Film Review

I was quite excited about the release of this film. I enjoyed the first big screen remake a few years ago and knew this also wouldn't be disappointing. They had delayed the release date from Christmas to work on the effects. As a huge fan of the 1980's BBC Narnia productions I am always biased to how those compare. Prince Caspian was possibly slightly too old in this film, but the appeal of him is obvious for a female audience. I went with a 'Narnia book buff' who muttered throughout that things were not the same, but then that is the rights of a screenplay is it not? It was good family viewing and would not disappoint any age. The 'romance' between Caspian and Susan was added for 'Hollywood' effect, but otherwise it was well produced and not too OTT. As a slight 'Narnia on small screen geek' it did make me chuckle that Warwick Davies was used in both the 1988 and 2008 productions as different characters. His 1988 character was replaced by a CGI character voiced by Eddie Izzard. Go and see it, you should hopefully not be disappointed.

I was just wondering....

...when headphones became extinct?! (I'm about to sound very old) Why do teenagers feel the need to walk along the street, quite often alone, playing music on their phone's MP3 player. Its just plain annoying!!

No Words Needed

I was sent this video a while ago and was reminded of it again today. It starts off quite slow, but give it a few minutes and the performance gets really powerful.

Not Sure Where To Go

I'm at an odd point in my life right now. There is a lot going on and I am struggling to see 'the light at the end of the tunnel' most of the time. I remembered these A.J cartoons and I am a mixture of feeling like this and experiencing this. Its not that I want to be dishonest to people, but how long do people want to listen for? It makes me appreciate my friends who are currently tolerating my woes.

Oxen Yoke

We looked at a passage of scripture this week, and I made my 'work blog' about it. Its one of those verses that gets quoted again and again, but sometimes the true message behind it doesn't always make sense until we have heard it a hundred times!

Film Review

I did not read any reviews or know anything about this film before I went to see it. All I know is that I haven't been able to avoid Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley plugging it on TV and radio. I would say that it is two hours I won't be able to get back again! It wasnt terribly awful, but it did seem to go on a bit, with no major conclusion or too much of a point! The production of it was excellent however. The war time setting was very well done.

Long Time No Blog!

I'm not sure why I have struggled to blog recently (minus the film reviews), I have not been that busy, I guess I just haven't had much inspiration! Just like school reports I suppose...must try harder.

Recently I still have heavy on my mind those friends who used to have some kind of relationship with God as a teenager, but since uni and adult life have decided to 'go it alone'. I feel that when I see them I still need to bring a little of God into their lives, to remind them that He still loves them.

Last night I went to a youth event that two of my friends were involved in guest leading. One guy was leading worship, and the other one speaking for the first time. I'm used to seeing Dave lead worship, but I especially went to see Matt speak. Afterwards when they were praying for people I got a sense of God (like that bit from the gospels) being 'well pleased' with them. It made me think that I'm always praying for the 'yet to return prodigals', but not for the faithful 'sons who have stayed'.

Exciting Find

Originally uploaded by Roothie

While in East London I passed this dealership full of my favourite little cars! I got quite excited by all of the colours they had in stock!!

Exhibitions Day

Today I went to this exhibition with my friend Jaymie. I feel a bit out of the loop on current photography, but some of the content of this exhibition I had seen over the years and it was nice to see it again. Reminded me of photographers I used to study at school and uni.

We also took a wander around art studios in Bethnal Green. Lots of interesting exhibits from the very random to the total genius and inspiring.

Film Review

Oh my goodness!! I have been counting down the days until this film was released! I really enjoyed the series and the film did not disappoint. The outfits were amazing. The Vogue photo-shoot scene was especially awesome! I am not all that girlie, but parts of this film made me and my friends squeal! Most girls watching this would at some point wish they were Carrie Bradshaw with her amazing wardrobe and romantic lifestyle. The film picked up a few years later from where the series had left us. It did address issues within relationships and all the stuff that comes with it, but obviously it all had a very 'Hollywood' ending. Whereas life doesnt always seem to work out like that sadly. But do go and see it, it is long but well worth it!

Must See Advert...

Oh how I laughed out loud a lot at this. Must be viewed.

Film Review

The problem with being a film student is films being ruined by studying them! This was definitely the case for me at uni with Indiana Jones on a very complex module about cinema psychology. Anyway, he makes a return. I am sure die hard Indie fans would possibly love this film. I think it would be viewed as either a welcome come back or an un-necessary addition to the original trilogy.

This film is the same format, a nice all round film for any age. The effects were good, but some of the adventures and stunts were a little over the top for believeability! Of course the big question still remains of whether Harrison Ford is too old to play Indie now?! I did struggle with Cate Blanchett's role. I didn't buy in to her character at all!

Film Review

I knew nothing about the comic book origins of this film. I liked it. There was quite a mix between the gritty reality of the Middle East situation and the unrealistic designs and lifestyle of the main character Stark. In true Hollywood style the baddies were super bad, and the good people were amazingly good, and a weak target! It is a good watch and not disappointing, in my opinion.

April Snow

Originally uploaded by Roothie

Anyone that knows me is aware that I LOVE snow. Any time we wake up to snow in our area I get inundated with texts!! Usually I have to go to work, or dont get the chance to enjoy the snow. But yesterday I was able to walk around and take some amazing photos. 8am on a Sunday morning meant that noone else was around, (just a few dog walkers). It was my own winter wonderland. It was still snowing and the fields were covered. I walked around and soaked it in. I was living out a moment which would become a new favourite memory.

