Ten reasons why you should watch Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation has just been renewed for a seventh season! Not familiar with the employees of City Hall and the people of Pawnee? Here's why you should treat yo self and watch Parks and Recreation.

1. Leslie Knope

Amy Poehler just deservedly won a Golden Globe for her role as Knope, the loveable Deputy Director of the Parks and Recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana. Knope is the friend and colleague you've always wanted, her biggest loves include waffles, Pawnee and Joe Biden.

2. Ron Swanson is the best

Never one to show much emotion, Swanson is the manliest of men. Forget sentiment, all Ron cares about is meat, hunting and himself. Sounds horrible, doesn't he? You'll come to love him.

3. The stupidity of Andy Dwyer

Chris Pratt expertly plays the innocently stupid Andy Dwyer, providing slapstick and dumb one liners with ease.

4. Pawnee

Small town America has never looked so good. Home to a Harvest festival and JJs Diner, it isn't exactly envied by its neighbours, Eagleton. Ignore them, you just need to look past the seedy nightclubs and raccoon problems. To top it off the town's biggest celebrity is miniature horse, Li'l Sebastian. 

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5. There is no one more positive in the universe than Chris Traeger. No one.

ANN PERKINS! Chris seems to have only one emotion, ecstatic. Fitness fanatic, tell him the worst news ever and he'll still be smiling. He also loves to use the word, literally, literally all the time.

5. Leslie and Ben's relationship

There is no cuter couple in television, film or local government. Ben loves Leslie, Leslie loves Ben's butt. They may be geeky and have a cringey handshake but it's hard not to love them.

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6 . Tammy

There have been three women in Ron Swanson's life, all of them named Tammy. Nonetheless, it is Ron's second wife, Tammy 2, that is the most dangerous and brilliant. Played by Nick Offerman's real wife, Megan Mullally (Will and Grace) this is a lady that sets the fear of God in Ron. A sexual animal, she'll stop at nothing to wreck Ron's newest relationships.

7. Jerry's fault! Jerry's fault! Jerry's fault! 

Jerry is the bumbling, clumsy guy who the whole office likes to mock. Spilling soup, tripping over  and breaking wind- these are Jerry's best skills. Looking for someone to blame? Blame Jerry. Fancy teasing someone? Tease Jerry. Need wardrobe advice? Don't ask Jerry.

9.Tom Haverford's swagger

Tommy Haverford was born to go on Dragons Den. Fragrances, a night club and a talking tissue box, Tom has got his fingers in all the pies. Social media mad, he likes to be referred to as The Brown Gosling but doesn't always have much luck with the ladies.

"At the risk bragging, one of the things I’m best at is riding coattails. Behind every successful man is me, smiling and taking partial credit."- Tom Haverford

10. Tom and Donna's friendship

These are two friends that love the finer things in life. Three words: Treat. Yo. Self. 

See a dress you like? "Treat Yo Self." An aftershave? "Treat Yo Self." Fancy a massage and some mimosas? "Treat Yo Self."

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Mrs Robinson, Buzz Lightyear and Danny Zuko: Movies and Music

Soundtracks can so often make a film.  In some cases the music becomes synonymous to the movie rather than the artist. When your hear that song you can picture the scene perfectly. Stuck in the Middle With You, conjures up the image of Mr Blonde dancing in Reservoir Dogs and Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head takes you to the bicycle scene in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. So plug in your speakers, turn up the volume and get comfortable as I take a look at some of the best ever movie soundtracks.

The Graduate

If Mrs Robinson didn't manage to seduce you then Simon and Garfunkel most certainly did. The Mike Nichols' film, features songs solely from Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel that have contributed to make The Graduate so iconic. The Sound of Silence is used on three separate occasions in the film and most memorably plays over the classic bus scene at the end. Nevertheless, the song most associated with the 1967 comedy is of course, Mrs Robinson. Paul Simon's working title for the song was actually Mrs Roosevelt, a tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt but it was changed to the known version for The Graduate. 

