Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Available to buy as print, and other stuff, at: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Star-Wars-Episode-Vii-A-New-Hip-359062130

With Disney's mind boggling purchase of Lucasfilm (and all it's attendant goodies) and the sense-shattering announcement of "Star Wars. Episode 7,8 & 9"; i've been stirred to create the above, affectionate, spoof...or is it?

It's no secret I didn't care for George's prequels. For all his protestation that "they were aimed at children" even a casual analysis reveals George's personal hubris. Eschewing offers of help from Lawrence Kasdan, Frank Darabont et al; he went his own way and produced limp, confused, nonsense aimed at no one in particular. He "forced" into life a back story that was intriguing enough as one line in the original; but dragged out across three movies it felt tedious, thinly sketched and unforgivably hackneyed. By his own admission he's not a good screenwriter, leading to characters that failed to engage and dialogue that curled toes the world over. But I come to celebrate George not bury him.

His imagination gave birth to a universe of possibility that, given the right talent, could go on to rewrite cinema history. Oscar winner Michael Arndt is hard at work on Episode 7, with Lawrence Kasdan (oh, the irony) and Simon Kinberg waiting with baited breath to crack on with Episodes 8 & 9. Which signals a good start for Disney, all they need do now is pick the right megaphone and we're laughing!

Update: There has been an AWAKENING!!

Excelsior Out...oh, and..."May The Force Be With You"

Bill and Don's Excellent Adventure

Bill Maher has spent the last 18 years trying to persuade Donald Trump to appear on his show "Real Time"...with no success. 

I'd give up Bill because this is how I think that "meaningful exchange of political views" might go.

Excelsior Out!

A Beautiful British Comedian

A little nod to one of the finest comic creations these shores have ever seen...The Pub Landlord, personified in the wondrous Al Murray. Playing beautifully with audience expectations Al's shows are a masterpiece of understated intellect. 

His routine with the inflatable globe reduced me to a quivering, tear stained wreck. I'm proud to add the great man to my series of Great British Stand-Up's, soon to be featured on The British Comedy Guide website.

Excelsior Out!

Open a new Tin of Peep Show...soon.

Thought I'd post a little tribute to one of the funniest, and most innovative, comedy shows around "Peep Show".

David Mitchell (no relation) and Robert Webb are compellingly, aching funny throughout. All support turns are stellar, my favourite being Matt King's deadpan Super Hans, the louche, drug addled musician so beloved of Robert's Jez.

The new series kicks off soon and this illustration will, hopefully, feature on "The British Comedy Guide" website soon.

Excelsior Out!

Mr Obama goes to Washington

Next Tuesday a race will be decided, the result of which will resonate far beyond it's initial parameters. For cares own sake we must hope that wise heads, sturdy hearts and calm nerves prevail for, if they do not, then heaven help us all.

I've nailed my colours to the mast with the above contribution. Good luck Mr President...i hope you won't need it.

Excelsior Out! 

Shaun in the Land of the Dead

Available to buy as print, and other stuff, at: http://gastongrimsdyke.deviantart.com/gallery/

A post for Halloween, just made it. "Shaun of the Dead" is a modern classic, created by some of my favourite people in the World. 

I've been a Simon Pegg fan since laughing, unexpectedly, at a "Buttercup Syrup" ad and wondering who the frenetic young actor was bunking off work. Nick Frost, and everyone else, in "Spaced" was fantastic...and I'm sure "Cuban Fury" will catapult him into the comic stratosphere. Edgar Wright is a genius storyteller who will come of age with "Ant-Man" for Marvel provided he casts Simon as Hank Pym and, my mate, Sally Bretton as Janet, his "Wasp-ish" wife.

Sterling work all round gentlemen...bring on another Cornetto!

Excelsior Out!!

The Thick, and thin, of it!

Now it's not like me to get political, my pencil isn't savage enough, but with BBC's "The Thick of It" bowing out with an excellent, sweary, finale i've been moved to create this tribute.

Actor, writer, director & Oscar Winner, Peter Capaldi has always been a quality turn but, in Malcolm Tucker he's found his "Magnificent Octopus". Tucker, in Capaldi's hands, is a Tour-De-Force of Political Nature...tearing down idols and battering subordinates with all the gleeful, violent, prejudiced abandon of a two legged tornado. 

Reportedly based on Alastair Campbell, his foul mouthed, splenetic poetry (courtesy of Armando Iannucci, Ian Martin, Simon Blackwell, Jesse Armstrong and a host of brilliant writers) is the stuff that TV gold is spun from. 

The movie spin off "In the Loop" pushed the idea onto a bigger stage, while losing non of the bite. It is well worth seeking out should you not have seen it.

Genius work all round, ladies and gents

Excelsior Out!