tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55302507510498230362024-02-07T17:37:02.140-08:00Wonderg1rl's Film and TV Ponderings...Amateur articles, reviews and tidbits about the latest and all-time greatest films and TV programmes that I love and hate.
Now how's that for a slice of fried gold?wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-30155913940060368482012-05-19T12:27:00.000-07:002013-09-12T12:28:02.012-07:00Reviewed: Jeff Who Lives At Home<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WE'VE all been through that phase in our lives.
The one where dust is your best friend, Jeremy Kyle re-runs seem enticing and three packets of crisps a day is the norm. However, generally speaking, most of us get over that and start taking responsibility for ourselves by the time we reach adulthood. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is not the case for philosophical pothead, Jeff (Jason Segel).
A creation from Paramount Picture's off-the-wall sibling, Paramount Vantage, Jeff Who Lives At Home revolves around a 30-something slacker who is completely sold on the idea of fate, so much so that he spends all his time in his mother's (Susan Sarandon) basement, wearing out his bong and pondering destiny while seeking inspiration from the Mel Gibson movie, Signs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One morning, Jeff's usual couch potato routine is disturbed when his mother, Sharon, sends him out on a mission to buy wood glue, but on his way to the store he gets distracted by what he thinks are signs from the universe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A series of unexpected and mildly amusing events lead him to continually cross paths with older brother Pat (Ed Helms), who is currently going through a midlife crisis and thinks his wife Linda (Judy Greer) is cheating on him.
"What you just said sounded like Yoda on acid, stumbling into a business meeting," moans Pat, when Jeff begins spouting babble about the cosmic order, proving that the two brothers are anything but close. Regardless, Pat enlists Jeff's help in trying to catch Linda out, sneakily chasing her, and her mystery companion, across town. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While the pair are busy bonding, crashing flashy cars and offering bribes to various reception staff, Sharon is having her own adventure at work when she discovers that she has a secret admirer. It is a welcome diverson from the two sons that she "hates at the moment" and the constant reminder that she is a lonely widow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Written and directed by the Duplass brothers, who happen to be experts in the indie slacker genre, Jeff Who Lives At Home is a dreary insight into the broken bonds of a disconnected family.
The look and feel is nothing extraordinary, reminiscent of many indie films before it which reflect the supposed reality of life rather than the Hollywood version. That said, Sarandon, Helms and Segel, make for an exceptional leading cast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Light-hearted comedy and a childlike innocence, particularly from gentle giant Segel, differentiates the film from others like it - making it more refreshing than rigidly reflective.
Helms and Segel's reconnection is wonderful, too, as they both realise they are still working through the damaging aftermath of their father's death more than 10 years prior. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Verdict: </b>Despite adopting a dreamy pace in places, the culimination of the day, when Jeff finally realises what fate has in store for him, makes the whole film worthwhile. Unlike the pessimism you expect from the genre, Jeff Who Lives At Home actually has the 'happy ever after' factor. Relationships are rebuilt and Jeff may actually find the meaning of life - and his wood glue - in the end.</span>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-91573942381540734262012-04-12T15:00:00.000-07:002013-09-12T12:22:28.976-07:00Reviewed: Cabin In The Woods<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AS FAR as slasher flicks go, The Cabin In The Woods is a game-changer. The idea of five teenagers heading to a remote part of the American outback for a sordid weekend, only to be tortured by a hillbilly with a grudge, has been done to death - no pun intended - so I wasn't expecting much. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But this latest gore-slathered Lionsgate release is not your average horror film.
With only their naivety and a thirst for adventure, Dana (Kristen Connolly), Curt (Chris Hemsworth), Jules (Anna Hutchison), Marty (Fran Kranz) and Holden (Jesse Williams) jump into a caravan and drive into the unknown, all set for a holiday at 'The Cabin In The Woods'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">En route they come across an inbred-looking local at a ramshackle petrol station, who eerily directs them on their right path. True to the genre stereotype, they brush off the encounter and head on their merry way - oblivious that their every move is being surveyed. However, it is not an axe-wielding psychopath lurking in the shadows, but instead a pristine operations team watching them on CCTV. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blissfully unaware, the group descend on the cabin and make themselves at home. When darkness falls the basement door flies open of its own accord, enticing them into the room below where they find a whole host of ancient treasures. Dana discovers a macabre diary which catalogues the lives of a murderous family who inhabited in the cabin in the early 1900s. She reads out one of the entries in Latin and unknowingly awakens a group of ravenous zombies right outside their door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While the group of youngsters are suddenly fighting for their lives, deep beneath the cabin are puppeteers Sitterson (Richard Jenkins) and Hadley (Bradley Whitford) who have every finite detail of their demise pre-determined and have been meticulously orchestrating a series of tricks, traps and concealed cameras. The teens are plucked off one-by-one and Sitterson and Hadley watch on eagerly, mysteriously insinuating that the group are "humanity's last hope", that their fate is sealed and that a higher - much more sinister - power is afoot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Director, writer and producer Joss Whedon (Buffy, Angel, Firefly), alongside co-writer and Cloverfield genius Drew Goddard, tautly splices together a blood-thirsty horror with the subdued tones of the not-at-all-scary concealed control room, creating an elegant contrast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scenes are drenched in gore but The Cabin In The Woods is more reliant on substance than a high kill count - although it certainly achieves both with bloody gusto. It lures you into a false sense of predictability and then turns the entire teen-horror genre on its head, giving birth to a concept that is simultaneously inventive, unexpected and disturbing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Verdict: </b>Clever quips and witty one-liners, particularly from the unknown operatives below and visionary-cum-stoner Marty, make for a fantastic and quintessentially Whedon-esque dialogue, delivered by a shining cast. These dark comedic moments come in abundance and help to disperse the suspense, if only momentarily.
Terrifyingly tense and razor sharp, The Cabin in the Woods packs one hell of a punch - and the odd bit of decapitation as well.
<b>9/10</b>.</span>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-80610707811519196222012-03-28T12:14:00.000-07:002013-09-12T12:22:47.412-07:00Reviewed: Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WITH the tagline 'it's a plunderful life' it is no surprise that The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists metaphorically splashes audiences in the face with a bountiful booty of slapstick comedy and sharp British wit. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like Blackadder or Monty Python for kids, the latest Aardman adventure follows the foolhardy voyage of the Pirate Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant) and his haphazard crew. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The band of miscreants are perceived as laughable by the entire pirate community and the Pirate Captain is keen to change all that by clinching the prize for Pirate of the Year - which of course means that the plucky buccaneers must head out on a nautical quest for treasure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After unsuccessfully storming nine ships which are more plagueful than plunderful, the crew finally strike gold when they stumble across scientist and avid explorer Charles Darwin (voiced by David Tennant). Darwin hastily identifies that the Captain's "fat" parrot, Polly - the "feathery heart and soul of the ship" - is in fact a dodo which would win them unspeakable riches if presented to scientists in London. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Pirate Captain sees pound signs and is keen to set a course for the capital in attempt to not only boost his bounty and scoop the coveted Pirate of the Year award, but also to embark on the crew's "most educational adventure yet!". Unfortunately for the pirates and their crumbling ship, going to London means facing the mighty Queen Victoria (Imelda Staunton), who has a world-renowned penchant for putting pirates' heads on a block and also secretly enjoys dining on rare animals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directed by animation heavyweights, Peter Lord and Jeff Newitt, The Pirates! is five years in the making and the exquisite detail, from the expressive people to the busy backdrops, really demonstrates the hard work that's gone into forming the feature-length creation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On its own, Sony Animation has never quite managed to live up to the sheer brilliance of Pixar, but when teamed up with Aardman it has proven again and again that the results are masterful. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The story line is brimming with quintessentially British whimsy and quick one-liners are swiftly delivered by some of Britain's best comedy actors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Films about leering pirates who sail the seven seas, hunting for treasure and striking down landlubbers, is an all-too-familiar premise, but this jolly jaunt, based on the book by Gideon Defoe, turns the traditional tale topsy turvy. For once, being a pirate is not about getting scurvy or running people through, it is about sporting a great big bushy beard and enjoying the delights of "Ham Nite". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Verdict: </b>The Pirates! has innuendos galore for the older generation and thanks to cameos from Brian Blessed, Lenny Henry and Salma Hayek - not to mention great comical characters in the form of Surprisingly Curvaceous Pirate (Ashley Jensen), Albino Pirate (Russell Tovey) and BoBo, the self-subtitled chimp - the gags just keep on sailing. It is yet another Aardman triumph that will keep fond fans of the Wallace & Gromit adventures firmly afloat. <b>7/10</b></span>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-91109185018283954182011-08-25T09:26:00.000-07:002011-08-29T02:46:17.748-07:00Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious... 8<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">With directorial sci-fi megastars Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams at the helm, it's no wonder that </span><u style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1650062/">Super 8</a></u> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">has been subjected to a lot of hype. It finally hit cinemas at the beginning of the month; but did it live up to the great expectations laid out for it? Prepare for some</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u><b>mega spoilers</b></u>.</span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">Set in the winter of 1979, the film begins with the death of Elizabeth Lamb, wife of Deputy Sheriff Jack and mother to Joe Lamb. Elizabeth's death has had a profound effect on the family she's left behind and it's clear that even 4 months down the line, the pair aren’t coping. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">Whilst Jack throws himself into work, neglecting his fatherly duties, young Joe successfully distracts himself by providing make-up, special effects and sound for his friend Charles’ home zombie movie entitled ‘The Case’. Keen to stake his claim in the ‘Super 8 Filmmaker Competition’, Charles is focused and bossy – everything a young director should be. With the help of his team, Joe, Martin, Alice, Cary and Preston, the film is shot in secret at midnight. Filming on a very low budget, Charles is obsessed with ‘production value’, so when the opportunity arises to film one scene whilst an air force train hurtles past in the background he jumps on it. Unfortunately the crew get more then they bargain for when Joe spots a truck driving in front of the train, causing it to dramatically derail right in front of their eyes.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">The effects of the train crash are simply breath-taking. Whilst the six kids are literally running for their lives, giant shards of metal are rocketing up into the air and coming down just as quick, explosions are whistling in every direction and flames are roaring - licking away at the already destroyed remains of this disaster. To put it simply, the scene is a total warzone. The aftermath is just as overwhelming, serving up a platter of charred metal, thousands of mysterious white metal cubes and a half-dead truck driver, Dr Woodward, who scares the children off and swears them to secrecy, “<i>they will kill you; do not speak of this</i>”. Suffice to say they make a speedy exit, just missing the arrival of dozens of air force troops.