Notebook Letters 8.

Book for film buffs

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Companion is an informative and enthralling book. You'll learn everything about the film as well as its sequels and remakes.

Like John Carpenter's Halloween, the original Chainsaw eschews the gore found in those films' incarnations and is just as terrifying. Rich, Aylesbury

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 12th of October, 2009; 2/6.

nicholson in chinatown

I saw chinatown and I think jack nicholson gives a fine, restrained performance. Maybe polanski could control him because he hams it up in too many other films. Sean, Chorlton

Does anyone know if '80s vamp flick Nocturna is available on DVD? It had a great, cheesy soundtrack and John Carradine was one of the leads. Thanks. Cate, Poole

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 12th of October, 2009; 3/6.

Van Damme king of action

I have never understood the fuss about Bruce Lee movies growing up. Enter The Dragon was OK but his other work was rubbish. For me, Van Damme was the king with Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Double Impact, Universal Soldier. He won't be bettered by any current action man. His performance in JCVD is truly astonishing. Chris, Hamilton

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 12th of October, 2009; 4/6.

Honour for Kate

I nearly laughed when I read Kate Beckinsale was voted Esquire's S*xiest Female 2009. I can almost envision her giving a tearful speech in a black corset, wrapped around a pole. It must mean so much, what with having no personality. Jade, Ripley

Zombieland should be longer, whereas Shaun of The Dead should have stayed as a trailer. KB, Gosport

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 12th of October, 2009; 5/6.

Best movie titles?

Best movie titles: The Outsiders, Arachnophobia, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, dracula: Dead And Loving It, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Eight Legged Freaks. Bring it on! Pete, Aston

Re: Matt, St Albans- If you've been intrigued enough by a film that you text Vortex about it, watch it and form your own opinion, nothing wrong with that. Gary, Belfast

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 12th of October, 2009; 6/6.

New singles by John Earls

ROBBIE WILLIAMS Bodies 8/10

Trevor Horn brings the sweeping strungs for the chorus, while the crisp funk is back to the confidence of Rock DJ. Back to being one of the best pop stars we have, but with his latter intrigue too.

PRIVATE My Secret Love 5/10

A Danish trio with a nice line in DJ Saved My Life-style sleek '80s, but the vocals are a mix of limp funk, helium chorus and primitive rapping, which ruins the point somewhat.

1/6.

LOSTPROPHETS End of The World 6/10

A decent chorus, all windswept ambition and poppy vocals, but the verses are somewhat flat- content to remain in the background doing nowt until the money shot turns up.

GENERAL FIASCO We Are The Foolish 7/10

It's baffling why they slipped from favour so soon, especially as this is taut pop-rock, all muscular playing, excitable vocals and a simple but very sturdy early Stereophonics.

2/6.

ASH True Love 1980 8/10

The first of their fortnightly singles over the next year, fingers crossed the other 25 are this good. Tim Wheeler is still one of the most heartstopping writers we have, and when he soars with sich easy grace, it's divine.

GABLE EP2 8/10

Superficially sweet yet inherently twisted Gallic pop that wraps a planet-sezed chorus in elegant tricksy and inventive funk.

3/6.

SWAY Mercedes Benz 4/10

A desperately disappointing return from the Mercury-nominated rapper. He raps with a good flow, but it's 2009 and it's unbelievable anyone is MCing over Funky Drummer. Lyrically trite.

THE BOY WHO TRAPPED THE SUN Watermark 8/10

The debut by an Outer Hebrides singer whose parched, Magnet-ish vocals slide gorgeously over loose, shuffling that are far dancier than the average troubadour. More, please.

4/6.

ALELA & ALINA Amidst The Movement 6/10

Alela Diane and Alina Hardin pair up for bittersweet folk that's sweet but hardly anything new. At least their voices meld well enough to ally worries they only teamed up for their names.

EVA SIMONS Silly Boy 4/10

The first total Lady GaGa clone we can think of, but the charmless Autotuned vocals are so cheap that they ruin the potentially decent warping early arcade game romping synths.

