuss published the first literary work, many companies and enterprises have bought the image rights.  We can find comics, books and chapters in different series like The Simpsons or Family guy … and indeed films.

But, not only has the Grinch’s appearance been contaminated, but also the ideology underneath him has been forgotten too.

Originally, Dr Seuss wanted to portray the Grinch as a character against the extreme consumerism that Christmas brings, and also to show that the real meaning of Christmas, the spiritual meaning, has been killed.

But today’s youth don’t remember this lesson, only the 2000 film, “The Grinch”. In this movie, the namesake character (played by Jim Carrey) hates Christmas because of a childhood trauma … we can't see the criticism against society. So the most important lesson, “enjoy family and friends, not only presents”, is lost.

I find the film quite funny, but I prefer the book ☺


Thank you so  very much, Nuria, I was kind of sad because no-one was sending any stuff for the blog over Xmas and you sort of read my mind! I guess this is as suitable as a topic can be for the merry season.

I remember how much my kids and me loved the film when it was released in 2000. So, instead of the short film trailer you sent me, I've inserted below (hope you don't mind me doing so!) one of my favourite scenes, where we can also listen to the extraordinary voice of the narrator, the great Anthony Hopkins. Enjoy!

You know what ... I sometimes like to think of myself as a kind of Grinch, ha ha! 

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Film Corner: Sara Sáez - Date Night

The film is about a couple, Mr and Mrs Foster (Steve Carrell & Tina Fey), who are going through a minor crisis in their marriage, and apparently out for a quiet night. They go to a restaurant, but they haven’t reserved a table, so he comes up with taking the seats from a couple who haven’t arrived yet. Actually, the table has been reserved by Mr and Mrs Tripplehorn, two robbers who have been arrested by two corrupted policemen. 

Like the Tripplehorns, Foster gets into trouble and, unwittingly, the couple are involved in many adventures all night long, including persecutions by the police. The film ends with a romantic, passionate kiss, as most “rom coms” do.

Personally, I’m really into romance, so I really liked Date Night. Before watching it, I thought it’d be just another classic romantic film. However, it wasn’t because of the mixture of adventure and love. I strongly recommend it, especially if you are looking for a different romantic comedy. 

Thanks a lot, Sara! Honestly, I don't remember the film too well but I've always liked Steve Carrell's comic vein (The Office is brilliant!) and Tina Fey is a lovely comedy actress indeed. I really laughed my head off while watching her impersonations of Sara Palin on Saturday Night Live, simply hilarious! So perhaps I should watch Date Night again ...

The film corner: Leticia San Juan - "Love Actually"

When I came across Love Actually, I thought it wouldn’t be worth watching, as it is not the kind of films I usually go to and, after looking at the title, I supposed I wouldn’t like it. Finally, I decided to watch it and I don’t regret it. It was fantastic!

The film tells eight great love stories while it follows the lives of different couples in dealing with their love affairs in loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London.

The newly elected Prime Minister (played by Hugh Grant) falls in love with a woman who is a member of his Cabinet. A writer (Collin Firth) goes to the south of France to get over an unhappy relationship and he falls in love again. A happily married woman (Emma Thompson) suspects that her husband is dating another woman. A just married woman (Keira Knightley) is confused by the new attitude of her husband’s best friend, who has been distant around her up to that moment. An afflicted recent widower tries to help his teenage stepson, who wants to arouse the interest in the most sought-after girl in his school. A businesswoman makes her first move on a colleague she has been in love with for a long time. Finally, an ageing rock star makes a rather weird comeback by recording a Christmas hit. 

Love makes their lives difficult as their affairs get mixed up on Christmas Day, with funny, romantic, yet often bittersweet results for all of them, who have been lucky (or unlucky) enough to fall in love.

All the stories are told with a good sense of humour and it is very easy to switch from laughter to tears. In my opinion, the funniest story is the one of the old rock star and it was because of his really great personality that I watched the film till the end. 