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">From there on out, strange things start happening in the town of Lillian, Ohio. Power outages, dogs running away, electricals simply disappearing and decimated property seems like just the tip of the iceberg. “<i>This feels like a Russian invasion</i>”. Soon people are going missing and a strong military presence becomes apparent in the town. Whilst the kids pretend they know nothing about the crash and try to continue with filming, they are constantly disrupted and frightened by everything that’s happened. Their fear is multiplied when Joe and Charles discover that on the night of the crash, they inadvertently left the camera rolling, capturing footage of a creature emerging from the wreckage...</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">The air force is quick to find an excuse to evacuate the town, blaming wild fires when in actual fact they are searching for the monster that was being transported on the train. Jack Lamb, as Deputy Sheriff, keeps pressing the military to keep him in the loop and soon goes too far by listening in on a radio frequency utilised by the air force. Jack is placed under ‘military arrest’ for poking around too much whilst Joe is taken to a secure location with the rest of the town. Upon arrival, the kids soon discover from Alice’s father that she has been ‘taken’ by the monster. The boys don’t hesitate to sneak back into to town to save Alice. After digging around in Dr Woodward’s office, hoping they can find some clue about the location of the alien creature, the boys accidentally discover the true identity of ‘him’, his origins and most importantly that he’s been held prisoner by the military since it’s ship crashed to earth 1958. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">Unfortunately the air force catches wind of their presence in the town and, upon finding the kids, bundle them into an unused school bus. Thirsty for revenge, it’s no surprise that our angered alien attacks the bus with full force, overturning it and inflicting his wrath on the inhabitants. The boys manage to quickly escape through a broken window; the air force operatives aren’t so lucky. This is where we get out first full shot of the alien, as only snippets in reflections are shown up until now. He is extremely tall, gangly, grey and, dare I say, suspiciously like a certain monster in another J.J. Abrams movie...</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">The boys make their getaway whilst the alien chows down on some prime military rib and Joe and Cary go it alone to the alien’s lair, hoping to rescue Alice. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">Underneath the Lillian water tower the boys find Alice, as wells as dozens of other kidnapped people too, all strung up and ready to be the alien’s next meal. Pyromaniac Cary causes a firecracker-induced distraction and Joe makes a grab for Alice. The alien is too quick for the trio however, and they find themselves back into a corner. The alien swipes Joe from the floor below, bringing them face to face and it’s almost as if on touch they understand each other, forming a psychic bond. Joe tells the creature to go and, strangely enough, it does. After all, from the very beginning he just wanted to reconstitute its ship and return home. Upon reaching an understanding, the kids make a swift exit while they can and emerge outside to be reunited with their parents and in time to see the alien making his spectacular departure into the night sky.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UJ_pFBaFMx5GM3s9xjKyS5WQtOzdUSRWc3q-Vf85zBuWBZknrm8wFJFK08D9B2jIlaBEqdt5uOpCcVIEveDnSEHAqqT1_ChyphenhyphenbRQMjPvykv2haWxBVYjCuZrC9z9IB1l7h2wZbMcF_Ktv/s1600/Super+8+filming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UJ_pFBaFMx5GM3s9xjKyS5WQtOzdUSRWc3q-Vf85zBuWBZknrm8wFJFK08D9B2jIlaBEqdt5uOpCcVIEveDnSEHAqqT1_ChyphenhyphenbRQMjPvykv2haWxBVYjCuZrC9z9IB1l7h2wZbMcF_Ktv/s400/Super+8+filming.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">But this isn’t the end. As the credits roll for the film, we finally get to see the finished product of ‘The Case’ and boy, was it worth the wait. Funny and overly-dramatic, it’s the perfect finish to the film.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">Overall I found <i>Super 8</i> to be superb. It encapsulated the seventies styling really well and there was never a dull moment. As for the cinematography, it really was flawless; the special effects were an absolute triumph and the camera angles well thought out. Abrams’ classic blue lens flare that he employs in many of his shows, including Fringe, was also used well and almost reminiscent of the approach used in Close Encounters. As for the story itself, it wasn’t bursting with originality but it was unassuming and placed a lot of emphasis on a beautiful coming of age tale; you couldn’t help but empathise with the kids and their aspirations. I also really enjoyed that they used reasonably fresh talent and not the typical Hollywood starlets - it made the film feel more realistic.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the film is the next Goonies or ET, but it certainly is up there in the ranks. Following in the footsteps of films like Stand By Me, it’s brought something back to cinema that’s been missing since the early 80s and its innocent, authentic and lovingly put-together look and feel truly shows what greatness can occur when two remarkable directors/producers work in tandem. Plus, most importantly, it doesn’t shy away from blood and gore – success!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">With its uplifting score and an overall innocent, heart-warming tale, <i>Super 8</i> is doubtlessly my favourite film of the summer, if not the year: <b>9/10</b></span></span></div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-77559709757240757382011-08-25T07:48:00.000-07:002011-08-25T07:54:38.101-07:00EXCLUSIVE: The Return of the Independent MovieIt's been a long time since a British independent film has really made it big - and I'm not talking independent films 'financed' by Film4 or supported by the UK Film Council, I'm talking micro-budget films. Films where some poor bastards have worked their socks off to save their own hard-earned cash; begged and borrowed (hopefully not stolen) to scrape together enough money to bring a story to life. Without further ado, I draw back the curtain and reveal <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One By One</span></i>, a film that is desperate to bring back the success of independent films.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBODmtHdMMEpxqK8Tordu19ejRnaxk4-hB-bJKBf9KiV_7bIZj39_Q7qZ-jkThcQEBDHf80sy-joonusVrvNorbdd0JtVaCXrsStRII8R4Tw6qQV-JBbndBEqBVBsYrKqxqW3K2cI6HTdB/s1600/One+By+One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBODmtHdMMEpxqK8Tordu19ejRnaxk4-hB-bJKBf9KiV_7bIZj39_Q7qZ-jkThcQEBDHf80sy-joonusVrvNorbdd0JtVaCXrsStRII8R4Tw6qQV-JBbndBEqBVBsYrKqxqW3K2cI6HTdB/s320/One+By+One.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b><u>In a Nutshell</u></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">A bold and divisive look into society as it exists today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Taglines</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">‘When the men behind the curtain run out of enemies, you’re next...’<br />
‘Question everything’</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Quotes</u><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">“Jesus Christ, have we just all turned into the f*cking Waltons?? Man up.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">“The answers are out there. We can show you the door. It’s up to you to open it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Plot</u><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not very often that an independent, low-budget film manages to make it past being just that. However, Boiling Frog Films hopes to join the realm of indie films that have made it big, trundling along the narrow (and cheap!) path of self promotion and eager to attract the right interest in its socially contentious drama, <i>One By One</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Director and Writer, Diane Jessie Miller, has used the film to convey a vision that is inspired by the ideology of the Zeitgeist Movement and the concept of a society that isn’t solely driven by money and material goods. With influences from the likes of The Matrix, Fight Club, as well as a flurry of dystopian vigilante movies, One By One is a controversial drama that sets out to challenge the socially accepted way of living. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The couple are stuck in the tiresome routine of day-to-day life and desperate for something more. The plot centres on the couple and how a few chance encounters can send their model life flying off the tracks, forcing them to ‘question everything’.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With a stellar and committed cast, including the likes of comedy legend Rik Mayall and a myriad of fresh faces such as Heather Wilson, Sean Meyer, Duncan Wigman and Katrina Nare, the film seems firmly set on making its mark. One By One promises to follow its independent film predecessors with confidence, gumption and a sheer determination to sky rocket and shock the industry. In a country that’s film council has failed it, One By One strives against the odds to not only make it onto the movie radar, but also to simultaneously challenge society. Watch this space.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You can see the trailer, get more info and support the film here: <a href="http://www.onebyonethemovie.co.uk/">http://www.onebyonethemovie.co.uk</a> </div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-29380498729674192142011-08-23T10:03:00.000-07:002011-08-23T12:28:48.208-07:00Dusting off the DVD shelf = Finding Nemo<div class="MsoNormal">I haven't been bumming around watching DVDs all day I swear! And, if I have, it's all for the importance of hardcore journalism. As promised, here is my synopsis of another one of my all-time favourites; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Finding Nemo</span>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">* * * *</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_wzNc59ivyRMX6Aoy809EyOyoF9_-Y7vxvmYxLaVspOPReNOkBwVomaN9xqTE97YK4ISVNfXQY5b9sWHiPhi2-FFCRaImsTYw2IxDskZzFX2nRzYoaXAM3zY_ZvjxIBKVJ8hUMDzEpJG/s1600/Finding+Nemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_wzNc59ivyRMX6Aoy809EyOyoF9_-Y7vxvmYxLaVspOPReNOkBwVomaN9xqTE97YK4ISVNfXQY5b9sWHiPhi2-FFCRaImsTYw2IxDskZzFX2nRzYoaXAM3zY_ZvjxIBKVJ8hUMDzEpJG/s320/Finding+Nemo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>In a Nutshell</u> </b> </div><div class="MsoNormal">An overbearing clown fish goes on a quest through the ‘big blue’ to find his missing son.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Tagline</u> <br />
</b>Fish are just like people, only flakier.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Quotes</u><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Gimme some fin!”<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I am a nice shark, not a mindless eating machine. If I am to change this image, I must first change myself. Fish are friends, not food.”<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“...and the sea cucumber turns to the mollusk and says, ‘With fronds like these, who needs anemones?’”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Plot<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">After being left with one solitary egg to nurture, it’s no wonder that fish daddy Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) is protective over his son, Nemo (Alexander Gould). On Nemo’s first day of 'school', and on his first chance to explore the ocean, Marlin is the embodiment of a typical panicky parent. His distress is multiplied many-fold when Nemo defiantly swims into open water and is unexpectedly picked up by some divers off the coast of Australia. Whilst the young Nemo wakes to find himself confined inside a dentist’s fish tank with some rather unusual companions, Marlin begins a tireless journey to rescue his son from whatever perils he may face.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Marlin’s search for his son soon becomes a voyage of discovery and not only does he set about locating Nemo but he also finds out a lot about himself, and what lengths he will go to as a parent, along the way. Travelling from The Great Barrier Reef right across to Sydney Harbour, Marlin encounters many terrifying and exciting wonders from hordes of jelly fish to several rather hungry seagulls. Not only that, but he makes interesting acquaintances too, including the absent-minded regal blue-tang Dory, a very Australian and very vegetarian shark going by the name of Bruce, and a gang of <i>super</i> laidback turtles. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finding Nemo provides a warm, fun and thoughtful tale for all the family, even the grownups - not that you’d expect anything less from animation giants Pixar. I’m not usually one to shout about the wonders of blu-ray or HD, but this film looks spectacular in high definition also.</div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-3587267228777577802011-08-23T05:24:00.000-07:002011-08-23T05:51:23.305-07:00Dusting off the DVD shelf = Role Models<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">As I am having a brief yet much-needed break from the perils of work before I start hitting the journalism training HARD, I've decided to catch up with some of my favourite movies. With that in mind, I've also decided to burden anyone who might be reading with some info about said movies - just in case you've been under a rock and haven't seen them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">Without further ado, herewith my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Role Models</span> synopsis - and with quotes to boot!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">* * * *</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApEfUQrIr3t18R3Y8qltwLoE_A_madd8HSS9fJJsiOw4qMfhun1xxPXN8hm7qVy9aPVS3I8eNMrA-ZZRHna_K5v5iwQ_hhrQwS12ZHoyv8xzVKh4z1rRcxA0PQyeMUy8qXjRxdvJITInv/s1600/role+models.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApEfUQrIr3t18R3Y8qltwLoE_A_madd8HSS9fJJsiOw4qMfhun1xxPXN8hm7qVy9aPVS3I8eNMrA-ZZRHna_K5v5iwQ_hhrQwS12ZHoyv8xzVKh4z1rRcxA0PQyeMUy8qXjRxdvJITInv/s320/role+models.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><u>In a Nutshell</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">Two thirty-something minor cons offer sturdy advice to dysfunctional kids.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><b><u>Tagline</u> </b><b> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">Bad behaviour. Bad attitude. Bad example.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><u>Quotes</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">“Naysayers tell me: ‘You should be embarrassed’, ‘You shouldn’t be fighting’, ‘You look like a young Marvin Hamlisch’.<br />
