J.K. Rowling is one of the world’s most renowned authors since she penned the Harry Potter series. Unfortunately, Rowling has long since left her magical world to take up arms against trans individuals, particularly trans women.
Violence against the trans community has been on the rise of late, mostly due to fear-mongering by prominent public figures. To combat such hate crimes, the Scottish government has come up with a law that would hold such people culpable. Rowling, unsurprisingly, is against it.
Rowling defied the Scottish authorities on social media (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
J.K. Rowling is against the Scottish government enforcing the new act to protect the Lgbtqia+ community
J.K. Rowling rose to prominence as the author of the beloved Harry Potter series. The books saw an unprecedented level of hype, which were then successfully adapted into films. The author reveled in the adoration of fans worldwide as...
Violence against the trans community has been on the rise of late, mostly due to fear-mongering by prominent public figures. To combat such hate crimes, the Scottish government has come up with a law that would hold such people culpable. Rowling, unsurprisingly, is against it.
Rowling defied the Scottish authorities on social media (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
J.K. Rowling is against the Scottish government enforcing the new act to protect the Lgbtqia+ community
J.K. Rowling rose to prominence as the author of the beloved Harry Potter series. The books saw an unprecedented level of hype, which were then successfully adapted into films. The author reveled in the adoration of fans worldwide as...
- 4/3/2024
- by Sreshtha Roychowdhury
- FandomWire
Long running BBC quiz show A Question Of Sport has been axed after more than five decades on the air.
The BBC have confirmed that A Question Of Sport has ceased production after fifty three years on the air.
It began in 1970, with David Vine as host, and although the show was not on screens for two years in the 1970s, it had remained in continuous production since 1978.
A Question Of Sport really took off under the stewardship of David Coleman in the 1980s – the 1989 episode featuring Princess Anne as one of the guests got a whopping nineteen million viewers.
Former tennis player Sue Barker then hosted the show for 24 years, before being replaced by Paddy McGuinness in 2021. This was also when the show underwent a significant revamp, with non-sporting celebrities being invited to appear as guests, transforming the show into more of a light entertainment programme.
The most recent...
The BBC have confirmed that A Question Of Sport has ceased production after fifty three years on the air.
It began in 1970, with David Vine as host, and although the show was not on screens for two years in the 1970s, it had remained in continuous production since 1978.
A Question Of Sport really took off under the stewardship of David Coleman in the 1980s – the 1989 episode featuring Princess Anne as one of the guests got a whopping nineteen million viewers.
Former tennis player Sue Barker then hosted the show for 24 years, before being replaced by Paddy McGuinness in 2021. This was also when the show underwent a significant revamp, with non-sporting celebrities being invited to appear as guests, transforming the show into more of a light entertainment programme.
The most recent...
- 12/18/2023
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
TV viewers watched on in disbelief as a contestant on The Wheel won a huge amount of money after answering just one question.
Series three of the game show, hosted by Michael McIntyre, returned for a new episode on BBC One on Saturday (5 November).
It sees three contestants, selected by chance, compete for a chance to win a hefty cash prize with help from celebrity guests.
Throughout the episode, two contestants named Zeki and Cassie, answered several questions correctly, putting £82,000 into the pot. The third contestant, Helen, was never selected, so wa sunable to contribute to the cash prize.
However, after Cassie answered her final question incorrectly, Helen was given a chance to win all of the money. After answering the winning question correctly, with help from Ally McCoist, she won the full jackpot – meaning that she became the first contestant in the show’s history to win the money...
Series three of the game show, hosted by Michael McIntyre, returned for a new episode on BBC One on Saturday (5 November).
It sees three contestants, selected by chance, compete for a chance to win a hefty cash prize with help from celebrity guests.
Throughout the episode, two contestants named Zeki and Cassie, answered several questions correctly, putting £82,000 into the pot. The third contestant, Helen, was never selected, so wa sunable to contribute to the cash prize.
However, after Cassie answered her final question incorrectly, Helen was given a chance to win all of the money. After answering the winning question correctly, with help from Ally McCoist, she won the full jackpot – meaning that she became the first contestant in the show’s history to win the money...
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
TV viewers watched on in disbelief as a contestant on The Wheel won a huge amount of money after answering just one question.
