A little worried that Sir Ian McKellen had to match the likes of Robert Downey Jr and Benedict Cumberbatch as the super sleuth Sherlock Holmes? Well, you really shouldn't have. As with the Guy Ritchie's films and the acclaimed BBC series, Bill Condon's Mr Holmes is a fresh new take on the character and so far, the critics are loving it.

Sir Ian McKellen plays an aging Sherlock in Bill Condon's Mr Holmes

Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Mr Holmes follows an aging Sherlock who returns from a journey to Japan where, in search of a rare plant with restorative qualities, witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare. Now residing in a remote seaside farmhouse, content with tending to his bees, Holmes revisits the circumstances of his only unsolved case.

Continue reading: 'Mr Holmes' Has 100 Percent On Rotten Tomatoes. It's The Perfect Movie.

Christopher Lee Fans Confuse Him For Gandalf In Their Twitter Tributes

By Charlotte Court in Movies / TV / Theatre on 11 June 2015

Christopher Lee Ian McKellen

The 93-year-old actor has recently passed away

It’s been a sad day for many movie fans today as the news of Sir Christopher Lee’s death has filtered through the media. Lee took on a number of incredible characters throughout the decades he was on screen from Frankenstein in the Hammer Horror film, to Count Dracula and, latterly, after the turn of the Century and already over 50 years in the profession, as Darth Tyranus in Star Wars.

Sir Christopher Lee recently passed away at the age of 93

A character he didn’t portray, however, has become his lasting legacy on Twitter after many fans have posted their sorrow at the death of Gandalf.

Continue reading: Christopher Lee Fans Confuse Him For Gandalf In Their Twitter Tributes

Sir Ian McKellen Reveals He Nearly Turned Down His Knighthood

By Stephanie Chase in Movies / TV / Theatre on 24 May 2015

Ian McKellen Derek Jacobi

The 'Lord of the Rings' star was awarded the honour in 1991.

Sir Ian McKellen has revealed he considered turning down his knighthood, because he believes the system is “unfair". The 75 year old was given the honour in 1991 for his services to the performing arts.

Sir Ian McKellen nearly didn't accept his knighthood.

Speaking to the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine McKellen said, "Frankly, I don't think we should have titles, really.It's a very strange system isn't it? Actors are more likely to get them than fire chiefs or people who have spent their lives doing charity work, which is a bit unfair, isn't it?”

Continue reading: Sir Ian McKellen Reveals He Nearly Turned Down His Knighthood

The First Picture Of Emma Watson And The Rest Of The 'Beauty And The Beast' Cast Has Arrived

By Stephanie Chase in Movies / TV / Theatre on 15 April 2015

Emma Watson Josh Gad Dan Stevens Emma Thompson Ian McKellen

The live action remake is headed to cinemas in 2017.

Thanks Josh Gad for making our day! Yes the Frozen actor has just put a mid-week smile on many a face as he’s shared the first cast picture from the upcoming live action remake of Beauty and the Beast. The real life Olaf shared the image on Instagram, captioning the snap, “Can't wait for you to be our guest.”

Watson will star as Belle in the live action remake.

Posing with Gad in the pic is Emma Watson who will of course be playing Belle, former ‘Downton Abbey’ star Dan Stevens who’ll star as the Beast, Luke Evans who is his love rival Gaston and Kevin Kline who plays Belle’s father Maurice. Gad will star as Gaston’s sidekick Le Fou in the remake, which is due to begin filming later next month.

Continue reading: The First Picture Of Emma Watson And The Rest Of The 'Beauty And The Beast' Cast Has Arrived

Ian McKellen To Play Cogsworth In 'Beauty And The Beast'

By Michael West in Movies / TV / Theatre on 12 April 2015

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is heading to Beauty and the Beast.

Sir Ian McKellen will play Cogsworth the talking grandfather clock in Disney's upcoming live action remake of Beauty and the Beast. The 75-year-old joins Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (The Beast) and Emma Thompson (Mrs Potts) in the glittering remake.

Sir Ian McKellen will play Cosgworth in Beauty and the Beast

Butler Cogsworth is turned into the clock when a curse is put on the Beast's castle, transforming all the humans into various objects. Only true love's kiss can free them all.