Well I say: ‘Nay, I am not embarrassed, I will fight, and who the f*ck is Marvin Hamlisch?’”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">“You can’t BS a Bs-er.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">“Augie: Tell her you miss her whispering eye<br />
Danny: ...and I miss your whispering eye<br />
Augie: It means vagina. It means vagina!!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><u>Plot</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">For past it energy drink rep Danny (Paul Rudd), life couldn’t get much worse. After being dumped by his girlfriend and still stuck in an unfulfilling job in his mid-thirties, it seems like he’s hit rock bottom – until he gets himself into a rather sticky situation with best buddy and colleague Wheeler (Seann William Scott) that is. Following an incident that ultimately involved driving a bull-shaped promo car into a school statue, the pair lose their jobs and barely escape a prison sentence for defiling public property.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">In order to avoid a stint in the big house, Danny and Wheeler must perform community service at ‘Sturdy Wings’, a district centre for dysfunctional kids. The pair must harness their nurturing powers and become ‘Bigs’ to a couple of ‘Littles’, whilst fixing their own lives in the process. Cue teenage role-play fanatic Augie and foul-mouthed youngster Ronnie. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">With no jobs, no girlfriends and the possibility of being thrown in jail - not to mention having to babysit two kids that have some serious issues of their own - this situation could be make or break for the desperate pair.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;">If you love several doses of vulgarity, immaturity and some damn good medieval role playing in your films, then Role Models is definitely the one for you. And, as if that isn’t enough, Jane Lynch is in it too, playing the ex-druggie head honcho at Sturdy Wings who says ‘BS’ a lot and eats cocaine for breakfast. How do you like them eggs?!</span></div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-91392081510344666102011-04-12T12:40:00.000-07:002011-08-23T05:49:40.978-07:00Cinema Etiquette for Dummies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeg3LTVzvv77RyFkoUVZ13YfVdh0-BK4TkxHWdoUPWnbHlE97FlOZ-vMewSUJb1UswtywmyoXdR5dEKaWBOTa4hNBD2vgRHtp-9yGvJuz2nCWInHwsUZoLlBFzG7P-lX2R6pK5Of2qXZU/s1600/ticket%2526pop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeg3LTVzvv77RyFkoUVZ13YfVdh0-BK4TkxHWdoUPWnbHlE97FlOZ-vMewSUJb1UswtywmyoXdR5dEKaWBOTa4hNBD2vgRHtp-9yGvJuz2nCWInHwsUZoLlBFzG7P-lX2R6pK5Of2qXZU/s320/ticket%2526pop.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a regular cinema goer, there are a lot of things that I see all the time that drive me round the twist and, like most, I’ve got my own certain way of liking things when it comes to movies. Unfortunately everyone enjoys their cinema experience in a different way (how very dare they!!) so I’ve compiled a quick guide on what I think should be a staple set of guidelines for going to the cinema, regardless of which roundabout way you like to go about things. These ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ are applicable to all. Take heed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>DO</b> <b>get snacks.</b></u> Sure they’re pricey these days (what’s that you say!?? £8.50 for a small popcorn?? Why you little...!) but let’s face it: they taste good AND they’re helping keep cinema afloat. It’s a little-known fact that cinemas rarely make any sort of profit on ticket costs anymore and so they rely on us to hit the concession stands. Go on, you know what to do! Get snacking!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaevkZq0nyWH7Pmxm9_6OQ4jG2QUWvzMCZvN-V8wDiX2KzuLxuZjWUz_IdEtMKOZAl_9h7F8GcgjANzG0n5yI7fE71vGdQX6ToBrFItoQrqvylq48vJ1PDtpoeGxDVO7EKpXWdPZG7PhA/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaevkZq0nyWH7Pmxm9_6OQ4jG2QUWvzMCZvN-V8wDiX2KzuLxuZjWUz_IdEtMKOZAl_9h7F8GcgjANzG0n5yI7fE71vGdQX6ToBrFItoQrqvylq48vJ1PDtpoeGxDVO7EKpXWdPZG7PhA/s320/popcorn.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>DON’T rustle and munch.</u></b> Ok. So I’ve highlighted that we need to be getting some chow before sitting down to watch our movie, but c’mon – is there really a need to make a racket throughout the film?! Firstly: come up with a system. By that I mean find a way that suits you (whether it be by tearing a packet a certain way or chomping uber fast through the trailers BEFORE the film starts) to cause minimal ‘paper bag disruption’ to those around you. Secondly: chew SLOWLY. No-one wants to hear the mastication of stale popcorn. Ew.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>DO get all the chatting out of your system</u>.</b> Do this either a) before you enter the screen or b) if and ONLY if the boring adverts are on – this doesn’t include movie trailers. I’m sure no-one will mind if you talk over that dreadful Jack Black/Gullivers Travels/Orange ad. Bleurgh.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08ko68Ys1YCY4wcrbS-RgR6BPoofJi2oWNLRrYf8soQb694fYp_bwRPTCB9JR-ATd3O-Tt2n4tySJZAJ4-olJtpQywRHgtGmiUmMH1AIasoeL3cpf2JMFOfK_960qL8kFp8nUPhy3X-_I/s1600/counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08ko68Ys1YCY4wcrbS-RgR6BPoofJi2oWNLRrYf8soQb694fYp_bwRPTCB9JR-ATd3O-Tt2n4tySJZAJ4-olJtpQywRHgtGmiUmMH1AIasoeL3cpf2JMFOfK_960qL8kFp8nUPhy3X-_I/s1600/counter.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>DON’T interrupt the trailers.</u></b> As above. I pay to see the trailers, they gooood shit. It’s part of the cinema experience! In the same vein, don’t pay attention to people that shush you during the bog-standard TV adverts, they’re the moody gits who don’t get out much or don’t own a TV. Don’t mind them, they live a sheltered life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>DO prep your bladder.</u></b> It’s sod's law that nature will strike at the most crucial part of the movie. As such, be sure to pop to the loo BEFORE the film and only buy a drink that’s relative to how much your wee tank can hold before needing a wee. It’s sometimes hard to judge I know, but imperative if you want to sit through the whole shebang – especially if it’s a long-un. Sadly, you can’t pause the big screen!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>DON’T mention the ‘no recording’ bit.</u></b> You all know the bit I’m talking about. That ominous black screen appears and it tells you something along the lines of ‘don’t film this’ and if you do you’ll be ‘imprisoned’ and your camera equipment ‘confiscated’. When this first came out it was sorta funny to shout “Oi John, put your camera away!” – Several years down the line, it’s not.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>DO see as many films as you can</u> </b>because although it’s EXTORTIONATE nowadays (do you hear that Odeon!??!) There’s also nothing quite like seeing a film on the big screen. Unless you’re rich and can afford your own big screen...in which case, jog on. Anywho, when you go and see a movie at the cinema you can sleep sound in the knowledge that you've supported the film industry and all that gubbins. Win win.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>DON’T go to the cinema when jetlagged.</u></b> Pretty obvious really. Even the strongest of wills can’t always fight jetlag and any efforts to stay awake are often futile. Going to the cinema to keep yourself awake DOESN’T work –believe me, I’ve tried. Besides, no one wants to see you drooling in a public place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">DO be considerate.</b> This applies in two instances:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"></div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To your buddies who are cinema-ing with you. Chances are they haven’t seen the film either, so asking them perpetual questions throughout is both pointless and REALLY annoying. I have a couple of friends who do this and it drives me barmy. You know who you are.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>If you have a large head, try and avoid sitting in front of little people (like me). Contrary to popular belief, we would also like to see the screen.</span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>DON’T sit in the back row for a make-out sesh.</u></b> This is OLD. It’s too expensive now to be wasting £8 just so that you can snog and miss the film. Foo’! Save the lip-locking for the after party.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAS6pTPH-CCL1jxtMqECHBq5BQIqzl3YCRr_guV5lI3S_bC9IgEpLTq-ClgKQKkOlcBHn9AARH7KgoK64NTavAWgVSXhAZo6v2B3ave8sgLvW8HWj4YkXqQmaq0_DAH3w6wrhGcaiIWtW/s1600/cinema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAS6pTPH-CCL1jxtMqECHBq5BQIqzl3YCRr_guV5lI3S_bC9IgEpLTq-ClgKQKkOlcBHn9AARH7KgoK64NTavAWgVSXhAZo6v2B3ave8sgLvW8HWj4YkXqQmaq0_DAH3w6wrhGcaiIWtW/s320/cinema.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>And most importantly DO enjoy it!</u> </b>Remember, you’re paying to see this film and helping to support the industry at the same time, so sit back and relax! And, if you’re anything like me, why not write about how good/bad the film was afterwards? It’s a great way to waste time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that’s it. Respect and abide, I’ll be haunting local cinemas to see if you’ve been swotting up on your cinema etiquette or not :P Also, I’d love to hear if anything else bugs anyone at the cinema. What have I missed?! Comment away and in the meantime...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...HAPPY WATCHING! :)</span></div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-1191068062148659122011-04-11T12:13:00.000-07:002011-04-15T01:36:52.278-07:00I Love You Ewan McGregor, I mean, er, Phillip Morris...COUGH...<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Following on from the success of indie feel-good movie ‘Yes Man’, Jim Carrey returns to our screens again, bringing with him another larger than life true tale.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm2AvREL8YsCINr0F9tXAL7mzJvRq5ghvvaryU6Dq3Ltr9tAvydPv9vE0YqpW8yIlPK8cXxoFZbSTpTYq9PuSKZ127GWcD5hqujEKuuDzWtzol_kOqnLm8WjuWJbbaVWoNCGmj7XsjxWV/s1600/PhillipMorrisPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm2AvREL8YsCINr0F9tXAL7mzJvRq5ghvvaryU6Dq3Ltr9tAvydPv9vE0YqpW8yIlPK8cXxoFZbSTpTYq9PuSKZ127GWcD5hqujEKuuDzWtzol_kOqnLm8WjuWJbbaVWoNCGmj7XsjxWV/s320/PhillipMorrisPoster.jpg" width="318" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carrey’s latest crusade, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045772/">I Love You Phillip Morris</a>, details the life of a closet homosexual-cum-conman who, after going through the motions as a straight cop for his entire life, has a sudden moment of clarity and announces a sudden change in his sexual orientation. For his entire life, abandoned middle child Steven Russell has followed the straight (literally!) and narrow; sampling milk and cookies, raising a nice wholesome family and mercilessly playing the role of perfect husband and father. It soon becomes apparent however that Steven might not be so perfect after all. Russell’s wife Debbie (Leslie Mann) quickly discovers that her lovely and dependable partner is actually - yup you guessed it - gay.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After an epiphany-inducing car crash, Steven realises life is too short and exposes the double life he’s been living, thus embracing his gay lifestyle completely. Steven becomes so entangled in his new and expensive existence that he has to start embezzling money and running insurance scams to maintain the standard of living he’s become accustomed to. Suffice to say his antics don’t go unnoticed.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not before long, Steven finds himself serving a stint in jail for insurance fraud. Cue love interest. Whilst serving his time in lock up, Steven meets the gorgeously blonde and soft-spoken Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). A complete juxtaposition to the flamboyant and happy-go-lucky Steven, Phillip is shy and timid, only being locked up for a minor misunderstanding with an overdue car rental. In this instance, opposites really do attract and a budding romance filled with amorous and secretive love letters unfolds. Eventually, when the pair are released, they vow to continue a peaceful life together. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sadly for devoted and gentle lover Phillip, again it’s not long before Steven gets restless and takes up a whole host of different jobs in order to make some fast cash for him and his beau, posing as a lawyer one day and a chief financier the next. Winging it completely and blagging his way to the top, Steven soon becomes wrapped up in all sorts of criminal activities again and eventually winds up back where he started – alone and in jail. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After several escape attempts (even one where Steven fakes his own death) Steven and Phillip are briefly reunited and all sins and faux pas’ forgotten. Unfortunately like all true stories, the ending is predetermined, and as usual it’s not necessarily the happy one.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79CSvKeEwrSkrh_C59KZi_qWPoioi3Qrrd8aExpTQINBs07BXPF3eb33MvOSAaRr5tbDa6AVs0Bx-B814e1ZEBPt3tGkekHuaOHVI7SB1L_kWErwXfcwNfE99Y3TG24Xf4mcy9k6IPike/s1600/PhillipMorris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79CSvKeEwrSkrh_C59KZi_qWPoioi3Qrrd8aExpTQINBs07BXPF3eb33MvOSAaRr5tbDa6AVs0Bx-B814e1ZEBPt3tGkekHuaOHVI7SB1L_kWErwXfcwNfE99Y3TG24Xf4mcy9k6IPike/s320/PhillipMorris.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Helloooo receding hairline...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As far as Jim Carrey movies go there are only really a few laughs to be had. Instead, <i>I Love You Phillip Morris</i> frequently highlights the stark and harsh nature of reality and how love can be difficult, especially when you’re battling against the stigma of being gay AND a convict. It definitely gives more of a ‘Man on the Moon’ feel as opposed to laugh-out-loud ‘Ace Ventura’ vibes and although brief, it certainly conveys the serious threat of AIDS/HIV that is still omnipresent in today’s society.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Within the realm of ‘true stories adapted for film’, <i>I Love You Phillip Morris</i> is no Erin Brockovich, but it’s certainly not bad. I’ve also been reserved here and not deducted a mark for Carrey’s receding hairline, which is starting to give Nic Cage’s do a run for its money:<strong> 5/10</strong></span></div></div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-49141300353137475822011-03-16T06:56:00.000-07:002011-03-16T07:06:01.010-07:00I can do science, me!<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my lovely readers, it is safe to say, after catching up on episode 2 of Brian Cox's incredible 'Wonders of the Universe' yesterday evening and pondering the shortness of our existence, that I am pretty rubbish when it comes to blogging. Four whole months it's been, without so much as a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year or most importantly some sort of celebratory Pancake Day post. That being said, not that I wish to play the blame game, things have become increasingly difficult work-wise since November and unforeseen circumstances have forced me to be more partial to simply watching films/tv, as opposed to writing enthralling (ha!) copy about them.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdmV4uc3ipxhHfliAoo9m4Qe2OgekvijP8Hz951fT0dm1_f4l9130CRHDOQ7yZb0tyZCmgQooxJW0vpIJR3xbIQb3XhXJm80w2aC_F-RkznYffr8YvLQdojfs0_pu8v6_WecLisX1p4p0/s1600/pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdmV4uc3ipxhHfliAoo9m4Qe2OgekvijP8Hz951fT0dm1_f4l9130CRHDOQ7yZb0tyZCmgQooxJW0vpIJR3xbIQb3XhXJm80w2aC_F-RkznYffr8YvLQdojfs0_pu8v6_WecLisX1p4p0/s320/pancakes.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, getting back to the point; I have neglected whatever minute readership I have, and for that I am truly sorry! Old Coxy with his 'I'm clever yet cool' demeanour kept me awake last night, thinking about how I can get the little carbon atoms inside me moving again. After all, who wants to waste a life that was given to them by a dying star - I sure as hell don't! Noone wants that kind of guilt ;) So thanks Bri, I will getting back on the horse and bullying myself into blogging again, all thanks to you (well actually I’ve been thinking about it for a few weeks now but shhhh!)<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
By the by, if you haven't yet partaken in the delights of the show, do it - do it NOW. Look, I'll even make it easy for you: </span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00zdhtg">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00zdhtg</a> </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know you want to. Mmm, physics. It all really does make a fascinating watch. Ah looksee, my post wasn't completely off-topic after all!!<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Prepare yourselves you crazy kids, I will be reviewing and pondering the delights of the screen again soon. But - just in case I don't get another waffley post in before then - good afternoon, good evening and good night.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo7Cqps4ydJhIPaPaiLV6v0pvUarLmiKf3LTh7_mkLEf2f8TcWGAh5JU3LlHbcsjHmj-aw9bwYZEI2cuyv22lWLdhZmy_6M6fJCmYm7AeudO1B0aNCI1lZ-DGlBoKELGsS62_Nex5Z4_7/s1600/JimCarrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="153" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo7Cqps4ydJhIPaPaiLV6v0pvUarLmiKf3LTh7_mkLEf2f8TcWGAh5JU3LlHbcsjHmj-aw9bwYZEI2cuyv22lWLdhZmy_6M6fJCmYm7AeudO1B0aNCI1lZ-DGlBoKELGsS62_Nex5Z4_7/s320/JimCarrey.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
P.s. Amidst my future blogs, I will hopefully be doing some guest posts for Vulture Hound...if I can write proper that is. Yes guv! Watch this space...</span></span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<a href="http://vulturehound.com/">http://vulturehound.com/</a></span></span></div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-8295778031279082452010-11-26T03:12:00.000-08:002010-11-26T07:03:27.792-08:00Superhoodie: un-hooded!<span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
<div align="left" dir="ltr">Rocketing onwards and upwards, <u>Season 2</u> of ASBO superhero drama <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1548850/"><strong>Misfits</strong></a></i> has gone from strength to strength, and <u>Episode 3</u> has not only continued this but has solidified the show’s place amongst a myriad of top British dramas. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pS7i-ELnnTJCIK1_EqN7tkoZpQvOORLPNp9g-tr47KiVBnYwc3cU0AgPt2ULi-rpbKFcVhC_qVuf7acss6_vxzAsSMfwa2it41_09R9HNo1QiXeLCNmt8f0TNE988_nRqwhnrD5-8mdr/s1600/misfits-s2poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pS7i-ELnnTJCIK1_EqN7tkoZpQvOORLPNp9g-tr47KiVBnYwc3cU0AgPt2ULi-rpbKFcVhC_qVuf7acss6_vxzAsSMfwa2it41_09R9HNo1QiXeLCNmt8f0TNE988_nRqwhnrD5-8mdr/s320/misfits-s2poster.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Thus far in the season we’ve seen beloved rogue Nathan dragged from the grave, finally announcing his power of ‘immortality’, Simon exposed as having murdered the group’s SECOND social worker and most importantly, the introduction of ‘Superhoodie’ – a masked crusader who keeps getting the gang out of sticky situations. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Episode 3 sees the unmasking (or unhooding) of Superhoodie. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Nathan, Curtis, Simon and Kelly are forced to take on a vindictive tattoo artist in the episode, with both Nathan and Kelly falling victim to his apparent super powers. After being his usual gobby self, Nathan gets imprinted by ink-man Vince and, coincidently, falls madly in love with Simon. As Nathan is so overtly sexual anyway, it’s hilarious to see his attempts to woo Simon, especially when he writes him a heartfelt love poem. The group soon sniff out the culprit and confront Vince.</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">In the meantime, Alisha takes it upon herself to discover the identity of Superhoodie. She purposely provokes attack from a stranger, prompting our trusty hero to swoop in and save the day. After a nasty head-knock, Alisha wakes up in Superhoodie’s lair, which can really only be described as a British (and much cooler) Bat-Cave! Wandering around the room, filled with timers and photos of our five delinquents, she sees Superhoodie and he turns, only to reveal….. Simon. But not the usual Simon: ‘Future Simon’.</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Future Simon soon reveals that he has come back to watch over them and to ensure certain events play out how they need to. He is cool, calm and confident, and miles away from the shy and odd Simon we see now. Alisha is instantly attracted to the fact that he can touch her without going into a sexual frenzy and remarks on how different he is. After swearing Alisha to secrecy, the pair have a tender yet lust-filled sexual encounter, filled with an unexpected passion and love that is surprisingly mature and powerful for a programme surrounding five angry youths.</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-Mb_ZSFVdnChLVY-A_rj-Q84ph-z4e21DUBk-h8fH2Tk67KQCkWkV7SsJYATNi4IdgrPTQsD1b9kcjp0kCKpn-Z4F8GzSP5Vw41L6w7R19GFtWWQqUk4s8H06zNk9BNBFMERlIU5BMwA/s1600/FutureSimonMisfits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-Mb_ZSFVdnChLVY-A_rj-Q84ph-z4e21DUBk-h8fH2Tk67KQCkWkV7SsJYATNi4IdgrPTQsD1b9kcjp0kCKpn-Z4F8GzSP5Vw41L6w7R19GFtWWQqUk4s8H06zNk9BNBFMERlIU5BMwA/s320/FutureSimonMisfits.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
Again, Superhoodie (aka. Future Simon) saves the day by giving the gang a pack of dry-roasted peanuts to defeat Vince – who is allergic. This brings a rather dark comedic light to such an intense episode, something that the writers consistently succeed in doing.</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Future Simon doesn’t reveal anything about what has forced him to return, although it is hinted that perhaps he is back to save the woman he loves; Alisha. We can only hope that more will be revealed in Episode 4. I’m not gonna lie, the sultry and mysterious Future Simon has already prompted me to pre-order season 2. Rock on. Episode 3 has been my favourite episode of <i>Misfits</i> so far – a solid <b>9/10</b>.</div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-13110041238072823902010-11-25T07:42:00.000-08:002010-11-25T07:50:53.419-08:00The game goes full circle…well, we hope.<span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
<div align="left" dir="ltr">Hurtling into to cinemas for Halloween, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures have released what we can only imagine is the last instalment in the Saw franchise. <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477076/"><strong>Saw 3D</strong></a></i><strong>, </strong>the seventh film surrounding the infamous Jigsaw killer, slathers audiences with a load of gratuitous gore, twisting storylines and of course, plenty of inventive death traps.</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRWxMyDZkk91xFmvyQuGk-DJk2yAyxcOWMvCOuVc21bPPceswxSY2lv6S1-i17uFY5HXD5lE5tTi4PfIrGVLIQv636W7p09qYC7zGMW9Unb0bLLWr8RBrAGb_GkqHk4RnWRheG3Sb-7Zs/s1600/Saw3Dposter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRWxMyDZkk91xFmvyQuGk-DJk2yAyxcOWMvCOuVc21bPPceswxSY2lv6S1-i17uFY5HXD5lE5tTi4PfIrGVLIQv636W7p09qYC7zGMW9Unb0bLLWr8RBrAGb_GkqHk4RnWRheG3Sb-7Zs/s320/Saw3Dposter.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">With Jigsaw dead and gone and Saw 6 leaving his successor, Detective Hoffman, with only half a jaw and a painful vendetta, the brutal ‘games’ go silent for a while; but not for long…</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">The film is a little different to the previous chapters, centring on a group of Jigsaw survivors who have all been brought together by Bobby, an award-winning writer who has made money out of his supposed fray with the clever killer. It quickly becomes apparent that Bobby has been anything but truthful about being a Jigsaw victim. Unfortunately for Bobby he’d managed to make it onto Jigsaw’s radar before his death, forcing Hoffman to teach him a deadly lesson.</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Hastily abducted by our friends in pig masks, Bobby, his wife and his closest confidants all become part of the latest Jigsaw game. The five victims awake in horrific circumstances, chained, blindfolded and in one case, with a key down their throat. Bobby is given the opportunity to save all of them, but time and fear is against him and his rescue attempt is unsuccessful. Suffice to say, Bobby gets his comeuppance, losing everyone he cares about and being left to bleed out. </div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oiVvgBqpX8OlpgkkFPLEfQT5TAZj83qPDgFwZ1ttQOtkMkzd5fNdGoi_cNM8iIrDW-PmA9xcvk_iD1Ebje0v5NoG_8Huv267aW6d8tAPymbaNe0JbRf14299-K1wXzmczFWEHy-wbrr1/s1600/chester-bennington-saw-3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oiVvgBqpX8OlpgkkFPLEfQT5TAZj83qPDgFwZ1ttQOtkMkzd5fNdGoi_cNM8iIrDW-PmA9xcvk_iD1Ebje0v5NoG_8Huv267aW6d8tAPymbaNe0JbRf14299-K1wXzmczFWEHy-wbrr1/s320/chester-bennington-saw-3d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's that boy? Yes, it is indeed Chester of Linkin Park...set for certain death. Even making great music can't save you from Jigsaw's wrath Chester - you should know better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div align="left" dir="ltr">Detective Hoffman, after fixing his jaw and seeing Bobby’s game through, sets out to take revenge on Jill Tuck for locking him into a Jigsaw trap. It soon becomes clear to the police and Jill that he’s not going to stop until he kills her. However, it seems that Jigsaw has left Jill with an all-too familiar face to act as her body guard…</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"></div><i></i><em>Saw 3D</em> stays true to it’s usual grizzly MO and 6 years on, still succeeds in coming up with new ways to bring characters to a deadly demise. Sadly the 3D aspects did the film little favour and the franchise as a whole did seem to have run out of steam a little. Parts of the film, especially at the very beginning, did seem a bit cheesy and offering more comedic value than terror! That being said, I was still cringing and squirming in my seat – using my coat as a barrier between myself and the gore in front of me. As such, when asked "do I want to play this final game?" my answer is: "Hell yes!" (as long as I’m NOT actually playing a real jigsaw game. Bleurgh). If you’ve been a fan of the films throughout, I would suggest seeing this final chapter, if simply for closure more than anything. <br />
