Amazed & Confused

Four days overdue: the art of distraction

40 weeks plus four days... it's a strange thing to know you could go into labour at any moment.  This week I'm treading the fine line between being sensible and not doing too much or going too far afield, whilst trying not to wish my days away or sit waiting to feel the slightest twinge.  Mostly, I'm managing it.  One of the most precious things about the last three and half weeks has been Steve.  He's been absolutely amazing.  After a ridiculously busy first quarter to 2013, Steve's been able to take it easy with me and we've had some incredibly precious time together sleeping (oh yes I am appreciating that!) seeing films, going for coffee, meals, walks, and generally appreciating what we've had with just the two of us for the last six and a half years.  It's been a good time for gratitude rather than solely longing for what (or more accurately whom) is about to arrive.  

My aim between now and when Baby Harding makes an appearance is to plan to do one fun thing a day.  Hopefully that way if the bump becomes a baby - hurray, if not hey I got to go do x... Yesterday's x factor was Steve and I running away to see the first showing of Iron Man 3 at our local cinema.  I would rather have had the baby, but being able to see one of my favourite super heroes in all his cinema glory is a close second.  What a brilliant film!  A step up from the second movie, which though it was a 3.5* film paled in comparison to the first for us.  The third offering, though still competing and slightly beaten by the fresh nature of it's predecessor, has the wit, pacing, plot, script, surprises and enough of a peek beneath the hood of Tony Stark's head and heart to be awarded a very satisfying 4*.  Check it out and let me know what you think... 

Sadly / happily I don't think Baby Harding will delay long enough for me to catch the new Star Trek in the cinema let alone the promising re-incarnation of my hands down favourite super hero due out later this year... All hail the Man of Steel.., not Zod... Zod sucks...

So... what shall we do today?  The past few weeks have been full of painting, workmen, cleaning and lots of DIY as super Dad has gone into action.  The nursery is almost finished now!  Our Star Wars themed prints should be arriving today :)  I'll post photos when it's ready, but now I'm running out of activities around the house (unless I clean it again) and as the weather isn't quite so warm today my picnic at the Bishop's Gardens may not be as tempting as it was yesterday.  Any suggestions of how a rather large pregnant woman and a soon to be Dad could have an inexpensive, close to home treat today?

The Hunger Games & Elysium: Dystopian visions of the future...

I've always been drawn to dystopian stories.  Be it in books, films or something else, the idea of reflecting the flaws or future pitfalls of today's society in an exagerated future context has always interested, intrigued, challenged and frightened me.  Classics like Brave New World and Nineteen Eighty Four have proved earily accurate in predicting some of the ways Western civilisation will develop.  Where is the art, where are the storytellers of today who will prove to be the prophets for future generations?  I wonder...

2013 sees two films released that offer very different, but compelling visions of a dystopian future.  Issues of class, oppression and the distribution of wealth are explored within stories of rebellion.  First up - Elysium directed by Neill Blomkamp...

I love the look of this!  Earth is definitely reminiscent of the chaos, poverty and injustice of his previous film District 9. The concept is not entirely new but with such visual flair and with a cast including Mat Damon, Sharlto Copley and Jodie Foster it's worth sitting up and taking note.  I eagerly anticipate a foray into 2154...

Second, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire teaser.  Catniss, Peeta and Haymitch return in the Empire Strikes Back of the trilogy.  One of the darkest books, they seem to have captured the tension of the story well.  Take a look...

Read the books?  What do you think?

 

Why are we so fascinated by Vampires?

The trailer for Peter Chan-wook's vampire thriller 'Stoker' is online and I have to say it looks chilling.  It seems a decidedly different take on a genre that has come to be dominated by sparkly vamp vegetarians.  I loved the casting, haunting soundtrack, and ambiguity of the characters and I will definitely be checking it out when it's released in March next year.

Watching this prompted me to consider how many vampire stories I enjoy in book or film format.  It's a mythology that's enjoyed many come-backs with reincarnations of these night feeders growing more diverse and the subtext expanding from repressed sexuality to include religion, self control, the animal within and more.

Why all this success?  What truly lies at the heart of our fascination?  

Is it immortality? Our fear of death?  The resonances with sexual repression? Or something else?  Do we just like brooding anti-heroes with more than a little danger to offer?  What do you think?

Bourne Legacy: I was sceptical but they may have just won me over...

