Street Cred Magazine - October 2018

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Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness

OCTOBER 2018

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JAMELIA BACK HOME

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018

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Editors note

I

t has been a great month once again, I caught up with Brum star Jamelia who i havent seen in absolute years, yes I witnessed her getting her Birmingham Broad St Walk of fame and all we could do is just laugh and celebrate.

As kids we used to dream of this kind of thing and to see it happen is something else. The walk of stars is definately well deserved. What

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/markdwaynemedia Jamelia has achieved as a young lady from Hockley Birmingham is nothing short of incredible.

We also was invited to the legendary Dionne Warwick in concert who also launched Black History Month at the Symphony Hall.The Lord Mayor of Birmingham was in awe of the star like many of us in the room. So as usual an interesting month preparations are in place for our trip to the SOTIC 2018 conference in the Bahamas.

This will be at the ultimate Atlantis resort, nothing beats a good trip to the caribbean.

We are looking forward to this for sure. Keep an eye on our awesome footage and reviews.

Don’t forget to check us out on Instagram!

/markdwaynemedia /bigscreenphoenix /thephoenixnewspaper /streetcredmagazineonline

BAHAMAS HERE WE COME! /MarkDwayneMedia /MarkDwayneMedia

T

he Phoenix Newspaper takes a big trip to this years SOTIC 2018 Conference in the Bahamas.

This promises to be the ultimate stay in the world famous Atlantis resort.

We are going to review the best spots in the country and give you all the reasons why you should have flown out and joined us.

Look out for videos on our Instagram and YouTube channels. #SOTIC2018 #VISITTHEBAHAMAS

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The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018 - Page 19

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NEXT GEN L AWARD

ady Leshurr Big Narstie T Roadz Theo Tynee Jahni go up compete for the Street Cred Next Generation award!

The Street Cred next generation award has been added to the Phoenix Newspaper Gala Catogory.

This award goes out to who is making a positive impact with youth. Votes are sky high for all involved.

Who will win and why? You tell us!

Eminem smashes records as the hottest rapper at 45

A

lthough it is down to opinion wether Eminem won the recent rap battle with MGK it really is down to preference isn’t it. The fact is Eminem remains the hottest rap star still and hungry as ever!

The Kamikaze album is respected as the ultimate rap album release this year, we got the Slim Shady we wanted!

But back to rap battle, I personally think it was a tie, rap ability Eminem wins hands down and as a decent song MGK was awesome but this will go down in history as one of the greatest

rap beefs.

Being honest I never heard an MGK song until this battle and I’m impressed with this brother.

The fact that he had the balls to go up against Em gets my props as don’t know many rappers that would risk their career like that.

Even The Game says the number 1 rule in hiphop is to not go against Eminem.

Amazing what it takes to get someones attention as a rapper, he had to go up against the best or we wouldn’t have heard from him.

WILL SMITH CAN Really

JUMP!

A

s if Will Smith jumped out of an helicopter over the Grand Canyon for his 50th Birthday. This world got to watch the ultimate Birthday party.

Got to say that is not something that I would do to celebrate my Birthday but hey each celebrity to their own lol Well done Will you did it!

Gig Listings BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

October 02 The Amity Affliction 06 The Rifles Singles Tour 07 Bethel Music UK Tour 10 OMYO 10 Burna Boy 11 The Daniel Wakeford Experience 12 Imperial Leisure 13 Jorja Smith 14 Coheed and Cambria 14 Get Cape Wear Cape Fly 15 Black Honey 16 The Brian Jonestown Massacre 17 Jack White 18 Carbon Leaf 18 Daughtry 19 Chaosaroma EP Launch 19 Editors 20 Rick Ross

21 Tom Odell 22 Rudimental 23 Melvins 24 Max & Harvey 24 Jack Maynard 24 Heels of Hell Tour 2018 26 Bugzy Malone 27 Festival Of The Dead 29 The Black Eyed Peas

O2 INSTITUTE

October 03 Luke Combs 04 Three Days Grace 05 Krysthla 05 The Coral 06 Hunter And The Bear 06 Stamina 07 The Story So Far 08 Hardy Caprio 10 Toots and the Maytals 10 MNEK 11 Darwin Deez 12 Becky Hill 18 KRS-One

GENTING ARENA

October 20 Cage Warriors 98 21-22 GIG 26 David Byrne 27 Enrique Iglesias

ARENA BIRMINGHAM l Kylie plays Genting Arena on the 21st 19 The Chats 20 Ash 20 nothing, nowhere.

21 Emma Blackery 21 Why Don’t We: Why Don’t We Europe 23 Lucy Spraggan 24 Max & Harvey 26 IDLES 26 Sophie Hunger 26 The Mighty Diamonds 27 Chase Rice

October 03-07 Cirque du Soleil: OVO 10,12,13 Jeff Lynne’s ELO 19-28 Disney On Ice presents Dream Big

NEC

October 03-07 Horse of the Year Show 03-04 LAWBizTech Birmingham 2018 05-06 The National Franchise Exhibition 10-14 Grand Designs Live Birmingham 16-21 Motorhome and Caravan Show 2018 19-21 Destination Star Trek

Birmingham 26-28 The Vaper Expo UK 27-28 DIVE 2018 27 GCCF Supreme Cat Show

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

October 02 Larry Carlton 03 Paul Young ‘35 Years of No Parlez’ 04 Anna Calvi 05 Steve Hackett Gensis Revisited 06 The Musical Box - A Genesis Extravaganza 07 Tchaikovsky And Beethoven 08 Tony Hadley 09 Joanna Lumley 09 An Evening with Stacey Dooley 10 Yamada Conducts Bernstein 11 Rich Hall’s Hoedown 12 Jimeoin 12 The Music Of Harry Potter 13 PCA British Finals 2018 13 Season Opening: Royal

Philharmonic Orchestra – Shostakovich’s Fifth 14 James Martin - On The Road... Again 15 Michael Bolton 16 Mokoomba 18 Nigel Kennedy 18 At Last: The Etta James Story 20 Cliff Richard 24-26 Sarah Millican 28 Grayson Perry 29 The Proclaimers 30 Caro Emerald

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

October 05 Slade Showcase 06 Whole Lotta DC 11 Daliso Chaponda: ‘What The African Said?’

12 Jilted John 40th Anniversary Tour 18 Jamali Maddix: Vape Lord 20 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 20 VIP Record Fair 26 Evil Scarecrow

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

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Grace and Class as Dionne Takes Centre Stage Continued from Front Page

Dionne Warwick is a true hero of our time, her sheer class and elegant charisma shine from the stage as she performs some of the most beautifully written classics from 5 decades. The Soul/Pop Legend is in Birmingham as part of her 2018 tour ‘Don’t Make Me Over’ performing the classic hits ‘Walk On By’, ‘Any One Who Had A Heart’, ‘Do You Know The Way To San Jose’, ‘Don’t Make Me Over’, ‘Heartbreaker’ and many more.