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I’ve always been a fan of blood and guts, so what can I say; <b>7/10</b> from me.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-34453812204156861032010-10-15T10:47:00.000-07:002010-10-16T09:32:07.495-07:00The complete Back to the Future experience...Apologies for the quietness on my front! Sadly it's been a mixture of studying for an oh-so-important test *pause for Ooo's* ...and also slight writers block. Lucky for you my fine friends, I had no trouble writing about this gem, as it sits quite comfortably in my Top 10.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeZIvhjjt3bPhoMwMBfkJd0a8sjWdS-AxT0ymbfl-S1lvFk2qN5eqxCDmsMa66NBdRbscyBW87D3SNAsH9QZg3E1M3ppBZXurCFtVOg4HpOlEW2HVDTYLXlktGJ1__D5AYpHqJuqiX3IY/s1600/BTTFposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeZIvhjjt3bPhoMwMBfkJd0a8sjWdS-AxT0ymbfl-S1lvFk2qN5eqxCDmsMa66NBdRbscyBW87D3SNAsH9QZg3E1M3ppBZXurCFtVOg4HpOlEW2HVDTYLXlktGJ1__D5AYpHqJuqiX3IY/s320/BTTFposter.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br />
On a chilly Thursday evening, with little to do but wait for Friday to come, I headed down to my local Odeon to catch the last night of the <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/" target="_blank">Back to the Future</a></i> 25th Anniversary re-release. Considering it served a long stint in the ‘theatres’ back in 1985, there was a pretty decent turnout. I saw Gremlins a few years back and that didn’t get anywhere near as much of a reception! It was me, my boyfriend and, well, lots of empty seats. It just proves what a massive fan-base BTTF has, even a quarter of a century down the line.<br />
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After a multitude of trailers, the film finally begun its iconic story. Although you know what's coming around every corner, I still found myself grinning constantly throughout; all I can think is that the film was somehow further intensified by the cinematic experience as a whole. To be clichéd, everything was bigger, better and a million times more fantasmical.<br />
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For those of you who HAVEN'T yet seen the BTTF franchise, I will firstly say: “seriously, where the hell have you been for the last 25 years?! Do you live under a rock? Are you deaf and dumb??” - followed swiftly by this brief synopsis...<br />
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Unlikely duo, nutty professor Doc Brown and slacker student Marty McFly, team up in this seemingly typical 80s film to attack the audience with what can only be described as sheer time travel immensity. When Marty accidentally propels himself back to 1985 in a time-travelling DeLoreon, he finds himself dazed, confused and colliding with young versions of his teacher, his parents and lifelong bully Biff. Marty enlists the help of a youthful-looking Doc, but makes a ripple in the process, jeopardising the future of his family, and himself. The race is on for Marty to return everything back to normality in time to catch a bolt of lightning 'back to the future'. That's all you’re getting summary-wise because a) I don't want to ruin it and b) I feel slightly ashamed of you if you haven't seen it already. Tut tut. I may have to honestly reconsider our friendship.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OhXmzJUMmRWZL4gzmOC-CFAh_-6H5wZKx0aCtk8y-3UhANGx1OaIFreOsw-a6IO0ghgWwRw_LQhn1zmOHlBFNkn4jkdgL6-2cg5Ruo1qkqOM1FLkfM-gHyjhEaN2jkG6Fe9BIUiYG85Y/s1600/BTTFsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OhXmzJUMmRWZL4gzmOC-CFAh_-6H5wZKx0aCtk8y-3UhANGx1OaIFreOsw-a6IO0ghgWwRw_LQhn1zmOHlBFNkn4jkdgL6-2cg5Ruo1qkqOM1FLkfM-gHyjhEaN2jkG6Fe9BIUiYG85Y/s320/BTTFsong.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The re-release achieves a great sense of familiarity and fun, coming together in the cinema to create a masterpiece that has proven that it can outlive the 80s and will be relevant for many years to come.<br />
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I would 100% recommend reliving this incredible experience on the big screen, it really puts watching it on any old bog standard TV to shame...even if you do have an overhyped Blu-ray system with glorified surround sound. It just isn’t the same, friend. So, get your glad rags on (by that I mean your 'life preserver'), crack out those Huey Lewis cassette tapes and brush the dust off your flux capacitor; because this rollercoaster definitely deserves a second ride. <b>Gazillion/10</b>.<br />
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P.S. On the back of the re-release, the legendary Michael J. Fox rebooted the original <i>Back to the Future </i>teaser trailer. I was so excited, I had to include it in this blog. So here you go:<br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uM6Ms621898?fs=1&hl=en_GB"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uM6Ms621898?fs=1&hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="250"></embed></object>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-9523724193935757492010-10-04T02:57:00.000-07:002010-10-06T07:45:57.007-07:00A dinner party that will put ‘Come Dine With Me’ to shameAdding to an extensive library of buddy comedies, primarily involving the awesome Paul Rudd, <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427152/" target="_blank">Dinner for Schmucks</a></em> provides a cringeworthy and tickling bromance that offers a bizarre take on how to get a promotion.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplE7zmht3tIyBH_FND-EHfJbHG67gcDAXAtH7TUs3vmT8zkK5IHx1XR4MZrdLdF7F4TBeooS1mmAS0pqhDQ4DFG4jbyMguRradvTKrV6cx96wOyGpKFjod1-fIf8Y57KTZCo6jzwmm4S7/s1600/DinnerForSchmucks-poster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplE7zmht3tIyBH_FND-EHfJbHG67gcDAXAtH7TUs3vmT8zkK5IHx1XR4MZrdLdF7F4TBeooS1mmAS0pqhDQ4DFG4jbyMguRradvTKrV6cx96wOyGpKFjod1-fIf8Y57KTZCo6jzwmm4S7/s320/DinnerForSchmucks-poster.JPG" width="216" /></a></div><br />
Job-hungry Financial Analyst, Tim (Rudd), is fighting for a long-awaited promotion when his boss reveals that the only thing standing between him and a new office is a carefully-selected ignoramus. Every month, Tim’s boss hosts a ‘Dinner for Winners’ wherein the higher-level businessmen within the company bring along their very own simpleton to the meal, the best winning a prize for being the most ‘extraordinary’ guest. Enter idiotic buffoon and mouse taxidermist, Barry (Carell). Desperate to secure his promotion, Tim immediately goes on the hunt for the perfect guest, accidently crashing into Barry on the way – literally. Upon realising that Barry is a little bit right of crazy, Tim immediately befriends him and extends an invite to his special dinner party. Starved of affection and friends, Barry is quick to accept. Unfortunately for Tim, Barry is hoping for a lot more than dinner.<br />
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With the help of IRS mastermind Therman (Galifianakis) and obscure animal artist Kieran (Jemaine Clement), Barry unintentionally does his utmost to ruin the life that Tim has worked so hard to maintain. Not only does Barry mess up important client meetings, wreck Tim’s apartment and accidently flag him for a tax inspection, but he also becomes responsible for the swift departure of Tim’s beautiful girlfriend, Julie. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATx0hAyW3ffBiAVfRPI3-_EGEEL_CQ1KGB72lCtDmLUeIFjb7dX-Emv_pbzVUW4tD218u9ZjuNbVWBwRI4qaYeESK3rls_aVtLxRGezH1GOguMHPx9OGCo_qZj2PbCabjeX70sR_6uHhO/s1600/Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATx0hAyW3ffBiAVfRPI3-_EGEEL_CQ1KGB72lCtDmLUeIFjb7dX-Emv_pbzVUW4tD218u9ZjuNbVWBwRI4qaYeESK3rls_aVtLxRGezH1GOguMHPx9OGCo_qZj2PbCabjeX70sR_6uHhO/s320/Dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As Tim fights to put his world to rights, he soon realises that Barry was just naively trying to be helpful. Even after having a lovers tiff, the pair still decides to go to the dinner, even if it will humiliate Barry. The dinner itself doesn’t actually happen until the very end of the film. Each abnormal guest puts on a show, varying from a nutty ventriloquist to a blind swordsman and an animal psychic. Barry showcases his talents by using his mice to demonstrate how mankind has evolved throughout the centuries. As Tim sees the heartfelt display that Barry has put on with his mice, he suddenly develops a conscience and tells the truth to all the ‘special’ guests that are being poked fun of. Although he wrecks the party in doing this, Tim is clearly happy with the prospect of having a clear conscience and also gaining a new friend – which is what a true bromance is about. Unfortunately the dinner offered a rather underwhelming climax, with the jokes sparsely distributed and the cringeworthy nature of the film so overdone by this point, that it is almost frustrating.<br />
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Sadly, what looked like a winning combination on paper fell to pieces on screen. I don’t think this was at all down to the acting however; I stand firm on my love for Galifianakis, Carell and of course Rudd. In this case the script failed the actors, providing jokes that were tired and repetitive and at some points, completely unfunny. Having said that, Paul Rudd plays his usual role of cringey wet-wipe well and Zach Galifianakis provides the most laughs with his mind-control antics. <em>Dinner for Schmucks</em> is not even close to being on the same scale as Role Models, I Love You Man and Anchorman, but the spirit is still there; <strong>6/10</strong>.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-72867332949140199682010-09-25T14:46:00.000-07:002010-09-27T01:08:44.528-07:00Shyamalan proves his horror worth with 'Devil'<div class="MsoNormal">M. Night Shyamalan’s <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1314655/" target="_blank">Devil</a></i> is a claustrophobic and overwrought thriller, offering up a strong footing as the first instalment in his up-and-coming ‘Night Chronicles’ trilogy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR7XDTeqFhPC2lXSIbqrYdrfjpKBfifUa2w7-z012xIQK9tKqWx0Nm3KLz9iDnawj9H6owR2rqwlB9AcqJI1ad4tx0tw7H3HLaTwML1Fe5ueTY3Am4zMo6uyylE1GyD1ioPVzh717S6U4/s1600/Devil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR7XDTeqFhPC2lXSIbqrYdrfjpKBfifUa2w7-z012xIQK9tKqWx0Nm3KLz9iDnawj9H6owR2rqwlB9AcqJI1ad4tx0tw7H3HLaTwML1Fe5ueTY3Am4zMo6uyylE1GyD1ioPVzh717S6U4/s320/Devil.JPG" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>The film works off a supposed old wives tale wherein the devil torments a group of sinners before dragging their souls back with him to hell. Religious and Hispanic security guard, Ramirez, tells the story of how the devil comes to earth, posing as a corrupt human, and brings together this ‘devil’s meeting’. As the story goes, the series of events starts with a suicide and then the eventual deaths of whoever the devil picks to be his victims. In this particular instance, a thug, a blackmailer, a kleptomaniac, a conman and a murderer are all trapped together in an elevator. Unbeknownst to this group of miscreants, the devil is among them.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sceptical detective and recovering alcoholic, Bowden, is brought to the scene where a lift has mysteriously stuck itself between two floors of a busy city skyscraper. Unable to communicate properly with the elevator’s inhabitants and with limited resource to restore the lift to full workability, all the police and security guards can do is watch the fear unfold on a small surveillance camera. The panic of the five trapped strangers is magnified by their close proximity, so when the lights flicker and the bumping and crashing begins, they are all thrown into a terrifying turmoil. This is when the devil claims his first victim. Starting with the salesman being impaled by the lift mirror, every time the lights go out, someone suffers a gruesome and painful death. To their captive audience, it is instantly assumed that one of the five is a homicidal maniac, biding his/her time and waiting to kill their fellow inmates. Only Ramirez, who thinks he saw the devil’s face flicker on the CCTV footage, is convinced that something supernatural is afoot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bowden initially refuses to embrace an idea that defies all logic, but quickly it all becomes too impossible and he starts to think that maybe the devil is behind it all. As the group is rapidly whittled down, Detective Bowden encourages an increased effort to rescue them from certain death.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It soon becomes apparent that the devil doesn’t want anyone interfering in his plans and even causes the death or injury of any innocents that try to get in his way. Not only that but it is ultimately discovered that the viewers watching the events unfold on CCTV aren’t there by mere coincidence either; everything has been carefully orchestrated by the devil.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">With a classic ominous horror score and clever cinematography, primarily sweeping upside-down shots of Philadelphia, the film is strengthened by its strong attention to detail. Colours and numbers also play a great significance. Not wanting to ruin the ending on this one, I won’t reveal who the ‘devil’ turns out to be, but I guarantee the film carries off a ritual M. Night twist and will keep you guessing and perpetually on the edge of your seat...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite the sceptical comments of the press, Shyamalan storms into the horror genre, emerging a success and proving that Signs and The Sixth Sense weren’t just a couple of flukes. Let’s hope part two of the trilogy (rumoured to be named ‘Reincarnate’) can continue what Shyamalan has started with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Devil</i>. If you still have a little bit of faith in this talented writer, or simply need that faith restored, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Devil </i>is definitely a must-see. I was shocked that on the second weekend of opening I was sitting in a pretty empty cinema screen. A shame really, as I’d give the film <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10</b>.</div>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-64897140848447796442010-09-15T06:18:00.000-07:002010-09-15T06:18:44.293-07:00Another action-packed zombie-fest from Paul Anderson<span lang="EN-GB"> <div align="left" dir="ltr">World-famed gaming franchise, Resident Evil, has returned yet again for another action-packed zombie-mutant movie in the form of third sequel, <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1220634/">Resident Evil: Afterlife</a></i>. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