 

To put my cards on the table I should confess that up until now I have been rather sceptical about this reboot / offshoot of the Bourne series.  What's a Bourne film without Jason Bourne!?!  Hand held cameras?  Dangerous Beurocrats?  Matt Damon's still waters run deep and deadly performance has kept me gripped through three films.  Despite my misgivings I knew in my heart of hearts that I'd probably go see it.  I'd see it because it's inspired by a trilogy that has reimagined the spy film in a spectacular way.  

I was never greatly enamoured with Bond (don't shoot me I know everyone else loves him but I can't get past the womanising - it's not attractive). 

I love Bourne. 

I love the characters, the plots, the conspiracies, the naturalistic and underplayed approach to drama, the action and fighting style. After watching the trailer above I'm wondering if much of this may still be present accounted for even if our beloved Jason is missing.  Take a look, tell me what you think...

Monster Mash

The inaugural gathering of the latest incarnation of Film Club could not have gotten off to a better start.  In my enthusiasm I tweeted that Ellie, Paul, Steve and I had gathered to watch 'Mobsters' (a rather dated looking gangster flick).  Thankfully we actually took in the splendour and subtly of 'Monsters', and what a masterpiece it was.  

We went into the film knowing as little as we could (well apart from me - I'd seen it before) and took in what is sure to be one of the most unique science fiction dramas in a very long time.  Monsters follows the emotional and physical journey of two unlikely companions as they make there way through dangerous, alien-infected territory.  Beyond that I will say nothing about the plot.  It's such an interesting idea that it's best to just take it as it comes.  Remove as many preconceived ideas about what a film with Aliens should be like, in fact approach it like a travel film and you'll probably be more ready for what it has to offer.  

As the film ended we immediately hit play to re-watch the beginning and piece the plot together.  Once we'd oo'd, aaa'd and decided what we wanted the end to be, we watched the 'making of...' and were blown away all over again.

Did you know that each new Star Wars film is rumoured to have cost $100 million?  Well, this ambitious little British film was produced for the unconfirmed amount of $15000!  What is George Lucas spending his money on?!  Solid gold portaloos?! Monsters is an exquisite film shot gorilla style with a small but very talented British crew and a cast that throws professional leads with non-actors.  The whole spend of the film (marketing, etc.) is reported to be less than half a million dollars, yet it is one of the most creative, magical and resourceful cinema offerings to come from our great nation.   Proof positive that money does not a good film make.  

Anyone else seen Monsters?  What did you think? 

Films to see before you die

From a young age I've been enthralled by the glamour, magic and adventure of the silver screen.  Weeks, maybe months of my life have been spent watching, analysing and day dreaming about films and the world they open up to us.  Provoking dramas, heart warming romances, side splitting comedies, nail biting thrillers, other worldly fantasies, mind bending SciFis, nightmare inducing Zombie flicks and edge of your seat action; I love them all.  I even have a penchant for a really bad / good movie.  You know the kind; they have horrendous scripts, preposterous plots but there's delight in their on screen disaster.

A passion for film is something I am very grateful that Steve enjoys too.  Before we were married we made the strategic purchase of a Cineworld Card so that we could pay an amount every month and be able to go on movie dates even if we ran out of money waiting for the next pay slip to arrive.  Our little plastic cinema IDs have been put to good use as we've taken in dozens of films a year.  We've been more open to taking risks as the only limit to the number we see is the time we have.  New Actors, Directors and Screenwriters have become must see contributors and though, I'll be honest, we've seen a lot of rubbish, our passion for film remains.

Tonight Steve and I embark on a new chapter in our film following... a little informal film club. We have many friends who share our passion and a few of us have decided to stop reminiscing about film club of yester-year and planning a future one and to just get on and do it.  The idea is we'll take one Monday night a month and watch one film together we can enjoy and maybe chat about.  The big question is... how do we go about picking them!

We don't want to go too heavy every time we gather but I'd love to broaden my film pallet and maybe see some of those must see titles.  Today I started googling "Films to see before you die" and some interesting links showed up.  Most of them referenced this offering of 50 must sees by film critics and the good people at Film4.  (The list is presented a little easier to scan through by the BBC here.)  There were other lists online but this was the one to grab my attention.

Of the 50 recommended I have seen only 18.  There were some that surprised me (Erin Brockovich?  Good but top 50!?) and others that made me smile (Terminator 2 - classic!)  It made me start to wonder if I were compiling a list from my limited viewing thus far what would I include?  Missing from this list and definitely included on mine are:  the original Star Wars Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (I'm assuming they were missed off because they weren't one film), Amelie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind, The original Superman movie and recent films like Children of Men, Super 8 and Iron Man (it's an excellent example from the recent Marvel cannon).  There are others not on this list that I have yet to see and am surprised aren't included: Seven Samurai, Casablanca, Gone with the Wind etc. but this list has definitely got me started with film club suggestions.

