TV

American Idol 2008 (ITV2, Thursdays-Sundays, showtimes vary)

Isn't life just wonderful? Our beloved 'XFactor' is over, and let's face it, 'Skating With The Stars' just isn't cutting the ice, and then suddenly the joy that is American Idol is back on our screens. Hoorah.

Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson have the soul-destroying job of enduring thousands of auditionees whom underline that the globe's soaring mental health issues have now hit and all-time high. Genius TV viewing.


FILM

Jumper (Doug Liman, 2008)

Based on the science fiction novel by Seven Gould, 'Jumper' is not about the warm, stripy thing you are wearing right now (yes, we can see you) but about a young man's ability to teleport himself anywhere he likes. Get it?

It's a bit of a silly premise for a movie, but is visually stunning, with a little help from lead man Hayden Christensen (David Rice) and an star cast - Samuel L. Jackson (Roland Cox), Rachel Bilson (Millie Harris) and Diane Lane (Mary Rice).

If you love 'Heroes' then you're going to love this even more.


FILMS TO RE-UPHOLSTER YOUR OTTOMAN TO

Skeptik is not only a talent in the UK hip hop production arena, but also a budding writer for magazines such as muso bible Q.

Having collaborated with luminaries such as old school pal Sway, Skeptik is about to release his new album. Verb T and The Last Skeptik's 'Broken Window' is out now on Silent Soundz Records.

Here, Skeptik talks us through the movies that make him want to get his gun out.


1) The Darjeeling Limited (2007, Wes Anderson)

I’m Wes Anderson’s biggest fan. To the point where I would probably set up a small camp outside of his house until I get some kind of an autograph. This film epitomises his style and candor, as he directs Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody on a soul seeking journey through India. The colours, sounds and camerawork make it perfect to accompany a Sunday afternoon of upholstering fun.


2) Dans Paris (2006, Christophe Honoré)

French films are great. Not only is there more nudity than most Westernised rubbish, but the scripts and acting are generally better too.

This sweet story of a gentleman grieving over his broken relationship, and being helped to do so by his wayward brother and amiable father is a perfect cross section of Paris life. But watch out you don’t prick yourself with sewing needles as you read the subtitles.


3) Rear Window (1954, Alfred Hitchcock)

The mood and lighting are ridiculously fresh. Hitchcock’s style influenced a generation and the way he builds the scary moments are almost as hair raising as Don King’s morning routine.

The film follows a house bound photographer who watches a potential murder unravel in front of his eyes, from the safety of his window.


4) Catch 22 (1970, Mike Nichols)

Political satire is like Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas - some people really really love it and like to enjoy its intelligent but sometimes confusing beauty. For others however, it looks like Jacko – forced, plastic and misinformed. I think I lost that analogy somewhere in the middle.

Catch 22 is the original political book-adapted-to-a-movie, and it is funnier than an evening spent watching Mere Kat Manor on Discovery. That’s pretty funny.


5) Swingers (1996, Doug Liman)

Classic break up movie. It reminds you that not only are there other women (or men or aardvark, whatever's your thing) out there, but the old one was blatantly a) crap b) smelly and c) a cheating unreliable hussy.

Watch it while deciding on the colour for the pillow for your ottoman. It may or may not help your decision.


www.thelastskeptik.com
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