Interesting Bits...

Rainy and cold, this weekend seemed the perfect time to review my bulging Netflix queue and recently streamed films. Netflix, for those who may be unfamiliar, is an American company which sends movies via mail to its account holders for a monthly fee.

Since their pricing and increasing selection rival cable providers, I elected to rid myself of the old telly and the cable company's bundled packages in favour of my own choices. These include mostly foreign films and British television fare. Except for PBS and the odd movie, I have given up on American television. It's a sure bet that when I enjoy a quirky, dark or comedic series, it is short-lived.

Among the more recently streamed films is Incendiary, a 2008 drama from British director Sharon Maguire. Based on a book of the same title by Guardian columnist Chris Cleave, this compelling adaptation features Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams. Williams is a young mother who loses her policeman husband and their four-year-old son to a terrorist attack during a weekend football match in London.

The aftermath of these events and their effects on Williams and others is the film's focus, and Maguire and the ensemble of actors do a masterful job. I make no claims at being a film critic and do not want to spoil the ending or the film's twists. Those interested can find out more about the book here: http://www.curledup./incendia.htm. Further information on Chris Cleave is available via his website at http://www.chriscleave.com/main/?cat=5.

Other than that, I'm fretting over the burnt offerings emerging from my small oven, generally smelling up the flat. The postperson's holiday cookies will need re-doing and my heat's on the blink...

Until Next Time...