Bullet Train? One more train strike couldn’t hurt

Source: @bullettrainmovie, Instagram Joey King’s role as Prince, the teenage Machiavellian mastermind who is ultimately irrelevant, and suffering from parental neglect, was grating for reasons I cannot put my finger on but perhaps that was the point. Choppy edits and montage introductions are part of the cinematic palette of Bullet Train and they do work, mostly, although again the editing suffers from a sense of overwrought try-hardness. Outside of the narrative eyerolls, à la convoluted plot twists and zesty verbal barbs used when guns (or knives, or briefcases) are in short supply, the film is not without its good elements. The claustrophobic interiors of the Shinkansen are well navigated for maximum tension in the opening two acts – the climax sadly falls of the rails, literally and figuratively. Fight scenes are taut and skilfully choreographed, a nod to Leitch doing what he does best. Surprisingly, the CGI is notably cheesy at points although this unintentionally lends itself well to the kitsch cheesiness of Bullet Train overall.

It is only looking back at the spectrum of oddities that feature in Bullet Train that you can appreciate the film for what it is: a piece which encapsulates the style over substance mantra, and is an easy watch for those seeking some thoughtless escapism. Pitt’s latest addition to an already bulging filmography is not one to write home about, and is an objective nosedive from other recent roles, such as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. That said, taking any action thriller too literally is always a bad idea.

Mercury Prize: Little Simz takes Album of the Year Nujabes’ Luv(Sic) Hexalogy

ANNA ARMELIN | CONTENT WRITER

This October saw the return of the annual awards show for the Mercury Prize 2022. The prize is recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in the music industry. They collate 12 “Albums of the Year”, recognising artistic achievement across a range of contemporary music genres. The main objectives of the Prize are to recognise and celebrate artistic achievement, provide a snapshot of the year in music and to help introduce new albums from a range of music genres to a wider audience. The prize has no categories and is open to all music genres. Out of the 12 shortlisted “Albums of the Year” there is one overall winner. The genres of music that are represented tend to vary from year to year. All of the 12 shortlisted artists receive a specially commissioned “Album of the Year” trophy, with the overall winner also receiving a winner trophy and a cash prize of £25,000. More significantly, the Prize can ignite public awareness of the winning album, and dramatically increase the profiles of all the shortlisted artists.

Rapper and actor Little Simz, born Simbiatu Ajikawo, won this year’s prize, claiming critical acclaim for her fourth album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. The 28-year-old north London rapper was the only secondtime nominee in a field of artists otherwise up for their first Mercury; she was previously nominated for her third album, Grey Area, in 2019. The Mercury marks Simz’s second major prize this year after she won Best New Artist at the Brit Awards in February. “The album that we have chosen deals with themes both personal and political; the music is as sophisticated as it is varied. This is a truly exceptional album”, said DJ Jamz Supernova as she presented Simz with the prize. Described by Mercury Prize host Lauren Laverne as “[Simz’s] most intimate record to date”, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert rode high in many of 2021’s albums of the year lists, topping the BBC 6 Music poll and coming third in the Guardian’s list. “Simbiatu Ajikawo demonstrates that she has no shortage of bold, cinematic vision”, wrote critic Jenessa Williams. “A narrative journey in the truest sense, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is upfront about the sharp sense of self-doubt that so often chases the sweet intoxication of success”.

The judging panel for this year’s Mercury included artists Anna Calvi, Jamie Cullum and Loyle Carner, as well as broadcasters, DJs, writers and industry figures. ‘Getting down to 12 albums this year was not easy, simply because there were so many remarkable ones to choose from’, the panel said of the shortlist. “That serves as proof that British and Irish music thrives during unsettled periods in history … We feel that these 12 amazing albums each have something to say artistically and socially, all in their own unique, enriching ways”.

ESTELLE ALLEN | CONTENT WRITER

Whether we are writing a tricky lab report or a demanding essay, many of us listen to music to help us concentrate and get our work done. While the name Nujabes may be unfamiliar to readers, this artist, alongside Shing02, pioneered the sound of the viral “chillpop” phenomenon, the likes of which are featured in the hugely popular “lofi hip hop radio – beats to relax/study to” livestream which attracts tens of thousands of listeners 24 hours a day. Nujabes’ Luv(Sic) Hexalogy is an excellent album for anyone looking for music to relax or study to. Nujabes, who has been named the “godfather” of lo-fi hip hop, was one of the most prolific and quintessential beatmakers of the century, but his work often gets overlooked by better known western DJs. Luv(Sic) Hexalogy is Nujabes’ final album, which was formulated and finalised posthumously by hip hop artist Shing02. The six-part album is a jazz hip hop collection, incorporating Latin jazz and soul instrumentals with drumbeats, and vocal and lyrical samples. Nujabes’ blend of sound and rhythm is wholly unique and inspiring, and the distinct and relaxed downtempo tracks of Luv(Sic) Hexalogy are definitely worth a listen!

Source: Wikipedia

India vs. Pakistan: More than just a cricket game

IMAN AHMED | SPORTS EDITOR

Within the game of cricket, the rivalry between India and Pakistan is arguably the most thrilling, fiercest, and captivating one. Though cricket is a sport loved by many across the globe, the significance it holds for Indians and Pakistanis goes beyond it being just an enjoyable sport: it forms part of their culture, almost religionlike, as well as symbolising their political tensions. Any cricket match between India and Pakistan is more than just a game.

This rivalry was to be reignited again on Sunday, October 23rd, as the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia began. With over 90,000 fans spectating in the Melbourne Cricket Ground, whilst millions watched from home, the tensionfuelled match was one like no other, being rated as one of the greatest T20 matches internationally. Pakistan batted first, setting 160 runs as the target for India to achieve. But as time progressed, this number seemed unimaginable for India. This began when four wickets were attained by Pakistan, whilst India only obtained 31 runs. Such torture continued when 13 runs were needed from merely six balls. Unwinnable for India, one would think. But this was to be an over that one could never have imagined. Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner, was asked by captain Babar Azam, to close of the last over, with the match being deemed as a win for them. But Virat Kohli, India’s beloved batsman, had other plans: changing the course of India’s destiny. With another wicket achieved for Pakistan, Nawaz then slipped, throwing one too many wide and no balls; and this was to then be detrimental for Pakistan, but provided a chance for India to win.

With the magic and persistence of Kohli, he hit a six on a no ball when only seven runs were required. Two runs were then needed off the final ball, which ultimately was achieved. The match that was judged as unwinnable by India, had become a win for them.

But, what would an India vs. Pakistan cricket match be without some controversy? Doubts were expressed about the free hit India had during the last over. Kohli had been bowled out, yet he instead ran, gaining three runs. However, as he was bowled out instead of being run out, he was declared as not out in accordance with the ICC conditions.

From the cricketing quality to the electrifying atmosphere, with fans from both sides cheering their hearts out side-by-side, the match had fans on the edge of their seats, until the very last second. Different teams set the fans aside, with their hearts united for their love in cricket. And though there have been incidents both recently, and in the past, this match luckily saw otherwise. We pleasantly saw both Indian and Pakistani fans dancing to a Pakistani song, “Pasoori”, outside the stadium. A scene as such is one which the whole world, but perhaps more importantly in this case, many Indian and Pakistani fans hope to see in future matches.

Source: @indiancricketteam, Instagram