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</div><div align="left" dir="ltr">The film gets off to a promising start in the opening credits by travelling back four years to see how the t-virus and the Umbrella Corporation gained its foothold. This introductory scene is set in a rainy part of Japan and has some very strong cinematography, primarily when the camera focuses on a young girl in the middle of a busy pedestrian crossing, symbolically set amongst a ceiling of umbrellas. She slowly meets eyes with an older man and then instantly pounces on him, ripping into his neck and starting the spread of the T-Virus. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Picking up from the end of the last film, the first 20minutes of <i>Resident Evil: Afterlife</i> focuses on Alice (Milla Jovovich) successfully destroying the underground base of Umbrella and its inhabitants, with the help of her trusty clones. Albeit flawless in delivery, the initial Matrix-esque fight scene is just too long and a bit excessive – so much so that I was reasonably pleased when Wesker, Umbrella’s latest head honcho, escapes in a plane and blows the HQ (and Alice’s clones) to smithereens. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Wesker soon discovers the ‘original Alice’ lurking in the back of his plane, and after a brief stand-off, manages to stab her in the neck with a syringe containing the cure for the t-virus. Sure enough, Alice manages to escape from Wesker’s clutches but thanks to the anti-virus, has now lost all her supernatural powers. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr">The film maintains a reasonable storyline; despite some evident plotholes. Alice, in her returned-to-human state heads to Alaska to find Claire and the rest of her friends, only to discover that the whole Arcadia rescue mission was a farce, a trap set by Umbrella so that they had new specimens to experiment on. Only Claire has been left behind, and even she has been marred by memory loss, courtesy of an electrical parasite from Umbrella. Once Claire has regained her memories, the pair of them head back to LA to find and save their friends, having to battle a zombie or two on the way.</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Unfortunately, despite a reasonable enough beginning, <i>Resident Evil: Afterlife</i> loses its way by not explaining enough about what’s going on. Followers of the games will be fine, and probably even pleased to see some newer game concepts taken into the film, but any other viewer would be left with gazillions of questions, ranging from: ‘where did Chris Redfield and Wesker come from?’ to, ‘Who’s that big guy with the axe?’ (The Executioner), and ‘why are the zombies even more mutated all of a sudden?!’</div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
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</div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Although this film may be harder to follow than its predecessors, I’m still convinced that Resident Evil fanboys who follow the games religiously will be satisfied with the level of action, and the likeness between film and game. <i>Resident Evil: Afterlife</i> makes up for a lack of dialogue by retaining the traditional Resident Evil ethos; killing a shitload of zombies and looking hot doing it. The film also maintains its usual tense, edge of your seat feeling, significantly magnified by the use of 3D. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Aided by the omnipresent RealD technology, some great post-apocalyptic SFX, and Jovovich kicking ass just as much as usual, I give it <b>6/10</b>. </div><div align="left" dir="ltr"><br />
</div><div align="left" dir="ltr">Oh, and just a side-note, make sure you stay past the credits – there’s one of those sneaky ‘extra bits’ afterwards. And yes. It sets the film up for yet another continuation… </div></span>wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-22840276153994175112010-09-10T05:46:00.000-07:002010-09-10T06:08:42.847-07:00One hell of a Jacuzzi ride!Serving up a platter of laughs, eighties frolics and, lets face it, one damn good Jacuzzi, <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/" target="_blank">Hot Tub Time Machine</a></em> outdoes itself with some stellar Hollywood comedic-types and the ability to mock it’s own storyline. <br />
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<em>Hot Tub Time Machine</em> follows four deadbeats who are down on life, love and have generally lost momentum: Adam (John Cusack) is an uptight insurance broker who has been heartlessly dumped by his girlfriend; Jacob (Clark Duke) is a geeky teen, unable to leave his basement and glued to his laptop; Nick (Craig Robinson) is a down on his luck ex-rocker who now cleans up dog crap for a living; and Lou (Rob Corddry) is a steaming drunk whose family hates him. <br />
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After a supposed suicide attempt from Lou and in an effort to escape from the ever-increasing rut the four of them are slipping into, the four guys decide to take a weekend break to their old ski-resort haunt, Kodiak Valley. The hotel is nothing like it was in their eighties heyday and is significantly run down – even the bell boy is missing an arm! Luckily, the guys are fortunate enough to have a shiny looking hot tub on their veranda, which they waste no time in jumping into.<br />
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A mountain of booze, a squirrel and one can of illegal energy drink ‘Chernobley’ later, and the troubled foursome are not only suffering from pruney fingers and a killer hangover – they’re also surrounded by eighties paraphernalia. With brightly coloured lycra, cassette players, giant mobile phones (just like Dom Joly) and the fact that Michael Jackson is still white, they soon discover that they’ve been inexplicably fired back to the eighties; Winterfest ’86 to be precise.<br />
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With the time-bending hot tub fried, Adam, Nick and Lou embrace their eighties counterparts. As it goes with all time travelling movies, Jacob is quick to inform them that they have to repeat exactly what happened the first time round, or they may change the future. For Adam this means being stabbed in the eye with a fork, whilst Lou gets beaten up and Nick performs awfully with his band and gets booed off stage. Without even intending to, they do things insanely different but still end up getting injured in some way or another. A mysterious repairman, in the form of Chevy Chase, appears to tell them they shouldn’t be changing things and that they must find a can of Chernobley to get home as that was what spilled on the hot tub electrics, turning it into a <em>Hot Tub Time Machine</em>! <br />
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Together they hunt down and recover the Chernobley, which had been stolen by the guys who beat Lou up, and rush to get home. Lou, confessing he really was trying to kill himself in the present, stays in the past, hoping he can change his life for the better. He wasn’t wrong. Adam, Nick and Jacob return to the present to find Lou has exploited his knowledge of the future and is a billionaire, making his money from search engine, ‘Lougle’ and rock band ‘The Motley Lou’. Take that Butterfly Effect!<br />
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<em>Hot Tub Time Machine</em> is a guilty-pleasure comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The storyline is nothing but ridiculous and it seems the writers knew this and just did the film for a bit of a giggle. Hearty laugh out loud moments, a corking eighties soundtrack and some of my favourite comedy faces gives this one: <strong>6.5/10</strong>. <br />
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It doesn’t have Marty McFly and a flux capacitor, but it’s still pretty good going.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-24986293342430760012010-09-07T09:32:00.000-07:002010-09-07T09:36:03.026-07:00An increasing pile of dead people and a seemingly innocent child? Never. Time to open Case 39.<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795351/" target="_blank"><i>Case 39</i></a>, starring Renee Zellweger as social worker Emily, is a supernatural thriller that extorts the repetitive Damien-style ‘devil child’ story.<br />
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Emily’s new case, funnily enough her 39th one, is with the Sullivans and their daughter Lilith. On the surface, the Sullivans are a dysfunctional family who have it drilled into their heads that Lilith is some demon spawn that needs to be sent to hell. One scene in particular, where the Sullivans barricade their daughter into a large oven, is quite harrowing and really highlights the sadistic nature of child abuse. However, this is one of the films only saving graces.<br />
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After a rather dramatic rescue, workaholic Emily manages to get the Sullivans checked into a first-class psychiatric facility, leaving Lilith in her capable hands. Obviously it becomes clear all too quickly that Lilith isn’t all sweetness and light as originally observed and Emily soon finds the people closest to her dying bizarre deaths; most notably the supposed suicide of love interest and child psychiatrist Doug, played by Bradley Cooper. Confessing earlier in the film to Lilith that he has a fear of hornets, rather fittingly Doug finds himself locked in his own bathroom with hornets flying out of every orifice. Not pretty. Although Doug’s death is suitably disturbing, the film fails in making him a worthy love interest for Emily and also struggles in introducing the character effectively to the viewer.<br />
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As things get progressively worse, Emily resorts to working longer hours than usual, leaving Lilith home alone, hiding all her case files so Lilith can’t contact any of her case targets, and even putting deadbolts on her bedroom door. It soon becomes apparent however, that it’ll take more than a few locks to keep Lilith at bay, and Emily resigns herself to the fact that she needs to kill the child, or the demon inside of her. Despite several attempts to get rid of Lilith, Emily soon discovers that she is able to survive more deaths than Jason. Eventually she resorts to driving them both into a river, finally killing the beast (we hope!) and nearly fatally harming herself. Sadly for Emily, by this point she has already lost her best buddy, potential boyfriend and has no home to speak of. Bummer.<br />
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The film left me with one lingering question: why had the Sullivans never thought of drowning Lilith in the first place? If it was really that easy, then why the hell not? The ending was a bit of a cop-out for me, after all, would a bit of water really kill a little girl who can murder people with a mere thought, survive a house fire and who is insusceptible to sedation?! Don’t think so…<br />
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<i>Case 39</i> succeeds in offering up several tense and supernatural moments but these are short-lived, meaning it gets a perhaps over-generous <b>5/10</b> from me. Unfortunately it’s a storyline that has been rehashed too many times and it’s unsurprising that Paramount delayed the release for so long. Worth a Blockbuster rental but I won’t be adding it to my DVD collection anytime soon. <br />
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My recommendation, if you want a real spine-tingling ‘creepy kids’ TV spot, is Supernatural’s ‘<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1032134/" target="_blank">The Kids Are Alright</a>’ – Season 3, Episode 2. Scary shizzle.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-46392916811964787562010-09-07T09:27:00.000-07:002010-09-07T09:27:44.230-07:00M.I.A.Apologies for being missing in action over the last week peeps (or the few of you that follow me!) - it's been a hectic one! Just to keep you filled in on the goings-on of you favourite reviewer (ha ha), I've been busy with the following:<br />
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A wedding:<br />
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...a weekend away to Suffolk, w/hot tub:<br />
