Cinema Review - Alice in Wonderland

Thu, Mar 18, 2010

There was plenty of madness, effects, and stars galore but there just wasn’t enough ‘muchness’ in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, a film which probably hit its head on the way down the rabbit hole.

It’s fine to lose one’s head when trying to bring a fairy tale such as this Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece back to life as long as the CGI doesn’t overshadow the substance of storyline too much. If it sounds as if I’m flogging this film because I hate this sort of thing, far from it, I’m a huge fan of Tim Burton’s work, in love with Johnny Depp, and probably want to be Helena Bonham Carter (she’s just so effortlessly cool and crazy, I love it!). Burton’s gothic and slightly haunting work has always impressed me before so Alice in Wonderland should have been perfect for him but unfortunately Disney had way too much say turning it into something less gutsy and more airy fairy. However, the film does have some redeeming features, the effects were amazing and Boham Carter’s portrayal of the Red Queen was impressive. Depp as well showed off the kind of comedic, completely insane, and brilliant acting that has made him so famous.

Wild Beasts - hooting and howling on their own terms

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

IN THE isolation of the English Lake District, a group of young men, fascinated by French art and poetry, started to make music without any regard for the prevailing trends in London or Manchester. Through being as uninhibited as their French heroes they have created a unique sound. They are Wild Beasts.

The testimony of Becky Unthank

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

CLOG DANCING is not something we are familiar with in Ireland, but when Rachel and Becky Unthank demonstrated it in Galway in 2008, it was surprising how much like Irish dancing it was.

Marja van Kampen to give painting demonstration

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

THE DUTCH born, Galway based artist, Marja van Kampen will give a painting demonstration in The Kenny Gallery in Liosbán on Saturday March 20 at 2pm with all proceeds going to Cancer Care West.

A concert for St Patrick’s Day

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

THE CONCERT Coirmcheoil Phádraig - the St Patrick’s Day Concert of Music, Poetry & Song of the Nation takes place in the St Patrick’s Band Hall, Fairgreen, this Sunday 14 at 8pm.

My First Time with Leigh Arnold

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

FIRST SEXUAL experiences are one of the few things that almost every single person on this planet has in common, whether you’re Paris Hilton or P Diddy, George Clooney or George Washington, yet we rarely talk about them. Until now...

Fuaim Chonamara to hit Ballinasloe

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

FUAIM CHONAMARA, the stage show from the Cunningham family of Connemara, featuring every style and type of Irish dance imaginable, is coming to Co Galway next week.

The award winning Tulpan which will be screened the Galway Film Society

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

Asa, together with his boisterous buddy Boni, calls on the only family in the Kazakh steppes with an eligible daughter. She refuses and Asa is further deflated when he proves to be poor at sheep herding. However he refuses to give up on his dreams. This is the award winning Tulpan which will be screened the Galway Film Society in the Town Hall Theatre on Sunday at 8.15pm. For tickets contact 091 - 569777.

Dutch DJ to prepare Galway for St Patrick’s Day

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

ST PATRICK’S Day is a chance to don the green, but don’t forget there is orange in the flag as well, so for St Patrick’s Eve go a little orange when leading Dutch DJ Marcel Woods hits town on Tuesday March 16.

The Bahh Band to release new EP

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

MATTU NOONE left behind a career in playing angst ridden rock bands in Australia when he discovered an exotic instrument in India - the 25 stringed sarod.

Followers Of Otis album launch

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

Galway’s folk, blues, gospel, and roots band The Followers Of Otis will launch their debut album And Those To Come Hereafter with a show in the Róisín Dubh on Tuesday at 9pm.

Blasterbra

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

Blasterbra (pictured), the excellent Galway punk-pop/grunge band, play the Róisín Dubh this Saturday at 8pm with Cork indie-popsters Hooray for Humans and Dublin’s Guilty Optics. Pic:- Mike Shaughnessy

The Rye

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

There will be two chances to see the exciting modern trad band The Rye (pictured) at The Crane Bar, Sea Road, tomorrow at 9.30pm and at Kelly’s, Bridge Street, at 9pm. Admission to both shows is free. Their debut album will be released in the summer.

Planet of sound

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

Pavement
quarantine The Past (Domino)

New choral work to be performed at St Nicholas’

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

ST NICHOLAS’ Collegiate Church will be the setting for the premiere of Hymn to Gaia by the celebrated Irish contemporary composer, Eric Sweeney, on Saturday March 20.

Hymn to Gaia will be performed by Galway’s Tribal Chamber Choir (directed by Mark Keane), Dublin’s The Lassus Scholars, and Waterford’s’ Christ Church Cathedral Choir. The choirs will be conducted by Eric Sweeney.

Tribute night to Breda Lewis

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

THERE WILL be a gathering in The Crane Bar, Sea Road, on Sunday at 6pm, as family and friends gather to remember the late Breda Lewis.

Agus rud eile de Louis De Paor

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

AGUS RUD Eile De/And Another Thing is a collaboration of three different artists working in three different mediums - poetry, art, and music - all contained within a book and CD.

Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin in concert in Loughrea

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

MÍCHEÁL Ó Súilleabháin, a major figure in Irish music for his unique compositional style that marries Irish trad with classical, jazz, and world music, will play the Lough Rea Hotel and Spa on Friday March 19 at 8pm.

Siobhán Seoighe Bainisteoir Rith2010

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

Cén pearsa stairiúil is mó atá cosúil leat?

Cinema Review: Crazy Heart

Thu, Mar 11, 2010

WITH A running time of two hours and 10 minutes the end of this film couldn’t come quickly enough. Although the story of a down and out alcoholic ex-country singing star would normally provide as much inspiration for a film as for songs, this was more boring heart than crazy.

E-paper

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