Devon's Summer Screen-Test

RoveDaily's gossip hound Devon Quince, kicks off his year by hitting the summer box office.

I must be honest and say that it has always been a fantasy of mine to be the only person on earth. My particular dream involves being able to freeze time, everyone else suspended whilst I go around looking at things I'm not supposed to and going through people's pockets et cetera.

So, what better way to kick off my summer cinema viewing than with the new film, I Am Legend. I mean yes, it has a bizarre title I don't really understand, and stars that Will Smith character with the funny head, who I only ever really like in Six Degrees of Separation (go figure!). Nonetheless, it was on my must see list for the summer and as I burn rather than tan, it would be just perfect for one of those 40 degree days when I'm holed up in the city whilst everyone else is down the beach.

Well, it was not perfect. Watching one man on earth becomes very boring when there are no pockets to go through. Then of course the zombies pop up. Typical. I was left with no choice but to walk out and see period drama, Atonement- which was fine, once you got over Keira Knightly's underbite.

A better experience was on another lovely, balmy evening when I nipped out to see No Country For Old Men, the new film from that geeky duo, the brothers Coen. What a wonderous night I had watching all manner of violence and murder (I love watching murders!). Although, there was one truly terrible moment when Tommy Lee Jones was speaking so slowly I thought the actor himself was going to die of old age. After my frightened outburst I found out, as other patrons angrily informed me, it was just something he was doing for his character (although I'm still not convinced- if you’re still with us Tommy drop me a line- I still love you in The Fugitive).

Next on the list was The Darjeeling Limited. I was in a terrible mood as a friend dragged me along to this one. I thought it was going to be some hideously boring Bollywood thing about the tea trade (let it be said, I absolutely hate the tea trade). Turns out it was by that charmingly elaborate Wes Anderson and his gang of collaborators. I thought it was quite splendid- although the whole Indian funeral thing…that was a bit morbid don't you think? (yuk- I hate death, I prefer murders).

Last on my list was Alvin and the Chipmunks. All I have to say about this is BRILLIANT. Five stars and a couple extra for your little jackets chipmunks! This was a pure ensemble piece of the first order. I've never heard of this Jason Lee fellow, but his first class performance was an absolute tour de Force. I went home and listened to all my old Chipmunks albums on my little plastic record player.

What better way to spend summer than remembering all those summers gone by…thanks Alvin and the Chipmunks, my pick of the summer!

DQ