Ok just a few random thoughts today, starting with the brilliant but money eating computer games of the last few years and still to be released. So my problem with the Wii, Guitar Hero/Rock Band, the PS3 wand thing and the 360’s Kinect, is when will it end! I am a pretty big fan of the Guitar Hero series, and I probably will never play the guitar, but like a lot of people I have been known to jump round to rock music throwing my arms round pretending, very very badly, to play air guitar, so the 5 button plastic guitar is like a step up from the air guitar. And you know what? It is a good laugh. I do not take it that seriously (I have had it for 2 years and I can only just about play the medium setting), and I know that it is no way as skilled as the real thing, but it is great to just sometimes put on the tracks that you love, and pretend to play along! What I’m unsure about is the new version of Rock Band being released at the end of the month, now including an updated drum kit, a keyboard and the “real” guitar. I think the drum kit is a cool idea as the old Rock Band one did not have cymbals, and the keyboard is something that I knew would be released at some point, but the guitar confuses me. Why buy a plastic guitar with a hundreds of buttons on it and what looks like some strings, when you could go out get a cheap REAL guitar and learn to play! I do see a small point to it, it will teach you very simply how to play the chords, but only to the songs on the game.
I think “South Park” has it down to a tee. In one of their episodes Randy, Stan’s Dad, shows the boys that he can play a track the boys are playing on guitar hero, on a real guitar. After playing the song note prefect the boys look in shock and tell him that it was “Gay” and “Stupid”. I think it goes to show how important technology is today for kids and that makes me sad. I am not saying that when I was a kid I was really active and I would go and run and play sports, because that would be a total lie, but I did spend a lot of time at the park outside with my friends. I remember one year we even got more then one days worth of fun simply by just jumping into a crash mat we made out of cut grass! And as years go on the games get even more life sucking taking away a child’s imagination, just look at Xbox 360’s new invention, “The Kinect System” which is a hands free controller. It uses a camera and sensors to pick up your movements and put them in the game. Ok I know that is pretty active and better then just sitting on your arse and playing “Halo” or “Grand Theft Auto”, I just feel it is taking something away from going out and exploring the outside, even if it is the boring task of helping your father pick up sticks or fallen plums from the plum tree, it gets you out and into the world! So all I am saying is calm down Sony, take it easy Microsoft and have a rest Nintendo, let us not forget the real skills of learning a hobby or what we can find in own back gardens!
Ok I went off on one there; I have two other things I want to talk about for a couple of lines. The First being a mouse house creation, the wonderful world of the musical, but manly “Why am I put in such a great mood when I listen to songs of High School Musical”? I wonder if it is the up beat pop sound or the really cheesy lyrics, I just can not understand it, normally something this shiny and clean would make me cringe, but I just can not help clapping along and feeling all warm inside when they all realise that they have each other at the end of each film. Please someone help me understand, I am sure I will talk about this in more detail at a later date.
And finally, what the hell have the BBC done with Film 2010? What was wrong with the set up of the last series, of just one man sitting behind a desk and telling you his thoughts on the up coming releases? At least he sounded like he knew what he was talking about; I hope Mark Kermode had a good enough reason to turn down the role! Why the hell would you give it to a woman who can not even open her eyes all the way, looks like she has been dragged through a hedge backwards and seems to have no idea what the hell she is talking about! I do not think I could do a better job but I am willing to give it a go, so watch this space!
Thursday 14 October 2010
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Youtube = Happy Memories
Until about 3 months ago I really did not see the point of youtube. Yer, I’m one of those people who goes on it a lot and manages to waste hour after hour watching dancing bears and ninja cats. But lately it hit me, what a pointless waste it is! What is so amazing about a kid who sings like Barry White, a sneezing panda bear or a guy wasting probably thousands of pounds/dollars to dance around the world! Then about 3 months ago after having a conversation with my housemates about old school television, I finally saw what the point of youtube is, and my good friends the answer is to re live those lost programmes that no one will release on DVD. And the programme that made me realise this? “Are You Afraid of the Dark”. An amazing programme that was both entertaining and scary as hell. Then I moved on to something that I know both me and my girlfriend loved as kids, “The Demon Headmaster”, and I jumped straight into series 3, and damn the acting really is as bad as I remembered!
About now I bet you are wondering why I’m telling you this, well I am trying to open your eyes! Take a minute, close your eyes if it helps, look back into your past and remember the things you watched, the things that made you happy, scared, excited, sad and just wanting the days to go faster till the next episode. Maybe I just watched too much television when I was a kid, but I do not care! Television, I think, is a key element to where I am today. Ok maybe I am in a shitty job and not sure where I am going, but I am truly happy. One of my great memories growing up was the joy of a Sunday night, sitting on the white wool rug in front of the fire, my parents behind me on the sofa, waiting for the Sunday family drama to start! “The Borrowers”, “5 Children and It” and “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” are to name just a few of the brilliant programmes that we would watch. And that is one of the reasons why I took up the decision to study a course on film and television, and maybe one day I will write something that at least one kid can sit at home and watch on a Sunday afternoon, in ore of the magic, adventure, romance and gripping cliff hangers at the end of each episode.
So please use youtube for the right reasons, do not waste time, use it to remember and have that warm feeling. Maybe it will not be good as you remember but I am sure it must bring back a good memory or two! I’m off to watch “The Last Train” and “Noggin the Nog”!