Not only did I enjoy it a lot, but also its fantastic soundtrack. There are plenty of memorable songs so I can’t say which one I liked the most. Perhaps "Here with Me" or "Christmas is All Around".

I do recommend "Love Actually", especially now we are near Christmas. It’s great fun, so you will surely laugh a lot and enjoy its wonderful soundtrack as well.

Thanks Leticia, it's great to see you "back in action" after a pretty long while!

Chani: The power of music

First and foremost, throughout history music has played a sublime role in the world. It is certainly one of the things which everyone can feel. It does not matter what culture people are from or what language they speak because not only does music arouse human emotions and imagination but it also makes our bodies move. All in all, music is considered as the most uplifting experience to trigger an expression of humanity. And above all people do love music, don't they?

Furthermore, it is a well-known fact that music plays a vitally important role between learning and therapy. As for the former, no one is sure why it works, but it is believed that, from the combination of a melody and its rhythm to the poetry of its words, music develops some automatic knowledge that affects learning deeply. As regards musical therapy, it can improve heart and breathing rates, not to mention the benefits of controlling deep anxiety and pain in patients.

  

As far as I am concerned, music is incredibly important to me. I strongly believe that, even in the roughest moment in my life, there is always a song that suits my mood. It is something that is always there as an outlet for emotions. Besides, music picks me up when I become intensely depressed. 

Moreover, if I feel lonely music gives me comfort, what is more, it relaxes me at the end of an awful, tiring long day.

  

Fortunately, there is a myriad of music styles such as classical, pop, folk, rock, heavy and so on. Consequently, no one has a reasonable excuse for not finding the kind of music which really suits their feelings.

   

To put it briefly, I firmly believe that music is absolutely necessary for the human race. In fact, I cannot imagine the world without it, can you? Music is so powerful that a single song can connect people from all over the world.

Most interesting, Chani. What you just wrote reminds me of this video below that I saw recently called "The Scientific Power of Music", which I'm sure you'll enjoy as much as I did.

The Film Corner: Cuchi - A kiss is just a kiss ...

Today, 26 November 2012, is the 70th anniversary of “Casablanca”, the extraordinary romantic drama whose indisputable stars, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and exceptional music became a milestone in cinema history.

Who hasn’t listened to “As Time Goes By”? I remember this legendary film, full of moving, dramatic scenes in Morocco, where Casablanca is set during the World War II. 

I earnestly recommend you to watch this classical masterpiece because it is full of beauty and you instantly recognize its memorable quotes such as “Play it, Sam. Play As Time Goes By" and “We'll always have Paris”.

Here is a small sample of Casablanca - arguably its most famous scenes.

Thanks a lot Cuchi for reminding us of the "happy" anniversary. You know, I've just listened to a short  yet really interesting 14-minute special about Casablanca on BBC radio Leicester and, since I've recorded the show on Audacity, I can now embed it on this entry. Hope the BBC doesn't sue me, it's only for academic purposes!

The film corner: Sara Sáez - Before Sunset

After 6 months, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) meet again in Paris. They had first met on a train, and, after a passionate night, they lost contact. Still in Paris, they have a long conversation while walking through different places around the city. Both of them have mixed feelings about their relationship, even though they both have partners. The woman is frustrated about love and her past relationships. Celine strongly believes that she doesn’t need a man who feeds her, but a man who loves her.

Personally, I'm a big fan of romantic films. I consider this movie as one of the best I've ever watched. After watching it, I wonder why we keep looking for the real, true love, because, as the film shows, love is painful.

I strongly recommend this movie, specially if you are really into romantic films.

Diana: Saint Cecilia's day

What can I say about music? I have lived such mesmerizing moments with it that I would be delighted to share this feeling with everyone.

Sometimes people are put off by classical music, which makes me feel both discouraged and disappointed; I´m utterly convinced that most of the times this rejection is brought about by the lack of musical culture in our society. Take the case of Holland or Germany, where practically everybody plays an instrument or sings in a choir ... 