What do you think?  

What are the films you feel you should have seen but haven't?  

Which films would you beg others to see before they die? Answers in comments please!

I may be a Creep, but at least I'm an animated Creep...

 

Wow - animated people jumping out of windows!  I love this music video.  (Er... that reads weird)  I came across the above during a creative sesson Scot and had to create the brief for the new 24-7 Prayer animation.  As we brainstormed drawing styles he dashed out of the room to grab a laptop and show me the above.  It's brilliant! 

If you like radiohead this video is a must play.  It's a little downbeat/morose for the mood of our little film but the drawing is stunning.  Anyone got any animators or videos that might help us in writing our brief?  We're making an animation called "Why Pray?"  We want it to feel young, fun, a little playful, international but able to pack a bit of a punch.  Our storyboard/naration is based on some brilliant ideas from Pete Greig and is shaping up nicely. Scot and I are meeting with an animator next Monday :)  

AMAZING: New Muppets trailer parodies Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

via www.totalfilm.com

This is genius. Only the muppets could make this happen. I will see the film solely on this trailer that probably has nothing to do with the plot!

Super 8: Genius or Nostalgia?

There are certain films that have a higher status in my affections than they truly deserve.  Films that transcend their script, the actors, the cinematography and score to take on a life, an ascociation, that wraps them a warm and fuzzy glow.  Tales like The Goonies, Flight of the Navigater, Batteries Not Included, Space Camp, E.T. (I could go on) are firmly in this exclusive club of well loved adventures and many of them still feature in my DVD collection.  Watching them is more than just revisiting a tale, or laughing at the changes in fashion/acting/special affects; it's a trip down memory lane to a youth that I may have only lived in my memory.

Truthfully they each have a few things in common.  They are most definitely young at heart even when the protagonists are not young in age.  There is an optomism and hope to them that treads dangerously close to denial.  They explore everyday themes we can relate to in the context of fantastical adventures: family, change, friendship, self worth and community, to name just a few.  And, I always believe I could be right there with them; every one of these films has invaded my dreams.

Could I be adding to a film to the list?

As the lights came up at the end of our recent viewing of the new J J Abrams and Steven Spielberg film Super 8... all themes, and 'golden glow' indicaters were present and accounted for.  Did we just witness a modern classic in the making, or was Super 8 simply a derivative period drama?

Caught between the inocence of childhood and the great abiss of adulthood, five friends spend a summer making their own horror film.  As their project is derailed they soon realise they've been caught up in a real life terror, threatening their town.

All Spielberg and Abrams conventions are present and accounted for (daddy issues, optomism, innocence and growth - lens flare, mysterious beast, fantastical adventure and everyman leads), it's truly amazing to see two such distinct film making voices, harmonise so effectively.  This duet is by all accounts very successful.  Super 8 is a film with heart. I find this unsurprising as I am a fan of both directers/producers.  I grew up on a diet of Spielberg and will see anything he makes (or produces) and fell in love with Abrams imagination from Felicity, Alias and Lost onward.  So this pairing, it's fair to say, have a headstart in my estimation.

Super 8 is an elegant film.  The casting is fantastic (teenagers that actually look the age they're playing!), a near perfect script (there was one line towards the end where I shook my head), the pace is swift but not at the cost of establishing character, and the terror is very real.  What surprised me most was how genuinely scared I was watching it.  This isn't quite a kids film.  

Good friend, and decade long cinema buddy, Craig came to take my hubby out for breakfast this morning.  Our conversation, as it often does, turned to film.  "So, what did you think of Super 8?"  Together we debated whether the film is a classic in it's own standing, or whether it stands on the shoulders of those titans of cinema it references so playfully. It's a question worth asking.  There's no denying that the film intends a not to the greats, I'm sure it's a deliberate decision, but I wonder if that should detract from it's effectiveness?  No story exists in a vacume, and plenty have tried and made lesser films with as many homages.   

If you are yet to work it out, I cast my vote on the side of genius. Five stars for Super 8.  If I am taken in by a feeling of nostalgia, then I say hats off to Abrams and Speilberg, there's a certain kind of skill in that too.  I am curious about how someone younger who hasn't grown up with the stories of my youth will take to it though.  If you were ignorant of the sub-genre it flows from, would you still walk away with that fuzzy glow?