Town Hall, and more recently Symphony Hall, have been the focal point for monumental moment’s in Birmingham’s black history and are delighted to be working closely with Birmingham Black History Month throughout October to share some of these stories.

Town Hall Symphony Hall’s Chaplain, Elaine Hutchinson said; “It was a phenomenal event! It was lovely to see Dionne Warwick, I never thought I’d actually get to see her in my lifetime, so to be so

up close and personal and to be part of Black History Month which is so important for black people in the West Midlands is amazing.”

Multi award-winning, worldrenowned music icon Dionne Warwick’s career started before a lot of the audience was even born.

Dionne Warwick entered the prestigious Symphony Hall stage with grace and class, wearing dark brown sequinned trousers paired with a light and dark brown glittery patterned Kaftan.

Her band wore black tie attire and behind them the stage was dressed with a gauzy curtain as well as a colour changing star cloth twinkling underneath. It resembled something seen on TV when watching concerts from her generation.

Charmaine Burton said “The crowed was in awe as we listened to her tell us ‘you’ll be sitting there for a long time’.“ The concert was nearly 2 hours long and began with a medley of her greatest hits including songs

l A Birthday Treat - Happy Birthday Marcia, with love from Richard Loftus & all at Town Hall Symphony Hall!

written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

“Everyone was singing along to Walk On By; Close To You, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Do You Know The Way To San Jose and I’ll Say A little Prayer For You, which was a duet with her eldest son David Elliot who has a beautiful, powerful soulful voice.”

“While singing along it dawned on me that I knew most of her songs due to them being covered by other artists like the Carpenters cover of Close To You or Luther Vandross’ cover of A House Is Not A Home.

The latter of which I didn’t know wasn’t his song until I saw it on the TV show Glee and discovered the original version was by Dionne Warwick. “ Furthermore, Cilla Black covered many of her songs including Alfie. Realising this gave a better understanding of the influence Dionne Warwick made on the world of music and her status as a worldrenowned music icon.

Nearing the end of the show Dionne introduced Cheyenne Elliot, her granddaughter. They performed Love Will Find A Way that was written by her son David for her and her cousin the late great Whitney Houston.

“The show ended with That’s What Friends Are For, which bought me back to a time when I was watching a video of the Soul Train Music Awards 1987 with Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Dionne on stage singing it together,” explained Charmaine.

“Although Dionne Warwick’s voice isn’t what it used to be and I did miss the presence of backing vocals, her performance and interaction with the audience kept everyone captivated. Overall I had a fabulous evening and it was privilege to experience this type of concert and see live this multi award winning musical icon in my home town of Birmingham.”

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The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018 - Page 21

ENTERTAINMENT

Black Sabbath Ozzy announces 2019 Tour

R

ock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee and G r a m m y winning singer/songwriter Ozzy Osbourne has revealed details of his forthcoming ‘No More Tours 2,’ a reference to his 1992 ‘No More Tours’ trek.

The announcement by the legendary musical icon about the European dates extends the North American tour, announced earlier this year, with his long time collaborators Zakk Wylde,

In the Night Garden Live in 2019

The BAFTA Award-Winning CBeebies Children’s TV Show ‘In the Night Garden Live’ begins a first ever tour of UK theatres in 2019 with a brand-new show and will play at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 2019.

Take a spectacular journey into the magical world of In the Night Garden and experience the UK’s favourite family show with all the enchanting characters magically brought to life on stage.

‘In the Night Garden Live’ is the perfect musical theatre experience for the entire family.

Children’s favourite CBeebies stars - Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends - are all brought beautifully to life in a specially-written new story using full-size costumes and magical puppets with enchanting music and dancing.

Blasko , Tommy Clufetos and Adam Wakeman.

The 2019 European leg, produced by Live Nation, kicks off in January with dates scheduled throughout the UK, including a night in Birmingham, before continuing through Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy before concluding in Barcelona on 3rd March; Ozzy will be joined by Judas Priest for select dates on the tour.

This summer saw Ozzy go solo on the European

This delightful classic, which premiered in 2010 before becoming a summer entertainment fixture, is a firm favourite with young preschoolers and their parents.

festival circuit, with headline performances at Download UK, Paris and Madrid, Firenze Rocks, Copenhell, Grasspop Metal Meeting and Sweden Rock Festival.

He says: "I've been extremely blessed to have had two successful music careers and I'm looking at this final tour as being a huge celebration for my fans and anyone who has enjoyed my music over the past five decades."

Seen by over one million people, the critically acclaimed production has established itself as a must-see first theatre experience for young children.

Mighty Jamma banging the drum for the steel pan When it comes to banging steel, Mighty Jamma is the real deal.

The 51-year-old has broken the Caribbean’s domination of the steel drum to become one of the world’s greatest experts of the art.

Born in Wolverhampton, he is now one of the biggest names in the business - What’s more, his 23-year-old son Jamani has followed the family tradition and plays professionally worldwide.

Mighty Jamma, now resident in Birmingham, cemented his legendary status at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival with his composition, ‘Ignorance’ - performed by London’s 105-strong Metronomes Steel Orchestra - coming third in the prestigious Panorama Steelband competition.

It’s a competition, ‘Jamma won in 2014 and he said: “People find it amazing that someone from England is doing Caribbean music to such a high standard.

Ignorance was inspired by the fact I used to do a lot of jazz and I’d go to jazz venues and they would turn me away, saying the steel pan was not a jazz instrument. When they heard me play, though, they changed their mind very quick.”

As a former Wolverhampton’s

Highfield School pupil, Mighty Jamma was taught the instrument by his older brother. His talents are now in demand globally, gaining top spot in the 2013 Trinidad Carnival competition.

Subsequently he was hired to play-in the 2018 New Year in the Maldives and is currently working with top calypso vocalist Crazy.

He has also won the National Steel Band Soloist competition three years on the spin - but this last Notting Hill Carnival has a special place on his CV. “Witnessing over 100 people playing your music,” he says, “is special and very exciting. My ‘thanks’ goes out to Metronomes musical arranger Leroy Clark who selected Ignorance.”

He is at the vanguard of a steel pan revival and adds; “It is growing and is being taken up by the young and old alike. Equally, it’s great to see children taking an interest and keep the legacy alive because it teaches them to work as a team and increases its popularity.”