The truth of the matter is that music, undoubtedly, helps us to be happier, either by playing an instrument or listening to it.  Inevitably, music grabs you and you become part of it, wrapped in a world of sensations and pleasure. 

I attach a video of Vivaldi´s popular composition “The four seasons”, starring Anne-Sophie Mutter, one of my favorite violinists. I´m a big fan of this piece and, roughly every two years, I prepare it with four pupils and I organize a concert where each pupil plays a season. 

Long live Music!! Long live Saint Cecilia!!

Saint Cecilia's Day: Belén Sánchez

Music has been an important part of my life since I was very young. Nobody in my family is a musician, so I just ended up in this "world" by chance. Even so, I'm very grateful that one day my parents decided to take me to music lessons.

Learning to play an instrument is not an effortless task. Sometimes it can be very tough, especially when you are a teenager and all your friends are doing fun things such as watching TV or going out, whilst you have to stay at home practising for endless hours. That is one of the reasons why sometimes I was tempted to give up and do something else. I’m happy I didn’t, because now I honestly cannot imagine myself doing any other thing not related to music. I know I am very lucky, in the sense that it is great to make a living by doing something that you really love.

One of the best things about being a musician is having the opportunity to perform in front of the public. I can hardly put in words what you feel when you are playing for an audience. At the beginning, it is exciting albeit sometimes a little bit terrifying, but once you take a deep breath, relax and the concert starts, it is one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever experienced, above all when you feel you are getting an emotional response from the public. 

You asked us to post one of our favorite songs. I want to share with you one of the most beautiful opera arias I’ve ever heard: Nessun dorma, from Puccini's Turandot. In this performance, Pavarotti was singing in front of thousands of people. Can you imagine how he felt?

Thank you so much once again, dear Belen, for your personal story and indeed for such a wonderful aria. I get goose bumps whenever I listen to it, simply mind-blowing!

Saint Cecilia's Day

As I told you in class yesterday, November 22, 2012 is Thanksgiving Day in the US but, more importantly, all across the world musicians yearly celebrate Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music. I know I'm not one by trade but indeed every inch of a music buff/lover, I mean, I JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT! Then of course I'm proud to say that my son, David, is a keen guitarist, actually a full-fledged musician, who some of you know.

So anyway, I was wondering how I could modestly do my bit on our blog to celebrate such a merry date, and I decided the simplest way was by sharing a song - in English of course - with you guys. You know, I was listening to BBC Radio 2 early this morning and a familiar tune came up, one that I really like and is doubtlessly one of the most important songs in the late 90s, at least as regards British pop/rock. I remember it was heavily aired on MTV and radio stations in those days and topped the hit charts in many countries. 

Moreover, it was nominated in several categories for the Grammies at the time. But regardless of all the awards and critical recognition, I instantly loved the song the first time I listened to its lyrics: "'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life / Try to make ends meet, you're a slave to money, then you die ..." Wow, doesn't it seem as if life is sadly just that for so many people? Anyway, I love the witty simplicity of the couplet.

Then there's this fantastic, pretty mesmerizing string arrangement that is repeated throughout the song, which kind of sticks in your mind. And the icing on the cake was its ever so popular music video, in which the band's lead singer, Richard Ashcroft, lip-synchs the tune while casually walking down this busy London street, seemingly unaware of what is going on around him and refusing to change direction, thus sweeping away every single passer-by he encounters. Thump!

Still don't know what song I'm talking about? No worries, let me tell you it's The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony", to my mind a true urban hymn of the 90s (as it happened, the excellent album where it was featured had that name, Urban hymns)

So this is the YouTube clip where you can listen to this lovely famous song while reading its lyrics with some nice 3D captions:

But you probably wish to watch the rather provocative music video I mentioned above, don't you? Here we go!

Hey folks, how about posting your own fave songs? LET'S CELEBRATE MUSIC!

Sarahi reviews American TV series "Homeland"

Do you have an evil mind and think that the 9/11 attacks where made up by the U.S. government? I know, I know that could sound really twisted … and it actually does, but what if it’s true?  There are a lot of unanswered questions about the events that happened on that terrible day.