Grease

The story of Grease isn't exactly a good moral lesson and it may have one of the most surreal endings but there is no doubting that it has a classic soundtrack. The film includes some incredibly catchy upbeat tunes such as Greased Lightning, You're The One That I Want and Summer Lovin. A trio that you can be sure to hear in a Grease Megamix at your next family wedding. Nonetheless, one of my favourites is perhaps the most underrated, There Are Worse Things I Can Do sung by Stockard Channing. Grease may not be everyones' cup of tea but perhaps it is the soundtrack that makes the film rather than the story.

Michael

Nora Ephron's Michael didn't get the most positive reviews from the critics but the soundtrack is certainly worth listening to.  The film stars John Travolta as an angel that isn't particularly angelic and Sir Terry Wogan once stated that he loved the film but loved the soundtrack more. Singers such as Randy Newman, Van Morrison and Aretha Franklin bring a charm to the film but it is Bonnie Rait's Feels Like Home that steals the show. The song, written by Randy Newman, was originally featured in his musical, Faust.  Rait's rendition can be heard below with Newman on the piano.

Midnight Cowboy

Interestingly, Bob Dylan wrote the song, Lay Lady Lay, for the Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman classic but another song was chosen, Everybody's Talkin' by Harry Nilsson. The song is played many times throughout the film and was listed as number 20 in the American Film Institute's top 100 movie songs.  In a biography on director, John Schlesinger, it was stated:

"one cannot imagine Midnight Cowboy now without Everybody's Talkin'."

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is a film that follows a journey, an extraordinary life of an an extraordinary American. Consequently, the music matches perfectly to the moments in Gump's life from fighting in Vietnam and discovering Elvis Presley to running across the country. It's a love letter to American music with songs from Elvis, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, The Supremes and The Beach Boys.

Singin' in the Rain


I wanted to stick a classic musical into the mix and for me they don't come better than Singin' In The Rain. Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds treat us to a musical masterpiece with Good Morning and Make Em' Laugh but there is of course one song and scene that really stands out. Gene Kelly disregards his umbrella and mesmerises the audience as he splashes and sings he way through one of the greatest ever movie scenes.

Toy Story

There are some modern animated films that have great soundtracks including Shrek, Monsters Inc and Cars but the Toy Story trilogy stands head and shoulders above them all. Randy Newman's comforting and jolly You've Got a Friend In Me works wonderfully in accompanying the relationship between Andy and Woody but where he really excels is in the songs that strike a melancholic tone. Strange Things shows Woody struggling with the arrival of Buzz Lightyear and I Will Go Sailing No More plays as Buzz realises he isn't a real spaceman.

"I have had power. I was respected. But not anymore
 And I've lost the love to the one whom I adored" 

 -Strange Things

The final film saw Newman pick up an Academy Award for We Belong Together and The Gypsy Kings spanish version of You've Got A Friend In Me also featured. However, it is Toy Story 2 that steals the show when it comes to music. Newman penned When She Loved Me, sung by Sarah McLachlan. Disney Pixar had the bravery in a children's film to play the whole song. The sad tune combined with the story of Jessie's relationship with her former owner makes for a poignant and emotional scene.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

This was a choice by @JulietaLucca who believes that Moon River by Audrey Hepburn is the most iconic song in movie history. Henry Mancini wrote the song specifically for Hepburn but in a post production meeting, a studio executive suggested the first thing they needed to do was get rid of the song. Hepburn protested, 'Over my dead body' and thus the song remained.  Gladly she stood firm and Moon River went on to win a Grammy and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards.