5/6.

I LIKE TRAINS Sea of Regrets 8/10

Beautiful, richly-crooned minimalism with a gorgeous slide guitar that hints they may cheer up. Though, as it's inspired by doomy writings by Monbiot and Lovelock, we're talking by degrees.

MODEL SOCIETY Sweeterlife 7/10

Ex-Le Neon singer Dan Clare returns with an intriguing organ-led C86-style bop whose vocals may be fey but win out because of an insistent chorus and Modern Life-era Blur driven pop suss.

6/6.

Teletext page 822; 12th of October, 2009.

The Flaming Lips/ Embryonic

By John Earls

Their equivalent of Xtrmntr, the Lips' darkest album melds Krautrock prog and existential dread.

At 18 songs, it's six too long- among the breathtaking audacity are moments of self-indulgent meanderings, like the worst of their pre-fame doodles.

It's still to be applauded for rhythmic audacity, unusually ferocious sound collages and maintaining Wayne Coyne's overarching humanity. 7/10

1/8.

Editors/ In The Light And On This Evening

The much-discussed move to synths thankfully doesn't come at the expense of ambitious songs.

Papillon and Like Treasure are stadium rock that stays intimate, while Eat Raw Meat's proto-industrial groove recalls early Heaven 17.

Tom Smith's falsetto on the gospel-tinged is another successful deviation on the progression that keeps the best of their old work.

2/8.

Port O'Brien/ Threadbare

Ater the glorious All We Could Was Sing, album two sees them retreat into a more sombre, stripped-down sound.

Although the likes of Sour Milk and Leap Year are further proof of their melodic skill, it's disappointing.

They're fine at acoustic rumblings, but it lacks their ragged celebrations and is only decent, not exceptional. Van Pierszalowski's cracked voice charms, but its songs are fairly standard.

4/8.

The Raveonettes/ In And Out of Control

After two risible albums from the bottom end of shoegaze, the duo happily stumble back on the pop that made Great Love Sound such a thrill.

There's nothing quite that celebratory, and Sune Wagner's vocals are too prevalent at the expense of Sharin's.

But their mix of spector dramatics and a twinkling romance are here, while Wagner's guitars explode back into life on the simple primal urges. 7/10

3/8.

Nine Black Alps/ Locked Out From The Inside

Album three, and their first after leaving Island, is their most abrasive.

Yet, as bracing as the rougher are, they're starting to feel stunted in their rage. Lacking the pop that leavened the first two albums, there's a whiff of autopilot in their anger.

Every Photograph and Vampire are great angst but, with the slower songs merely dragging, their power isn't matched by the songs themselves for once. 6/10

5/8.

Baddies/ Do The Job

Fronted by twins Mike and Jim Webster, the Southend band deserve to have more of a buzz around them.

Combining Franz Ferdinand's drive with early Costello New Wave snap, it races past, every song a potential single in its relentless caustic energy.

That's not to say it's not subtle: repeat plays show epic rock (To The Lions) and supple funk (Battleship) at play. Full of life's simple joys.

6/8.

The Drums/ Summertime

After whistling their way into a cult with Let's Go Surfing, the New Yorkers' mini-album is equally cute.

Make You Mine and Saddest Summer are similarly effervescent, with D*ck Dale twanging guitar and Brat Pack vocals combining for delectable sweetness.

But it's the closing I Felt Stupid, with Postcard melancholia and an art-rock finale, that implies they have a long-term plan. A bolt of fun. 8/10

7/8.

F*** Buttons/ Tarot Sport

Andrew Weatherall produces the duo's second album, bringing techno expertise to bear on more focused tunes.

Though four of the same songs clock in at nine-11 minutes, there's a steely purpose, whether it's Surf Solar Orbish ambient disco or the sinister, sad undertow of the stately Lisbon Maru.

While their past abrasiveness hasn't been polished aside, the new questing dance edge suits them superbly. 8/10

8/8.