Mighty Jamma - the name was given him by fans in Trinidad - is banging the drum for British steel’ in his own unique and exciting way.

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018

EGX 2018

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NEXT L E

GX, the UK’s biggest gaming event returned to the NEC for another massively successful year showcasing the best in hardware, software, collectibles and accessories.

Whether you are a console gamer, PC gamer, into your CCG, DnD or anything in between you could find something to tickle your fancy across the multiple halls that EGX spanned.

With massive giveaways on offer every day at a multitude of stands, as well as the chance to check out the hottest new indie games and AAA titles, the show floor was ram packed over the 4 days.

While walking around the sheer number of people in cosplay, (left) was noticeable, and the level of detail, craftsmanship and pride in the outfits was astonishing.

Personal highlights included Destiny 2, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Kingdom Hearts 3, with GRIP and Soundfall led the way in the indie zone.

There were also chances to try the new cutting edge technology of VR, as well as a retro gaming zone and many competitive ‘arenas’.

Twitch Streamer StickerMonster told us “EGX is like a mix between a trade show and a fan convention—there were lights, vendors, and of course playable games everywhere!

“The indie game offerings were so much

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Taking Gaming to the

LEVEL fun and despite the long lines even the AAA titles shown were impressive. I’d say whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, a student looking to pursue a career in the industry, or a veteran looking to network and connect, it’s a pretty great show for you. I’ll definitely be attending again.”

“It was the first time I’d attended EGX and as an avid gamer and twitch streamer I was excited to see what it was all about,” explained The_Jadles, “Stalls for indie games, hardware and board games and merchandise as well as a presence from the AAA games and manufacturers (if you could stomach the hour plus queues to see their offerings) made for a great blend.

“It was great to see all the up and coming games, as well as get to play some (and chat to the developers).

“I will definitely be attending again, as it’s a really fun event, just make sure you have a group of great friends to go with.”

Dates for 2019 haven’t been released for EGX, however its sister show, EGX Rezzed runs from April 4-6 at the Tobacco Dock, London, so if you’re going to be down that way make sure you book your tickets soon!

EGX is a whirlwind of RGB, stunning cosplay and top tier titles from massive developers and indie studios alike. Not one to miss!

The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018 - Page 23

EGX 2018

l Friends make everything better! Twitch Streamers spokenfiddle, Dazolaa, LadyHero, Anti_Hero, StickerMonster and The_Jadles had a brilliant time at EGX, with spokenfiddle even travelling from Norway!

Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018

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Stepback 80’s is T back and ready for Christmas

he world’s biggest 80s concert is coming to the Ricoh Arena and one of the most successful female bands in the world, Bananarama, have just been announced.

The pop-duo have been confirmed as the headline act of the StepBack! 80s Christmas Concert.

They will be joined by one of the strongest lineups ever seen, featuring Tony Hadley, ABC, Bonnie Tyler, Go West, The Selecter, Chesney Hawkes, Katrina (from Katrina and the waves), Black Lace and more to be announced!

Former Spandau Ballet front-man, Hadley, said; “The great thing about this concert in Coventry is that all of the people performing are great mates, so there’s a fantastic camaraderie backstage and we all enjoy each other’s company.

The market has changed and while you want to keep singing original songs, you want to create something new as well.”

Hosted by Nigel Freeman from Smooth Breakfast Radio Coventry, come Saturday December 22, at the city’s Ricoh Arena, it will be the perfect opportunity to dust off those leg warmers, crimp those ponytails and get ready to enjoy an evening of nonstop 80s.

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F

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A ‘Superstar’ ‘Thank You’ For Brummie Honour W

e caught up with Jamelia just before she received her Walk of Stars at a presentation and performance on the Symphony Hall main stage!

achieved and yes its weird but if I was someone then I probably would have said yes she should have one of those [laughs].

Mark Dwayne: So tell people how we know each other

Jamelia: I say everything in its time, I am so honoured its so special as it is in my hometown.

I am very proud of Birmingham, I still live here, my children are raised here and I even forced my husband to live here. I was like I’m not leaving here!

Jamelia: We was 14 and I remember you had your magazine and you used to stop me on the street to buy it and ask to come to the parties and now I appreciate what you was doing you were being a businessman.

MD: Thank you Jamelia [kisses her hand] You were the first to make it as young Birmingham - a lot of people made it from here like UB4O Duran Duran but they were old, where with you it was a fresh youthful current thing that we all wanted to see.

You won Mobo and Street Cred awards, which was your 1st one I believe!

Jamelia: Yes they are on my wall with all of my trophies my Street Cred award I am proud of.

MD: Sure there are so many you are proud of but how does it really feel to have your own Walk of Stars in your own city?

Jamelia: I never thought this would happen! Whenever I bring people from London I always bring them to Broad St to show them our walk of fame as it is something I have always been very proud of.

So when they asked me to be one of the stars on the walk I was like what? So shocked and humbled.

But when things like that happen it forces you to reflect and look at what you have

MD: I think its long overdue if I am honest

MD: Yes that what we like about Jamelia always in control, strong, knows what she wants, we like that.

You talk about reflection tell us the journey from winning the MOBO, how did that feel?

Jamelia: I remember admiring Beenie man and performing with him when I won my first Mobo Award and at that point was so happy - if nothing else happens I have done this I’ve been all around the world and I have taken my children to every continent.

I’ve had dinner with Nelson Mandela, supported Usher, Justin Timberlake, Destiny’s Child, and performed at the NEC and Wembley its really surreal.

So yes something like winning the Walk of Stars it makes you reflect on your life to see why.

I just hope that my story will inspire the next generation down.

I don’t just want my daughters to benefit from my legacy; I hope people will be inspired by being born and raised in hockley to to being on the Walk of Stars on Broad Street.

MD: It’s a beautiful story Jamelia

Jamelia: I remember performing in front of Mary J Blige and I was about 20 and

again I thought if I die now I have achieved my dream.

MD: These are things that wont happen again, you even had Usher fancying you - that was a big thing!

Jamelia: Ha ha and I actually turned him down too!

Its coming from Birmingham, I am not impressed by fortune and fame, and I think being from Birmingham allows me to be grounded.

We are very down to earth people and that’s down to the aspect of my upbringing. It’s hard for my daughters to stop becoming divas but staying in Birmingham allows me to give them some sense of normality.

I still feel that Birmingham is my retreat, I will go to Manchester and do a Kelloggs campaign and stay in all these hotels but I have in my mind I need to go home and wash up when I am caught up in the fast life.

I don’t have a cleaner, but I have nice things like a pool in my garden but ultimately I have grounding.

I have to switch off as I don’t want to get caught up in the glitz and glamour its not about that it’s about being of service its about being an inspiration.