The Lion King

Tim Rice is one of the best living lyricists and this was highlighted in several Disney movies of the 1990s. The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin are rich with some of the wittiest and catchiest tunes. Alan Menken wrote the melody for the cheesy A Whole New World which was originally titled "The World At Your Feet" but Rice came on board and changed it. He worked alongside Elton John with the music for The Lion King in which Can You Feel The Love Tonight won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, although the film's producers initially intended the song be a duet sung by Timon and Pumba. The quality of the music in The Lion King is further emphasised with the global success of the stage show. Additionally, a Broadway production of Aladdin  is currently in production and is expected to open at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 2013.

500 Days of Summer

500 Days of Summer was a surprise hit when it was released with its original and charming take on the romantic comedy. I'd argue it has one of the best soundtracks of the last decade with The Smiths, Regina Spektor, Simon and Garfunkel and The Temper Trap. Nonetheless, it is the upbeat Hall and Oates hit, You Make My Dreams, that sticks in the mind as Joseph Gordon Levitt stars in a grand musical number on the street.

I realise there are many other films with amazing soundtracks but these are just a few that have made their mark. Leave a comment below to let me know your favourite.

My next blog post will look at some of the best movie scores ranging from The Big Country and The Magnificent Seven to The Rock and Disney's Up, so make sure you visit soon and follow me on Twitter @sam_batty.

Must see films of 2013- Part 2

What do Abraham Lincoln, Alfred Hitchcock and and Ron Burgundy have in common? The answer is that they all star in some of the biggest blockbusters of 2013.

"Film is one of three universal languages, the other two: mathematics and music" Frank Capra

 Historical biopics, the return of superheroes and of course 'classy San Diego' will have cinemagoers rushing to the box office. Lights! Camera! Action! Here is part two of my must see films of 2013.

Hitchcock

The Master of Suspense is back. Anthony Hopkins has been transformed into the legendary director, Alfred Hitchcock, and is already being tipped for awards success.  The film follows Hitchcock's relationship with his wife, Alma Reville, played by Helen Mirren during the production of 'Psycho'. A screenplay by John J. McLaughlin, the same man behind 'Black Swan' coupled with an outstanding cast that also includes Scarlett Johansson means for movie buffs this is definitely a must see.

UK release date: 8th February

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Lincoln

Spielberg's newest film sees, Academy Award winner, Daniel Day Lewis return to the big screen taking the title role of Abraham Lincoln during the midst of the Civil War. This is a film that could be set for awards success with seven Golden Globe nominations including Best Director, Best Drama Film and Best Actor. A review in Rolling Stone stated, "The phenomenal Daniel Day-Lewis plays Lincoln with immersive indelible power in Spielberg's brilliant, brawling epic." It seems to have won over the critics in the States but will it be a hit with the British audiences?

UK release date: 25th January

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The Lone Ranger

Walt Disney Studios teams up again with 'Pirates of the Caribbean director', Gore Verbinski, to bring you the classic Western story of Tonto and the Lone Ranger. Many will be glad to see this film eventually released after production has halted several times due to budget issues. A fantastic cast including Armie Hammer  as the Lone Ranger and Johnny Depp as Native American, Tonto will hope this will put Walt Disney live action pictures back on track after the 2012 flop of 'John Carter'.

UK release date: 9th August

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Quartet

Quartet marks Dustin Hoffman's directing debut with some of the best and most experienced actors in British cinema.  Dame Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins and Michael Gambon star in a tale about former opera singers in a retirement home. A comedy drama that can perhaps be compared to 2012's 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' gives cinemagoers a pleasant and friendly start to 2013.

UK release date: 1st January

Oz: The Great and Powerful

Walt Disney brings us another big blockbuster in the form of a fantasy adventure and at the helm is  'Evil Dead' director, Sam Raimi. The film is a prequel of the Judy Garland classic, 'The Wizard of Oz' and follows lives of the Wizard and the witches before the original story. James Franco plays the lead role of Oscar Diggs and the story follows his journey to the magical land of Oz. However, all isn't rosy for Oscar as he encounters three witches played by Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis. Exceptional CGI graphics, an intriguing story and exciting cast mean that this is a film that will be on the watch-list for many movie lovers.