About now I bet you are wondering why I’m telling you this, well I am trying to open your eyes! Take a minute, close your eyes if it helps, look back into your past and remember the things you watched, the things that made you happy, scared, excited, sad and just wanting the days to go faster till the next episode. Maybe I just watched too much television when I was a kid, but I do not care! Television, I think, is a key element to where I am today. Ok maybe I am in a shitty job and not sure where I am going, but I am truly happy. One of my great memories growing up was the joy of a Sunday night, sitting on the white wool rug in front of the fire, my parents behind me on the sofa, waiting for the Sunday family drama to start! “The Borrowers”, “5 Children and It” and “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” are to name just a few of the brilliant programmes that we would watch. And that is one of the reasons why I took up the decision to study a course on film and television, and maybe one day I will write something that at least one kid can sit at home and watch on a Sunday afternoon, in ore of the magic, adventure, romance and gripping cliff hangers at the end of each episode.
So please use youtube for the right reasons, do not waste time, use it to remember and have that warm feeling. Maybe it will not be good as you remember but I am sure it must bring back a good memory or two! I’m off to watch “The Last Train” and “Noggin the Nog”!
Sunday 26 September 2010
I'm Coming Back!!!!
Ok so it’s been a while……ok I have been busy……no really…..ok whatever. But I am back! I really want this to work, ‘this’ being the blog. I want to make it a weekly thing if not more often, starting by bringing back the weekly quick film reviews and then maybe stuff about the filming of Tim and Timewasters. I was also thinking of doing updates on my script writing that I have finally started doing!
So at this time in my life things are starting to feel different and I think in the next year I will be a new man. I have no idea why but I feel the winds changing, I know something is going to alter for the better, and I can not wait to see what it is! So watch this space because I hope (if I can tell what it is) to let you know of my progress along the road to the new me.
"I am Tim" is going very well and all filming has finished on the first series, and for a first series with hardly any money, I think Jamie (Tim) should be very proud of himself. And I wish just to thank him so much for allowing me to take such a big part in the series, when he had never seen me act before, so thank you Jamie! From this my very two lovely housemates have trusted me with another pretty big role, in their web series “Timewasters”, a series following two guys falling through time, trying hard to make it home. The first episode went well and I am very much looking forward to seeing online soon.
Keep your lovely big eyes open for more posts soon and I hope not to disappoint! Off now to draw and continue to listen to the Vitamin String Quartet! xx
So at this time in my life things are starting to feel different and I think in the next year I will be a new man. I have no idea why but I feel the winds changing, I know something is going to alter for the better, and I can not wait to see what it is! So watch this space because I hope (if I can tell what it is) to let you know of my progress along the road to the new me.
"I am Tim" is going very well and all filming has finished on the first series, and for a first series with hardly any money, I think Jamie (Tim) should be very proud of himself. And I wish just to thank him so much for allowing me to take such a big part in the series, when he had never seen me act before, so thank you Jamie! From this my very two lovely housemates have trusted me with another pretty big role, in their web series “Timewasters”, a series following two guys falling through time, trying hard to make it home. The first episode went well and I am very much looking forward to seeing online soon.
Keep your lovely big eyes open for more posts soon and I hope not to disappoint! Off now to draw and continue to listen to the Vitamin String Quartet! xx
Thursday 6 May 2010
The First Episode and Getting Over The Fear
On Sunday the moment I had been waiting for finally arrived. The moment I would find out if I could act. The first episode of “I Am Tim” was going to go put online for all to see and it would be time to spot if all that fun had been worth it. The weekend I had spent helping to create the pilot episode had been great fun. The first day I arrived sweaty and tired from work, trying to push away my nerves, gather my excitement and try my hardest to remember my lines. I phoned up Jamie (the guy in charge and the one playing Tim) and found out that they were filming and would be finished soon so I could wait in the room they had rented out at the Uni. The room was a treasure trove of wonderful homemade weapons and tools, which would aid Tim on his mission of good, and that just upped my excitement. Into the room enters Jamie, with a massive grin on his face, Lloyd the cameraman/editor and Owen who plays Richard the documentary maker. All three of them seem pretty pleased with themselves, as they that completed all the interview shots that were needed and even some improve! I changed into my gear, well mainly Jonny’s gear, a white shirt, bow tie, waistcoat, smart shoes, pin stripped trousers, a bowler hat and a pipe. We ventured out to find a spot to film my interview, and only after two takes we got the one used in the episode in the can, not bad for my first day of filming, all done in half an hour! And even home in time for Doctor Who, double score!
The next day I arrive on time at Lloyd’s to film a scene, which ended up on the cutting room floor and after a short while the rest of the crew arrived. We walked down the cycle path till we came to a pretty spot that Jamie kept telling me would soon be covered in gore, he was not kidding. Jamie, Owen and I waited while people set up and as this was happening we read through the lines, which made it clear that we all were a little nervous but very much ready for the action. As a first time director Jamie took control very well and got what he wanted from the cast and crew, while being very constructive and helpful towards everyone’s needs. My big entrance finally came, and I gathered all my nerves and threw them to one side, got in contact with my jolly side, and jogged out of the tree line into my first scene. Yer sure I messed up my lines, who doesn’t? But each take I learnt from and it made me want to do more. The rest of the afternoon sped past, quicker then I would have liked, but I still had an ace time.