Seen the movie. What do you think?

Never too old for fancy dress or fake hair

Yes, that is me dressed not as a goth, or an 80s pop star but as the infamous Bellatrix Lestrange from the Harry Potter series. To mark the last instalment of this epic series in film Adam, Lisa and I (aka the Trundle siblings) dressed as Harry, Luna and Bellatrix respectively to watch the film that ends many years of reading, watching and geeking out...

Is it healthly for an almost 30 year old to dress up as a character in a (sort of) kids book and trapes around in public?  I think so.  Why should the fun stop just because you have to also be responsible and do things like pay a mortgage?

Sunday's fancy dress expedition was actually my second viewing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and I must say it didn't disappoint.  I am long passed hoping that they capture every little nuance of the books and have accepted that film is simply a different genre.  What makes a successful book and a successful film are two quite different things.  Having said that I think they made a really good stab at capturing the complexity of the final book.  Though I know virtually by heart every twist and turn of the story I found myself surprised, thrilled, tearful and caught up in the suspence.  Kudos Mr Yates.

I've now seen it in 2D and 3D and my ambivalence to the bespectacled and expensive medium grows.  It is to the credit of the film makers that my stinking funny glasses induced headache didn't ruin the film... Sigh... I guess 3D won't be leaving us any time soon... I'm becoming less inclined by the viewing to fork out for it though.  Hmm... better sign off before I start ranting!

And that's a wrap...

As I emerge from a week of travel I realise I have neglected my blog for the first time in 2011.  It's not good for me.  My head gets overly full with things I want to write about... Books I've finished... People I've hung out with... The chicks hatched in our lean too... My trip to the USA... An amazing Easter weekend... and so much more.  I know it's inevitable that I will fail to capture it all retrospectively but this week I'll blog daily to try and capture at least those moments freshest in my mind.

Today I want to chat about the end of an amazing journey through lent.  The podcast you're probably all sick of me mentioning called 24-7 Prayer Spaces.

This idea was born over a year ago.  For ages many of us involved in the prayer, mission and justice movement have wanted to repeat the podcast put out a few years back to unite us in prayer across the globe.  The challenge was finding the time and resource to make it happen.  The series has been dreamed about in many different guises until just after Christmas we finally realised we were able to make it happen.  Alana, Scot and I holed up in our little London office with tea and chocolate, prayed together and then covered the walls in paper as we started brain storming the possible topics and verses we could pray through.  It's been an amazing journey to see those scrawls become a reality.

I thought that the podcast would be an encouragement and tool for maybe a couple of hundred people around the globe.  The response however on our first week of release was overwhelming.  People have participated in their THOUSANDS!! 

That was a little scary at first... 

Our simple, scruffy little videos have been used by individuals, churches, networks, young people, old people, youth groups, families around the dinner table and many more.  The feedback we received moved me to tears (er... not cause it was mean) because it was amazing to see that God had used them to really speak to and meet with people.  What more could you ask for?

Scot and I are starting to plan our next Prayer Spaces season (probably for Advent this year!) and ways in which we could involve more 24-7ers from across the globe.  Watch this space and the 24-7 Blog for more.

To finish off the season Scot and I recorded the video below for Easter Monday.  Our closing thoughts and prayers are wrapped up beautifully by a little special something that the lovely Georgina and fabulous Ella put together.  

Oh yes... it's the outtakes!

 

I highly recommend watching them, it's laugh out loud material. (Skip to middle to get to the good stuff.) Someone commented on twitter and I have to agree that there's a lot of me in there.  What, did no-one else try to read their bible upside down, or nearly fall down a bank, or say "Mary went to the kill country"? Ok maybe that last one was unique.  Anyway, enjoy! If you watched any of the Prayer Spaces season I'd love to hear from you.  What did you think?  Got any feedback?

Saying goodbye...

During my commute back from work on Monday afternoon I received a call from my Dad to tell me that Aunty Marie had left us... Pictured above with my Mum, Marie was an amazing woman loved very much by me and all our family.  Though her passing was not unexpected (she's had a long battle with cancer) I guess no one really believed she would ever leave us. She was so incredibly strong, full of life and love.  I am very grateful for her... for the years she had... this week I flew to Dublin with the rest of my family and  together we said goodbye... It was good.  It was deeply sad.  That's about all I'm gonna say about it here...