There’s a theory that points out several hypotheses which make you think this is true: the conspiracy theory. Anyways, this all sounds like the kind of fiction-drama movie that Hollywood produces, for example, Independence Day, Armageddon … patriotic films where citizens are in serious danger and there’s always a hero who saves them.

Well, this is the case of Homeland, a TV series produced by American channel Showtime, maybe the term "Homeland" sounds familiar to you, doesn’t it? For those of you to whom it doesn’t, it is the Department created after the 9/11 attacks in order to prevent, fight and safeguard the U.S. National Security against terrorism. So, the storyline is just about that: guaranteeing American citizens’ freedom and catching the "baddies" (=the  bad guys). 

Claire Danes plays the role of Carrie, a CIA officer who suspects that the returned Sergeant Marine Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) – who was held hostage by Al-Qaeda in Iran for over 8 years - has been turned by Al-Qaeda and plans to commit an attack. I recommend the series to those who love spy-games, drama and suspense. Obviously, the series displays lots of patriotism and anti-Islamic feelings too. Just like real life, what a shame!

Anyway, it’s a series where paranoia and the conspiracy theory take place; some scenes will shock you and catch your attention too. Indeed, Homeland will trap you … yet another reason why you can’t miss this series is that it has already won an Emmy and two Golden Globes Awards, for best Drama series and for the outstanding performance by the leading actress, Claire Danes.

This is the trailer for the first season, which was premiered in October 2011:

The second season is currently being aired on Showtime and this is again the official trailer:

Next in V. Dyck's film week

November 7: Salmon fishing in the Yemen

A fisheries expert is approached by a consultant to help realize a sheik's vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible. (courtesy of Imdb.com)

Swedish film-maker Lasse Hallström (you may remember "Chocolat" or even his fantastic screen adaptation, which I eagerly recommend, of John Irving's famous novel "The Cider House Rules") directs this - at least that's my impression after watching the trailer - seemingly weird yet charming romantic drama, written by Simon Beaufoy - how fondly I remember his delightful "Slumdog Millionaire"!

I think I've told you how much I've always liked simple, good heartfelt stories in this day and age of movies fraught with frantic car chases, gratuitous violence, 3D special effects and stuff. And it seems to me that Hallström's film does just that, tell a story focusing on human feelings. Now, why do I sometimes get the impression that too often "modern audiences" find romance kind of prudish, you know, sloppily sentimental? Well, I'll tell you something loud and clear: I LOVE ROMANCE!! :-D 
I sometimes wonder if the world wouldn't be a much better place if we had more of it ...

Anyway, judge by yourselves, this is the film's official trailer. I cannot help looking forward to it if only for the strong British cast - I'm really fond of Scott-Thomas and Blunt, not so much of McGregor, he he!

Feel like reviewing the film? No problem, post your comments here!

And it seems it's my turn first. I’d told you I guessed “Salmon” would be delightful. Well, I’m afraid I have to rectify: it’s sheer joy, to me the “feel-good” romantic comedy of the year so far. 

Simon Beaufoy’s script is brilliantly witty (as it was in the unforgettable Slumdog Millionaire), even if sometimes predictable, both the editing and directing make almost every scene flow and the performances are, all in all, fantastic, really accomplished. Not only do I love the on-screen chemistry between Blunt (I’m in love with her!) and McGregor (to me, one of his best roles to date) as well as the part played by the always effective Kristine Scott-Thomas - arguably, to my mind, one of the most underrated actresses of her generation – as the domineering PR chief, but even the salmon are up to the task, he he! Perhaps she overacts at times? But I like her a lot.

Well, I know many brainy critics (f**k them!) will find fault with many aspects of the movie, they might even accuse its director of being pretentious, blah blah, blah. Fair enough, but Hallström proves he can pull off some intelligent film-making by means of a simple, enjoyable story. The dialogues are lively as well as funny, the story well construed, the photography fits the scenes.

