About Time

Watched the movie 'About Time' on Film 4 last night. I've been trying to avoid commercial TV as much as possible, there are just too many ads these days and some I find patronising, others offensive, certain brands blacklisted as a result.

However, Film 4 has a tolerable amount of advertising and shows some good movies. In 'About Time' Bill Nighy plays Bill Nighy, diffident and charming and everyone else acts their socks off. OK it's not the world's greatest movie, but it's entertaining and it makes you feel good and it even has a message.

Written, as well as directed by Richard Curtis, who I met once when I was working as an extra, I'm forced to wonder if he's not the current Charles Dickens. Different times and different methods of communication and entertainment, but you'd have to say he's a great observer of human nature, and the message about looking at things positively, seeing the good and making the most of your life is unarguably right - but it's not rammed down your throat.

Hell, I'd even watch it again; it took me a moment or two to recognise Servilia from HBO's Rome and where I'd seen some of the other lead actors before, great performances. I'm not criticising Bill Nighy though, he was perfect for that role and if some actors reprise themselves, Hugh Grant is another, no problem if the casting is right, better them than Costner as Robin Hood.

Now for my ad - well, we all have to make a living, here is one of my gift shops.