UK release date: 8th March

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The Big Wedding

Now here is a film for those who love a romantic comedy and for those who don't like this genre don't stop reading. This film arguably has one of the best casts of 2013 including Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heigl, Robin Williams, Susan Sarandon and Amanda Seyfried. Interested? A remake of a 2006 French film, 'Mon frére', the film focuses on a long divorced couple (De Niro and Keaton) who are forced to pretend they are still married for their son's (Ben Barnes) wedding. It sounds cheesy but with a great cast this could be one of the feel good comedies of 2013.

UK release date: 31st May

Man of Steel

'Watchmen' and '300' director, Zack Snyder brings us the newest Superman franchise with 'Man of Steel'. British Actor, Henry Cavill, stars as Clark Kent with Amy Adams in the role of Lois Lane. The film follows how Clark Kent came to be Superman and his unique place on earth after being transported at an early age from Kryptonite. Produced by Christopher Nolan, who also co-wrote the story with Dark Knight writer, David Goyer, this could revitalise the comic book character of Superman in the same way the Nolan trilogy reignited Batman.

UK release date: 14th June

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Nolan has praised the director Snyder suggesting he is the perfect man to direct 'Man of Steel' in a world which is far harder to create than the world of the Dark Knight.

The World's End

Director, Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost come together again to make the final film in the, 'Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy', the previous two films being, 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz'. The film follows a group of friends who reunite for an 'epic' pub crawl but not everything goes to plan and the existence of humankind is under threat. An original, quirky story combined with a tried and trusted recipe for success may see 'The World's End' represent a successful end to a popular collaboration.

UK release date: 14th August

Empire online

Anchorman: The Legend Continues

Ron Burgundy returns. One of the most quotable comedy films of the 2000s gets a sequel as the San Diego news anchor continues his escapades in the newsroom. Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell and Christina Applegate are back in this hotly anticipated movie that is still very much under wraps.

US release date: 20th December

What film are you most excited about in 2013? Leave a comment below.

Check out part one of the must see films of 2013 below.

Podcasts- who needs the music?

For those who don't know what podcasts are, they are pretty much radio without the music. They are perfect to listen to in the car, sat on the train or just lying in bed. Some make you laugh, some teach you things you didn't know and some are awful. I've compiled a list of my favourite podcasts that are definitely worth a listen.

Desert Island Discs

The Desert Island Discs podcast archives are simply brilliant. Years of well known people choosing their eight favourite songs, a book and a luxury item. It is fascinating to hear the songs chosen by celebrities. For instance, Simon Cowell believes Bobby Darin's 'Mack the Knife' is one of the greatest songs ever sung and Jewish comedian, Jackie Mason was captivated by Susan Boyle's 'I dreamed a dream'. These podcasts play little snippets of the songs due to legal reasons but that's perfect, especially if you don't like the song. Kirsty Young is fantastic interviewer and brings out the incredibly interesting stories of the castaways. James Corden, Emma Thompson, Alan Ahlberg, Whoopi Goldberg and Betty Driver are just a few of the exceptional podcasts. One learns about depression, troubled childhoods and heartwarming stories. My Dad even adapted the Desert Island Discs format into a dinner party, where people choose their eight favourite songs. These are then put on in the background and people can discuss the songs if they wish. These podcasts invite you into the lives of the rich and famous, intriguing and interesting. Download a few of your favourite celebs and see what they like to listen to.

Photo from Times Literary Supplement

Frank Skinner on Absolute Radio

I think Frank Skinner to be one of the funniest and quickest comedians there is. Skinner is part of trio that makes for a hilarious twice-weekly podcast. Emily Dean joins Skinner and provides a snobbish but often humorous outlook on life. Describing her obscure crushes, such as the son of John Darwin, the canoe man who faked his death or comedian, Miles Jupp. The final cog in the trio is comedian, Alun Cochrane. I've seen him do stand up several times and he's very funny so I was thrilled when he joined the show. Providing grumpy observations, Cochrane is great addition to the show. The three of them discuss their experiences in the week, what's annoying them and what's happening on TV. Full of puns, sharp wit and often brutally honest chat, I always look forward to its release.

