June 2008: Kermode Uncut

The Blog of the Month for June is the BBC's brand new Kermode Uncut. Film critic Mark Kermode is an increasingly cultish figure. His Friday afternoon slot on the Simon Mayo show on Five Live is one of the most lively and entertaining on British radio. His memorable rants against films such Pirates of the Caribbean and Sex Lives of the Potato Men threaten to make 'Kermodian' an adjective worthy of inclusion in the OED. But Kermode is equally passionate about the films he likes; he refers to The Exorcist for instance, which to his deluded mind is the greatest film in history, with a maniacal and reverential regularity.

The BBC have set up Kermode Uncut in response to the critic's popularity. More of a vlog (video blog) than a blog Kermode Uncut allows users to hear the critic on everything from his magnificent disdain for the Sex and the City movie to how not to approach Mike Leigh. There are also links to Kermode's reviews and features from across the BBC and elsewhere.

This is an excellent site, well produced and well designed. Kermode has a rare and enviable knack of being able to make film sound vital while avoiding the sort of preciousness which bedevils some in his profession. Would that all critics spoke with such heart. Now stop what you're doing and log on. If you disagree with him it just adds to the fun. And if you don't share his passion for cinema then you can just admire his wonderful hair.