Before we start, there are going to be some spoiler-type things in this review, though since there is little surprising about the film itself, and most fans will already know what’s going to happen, it shouldn’t be a problem. If you like Twilight go and see the film then come back and read this, if you don’t, don’t bother with the film but read this so that you have a rough idea of what’s going on in New Moon. So. New Moon is full of subtle deconstructions of preconceived assumptions people... Read Full Story

After a gestation period longer than several female whales, we're finally closing in on the UK release of Where the Wild Things Are.  Based on the 'children's' book by Maurice Sendak, the film has been a labour of love for director Spike Jonze. Telling the story of one boy's adventure and an imaginary world of wild monsters, the story has sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide. Despite having Sendak's own illustrations as a guide, there is always a danger in creating a film that so many peo... Read Full Story

For the past ten years I’ve been sitting at home trying to write thrillers. I try not to read them while I’m writing them so that I don’t a)get demoralised because someone’s doing it better than me or b)start stealing someone else’s devices. For five books my heroine was Faith Zanetti, a war correspondent based loosely on myself, my father (who really was a war correspondent – killed 20 years ago in El Salvador) and the kinds of people I sat with in seedy Jerusalem bars when I was little, wis... Read Full Story

The devastation the floods have wrought in Cumbria is truly shocking. With its soaring peaks and gorgeous countryside, the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places I know. Now the area around Cockermouth, Workington and Keswick looks more like a mud swamp, with towns and villages cut off from the outside world and predictions that many people won’t be able to move back into their houses for months to come. A grim prospect, especially with Christmas less than five weeks away. It’s on... Read Full Story

A friend of mine is staying. She has just come out of the vilest relationship the world has ever known with a horribly abusive creep who has dominated her life for years in the most negative imaginable way.  Yesterday she and I made steak and kidney pie and cheesecake and my daughter beat the egg whites into soft peaks. The fire crackled. It’s easy to think people should just leave bad situations immediately, but we all know you get trapped in things and lose all sense of perspective and all ... Read Full Story

"Coup" The New Regime Ilan Rubin, the Nine Inch Nails' drummer and one-man band fronting under the name The New Regime, just re-released his debut album, "Coup," as a limited edition. The deluxe package includes a 180 gram vinyl, the CD, a DVD featuring live performances and interview with Rubin, 16-page color booklet and an exclusive Web site link to download instrumental mixes. Oh, and there's only 1,000 of these special editions available. What's so special about re-releasing an album t... Read Full Story

"Ninja Assassin" Warner Bros. Pictures I am an action movie fan. I readily admit it. Growing up watching TV shows like "Kung Fu" or movies such as "The Killing Fields" from a young age, I learned quickly the difference between campy and impressive when it came to fight scenes. "Power Rangers" is campy. "The Bourne" series is not. I put "Ninja Assassin" is the same category as Matt Damon's action-spy thriller trilogy. However, the plot isn't the high point of the movie, which is set to hit th... Read Full Story

I’m always on the streets of London; whether I’m commuting to work, doing errands, or just shopping, I have to always encounter that deadly cancer stick, formerly known as the cigarette. Someone, please, enlighten me on the benefits of smoking? Name one. Because I really don’t see anything attractive about putting a stick in my mouth that will slowly destroy my lungs. I mean, unless you want lung cancer, emphysema, or lung disease, then hey, go for it. Otherwise, what is the real deal with s... Read Full Story

Relationships are like my macbook. I felt on top of the world when I got it but after the honeymoon period it decided to die on me and I lost everything (everything!). Now its come down to me sellotaping the chipped corners I wish to pretend are not there. Just like my Macbook relationships hardly ever stay the same, they too tend to need a reboot every now and then. But why do relationships change? Everything seems normal and then one day you realise just how distant you’ve become and feel... Read Full Story

Forget going to Lapland this Christmas when you can visit Winter Wonderland at London’s Hyde Park in association with Help a London Child. The outdoor event is even bigger and better then last year spanning across 20 acres and offering visitors the chance to see Zippos Christmas Circus and the Palace of Grand Illusion show both inside a heated big top. Entry to the outdoor event is free. Visitors pay for the many attractions Winter Wonderland has to offer including Capital FM’s giant wheel,... Read Full Story