Podcast Directory

Scott Mills Daily

I often find it hard to keep up with these podcast as they are release on every weekday but they are always worth a listen. Scott Mills is for me the best dj on Radio One and works well with his sidekick Beccy and Chris. Regular interviews with popstars, funny games and silly chat can see time pass away very quickly. The game Innuendo Bingo is also great fun, where listeners send in innuendo from TV and radio. Chris and Beccy have to fill their mouths with water and try not to laugh at the innuendos. Great fun and easy to listen to.

Radio Four News Quiz

Host Sandi Toksvig chairs are topical news quiz with some of the best comedians around. Jeremy Hardy and Andy Hamilton are regulars, who provide arguably a radio version of 'Have I Got News For You'. Only half an hour long, this provides a brilliant witty view of the weeks news.

BBC Podcasts

The National Treasures' Indian Holiday

Over the past few weeks I have been to the cinema to see two very different British Films. Different in genre. Both excellent at entertaining. One made me laugh. One made me frightened. One made me sad. One made me frightened again. I am of course referring to "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and "The Woman in Black". 


The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel


This film surpassed my expectations, primarily because I had been told by someone it wasn't worth seeing. I had seen trailers for the movie and simply it looked like a nice film, with a group of "national treasures" on holiday in India. Nonetheless, I felt the setting, script and cast provided a thoroughly entertaining time. Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton and Tom Wilkinson, a cast of some of Britain's greatest talents, they all played their roles exceptionally, combining humour and sadness. 

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Maggie Smith usually plays the role of a "lady"but her role couldn't have been further from Downton Abbey. Put truthfully her character at the start was a xenophobic racist who suggests she won't eat anything she cannot pronounce. Nevertheless, as the film develops Smith's character mellows and 
empathises more after being exposed to Indian culture. To use a cliche, the characters travel to India to find themselves.





Judi Dench's character, Evelyn, travels to India after having lost her husband, in an attempt to do something adventurous in her later years. Perhaps a little cheesy, she ends up working as  cultural advisor in a call centre. This gives her character the feel of purpose in life, rather than just living in the shadow of her former husband. Throughout the film Evelyn writes in her diary, acting a narrator, observing the other characters and her experiences.

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For those who haven't seen the film I don't want to ruin it, for example Tom Wilkinson's character has a story I have never seen in cinema before and Bill Nighy's and Penelope Wilton's relationship is intriguing. However, Dev Patel's performance as the keen Indian hotelier was very good, creating an extremely likeable, innocent man who falls for an Indian girl. Patel actually says one of my favourite lines in the whole film:

Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not the end."IMDB

Dench's character called the Jaipur, an "assault on the senses" and it surely painted that picture. Perhaps a little too romanticised. This film is full of friendship, love and life lessons. Nonetheless, although full of cliches, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is worth a watch to make you smile, it's funny, it's poignant, it's nice.

Modern Family- Should it be bigger in the UK?

Every now and again I get an urge to buy a new TV series box set and this Autumn I decided to buy a series that seemed to be winning lots of awards in the USA. Modern Family. A decision I certainly don't regret.  Centred round a somewhat dysfunctional American family, this mockumentary is always on hand to cheer me up, with its brilliant script and perfectly cast actors.

Mitchell: "When I was 12-years-old my father walked into my bedroom and caught me doing the most embarrassing thing that a boy can do: dancing to Madonna's 'Lucky Star."