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...injuries (urgh):<br />
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...and also not forgetting, a disposable barby! Ahoy!:<br />
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I hope these are sufficient excuses for you...if not: TOUGH. ;) Never fear though, I have reviews for the likes of Case 39, Legion, Hot Tub Time Machine and many more in the pipeline. Stay tuned. Or whatever the reading equivalent is....<br />
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Peace.<br />
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Alex Xwonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-55170246990481008612010-08-27T02:56:00.000-07:002010-09-09T05:25:50.477-07:00Scott Pilgrim is the Sex Bob-Omb!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVC4bbj0Sk4JiICwN9sVcGs2KK9vbXQq5OUQSQC6Nj0kGv1TaIQoU6LMmWJqU-E3JZpUDAxciRS7mEZmyxOiYeELZdL1aIWOkxTh3XjWlNmuxn5VU_i4psJBopzoVO3AhA6iOhJGZxs6P6/s1600/Scott+Pilgrim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVC4bbj0Sk4JiICwN9sVcGs2KK9vbXQq5OUQSQC6Nj0kGv1TaIQoU6LMmWJqU-E3JZpUDAxciRS7mEZmyxOiYeELZdL1aIWOkxTh3XjWlNmuxn5VU_i4psJBopzoVO3AhA6iOhJGZxs6P6/s400/Scott+Pilgrim.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The eagerly anticipated <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446029/">Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World</a></em> from director Edgar Wright, serves up a plate of nonsensical, unsolicited fun. With kick-ass fighting scenes that out-do the likes of Tekken, a range of awesome indie tunes, and incredible visuals throughout, the film is the perfect escape from reality for any moody teen or big kid.<br />
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Scott Pilgrim, lovingly played by the geeky yet cute Michael Cera <em>(Juno, Year One, Superbad)</em>, is a twenty-something bass player with little direction in life. Cue sexy bad girl Ramona Flowers. Pilgrim falls madly in love with Ramona, only to discover she comes with more baggage than the usual girl, in the form of 7 evil exes. What comes next is a multitude of justifiably over-the-top battles, incorporating some fab fight moves from Cera, electrical music monsters, a load of comic-book stylings and super-powers cool enough to give Spidey a run for his money.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The highlight of the film is its likeness to eighties videogames, like Pac-Man. Everytime Pilgrim successfully defeats an ex, they explode into coins. Not only that, but the Pilgrim-verse gives Scott the ability to gain extra lives, fight in split screen and have all the onomatopoeias you can ask for showing up on screen whenever he throws a punch. Also, whenever a new character is introduced, their name and age comes up next to them on screen; again this gives a virtual feel to the movie.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G2kwtW3n_zSZUAcpEOBSBIgVcnbjFuHR6oB7q3gvwExNefxANvrnE_k6-_2ab8KhnDUxg3-rKMapMPun-F5IBM9TbZ0Tb7zkf60c8uUaXRXKSu71KvjFn682W4aDBrCWsm0Xuf4YXQ9T/s1600/Scott+Pilgrim+-+fight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G2kwtW3n_zSZUAcpEOBSBIgVcnbjFuHR6oB7q3gvwExNefxANvrnE_k6-_2ab8KhnDUxg3-rKMapMPun-F5IBM9TbZ0Tb7zkf60c8uUaXRXKSu71KvjFn682W4aDBrCWsm0Xuf4YXQ9T/s320/Scott+Pilgrim+-+fight.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Brandon Routh plays avid vegan Todd, my favourite evil ex. His super-powers are seemingly enforced by his pretentious vegan nature and although he struggles to string an intelligent sentence together he proves to be a tough kill for Pilgrim. Another character that gives the film that little bit extra is Wallace Wells, Pilgrim’s gay roommate. Played by Kieran Culkin, Wallace offers a vast amount of comedic value with his ability to send a gossipy text even when he’s passed out, by turning straight men gay, and by generally highlighting Scott’s stupidity and ineptitude with women.</div><br />
Wright succeeds in keeping the film as true to the graphic novels as possible, whilst adding his own British spin. Snappy cut scenes, as seen in previous Edgar Wright gems Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, are used to effect when Pilgrim is rushing off to battle his next nemesis. The film is well cast and although it has its fair share of special effects, it doesn’t rely on these to carry the film, unlike a lot of current blockbusters. A wicked sense of British humour, several cringe-worthy moments and an underlying love story really help the film come into it’s own. <br />
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With a simplistic yet relatable storyline and enough KOs, smashes, biffs and POW!s to keep any comic-book fan happy, <em>Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World</em> gets <strong>9/10</strong>.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-68397642382734918572010-08-24T05:44:00.000-07:002010-08-24T05:44:51.454-07:00Keep telling yourself it’s only a story…Last weekend I took a trip to London to see one of the West End’s newest additions, <em><a href="http://www.ghoststoriestheshow.co.uk/home.php">Ghost Stories</a></em>. Normally I stick to TV and film, but this piece of fried gold blew me away so much – I just had to spread the word! As the show begs for the viewer to ‘keep the secrets of <em>Ghost Stories</em>’ I will happily oblige and keep this review short and sweet, without giving away anything to ruin it. <br />
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Before the show even begins you are filled with a sense of foreboding, sparked by the décor in the Leicester Square’s Duke of Yorks Theatre which is kitted out with industrial lighting, dark wallpapers, hazard tape and cob-webbing. The experience as a whole, including being shut into the theatre and told that ‘anyone who leaves won’t get back in’, really kick-starts the whole style and atmosphere of the show.<br />
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Mark Carter (understudy) plays Professor Goodman, an expert in parapsychology and yet an evident sceptic. Carter is great, building up a rapport with the viewers from the outset by using a conversational tone and employing a touch of audience participation. The professor shows the audience a variety of recordings and images, supposedly conveying paranormal activities, each of which he hastily explains away. Only three stories have ever given him cause to question his scepticism, which he proceeds to tell with the help of his trusty tape recorder and four other flawless actors. Each story succeeds, with the help of some wonderfully executed sounds and lighting, in making the audience shriek and jump with fear, all in unison, and the ending offers a delightful twist that you don’t see coming.<br />
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Andy Nyman’s <em>Ghost Stories</em> is an edge of your seat horror taken to new heights by the initial concept of having the terror physically in front of you. Sights, sounds, and even smells, are all magnified to make it an intense experience, outdoing anything a simple DVD can provide.<br />
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Would I go again? Hell yes; I do love a good scare. Book it, book it now! <strong>9/10</strong>.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-79612067768234684752010-08-23T06:22:00.000-07:002010-08-25T02:57:52.563-07:00I love it when an action film comes together!As someone who was probably a bit too young to get caught up in the craze of the series, I wasn’t really sure whether I was going to enjoy <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0429493/" target="_blank"><em>The A-Team</em></a> or not. So you can imagine my surprise when, despite initial reservations, I found myself grinning from ear to ear throughout.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>The A-Team</em> offers 100% straight-up action from the outset, with unbelievable stunts fuelled by farfetched and perfectly executed plans. The primary mission (recovering some stolen U.S. treasury plates) is secondary to the action plan itself - you could almost say it’s irrelevant. The ethos of the film doesn’t really seem to be ‘where are we going and why’ but more about the journey, the plans and the events in between; namely some impossible helicopter flights, high-power car chases and a rather interesting use of some old airbags. A token romance involving girl-next-door Jessica Biel is thrown in but thankfully not overdone, leaving much more leg-room for the action element.</div><br />
Although elaborate, the infamous<em> </em>A-Team plans would be nothing without the four men that carry them out. Colonel “Hannibal” Smith (Neeson), Templeton “Faceman” Peck (Cooper), Bosco “B.A.” Baracus (Jackson) and insane pilot, “Howling Mad” Murdock (Copley), are four renegade comrades-in-arms on a crusade to clear their names. Wrongly accused about their involvement in the missing plates, our beloved A-Team are striped of their ranks and put in separate maximum security prisons. Obviously, with the brilliant mind of Hannibal at the helm, prison isn’t enough to keep them tied down for long.<br />
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One character who really stood out for me was Murdock, played by the ever-talented Sharlto Copley. After the success of District 9, what could he do wrong? The answer: not a damn lot. Copley acted his part flawlessly, with a dash of smarts and just the perfect amount of crazy thrown in to play the off-the-wall pilot. B.A. Baracus, played by ex-wrestler Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, is definitely worth a mention, as even with the big shoes of Mr. T to fill, Jackson did a first-class job in taking on the comedic role of the big softie. Neeson is his usual self, playing the steadfast, intellectual group leader without a hiccup, and Bradley Cooper doesn’t have to do much to play the notoriously handsome Face, but he does well in bringing his own flair to the character which as we discover, isn’t just a pretty face after all. When he puts his mind to it, Faceman contributes a lot to the plans that power the A-Team.<br />
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Overall, the basis of the film seems to be more focused on the introduction of the characters that make up the group rather than the provision of an original storyline. Despite that, I actually really enjoyed getting to know all the characters and just experiencing some pure action, no questions asked. My hope is that better storylines are to come in the form of a sequel (or two!), which must be on the cards. <br />
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So, if you have a hankering for an action movie dose and you can’t stand it; you can watch the A-TEAM! Jam-packed with over-the-top stunts and killer rock tunes, <em>The A-Team</em> will fix you up good and proper.<br />
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This one gets <strong>7/10</strong> from moi.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-45167219899690717872010-08-20T05:37:00.000-07:002010-09-09T05:26:27.708-07:00Sexed-up British teens get a scareBBC Films’ recent teen horror, <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1100053/" target="_blank">Tormented</a></em>, is a ghastly black comedy about a student who commits suicide and then returns to torture and take revenge on his ex-classmates.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgdMJ6_lE9JvqifN8A3W5SlSIRRaZoE1WoPcBHm8aaMwkorAMCAMWVruYljv6OzC6hDEmuRqp7qhPP6suGnMjtDY7P3fQOatxTcaS4GIN7puxEYJT2PCV67oPC6XZAfIwUM8JPqd1cL53/s1600/tormented-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgdMJ6_lE9JvqifN8A3W5SlSIRRaZoE1WoPcBHm8aaMwkorAMCAMWVruYljv6OzC6hDEmuRqp7qhPP6suGnMjtDY7P3fQOatxTcaS4GIN7puxEYJT2PCV67oPC6XZAfIwUM8JPqd1cL53/s320/tormented-poster.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Starring several throwbacks from the Channel 4 programme Skins, <em>Tormented</em> wastes no time in jumping straight into the story, beginning the film with the funeral of student Darren Mullet. It is clear from the outset that Mullet, or Shrek as he is perpetually referred to, was invisible to most of his classmates and those that did notice him subjected him to bullying hell. The popular kids that offered Mullet nothing more than torment, headed by wannabe bad-boy Bradley (Alex Pettyfer), disrespectfully throw a shindig to celebrate his demise.<br />
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We don’t see Mullet’s super-freaky ghost until about half-way through the movie, but prior to that quick snapping frames and rather shaky camerawork is employed for us to see through the eyes of Mullet. <br />
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Mullet’s first victim is the idiot DJ at Bradley’s party. This may because he thinks he’s a mini-gangster or perhaps, more likely, that when deviating from the party he decides to void his bladder on Mullet’s grave. Bloodily impaled by a wooden cross, this DJ definitely isn’t gangster. Sorry.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8K6aEHmx7A6CUr1cgqikP6b7HWAL5a49qWwpcfkSTD_qTHzpk8HbHDzl-MHhADrof-16rQVuW92KSozwDKomPP4nFVrauMjV2ysBMtpdivaOyIfL1lmcg-KATlvWv3OZdcBrue4_EVQ3/s1600/the-tormented-darren-mullet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8K6aEHmx7A6CUr1cgqikP6b7HWAL5a49qWwpcfkSTD_qTHzpk8HbHDzl-MHhADrof-16rQVuW92KSozwDKomPP4nFVrauMjV2ysBMtpdivaOyIfL1lmcg-KATlvWv3OZdcBrue4_EVQ3/s200/the-tormented-darren-mullet.jpg" width="129" /></a>Several unsettling appearances in windows and mirrors later, Mullet launches full speed into taking out the entire group that caused him to kill himself in the first place. Mullet racks up a multitude of different killing methods, including drowning, decapitation, impaling, whipping and rather strangely, forcing pencils up someone’s nose a *little* too far. Head Girl Justine is one of the only ones he does little harm to as according to his suicide note; he was madly in love with her. Unfortunately being the last one standing does her no favours, as she quickly gets all the blame for the serial killings and ends up in the back of a police car.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Key black comedy points include:<br />
