Amazed & Confused

"We called the dog Indie"

This is a very good thing...

Long live Indie! Eeek, I am seriously excited!

Making decisions

I've been hesitant about writing this post. For the last few months I've been debating whether or not I want to go and see The Golden Compass released in UK cinemas today. I love fantasy, I love stories that draw you in about battles between good and evil and I like to question myself about the things I read and watch. Some of my decisions may not be popular (I am a Harry Potter lover) but I do try to consider them and there have been things I've chosen not to read or watch because they're not true, noble, right, pure or lovely (Phil 4:8). Though in this day and age I'm not sure many things would fall within that list...

Recent Films Run Down

Though a mixed bag the last few weeks cinema viewing have been mostly pleasent. Our unlimited cinema passes have been smoking at the edges and Steve is slowly colouring in more and more of his mugshot. Thought I'd share my five star ratings and recommendations...

In a month far far away...

I have found my next great adventure... The Star Wars Convention comes to the UK in May!!! I guttingly had to miss the Revenge of the Sith premiere due to a prior 24-7 speaking engagement so I feel my ship has come in. I finally get to dress up and they'll even train me to be a Jedi. It doesn't get much better than that :D xc

Movie Club resurected!

Movie Club is reborn mwahahahahaaaaa! Last night, at the House of Sven, our faithful movie club reconviened after our movie apathy of 2006 to launch into new activity in 2007. Eloise, Dan, Troy, Ben, Carol, Steve and I munched, laughed and gasped our way through "Children of Men", easily my fav' film of recent years...

The Children of Men

I have just seen the film of the year. Tonight, spurred on by the thrill of spontaneity, Stephen and I christened our new ‘Unlimited’ Cineworld cards with a late night showing of ‘The Children of Men’. This film has so impacted me that I feel the need to write a thank you card to Alfonso Cuaron, the most innovative director a British cast has ever been fortunate enough to work with…

Thank you for Smoking

There have been an interesting spate of films about morally ambiguous anti-heroes recently.  Maybe it's a reaction against the suffocating extremes of political correctness, or maybe it's just the next predictable twist in the po-mo perspective.  Whatever the motivation, recent offerings like Lord of War and Thank You for Smoking have displayed clever film making about disturbing topics...

Hope for the super-spandex

I have to admit that I have been dreading the upcoming Superman film.  I fear that a much loved mythology is about to be masacred by an over-enthusiastic director on an ego trip.  I frowned at the blatant attempt at cloning Christopher Reeves, I balked at their flagrant abuse of the superman costume and I watched with a heavy heart the first few trailers and tid bits.  My hope is marginally re-awakened though by the latest international trailer that makes me think Brandon Roth may actually be able to act.  Will the caped crusader be victorious again?  Or will this dive to the depths of Batman and Robin?

Live long and prosper...

Oh my goodness, is it possible, could the genuis who created LOST, Alias, Felicity and is about to release the most intrigueing Mission Impossible movie to date actually ressurect the Star Trek series! Apparently the big boss thinks so and has handed the keys of the hallowed franchise to Mr JJ Abrams. I have to admit that I did harbour a passion for the federation in my younger years, I'd love to see a fresh and vibrant re-imaging from a master of his trade.

Entertainment interlude

Thought I'd give you a heads up on my most anticipated films for the coming few months. I drueled over Empire's Summer preview last night and I've restrained myself from indulging in film forays for quite long enough...

Secret Serenity

I got the most lovely present yesterday from a secret gift giver. As I collected the post from the 24-7 pidgeon hole I was amazed to find a parcel from Amazon with my name on it. Scratching my head and wondering what I could have possibly purchased and then forgotten about (not unheard of) I ripped open the packaging to find Serenity on DVD!

The Constant Gardener

As I left the cinema last night with my hand tucked into Steve’s, huddling down into my jacket to escape the cold bite of night air, I felt more like I was leaving a funeral than a movie theatre. As we slowly made our way home I felt exhausted by the two hour intense rollercoaster of feelings; curiosity, suspicion, grief, guilt, disbelief and an over-whelming sense of injustice…

Serenity

Last night I went to see the much anticipated film and Joss Wheydon's labour of love, Serenity. If I'm honest my expectations were middling because disspite the fabulous reviews the first few episodes of it's source series Firefly didn't really grab me. My scepticism lasted all of 30 seconds as the opening sequence burst onto the screen at a frenetic pace...

Oh Mr Darcy!

Last Friday night I experienced a miracle. With almost no pursuasion at all Stephen Harding took me to see Pride & Prejudice. Anyone who has spoken to Stephen about Austin's much loved classic will no that this is an event worthy of heralding the second coming...