MD: Without you breaking through I don’t think there would be the Lotto Boyzz and other chances for Birmingham artists; I feel you opened the door for Birmingham.

Jamelia: It fills me with so much joy to see the Lotto Boyzz , Jaekay, and Lady Leshurr.

I sent a message to Jaekay as my daughter is crazy about him and my youngest listens to Tooth Ache to go to sleep.

I feel my speciality is to empower inspire young women I don’t want anyone to feel less than I want them all to fel capable of greatness

The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018 - Page 25

ENTERTAINMENT

Arenacross Returns!

The spectacular Arenacross Tour returns for 2019 with the fast-paced show set descend on Birmingham next year – coming to the Genting Arena 1-2 February 2019.

The UK’s fastest indoor actionsports show promises seat grabbing entertainment from the worlds craziest indoor Motocross racers and Freestyle MX stars from across the globe.

It’s one of the most incredible family shows you’ll witness under a roof and it’s back, bigger, louder, faster than ever before!

For 2019 the Tour takes on two nights in each city so fans

can experience two nights of unpredictable racing action.

Matt Bates, CEO of ASL Active, who produce Arenacross, says “Arenacross never fails to entertain huge audiences year after year – and as we enter our seventh year of staging the tour, we’re more excited than ever to continue growing our audience of AX fans.

“Arenacross isn’t just indoor Motocross, it’s an entire night of choreographed entertainment that includes a great sound track, pyro, lasers and live screen back-stage action.

“We’re also a sports entertainment show that delivers so much more

than a seated show – you can win bikes, bet on riders, get to meet the stars, walk the course and go back stage too. What other live show can offer this level if access?”

The fastest motocross racers flock to the six-round series to take part in the UK’s richest off-road series.

With bragging rights and a huge jackpot up for grabs the riders leave nothing on the line resulting in knuckle to knuckle non-stop racing on the arena sized dirt battle field!

Cheer on home bred riders as they battle the international superstars from the age of 7 up to the professionals.

Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018

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Christmas Will Soon Be Upon Us… T he dynamic Festive Gift Fair, now in its 23rd fabulous year, continues to be the best place to start your Christmas experience and is one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK at Birmingham’s NEC 15-18 November.

As well as finding great gifts for your loved ones, treats for yourself and all your sparkling Christmas essentials, you’re sure to have a funpacked day!

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, traditional gifts, festive food and great home decorations.

With 325+ stalls all under one roof, the variety is huge, with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes… and lots of Special Show Offers!

There’s even a Present Creche to drop off your full bags.

The festive atmosphere is always fantastic and there’s even more this year with new icicle lighting throughout the hall and a new Victorian bandstand where live

Bands will take centre stage.

While browsing the stalls, let the music get you into that Christmassy mood and be entertained by Santa himself, Stilt walkers and Pantomime characters.

Make sure you visit the popular Festive Food & Drink area where you’ll find 40 tempting stands selling everything from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to champagne, beer to brownies and hampers to hog roasts!

Of course, it’s also time to set

COMPETITION For your chance to win one of 10 pairs of tickets to The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC Birmingham, just answer this simple question!

Which decoration would usually be found on a Christmas Tree? a) Bauble b) Snowman c) Wreath Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper. com with the subject “Festive Gift Fair 2018 Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 2nd November 2018. There is no cash alternative.

0121 643 2047 www.thehatman.com

info@thehatman.net

the mood and get creative…. decorate your table, your stairwell, your mantelpiece and garden with greenery, twinkling lights, door wreaths, baubles, candles and so much more.

So, take the strain out of Christmas, enjoy a day out at the Festive Gift Fair and get your festive preparations off to a cracking start!

There’s no better reason to indulge than Christmas, and at The Festive Gift Fair you’ll discover a vast array of tasty treats and boozy delights that are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

outletstore@thehatman.com

54 Stephenson Street, Birmingham City Centre, B2 4HD

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The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018 - Page 27

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BIG SCREEN

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BIGScreen EDITORS NOTE

H

ey film fans and welcome back to The Big Screen!

October is upon us, meaning we have just three months left until we’ll be ringing in the New Year. The winter

months are always an interesting time in the world of cinema and often result in the most unique and varied selection of filmic thrills.

The beginning of each year, often referred to as “dump months”,

tend to be when studios release movies they are contractually obligated to release, but believe them to have limited commercial prospects, resulting in little financial return.

These months are followed by Blockbuster season – the middle months of the year where studios release their big money-spinners – but what about the winter

With antony brown BIG SCREEN EDITOR months? Well, winter marks the beginning of “awards season” and studios will be releasing films they think have the potential to win big at ceremonies like The Oscars and The BAFTAs. Exciting, right?

October is also the month of Halloween and, while it may not be a particularly big thing here in the UK, I myself am a huge horror

fan so this month’s edition of The Big Screen will have a slight horror theme – because if you can’t celebrate horror in October, when the hell can you?

Inside, you will find a piece on the big-screen return of Michael Myers in Halloween and details on the Festival of Terror – a tenday horror convention taking place in Birmingham this month.

This edition also marks the introduction of our all-new “What’s On” section, detailing everything exciting that’s happening in and around Birmingham throughout the month – from film and theatre to music and comedy.

disturbed individuals who have a strange and unique relationship that results in endless comedic moments and even a handful of heartfelt ones – although, those more sentimental moments struggle to land amongst the whirlwind of comedy and silliness surrounding them.

Olivia Munn is also an absolute stand-out as Casey Bracket, the bad-ass biologist who never thinks twice about leaping in to action if

it means protecting those around her.

Ironically, the strength and resilience of her character have been echoed in Olivia Munn herself lately, during the recent controversy surrounding the film, proving that Munn is a total badass both on and off the screen.

of just about every ounce of suspense one might expect from this franchise.

The fun cast of loveable rogues and the brisk pacing keep the adventure barrelling along at a break-neck pace, never really giving you too much time to think about what you’re seeing, which definitely works in its favour.

The Predator manages to strike a strange balance of being a sciencefiction blockbuster packed with foul language and buckets of blood while still simultaneously feeling like a diluted version of everything that came before it, but what it lacks in scares and suspense, it makes up for with pure fun.

The Predator is very much the “summer blockbuster” version of a Predator movie, where humour and big action set-pieces take pride of place over the horror and suspense and while you’ll probably have a lot of fun; it ultimately feels like a pretty hollow experience and it is difficult to imagine anybody talking about The Predator thirty years from now in the same way we do about the original.

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THE PREDATOR T he universe’s most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species and when a boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and an evolutionary biologist can prevent the end of the human race.