Sitting on the leather sofa at home in Essex with my parents and Mel, watching the pilot on the 40(maybe 50) inch screen was frightening because I had no idea what the final product was going to be like. Also I HATE hearing myself on screen, so I was not looking forward to that. To hear my Mum and Dad laugh out loud at some of the dialogue made me feel warm inside, so did the fact that Mel liked my acting, it also made me want to do the rest of the series that bit more!
I hope the rest of you liked the first episode, and if you have not seen it yet type I Am Tim into youtube or look for the fan page on facebook. I love feedback, ALL feedback so be as mean as you like! Also lastly check out the I Am Tim blog, http://www.iamtim.tk . That is all for now, but a new quick movie review will be on soon.
The next day I arrive on time at Lloyd’s to film a scene, which ended up on the cutting room floor and after a short while the rest of the crew arrived. We walked down the cycle path till we came to a pretty spot that Jamie kept telling me would soon be covered in gore, he was not kidding. Jamie, Owen and I waited while people set up and as this was happening we read through the lines, which made it clear that we all were a little nervous but very much ready for the action. As a first time director Jamie took control very well and got what he wanted from the cast and crew, while being very constructive and helpful towards everyone’s needs. My big entrance finally came, and I gathered all my nerves and threw them to one side, got in contact with my jolly side, and jogged out of the tree line into my first scene. Yer sure I messed up my lines, who doesn’t? But each take I learnt from and it made me want to do more. The rest of the afternoon sped past, quicker then I would have liked, but I still had an ace time.
Sitting on the leather sofa at home in Essex with my parents and Mel, watching the pilot on the 40(maybe 50) inch screen was frightening because I had no idea what the final product was going to be like. Also I HATE hearing myself on screen, so I was not looking forward to that. To hear my Mum and Dad laugh out loud at some of the dialogue made me feel warm inside, so did the fact that Mel liked my acting, it also made me want to do the rest of the series that bit more!
I hope the rest of you liked the first episode, and if you have not seen it yet type I Am Tim into youtube or look for the fan page on facebook. I love feedback, ALL feedback so be as mean as you like! Also lastly check out the I Am Tim blog, http://www.iamtim.tk . That is all for now, but a new quick movie review will be on soon.
Friday 23 April 2010
Being an Actor
About 5 years ago I finished my A levels and left with a C and 2 D’s, not amazing but I was happy with that, as my English Lit teacher told me that I would be the first student in the history of that school to get a U, but I proved her wrong! So anyway, the other two subjects I took were Drama and Media, Media lead me onto the next 3 years of my life where I studied Film and Television at Uni, but Drama I just seemed to leave behind. I have always loved to act, that feeling of getting on stage creating a character and a story, I have always had a great imagination. I did a few plays in primary school but my family always seemed to have the nac of taking me on holiday when they were being performed so I could not take part. The one I remember missing out on the most was Joseph and his multi coloured dream coat, where I was given the role of the youngest brother, but then along comes the holiday so I had to pull out, and ever time they did rehearsals I had to sit in the other room and create a pop up book about a cow!! Ok I can not complain to much as I did go to Disney World, but I just felt like I missed out!
In secondary school, I did the odd thing, but this time it was not just holidays that got in the way but nerves too. I have never been a very good reader out loud, I crumble under the pressure, even if I am reading out loud to Mel, I seem to read what I want to see! I think that is what lost me a big role in “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and all I got was a fairy dressed in a black bin bag, it was a punk fairy! I think the year after that I did a sketch with a friend I made through Midsummer, a comedy sketch about a stupid teacher who keeps buggering up and has been called to speak to the headmaster. It was ok people laughed so I guess they liked it!
When I got to sixth form I did two shows that I remember well. The first being a small part in Charlie and the Chocolate, the Granddad that stays in the bed, George I think his name was. So I had two lines and I was told the reason I got a small part was that 6th form students have busy lives so get smaller parts. The problem with that is that a fellow 6th student was playing one of the main kids, that was me being told I was rubbish! The second role was bigger; I was in a 24 hour version of Grease as Sonny, and I loved doing that, it was a good laugh.
So now lets jump forward 4 years, skipping over my first year in Uni where I had to be a reporter, which is a type of acting and I did not enjoy that much, to a short film where I was a hobo. “Utterly Romance” was a short musical two friends were making for their Uni course and I told them I would help out, so I was given the role of Hobo, only because someone pulled out and I was really happy to help. A silent role and a great fun.
So we have reached now and only a few days ago the first episode of “I Am Tim” was filmed, and I was very lucky to have a role. As soon as I found out about “I Am Tim” I wanted in, what ever the role and I never thought it would be a big one. Jamie, the man with the idea, told me he thought I would look good in a 3 piece suit. I took him up on the offer and I am so happy I did! I was worried about learning a script as I had not had to learn a lot before but I took it all in and I think for a beginner I did ok.
Hope to write further blogs talking a bit about each filming day and other things to do with the show. The next one to come soon will be on the first episode and a lovely day on York cycle paths.
In secondary school, I did the odd thing, but this time it was not just holidays that got in the way but nerves too. I have never been a very good reader out loud, I crumble under the pressure, even if I am reading out loud to Mel, I seem to read what I want to see! I think that is what lost me a big role in “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and all I got was a fairy dressed in a black bin bag, it was a punk fairy! I think the year after that I did a sketch with a friend I made through Midsummer, a comedy sketch about a stupid teacher who keeps buggering up and has been called to speak to the headmaster. It was ok people laughed so I guess they liked it!