Potter spotter

It wouldn't be Friday if I weren't desperately trying to de-stress by distracting myself witha film trailer.  Todays fodder is one of my many obsessions... Harry Potter.  The full length trailer has been released with a much fuller glimpse into the story.   Hmmmmm, excellent (rubs hands in eager anticipation)!  Check it out here...   I really am pretty stressed getting the Round Table and International Leaders Gathering together.  I'd apreciate any prayers anyone would be willing to pray xc

The Forgotten & Sin City

One day, two films. Yesterday I took a risk on the Forgotten and went with eager anticipation to see Sin City and had two very different reactions to two interesting, imaginative but flawed films...

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith!

It is finally complete and by some great mercy I am not dissapointed. Saturday night Steve, Troy, Michaela, Jamie, AJ, Becky and I all qued for 45minutes to get our seat for Revenge of the Sith. I have to admit I was a mixed bag of emotion. Part excited 5 year old, part sceptic fan. As the music began and opening scrall made it's way accross the screen I lost myself in Lucas's world hoping beyond hope that he could pull this tricky transitional film out of the bag. My verdict...

Trailer Trial

It's Friday afternoon so I have invariably wandered onto Empire to distract myself from my anticipation of Star Wars. I found four brandspanking new trailers online. Roll on the summer!

The Island
Stealth
The Fantastic Four
War of the Worlds

Potter vrs Narnia

I was surfing tinternet last night and got mighty excited at the launch of two brand spanking new teaser trailers for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and The Chroncles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe...

Night Watch

I've been rhapsodising over this trailer for a few weeks now so I thought I'd share. Night Watch, or Nochnoi Dozor, is based on the first of three novels by Russian author Sergei Lukyanenko and looks incredible. Don't be put off by the gothic look, it's worth watching...

Seen any good trailers lately? Tell me what you think of this one and copy the URL of any suggestions you have in the comments. xc

The New Improved Superman!

The Mac Daddy has gotten the bit between his teeth and improved Brian Singer's costume offering. Check out the thumnail by clicking on it. Compare it to yesterdays and lets start our online campaign! Ben Mac for Superman designer! xc

New Superman Unveiled...

I am not convinced. Brandon Routh has pretty big boots to fill with Christopher Reeves dominating the red and blue lycra and Tom Welling strutting his stuff as farm boy Kent. This pic (click to enlarge) falls a little flat for me. The red is very dull and the logo looks quite plastic. Brandon looks like an impersonator, he doesn't seem distinctive enough to own the role. What do you think?

Constantine

Empire said... "While lacking the richness of its source material, it remains an enjoyable, immoral and sometimes beautifully Gothic tale ***" Steve and I said... "Good but not great."

And the Pastry goes too...

Mrs Sarah Armstrong! Congratulations Sarah you were the first person to give me the answer to: Where and When is the Star Wars Episode III premiere rumoured to be happening? With reports from two seperate sources. So, if you know your Sith from your Senate, your Jango from your Jaja, or if you just know fun when it jumps up and swipes you with a lightsaber the listen up, I have the master plan...

Obsession

I have had an epiphany. I am slightly disturbed. Star Wars has sent me to new levels of desperation and I am beginning to worry myself...

That Friday Filming...

It's Friday so naturally I'm counting the hours, staring longingly at the sunshine (!!!) streaming through the office window and surfing the Empire website for the latest trailers to delight and entertain...

Finding State

God Bless Ciniworld's Monday and Wednesday Specials! Twice a week they bring back films that have left the silver screen to give you a second chance to experience them in all their glory. This week was like a gift from the Lord as I skived a bit on Monday to watch Finding Neverland, and traipsed to the cinema last night to watch Garden State. You could not ask for more quality viewing!

A Scanner Darkly

Now that my anticipation for The Life Aquatic has been sated my top ten most anticipated films has had a reshuffle. A strong contender for the top spot (though truly nothing will beat SWE3:ROTS) is A Scanner Darkly, the new Richard Linklater film. It looks incredible!

The Life Aquatic...

...with Steve Zissou. Absolutely delightful! For those of you have been puzzling over my banner for the last few months will realise it's origin when you step into any Multiplex in Britain. Life Aquatic is Wes Anderson's wonderfully eccentric follow up to the utter genius that was 'The Royal Tennenbaums'...

Obi Wan...

The lovely Christopher Lindsay kindly sent me this link today... http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/bts/me3/11.html. It's a tid bit of how Ewan McGregor has become Obi Wan Kenobi! The count down is well and truely underway, I have found where to hire a Jedi robe and I'm on the hunt for a lightsaber. If you're not there on May 19th dressed to the nines and screaming at old George then it will be your loss! Rumour has it that Sven is tracking down a gold bikini... I think he'll look rather fetching!

Star Wars Scrall!