Today I'm back in Chi, pretty exhausted and starting to get my head around all the things I dropped or postponed when I took off.  As I started downloading emails I took a look at today's PrayerSpaces podcast for lent and was surprised to see myself.  Though I only filmed these thoughts and prayers a few weeks ago, I never seem to recall exactly what I said.  As I hit play to remind myself I was moved afresh by the passage I was given; Jesus calling out to the Father in intense sorrow... there is something beautiful about the Bible... some days it'll hit you on one level the next it moves you in a completely different way...

Coming to a halt...

Today I am emerging from a week of running at a hundred miles an hour.  I've gone from a whistle stop trip to Switzerland with the DeLoreans, to two amazing days with the 24-7 Council in Guildford, then a day with the 24-7 Board and Trustees and finally, yesterday, I gradually decelerated whilst cleaning the house from top to bottom. I'm a little weary.  I also have A LOT to blog about.   For now I'm posting two videos from the last couple of days of the PrayerSpaces podcast for lent produced by 24-7 Prayer.  The first is mine...  

 

I had actually totally forgotten what I'd prepared and shared for this episode, and though it's a bit weird praying with yourself on a podcast I was really challenged afresh by the questions and thoughts in humility the Spirit had brought to mind when I read it.  Hope it gives you food for thought... Second vid is Scot Bower leading people in prayer today.  A voice of hope to the hopeless... beautiful...

My turn...

 

Today it's my turn to lead the thoughts in 24-7 Prayer's Prayer Spaces podcast for lent.  It was freezing cold on that bridge but a total pleasure to read this passage and provide questions and suggestions for prayer.  Hope it encourages you... 

Only one sleep to go... I don't think Scot looks like a hobo...

 

Today is Shrove Tuesday.  Scot, Georgina, Pete G and myself are all involved in last minute preparations for Ash Wednesday and the launch of 24-7's new devotional podcast Prayer Spaces.  Scot and I took a walk today, found a sunny spot and filmed each other explaining why we're looking ahead to the lent season with such anticipation.  Though Scot is convinced the video makes him look like a hobo (I disagree), he turned our musings into this nifty little trailer for the prayer spaces series.  Take a look.  The graphics are courtesy of the beautiful Ella and the music was produced by my handsome husband.  Find out more about Prayer Spaces here. 

Consider the heavens...

 

I spotted this stunning video on a twitter and was mesmorised as the words of Psalm 8 ran through my mind...

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,  
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honour."

Lake Tahoe Milky Way Night Time Lapse from Justin Majeczky on Vimeo.

Scary close ups & hyperactive double chins...

 

Oh yeah, I've done it again.  Another 24-7 YouTube update where I demonstrate every muscle in my face and get frighteningly close to the camera.  Ah well, keeps me humble xc

Come on Colin

Sunday is the night for a certain glitzy awards show that, in my humble opinion, beats all glitzy award shows... the 83rd Academy awards... more affectionately known as the oscars.  

This is the one set of film awards that I have watched nearly every year without fail throughout my twenties.  I know it can be political, and it most certainly isn't necessarily a representation of the best cinema has to offer, but I love the red carpet, the tension and the speeches.  I have even been known to stay up through the night to watch the whole thing live.  Jumping up and down in a silent scream (because someone was sleeping in the next room) when Peter Jackson won best director is a particularly funny/fond memory.  Sadly I'm not quite so invested in this year's competition.

I've only seen five of the ten best picture nominees, and of Black Swan, Inception, True Grit, Toy Story 3 and The Kings Speech, I am totally biased and have a clear winner...

Come on Colin!  This is your year!

I will be totally gutted if he doesn't at least walk away with best actor.  I am a huge Jeff Bridges fan but he won last year and I really want our English lad to have his day in the sun.  I guess it's the only competition I'm really invested in this year.  Without much more of a pull it won't be a through the night marathon for me... more of an avoid all news, magazine and social networking outlets and watch the highlights Monday kinda year.  Do you have any favourites?

Overdubbing & Outtakes: Best Rewind Ever!

 

This was even more fun to make than it was to watch.  Our attempt at a joint rewind video for 24-7 Prayer goes rather wrong when the batteries for the mic go bye bye.   Thankfully Scot's fabulous kids Mimi and Evan save the day with some fabulous overdubbing.  Scot also, quite mercilessly includes some rather embarrassing outtakes from Friday's filming.  I am supposed to be leading people in prayer but I keep stumbling over words and tripping over.  Oh well.  Maybe I have a future in comedy.  Check it out and subscribe to 24-7's YouTube channel here.

