Black Swan...

Being an enormous fan of classical Russian ballet, I guess I had to be really, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan. 

I must confess I was a little disappointed, not because the acting was poor, far from it!  In general the film is brilliantly executed and puts a very modern twist on Tchaikovsky's stunning ballet.  Indeed the original Tchaikovsky score is cleverly used throughout the film to maximise suspense and manage emotions, and Natalie Portman without doubt gives a truly superb performance throughout.

So why was I disappointed?  The film contains occasional moments of pure quattro formage, yes loads of cheese, which are totally unnecessary and do nothing to enhance the film in any way whatsoever. 

Despite one or two misgivings I would recommend people try and catch Black Swan, especially if you are a fan of Tchaikovsky.  My personal rating for this film is 6 out of 10, the deletion of a few scenes could push this film to an 8.

Highway Code...

It's been 24 years since I last had to read the Highway Code...blimey despite driving an average of 35,000 miles a year, I'd forgotten, or should I say taken for granted, my knowledge of all things Highway related! 

As you know folks, I've embarked on the challenge of learning to drive an HGV as part of my Charity Challenge 2011 commitment, and as you might expect the Highway Code plays an integral role in getting my HGV Licence...I'm having fun getting the grey cells back into cerebral action (about time too some would argue).

I may have been better off sticking to writing my new book!

Challenge 2011 Underway

Throughout 2011 I've agreed to undertake a host of challenges in support of my favourite charities.  The first of the many challenges requires me to learn to drive an articulated lorry in just two weeks, and then drive much needed aid across Europe to Belarus in support of my newest charity - Chernobyl Children's Project UK.

This doesn't sound like much of a challenge really, I hear you say!  You'd be wrong if you thought that...firstly, learning to drive an articulated lorry requires me to pass three separate tests, not to mention a medical!  Once I've successfully passed these hurdles, I then need to source the lorry and the aid to fill it with.  All of this has to be completed in record time as I am due to be in Belarus by the beginning of April, and still don't have my provisional licence from the DVLA etc etc...as you can see there is more to this challenge than meets the eye.

Believe it or not it's 25 years since the tragic accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, and I'm eager that we do everything we can to help the thousands of children still suffering as a result of the fallout.  Belarus was by far the worst affected area in Europe, and the Chernobyl Children's Project has been working tirelessly since 1995 to provide real tangible support to the victims.  I'm hoping that readers of Jeremy's Whispers will be generous and make donations to help us improve the situation for so many children throughout Belarus, and I will of course be keeping you updated on progress, and ways in which you can lend your support.

A an enormous thank you goes to Nick Harvey of RSM Driver Training in Basildon, Essex, who has generously agreed to fund and provide the all important training needed for this challenge to succeed! 

A must see in 2011 - The Kings Speech

For those of you who are regular visitors to my blog, you'll know I have a real passion for film and love nothing more than visiting a cinema to watch a great movie.  Well, yesterday I wasn't to be disappointed when I managed to grab a few hours out of my busy schedule to see Colin Firth in 'The Kings Speech'. Much to my surprise, and for the first time in ages, the cinema was completely full (an airline mans delight to see so many bums on seats!!!).  Once the largely older audience had settled down (this was a matinee showing after all), and stopped rustling their bloody sweet wrappers the film started.

This British masterpiece tells the story of King George VI, and his battle to overcome a stammer with the assistance of an Australian voice coach Lionel Logue (brilliantly played by Geoffrey Rush).  From the very outset it is clear that the casting is nothing short of sublime!  Without exception, each member of the cast delivers an outstanding performance, which blends together superbly to tell a little known story about the British Monarchy. 

The film is full of touching moments, many of which occur between Colin Firth (Bertie - King George VI), and Helena Bonham Carter (Queen Elizabeth), who have an on-screen magnetism which is nothing short of stunning.  Whilst Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Cater clearly excel, Geoffrey Rush stole the limelight for me personally.  His characters complexity was delivered in a simple and fun way, which had you praying for his success and hoping for the Kings approval.

A combination of light and dark moments, inter twinned with a fair amount of humour make this a great film.  The audience I sat with appeared to be feeling the highs and lows with the characters, which for me is the sign of brilliant acting!

If like me, you are a fan of great cinematography, superb dialogue, outstanding acting and historical reality this is without doubt one of the highlights of the 2011 cinema calendar, so make the effort to go and see it in your local cinema!

It's Christmas (no I've not gone mad)...

Счастливое Рождество

Я хотел бы желать всем моим российским друзьям очень Счастливое Рождество сегодня! Я надеюсь, что Вы все имеете замечательный день и что Дед Мороз приносит счастье Вам и вашим семьям.

For those not in the know today is Christmas Eve and tomorrow marks the big day itself...Christmas Day in Russia, and I'd like to send my most sincere best wishes to all my Russian Friends for a truly wonderful day filled with happiness, laughther and maybe the odd glass of vodka!

Happy Christmas!

p.s. how old is that photo! 

Nursing a cold...

If like me you've had a cold/flu over the past couple of weeks you have my sympathy.  Pain the backside being under the weather.  For me it's normally a head cold, and this time around has been no exception...it feels like a killer whale has beached itself in my head, and now I am going to need Captain Haddock to pull the damn thing out!!  That said, I'm not one of those guys that sits claiming that he is dying of man flu, quite the opposite in fact, I generally get on with things which annoys those who think I should be making more of a fuss about feeling physically drained.

In fact now that the New Year has arrived, I've gotten back into my daily exercise and healthy living regime with an hour spent in the gym yesterday and a couple of hours on my cycle this morning...made all the more challenging by a runny nose!!  Apologies probably too much information I know.

Any old how, here's to 2011, and I hope that as the months unfold you'll all be enjoying a better and more productive year than last.

Get Signed Up...January Jog FAST Approaching

Join the first of the 2011 Santa Runs...ok I know it's a bit early to be talking about Santa already, but the truth is that this run was postponed from December, 2010 thanks to the spell of Siberian weather that gripped the UK.

It's not too late to join me and the fabulous people from the children's charity When You Wish Upon a Star on Sunday 16th January, from 09.00 at Wollaton Park in Nottingham.  There's no excuse not to be there to help raise much needed funds for this wonderful charity who help seriously ill children realise their dreams!

The jog, sprint, stroll or crawl isn't over a huge distance, and even I can manage to complete the course so there really is no reason not to get signed up and join us.

For further information and a sponsorship form visit the Santa Run!

Welcome to 2011!

I would like to be one of the first people to welcome you to 2011!  I hope that you are recovering from all the revelry last night??

A great night was had by all in the world of JeremySpake.com.  I know that a few party goers will be feeling a little bit like my friend the polar bear here, a great deal the worse for wear this morning...not yours truly though!  The secret to getting drunk but not suffering for me personally is to stick to one type of drink!  Not easy when you're out on the town with a bunch of lushes!!!  Still I achieved success, irritatingly I know!  I'm told that a full fat cola will cure your hangovers...personally I always found being presented with a bowl of lard soup quickly suppressed the throbbing pains in my head as I quickly tried to come up with an excuse not to have to eat the soup!!

I hope that 2011 proves to be a great year for you!

С новым годом!

Jeremy