OK, so I'm on my lunch break tralling the wonderful Empireonline.co.uk when my eye is drawn to it's latest Star Wars news story. George Lucas has let the opening scrall of his final installment be realised to the general public in anticipation of the film's May release! "How exciting!" I exclaim in a high pitched squeal. Wanna read? Click continue but don't blame me if it's a plot spoiler. (If you do complain then where have you been for the last decade?)...

The race is on...

It's that time of year again! The run up to that most glitzy of occasions, the academy awards. Who'd of thought a little golden statue could bring such happiness and pain?

Kong is King

Continuing on the Peter Jackson theme Dan Armstrong emailed me today with an absolute gem (thank you Dan!). Peter Jackson's latest work in progress is a remake of the classic King Kong. For hard core fans they have created a website where most days Peter records a snippet of the activity on set to give us a glimpse into his creative process. What a gift! For a taster try this...

www.KongisKing.net may fast become a favourite but I'm 70 days behind, so much to catch up on sooo little time...

The Lord of the Rings

Tolkien's classic has been a good friend to me for the past 4 years. I read the Hobbit as a child but only ventured further into Middle Earth in the summer of 2001. The Lord of the Rings was my companion and comfort during my summer on the White Isle of Ibiza. It took me to another world when I needed to rest. It put my journey and challenges into perspective so by the time I finished it a few weeks before I was due to return home, I felt like I was losing an old friend...

Ocean's 12

So I managed to catch a film in America a whole three months before its release in the UK.  For those who know me well you will recognise the smug satisfaction in my tone.  Samie, Pete, Charlotte and I opted for Ocean's 12 and we were not disappointed (well with such a plethora of fine male actors what's not to like?)...

Choc Rock!

One of my most anticipated films of 2005 has to be Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Purported to be more faithful to the original and starring Jonny Depp as Willy Wonka, it sounds like the adaptation Roald Dahl would have wanted!  Take a look at the mouth watering teaser trailer here.  Very dark, very bizarre and rather freaky!  Three cheers for Mr Burton!

It's a Wonderful Life

Today, I have mostly been listening to Christmas with the Rat Pack, inspired by the festivity of last night.  Film Club opted for classic over controversial as we settled into David's lounge to laugh and cry (or pretended to have something in our eye) at It's a Wonderful Life.

I've watched it many times but I'm always struck afresh by elements I've previously overlooked...

Best Advent Ever!

I cannot contain my excitement...

Firstly, Empire has launched it's very own movie advent calendar with classic christmas themed scenes, fav presents, movie inspired sweets (click thumb, hehe) and a guess the celebrity santa comp!  Come on you know you wanna check it out...

And secondly, they helpfully reminded me that it's the 2nd of December and I'm yet to start opening my choccy advent calendar my Mum got me! Two choccy treats are waiting for me tonight, oh the joy!

Once upon a Saturday...

This weekend has been wonderfully relaxing! I decided to begin outworking a slower pace of life by re-charging my favourite way... lots of stories. 11am Saturday, Helen and I snuck away and guiltily watched The Princess Diaries 2 (I am well aware that whatever kudos I may have with any of you may be down the drain now but I really enjoyed it and Julie Andrews rocks no matter how old you are.) So what if we were the only people in there over the age of 12! Pure, undemanding, entertaining fun. Next I meandered in the rain, bought some lovely shelves that I'm going to have to recruit someone to help me put up and went home to tidy my room and do all those little things I never have time for.

Being John Malkovich

Hurrah I say and Hurrah again!  My movie club met for the first time in 3 months last night to watch and discuss "Being John Malkovich" (gosh I'm having a bit of a Charlie Kaufman month!) 

Our film club is not for your namby pamby stella swilling movie lout!  Oh no!  It's for those of us who are truly geeky about movies, who obsess over upcoming films and wax lyrical about the most moving cinema moments of our lifetimes.  (Well actually we just all like film and bore most people silly wanting to talk about it... we truly find solice in each other...)

Lucas I am your Father...

OK, I dispair...  I'm trying my darndest not to get too excited about the upcoming Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (released May 05).  My parents competently raised me on a healthy diet of Star Wars, Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica so I have been deeply dissapointed with Lucas's latest offerings...

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I just watched eternal sunshine again, tucked up on Markus and Andrea's sofa... I cannot fault this film. Jim Carrey gives his best (and most contained) performance to date. If you haven't seen is you really need to; it's about love, reality, regret, consequences, pain and hope. Something different strikes me everytime I watch it. This evening the lines that struck me most were...

Clementine: "Joel, this is it. Soon this will be gone."
Joel: "I know"
Clementine: "What do we do?"
Joel: "Enjoy it..."

NB: Saw the most awesome gig last night... a Swedish group called Moneybrother! Will tell more when I have a spare moment. Off to bed now; night, night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite! zzz