Simon Fallaha

#Theatre #Review at #SiArtsNI - Under The Lights, "a frankly phenomenal experience".

The c21 Theatre Company production runs at the Studio at the The Grand Opera House, Belfast, from Thursday October 9 to Saturday October 11.

Review here. tinyurl.com/3zhkvrpy

West Side ‘21 might be my favourite film of the decade. I’d also include The Holdovers and Weapons in my list for sure. For now.

I've noticed that my choices for favourite movies of the decade so far have all hinted at looking back to look forward - they're all indicative, in their own way, of the power and value of reflection.

The 2020s has been full of great movies. Some I'd like to single out are: West Side Story (Steven Spielberg, 2021), Ballywalter (Presanna Puwanarajah, 2022), No Hard Feelings (Gene Stupinitsky, 2023), The Holdovers (Alexander Payne, 2023), Furiosa (George Miller, 2024), Weapons (Zach Cregger, 2025).

Recently watched Back To School (Alan Metter, 1986) and it's much better than I thought it would be. More than a terrific vehicle for Rodney Dangerfield, it features the institution-shaken-up-by-misfits tone of, say, Caddyshack, Stripes and Ghostbusters '84 but really tones down the obnoxiousness.

Brilliant!

Check in on the writers in your life.

Half way through my second viewing of No Hard Feelings and enjoying every minute. It has that Hughesian blend of class analysis, bold comedy, memorable set-pieces and real poignancy… and, perhaps, Jennifer Lawrence’s best performance ever.

Rewatched All The President’s Men last night. Marvellous, of course, and so was he.

Rewatching All The President’s Men tonight. #RIPRobertRedford

RIP Robert Redford. Directed at least two masterpieces imho, possibly four. As sturdy as movie stars get. Lived a full life but this one stings because he was one of those constants, y'know?

A great read. I especially enjoyed the praise for David Jonsson - I knew he was one to watch ever since the wonderful Rye Lane brought him to my attention.

He's so good in Juror #2 and Superman '25.

The more I think about Celine Song’s Past Lives, the more I am intrigued by the sentiment and the ideas within than the film itself. Still an admirable work, but at present it doesn’t “soar” for me.

I enjoyed it when I was younger. I like Jewison’s work but don’t see myself rewatching this one.

#Jaws is ultimately a survival story. We never forget, for example, that Brody has been pushed to the edge and is fighting to stay afloat - literally and metaphorically - before his temporary, fleeting conquering of his outer and inner demons.

I haven’t said it until now, but I think #Jaws might actually be a perfect film.

#Theatre #Review at #SiArtsNI - Volunteers.

Arts Over Borders' production of Brian Friel's play is "a masterfully orchestrated mixture of performance art, enduring truths and social satire". It was recently staged at Derry-Londonderry's Playhouse Theatre.

Review: tinyurl.com/msfad7vv

I watched #Ballywalter in its entirety for the second time last night. I *love* that film. It's handled with perfect taste in every sense, knows exactly what it's doing and why it's doing it, and it never fails to move me. Seána Kerslake and Patrick Kielty are both tremendous.

Rewatched it last night, Lou. I love it so much. You all did a wonderful job.

There really is no film quite like The Godfather. Parts I and II.

Terence Stamp's piercing stare made him a singular, unforgettable screen presence “Terence Stamp. He behaved unreasonably.”

For @unclegrambo.bsky.social and @deciderdotcom.bsky.social, I wrote about Terence Stamp: decider.com/2025/08/19/t...

Beat both teams in #OnlyConnect this week with a score of 22. Think that’s my highest of the series so far.

Zach Cregger’s Weapons is also very Dahlian. It echoes and smartly integrates elements from both The Witches and Matilda.

A share for @mangiotto.bsky.social’s brilliant take on Zach Cregger’s Weapons, an exceptional film.

Zach Cregger’s Weapons is incredible. The elements are familiar, but the story and characters are fresh and the overall effect is beyond chilling. I was trembling and very thoughtful when I left the cinema. Julia Garner is fantastic.

#Theatre #Review at #SiArtsNI - Julie.

The Kabosh Theatre Company play, written and performed by Charlotte McCurry and directed by Paula McFetridge, is "poignantly illustrated family history as stupendously crafted art". Runs until Sunday August 17.

Review here. tinyurl.com/3rhzjrr5

Love Roeg. Still have plenty of time for his adaptation of The Witches.

My favourite is still Gary Nelson’s ‘76 effort, regardless of its dated elements and slapstick.

#Theatre #Review at #SiArtsNI - Alice By Heart - "a triumphant and lively accomplishment".

The NI Premiere run of this hugely enjoyable musical, from MMK Productions, concludes on Saturday August 9.

Read more here. tinyurl.com/4d7t33zu