When I got to sixth form I did two shows that I remember well. The first being a small part in Charlie and the Chocolate, the Granddad that stays in the bed, George I think his name was. So I had two lines and I was told the reason I got a small part was that 6th form students have busy lives so get smaller parts. The problem with that is that a fellow 6th student was playing one of the main kids, that was me being told I was rubbish! The second role was bigger; I was in a 24 hour version of Grease as Sonny, and I loved doing that, it was a good laugh.
So now lets jump forward 4 years, skipping over my first year in Uni where I had to be a reporter, which is a type of acting and I did not enjoy that much, to a short film where I was a hobo. “Utterly Romance” was a short musical two friends were making for their Uni course and I told them I would help out, so I was given the role of Hobo, only because someone pulled out and I was really happy to help. A silent role and a great fun.
So we have reached now and only a few days ago the first episode of “I Am Tim” was filmed, and I was very lucky to have a role. As soon as I found out about “I Am Tim” I wanted in, what ever the role and I never thought it would be a big one. Jamie, the man with the idea, told me he thought I would look good in a 3 piece suit. I took him up on the offer and I am so happy I did! I was worried about learning a script as I had not had to learn a lot before but I took it all in and I think for a beginner I did ok.
Hope to write further blogs talking a bit about each filming day and other things to do with the show. The next one to come soon will be on the first episode and a lovely day on York cycle paths.
Thursday 22 April 2010
23rd of March till the 20th of April Quick Movie Reviews
Ok Ok it has been a while and I got a lot here I will go back to weekly i will try my best
The Matrix **** My first ever DVD and a great film, great action scenes and some great acting from the whole cast, but Fishburne and Hugo are brilliant, I guess Reeves is ok, bit wooden. O yer bullet time, that is pretty cool.
Crimefighters *** By a local film maker and friend, but in this review I will be truthful. An enjoyable story with some great shots, like a review said, it was like a love letter to York, having many different locations all over the city, some I knew well and some I did not know. I think I did enjoy it more because I knew a lot of the actors and it is always cool to see someone you know in something. Only a couple of things I did feel let it down. The sound, not the effects, but the recorded sound was poor in places. Also some of the acting was not amazing. But it was a good film worth a watch.
Ocean Waves **½ One of ghibli’s tales more about life then fairy or legend stories. A lovely story but seemed a bit pointless, it was like a storyline in a soap opera.
Doghouse *** Just a pointless lad movie, boobs, babes and blood. Gore, Gore, Gore. In the words of Charlie Brooker, I’m a man, “pint of tits”!
The Taking of Pelham 123 ***½ Great thriller, and a shame that I was thinking it would be rubbish. Great acting from both the leads, but Travolta proves to me again that he is still a very good actor, making me fall for his crazy nutter! And also I think I prefer Tony Scott to that other crappy one!
Kick-Ass **** I did love this, very near to the comic, but not near enough. Two of my favourite parts were cut or changed, but this in no way ruined the film. I think the film used the source material very well, and created something the film makers and Mark Miller can be proud of. But I think they also created something that would keep a bigger crowd happy. And who cares anyway it has one of the coolest 11 year olds in it! Also some great fight scenes that are very comical but some are also very nerve-racking. A very funny, action filled, reference loving movie.
The Blind Side **** After seeing this I understood the Oscar nod, a lovely story of what can happen when you show someone some love.
The Hurt Locker **** Again I understand how this managed to do very well at the awards both here and there. Heart stopping in paces, with some great cameos from Guy Pearce and Ralph Fiennes, and Kate from Lost!
G.I. Joe ** Pointless, I did love the fact I could point out the toys I had….. but sadly, yes, pointless.
Bunny and the Bull **** The same magic that the Boosh had, but also put in a lovely buddy road comedy storyline and some emotion and it is a bit like Mighty Boosh the Movie.
Saw 6 *** This series will never end, and I kind of hope it does not! The bloody scenes are losing the point, but I’m impressed that the story still links together and most the same cast are in it!
Knocked Up *** Funny
Iron Man ***½ As I am new to Iron Man it did win me over, even though the 2 times I saw it at the cinema I fell a sleep (very tired both times), it had a good story that never bores but does feel a little long! Some very nice action scenes, which include the fight between the fighter planes and the final battle involving the 2 battle suits. Also Bridges and Downey Jr have been cast perfectly.
Rock and Roller **** Not his best, and yer maybe it is trying to hard to be like his first couple. But still it has a good story which winds well between the 3 or so separate storylines and also some funny/great acting from the whole cast!
Team America ***** One of my all time favourite comedy films, the timing of the jokes and songs is brilliant. The mocking of action movies, actors, policing, terrorism and so much more is covered so well! Joke after joke and detail is on the mark, creating a world which I believe Americans see in some way, like all of France’s landmarks in one place, and how the places that the scenes take place in always point out how far away from America they are! Also come on dick, pussy and arsehole is a great speech!
Little Polar Bear * Pointless storylines, I know it is animated kids film but I do not care, polar bears are not mates with seals and the bear would not travel to the jungle in a barrel, and then returned home by an eagle!
How to Train Your Dragon *** A nice little Viking story, fun characters, superb scenery and cool Dragons! The 3D also gave it that little extra kick, but I am starting to think that 3D is a tad pointless.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs *** This was a fun film just full of puns, it even had fun taking the piss out of other disaster movies, like the fact the news reporter points out the food storm seems to hit all major cities before the rest of the world. And Mr T is in as a police man. Plenty of places that I did not laugh at but I did laugh out loud a lot!
