FilmHit Man

Jun 8, 2024 | thespectator.com | Prue Leith |Sean Thomas |Alexander Masters |FilmHit Man

My husband and I are in New York, where everyone is talking about the approaching Trump-Biden debate. Well, I’ll be astonished if it deserves the name. True debate seems to be a thing of the past in the US, with both sides of any argument (assisted dying, the Israel/Gaza war, immigration) shouting loudly but not listening. Civilized friends of ours tell us their university-student children refuse to engage in debate about gender identity. It’s “You’re just wrong, dad. You don’t get it.

Jun 7, 2024 | thespectator.com | Deborah Ross |FilmHit Man |Aidan Hartley |Gavin McInnes

Richard Linklater’s Hit Man is a minor Linklater but a minor Linklater is still an event. Also, after all those contemplative, existential films (Boyhood, the Before trilogy), who can blame him for letting his hair down with a sexy rom-com thriller that’s not concerned with deep questions. Though the film doesn’t add up to much, it is “based on a somewhat true story” and it is a fun ride — somewhat. The “somewhat true story” is extraordinary, even if it’s only the starting point.

Jun 7, 2024 | thespectator.com | Gavin McInnes |Deborah Ross |Aidan Hartley |FilmHit Man

In France, Holland, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Hungary and Austria parties described by their foes as “far right” are on course for significant gains at next month’s European elections. To the chagrin of progressive politicians, Giorgia Meloni, Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders are popular with many voters. But centrist groups in the European Parliament are determined to do everything to stop them.