Series three of the game show, hosted by Michael McIntyre, returned for a new episode on BBC One on Saturday (5 November).
It sees three contestants, selected by chance, compete for a chance to win a hefty cash prize with help from celebrity guests.
Throughout the episode, two contestants named Zeki and Cassie, answered several questions correctly, putting £82,000 into the pot. The third contestant, Helen, was never selected, so wa sunable to contribute to the cash prize.
However, after Cassie answered her final question incorrectly, Helen was given a chance to win all of the money. After answering the winning question correctly, with help from Ally McCoist, she won the full jackpot – meaning that she became the first contestant in the show’s history to win the money...
Series three of the game show, hosted by Michael McIntyre, returned for a new episode on BBC One on Saturday (5 November).
It sees three contestants, selected by chance, compete for a chance to win a hefty cash prize with help from celebrity guests.
Throughout the episode, two contestants named Zeki and Cassie, answered several questions correctly, putting £82,000 into the pot. The third contestant, Helen, was never selected, so wa sunable to contribute to the cash prize.
However, after Cassie answered her final question incorrectly, Helen was given a chance to win all of the money. After answering the winning question correctly, with help from Ally McCoist, she won the full jackpot – meaning that she became the first contestant in the show’s history to win the money...
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Exclusive: Amazon is planning to stream live Premier League fixtures for free on Twitch in the UK as it aims to give fans the chance to interact with each other while games are being played.
Twitch is hugely popular with gamers and Amazon thinks its chat feature will enable users to behave like pundits and share their views on the match as it happens. It is the first time Twitch, which Amazon acquired for $970M in 2014, has been used to show Premier League football.
Amazon will also make games available for free through Prime Video after securing an additional four fixtures as part of the Premier League’s coronavirus restart strategy. Its coverage gets underway with Crystal Palace vs Burnley on June 29.
Gabby Logan will be back to present its pitch-side coverage, and she will be joined by pundits including Roberto Martinez and Lee Dixon. Clive Tyldesley, Jon Champion, Peter Drury...
Twitch is hugely popular with gamers and Amazon thinks its chat feature will enable users to behave like pundits and share their views on the match as it happens. It is the first time Twitch, which Amazon acquired for $970M in 2014, has been used to show Premier League football.
Amazon will also make games available for free through Prime Video after securing an additional four fixtures as part of the Premier League’s coronavirus restart strategy. Its coverage gets underway with Crystal Palace vs Burnley on June 29.
Gabby Logan will be back to present its pitch-side coverage, and she will be joined by pundits including Roberto Martinez and Lee Dixon. Clive Tyldesley, Jon Champion, Peter Drury...
- 6/18/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon has announced that more than 40 presenters and former professionals will be part of its English Premier League lineup, with its coverage of the soccer competition kicking-off in December.
Amazon secured rights to show the Premier League in the UK last year, and will air 20 matches a season. Coverage will launch on December 3 with mid-week fixtures, before it shows 10 matches on December 26-27.
BBC presenter Gabby Logan will anchor the Sunset+Vine-produced action, alongside Eilidh Barbour — a BBC and Sky broadcaster — and Jim Rosenthal, a veteran who has covered the world’s biggest sporting events for major UK broadcasters.
Logan is already hosting weekly Amazon soccer show Back of the Net, but her presence on live coverage is still a coup for the Jeff Bezos-owned streamer. Logan is one of the BBC’s highest-profile presenters, taking home a salary of more than £290,000 and hosting shows including Sports Personality of the Year.
Amazon secured rights to show the Premier League in the UK last year, and will air 20 matches a season. Coverage will launch on December 3 with mid-week fixtures, before it shows 10 matches on December 26-27.
BBC presenter Gabby Logan will anchor the Sunset+Vine-produced action, alongside Eilidh Barbour — a BBC and Sky broadcaster — and Jim Rosenthal, a veteran who has covered the world’s biggest sporting events for major UK broadcasters.
Logan is already hosting weekly Amazon soccer show Back of the Net, but her presence on live coverage is still a coup for the Jeff Bezos-owned streamer. Logan is one of the BBC’s highest-profile presenters, taking home a salary of more than £290,000 and hosting shows including Sports Personality of the Year.