Continue reading: Ian McKellen To Play Cogsworth In 'Beauty And The Beast'

British Author James Herriot Honoured With Bronze Statue In Town Of Thirsk

By Elinor Cosgrave in Books / Authors on 29 March 2015

Ian McKellen

Alf Wright, the British vet and author best known by his pen name James Herriot, has been posthumously honoured in Thirsk. A life sized statue of Herriot was unveiled on Saturday 28th March.

The British author James Herriot has been honoured in the North Yorkshire market town of Thirsk, where he lived and worked as a vet for most of his life. A life sized bronze statue of Herriot was unveiled in the museum dedicated to his life and work on Saturday (28th March).

Peter Davison starred in All Creatures Great and Small.

Herriot is best known for penning a series of semi-autobiographical books, collectively referred to as All Creatures Great and Small, which inspired two films and a hit television series of the same name. All Creatures Great and Small aired between 1978 and 1990. The series starred Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, Peter Davison and Carol Drinkwater.

Continue reading: British Author James Herriot Honoured With Bronze Statue In Town Of Thirsk

Ian McKellen Honoured With Star In His Hometown Of Wigan

By Elinor Cosgrave in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 28 March 2015

Ian McKellen Anthony Hopkins X-Men

X-Men actor Ian McKellen will be honoured in his hometown of Wigan. The 75-year-old actor will receive a star in the town centre's Believe Square.

Ian McKellen will be honoured in his hometown of Wigan. He will be given a star in Wigan town centre. Although McKellen was born in Burnley, the 75-year-old actor lived in Wigan during the 1940s. McKellen said he was pleased to receive the award as the town "holds many special memories".

Ian McKellen will recieve an honour in his hometown of Wigan.

Continue reading: Ian McKellen Honoured With Star In His Hometown Of Wigan

Ian McKellen Takes On The Role Of Mr Holmes

By Charlotte Court in Movies / TV / Theatre on 06 March 2015

Ian McKellen

A new look in Sherlock Holmes' life as the once great detective begins to age

The great character of Sherlock Holmes has flexed his mind with many an actor - the beguiling Benedict Cumberbatch on the small screen and the rough and ready Robert Downey Jr at the cinema to name but a few. But there has never been an insight into Sherlock after the mind has gone until now with Sir Ian McKellen tackling the great detective at the ripe old age of 93 in this new film, Mr Holmes.

Mr Holmes
Sir Ian McKellen plays Sherlock Holmes as most have never seen him before

In 1947, old man Holmes has removed himself from London to live as a recluse in a farmhouse in Sussex tending to his bees.

Continue reading: Ian McKellen Takes On The Role Of Mr Holmes

Mr Holmes - Teaser Trailer

The year is 1947. Sherlock Holmes (Ian McKellen) is 93 years old and living in almost total solitude in a farmhouse in Sussex. Here, he tries to keep himself to himself and tend to his bees, but is plagued by the fact that his once great mind has withered away to nothing. He remembers the final case he took, and how he was incapable of solving it. But now, with the help of his housekeeper's son, Sherlock Holmes shall once again solve a mystery.

Continue: Mr Holmes - Teaser Trailer

Mr Holmes - Clip

Time makes a fool of all of us; even the greatest minds will become blunt and lose their power as the years roll on. By the year 1947, Sherlock Holmes (Ian McKellen) has reached the age of 93, and lives in solitude in a small Sussex farmhouse, dividing his time between read through his journals and tending to his bees. But when his housekeeper and her son begin to ask questions about his final, unfinished case, Holmes is forced to battle his own deteriorating mind in order to solve a mystery that would once have posed no problem to him.

Continue: Mr Holmes - Clip

Rose Byrne Reprising Her Role As Moira MacTaggert In 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

By Elinor Cosgrave in Movies / TV / Theatre on 31 January 2015

Rose Byrne James McAvoy Ian McKellen Sophie Turner Michael Fassbender Patrick Stewart Tye Sheridan X-Men Simon Kinberg Jennifer Lawrence Nicholas Hoult Evan Peters

Rose Byrne will reprise her role as CIA Agent Moira MacTaggert in 'X-Men: Apocalypse'.