On the minus side, I suppose I didn't like the cliched generalisations about the Muslim world, though I reckon the fishing-obsessed sheik plays a likable enough character. Al things considered, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is an utterly entertaining flick which makes you leave the theatre with a beaming smile. Who could ask for more in this day and age of constant troubles! Call me foolishly sentimental, but I admit I even shed a tear or two at the end of the film. You know, I cannot help getting emotionally involved in this kind of romantic stories. 

Will you allow me to embed a couple of funny TV interviews with the cast? Good stuff for listening comp skills after watching the film!

Firstly, this is Ewan on American TV, actually in Conan O'Brian's talk show:

Then both Ewan and Emily. After suitably playing "Go Fish", they discuss the movie. They do have a sense of humour, don't they?

Today's movie @ Van Dyck's 31st "Semana de cine e Idiomas": The Ides of March

November 5: The Ides of March.

An idealistic staffer for a new presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail (blurb courtesy of Imdb.com). Such is the premise of this political thriller directed and starred by George Clooney, who just comes in handy with the forthcoming US presidential election, which as you well know pits the current occupant of the White House, Barack Obama, versus hopeful Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney on Tuesday 6. 

This is not Clooney's only politically-charged movie behind the camera, as he also directed - and starred - the 2005 drama "Good Night and Good Luck", based on real events and set in 1950s America, during the days of anti-communist Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy, who had this fierce conflict with Edward Burrow, a pioneering television journalist in the 50s.

The always effective George Clooney leads a star-studded cast, consisting of some great names in contemporary Hollywood like Philip Seymour Hoffman (one of my favourite American actors, I daresay), Paul Giamatti and Marisa Tomei, alongside one of the most exciting young actors on screen today, Ryan Gosling, who I recently saw play a very convincing role in "Drive" (a bit too violent to my taste but interesting enough anyway).

The trailer looks really promising and I just hope you guys will join me and watch "The ides of March".

If you guys eventually do so, please post your comments here. How much you liked / hated the film and why, your favourite scene, ... any contribution is welcome!

My favourite advert

Belén Sanchez: 

Do you remember the legendary ONCE summer advertising campaigns in the early / mid 2000s? They had great success across the country, mostly due to their popular jingles, which are still hummed by many Spaniards. Some of their catchy melodies became the “song of the summer”, namely “Tapitas”, “Cremita”...

They were created by advertising agency DDB, and funnily enough, the striking lyrics were written by the publicists while having a beer.

They wanted us to associate the "Cuponazo de la ONCE" with some typical Spanish summer scenes, and there is nothing more typical in July and August, especially in the South of Spain, than a waiter “singing” the tapas you can taste in a bar, or someone applying sunscreen protection on someone else’s back on the beach.

The same agency workers - who were truly surprised by the overwhelming success of the campaigns - lent their voices for the radio commercials, and starred the famed TV ads. Almost everyone in the agency took part in the advertisements, from the secretaries to the cleaning staff. In my opinion, not only are these adverts absolutely brilliant, but also a good example of how to make a successful campaign without paying millions of dollars to a media star.

Thanks Belen! Your post brings good memories of past summers. I also remember the hilarious ONCE commercial breaks on the radio featuring the voices of Gomaespuma. Let me remind you of one famous example:

Diana Dominguez: 

TV ads are, in my view, part of the so-called seventh art (like short films). I must admit that, by and large, ads have improved a lot over the last few years.

We are used to watching them without paying much attention - probably because of the large amount of crappy ads we usually watch (for example, soap ads. I just can´t stand them). But suddenly, one day we are sitting idly in front of the TV and we become absorbed in a song, a feeling or a funny slogan. 

Unquestionably, this is the goal of the ads: captivate the viewer / consumer. Many big brands have shown that ingenuity and creativity are the key to advertising success.

One of the ads that have hooked me lately is the one for Fanta: it´s witty, funny and realistic. I just love it!

Well done, Diana. I do like this extended version of the ad, which I'd not seen before. Now, you told me you were looking for an equivalent in English. Well, how about this other one starring ... Mr Hitler himself! - sometimes fiction is larger than life!