- 10/31/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
England and Croatia meet today in the second semifinal of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with the winner advancing to play France in Sunday’s final. In the U.S., the match from Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will be available to watch live on Fox at 2 Pm Et/11 Am Pt as well as on Spanish-language Telemundo.
For England, it will be a chance to return to the final for the first time since winning the tournament in 1966, and the “football is coming home” talk — a reference to England as where organized soccer got its start — has been growing as the team has advanced through the knockout stages. But they’ll have to do it against Croatia, like Belgium yesterday versus France fielding its best squad ever and facing an opponent riding the wave of a youth movement.
The World Cup final is Sunday in Moscow at 11 Am Et/8 Am Pt.
For England, it will be a chance to return to the final for the first time since winning the tournament in 1966, and the “football is coming home” talk — a reference to England as where organized soccer got its start — has been growing as the team has advanced through the knockout stages. But they’ll have to do it against Croatia, like Belgium yesterday versus France fielding its best squad ever and facing an opponent riding the wave of a youth movement.
The World Cup final is Sunday in Moscow at 11 Am Et/8 Am Pt.
- 7/11/2018
- by Patrick Hipes and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew Ashton/Empics Sport
Before Mark Warburton and David Weir were installed as the manager and assistant manager respectively of Glasgow Rangers recently, there were a number of candidates linked with the job. Sadly for interim boss Stuart McCall, there didn’t really seem to be much interest from the current board to keep him in the hot seat, even though he did an admirable job with a terribly inadequate playing squad to even reach the Scottish Premiership Playoff Final.
McCall somewhat rescued a dire season for Rangers, a club who failed to win promotion to the top flight following a dismal start to the campaign under Ally McCoist. After that particular playing legend had left, Kenny McDowall was tasked with turning the Gers into winners, something he simply couldn’t achieve. Looking like a frightened baby rabbit, McDowall was the nail in the coffin for the previous regime, and fans demanded change.
Before Mark Warburton and David Weir were installed as the manager and assistant manager respectively of Glasgow Rangers recently, there were a number of candidates linked with the job. Sadly for interim boss Stuart McCall, there didn’t really seem to be much interest from the current board to keep him in the hot seat, even though he did an admirable job with a terribly inadequate playing squad to even reach the Scottish Premiership Playoff Final.
McCall somewhat rescued a dire season for Rangers, a club who failed to win promotion to the top flight following a dismal start to the campaign under Ally McCoist. After that particular playing legend had left, Kenny McDowall was tasked with turning the Gers into winners, something he simply couldn’t achieve. Looking like a frightened baby rabbit, McDowall was the nail in the coffin for the previous regime, and fans demanded change.
- 6/26/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
Phil O’Brien/Empics Sport
Glasgow Rangers are one of the most successful clubs in the world, having bagged 54 top flight Scottish league titles, as well as 33 Scottish Cup and 27 Scottish League Cup trophies. In addition, Rangers won the 1972 European Cup Winners Cup, but have fallen on hard times recently.
The business side of the club was liquidated in 2012, leading many rival fans to conclude that Rangers Football Club was dead and buried. The argument rages on to this day, but a lot of Rangers fans simply want to concentrate on football, something that’s admittedly difficult when many of the players aren’t up to the standards set by their predecessors.
One of the club’s all-time greatest players, Ally McCoist badly failed as manager, spending exorbitant amounts of money – in relation to the level Rangers were playing at – to win promotion from the bottom 2 tiers of Scottish football,...
Glasgow Rangers are one of the most successful clubs in the world, having bagged 54 top flight Scottish league titles, as well as 33 Scottish Cup and 27 Scottish League Cup trophies. In addition, Rangers won the 1972 European Cup Winners Cup, but have fallen on hard times recently.
The business side of the club was liquidated in 2012, leading many rival fans to conclude that Rangers Football Club was dead and buried. The argument rages on to this day, but a lot of Rangers fans simply want to concentrate on football, something that’s admittedly difficult when many of the players aren’t up to the standards set by their predecessors.
One of the club’s all-time greatest players, Ally McCoist badly failed as manager, spending exorbitant amounts of money – in relation to the level Rangers were playing at – to win promotion from the bottom 2 tiers of Scottish football,...
- 5/6/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
Edge of Tomorrow director Doug Liman is in talks with Warner Bros to remake Escape to Victory.