Rose Byrne will be rejoining the X-Men cast in the 2016 instalment of the Marvel franchise, X-Men: Apocalypse. The 35-year-old Australian actor played CIA Agent Moira MacTaggert in the 2011 film X-Men: First Class as a potential love interest of James McAvoy's Professor Charles Xaviar. Apocalypse writer, Simon Kinberg, in a recent interview has refused to divulge how Byrne's character will return but promises there's a "rich relationship" with Prof. X to "mine" into.

Rose Byrne will reprise her role as Moira MacTaggert in X-Men: Apocalypse.

Continue reading: Rose Byrne Reprising Her Role As Moira MacTaggert In 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

Patrick Stewart & Ian McKellen Probably Not Reprising Their Roles In 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

By Elinor Cosgrave in Movies / TV / Theatre on 18 January 2015

Patrick Stewart Ian McKellen James McAvoy X-Men Michael Fassbender Jennifer Lawrence Larry King

Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen will probably not be making an appearance in 'X-Men: Apocalypse'. Stewart explained the next film in the Marvel franchise focuses on the younger versions of the X-Men characters including his character Dr. X and McKellen's Magneto.

Patrick Stewart, appearing on a US talk show, stated that he and his co-star Ian McKellen are unlikely to appear in the next X-Men film, X-Men: Apocalypse. 74-year-old Stewart appeared on Larry King Live, due to be broadcast on Wednesday (21st January), and discussed the possibility of reprising his role in the next instalment in the X-Men franchise.

Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen will not be reprising their roles in X-Men: Apocalypse.

Continue reading: Patrick Stewart & Ian McKellen Probably Not Reprising Their Roles In 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Review

By Rich Cline

Very Good

Peter Jackson's expanded take on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit comes to a conclusion in a battle epic packed with enormous action sequences that oddly distract attention from the much more engaging central plotline. By the time it thunders to its satisfying conclusion after nearly two and a half hours, there's a sense of balance restored, providing some powerfully emotional moments along with the thrills. But there's a lot of chaotic mayhem to get through first.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The action picks up immediately, as the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) roars into Laketown causing further desolation before being stopped by the heroic Bard (Luke Evans), who then leads the survivors back to their long-abandoned city in the mountains. Meanwhile, dwarf king Thorin (Richard Armitage) has reclaimed his throne and Smaug's enormous stash of gold, which consumes his soul with greed. But he abandons his promises to Bard and the elf leader Thranduil (Lee Pace), who assembles the elf army against him. So Thorin calls in a dwarf battalion to take them on. Meanwhile, the hobbit Bilbo (Martin Freeman) is trying to diffuse the situation and snap Thorin out of his avaricious funk. And wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) discovers that two waves of ruthless orcs are descending on Thorin.

All of this strategising and squaring-off feels fragmented and uneven, as Jackson cuts back and forth between the sprawling ensemble cast while trying to build momentum toward the earth-rattling collision of these five armies. Thankfully, there's also a lot of interpersonal stuff going on to hold the interest. Elf warrior Legolas (Orlando Bloom) is still caught up in a romantic triangle with his intended Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) and her forbidden love, the unusually hot dwarf Kili (Aidan Turner). And there's some comic relief from Alfrid (Ryan Gage), a weaselly human who worms his way into Bard's inner circle for some inexplicable reason. Best of all is the push and pull between Bilbo and Thorin, which is very nicely played by Freeman and Armitage.

Continue reading: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Review

Ian McKellen - The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Video Interview

Sir Ian McKellen describes his character of Gandalf the Grey - the consistent moral compass of both 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies. He also gives a hint at the relationship between his character and Cate Blanchett's Lady Galadriel and the way it is difficult for an actor to look back on a film they starred in. McKellen also discusses his views on the growing technological focus of movies, and squashes rumours that certain scenes were digitally created. He discusses how the only big scene stealing location shots that are computer animated, is during close-up shots of the actors.