Teletext page 823; 12th of October, 2009.

Are lookalike films tactless?

I've always wondered how film-makers got away with the Bruce Lee "lookalike" films that came out after his death. Films like The Clones of Bruce Lee must have been distressing for his family. Imagine if Heath Ledger lookalike films were made. John, York

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 13th of October, 2009; 1/6.

Did Heath Ledger inspire you?

I can't wait for Gilliam's Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus. I've loved Heath Ledger for years and I have no doubt he will blow everyone away, with it being his last ever film.

I will certainly be in theatres on 16th Oct to be amazed. He was a rare find. His warm smile is something I will always feel lucky to have witnessed as a fan of his. Ultimately, he inspired me to want to become an actress. Gemma, Newcastle

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 13th of October, 2009; 2/6.

Did Bruce Lee make a good film?

Bruce Lee had charisma and prowess which he conveyed effortlessly on screen and it did make him a great film star, but he never made a great film. He was closely involved in his productions and was clearly starting to flex his creative muscles, but the moving finger, having writ, moves on and we'll never know. Tim, Ruffle

Chris, Hamilton- Van Damme is a fading action movie star, while Bruce was a martial arts master. Nick, Bromley

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 13th of October, 2009; 3/6.

Guns of Navarone Greek classic

I was disappointed not to see The Guns of Navarone included on your list of movies filmed in Greece. Nearly 50 years on, it remains one of the all time great war movies, with strong performances from an all-star cast, a good story, a wonderful score and of course wonderful Greek settings. Edward, Kent

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 13th of October, 2009; 4/6.

Canned laughter ruins comedies

I find certain comedy programmes, especially the American ones, virtually unwatchable due to the excessive (and highly annoying) canned laughter used at every opportunity. Well done to the producers of the MASH DVDs for the great feature which allows us to turn off the laughter track. Stuart, Sheffield

Is there a Ghost Rider 2 film to be made? When is the next Spider- Man due out? Baz, Lancs

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 13th of October, 2009; 5/6.

Viewer takes Horror Express

Has anyone seen the horror film Horror Express with Telly Savalas? When I watched it I had nightmares for months. Paul, Hants

Nicky- I agree 100% about BBC2 horror double bills in the late '70s.. That's where I first saw Universal's Bride of frankenstein and The Wolf Man. But it was the second feature of Hammer that really did it for me such as The Curse of frankenstein, The Vampires. Major, Barnet

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 13th of October, 2009; 6/6.

Who would be a good Spiderman?

Baz, yes there is going to be a Ghost Rider 2. It's more of a reboot like the recent Hulk film. Spiderman 4 starts shooting in April 2010. Sam Raimi is directing but I am not sure if Tobey Maguire is playing Spiderman again. Paul, Stockton-on-Tees

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 14th of October, 2009; 1/6.

Did Lee change films forever?

If it wasn't for Bruce Lee there would not be a market for today's martial arts stars. Lee brought Kung Fu to the west and faced great hostility from the Chinese for doing it. Jim, Perth

Bruce Lee changed films forever. Van Damme stumbles at best. Kev, Gosport

Chris, I have nothing against Jean Claude Van Damme's films but as far as I am concerned he is not fit to clean Bruce Lee's boots. Tony, Peterborough

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 14th of October, 2009; 2/6.

Paranormal Activity 'gold'

Has anyone else seen the eerie trailer for Paranormal Activity? Never been so scared watching a trailer. Bump in the night gold! Anyone know when it's released here? Dawnraider

Paul, Hants: I had many weeks of disturbed and sleepless nights watching Johnny Got His Gun, starring Timothy Bottoms, when it was televised in the late '70s. I have never seen it since and I have the DVD (still unwrapped). Anita, Ess*x

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 14th of October, 2009; 3/6.