C'mon folks, keep sending your fave ads!

The film corner: Rosa Cuesta - The Hobbit

Peter Jackson's latest Tolkien film:

I can hardly wait for the event. The premiere in Spain is going to be next 14th December. After the incomparable trilogy “The Lord of the Rings”, enthusiasts of both maestros are in luck. 

Yes, another Tolkien story has been adapted to the screen. This time is “The Hobbit”, the book Tolkien wrote while thinking of their little sons, which ended up into the hands of a publisher who eventually persuaded the English author to submit it for publication. The book pleased adult readers as well as children and soon became very popular. It narrates the adventures of a fellowship between hobbit Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the wizard and a dwarf in order to regain the Kingdom of Erebor, taken from the dwarves by Smaug the dragon.

I must admit that the book itself did not hook me as much as “The Lord of the Rings” did, which I could hardly stop reading. But taking into account the staging of the previous movie, I am sure Peter Jackson will achieve with “The Hobbit” another spectacular masterpiece.

The plot adaptation has been done by the same writers as those of the trilogy and Benicio del Toro, who initially was going to be the director, has contributed to it. The cast consists of some of the actors who participated in “The Lord of the Rings”.

I’m sure the sceneries, the characters, the wardrobe, the weapons, as well as all sort of creatures imagined by Tolkien, and drawn by the screenwriters and the rest of the crew, will come back again to transport us in another amazing world. A world depicted by Tolkien with his particular vision, where good meets evil and, luckily, always prevails.              

Thanks a lot, Rosa, I'm sure there are many Tolkien / Peter Jackson fans around who will be delighted to read your entry. So let's give them a little treat. How about the film's trailers, subtitled in Spanish?

Well, it seems Peter Jackson will stop at nothing to promote The Hobbit tirelessly. You may have seen this next video in the news bulletins: the famous film-maker uses a safety video (how many times have we completely ignored them right before the plane is about to take off!) by Air New Zealand to scatter his Middle-Earth creatures along the aircraft as they listen attentively to the “elfish” stewardess’s instructions, which we ordinary travellers often find so bothersome. Witty!

All's well that ends well ...

Are you the kind of person who always thinks the bottle is half full rather than half empty? Do you tend to look on the bright side of things? If hopefully the answer to these two simple questions is a hearty yes, then you're a true optimist.

So the obvious follow-up question is: What are you optimistic about? Is it your personal future - whether you're still studying a degree, already working but aspiring to a better job or, sadly, a newly unemployed person looking for work? Or is it a global issue perhaps, like the end of the ongoing economic crisis or a greener future of our troubled, ailing planet?

Hey folks, whatever the ideas, post your comments below. It will be so uplifting to read how gleefully optimistic you feel about the future!

I see .. some of you must be thinking "how about you, dear teacher?" Well, I'm optimistic that one day all the films in Spain's cinemas will be shown in their original version, no matter which language they were shot in and ... OK OK, I get it, enough of this lecturing of mine about the sheer joy of watching the cast act their roles on the big screen in their mother tongue, let alone the benefits you guys gain in terms of language learning. I just can't help it, he he!

The film corner: Belen Sanchez - My Big Fat Greek Wedding

My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a lighthearted romantic comedy, perfect for a rainy autumn evening.

It tells the story of a disenchanted “ugly-duckling” Greek-American girl in her thirties (Toula Portokalos), who falls in love with a charming ”non-Greek” guy (Ian Miller). This seems to be a huge problem for her traditional family, especially her stubborn father, who cannot understand that his little girl wants to marry a man who has no Greek roots whatsoever.

The film treats, in a funny way, something that is still a big issue for some cultures: mixed marriages. Albeit it is becoming more and more common for people with different religions, races or cultures to get married, incredibly enough this kind of couples do still have problems nowadays with their family and friends, or even society in general. Fortunately, this is changing little by little.