Julie and Julia ***½ I really enjoyed this. It was a light, fun film which had lots of food in it and I like food! Also I quite like France and that was in it too!
Twelve Monkeys **** I remember watching this when I was a kid and being amazed by the ending, and at an older age I still think the way the time travel is used is brilliant. Confusing, weird and Brad Pitt is prefect in his role as a crazy person.
Tidal Wave N/A Watched 30 minutes and fell asleep and then could not be arsed to watch the rest of it.
Broken Embraces **** Was not looking forward to this, but people said it was good so I gave it a go, and I’m happy I did. The story was very enjoyable and the characters were all very likeable, also there was a scene where they talk about writing a vampire movie, and it made me want to see it.
Antichrist *** Lots and lots of slow motion stuff. Beautifully shot, and well acted by only two performers, very dark images, including one shot which is the most shocking image I seen in a very long time.
The Matrix **** My first ever DVD and a great film, great action scenes and some great acting from the whole cast, but Fishburne and Hugo are brilliant, I guess Reeves is ok, bit wooden. O yer bullet time, that is pretty cool.
Crimefighters *** By a local film maker and friend, but in this review I will be truthful. An enjoyable story with some great shots, like a review said, it was like a love letter to York, having many different locations all over the city, some I knew well and some I did not know. I think I did enjoy it more because I knew a lot of the actors and it is always cool to see someone you know in something. Only a couple of things I did feel let it down. The sound, not the effects, but the recorded sound was poor in places. Also some of the acting was not amazing. But it was a good film worth a watch.
Ocean Waves **½ One of ghibli’s tales more about life then fairy or legend stories. A lovely story but seemed a bit pointless, it was like a storyline in a soap opera.
Doghouse *** Just a pointless lad movie, boobs, babes and blood. Gore, Gore, Gore. In the words of Charlie Brooker, I’m a man, “pint of tits”!
The Taking of Pelham 123 ***½ Great thriller, and a shame that I was thinking it would be rubbish. Great acting from both the leads, but Travolta proves to me again that he is still a very good actor, making me fall for his crazy nutter! And also I think I prefer Tony Scott to that other crappy one!
Kick-Ass **** I did love this, very near to the comic, but not near enough. Two of my favourite parts were cut or changed, but this in no way ruined the film. I think the film used the source material very well, and created something the film makers and Mark Miller can be proud of. But I think they also created something that would keep a bigger crowd happy. And who cares anyway it has one of the coolest 11 year olds in it! Also some great fight scenes that are very comical but some are also very nerve-racking. A very funny, action filled, reference loving movie.
The Blind Side **** After seeing this I understood the Oscar nod, a lovely story of what can happen when you show someone some love.
The Hurt Locker **** Again I understand how this managed to do very well at the awards both here and there. Heart stopping in paces, with some great cameos from Guy Pearce and Ralph Fiennes, and Kate from Lost!
G.I. Joe ** Pointless, I did love the fact I could point out the toys I had….. but sadly, yes, pointless.
Bunny and the Bull **** The same magic that the Boosh had, but also put in a lovely buddy road comedy storyline and some emotion and it is a bit like Mighty Boosh the Movie.
Saw 6 *** This series will never end, and I kind of hope it does not! The bloody scenes are losing the point, but I’m impressed that the story still links together and most the same cast are in it!
Knocked Up *** Funny
Iron Man ***½ As I am new to Iron Man it did win me over, even though the 2 times I saw it at the cinema I fell a sleep (very tired both times), it had a good story that never bores but does feel a little long! Some very nice action scenes, which include the fight between the fighter planes and the final battle involving the 2 battle suits. Also Bridges and Downey Jr have been cast perfectly.
Rock and Roller **** Not his best, and yer maybe it is trying to hard to be like his first couple. But still it has a good story which winds well between the 3 or so separate storylines and also some funny/great acting from the whole cast!
Team America ***** One of my all time favourite comedy films, the timing of the jokes and songs is brilliant. The mocking of action movies, actors, policing, terrorism and so much more is covered so well! Joke after joke and detail is on the mark, creating a world which I believe Americans see in some way, like all of France’s landmarks in one place, and how the places that the scenes take place in always point out how far away from America they are! Also come on dick, pussy and arsehole is a great speech!
Little Polar Bear * Pointless storylines, I know it is animated kids film but I do not care, polar bears are not mates with seals and the bear would not travel to the jungle in a barrel, and then returned home by an eagle!
How to Train Your Dragon *** A nice little Viking story, fun characters, superb scenery and cool Dragons! The 3D also gave it that little extra kick, but I am starting to think that 3D is a tad pointless.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs *** This was a fun film just full of puns, it even had fun taking the piss out of other disaster movies, like the fact the news reporter points out the food storm seems to hit all major cities before the rest of the world. And Mr T is in as a police man. Plenty of places that I did not laugh at but I did laugh out loud a lot!
Julie and Julia ***½ I really enjoyed this. It was a light, fun film which had lots of food in it and I like food! Also I quite like France and that was in it too!
Twelve Monkeys **** I remember watching this when I was a kid and being amazed by the ending, and at an older age I still think the way the time travel is used is brilliant. Confusing, weird and Brad Pitt is prefect in his role as a crazy person.
Tidal Wave N/A Watched 30 minutes and fell asleep and then could not be arsed to watch the rest of it.