Gavin O'Conner, the writer-director of Warrior, in on board to pen the script for the new version, which has been described as a cross between The Monuments Men and hockey film Miracle by The Hollywood Reporter.
The 1981 original, known simply as Victory in the Us, centred on a group of Allied prisoners of war who took part in a football match against a German team.
John Huston's film was loosely inspired by the 'Death Match', a mythologised game between former professional footballers from Dynamo Kyiv and Lokomotyv Kyiv, and a side of German air defence artillery.
Escape to Victory was a modest box office hit in the early '80s but has since grown to cult status thanks to its eclectic cast and repeat TV showings.
Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine...
Gavin O'Conner, the writer-director of Warrior, in on board to pen the script for the new version, which has been described as a cross between The Monuments Men and hockey film Miracle by The Hollywood Reporter.
The 1981 original, known simply as Victory in the Us, centred on a group of Allied prisoners of war who took part in a football match against a German team.
John Huston's film was loosely inspired by the 'Death Match', a mythologised game between former professional footballers from Dynamo Kyiv and Lokomotyv Kyiv, and a side of German air defence artillery.
Escape to Victory was a modest box office hit in the early '80s but has since grown to cult status thanks to its eclectic cast and repeat TV showings.
Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine...
- 6/27/2014
- Digital Spy
Football, football, football. It's all anybody is going to bang on about for the next month. Or at least until England get knocked out on penalties anyway.
However, even for those who don't care for the delights of 22 men running around hoofing a ball and rolling around like pansies, there is something to enjoy tonight. The World Cup Opening Ceremony.
Jack Wilshere, Gerard Pique: World Cup 2014's hottest footballers, part 1
BBC pundits' World Cup guide: Who will win? Are England doomed?
Announcing Digital Spy's World Cup of football games
8 World Cup anthems for 2014: The Good, The Bad... and The Macarooney
World Cup 2014: Andy Bates teaches DS how to make Brazilian footie snacks
With Jennifer Lopez booked to perform, and the promise of an extraordinary samba festival, the party in Sao Paulo promises to be great entertainment.
If nothing else, we can also enjoy chuckling at Adrian Chiles bumbling...
However, even for those who don't care for the delights of 22 men running around hoofing a ball and rolling around like pansies, there is something to enjoy tonight. The World Cup Opening Ceremony.
Jack Wilshere, Gerard Pique: World Cup 2014's hottest footballers, part 1
BBC pundits' World Cup guide: Who will win? Are England doomed?
Announcing Digital Spy's World Cup of football games
8 World Cup anthems for 2014: The Good, The Bad... and The Macarooney
World Cup 2014: Andy Bates teaches DS how to make Brazilian footie snacks
With Jennifer Lopez booked to perform, and the promise of an extraordinary samba festival, the party in Sao Paulo promises to be great entertainment.
If nothing else, we can also enjoy chuckling at Adrian Chiles bumbling...
- 6/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Football, football, football. It's all anybody is going to bang on about for the next month. Or at least until England get knocked out on penalties anyway.
However, even for those who don't care for the delights of 22 men running around hoofing a ball and rolling around like pansies, there is something to enjoy tonight. The World Cup Opening Ceremony.
Jack Wilshere, Gerard Pique: World Cup 2014's hottest footballers, part 1
BBC pundits' World Cup guide: Who will win? Are England doomed?
Announcing Digital Spy's World Cup of football games
8 World Cup anthems for 2014: The Good, The Bad... and The Macarooney
World Cup 2014: Andy Bates teaches DS how to make Brazilian footie snacks
With Jennifer Lopez booked to perform, and the promise of an extraordinary samba festival, the party in Sao Paulo promises to be great entertainment.
If nothing else, we can also enjoy chuckling at Adrian Chiles bumbling...
However, even for those who don't care for the delights of 22 men running around hoofing a ball and rolling around like pansies, there is something to enjoy tonight. The World Cup Opening Ceremony.
Jack Wilshere, Gerard Pique: World Cup 2014's hottest footballers, part 1
BBC pundits' World Cup guide: Who will win? Are England doomed?
Announcing Digital Spy's World Cup of football games
8 World Cup anthems for 2014: The Good, The Bad... and The Macarooney
World Cup 2014: Andy Bates teaches DS how to make Brazilian footie snacks
With Jennifer Lopez booked to perform, and the promise of an extraordinary samba festival, the party in Sao Paulo promises to be great entertainment.
