The Weekender

Published on Friday 7 November 2008 11:30

SEPARATING the cultural wheat from the chaff...

FILM

George W Bush may have been moved to tears this week as he handed over the reins of power to Obama, but on the cinema screen, at least, he's having a ball. No Country for Old Men star Josh Brolin has breathed life into a caricature of Bush for Oliver Stone's biopic W, which goes on general release tonight.

Brolin's physical resemblance of the president is quite stunning, and his take on the early years of W's life is imbued with a rapscallions charm as Bush Junior fights and drinks his way through his college years. The film disappoints, however (particularly given that this is an Oliver Stone work) when it comes to depicting Bush in the Oval Office, where little more is done than an impersonation. A surprising vote loser from the JFK director.

Still hurtling his way around the world, and the inner sanctums of the baddies, Daniel Craig's new and improved Bond is doing big business at the box offices in Quantum Of Solace. The lack of 007 wit and woo may have disappointed the die-hards, and there is more than just an echo of Bourne to the rough and tough reinvention, but Craig pulls of the bitter and violent secret agent's turn with style and cold charm.

Also released this weekend are Pride And Glory, starring Ed Norton, Colin Farrell and Jon Voight as a family of cops attempting to route out the bad egg; and a screen version of Noel Coward's Easy Virtue, starring Jessica Biel as an American swell who descends upon a stiff upper lip family, headed by Kristin Scott Thomas and Colin Firth.

MUSIC

It's some time since Seattle was a focus of music lovers' attentions, now that the grunge era is as good as forgotten, but the city's Fleet Foxes have been one of the year's most refreshing bands to appear. Their blend of harmonies and medieval sounds may not sound great in print, but this is music of classic quality. They play ABC, Glasgow, tonight, 8pm. www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes

Scotland's most cherished contemporary balladeer, King Creosote, continues his relentless live tour with performances this weekend. If you haven't already been converted to his dour, but lyrically smart songs, then you're in the minority. Kenny plays Woodend Barn, Banchory, tonight; BA Club, Fort William, tomorrow www.kingcreosote.com

Sunday night is party night for music fans in Scotland as two of the best dance acts of the moment are on stage. Hot Chip will be at the Forum in Aberdeen (www.hotchip.co.uk) and those blissed-out dance rockers MGMT will be charming the audience at the Barras, Glasgow. www.myspace.com/mgmt

Ida Maria, Oran Mor, Glasgow, tonight; Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, tomorrow

DAYS OUT

The odds might be against Scotland's rugby team this weekend, but there's still a chance to get yourself a ticket for Scotland vs All Blacks at Murrayfield tomorrow, 5.15pm. Tickets start at 20. The match marks the start of the All Blacks' Grand Slam tour of the British Isles. www.scottishrugby.org

Elsewhere, Glasgay! festival in Glasgow ends on Sunday, with performances of Suddenly Last Summer at the Tron, and a club night finale at Glasgow School of Art, Utter Gutter. See www.glasgay.co.uk for details.

The Sound festival of contemporary music in Aberdeen includes workshops and performances from Palestinian singer, musician and broadcaster Reem Kelani, and concerts from the Paragon Ensemble and the Hebrides Ensemble. www.sound-scotland.co.uk