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<ul><li>A girl being drowned in the swimming pool by Mullet; he does this by using his weight and girth to sit on her, pinning her to the floor of the pool. Worth noting that he wears goggles. Since when does a ghost need googles?!</li>
<li>A bunch of stereotypical goth kids at the school who think ‘death is so erogenous’ and wish they could be just like Mullet. They also want to do a mash-up of the funeral march.</li>
<li>Mullet’s ghostly force is powered by his inhaler.</li>
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<em>Tormented</em> is a typical Brit horror-flick with sexy romps and an unhappy ending, but offers a plotline that has some decent substance. Not only that, but despite its comedic nature, the film does well to highlight the seriousness of bullying. Hats off BBC! <br />
Gets 5.5<strong>/10</strong> from me (1/2 a brownie point just for being British. England ahoy!)<br />
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Also, just an aside: unlike most US films set in schools, it’s nice to see teens playing teens, rather than actors in their late twenties playing young-uns! I loved Dawson’s Creek but it just wasn’t realistic.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-47421501874422882652010-08-20T01:36:00.000-07:002010-08-25T02:58:15.310-07:00My 10 Best 'Chick Flicks'Cheese, madam? Don't mind if I do!<br />
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Following my humdinger of a '10 Worst Chick Flicks' blog on Tuesday, I have decided to transversely discuss my '10 Best Chick Flicks' > as promised. Herewith the list of my 10 favourite cheesy/girly movies that I adore and, in most cases, have watched so many times I know all the songs and the scripts backwards. Each one gives me that warm fuzzy feeling inside that all good chick flicks should. Hope you all agree!<br />
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Voila! (again in no particular order):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO9HT9ekS4ak8NF_D7fsN8sl-Vc5tFILDxXZ5C5mo_ec8Z4LQQG5k9Qe9crnRjmTBnbhIZW1meuxGfNi3nyPWovXWhfybqpUAWTLDxPcdx1-TmYAgjqqyqHXZ26GShHADQlYCUQ1QpxC6/s1600/BestChick1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO9HT9ekS4ak8NF_D7fsN8sl-Vc5tFILDxXZ5C5mo_ec8Z4LQQG5k9Qe9crnRjmTBnbhIZW1meuxGfNi3nyPWovXWhfybqpUAWTLDxPcdx1-TmYAgjqqyqHXZ26GShHADQlYCUQ1QpxC6/s320/BestChick1.jpg" /></a></div><strong><u>Mannequin</u></strong> – An eighties classic, Mannequin provides all you could ask for in a chick flick. A guy, a girl, a romance…the only problem here is that our leading lady (Kim Cattrall) happens to be a dummy. Well…more precisely, a dress-up doll in a department store that comes alive at night. Providing the perfect obstacle to love (that’s the bit in the middle of any romantic film, where for some reason the lovers and pulled apart by some ‘event’ before being beautifully reunited! Bliss), Mannequin is a must for any hapless romantic who doesn’t mind seeing the odd eighties quiff here and there.<br />
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<strong><u>Sleepless in Seattle</u></strong> – Young Hanks and Ryan perform beautifully in this epic tale of romance. If you haven’t seen it already, WHAT THE HELL?! Never has a film filled me with such good vibes about a building. Empire State, I love you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_T44khFuAP-A6gh3JCGUhCiiPLUlI4hWL8URkmSlAyEm5xZbmUCdx12Ma0jVz4a0BcTepoaU3WRIO_3h5sGm3wmRmxjz9659a8o0ZDEAH-mcw30wfNUCQT6J_PoVfSfQ_AUabLO0PF8Mj/s1600/BestChick3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_T44khFuAP-A6gh3JCGUhCiiPLUlI4hWL8URkmSlAyEm5xZbmUCdx12Ma0jVz4a0BcTepoaU3WRIO_3h5sGm3wmRmxjz9659a8o0ZDEAH-mcw30wfNUCQT6J_PoVfSfQ_AUabLO0PF8Mj/s320/BestChick3.jpg" /></a></div><strong><u>How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days</u></strong> – Albeit modern and a rehash of other films before it, I find How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days really comforting as far as chick flicks go. It’s a balls out, no frills, chick flick. Not only that but Matthew McConaughey (in his less fake-tanned days) and Kate Hudson make a beautiful couple to look at. How could anyone not find this film appealing? McConaughey’s Southern charm and Hudson’s dulcid tones make it an all round pleasant experience. A feel-good movie if I ever saw one!<br />
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<strong><u>Beaches</u></strong> – A tale of two childhood friends from different worlds. Theatre, love, hardships and death, Beaches is a must when wanting to watch a girly film about ever-lasting friendship. As the tagline says: ‘Once in a lifetime you make a friendship that lasts forever’. Awww. Honest to god though, makes me sob everytime. Plus Bette Midler brings her usual sparkle to the film.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDpZAqzbP_MIYodO-bIcOeh7zZwLzkETw68D4tzbUA6OEdOJNFa6R6blVsjIzINGm1U_lsoORmBsOnmkQzBu-bXhDyzYZeIldYkwfmupxEC6CBiLAZudhogzjaLn3mQSfQjsJLuFxTGpW/s1600/BestChick2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDpZAqzbP_MIYodO-bIcOeh7zZwLzkETw68D4tzbUA6OEdOJNFa6R6blVsjIzINGm1U_lsoORmBsOnmkQzBu-bXhDyzYZeIldYkwfmupxEC6CBiLAZudhogzjaLn3mQSfQjsJLuFxTGpW/s320/BestChick2.jpg" /></a></div><strong><u>Legally Blonde</u></strong> – This is my guilty pleasure movie. I’m not traditionally a girly girl, but I can’t get enough of the pinks, the beauty parlours and little Bruiser, the Chihuahua. Despite ‘Elle Woods’ being a dippy, rich blonde that everyone loves to hate, Witherspoon really does well in making the character relatable. The story follows Elle in her journey to get back her high-school boyfriend who dumps her because he wants to date ‘a Jackie; not a Marilyn’. Attempting to prove her merit, she somehow scrapes into Harvard Law School and through her own determination and fierce will, becomes top of the class. This film gives the true essence of chick-flick by enforcing ‘girl-power’ (in the words of the Spice Girls).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTUGZiEQzedxEP5fsYjsvWM-oRndXKjjArlM3JwP-684FUNkdiOQchxMgoX3dw4ODJaVtG_fHO0MrdE9WxsckAUflW-N8LvWLjAk91zBOXUsk7-edmDqyN8OVkh8LjF0QqwCkirkZGygK/s1600/BestChick4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTUGZiEQzedxEP5fsYjsvWM-oRndXKjjArlM3JwP-684FUNkdiOQchxMgoX3dw4ODJaVtG_fHO0MrdE9WxsckAUflW-N8LvWLjAk91zBOXUsk7-edmDqyN8OVkh8LjF0QqwCkirkZGygK/s320/BestChick4.jpg" /></a></div><strong><u>Cruel Intentions</u></strong> – Another Witherspoon classic (can you guess I’m a fan yet?). I don’t want to give away too much, but with a hot bad-boy male lead (Ryan Phillipe) a sex-crazed step sister (SMG) and a frigid cello player (Selma Blair), this film provides fun for all the family. Well. Most anyway. A fantastic love affair and a heart-wrenching ending give this film a distinction in the chick flick category.<br />
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<strong><u>The Wedding Singer</u></strong> – This one’s not traditionally a chick-flick (probably more of a rom/com), but I’m a chick and I, er, love this flick. This the only film that Sandler is really fanciable and when he sings on the plane at the end > my heart melts. One of my fave movies EVER.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfuE9wj443S7KgXJUWippGAQCtAsBIc-v1GRnV27OWDIePI_diQomq99T3PRQpwqX6J7SPZY89P70E26Zhm_6_Yi8Mepguu3_YAn6xCleWIV0XDhfNaRO4a73I10QWZFEdDIkyHG2JEOQ/s1600/BestChick5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfuE9wj443S7KgXJUWippGAQCtAsBIc-v1GRnV27OWDIePI_diQomq99T3PRQpwqX6J7SPZY89P70E26Zhm_6_Yi8Mepguu3_YAn6xCleWIV0XDhfNaRO4a73I10QWZFEdDIkyHG2JEOQ/s320/BestChick5.jpg" /></a></div><strong><u>Ever After</u></strong> – Combine some period costume with a classic fairytale, a beautifully British male lead, a stonkingly gorgeous heroine and music from the awesome Texas and you’ve got a winner. Ever After is a wondrous adaptation of the original Cinderella tale, with the amazing Drew Barrymore taking the lead role. Barrymore is oppressed by her wicked Stepmother, played to perfection by Angelica Huston, and two ugly step sisters. Actually, they aren’t really ugly at all, just pretty horrid. Just as the original story goes, our Cinders is bullied and hidden away until she is discovered by the handsome Prince Charming, Dougray Scott. There’s a little bit of hoo-ha, but then guess what? They live happily Ever After. I adore this story anyway, but with the help of some stellar acting and beautiful dresses, it really comes into its own level as a chick flick.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIM__h0WgjViNsrmvku16NUptq0tfuLVd_zzcqRUDpJo6hYkOZ3HTRKPjxlzqaibAyvzRb1oWf-Ch8ESThbfOnLdqEd3AulNpd8cnOcUz5dfvI9JFSkMk336bbhrrwZHzmt9XPVAQtW4n/s1600/BestChick6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIM__h0WgjViNsrmvku16NUptq0tfuLVd_zzcqRUDpJo6hYkOZ3HTRKPjxlzqaibAyvzRb1oWf-Ch8ESThbfOnLdqEd3AulNpd8cnOcUz5dfvI9JFSkMk336bbhrrwZHzmt9XPVAQtW4n/s320/BestChick6.jpg" /></a><strong><u>Dirty Dancing</u></strong> – ‘No-one puts Baby in a corner’, and this film doesn’t deserve to be put in one either. Clichéd and over-played as it is, Dirty Dancing is the daddy of chick flicks and deserves a lot of credit for being the first of its kind. Not only that, but there’s some kick-ass dancing too. You go Swayze!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>Titanic</u></strong> – Albeit a lengthy film that needs mental preparation, Titanic succeeds in being the perfect chick flick. Pauper Jack (DiCaprio) falls for the very rich, and very engaged, Rose (Winslet) whilst both of them are on the Titanic’s maiden voyage across the Atlantic. Loosely based on a true story, we already know the tragic ending of the ocean liner, but in this film, that all gets forgotten as you get swept up in the whirlwind romance. Unfortunately, this one has no happy ending for Jack & Rose, as I’m sure everyone knows, and makes me ball my eyes out every time.</div><br />
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Can you think of 10 you'd prefer?wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530250751049823036.post-30658495900888040002010-08-17T11:42:00.000-07:002010-08-23T10:16:44.947-07:00‘Did I fall asleep..?’ – How on earth could I?!Last week I had to do a TV programme review on a recent sci-fri programme...and here it is! Ta da!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The uber-awesome <i>Dollhouse </i>cast</td></tr>
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The genius that is Joss Whedon has brought us a portfolio of sci-fi gold over the years, ranging from the omnipresent Buffy to the futuristic Firefly - not to mention a few musical numbers to boot! Last year saw the arrival of <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135300/" target="_blank">Dollhouse</a></i>.<br />
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Headed by one of Whedon’s best, foxy starlet Eliza Dushku, <i>Dollhouse</i> provides a myriad of technological wonders, presenting you with the concept that people are dolls, or ‘Actives’, that can easily be wiped and programmed at will.<br />
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Centred on Caroline/Echo (Dushku), the show takes us on the journey of her selfawareness, whilst simultaneously offering episodic storylines wherein we see the dolls sent on engagements, some of which are pretty sordid! The Actives at the LA branch of the <i>Dollhouse</i> are our main focus, and all are cleverly named after the phonetic alphabet. The likes of Victor, Whiskey, Sierra, November, and of course, Echo, demonstrate a range of personas, sometimes plonked into the most mundane, and other times, the most bizarre situations. From high-risk criminal ventures to loving interludes, no episode is the same and, if anything, <i>Dollhouse</i> really earns its merit by giving all of its actors the chance to showcase their talents.<br />
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After each engagement, the Actives are ‘wiped’ of each character imprint by Topher, the resident techy geek. However, this doesn’t really work on our heroine Echo, who retains some memories from each person she transforms into. Gradually, she comes to terms with the fact that she is a doll, with her services being prostituted to the highest bidder. Suffice to say, she, with the help of FBI buddy Paul Ballard, is eager to fight back and break away from the exploitations of the <i>Dollhouse</i>. Unfortunately this isn’t as easy as it may seem. Even Ballard, with his unhealthy Echo obsession, gets roped in to working for them in the end, albeit an attempt to take them down from the inside.<br />
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Both season finales are worth a mention, as they interestingly jump forward in time to a post-apocalyptic future. Without giving too much away, it stages the uprising of the dolls, as well as showing how advanced the <i>Dollhouse</i> technology has become and subsequently, what it has done to the human race.<br />
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A definite must, <i>Dollhouse</i> comes up trumps for me and I’ve already pre-ordered Season 2 on DVD. If only it hadn’t been so prematurely cancelled…<br />
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In the words of Mutant Enemy: ‘Grr. Argh.’<br />
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This futuristic sci-fi drama deserves a decent <b>7.5</b><strong>/10</strong>.wonderg1rlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18236332319619504257noreply@blogger.com0