'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' is the final movie from director Peter Jackson to be set in Middle Earth. Following on from 2013's 'The Desolation of Smaug', 'The Battle of the Five Armies' brings an end into 'The Hobbit' trilogy, while also leading into his 2001-2003 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The trilogy is based on J. R. R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' (1937), as well as the expanded mythology of Middle Earth, published in the final pages of 'The Return of the King' (1955). The film is due to be released in New Zealand on 11th December 2014, in the UK on 12th December 2014, and in the US on 17th December 2014.

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Trailer

The Lonely Mountain has been reclaimed from the dragon Smaug. The dwarves of Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) have won; although they soon discover that the price of their victory was steep. Smaug has laid waste to Lake Town, leaving the residents homeless after Thorin promised them riches. The elves of Mirkwood seek the dwarves that escaped their dungeons, while an army of orcs seek to end the line of Durin. And behind the scenes, a dark lord of shadow, long since defeated, is preparing to make a return to Middle Earth - the secret to his power lies in a small, golden ring. A ring that has chosen a new owner; The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman).

'The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies' serves as the final chapter in Academy Award winning director Peter Jackson's Middle Earth saga. The film serves as the sixth film by Jackson to be based on the works of writer J. R. R. Tolkien, and the final part of 'The Hobbit' trilogy. When Tolkien released 'The Hobbit' in 1937, it was a single book. Jackson released the final part of his adaptation of 'Lord of the Rings' in 2003, and stated that he would not work on a 'Hobbit' movie. However, he eventually signed on to direct a two part adaptation of 'The Hobbit', which later turned into a trilogy in 2012.

The film is due to be released on 12th December, 2014 in the UK, with a US release date of 17th December.

Sir Ian McKellen Inspires Bristol Students With Famous Gandalf Line

By Stephanie Chase in Movies / TV / Theatre on 18 October 2014

Ian McKellen

The actor was speaking to students at Chew Valley School in support of the StoneWall charity.

Sir Ian McKellen has given students at Chew Valley School in Bristol a day they’ll never forget, after he delivered one of his most famous Lord of the Rings lines to ensure they kept up their studies.

The great Ian McKellen

The 74 year old was filmed telling a crowd of waiting students outside his window, “In your preparation for your examinations, if you don’t do your revision properly, YOU SHALL NOT PASS!”.

Continue reading: Sir Ian McKellen Inspires Bristol Students With Famous Gandalf Line

Middle Earth Is Ravaged By War In 'The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies' [Trailer + Pictures]

By Jack de Aguilar in Movies / TV / Theatre on 29 July 2014

Martin Freeman Ian McKellen Peter Jackson Orlando Bloom Evangeline Lilly Luke Evans Andy Serkis Benedict Cumberbatch

Scroll down for a look at the sombre trailer, further for some great pictures from the upcoming movie and further still for the brand new poster!

As promised by the release of Smaug from Eribor, war has descended upon Middle Earth and threatens to strip landscape of peace, serenity and beauty. The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies finally has its first full trailer.

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins Martin Freeman looks on with dispair in The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies

In this trailer, a despondent Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) speaks solemnly of what he’ll remember of his incredible journey to Eribor and the consequences of his actions. "One day I'll remember. Remember everything that happened here - the good, the bad, those who survived and those that did not.”

Continue reading: Middle Earth Is Ravaged By War In 'The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies' [Trailer + Pictures]

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies - Teaser Trailer

Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and the mini-army of dwarves led by Thorin are facing an evermore deadly path in their pursuit of the Lonely Mountain and its mound of treasure which was stolen from the dwarves some time ago by the fiercesome dragon Smaug. Their attempt to slay him has failed, instead unleashing further horrors upon themselves. Angering the dragon has only made things worse with him now determined to murder every creature that lies in its path, demolishing a neighbouring village with little more than a breath. Gandalf remains captured and tensions are ever rising between not only friends, but elves, dwarves, orcs and goblins and it's clear that the deadliest, brutalist war for thousands of years is well on its way.