Phew it's Friday!

What a crazy week!  I've spent more time in meetings than I have in front of my computer able to do work for or from said meetings. Yikes!  It's been fun :)  I've talked about books, films, 24-7 Prayer Rooms, resources, databases, making the most of your time (oh the irony), the USA, Asia and much more.  I've responded to emails from Australia, Guatemala, Switzerland, Austria and a bunch of other places and right now I am happy to be finishing up for the weekend.  It's been productive, it's been fun and it's most certainly been tiring.  I love the new London office.  It's great to be working around the team again and it gives me a chance to film lovely things like the below.  So as I sign off for the weekend I thought I'd post the video so you can all meet Theresa.  Theresa is my newest friend/colleague and does my job for the UK (I look abroad :)  Love to you all and good night...

Mimi Bower - A Star in the Making!

I love it!  Mimi Bower schools us all on how it's done on this week's 24-7 Prayer Rewind.  If you haven't subscribed to 24-7's YouTube channel do it now. Each week we release a run down of the latest news and testimonies as well as posting inspirational and encouraging vids from all over the world. xc

YouTube brings out the extravert in me...

YouTube definitely brings out the extravert in me :)  I have to say I was reluctant about being one of the many faces on 24-7 Prayer's YouTube Channel when I first set it up but mostly it's been lots of fun.  I'm getting pretty nifty with iMovie HD and for once my overactive gesticulations and facial twitches work in my favour... I think.

Above is my latest creation and it's a video challenge to one and all.  Grab your video cameras - 24-7 Prayer needs you!

2010 is the tenth Birthday of the 24-7 Prayer community; yes people that's over 3,650 days or 87,660 hours of non-stop prayer... that's a lot of talking to God.  As part of a year of celebrations I've been working away to organise a big international get together called Magnify (aka my life until the 19th September).  Despite many emails, plans and budgets I am REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!  I always love the mixture of the serious and the silly at 24-7 gatherings.  There's always the profound stuff like when we pray together, or someone teaches on something that really sticks or God speaks.  Then there's the ridiculous stuff that I laugh about for years to come like the competition/auction that raises ridiculous amounts of cash to bless a random person in need or crazy little video projects like this.   So I'm actually quite excited about the responses to today's vid.  

When we did something similar for IAM10 (24-7 UK's birthday celebration) the submissions were numerous and amazing (check some of them out in the vid above).  I look forward to see what the world offers up for this expansion of that earlier birthday greeting challenge. xc

Taking the 24-7 tribes for a walk

I took a little walk around my neighbourhood yesterday afternoon when my brain went to mush and I couldn't make another spreadsheet or write another email if my life depended on it.  Rather bizarrely I took my MacBook with me.  The above video was filmed with my laptop open and carried in front of my face; thank you God for iMovie HD.   I got a few odd looks from our neighbours (sorry Steve) but I wanted to spice up 24-7s weekly video round ups.  I've tried varying my hair styles, changing location, having a few friends say hello... the only thing I could think of doing in a matter of minutes was to go for a little walk.  So here it is... this week's Rewind video from the tribe/charity/community I'm part of called 24-7 Prayer.  Click to hear about the latest news, videos of Chilean Prayer Rooms and how you can pray for Pakistan. xc

One World, 24 Hours, 6 Billion Perspectives

I am in love with this concept... and yes I am feeling dramatic today (might be something to do with my renewed energy after a full night's sleep!)  Ridley Scot is championing an intriguing new project that will be shown at Sundance next year directed by... well anyone who wants to have a go.

Life in a Day is a film that will use the video diaries that thousands of YouTube users around the globe will make on one single day... This Saturday 24th July 2010 people will be roaming your streets recording what life is like in your corner of the world.  Anyone from a phone camera owner to an aspiring film maker can help document a single day on planet earth.  Exciting heh?

This Saturday I'm actually at a Wedding, I don't know what that means permission wise in terms of filming but as I'll be doing it on my iPhone rather than on my HD camera (it's playing hard to get with my import software) it's unlikely my footage will be used.  I may join in anyway and submit something because I just love the idea... I think it may be a moment in film history.  

If you fancy joining me and many others in this fun little project you kind find out more here.

