Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1188980
11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 DECEMBER 2019 CULTURE ENVIRONMENT ism. However they may still be amused by the obvious call- backs to Kubrick's original, un- less they deem such efforts as tacky pastiche, or all-out sacri- lege. Whichever side of the de- bate one leans on, it's difficult to deny that Flanagan crafts a fun ride that doesn't skimp on the human element, effectively course-correcting what King deemed to be the biggest blun- der of the Kubrick adaptation. It's hard to imagine that his im- pressive handling of the Netflix family-horror ensemble that was Haunting of Hill House did not contribute to him being hired for Doctor Sleep, and it pays off. He's certainly helped along by a couple of great perfor- mances from its duelling leads. McGregor is unassuming and likeable throughout: a convinc- ing portrayal of a broken man who just wants to do his best. And the always-enchanting Ferguson – a dark diamond of the latter-day Mission Impos- sible franchise – has a blast hamming it up as the leader of a vampire-cum-witches' coven, but she modulates her perfor- mance into something resem- bling a maternal register in key moments, adding a delicately diabolical twist of the knife that is bound to stick in the mem- ory. DOCTOR SLEEP DOCTOR ZHIVIAGO DOCTOR DRE DOCTOR DOOM DOCTOR PHIL ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Grasshoppers have always had bad press. Apart from their association with biblical plagues, there is also this persistent myth that grasshoppers "jagħtuk is-sikkina!" – a phrase that terrorised me as a child. In truth, grasshoppers are not in the least inclined to slash anyone since they are not in the habit of carrying knives, or any other item of cutlery for that mat- ter. But those vicious-looking barbed hindlegs?! Relax, those are used to rub against their body to create reedy love songs to serenade passing members of the opposite sex! One very common species of our balmy autumns is the white-banded grasshopper (M. ġurat tad-dlil), seen especially in damp valleys and among coastal vegetation. You often see them in pairs at this time, the female carrying the smaller male piggy back. So kick those unfounded fears, approach a grasshopper and take a fresh look at this marvel of evolution. Text: Victor Falzon - Photo: Aron Tanti 688. WHITE-BANDED GRASSHOPPER In the clutches of the past: Ewan McGregor is Danny Torrance, haunted son of The Shining's Jack, popularised by Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 classic Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 586: Reserve your space through www.foemalta.org/event/winterbaking The verdict Far more a product of earnest Stephen King fan- dom than a bona-fide se- quel to Kubrick's classic (an adaptation notoriously despised by King himself) Doctor Sleep leans into the teenage-friendly genre trap- pings that its pacy plot af- fords, and a delicate and un-showy performance by McGregor helps secure some likeable humanity for our beleaguered protagonist as he faces demons both old and new, both supernatural and banal. ★ ★ ★ DOCTOR SLEEP (15) Friends of the Earth Malta to- gether with Healthylicious will be hosting a Sustainable Cook- ing Workshop on Saturday, 7 Dec between 9.30-12.30pm. This cooking workshop can host up to 20 participants and you will learn how to cook with seasonal, local and home-grown ingredients. This is a vegetarian workshop but Stefania will be offering vegan alternatives for people to alter the recipe at home. Your chef Stefania will be teaching you how to make the following baked goods on the day: Orange/Almond Cake and Mince Pies Complementary drinks in- cluding infused waters (using fresh, local, seasonal fruit and home-grown herbs), teas and coffees (organic & fair trade) will be offered to participants throughout the activity. Participation is free but booking is required.