Continue: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies - Teaser Trailer

Why Daniel Day-Lewis Deserves His Knighthood

By George Percival in Movies / TV / Theatre on 23 June 2014

Daniel Day Lewis Al Pacino Robert De Niro Harvey Keitel Christopher Lee Ian McKellen

57 year-old Daniel Day-Lewis will be knighted by the Queen, here's why he's more than deserving of such an accolade.

Few actors impart an intensity and dedication to the process of characterization as relentlessly as Daniel Day-Lewis. The 57 year-old occupies a position in the acting world that accumulates esteem akin to the likes of legendary Hollywood ‘method’, a calibre of which includes the likes of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Harvey Kietel. These are the great actors who immerse themselves in roles to dizzying extents, adopting accents, traits and idiosyncrasies for the entirety of the shooting schedule, both in front of the camera, on set and even amongst friends and family.

Lewis Accepts Best Actor Oscar

Daniel Day-Lewis Has Won More Best Actor Oscars Than Any One Else

Continue reading: Why Daniel Day-Lewis Deserves His Knighthood

X-men: Days Of Future Past Review

By Rich Cline

Excellent

Continuing to be the most original and resonant of the Marvel superhero franchises, the X-men return in the capable hands of director Bryan Singer, who again stirs plenty of meaty subtext beneath the thrilling action. He also has one of the best casts imaginable, including Oscar winners, cinema royalty, rising stars and matinee idols.

Best of all, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) returns to the fold after two less-than-thrilling solo adventures. He's at the centre of everything here, as Professor X and Magneto (Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen) ask Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page) to send Wolverine's consciousness back 50 years to 1973. His mission is to prevent Dr Trask (Peter Dinklage) from inventing mutant-hunting robots, because they will go out of control and cause a present-day dystopia in which mutants and anyone who sympathises with them are killed. But Wolverine's biggest task will be to get the then-feuding Professor X and Magneto (James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender) to work together to keep renegade mutant Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) from making everything worse.

Thankfully, Simon Kinberg's script doesn't worry too much about the whole time-travel thing, shrugging off dubious logic by keeping the focus on the characters. And there are a lot of people to keep an eye on, which makes the film sometimes feel a bit crowded and leaves some characters barely on-screen at all (blink and you'll miss Anna Paquin's Rogue). The best newbie is Evan Peters' Quicksilver, who gets the film's most entertaining sequence as he races around tweaking an action sequence frame by frame. Other set-pieces are grippingly darker, and some don't quite make sense (why does Magneto feel the need to levitate an entire stadium?).

Continue reading: X-men: Days Of Future Past Review

X-Men: Days of Future Past - Clips

The world is verging on an apocalyptic disaster as the mutants continue to engage in vicious battles with only one possible outcome - their extinction. Unfortunately, any chance of saving the world from its oncoming fate has been and gone a long time ago - though there could be a way to change history. The two wisest mutants of the universe, Charles Xavier and Magneto, have been at odds for a great many years, but they must this time unite to have any hope of saving their people. They contact Wolverine to help them on their mission to go back in time and convince their younger selves that trouble lies ahead if they don't make the right decisions; Wolverine is the only one who can take on such a task with his healing powers giving him enough strength, but can he possibly save the future?

Continue: X-Men: Days of Future Past - Clips

X-Men: Days Of Future Past Trailer

The mutants of the world are quickly dwindling in their numbers, tearing each other apart until they are almost wiped out. Two of the wisest X-Men of the universe, Charles Xavier and Magneto, must now join forces despite their hostile relationship to go back in time and fix the world so that their kind can survive the horrors of their ravaged future. The duo enlist Wolverine to help them on their mission; a mutant whose healing powers make him the only one strong enough to travel in time. He must find the impulsive fools that are Xavier and Magneto as much younger mutants and warn them of what their actions will do for their future, while on the way attempt to save the life of an important political figure. Will the X-Men succeed in changing their future? Or are there some things in the past that can never be changed?

'X-Men: Days Of Future Past' is the latest instalment of the Marvel film franchise following on from 2006's 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 2011's 'X-Men: First Class'. Director Bryan Singer ('The Usual Suspects', 'Superman Returns', 'Valkyrie') returns alongside screenwriter Simon Kinberg ('Mr. & Mrs. Smith', 'Sherlock Holmes', 'Jumper'). The movie is set for release in the UK on May 22nd 2014.