Broken Embraces **** Was not looking forward to this, but people said it was good so I gave it a go, and I’m happy I did. The story was very enjoyable and the characters were all very likeable, also there was a scene where they talk about writing a vampire movie, and it made me want to see it.
Antichrist *** Lots and lots of slow motion stuff. Beautifully shot, and well acted by only two performers, very dark images, including one shot which is the most shocking image I seen in a very long time.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
9th to 22nd of March Movie Reviews
A little held up last week so here is two weeks of movie goodness
Bananaz **** A Documentary about the birth and growth of the Gorillaz. A jumbled mix of video footage and animated band material, this film may not really interest anyone who has no background awareness of the band, but maybe it may get you hooked!
Red Cliff ***** This has made it to my 5 favourite films of all time because in everyway this film is epic! The landscapes, the acting, the story telling, the amazing battle sequences, everything slides together like a child’s jigsaw puzzle.
Shutter Island ****
From Paris with Love **** This film flew past, I’m not surprised! One action scene after another, the main characters do not stop searching for their goal till the titles roll! The action sequences are brilliant and are completed with amazing one liners from John Travolta. In a way Travolta owns this film, he is funny and witty but at the same time very serious. My favourite part of the whole film was the great Pulp Fiction line, why?!?!
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo **** A murder mystery, that manages to intertwine two characters from different backgrounds, suffering their own problems, to pair up and work together. This made me what to watch more Swedish cinema, as I have seen little but what I have seen is pretty good, dark but so appealing.
Predator **** I watched this after watching a trailer for Predators and I was reminded how brilliant it is! Great one liners, some brilliant action scenes, tacky but I’m guessing for the time not bad effects and an alien that looks pretty bloody cool. Also a great final battle, where the hunted becomes the hunter! Damn you Schwarzenegger, why did you give up the movie business!
Shifty **** For some reason I can not get enough of gritty London dramas about drugs, the mob and hard living, as long as its not about bloody football hooligans! A friend returns from the North for a visit to a friend he ran away from, and he gets back into the trouble he ran away from. Some great acting in this from actors whose CV’s have Eastenders written all over it. Funny, but dark and emotional at the same time.
Tideland **½ Most the time I love Gilliam’s work, and I pretty much enjoyed this, but the story was just so so twisted! Dead parents, Hill Billy retarded neighbours who loved the 10 year old main character and talking Barbie heads!
Ponyo **** A lovely magical take on the Little Mermaid story. Loveable characters, great scenery and the animation of the sea was spectacular! Something I will be watching again and again in the future, Japanese or English Version!
Jack Said * O my, what can I say about this London/Noir, with a minor role by Danny Dyer and a “from the grave” cameo from Frank Butcher. Well it does not help that the only reason I watched it was because of a TV ad and the fact Danny was in it. After watching it I found out why it was so confusing, it was the second part of a trilogy! Bad acting, confusing plot and stupid voice over. Some nice shots of London though.
Frost/Nixon **** A great piece of character acting from the whole cast, but mainly the two leads.
30 Days of Night **½ As I write this I am only half way through my first second viewing and it has gained a star from the first time I saw it. I think it works well as a background film, when you’re chatting but you have something to stop and look at now and again. Pretty freaky vamps though!
A Perfect Getaway *** An average thriller. Started to get bored half way in then the twist came, which I guessed 10 minutes in, and then the pace started to pick up to an end which was predictable as hell, but what I hoped for.
300 *** Another night, another evening of watching a movie with Jonny. And we had fun taking the piss out of 300 half naked men! A good action movie, some bad acting but a nice look and some great fights.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail ****½ “Jesus Christ!” and “You make me sad, come Patsy”, two of my favourite lines from this crazy comedy. Re watching it, I noticed so much that I have not realised before, because this film is just so full of comedy gold. The 6 Monty Python’s are masters at their art.
I Love You, Phillip Morris **** All the promo stuff made me want to see it as Carrey just seemed so on form. But the problem with the promo stuff was it only portrayed the comedy side of the film, which is true, it is very funny. But the love story is beautiful and heart breaking, Carrey and McGregor have amazing chemistry on screen. Both actors made this film both loveable and laugh out loud funny.
The Bounty Hunter *** A Rom Com about a guy hunting down his ex wife, but on the journey back to prison guess what happens! You will never guess!?!
Bananaz **** A Documentary about the birth and growth of the Gorillaz. A jumbled mix of video footage and animated band material, this film may not really interest anyone who has no background awareness of the band, but maybe it may get you hooked!
Red Cliff ***** This has made it to my 5 favourite films of all time because in everyway this film is epic! The landscapes, the acting, the story telling, the amazing battle sequences, everything slides together like a child’s jigsaw puzzle.
Shutter Island ****
From Paris with Love **** This film flew past, I’m not surprised! One action scene after another, the main characters do not stop searching for their goal till the titles roll! The action sequences are brilliant and are completed with amazing one liners from John Travolta. In a way Travolta owns this film, he is funny and witty but at the same time very serious. My favourite part of the whole film was the great Pulp Fiction line, why?!?!
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo **** A murder mystery, that manages to intertwine two characters from different backgrounds, suffering their own problems, to pair up and work together. This made me what to watch more Swedish cinema, as I have seen little but what I have seen is pretty good, dark but so appealing.
Predator **** I watched this after watching a trailer for Predators and I was reminded how brilliant it is! Great one liners, some brilliant action scenes, tacky but I’m guessing for the time not bad effects and an alien that looks pretty bloody cool. Also a great final battle, where the hunted becomes the hunter! Damn you Schwarzenegger, why did you give up the movie business!
