DVD - Argo - directed by Ben Affleck

Star rating - 9/10

When it was first released last year, it's fair to say that Argo wasn't given much prominence by most cinemas, and was soon relegated to late night slots. Now after its Best Picture triumph at the Oscars, its DVD release is a good opportunity to see if it lives up to the belated hype. And I'm pleased to report, as I am quite a Ben Affleck fan, despite his brief Jennifer Lopez crazed episode, that it really does.

It is the, before now at least, little known true story of the freeing of six American embassy workers who managed to escape to the safety of the Canadian Ambassador's residence, when so many of their colleagues were taken hostage in the fever of 1979 revolutionary Iran. Ben Affleck both directs the film, and despite no Oscar nod for his specific work, does an excellent job; and also plays the lead good guy. As CIA agent Tony Mendez he comes up with a 'so ludicrous it might just work' plan of pretending to be a Canadian film crew scouting for locations in order to free the six.

The period detail is impressively authentic, and the early 80's soundtrack is pitch perfect. The audacious plan is only made possible by the help of two Hollywood characters. John Goodman and Alan Arkin are simply wonderful as the make-up technician and mogul who help to make the fictitious sci-fi film real enough to convince the Iranian authorities that it exists. They have some of the best lines in the tight  script: 'So you want to come to Hollywood and act like a big shot without actually doing anything? You'll fit right in.' and 'If I'm doing a fake movie it's gonna be a fake hit.'

The result is highly amusing in places, but also thrillingly tense when it needs to be, as the plan is put into action despite the odds. It is a credit to Affleck that the suspense and tension is maintained throughout, despite being able to guess that the story turns out for the best for the Americans. Let's face it Hollywood wouldn't have garlanded a film about spectacular American failure, would they? It does pursue a slightly off kilter ending for the last few moments, but Ben Affleck can surely be forgiven for that, as he has created a wonderful film which is highly entertaining despite it's intentional American flag waving. If like me you are wondering what all the fuss is about, I would highly recommend you find out for yourself. 

Gigs - Caitlin Rose - The Ruby Lounge, Manchester

Star rating - 9/10

It is no accident that Caitlin Rose seems to have a little bit of star dust sprinkled on her right now. Music is in her DNA as her mother has written award winning songs for Taylor Swift, and her father is a music industry hotshot. But this fiercely independent Nashville singer is carving out her own distinct path, and delighting audiences as a country cross over sensation. 

Her packed out gig at the Ruby Lounge was a raucous, lively affair, but she seems to revel in this sort of atmosphere, and even encourage it. This tour is to promote her latest full length album The Stand In, which has a much fuller sound than her previous recordings. But in truth none of her albums really prepare you for the power of her sweet voice during a live performance. She stands a few feet away from the microphone and still manages to generate a massive sound. She is simply sensational, and her own brand of country/rock/pop is delightfully infectious.

The new tracks sounded fabulous, with her opener No One To Call, and Menagerie being particular favourites. Her lyrics are personal, poignant and wryly amusing, as she gives a new twist to the country heartbreak staple.  In Waitin' her lyrics are showcased gloriously - 'have you been waitin' on a broken heart? Did you see the end from the very start?'. Old Numbers has a lovely jazzy feel.

There were some old favourites too - Spare Me from her 2010 lighter offering Own Side Now showed her powerful vocals to great effect. She performed a solo version of the beautiful Wishing Well as part of her encore. And the gorgeous pedal steel shone through on Shanghai Cigarettes. 

Ms Rose is one talented, confident young woman, who is clearly right at home in the limelight. She has an easy rapport with the crowd, and is happy to promote the very best of Nashville. Her guitarist Andrew Combs was also one of the support acts, and joined with her to sing his beautiful haunting song Too Stoned To Cry. Definitely one to watch out for. 

A dazzling evening was rounded off in style with a cover of the Buck Owens number I've Got a Tiger By the Tail, and a crowd pleasing sing-along version of Answer in One of these Bottles. It looks like Caitlin Rose is hitting it big, and no one deserves it more.