Though I’m not a big fan of Nia Vardalos, the leading actress, I think her acting is, if not brilliant, not bad at all. At any rate, I prefer her partner, John Corbett, who I know very well for his effective roles in two of my favourite TV series: Northern exposure, and Sex and the city.

The character I like most is Toula’s father, Gus. An unyielding, devoted family man, who sometimes may look like an old fuddy-duddy but in fact feels really proud of his Greek roots. He loves his daughter most of all, but too often he can be really annoying and pigheaded. In my opinion, Michael Constantine, the actor who plays this role, does a great job and is the protagonist of many of the funniest scenes.

To finish, I have to say My Big Fat Greek Wedding is not the best film I’ve ever seen, and probably it won’t appeal to everyone, but undoubtedly it is easy to watch, full of enjoyable moments, and I would recommend it to all of you who want to have a nice time in front of the TV screen with your family or friends.

Fancy a commercial break?

Some of you may remember a lavish 60-million-dollar (no less!) 2-minute ad for Chanel back in 2004. Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge), it featured Aussie mega-star Nicole Kidman (who else!) alongside the terribly handsome (I mean, my wife says so! ) Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro, who had played a year earlier this secondary role in Hugh Grant's Love Actually that launched him into stardom.

The short film / commercial was considered by many experts a masterpiece of advertising: Debussy's "Clair de Lune" playing in the background, the amazing cinematography and the beautifully scripted story of the doomed lovers ... you don't remember? No worries, watch the famous ad:

Mesmerizing, isn't it?

Now, 8 years on, the French perfume giant strikes back, this time with a suitably minimalistic (for these times of crisis, you know) black-and-white 30-second commercial, which you may have already seen on TV as it premiered barely a couple of weeks ago. I have no idea how much exactly it's cost to produce, but surely it wasn't cheap as it stars the "inevitable" Mr Brad Pitt (another favourite of my wife's, ha ha!), who, you will hear further down below, has reportedly been paid 7 million bucks for the job, wow!

Anyway, the thing is there's been kind of a "controversy" surrounding Pitt's ad, since it's the first time a male celebrity has endorsed the classic signature # 5 fragrance. Watch this funny yet thought-provoking short clip:

So, as the blonde presenter asks her audience: "Are you liking the latest Channel commercial or is it just plain, odd, strange?" Moreover, I wonder if some of you might like to post your opinions here on this blog as to whether it is fair / ethical to pay a celebrity huge amounts of dough for endorsing products from luxury brands.

Finally, a little extra with something more, say, "mundane", but brilliant to my mind: open this Dutch website and just wait for a few seconds - with the speakers on but without clicking on any items. You'll be pleasantly surprised to see what unfolds before your very eyes.

You must admit there are excellent "unsung" professionals in the world of advertising ...

_______________________________

More advertising. Today I was watching Sky One online when an ad for Rexona caught my attention (I'm sure you've heard of the brand before). The big deodorant manufacturer is currently sponsoring British F1 team Lotus, though I had not realised until I saw the commercial this morning.

The 2012 Lotus F1 car. See the brand on the top right corner?

"Rexona: It won't let you down" is the slogan they want us to remember, to get stuck in our memory. And sure thing they manage that through this fantastic TV commercial in which you can see the Lotus pit crew working painstakingly, in slow motion, striving to make no errors whatsoever, in the few seconds they have while they change the car's wheels at a pit stop during a F1 Grand Prix. The driver's success very often depends on their job, which must be synchronized to perfection.  And perfection is what the two-and-a-half-minute ad (watch below) oozes, every second of it. You cannot help admiring the mechanics' precise work. The sound and image editing are unbelievable, mixing slow mo frames with the interviews of the actual people "behind the scenes". Even Rexona's logo, a vector, which very much reminds me of Nike's legendary swoosh, looks perfect at the end of the clip, punctuated by the roaring, deafening noise of a F1 engine.

It's am awesome commercial which, for the sake of English (and, why not, advertising) I want to share with you all. Hope Rexona will send me a free batch of their products after they read this entry, ha ha! 