If nothing else, we can also enjoy chuckling at Adrian Chiles bumbling...
- 6/12/2014
- Digital Spy
We understand that not everybody loves football. However, there are some World Cup moments that transcend the sport.
Some of these moments are beautiful and emotional tales of triumph against adversity and heroism. But others are just really, really funny. The latter are our personal favourites.
Here are eight of the funniest World Cup moments, which can be enjoyed by even football haters.
1. The time Gary Lineker pooped himself
You know Gary Lineker. The silky smooth BBC host with the silver fox hair, the Ronseal tan and cheeky selection of one-liners? Yeah, him. He once pooped himself on the football pitch during World Cup 1990. Seriously.
You'll never be able to look at him the same way again.
2. Diana Ross and the greatest penalty kick of all time
No matter how many times you watch it, it's never not funny.
Diana Ross was a central part of the USA's spectacular opening...
Some of these moments are beautiful and emotional tales of triumph against adversity and heroism. But others are just really, really funny. The latter are our personal favourites.
Here are eight of the funniest World Cup moments, which can be enjoyed by even football haters.
1. The time Gary Lineker pooped himself
You know Gary Lineker. The silky smooth BBC host with the silver fox hair, the Ronseal tan and cheeky selection of one-liners? Yeah, him. He once pooped himself on the football pitch during World Cup 1990. Seriously.
You'll never be able to look at him the same way again.
2. Diana Ross and the greatest penalty kick of all time
No matter how many times you watch it, it's never not funny.
Diana Ross was a central part of the USA's spectacular opening...
- 6/12/2014
- Digital Spy
The worlds of football and cinema frequently collide, and judging by the number of great sportsmen who've tried their hand at acting, it's clear that Hollywood holds a strong allure for the professional athlete.
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup about to get underway, Digital Spy takes a look at a handful of actors who've made it to the big screen.
1. Pelé (Escape to Victory)
Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Pelé lined up alongside fellow icons Bobby More and Ossie Ardiles (and a host of Ipswich Town greats!) in this inspiring blend of Great Escape-style war flick and underdog sports story.
A firm Bank Holiday favourite, Escape to Victory also boasts a starting eleven containing Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone. They don't make them like this anymore.
2. Vinnie Jones (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels)
After retiring from the beautiful game, Wimbledon hardman Vinnie Jones established a second career for himself.
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup about to get underway, Digital Spy takes a look at a handful of actors who've made it to the big screen.
1. Pelé (Escape to Victory)
Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Pelé lined up alongside fellow icons Bobby More and Ossie Ardiles (and a host of Ipswich Town greats!) in this inspiring blend of Great Escape-style war flick and underdog sports story.
A firm Bank Holiday favourite, Escape to Victory also boasts a starting eleven containing Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone. They don't make them like this anymore.
2. Vinnie Jones (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels)
After retiring from the beautiful game, Wimbledon hardman Vinnie Jones established a second career for himself.
- 6/10/2014
- Digital Spy
Even the best football movies struggle to capture the sport's drama on film. The worst (and there are many) are truly abysmal
Why has cinema found football to be such a tricky customer? Football scenes in film and television are traditionally very awkward affairs, with the "defenders" tip-toeing nervously around the "attackers" as they advance, the goal finally coming via the sort of impractical flying volley you just never see on a real pitch. It's clearly very difficult to let someone score a script-dictated goal while pretending to try to stop them but, at the same time, trying not to look like you're pretending to try to stop them. Perhaps they teach it at Rada, who knows?
Furthermore, filmmakers have the challenge of adding a fictional big-screen gloss to what is already an overwhelmingly camera-friendly and consistently dramatic spectacle in its own right. Real-life football already has its own "script...
Why has cinema found football to be such a tricky customer? Football scenes in film and television are traditionally very awkward affairs, with the "defenders" tip-toeing nervously around the "attackers" as they advance, the goal finally coming via the sort of impractical flying volley you just never see on a real pitch. It's clearly very difficult to let someone score a script-dictated goal while pretending to try to stop them but, at the same time, trying not to look like you're pretending to try to stop them. Perhaps they teach it at Rada, who knows?
