Opus Dei - Laibach

Advantages: An inspiration, tear-jerker of a film.
Disadvantages: A little sccharine sweet at times

...I first saw the film, Mr Holland?s Opus, when it was released in 1995. My three children and myself were all taking piano lessons at the time and were all eager to watch this. As I was contemplating writing the review this morning, I asked my son (just 10 years old when we watched the film together nine years ago) what he had thought of it. I was amazed when he started to tell me details from the film, many I had not remembered, and even quoted lines. This settled it, the film is intended to be inspirational and according to my son, it did inspire him. And so thanks to John, it was confirmed. This would be my next review. One of the themes from the film is of that of Inspiration. This is not the first film to tackle this theme, some of the main memorable films being Dead Poets Society and Goodbye Mr Chips. What makes this stand... Read review

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Advantages: Well researched, full of references by King himself.
Disadvantages: A little academic in style. Character section a bit sketchy.

..."The Dark Tower" Series is one that creates such a reaction amongst Stephen King fans. It would appear that there is a definite split amongst his "constant readers" into those who love it and think it is his best work, and those that think it is King at his most pretentious and self-absorbed. There are few that fall into the middle ground. . Naturally I fall into the former category! This reference book is published with the full co-operation of Stephen King and with glowing praise from the author and co-writer of "Black House" Peter Straub which for me can only be a good thing. If King feels strongly enough about this book to endorse it then it must be good. After all King himself calls "The Dark Tower" series his "Magnum Opus" so his confidence in the authors ability to delve into his works must be high. Aptly, "The Road... Read review

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Advantages: Uplifting; thoughful; style-spanning and funky; lyrics printed in full
Disadvantages: The price of the album varies so shop around!

...Quite simply for me this double album is Prince's opus. Heavily jazz influenced whilst combining Prince's ability to produce avant garde soul, funk and pop/rock numbers and the distinctive quirky qualities from a Prince record - what more could I have asked for? This was ahead of its time and perhaps for most in 1987 it was too ahead of its time. 'Sign 'O' The Times' is not a Purple Rain Mk II because in many ways it is simply years ahead of Purple Rain. When I first listened to the album I was instantly reminded of the production expected from Timbaland or The Neptunes who have undoubtedly derived much from Prince and for me though 'Sign 'O' The Times' as a social commentary is distinctly 1980s, its sound values are still pervading through American urban music today. Every Prince album marks a change in direction from the last so... Read review

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