History

Director Shane Black has strong ties to the Predator franchise, actually being one of the original cast members from the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic that started it all.

He played Hawkins – the bespectacled nerd of the group who constantly made inappropriate jokes, mostly at the expense of his probably-nonexistent girlfriend.

Fast forward thirty years and now, one of the original members of the Predator team is returning to breathe new life in to a franchise that has been lying dormant since 2010, and the result is…mixed, to say the least.

Over the past ten years or so, Shane Black has made a name for himself as a director, taking on

Iron Man 3 for Marvel Studios and writing/directing 2016’s The Nice Guys, a brilliantly funny and pulpy throwback to buddy-cop cinema of the 1970s.

Now, one thing all of his films have in common is a wicked sense of humour that often borders on some very dark territory and that is an element that Black gleefully carries over to The Predator, resulting in what is without question the funniest Predator movie yet and that’s what truly sets this movie apart from the rest of franchise and makes it stand out from the pack.

Fresh

Where the others are mostly dead-serious concoctions of science-fiction, action and horror, Shane Black and his writing partner Fred Dekker, who last teamed up on 1981’s horror/ comedy classic The Monster Squad, aren’t afraid to let their movie be the goofy uncle you only see at weddings and funerals who constantly tries to be the centre of attention by making inappropriate jokes and while it is a unique approach to the material, it isn’t necessarily a good one and results in some jarring tonal flip-flopping.

Some of the ideas put forward in The Predator are fantastic and serve to expand upon the mythology of these iconic movie monsters.

For example, since 1987 we have watched Predators collect the skull and spinal cords of its victims to keep as trophies, but The Predator expands upon this by revealing that there’s actually a lot more to these collections than we once thought, with the Predators extracting DNA from the spinal cord and using it to enhance their own abilities, making them better hunters.

This hybridisation subplot is one of the more intriguing things put forward in The Predator, but it is something that

is never really explored in the depth you hope it will be, with the film constantly striving to be nothing more than fun popcorn entertainment.

Most of the other new stuff Black and Dekker introduce to the franchise feels like stuff that works better on paper than it does in practice and almost feels like the result of a conversation between a two 13-year-old friends talking about things they’d like to see in a Predator movie. “Do you know what would be cooler than a normal Predator? A giant Predator who can spontaneously grow armour plating under his skin!”

Goofy

One element in-particular will be make-or-break for many audience members and will be the deciding factor between whether or not you are on-board with this movie and it involves a Predator hunting dog – essentially a redesigned version of the vicious creatures the Predators use to help them hunt in 2010s Predators.

During a lengthy battle with our main heroes, the Predatordog is shot in the head at pointblank range and, instead of dying; the bullet merely causes some kind of lobotomy that results in the Predator-dog becoming a subservient companion to our heroes who aids them in their fights and even plays fetch. It’s all very, very silly.

Casting

The cast are by far the best thing The Predator has going for it, with Shane Black and Fred Dekker creating a likeable, ragtag group of ex-soldiers who all have their own personal demons to fight, with their battle against the Predator ending up being somewhat of a loose allegory for those demons they’re all fighting.

The characters are a lot of fun to be around and the cast play their respective roles perfectly; effortlessly delivering the countless quippy one-liners Black and Dekker have laced the script with.

Thomas Jane and KeeganMichael Key stand out as Baxley and Coyle – two chaotic and

Verdict

Shane Black’s The Predator is a hell of a lot of goofy fun, but that level of fun comes at the sacrifice

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FESTIVAL SET TO STRIKE FEAR INTO BIRMINGHAM! This month sees The Custard Factory play host to the Festival of Terror – a brand new convention dedicated to providing you with the ultimate horror experience!

Running from October 26th to November 4th, The Festival of Terror will host a full ten days of horror screenings that will include both cult classics and popular horror from throughout the ages, with live Q&A’s with cast and crew, who will be there to answer all of your questions and shed some light on these incredible horror classics.

They will also be holding a film competition with multiple awards up for grabs, so all of the budding filmmakers amongst you can submit your feature films, short films or music videos now via their website.

This is a fantastic platform for aspiring filmmakers and a great way to get your work out there.

As if that isn’t enough, on Saturday November 3rd they will also hosting a full-blown horror convention in the Custard Factory Market Hall featuring up to 200 stalls, with traders from all over the country coming together to sell all of the horror merchandise your heart could desire. This is followed by an epic Rocky Horror Picture Show themed Halloween Party, where up to 1000 fellow fanatics will gather to watch a special screening of the cult classic, followed by an evening of live music and an array of street food vendors, available until the early hours of the morning!

For the horror hounds out there, The Festival of Terror is an event not to be missed!

Michael Myers returns!

Eleventh instalment in the Halloween franchise is a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s original

I

met him 15 years ago; I was told there was nothing left – no reason, no conscience, no understanding in even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, of good or evil, right or wrong. met this six-year-old child with this blank, pale, emotionless face and the blackest eyes…the Devil’s eyes. I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up, because I realised that what was living behind that boy’s eyes was purely and simply...evil.” – Dr Sam

I

Loomis, Halloween (1978) John Carpenter’s Halloween is the undisputed king of slasher cinema and ushered in a whole new generation of horror.

Released in 1978, Halloween was amongst the first horror movies to utilize the slasher model and, while it technically isn’t the first slasher movie – it was preceded by Black Christmas and Peeping Tom – it is very much the poster-child for the genre and is responsible for the sub-genre’s surge in popularity. Made for a measly $300,000, Halloween went on to gross over $70 million, with Michael Myers opening the door

october

cinema releases

Venom (05/10/18)

One of Marvel’s most enigmatic, complex and badass characters comes to the big screen, starring Academy Award nominated actor Tom Hardy as the lethal protector Venom.

Bad Times at the El Royale (12/10/18)

When seven strangers meet at the El Royale, a rundown hotel with a dark past, they will each have one last shot at redemption before everything goes to hell.

to other horror icons like Jason Voorhees of Friday the 13th and Freddy Krueger of A Nightmare on Elm Street and kicking off a franchise that has spanned four decades.

This year, on the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter’s original, Michael Myers is once again ready to hack and slash his way on to the big screen in David Gordon Green’s Halloween.

That’s right – there are no numerals or flashy subtitles here! Just the exact same title as the original and while you may find that confusing, there’s a very good reason for it. The latest instalment in the longrunning franchise is set to completely overhaul the series by going back to its roots and rewriting history. You see, while

Bohemian Rhapsody (24/10/18)

Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury -- who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet.

First Man (12/10/18)

From the director of La La Land comes a look at the life and times of astronaut Neil Armstrong and the legendary space mission that led to him becoming the first man to walk on the Moon.