Pete Greig Makes a Wee Video for 'Magnify'

I've just had the most amazing day with the 24-7 Prayer International Team. Jon Petersen's over from the states (ah there's something so reassuring about Jon... he reminds me of Aslan) and Etienne Piek was visiting from South Africa!  Etienne brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye with testimonies of what's happening in India (yes - I am a soft touch) and Jon wowed me with plans for training the leaders of 24-7 Boiler Rooms around the world.  At the end of much discussion, eating, drinking and prayer I grabbed Etienne and my mate Pete to make a few wee videos.  First up is the above film about why Pete's excited about 'Magnify', the international gathering that's consuming my work life at the moment.  Take a look.  Second, I made Etienne stand in front of a camera and recount the stories that made me get embarrassingly emotional.  You can see those next week on the 24-7 international site... I'll probably post them here too.  Now I find myself at a loss.  It's been all go and now my evening plans have been unexpectedly cancelled... Hmmm what now... book, film, walk?  xc

Ten Films, One Statue

The Academy Awards nominations for 2010 have been announced and they're no surprise for anyone who's watched the Golden Globes or the SAGs.  None the less, this is the big one where grown men and women are brought to tears by a puny golden statue.  Yes, on Sunday 7th March all of Hollywood bow down to worship at the feet of Oscar.  Some prepare their speeches, other practice their gracious in defeat faces.  What will they wear?  Who'll give the most talked about acceptance?  And who will win the most coveted award of all... Best Film.

With less than a month of voting to go Steve and I decided to try to watch as many of the ten Best Picture nominations as possible.  There's nothing more boring that a lack of investment in the envelop opening moment of suspense. This is a taller order than most years as 2010 sees twice the number of nominees than previous years but we have endeavoured to give it our best shot.

Already ticked off our Oscar list are: Avatar, District 9, Up in the Air, The Hurtlocker, Inlgorious Basterds and Up.  We had hoped to add Precious to the list last night but our local multiplex doesn't seem to want to show it.  Squeezing in between now and Sunday night: The Blind Side, Invictus and maybe even An Education if I can work out how to make the showing time!  That will mean that of all ten best picture nominees we will only have missed A Serious Man and sadly Precious.

So far so surprising... the longer list of nominees makes room for some fantastic films that would otherwise not normally be considered Oscar worthy.  I'm thinking of Pixars Up, with the most moving montage I've seen in any film let alone an animated feature, and District 9, one of my favourite films of 2009 with it's original spin on the aliens come to earth story.  One of my greatest surprises was Quinten Tarentino's Inglorious Basterds.  The opening scene or 'Chapter One' is a beautiful piece of cinematic suspense.  The whole film, though violent enough that I spent portions of it asking Steve when I could uncover my eyes, is full of impressive performances and one liners that haunted me for hours after the DVD finished revolving.  

My only let down was The Hurt Locker.  By no means a bad film I think it suffered from the hype it's receiving as a front runner.  It's well made with solid performances but I thought it was let down by the closing monologue.  Still a great film, worthy of nomination but I hate to say it... 

I still think Avatar should win.

I know that's not very cool of me, but I genuinely enjoyed it the most.

I'm assuming that Sky will show the usual next day highlights of the ceremony on Monday 8th March and if this proves true we're inviting our friends to join us in watching them (hopefully we'll manage to avoid the results during the day).  Prediction ballots will be out and wine will be opened as we settle in for night with the glitterati.  Anyone got any strong hopes?  I'd love to hear about them... xc

Star Trek Tastic

It did not disappoint.  As I briskly walked from the pub to the cinema to watch the new Star Trek film all on my lonesome I could feel my anticipation peaking.  Here was a re-imagining of a world that accompanied my growth.  Never a huge fan of the original series (though I think I've seen nearly all of them) my Star Trek passion was piqued with Next Generation (Pickard is still the ultimate captain), deepened with DS9 and brought to geek levels with Voyager.  In fact I only stopped watching one Trek incarnation or another when I moved to Uni and was sans TV.  

I am a big admirer of Mr Abrams, Cloverfield asside I have loved his TV adventures (Felicity, Alias, Lost, Fringe... am I missing any?), and as I entered the cinema I had confidence that he was the man to make Kirk the captain of the naughties... I was not disappointed...

I was crying within ten minutes, laughing out loud along with my fellow watchers and gasping at the unveiling of every known and loved character.  The reinventing was brilliant, the action had me at the edge of my seat and the film lacked the drag that other Trek films have suffered from.  I absolutely loved it.  4 1/2 stars!  You MUST GO SEE IT!  I shall be taking it in for a second time in the not too distant future... xc

I am Uhura, hear me roar...