Please check out all of my photos.

Observations

I sadly witnessed a racial fight yesterday in the area where I work. I did not intend on front row seats, it just so happened that I bumped into an old friend and we stopped to chat right where the action took place five minutes later. It stemmed from something that wasn't even worth fighting about. It involved a pedestrian of one race and two boys in a car of another race. The boys in the car made a fight out of it. They were clearly up for making trouble and that's what they eventually caused. It took strangers to come running and break up the fight instead of peers who had come along to join in. Me and my friend decided to part our ways once the group was dispersed. I walked off thinking how sad it was that something that could have been resolved with simple self control or an apology, blew up into such drama. So many people in our world who we walk alongside on the street as strangers need something more in their lives, more than causing a fight for something to do.

(Only minuscule comedy moment was one of the boys attempting to kick one of the others, missing and falling on the floor!!)

Film Review

I shall keep this short and sweet, I like this film. A bit of sex and mild violence is the only warning I have.

The story starts off very simple and becomes very complex, but with interesting links. The costumes, props and locations are all excellent for the time period (with the exception of Jason Statham's shaved head and designer stubble!)

There are quite a few famous British faces starring in this film, and I did spend some of my time playing who's who!

It is based on a true story, and if this is the case then it is quite un-nerving as to how much corruption there can be within our senior authorities.

Through A Childs Eyes

Amanda uses so many examples from her little boy Daniel. Things she sees through him, examples of how he views things etc. More recently (I think) he has started to recognise me, (as his favourite special Aunty of course.) On occasions he has run towards me, seen me from far away and sat pointing, trusted me to be with him over others, etc.

As normal I have linked this into a relationship with God. To most people God is something far away and untouchable. To those who have a relationship with Jesus, it is something that builds up over time. We get to know this person gradually, learning each day along the way. We recognise new things that we know is God. He must experience joy when we acknowledge Him, just as I do with Daniel. Its only a small thing, but through stuff like this I can appreciate how much God loves us.

Cheese Fest!

Easter Sunday allowed me to eat cheese again. However three different people mentioned this break to me this year, why have I NEVER heard of this!?

The photos below show my starter and dessert choices at lunchtime! It also shows a good old home cooked favourite that I couldn't wait to have again.

Film Review

As always, if you have not yet seen the film and plan to, then it is probably not best to read this first!

The film had great potential. A whole host of top names and good publicity. It started well, viewpoints from each character unravelled to tell the story. The film literally rolled back each time a new person's story was told. A couple of good twists along the way made it interesting at times. (Matthew Fox's character being a baddie saddened me!)

My knowledge of the politics surrounding this scenario is very limited, which didn't help. The planning and accuracy of the terrorist group was frightening. It all seemed very calculated, but yet easy to do. Far too many people were on the inside. It made me wonder how much of it was artistic licence, and how much of it with a stretch of the imagination and right tools, could happen.

It was all going well until very near the end....all of the stories have tied together and we are watching the plot unfold. It suddenly becomes very cheesy. Lots of impossible moments. For example the agent turned bad, in a high speed car chase, eye-balling the partner he betrayed via the rear-view-mirror, chasing him in the car behind!! The real president (not the fake one who was shot, good twist) is in the ambulance with the (very attractive -its Hollywood) kidnappers. Dennis Quaid then becomes everything that America should be. Out fly the cheesy lines. All that was missing was a shot of the confederate flag and the words God bless America!! The president fights off the bad guys dressed as paramedics with a pole, the ambulance swerves to miss a child, the ambulance tips, along comes Dennis leaping over cars, opens the doors, shoots the bad guy who is pretending to be dead, and utters the words - you're safe now Mr president. Followed by many more classics. (much to the amusement of my friends and others in the cinema!!)

Along with a mushy phone call for the last King of Scotland, its a typical Hollywood ending, no-one messes with the US! -apparently.

Film Review

I am totally a fan of mushy chick flicks, but this one left me with an odd feeling. I don't really know where to begin with my mix reactions. Obviously I know it is Hollywood and there is a rule about things not being believable, but how someone can apparently legally 'marry' someone else with a small form on the internet with a copy of a birth certificate is worrying. My main concern was the total disregard for fidelity. In my opinion it is sending out a very bad message on relationships. The main character was able to chop and change between these two men, without any real hassle. The conclusion being the original partner just stepping aside ever so easily and letting this woman he had committed to take up with a man she had known for a few weeks.

Beneath the surface was a message about making your relationship all about the wedding, or all about the marriage. In one situation she is making sure the cake, the rings, the catering is all ok, all linked to the wedding and with this man she is always found to be looking immaculate without a hair out of place. In the other situation she is found to be much more herself, going with her feelings and not worrying about what she looks like.

It is an interesting jumble of emotions. As a spectator to these events I wanted her character to be happy, but not by this negative example of how to handle relationships and the feelings of each man involved. I do ask myself what this message says to young people.

(Other notes include my desire for Colin Firth to break out of his typecast role and more shower scenes featuring the torso of Jeffrey Dean Morgan!)