Halloween (2018) is technically the eleventh instalment, it is actually a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s original, opting to completely retcon everything that came after, freeing up director David Gordon Green and writer Danny McBride to tell a brand new version of events that take place 40 years after Michael Myers’ original rampage depicted in Halloween (1978).

What makes this such a special movie is that almost the entire original team are back; Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode, Nick Castle is back as the force of nature that is Michael Myers and even the originator himself, Mr John Carpenter, has returned to the franchise to produce and score the film.

The Hate U Give (26/10/18)

When she witnesses the killing of her best friend at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter faces pressure from all sides of the community as she attempts to find her voice and stand up for what she believes in.

Goosebumps: Haunted Halloween (19/10/18)

Slappy is back to wreak havoc this Halloween in a brand-new adventure based on R.L. Stine’s 400-million-selling series of books.

The fact that so many of the original players have returned, 40 years later, in an unconventional sequel that completely de-constructs and rebuilds the series from the ground up, is a sign that David Gordon Green and Danny McBride have something very special up their sleeves and with Halloween (2018) recently Premièring at the Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim, fans have been left deliriously excited for what they’re going to see when Halloween (2018) hits screens on October 19th.

Slaughterhouse Rulez (31/10/18)

An illustrious British boarding school becomes a bloody battleground when a mysterious sinkhole appears at a nearby fracking site unleashing unspeakable horror on the students and faculty, forcing them in to a fight for lives.

Halloween (19/10/18)

Laurie Strode comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.

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W

hen a young nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania takes her own life, a priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate. Together they uncover the order’s unholy secret and must confront a malevolent force in the form of a demonic nun as the abbey becomes a horrific battleground between the living and the damned.

The Nun is the latest entry in the enormously successful franchise that kicked off with James Wan’s The Conjuring back in 2013 and, while it has been billed as the “darkest chapter of The Conjuring Universe” – it is anything but; unless they mean it in a literal way, because most of the film takes at night, so literally-speaking, it probably is the darkest chapter but in terms of sheer terror and heart-racing intensity? No. The gothic setting is impressive, with the Romanian Abbey feeling like a character unto itself, bringing with it an eerie and overbearing sense of dread. It is a structure that has been designed to be so overtly creepy that it begs the question “why would anybody ever go anywhere near that thing?” resulting in some nifty gothic imagery.

The cinematography by Maxime Alexandre is fantastic and serves to amplify the overall aesthetic of the film, bringing a certain pop to several of the locations, including a suitably creepy, fog-laden graveyard. The direction from Corin Hardy is solid, proving that he is confident in setting up and executing frights, but unfortunately Gary Dauberman’s screenplay lets him down.

Hardy does what he can with the material he has, but he cannot hide the fact that it is quite simply a weak script with hollow characters.

The biggest strength of The

Conjuring Universe so far is that they always have a strong emotional core, with well fleshed-out characters who we actually care about and root for; but that is something almost completely void in The Nun, with characters so underdeveloped that you will walk out of the film knowing nothing more about them than when you walked in.

That is not to discredit the work done by Demián Bichir or the wonderful Taissa Farmiga – much like Hardy, they try their best with material they have, but you cannot make a great film from a poor script.

The Nun is arguably the weakest movie in The Conjuring Universe, failing to live up to the very high bar set by James Wan’s The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2. Even David F. Sandberg’s surprisingly efficient

Annabelle: Creation was able to shake off the cobwebs of its underwhelming predecessor, Annabelle – emerging as a very strong entry into the ongoing horror franchise.

Sadly, The Nun feels like a step backwards and fails to deliver on the promise of its marketing.

However, it is still a somewhat engaging, relatively effective slice of commercial horror that is more concerned with delivering momentary, hair-raising jolts than it is in delivering a fully fleshed out, coherent story.

It is the cinematic equivalent of a walking through a haunted house attraction at a theme park – there may be a few things that jump out and startle you along the way and you’ll have fun while you’re in there, but you will emerge on the other side completely unscathed.

T

he true story of four young men who brazenly attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in US history. Determined to live lives that are out of the ordinary, they formulate a daring plan for the perfect robbery, only to discover that the plan has taken on a life of its own.

Writer/Director Bart Layton, known for his extensive documentary work including 2012’s critically-acclaimed The Imposter, breaks out every tool in his repertoire for American Animals – a darkly comedic hybrid of a true-crime documentary and an action-packed, Ocean’s 11-style heist movie.

Flicking between the real-life perpetrators and their Hollywood counterparts, American Animals is a wickedly entertaining film

october

Revenge (01/10/18)

After surviving a vicious attack at the hands of her wealthy boyfriend’s sleazy friends, a young woman who was left for dead returns, hell-bent on getting brutal revenge on her assailants.

Hereditary (08/10/18)

After the family matriarch passes away, a grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences, and begin to unravel dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

that seamlessly ties together interview footage, stock footage and crisp Hollywood imagery, in an amalgamation of styles that emerges as something memorable and vividly singular.

Throughout the story, there is an element of unreliable narration, as the various characters tell the same story from different points of view and Layton gets very playful with his direction, having scenes alter mid-way through depending on what each interviewee is saying, leaving audiences questioning the authenticity of their accounts.

The story follows Spence (Barry Keoghan) and Warren (Evan Peters) – two highly-intelligent friends who feel trapped in their mundane, small-town lives. Spencer is a talented art student who feels like his life has no meaning and that he needs something exciting, or perhaps

even tragic, to happen in his life in order to inspire him to produce something that can make a difference in the world and Warren is a rebellious student on an athletic scholarship who is only pursuing his education to please his domineering father.

Bart Layton does an excellent job in introducing us to these characters and making them relatable. At some point or another, most of us will experience this inexplicable existential crisis where we feel like nothing we do matters and Layton captures this feeling perfectly – the feeling of being an invisible nobody, desperate to do big things.

As the audience, we know these kids go on to do a terrible thing, but Layton is steadfast in ensuring that while the audience will not condone what these people end up doing, we at least understand the position of emotional turmoil from which this bad idea initially springs.

The cast are fantastic and, due to the fact we are constantly clicking back-and-forth between them and the real-life people, we can see just how closely they resemble their real-world counterparts.

Irish actor Barry Keoghan continues to flourish and make a name for himself in Hollywood in yet another excellent performance, following his award-winning turn in 2017’s The Killing of a Sacred Dear and Evan Peters is as intense and charming as ever.

Peters has an uncanny ability to take characters with a bit of a mean streak and make them not only funny, but likeable, bringing a valuable humanity to his roles that feels raw and authentic. Between the two of them, Keoghan and Peters effortlessly carry the entire movie.