Click here to read X-Men: Days Of Future Past movie review

New 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past' Poster Released: Are You Excited Yet? [Trailer]

By Lauren James in Movies / TV / Theatre on 07 April 2014

Hugh Jackman Jennifer Lawrence Ian McKellen James McAvoy Fan Bingbing Ellen Page Bryan Singer Peter Dinklage Halle Berry Nicholas Hoult

Check out the dramatic new poster for the latest 'X-Men' movie.

Twentieth Century Fox has debuted a new poster for the upcoming comic book adaptation sequel, X-Men Days of Future Past. The dramatic new image features Ellen Page, Shawn Ashmore, Daniel Cudmore, and Fan Bingbing alongside all the franchise's main characters.

X-Men Days Of Future Past Ian McKellen
It's Dark Times For The X-Men In 'Days Of Future Past.'

Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Halle Berry, Nicholas Hoult, and Peter Dinklage all star in the action epic, which is due for release in May.

Continue reading: New 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past' Poster Released: Are You Excited Yet? [Trailer]

What Would 'Harry Potter' Have Been Like With This Alternative Cast?

By Sophie Miskiw in Movies / TV / Theatre on 19 February 2014

Ian McKellen Daniel Radcliffe Tilda Swinton Emma Thompson Hugh Grant Liam Aiken

What would the Harry Potter films have been like if these other actors had nabbed the roles first?

There’s a generation out there who have been practically weened on Harry Potter. The books and the films have become a religion for devout fans of the series, but would it have been the same if different actors had been cast in the leading roles? You may be surprised to hear that before the perfect cast was set in stone, there were some strange alternate actors vying for the parts!

ian mckellen harry potter Ian McKellen turned down the role of Dumbledore

Sir. Ian McKellen was once thought in the running to play Hogwarts’ headmaster, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. He was, in fact, offered the role after original Dumbledore actor, Richard Harris, passed away just after filming the first Harry Potter film. However, Sir. Ian turned down the role, citing the reason that Richard Harris had once publicly declared what a dreadful actor he thought McKellen was! Eventually, Michael Gambon took on the role and the rest is Harry Potter history.

Continue reading: What Would 'Harry Potter' Have Been Like With This Alternative Cast?

Sir Ian McKellen Joins 27 Nobel Laureates In Open Letter To President Vladimir Putin Protesting Russia's Anti-Gay Law

By Nick Hill in Movies / TV / Theatre on 15 January 2014

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen has enlisted the help of 27 Nobel Laureates to support an open letter to President Vladimir Putin, in protest of Russia's anti-gay legislation, ahead of the Winter Olympics.

Russia's anti-gay laws are not sitting well with some of the brightest minds in the world.

27 Nobel laureates have joined British actor Sir Ian McKellen in writing an open letter to President Vladimir Putin to voice their protest of Russia's anti-gay legislation.

The new law objects any "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations to minors."

Continue reading: Sir Ian McKellen Joins 27 Nobel Laureates In Open Letter To President Vladimir Putin Protesting Russia's Anti-Gay Law

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug Review

By Rich Cline

Excellent

With wittier action and a few more sharply defined characters, this second episode in Peter Jackson's trilogy is more engaging than the somewhat over-packed An Unexpected Journey. Once again, the key to enjoying the film is to distance it from the beloved novel: this is a big adventure movie as opposed to Tolkien's light-hearted romp. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

There isn't much actual plot, as we are between the set-up and conclusion, so the film consists of a series of set-pieces as Bilbo (Freeman) and his band of dwarves continue their journey to reclaim the dwarf throne in the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf (McKellen) heads off to confront the shifty, shadowy Necromancer (Cumberbatch), while Bilbo and crew head into the creepy Mirkwood, where they confront gigantic spiders before being captured by wood-elves. This is where they meet Legolas (Bloom), whose feisty sidekick Tauriel (Lilly) falls for sexy dwarf Kili (Turner) as they continue their journey to Lake-town. There they get help from Bard (Evans) as they launch their final assault on the mountain, where the dragon Smaug (also Cumberbatch) is napping on the dwarves' vast treasure.