Shifty **** For some reason I can not get enough of gritty London dramas about drugs, the mob and hard living, as long as its not about bloody football hooligans! A friend returns from the North for a visit to a friend he ran away from, and he gets back into the trouble he ran away from. Some great acting in this from actors whose CV’s have Eastenders written all over it. Funny, but dark and emotional at the same time.
Tideland **½ Most the time I love Gilliam’s work, and I pretty much enjoyed this, but the story was just so so twisted! Dead parents, Hill Billy retarded neighbours who loved the 10 year old main character and talking Barbie heads!
Ponyo **** A lovely magical take on the Little Mermaid story. Loveable characters, great scenery and the animation of the sea was spectacular! Something I will be watching again and again in the future, Japanese or English Version!
Jack Said * O my, what can I say about this London/Noir, with a minor role by Danny Dyer and a “from the grave” cameo from Frank Butcher. Well it does not help that the only reason I watched it was because of a TV ad and the fact Danny was in it. After watching it I found out why it was so confusing, it was the second part of a trilogy! Bad acting, confusing plot and stupid voice over. Some nice shots of London though.
Frost/Nixon **** A great piece of character acting from the whole cast, but mainly the two leads.
30 Days of Night **½ As I write this I am only half way through my first second viewing and it has gained a star from the first time I saw it. I think it works well as a background film, when you’re chatting but you have something to stop and look at now and again. Pretty freaky vamps though!
A Perfect Getaway *** An average thriller. Started to get bored half way in then the twist came, which I guessed 10 minutes in, and then the pace started to pick up to an end which was predictable as hell, but what I hoped for.
300 *** Another night, another evening of watching a movie with Jonny. And we had fun taking the piss out of 300 half naked men! A good action movie, some bad acting but a nice look and some great fights.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail ****½ “Jesus Christ!” and “You make me sad, come Patsy”, two of my favourite lines from this crazy comedy. Re watching it, I noticed so much that I have not realised before, because this film is just so full of comedy gold. The 6 Monty Python’s are masters at their art.
I Love You, Phillip Morris **** All the promo stuff made me want to see it as Carrey just seemed so on form. But the problem with the promo stuff was it only portrayed the comedy side of the film, which is true, it is very funny. But the love story is beautiful and heart breaking, Carrey and McGregor have amazing chemistry on screen. Both actors made this film both loveable and laugh out loud funny.
The Bounty Hunter *** A Rom Com about a guy hunting down his ex wife, but on the journey back to prison guess what happens! You will never guess!?!
Tuesday 9 March 2010
2nd to the 8th of March Quick Ass Movie Reviews
Roll up, Roll up. Learn what I been watching
White Out *** I do not understand why everyone hates this so much, do not get me wrong it was not great, but it was a run of the mill thriller. Ok when I started watching it I did think it was going to a Horror/Sci-Fi so was a little disappointed that it was like a crime/thriller thing. Some bad acting and not great effects, but not so shit.
Alice in Wonderland **** I was going to knock a star off because of 2 reasons, people telling me it is shit and the bloody dance at the end! A fun kids movie that in places did feel like a reintroduction, more then an action/adventure. But I did like the way the film felt like a sequel to the books, more then a retelling of the story, but because of this reason I understand why people do not like it. Most of the characters were under used, but my favourite character was the Chester Cat as he was well voiced and animated brilliantly as was the Jabberwocky!
Exit Through The Gift Shop ***** Went in knowing little about Banksy and the world of Graffiti Art, left with great interest and the want for more. A well presented story about a crazy French man who films everything he sees who falls into the world of street art and his hunt for Banksy. Just entertaining and really enjoyable.
Tale of Two Sisters *** Like most Korean Horrors, it was very very creepy, and when something scary was coming I pulled my t-shirt up to my nose and put my fingers in my ears! But this film was very confusing and halfway through I realised I’d seen the dreadful remake so that ruined the ending!!
White Out *** I do not understand why everyone hates this so much, do not get me wrong it was not great, but it was a run of the mill thriller. Ok when I started watching it I did think it was going to a Horror/Sci-Fi so was a little disappointed that it was like a crime/thriller thing. Some bad acting and not great effects, but not so shit.
Alice in Wonderland **** I was going to knock a star off because of 2 reasons, people telling me it is shit and the bloody dance at the end! A fun kids movie that in places did feel like a reintroduction, more then an action/adventure. But I did like the way the film felt like a sequel to the books, more then a retelling of the story, but because of this reason I understand why people do not like it. Most of the characters were under used, but my favourite character was the Chester Cat as he was well voiced and animated brilliantly as was the Jabberwocky!
Exit Through The Gift Shop ***** Went in knowing little about Banksy and the world of Graffiti Art, left with great interest and the want for more. A well presented story about a crazy French man who films everything he sees who falls into the world of street art and his hunt for Banksy. Just entertaining and really enjoyable.
Tale of Two Sisters *** Like most Korean Horrors, it was very very creepy, and when something scary was coming I pulled my t-shirt up to my nose and put my fingers in my ears! But this film was very confusing and halfway through I realised I’d seen the dreadful remake so that ruined the ending!!
Tuesday 2 March 2010
22nd of Feb to the 1st of March Movie Reviews
Not many films this week. Been busy
Mic Macs **** A fun story, that never stops with the comedy till the last scene. A great cast and some brilliant set pieces and props. O yer, really really funny as well.