Spot The Difference

Absolutely Incredible!

It's times like this I wish I wasn't known as such an enthusiastic and positive person.  When people view you as often exuberant it some what diminishes when you are genuinely thrilled by something... now is such a moment.  Please forget everything you know about me.  Imagine me as the most pessimistic, grumpy person you know... fix that image in your mind and now hear me/them say... "Last night was one of the most incredible performances/experiences I have ever witnessed!"

A little over 16 hours ago I tottered through London in red stilettos to meet the rest of the Trundle clan.  Together, after a hearty meal and much complimenting of outfits, we made our way to the Royal Albert Hall to watch a screening of the new HD version of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring with the London Philharmonic Orchestra performing the score live.  With the opening stroke of the violins goose bumps ran up my arm and along my spine. It sounded stunning.  The harps, the strings, the brass, the MASSIVE choir, the soloists and the fittest conductor known to London carried us through an incredible film and brought me to tears with their beautiful and sensitive performance.  To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that a score has been performed live, in it's entirety to accompany a viewing of a film and it was spectacular.  I can't emphasise how great it was too much... I better stop or I'm going to gush.  Totally worth a slightly numb bum, sore stiletto feet and a long journey home in the pouring rain... nothing could have dampened my spirits.  

Just for the fun of it...

Two approaching films that make squee like a five year old.  Hope you enjoy... engage...  xc

And the hits just keep on coming...

Oh my goodness!  I was in my younger years a bit of a Treky.  Nothing to rival my younger but far geekier brother but enough to be (insert overly keen adjective) excited.  Today's trailer has notched my eagerness rating to about 11!  JJ Abrams has gone where no man has gone before and I can't wait to join him...

The Half Blood Prince Approaches (Rather Slowly)

The film adaptation of one of my favourite books in the Harry Potter series is creeping towards us (would've been nearly here if not for the success of the Dark Knight... sigh).  Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is a fantastic chapter in the tail of the boy wizard and the trailer below promises that they may have captured the mood of the book brilliantly.  Is it too soon to be getting excited?

Going Down in Your Estimation

I am about to go down in your estimation... Unless you're a teenage girl, one of my siblings or hiding a guilty pleasure... Last night I got sick of washing up for hours (being a grown up sucks sometimes) so I decided to split and went to the cinema on my own for a late night showing (being a grown up rocks sometimes).  I was there on my own (another guilty pleasure of mine) with my unlimited card in hand (it makes me feel smug) and entered into a cinema full of people I was probably a decade older than to watch Troy, Gabriella, Ryan and Sharpe strut their stuff in High School Musical 3: Senior Year.  

I have been witness to the first two Disney installments and though I don't think they are amazing achievements in film there is something about them that is really enjoyable.  Thank goodness Steve was away, he would have gone mad and wanted to leave the cinema.  The insane optimism, idealism and breaking into song and dance, not to mention the high pitched female witterings would have been like nails on a black board for my favourite man but it was all I could do not to tap my toes and wish I was alone so I could dance along.  

My Top Ten Favourite Films - I've made a decision

I always flinch at this question. I struggle in the sure knowledge that I will inevitably forget a classic and fall to my knees screaming at the sky in dispair. However... Empire have a top ten poll at the mo and I thought I'd throw caution to the wind, nail my colours to the mast and generally stop being backwards about coming forwards. Here are my top ten films of all time (in preference order)...
1. Children of Men
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
3. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
5. The Village
6. The Royal Tenenbaums
7. Oh Brother, Where Art Though?
8. Amelie
9. Bourne Identity
10. Zoolander
Close contenders included most Spielburg films (though shockingly he's absent in the Directing role), Pride and Prejudice and great action jaunts like Die Hard and Transformers. OK so let the mocking begin... what have I forgotten?

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Teaser

Oh. My. Goodness. The LONG anticipated trailer for the latest film in the Harry Potter series was released on the web last night and I have to say it looks incredible! David Yates (Mr Director Sir) has totally captured the mood of the book and Ralf Fiennes Nephew, Fiennes Tiffin makes a great Tom Riddle. Ah but it's too early. The films not out until the end of the year. If I get too excited now I'll ruin it. I had wondered what it would be like seeing this film now we know the (incredible) end of the story, but I have to say I don't think it dulls my anticipation. The books will always be my first love but Mr Yates does seem to be taking the films from strength to strength...

Funny

Teaser from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on Vimeo.

"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...