The series follows three separate households but they are all related in some way. One household belongs to Jay, his new wife, Gloria and Gloria's son, Manny. The second home includes Claire who is Jay's daughter, her husband Phil and their three kids, Haley, Alex and Luke. The final part of this family tree belongs to Jay's son and Claire's brother Mitchell and his partner Cam. While this may all see a little complicated it lends itself to misunderstandings, tensions and laughter in bucketfuls.

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The series isn't particularly rude and thrives on the different relationships in modern society, For instance, the idea of having a step-dad and gay adoption, this show is certainly different and that's what makes it so fresh and funny.

Phil: "Act like a parent, talk like a peer. I call it 'peerenting"

Created by Christopher Lloyd and Stephen Levitan, I'd describe the mockumentary as a series of episodic farces whilst always retaining an important message, ranging from honesty and trust, to forgiveness and respect. Casting for the series couldn't be more perfect, Sofia Vergara, as Gloria, is one of my favourite TV characters ever, with her thick Colombian accent, almost everything she says you want to laugh at. The incredibly camp, Cameron, played by straight Eric Stonestreet is hilarious, whether dressing up his Vietnamese adopted toddler as Diana Ross or donning his Fizbo the Clown costume. I can't really fault this series, there isn't a weak link in the casting and every episode manages to easily raise several laughs.

Alex: "Dad we haven't had lunch yet.
Phil: Neither have half the kids in Africa, Stop yappin' and get back to work "

Despite it's success in the United States, winning various Emmys and supposedly being Barack Obama's favourite show on the television, very few people I've spoken to have heard of it. Subsequently, most days, after working hours in the library, my friends and I sit down and watch a couple of episodes because we it will always cheer us up. It's a real shame Modern Family isn't bigger in the UK and I'd suggest this is primarily due to it where it is shown, Sky One. I am of no doubt the service Sky provide is phenomenal but it is a shame that Modern Family isn't accessible to everyone on either BBC, ITV or Channel 4. This show is very hard not to like and for me I find it funnier than other American series, "30 Rock", "The Big Bang Theory" and "How I Met Your Mother". Nonetheless, it is clear Sky have a lot of money, as they brought in the popular series, "Glee" but these brilliant series aren't as accessible for everyone. Now I am not sure if the mainstream channels even tried to air Modern Family but a show that has seen such critical success coupled with high viewing figures would surely be attractive to British TV companies.

Haley: "She had to take Alex to the oncologist... She needed new glasses."

Simply put, it is a shame Modern Family isn't bigger in the UK perhaps it needs a more accessible platform than Sky One but they've got the bucks. So if you don't have Sky One, go out and buy the box set, it is totally worth it.

It's the way I tell em'...

Last week saw the sad news that the comedian, Frank Carson had passed away. No doubt a legendary comic, remembered for his tagline "It's the way I tell 'em". In response to this I watched debate on the BBC with Nicholas Parsons and Iain Lee, discussing how comedy has changed over the last fifty years and what is acceptable humour today. Comics such as Frankie Boyle and Jimmy Carr are so often in the news regarding jokes of "bad taste". This led me to think, how many jokes today are clean and I am of the opinion that not all jokes need to be vulgar or crude to make people laugh.  Here are some one liners that aren't overly offensive but at the same time can bring about belly laughs: 

1. Tim Vine- "Crime in multi-storey car parks. That is wrong on so many different levels."
2. Stewart Francis- "Standing in the Park I wondered why a frisbee looks larger the closer it gets...then it hit me"
3. Milton Jones- "When my grandfather became ill, my grandmother greased his back. After that, he went downhill very quickly" 
4. Tommy Cooper- "I slept like a log last night. I woke up in the fireplace."
5. Lee Mack- "I used to be a freelance journalist, but I was crap. Lance is still in prison."
6. Les Dawson- "She was the flabbiest stripper I've ever seen. When she ran off the stage she started her own applause."
7. Jimmy Carr-  "I may be middle-class, but I’m hard. Al dente, you might say."