Clubbed (2008)

Some time back, someone threatened to send me a copy of Clubbed. It never appeared and to be honest, I wasn't that bothered. But with so little available to rent right now, I decided to pick it up. Well, if nothing else it has a decent soundtrack.

I would review it properly, but if the PR firm don't seem bothered, why should I? So instead, I'll give you the brief highlights and a general opinion. Which is Liverpool, early 80s, a divorced bloke has self-esteem issues, not least because he's had a kicking in the local in front of his kids by the muscle of the local gangster. He falls into boxing, joins a small gym which is run by a bouncing firm, gets in with them and gets involved in the fallout from their fall out with said gangster.

Blow Up open air showing in Maryon Park

If you are a fan of 60s cult classic Blow Up, you'll not want to miss the open air screening of the movie in one if its iconic locations, Maryon Park.

A stone's throw from Charlton Athletic's football ground, Maryon Park was the place where David Hemmings' character Thomas snapped Jane (Vanessa Redgrave), as well as where he watched the invisible tennis match. Maryon Park hasn't changed a great deal - even the antique shop is still there (although it no longer sells antiques - or didn't when I last went).

The evening includes a full outdoor showing of Blow Up (starting at 10pm) and there will also be tours of film locations in the Park at 7.30 and 8.45pm, along with a 'swinging sixties disco'. Oh yes - you'll need to being a rug or folding chair too and be over 15 (that's the certificate).

Find out more at the Greenwich Council website

DVD Review: Magpie

I only have vague recollections of Magpie from my childhood, but I do remember one thing loud and clear - it was far more cool than Blue Peter. To me, the BBC's magazine show was an extension of school, whereas Magpie was more of a cool youth club. Watching the now reissued Magpie DVD all these years later, it seems even more true.

Let's be honest, when your presenters included a Marc Bolan lookalike, a 60s 'it girl' who didn't think much of wearing underwear on-screen and best of all, a former actress who starred in both a Bond movie and a Pete Walker horror, you're already well ahead of the game. But it wasn't just the people, watching the surviving episodes today and you find a programme that didn't patronise its teen demographic, didn't necessarily play safe and above all, managed to educate its audience by keeping things interesting. If only modern-day kids TV did the same. Having a theme tune by the Spencer Davis Group didn't do Magpie any harm either.

DVD Review: Home Before Midnight (1978)

We're big Pete Walker fans here, but I have to admit, I've never seen Home Before Midnight. Until now that is, as the movie has been issued for the first time on DVD by Odeon.

Home Before Midnight is one of Pete Walker's more controversial flicks in terms of subject matter, although it's dealt with in a very Pete Walker way (if you know what I mean). Mike Beresford (James Aubrey) is a successful 28-year-old lyricist for one of the big bands of the moment. He's rich, successful and cruising the highways in his Jensen Interceptor. He spots a young girl in the cafe, then gives the hitchhiker a lift home to London. Things develop and before too long, they're out on a date, spending time together and in a relationship. But there's just one thing that Ginny Wilshire (Alison Elliott) has forgot to mention to her new partner - she's just 14 years old and still at school. Not that you'll guess - the actress playing her must have been in her 20s when she took the role (thankfully).

Asylum (1972)

Once upon a time, late night TV in the UK used to be the best place to see 60s and 70s Brit horrors. Indeed, for many, it was the only way to see more obscure flicks from the likes of Amicus and Hammer, titles that weren't actually available on video or later on, DVD. The only downside was the alarming regularity that some titles cropped up - one of which was Asylum.

Yet since those heady days of late night horrors in the school holidays, Asylum is a film I've neither owned or seen, but it's one I remember fondly. So in the interests of research, I reacquainted myself with it this week. It didn't disappoint.