Furthermore, filmmakers have the challenge of adding a fictional big-screen gloss to what is already an overwhelmingly camera-friendly and consistently dramatic spectacle in its own right. Real-life football already has its own "script...
- 2/27/2014
- by Adam Hurrey
- The Guardian - Film News
From Jesus Quintana to Apollo Creed, via a Sheffield United hero and a chubby wide-eyed tricycle-loving kid called Champion
1) Jimmy Muir (When Saturday Comes, 1996)
Football has never really lent itself to the silver screen. Somehow things just don't work – the movement is too forced, the celebrations too cartoonish, the plots too hackneyed, the acting too stilted, the need to get a few real-life players in there (for some reason) too hard to resist. When Saturday Comes is no different. The football scenes don't work, the plot would've been turned down by Boy's Own for being too far-fetched, and Mel Sterland and Tony Currie pop up and make Ally McCoist look like Robert De Niro. The climax should be pretty clear before the opening titles have ended.
If you're expecting an "And yet …" at this point, think again. You can't dress this up as a moment of cinematic brilliance any more...
1) Jimmy Muir (When Saturday Comes, 1996)
Football has never really lent itself to the silver screen. Somehow things just don't work – the movement is too forced, the celebrations too cartoonish, the plots too hackneyed, the acting too stilted, the need to get a few real-life players in there (for some reason) too hard to resist. When Saturday Comes is no different. The football scenes don't work, the plot would've been turned down by Boy's Own for being too far-fetched, and Mel Sterland and Tony Currie pop up and make Ally McCoist look like Robert De Niro. The climax should be pretty clear before the opening titles have ended.
If you're expecting an "And yet …" at this point, think again. You can't dress this up as a moment of cinematic brilliance any more...
- 9/6/2013
- by Barry Glendenning, John Ashdown
- The Guardian - Film News
For the uninitiated, the spectacular fall from grace experienced by Rangers football club serves as a cautionary tale for all football clubs across the world. In broad strokes, Rangers were discovered to have been paying players and staff using something called an Ebt (employee benefits trust) which, it has been alleged, is illegal and constitutes tax evasion according to the Hmrc. The total sum has been quoted at approximately £94 million owed by Rangers now including all fees, though the ‘old co’ will be responsible for this. The penalties handed down were a demotion to the third division of Scottish Football and a transfer embargo for this season.
Despite shedding the ‘old co’ and becoming the ‘new co’ Rangers still face a number of issues, the most important of which are listed here.
1. Promotion
Rangers are now faced with a mountain to climb as they make their way back up to...
Despite shedding the ‘old co’ and becoming the ‘new co’ Rangers still face a number of issues, the most important of which are listed here.
1. Promotion
Rangers are now faced with a mountain to climb as they make their way back up to...
- 10/18/2012
- by Dominic Organ
- Obsessed with Film
Does Scottish Football Need a Hero?
Does anybody remember the bit at the end of the Bodyguard when Gary Kemp’s character picks up and cherishes the award won by his client? You know, it’s the bit after Kevin Costner’s bodyguard character gets plugged but some how still miraculously shoots the baddy? Well imagine that meaningless award represents the current media rights deal signed by the liquidated Glasgow Rangers when they still were part of the Spl and Gary’s character is the Sfa and Spl mandarins desperately trying to make it real again.
Over this weekend it has emerged that having overseen new Rangers beginning life in the Scottish Third Division, despite their best efforts, the Sfa and Spl now want the media rights of the new Rangers club to remain with the Spl as if nothing ever happened. Meanwhile, new Rangers wants to start a fresh...
Does anybody remember the bit at the end of the Bodyguard when Gary Kemp’s character picks up and cherishes the award won by his client? You know, it’s the bit after Kevin Costner’s bodyguard character gets plugged but some how still miraculously shoots the baddy? Well imagine that meaningless award represents the current media rights deal signed by the liquidated Glasgow Rangers when they still were part of the Spl and Gary’s character is the Sfa and Spl mandarins desperately trying to make it real again.
Over this weekend it has emerged that having overseen new Rangers beginning life in the Scottish Third Division, despite their best efforts, the Sfa and Spl now want the media rights of the new Rangers club to remain with the Spl as if nothing ever happened. Meanwhile, new Rangers wants to start a fresh...
