Author Archives: Lee Russell Wilkes

Crafting Kings Heath’s Art Scene

Nook Gallery is creating space for Birmingham’s artists. Why doesn’t Birmingham get the cultural credit it deserves? Despite a rich creative community, its artists are often overlooked — not least by the city itself. When you picture cities famous for their art, Birmingham doesn’t compete with Paris, Madrid, Florence, or even New York. Sadly, theContinue reading “Crafting Kings Heath’s Art Scene”

Lost on a Bloodless Barsoom: How Disney Butchered John Carter

Did Disney’s wildly expensive failure pave the way for a stronger vision of Dune? Many Marvellous Misfires What do The Marvels (2023), Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), and Cinderella (2025) have in common? Three films. Three franchises. Three expensive Disney flops. Such financial disasters are sadly nothing new to Disney. In 2012,Continue reading “Lost on a Bloodless Barsoom: How Disney Butchered John Carter”

Chasing the White Lotus?

Give your skin some thought. By Lee Russell Wilkes Razor Burn in Paradise? Travel means clogged pores and irritated skin. Thank the sweat, seawater and suncream – the perfect combination for wrecked skin. Think 7-Eleven stocks your Men’s Health approved boutique aftershave on Thai islands that suffer brownouts? You’ll need a wet shave that won’tContinue reading “Chasing the White Lotus?”

Revisiting Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom

John Carter reminds us how to deal with death cults. By Lee Russell Wilkes Edgar Rice Burroughs’ pulp fantasy John Carter series influenced everything from Crabbe’s Flash Gordon to Cameron’s Avatar and Herbert’s Dune – every chapter reveals a new world of wonder, kept moving with unending shameless cliffhangers. The story is told in aContinue reading “Revisiting Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom”

Remember Not to Breathe This Weekend

What drives a European security expert to hold his breath for six-and-a-half minutes while floating face-down in a Bristol swimming pool? Is this the ideal weekend activity for the terminally lazy? Relax, take a deep breath and move as little as possible. The catch? You can’t breathe for several minutes while submerged in water. WelcomeContinue reading “Remember Not to Breathe This Weekend”

When Indian Food is the Mildest Option in Bangkok

If Thai food were a language, it would be Italian: stylish and loud. Negotiating the menu every time you eat is intimidating. It all looks appetising but what is it? After your fifth tom yam gung, you’ll be begging for something familiar. Three Tiers Bangkok, like any self-respecting capital city, caters for all budgets. TheContinue reading “When Indian Food is the Mildest Option in Bangkok”

Still a Big Wednesday?

I hate surfers. Loathe them. Meritless conformists uniforming themselves in Rip Curl branding and braided hair, group-thinking themselves counterculture icons. If the Nordsee had been warmer in the 1930s, surfing would have been the Reich’s chosen sport. You can imagine my scepticism when approaching John Milius’s celebrated surfer movie ‘Big Wednesday’ (1978). Yet, I can’tContinue reading “Still a Big Wednesday?”

Nina Na spends New Year in Laos

Pack your bags and brace yourself—because Nina Na is ringing in the New Year with a whirlwind adventure across Thailand and Laos! 🇹🇭🇱🇦 From the tranquil banks of the mighty Mekong to heart-pounding cave tubing in Vang Vieng, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments: 🏞️ Chasing sunrise in charming Chiang Khan 🌄 Conquering theContinue reading “Nina Na spends New Year in Laos”