American Animals is hyper-stylized, virtuoso filmmaking at its finest with an aura of self-confidence that perfectly mirrors the shameless cockiness of the young men involved in this unbelievable true story. An absolute must see.

Releases

Hurricane (22/10/18)

Hurricane is the story of a group of brave Poles who fought in the skies in WW2, not just to keep Great Britain free from the Nazis, but also to keep alive the very idea of their own country.

The First Purge (29/10/18)

America’s third political party, the New Founding Fathers of America, comes to power and conducts an experiment on Staten Island known as The Purge – where all crime is legal for 12 hours.

Sicario 2: Soldado (29/10/18)

The drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border.

To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver re-teams with mercurial Alejandro.

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WHAT’S ON

4th - 7th October Birmingham Oktoberfest Eastside City Park

The Eastside City Park is transformed into a traditional Oktoberfest with live music and great atmosphere. They have a special offer for Sunday Lunch, so you can let the entire family experience Bavarian culture for a day.

11th October - 3rd November Motown: The Musical New Alexandra Theatre

Discover the story behind Motown - the relationships, the struggles, and the music that made history, defined the sound of a generation and got the whole world moving to the same beat.

12th October The Music of Harry Potter Symphony Hall

8th - 13th October The Wipers Times Birmingham Repertory Theatre

The Wipers Times tells the true and extraordinary story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the Somme.

Young Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert’s hopeful journey takes him out of England and to the front lines as the war rages on.

Symphonic Fantasy - where the world of film and epic fantasy collide! Experience inspirational music and emotionally charged scores from Game of Thrones and Dragonheart to Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and beyond.

This is definitely one for the film fans out there!

21st October Gina Yashere Birmingham Repertory Theatre

26th October - 4th November Festival of Terror The Mockingbird Cinema

A ten-day horror festival featuring classic film screenings with live Q&As with cast and crew as well as a covention featuring traders from all over the country.

This is an absolute must for horror fanatics!

Fresh from her Netflix special, Gina Yashere presents her latest full length show Funkindemup.

Belly laughs and outrageous revelations guaranteed!

27th October One Man Stranger Things Town Hall

19th October Soul II Soul: 30th Anniversary Town Hall

Maestro Michael Seal and the full CBSO work their magic in this concert devoted to the music of all eight of the Harry Potter films.

10th October - 3rd November War Horse Birmingham Hippodrome

19th October Symphonic Fantasy Symphony Hall

18th October At Last: The Etta James Story Town Hall

The smash-hit returns starring the sensational Vika Bull and tells the story of soul legend Etta James - from her career to her problems with addiction - featuring her most beloved songs.

Soul II Soul progressed from the 1980’s warehouse scene to pioneering British black music around the world, securing long term critical and commercial success for themselves and they’re back to celebrate thirty successful years in the business.

‘One Man’ legend Charles Ross’ hilarious new show parodies both seasons of the Eighties-based Netflix horror/sci-fi phenomenon that has intrigued, engrossed and spooked millions of viewers worldwide.

24th – 26th October Sarah Millican Symphony Hall

You’ll learn about Rescue Men, what happens at a bra fitting, the benefits of casserole and tips on the correct way to eat a biscuit.

Funny, frank and filthy.

27th October Enrique Iglesias Genting Arena

20th October Cage Warriors 98 Genting Arena

Welterweight champion Stefano Paternò will put his title on the line against Ross Houston, alongside the semi-finals of the Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship Tournament. Dean Trueman will face off against Lewis Monarch, and Birmingham’s own Aiden Lee will be taking on Paull McBain.

Enrique Iglesias will be returning to the UK and Ireland this October to perform all of his hits live - for the first time in four years!

30th October - 10th November The Lovely Bones Birmingham Repertory Theatre

26th October - 3rd November Birmingham Improv Festival Blue Orange Theatre

Included in this year’s ‘Best UK Comedy Festivals’ on Trip Advisor, 2018 sees a range of acclaimed performers from across the UK and the rest of the world visit Birmingham.

The REP brings the best-selling novel to the stage for the very first time. After being brutally murdered, 14-year-old Susie Salmon watches from heaven over her grief-stricken family -- and her killer. As she observes their daily lives, she must balance her thirst for revenge with her desire for her family to heal.

HIDDENGems ex machina Director:

Alex Garland Release Date: 2014 A young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment to evaluate the human qualities of a highly-advanced, breathtaking humanoid Artificial Intelligence known as Ava. Ex Machina is a whip-smart, engaging piece of sciencefiction featuring fantastic performances from Domanhall Gleeson, Oscar Isaacs and the exquisite Alicia Vikander. It’s small in scale, but heavy on ideas, maintaining a sickening

sense of dread throughout and the expertly written screenplay will leave you questioning exactly what it is that makes us human, while exploring mankind’s incessant and often destructive need to create.

In 2016, Ex Machina won the Oscar for Best Achievement in Visual Effects and was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay, as well as a total of five BAFTA Awards, including Best British Film.

However, despite all of this mainstream recognition, Ex Machina still hasn’t received the mainstream success it so desperately deserves. Seek it out, immediately!

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MOTORS

Hitting The Road

l The new 2019 BMW Z4

l Marcus Blake, Commercial Director, Group Lotus plc; His Excellency Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Karl Hamer, Chief Executive Officer of Adamas Motors LLC; Jonathan Stretton, Regional Director of Lotus Cars Middle East

British Lotus Blooms in UAE

L

otus Cars showed its commitment to the UAE with the official opening of a brandnew Lotus showroom in Dubai.

The Lotus Dubai facility on Sheikh Zayed Road is the result of a partnership with Adamas Motors and offers new and existing customers the opportunity to experience the famous brand first hand in the heart of Dubai.

Officially opened by Marcus Blake, Commercial Director, Group Lotus plc and His Excellency Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ceremony included esteemed guests, key media and senior management from across the Lotus operations.

The new 5,000 square foot showroom, capable of showcasing up to ten cars, opened its doors with the presentation of the range of Lotus vehicles carefully selected and optioned to suit the aspirations of customers in the UAE.

British Brand

On display at the inaugural event was the limited-edition Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 with three of the worldwide volume of 25 units making their way to the GCC; the only Lotus 3-Eleven 430 in the Middle East finished in the famous Lotus black and gold livery; and the internationally acclaimed and

fastest Lotus production vehicle ever, the Lotus Evora GT430.

Marcus Blake, Commercial Director, Group Lotus plc commented, “On behalf of Group Lotus, I welcome Adamas Motors to the Lotus brand, in our 70th Anniversary year. Adamas Motors joins Lotus at a very exciting point in the company’s history. Our desirable, benchmark and handcrafted sports cars are consistently being awarded fivestar accolades from media around the world. The Lotus business

is also growing globally and expanding into new markets so welcoming even more discerning drivers behind the wheel of this exclusive and British brand.