Jackson directs with a spark of energy and humour that holds our attention even when things begin to look a little too digitally animated (basic laws of physics apparently don't apply in Middle Earth). And each sequence also provides some depth of character, especially in the overall journey of Bilbo, nicely played by Freeman as a guy who is only just discovering his own ingenuity and bravery. By contrast, McKellen's plot is much darker as he faces off against unnerving evil. As in the first film, the other strong character is Thorin (Armitage), the heir to the dwarf throne grappling with the idea of a return to power.

Continue reading: The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug Review

Damian Lewis Apologises To Ian McKellen For Fruity Wizard Comments

By Lauren James in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 12 December 2013

Damian Lewis Ian McKellen

The 'Homeland' actor apologised after McKellen hit back.

Damian Lewis has been compelled to apologise to fellow actor Ian McKellen after comments he made saying he did not want to end up a "fruity actor" who is known for playing wizards.

Damian Lewis Has Apologised After His "Fruity Actor" Comments.

Though the Homeland actor did not name names in the interview, he claims to have contacted McKellen to apologise personally after the comments were linked to the Lord of the Rings actor. Lewis, 42, issued a statement saying "I am hugely embarrassed that comments of mine have been linked in a negative way to Sir Ian McKellen. I have always been, and continue to be, an enormous fan and admirer of Sir Ian's.

Continue reading: Damian Lewis Apologises To Ian McKellen For Fruity Wizard Comments

Ian McKellen Warned Not To Visit Russia Over Gay Propaganda Laws

By Holly Williams in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 10 December 2013

Ian McKellen

The Foreign Office can't protect Sir Ian McKellen from laws against gay propaganda in Russia.

Sir Ian McKellen was told by the Foreign Office not to visit Russia over concerns that he may be subjected to scrutiny due to their anti-homosexuality laws.

The country, which is ruled over by President Vladimir Putin, recently passed a law banning 'propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among minors' - in other words, despite the fact that homosexuality is entirely legal, shouting about it will land you with a hefty fine or even jail time. For this reason, 'The Hobbit' star has revealed to the Radio Times magazine that he has been advised against journeying to the country.

"Imagine trying to be a gay actor, a gay anything in modern Russia?" he said. "Where to be positively oneself, to be affectionate in public with someone you love of the same gender, or to talk of that love in the hearing of anyone under 18, will put you in prison? That's why I can't go to Russia."

Continue reading: Ian McKellen Warned Not To Visit Russia Over Gay Propaganda Laws

Did 'Thor 2' Make Our Top 10 Best Marvel Movies?

By Jack de Aguilar in Movies / TV / Theatre on 06 November 2013

Chris Hemsworth Hugh Jackman Halle Berry Ian McKellen Wesley Snipes Chris Evans Tom Hiddleston Tobey Maguire

We run through our top 10 Marvel movies in light of 'Thor: The Dark World's' release. Disagree with anything? Let us know!

With the release of Thor: The Dark World in the U.S. this week, we thought we'd take a look back into Marvel's movie history and put together a list of its Top 10 finest moments. Ok so a couple of the movies weren't actually made by the studio, but all feature characters from the Marvel comics.

The Thor sequel pulled in $8.7 million over its debut weekend in the UK - more than four times the amount that it's nearest rival grossed - and with Ender's Game the vulnerable reigning champion of the stateside box-office, things are looking good for Tom Hiddleston, Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman this weekend. Read our Thor 2 review here.

So, relax, grab yourself a cool drink and mull over our list of the Top 10 Marvel movies. Do you agree?

Continue reading: Did 'Thor 2' Make Our Top 10 Best Marvel Movies?

Patrick Stewart's Lobster Halloween Costume Is THE BEST Of 2013

By Michael West in Movies / TV / Theatre on 31 October 2013

Patrick Stewart Ian McKellen

Patrick Stewart as a lobster for Halloween. Today has been a good day.

Game over. Go home all you Walter Whites, all you Miley Cyrus's. The game is up. Patrick Stewart's Lobster costume for Halloween is the best celebrity outfit for 2013.