Great Expectations

This new film of the Dickens classic has of course got a lot to live up to. There are plenty of other versions. because of course its a very good story. Part of its fascination to a modern audience is that it shines a light on Victorian London, like of course much of the rest of Dickens' works. Hence not just their enduring popularity, but even their increasing popularity.

And yes this version was well worth doing with an impressive star studded cast including Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes and Helena-Bonham Carter. But the Irving brothers whom I had never come across before, as the young and older Pips were also both perfectly cast. Cinematography was great too. Don't listen to the dodgy reviews - they are decidedly snobbish and mostly the reviewers feel the need to show off that they have seen other versions and read the book. They say more about the reviewer than the film. Well worth seeing, even after a long day in the office.

Indeed my first visit to the new Barbican cinemas. Very nice and comfortable with an attractive cafe (albeit with direly slow service).