I wonder if you guys have a favourite ad on TV / the radio (whichever the language) that you would like to share with us too ...

Note: Needless to say, I don't root for Lotus or its drivers ... GO FERRARI, GO ALONSO! 

The film Corner: Diana Dominguez - Once Upon a Time

I have always loved this kind of stories, a mix of magic and reality. Since I was a child I have been attracted to fairy tales, cartoons and science fiction. I still remember the fascination I felt while seeing E.T. at the cinema and, honestly, I have this poignant feeling when I see The Lion King or Avatar nowadays; so I´m delighted that fantasy films and series are in fashion again. 

Obviously, I regard the film has to be original, with a good cast and an enthralling plot. I can´t stand commercial films like, for example, Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Charlize Theron as the evil stepmother (I saw it last year), whose dialogues and plot, despite an awesome production and mind-blowing special effects, don´t draw your attention. 

I'm a big fan of “Once Upon a Time” because it is a gripping fantasy television series, where all the characters, apparently normal dwellers of a small village, are in fact characters of fairy tales: Snow White, Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood … All of them are prisoners in our world of The Evil Queen´s spell, unable to remember anything about their real provenance and unaware that the village´s major is the dreaded creepy queen, who is determined to control their lives to ensure that there will be no more happy endings in fairy tales.

Fortunately, there's a glimmer of hope in a character that is apparently unrelated to all this fantasy…

Chani: THE CITY I LOVE - SAN SEBASTIAN

First and foremost, I personally reckon San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, in which you can find tradition and modernity everywhere. Every step of the way you have strong mixed feelings as you don’t know whether you are living in the present or in the past.

A bird's eye view of San Sebastian

The city is well-known for its International Film and Jazz Festival, not to mention its excellent and popular “pintxos” (the locals don’t like the word “tapas” at all) for instance, the so-called “la hoguera” (made with half-smoked cod) and the foie gras with apple compote, which in my personal opinion are both absolutely delicious. Moreover, San Sebastian has an annual gastronomic congress that is well-known worldwide and where the most famous professionals compete at the most demanding level.

A small delicacy: La Hoguera

One of the most popular attractions in the summer season is the unrivalled La Concha beach. Those who have the chance to sunbathe and swim there are involved in a mystic experience because La Concha beach is surrounded by some historical stately buildings and countless churches that seem to stare at you penetratingly. On the opposite side, the marvellous La Concha bay is like an open door to the immensity of the Cantabrian Sea. Located in the heart of the Old Town, Constitution Square is another historical landmark. Besides, the Town Hall, which was initially designed as a casino, is one of the most remarkable buildings in Spain. In addition, there is a wide range of museums, such as Chillida-Leku, which is fully in nature and invites tourist to approach art in an unusual way.

Obviously, it is inevitable for me to comment on San Sebastian´s mountains, such as Mount Igeldo, which is an entertaining place due to its amusement park.  One of its funny rides is the old roller coaster, which has a deafening wooden carriage. People can go to this mount by car but it is worth riding up there on the funicular railway, which is one of the most antique in Spain. The experience is unforgettable because you can take pleasure in observing and photographing the city from an excellent viewpoint.

Mount Igueldo

Depending on your preferences or your frame of mind, you can choose between three unbelievable night leisure areas which this city offers to get the most peculiar entertainment. Firstly, the Old Town’s hustle and bustle gives you the impression that the activity never stops at all. Secondly, Reyes Católicos Street conceals the trendiest part, with modern places and amazing innovative music proposals. Last but not least, the Youth’s Gros borough is a place with scattered bars for those who enjoy relaxing.

I strongly recommended you to visit San Sebastian because I am absolutely convinced that you will fall in love at first sight. The city will enthral you, not only physically but also spiritually. 

If you found it too difficult, how about this other video taken from Mark Shea's "Overlander.tv" (a nice Aussie accent!)? It has Spanish subtitles (a rough transcript) and features, on and off, a Basque girl speaking Spanish (though the translation into English is provided too)