- 7/23/2012
- by Mike Todd
- Obsessed with Film
The actor, who stars in Spartacus, 'the most explicit, violent series' ever made, says his only concern was the language
Three minutes into my interview with actor John Hannah, and he is crouching in front of me – half-hovering, half- kneeling – mimicking a sex act. Actually, he is mimicking the mimicking of a sex act. I'm trying to look at him head on, without laughing nervously or grimacing, but my hands keep rising, involuntarily, to cover my eyes.
Hannah's mime is not entirely inappropriate. Actually, in any other circumstance, it would be utterly, bizarrely inappropriate – but in discussing his new TV drama, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, it's pretty much par for the course. The show arrives on Bravo later this month, amid a fanfare of hype and controversy – it was originally commissioned and shown by the Us cable network Starz, and has been called "the most explicit, violent series" ever made.
Three minutes into my interview with actor John Hannah, and he is crouching in front of me – half-hovering, half- kneeling – mimicking a sex act. Actually, he is mimicking the mimicking of a sex act. I'm trying to look at him head on, without laughing nervously or grimacing, but my hands keep rising, involuntarily, to cover my eyes.
Hannah's mime is not entirely inappropriate. Actually, in any other circumstance, it would be utterly, bizarrely inappropriate – but in discussing his new TV drama, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, it's pretty much par for the course. The show arrives on Bravo later this month, amid a fanfare of hype and controversy – it was originally commissioned and shown by the Us cable network Starz, and has been called "the most explicit, violent series" ever made.
- 5/17/2010
- by Kira Cochrane
- The Guardian - Film News
"A Shot at Glory" is a straightforward sports movie that treats its audience to ample amounts of soccer action while keeping its characters and narration as simple as possible. Filming in several stadiums with as many as 10 cameras rolling at once, the film captures the excitement this sport generates among its fans. A pet project for producer-star Robert Duvall, who recruited Denis O'Neill to pen the script, "Glory" is directed by Michael Corrente with an eye to establishing a Scottish blue-collar environment and the passion many of its citizens feel for soccer.
Made more than two years ago and languishing on the shelf since its debut at the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival, "Glory" is now getting a shot at theatrical glory beginning with a limited release in six Southwestern cities from newly formed MAC Releasing. The film should attract sports fans as well as fans of Duvall. Overseas, where soccer fanaticism is rampant, the film is an even surer bet. (The film has already played in the United Kingdom, where it did well.) Nor does it hurt that Scottish soccer great Ally McCoist makes a lively acting debut with the movie.
Duvall plays Gordon McLeod, the manager of a Second Division team in a tiny seaside town in Scotland that hasn't won a championship in 100 years. With such a limited fan base, the team's American owner, Peter Cameron (Michael Keaton), is eyeing a move to Dublin, Ireland, to add value to his investment.
Meanwhile, Peter hires a former First Division superstar, striker Jackie McQuillan (McCoist), willfully ignoring the fact that booze and womanizing have brought down not only Jackie's career but also his marriage to Gordon's daughter, Kate (Kirsty Mitchell). Earning more money than the rest of the team combined and still beholden to his errant ways, Jackie nevertheless inspires a winning streak that carries the lightly regarded team into the Scottish Cup finals. The proposition then becomes simple: If the team beats the Glasgow Rangers -- against almost impossible odds -- Peter will allow it to remain in its hometown.
There are only two real conflicts in the movie: between Gordon and his spoiled son-in-law and then between Gordon and his own daughter, whom he has never forgiven for marrying Jackie. There is a nominal villain in Brian Cox's Martin Smith, the Rangers' manager and a onetime mate of Gordon who long ago betrayed him. But Martin pops up too late in the movie to generate any sparks.
Mostly, the movie exists for its soccer action and its fine acting. Duvall's Gordon is a man who treasures his betrayals. He nurtures wounds with righteous pride and wears disdain for those who inflict them as if it were the finest silk. In his first role ever, McCoist displays such a friendly, amiable manner he could easily continue in acting if he so desired. Mitchell and Morag Hood ably play the two long-suffering women of Gordon's life -- his daughter and wife. Oda Schuster is most amusing as the team's aging locker room assistant, who seemingly performs all chores that do not involve kicking a ball.
Alex Thomson's cinematography is first-rate, and Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits) provides the Scottish-accented music, which nicely punctuates the action and occasional moments of drama.