“The UAE is an important market for Lotus and it has even greater potential for the future.

With Lotus Cars Middle East and Adamas Motors, we’re looking forward to welcoming both our current and new customers in the region to the Lotus brand.”

DB11 Volante Autonis Winner The Aston Martin DB11 Volante has been voted “Best New Design 2018”, winning the prestigious and much coveted Autonis Design Award from auto motor und sport.

Almost 12,000 readers selected the DB11 Volante from a choice of nine convertible sports cars that came to market in 2018.

Ulrich Schäfer, President of Aston Martin Europe, received the award from Ralph

Alex, Editor-in-Chief of auto motor und sport, at the awards ceremony held in Stuttgart.

Schäfer said: “The new DB11 Volante combines understated elegance, sportiness and beauty.

It is a masterpiece of automotive art. I am delighted to receive the award on behalf of Aston Martin and the whole design team and want to thank all readers for their vote.”

Roadsters have played an important role in BMW's history and the all-new 2019 BMW Z4 is set to write another chapter in the open-top story.

Since the birth of the first example, the famous BMW 328, all BMW roadsters have shared common proportions and design principles - long bonnet; low, set-back driving position, long wheelbase and short overhangs.

The new BMW Z4 is no different. It shares all of those traditional principles, but takes the roadster experience to the next level with a focus on agility, dynamic performance and precise handling thanks

to the high rigidity of the body structure and chassis mountings, the intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamic properties.

The new BMW Z4 combines its pure sporting pedigree with a wealth of highlyadvanced, top class equipment features on the driver assistance, operation and connectivity fronts.

The Paris Motor Show will provide the setting for the show premiere of the new BMW Z4 in October 2018. The worldwide market introduction will then commence in March 2019.

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - October 2018

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Forget World, The Park Is Where It’s At

J

urassic Park holds a special place in my heart, being the first film I vividly remember seeing and, while I was far too young to even comprehend the logistics of filmmaking and what is actually required to bring those images to screen, I remember thinking to myself “This is it. This is what I want to do.”

And thus began a life-long love affair with Spielberg’s iconic blockbuster.

Fast-forward 25 years and there I am, sitting in the gorgeous Symphony Hall, with a huge orchestra setting up, ready to blow the collective minds of the audience.

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I knew we were in for something special. There was electric in the air - the audience comprised of an ocean of T-shirts imbued with the Jurassic Park logo.

This was a room packed with die-hard fans that hold this film in the same regard that I do. I was home.

The orchestra were phenomenal, executing John Williams’ score beautifully never missing a beat. At no point did it feel like a separate experience to the images we were seeing on screen, instead merging together into one overwhelming experience.

The film felt different: bigger and more exciting than ever before - almost larger than life, with the music sounding better than ever before, as if John Williams himself was present.

It has always impressed me at how patient Jurassic Park is, never feeling in a rush to throw audiences straight into the dinosaur action - instead taking a slow and methodical build-up until the first big reveal once our heroes get to the island.

From there, the dinosaurs only appear sporadically throughout.

In fact, the film features just 14-minutes-worth of dinosaur footage during the entire 127-minute runtime of Jurassic Park, giving credence to the saying “less is more.”

Spielberg’s utilisation of the dinosaurs is masterful, only having them appear when absolutely necessary and where it’s going to be most effective.

The best example of this is the T-Rex escape sequence which is, without question, one of the greatest, most tightly-realised

sequences ever committed to film.

The rain, the night vision goggles, the ground-shaking footsteps, the rippling water, the missing goat — the slow, intense build-up all culminates in one of the greatest reveals in the history of cinema...the Tyrannosaurs Rex. It’s a moment that sends chills down my spine every single time.

Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park is one of the most iconic and ground-breaking blockbusters in the history of cinema, kicking off a multi-billion dollar franchise that is still going strong a quarter of a century after it started.

Spielberg is the undisputed king of blockbuster cinema, with films like Jaws, E.T., Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park cementing him as one of the most exciting filmmakers to ever do it.

Jurassic Park is my favourite movie of all-time and is literally the reason I fell in love with cinema.

Without it, I wouldn’t have spent my life pursuing a career in the field and seeing it at the Symphony Hall accompanied by the flawless orchestra has only served to make me fall even deeper in love with it than I already was — which is something I didn’t think was possible.

This was one of the greatest cinematic experiences of my life.

Raiders of the Symphony Orchestra In 1981, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas joined forces to gift the world a brand new icon of cinema - Dr Indiana Jones.

Their union was a success and the result was Raiders of the Lost Ark - a film that went on to win four academy awards and is widely regarded as one of the best movies ever made; coming 76th in Total Film’s 100 Greatest Movies Ever Made and 7th in Empire Magazine’s 100 Greatest Movies Of All Time.

The gorgeous and incomparable Birmingham Symphony Hall recently played host to Raiders of the Lost Ark - In Concert; an event that saw them bring the action-adventure classic back to the big screen, only this time accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, playing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.

The experience itself is difficult to describe because while you may have seen the movie countless times before, having a live orchestra in front of you performing the music adds a new depth to

the proceedings and immerses you in the film deeper than ever before.

The music is powerful and you truly feel every stroke of the violin and every beat of the drum as the sounds reverberate through the theatre and echo through your chest and every time Indy’s unmistakable theme left the orchestra’s instrument’s, the hairs stood up on the back of my neck. This is Raiders of the Lost Ark like you’ve never seen it.

Steven Spielberg’s direction is exquisite and he bombards the senses with intricately choreographed set-piece after intricately choreographed setpiece, leaving audiences on a feverish high through much of its 115-minute runtime.

This is an adventure movie in every sense of the word and there’s very little respite from the excitement, with Spielberg strapping us in and thrusting us into the exciting and dangerous world of Indiana Jones.

It’s pretty easy to say that Raiders of the Lost Ark is one

o f the most gung-ho blockbusters ever made. Spielberg and his cinematographer, the late and great Douglas Slocombe, work perfectly with one another, using lighting and shadows to construct some of the most iconic images in the history of blockbuster cinema.

Everything from the hulking silhouettes of Indiana Jones projected on to the walls by the light of a fire to the sprawling shots of the sun-scorched desert landscapes are captured with a vivid clarity and create a nice juxtaposition with the rougharound-the-edges nature of Indiana Jones.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is the cinematic love-child of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas - two filmmakers at the top of their game who joined forces to create a brand new icon of cinema...and boy, did they succeed.