Sleepless nights after flick

Major- yes, the second feature on BBC2 was always more recent and usually scarier. Personal highlights: The Devil Rides Out, The Beast Must Die, The Wicker Man, The Satanic Rites of dracula gave me a very sleepless night. Happy days. Nicko, Derby

Just seen Shane Acker's 9, the perfect antidote to the saccharine WALL-E. The story of survival owes much to The terminator/ Beyond Thunderdome but with a haunting finale. Reza, Huddersfield

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 14th of October, 2009; 4/6.

The Strangers 'laughable'

Matth: The film that the guy laughed through was The Strangers. I've got to admit though, I could understand why. It was pants. H, Basingstoke

The title of Gilliam's new film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, reminds me of The Twelve Dreams of Doctor Sardonicus, a Spirit album. The band appeared in a film which included Arnold Schwarzenegger. That was before Gilliam was the odd-looking character in Python sketches. John, Harrow

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 14th of October, 2009; 5/6.

Puppet master favourites

What is your favourite bit in any puppet master film? Mark, Mosborough

Gemma, Newcastle. Have you not seen the Dark Knight? Mark, Newtownabbey

I recommend Flammen & Citronen by Ole Christian Madsen, which took nine years of research to bring to life. This titular portrait of Second World War resistance fighters, thought provokingly makes conflict ideology contemporary. t. rivers, suss*x

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 14th of October, 2009; 6/6.

Spider inside

Baz- Yes, Spider-Man has been greenlit, it's in pre-production at the moment and filming starts March 2010 so expect it in cinemas June 2011. I just hope it's better than number three- that film was awful. Number two is the best so far. Danny, Primrose Hill

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 15th of October, 2009; 1/6.

Not a Puppet Master fan

Mark, I've only seen the first Puppet Master film, and the best bit was when it said "the end". Jim, Basingstoke

Mark, Mosborough- My favourite bit of Puppet Master was the end credits. Lee, Annan

I want to buy My Bl*ody Valentine 3D on DVD. Have any Vortex viewers seen it and if so do the 3D effects work? Paul, Stockton-on-Tees

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 15th of October, 2009; 2/6.

Heath's fan club

Mark, Newtownabbey- Yes, I've seen The Dark Knight- I have the two-disc special edition on DVD. Are you a Heath fan too? Gemma, Newcastle

My favourite film this year was Looking For Eric. Great script, which was both funny and emotional, with a superb ending as well. Sniper, Sheffield

Has anyone heard of a film called The Legion's Last Patrol starring Stewart Granger? Is it on DVD? Ann, Hatfield

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 15th of October, 2009; 3/6.

Big girls don't cry

I'm a big blokey, bloke type bloke and I don't like to be seen crying, but the following films had me crying like a little girl: The Elephant Man, Requiem For A Dream, The Red Shoes, The Champ, Breaking The Waves and Bambi. Any other tearjerkers from fellow Vortexters would be welcome. Matt, Lincolnshire

How boring has Film 2009 been? Why were Halloween 2 and Saw VI not reviewed? It seems snobby now, which does not suit Jonathan Ross. Herbie, Fairford

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 15th of October, 2009; 4/6.

Bruce Lee showcase

There is a planned trilogy of films showcasing Bruce Lee's life, with the first one due out in November 2010 to celebrate what would have been his 70th birthday. I hope they get someone good to play Bruce's part. Kenny, Lisburn

Just seen Shane Acker's 9, the perfect antidote to the saccharine WALL-E. The simple story of survival owes much to The terminator/ Beyond The Thunderdrome, but with a haunting finale. Reza, Huddersfield

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 15th of October, 2009; 5/6.

Rave reviews

Dawnraider- Paranormal Activity is due out here at the end of November. I've read so many reviews and it seems this is one very creepy and scary film, yet to see a bad review. Stuart, Nottingham

I've not been to any Imax theatres, but 3D is regular cinemas is impressive. It's a shame the blu-ray/ DVD versions can't match the theatrical experience. Coraline looks great in 2D on blu-ray, but the 3D version is no better than the 1999 freddy's Dead. Rich, Aylesbury

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 15th of November, 2009; 6/6.