A SHOT AT GLORY
MAC Releasing
Revere Pictures presents a Butchers Run film
Credits:
Director: Michael Corrente
Screenwriter: Denis O'Neill
Producers: Robert Duvall, Rob Carliner, Michael Corrente
Executive producers: Roger Marino, Steven Bowman
Director of photography: Alex Thomson
Production designer: Andy Harris
Music: Mark Knopfler
Costume designer: Trisha Biggar
Editor: David Ray
Cast:
Gordon McCleod: Robert Duvall
Jackie McQuillan: Ally McCoist
Peter Cameron: Michael Keaton
Martin Smith: Brian Cox
Kelsey: Cole Hauser
Kate: Kirsty Mitchell
Irene: Morag Hood.
Running time -- 114 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Made more than two years ago and languishing on the shelf since its debut at the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival, "Glory" is now getting a shot at theatrical glory beginning with a limited release in six Southwestern cities from newly formed MAC Releasing. The film should attract sports fans as well as fans of Duvall. Overseas, where soccer fanaticism is rampant, the film is an even surer bet. (The film has already played in the United Kingdom, where it did well.) Nor does it hurt that Scottish soccer great Ally McCoist makes a lively acting debut with the movie.
Duvall plays Gordon McLeod, the manager of a Second Division team in a tiny seaside town in Scotland that hasn't won a championship in 100 years. With such a limited fan base, the team's American owner, Peter Cameron (Michael Keaton), is eyeing a move to Dublin, Ireland, to add value to his investment.
Meanwhile, Peter hires a former First Division superstar, striker Jackie McQuillan (McCoist), willfully ignoring the fact that booze and womanizing have brought down not only Jackie's career but also his marriage to Gordon's daughter, Kate (Kirsty Mitchell). Earning more money than the rest of the team combined and still beholden to his errant ways, Jackie nevertheless inspires a winning streak that carries the lightly regarded team into the Scottish Cup finals. The proposition then becomes simple: If the team beats the Glasgow Rangers -- against almost impossible odds -- Peter will allow it to remain in its hometown.
There are only two real conflicts in the movie: between Gordon and his spoiled son-in-law and then between Gordon and his own daughter, whom he has never forgiven for marrying Jackie. There is a nominal villain in Brian Cox's Martin Smith, the Rangers' manager and a onetime mate of Gordon who long ago betrayed him. But Martin pops up too late in the movie to generate any sparks.
Mostly, the movie exists for its soccer action and its fine acting. Duvall's Gordon is a man who treasures his betrayals. He nurtures wounds with righteous pride and wears disdain for those who inflict them as if it were the finest silk. In his first role ever, McCoist displays such a friendly, amiable manner he could easily continue in acting if he so desired. Mitchell and Morag Hood ably play the two long-suffering women of Gordon's life -- his daughter and wife. Oda Schuster is most amusing as the team's aging locker room assistant, who seemingly performs all chores that do not involve kicking a ball.
Alex Thomson's cinematography is first-rate, and Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits) provides the Scottish-accented music, which nicely punctuates the action and occasional moments of drama.
A SHOT AT GLORY
MAC Releasing
Revere Pictures presents a Butchers Run film
Credits:
Director: Michael Corrente
Screenwriter: Denis O'Neill
Producers: Robert Duvall, Rob Carliner, Michael Corrente
Executive producers: Roger Marino, Steven Bowman
Director of photography: Alex Thomson
Production designer: Andy Harris
Music: Mark Knopfler
Costume designer: Trisha Biggar
Editor: David Ray
Cast:
Gordon McCleod: Robert Duvall
Jackie McQuillan: Ally McCoist
Peter Cameron: Michael Keaton
Martin Smith: Brian Cox
Kelsey: Cole Hauser
Kate: Kirsty Mitchell
Irene: Morag Hood.
Running time -- 114 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Actor Robert Duvall has lashed out at Russell Crowe after Crowe turned down a role in his soccer film. Duvall is producing A Shot At Glory, and has nothing but praise for his second choice, Scottish soccer sensation Ally McCoist. He says, "This guy is 80 times better for this part than Russell Crowe, and more charismatic." McCoist will take the role of a top player who is enticed to a second-tier team by its manager, played by Duvall.
- 2/27/2002
- WENN
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