The Cradle will Fall * A mum who loses it and tries to kill her 4 kids, ranged between 10 months and 10 years. Why in the name of our lord, did I think it would be any good?
Observe and Report ** In the whole film I laughed out loud once and that was 2 minutes before the credits, too little too late! I thought with a cast including Seth Rogen and Ray Liotta, maybe the acting would be good, but alas no, of course not!! I have not even seen Mall Cop, but I get the feeling that would be a much better film, even tho it looks crap!!
Mic Macs **** A fun story, that never stops with the comedy till the last scene. A great cast and some brilliant set pieces and props. O yer, really really funny as well.
The Cradle will Fall * A mum who loses it and tries to kill her 4 kids, ranged between 10 months and 10 years. Why in the name of our lord, did I think it would be any good?
Observe and Report ** In the whole film I laughed out loud once and that was 2 minutes before the credits, too little too late! I thought with a cast including Seth Rogen and Ray Liotta, maybe the acting would be good, but alas no, of course not!! I have not even seen Mall Cop, but I get the feeling that would be a much better film, even tho it looks crap!!
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Tuesday 16th to Monday 22nd Movie Reviews
Another week, a few more quick reviews
Dante’s Inferno Animated Epic *** This is a nice tie into the game, a great vision of hell and all the different versions look cool, some very nice anime shorts.
Outlander *** When I heard that it was set in 708AD and then an alien crash lands on earth bringing with him an alien beast, I was like brilliant, and now I wonder why I would even think that!! Not awful, but no where near brilliant, and two very under used actors, John Hurt and Ron Pearlman. Maybe also a bit to long.
Paper Heart ***1/2 Quirky, funny, sweet and good mix of mock and real documentary. Some cool puppet scenes too.
An Education **** I understand now why she won the Bafta. A lovely vision of the 60’s and the mistakes people make.
Lovely Bones *** I felt something was missing but some great acting, mainly going to the killer, he was very creepy. Also the heaven parts seemed a bit pointless.
Dante’s Inferno Animated Epic *** This is a nice tie into the game, a great vision of hell and all the different versions look cool, some very nice anime shorts.
Outlander *** When I heard that it was set in 708AD and then an alien crash lands on earth bringing with him an alien beast, I was like brilliant, and now I wonder why I would even think that!! Not awful, but no where near brilliant, and two very under used actors, John Hurt and Ron Pearlman. Maybe also a bit to long.
Paper Heart ***1/2 Quirky, funny, sweet and good mix of mock and real documentary. Some cool puppet scenes too.
An Education **** I understand now why she won the Bafta. A lovely vision of the 60’s and the mistakes people make.
Lovely Bones *** I felt something was missing but some great acting, mainly going to the killer, he was very creepy. Also the heaven parts seemed a bit pointless.
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Reviews of the week
I have decided to do quick movie reviews of the films I have seen, just because I thought it would be fun. The reviews are only quick thoughts.
Princess and the Frog **** A classic Disney fairy tale, very close to the Disney features of the 90’s. Even bringing back memories from the Jungle Book. Great comedy animal characters, and some very catchy tunes!
Youth in Revolt *** A great performance from Michael Cera, comes off well as a geek turned rebel 16 year old, also sporting some funny one liners. The rest of the cast is pretty good, but something really seems missing. And it did not end the way I wanted it too, but that is me being picky.
Wolfman *** A great cast, who just do not seem to be bothered and not living up to their roles as ACTORS! Very gruesome in parts and lives up to its B movie name. Some great bits in it, mainly the Wolfman bits.
I Love You, Beth Cooper *** An average teen movie, no better American Pie, but better then Road Trip.
Valentine’s Day *** Poor man’s Love Actually.
A Single Man **** Was taken in by the trailer, and then wowed by the film. Great acting, colour scheme, mise en scene, costume design, sound design and hands down (I think maybe even Oscar winning) performance by Colin Firth.
Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief ***1/2 This was a fun, enjoyable action/adventure. Fast paced story, which has plenty of monsters, gods and cool set pieces. Also the light connections to history/myths are cool. So much better then the Narnia films, and even better then a few of the Potter films. I hope for more of Percy Jackson.
Princess and the Frog **** A classic Disney fairy tale, very close to the Disney features of the 90’s. Even bringing back memories from the Jungle Book. Great comedy animal characters, and some very catchy tunes!
Youth in Revolt *** A great performance from Michael Cera, comes off well as a geek turned rebel 16 year old, also sporting some funny one liners. The rest of the cast is pretty good, but something really seems missing. And it did not end the way I wanted it too, but that is me being picky.
Wolfman *** A great cast, who just do not seem to be bothered and not living up to their roles as ACTORS! Very gruesome in parts and lives up to its B movie name. Some great bits in it, mainly the Wolfman bits.
I Love You, Beth Cooper *** An average teen movie, no better American Pie, but better then Road Trip.
Valentine’s Day *** Poor man’s Love Actually.
A Single Man **** Was taken in by the trailer, and then wowed by the film. Great acting, colour scheme, mise en scene, costume design, sound design and hands down (I think maybe even Oscar winning) performance by Colin Firth.
Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief ***1/2 This was a fun, enjoyable action/adventure. Fast paced story, which has plenty of monsters, gods and cool set pieces. Also the light connections to history/myths are cool. So much better then the Narnia films, and even better then a few of the Potter films. I hope for more of Percy Jackson.
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