Category: Ramblings

Movie Review: Capricorn One (1979)

Length: 2Hr 4Min
Rating: PG
About: Three astronauts (James Brolin, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson) are about to launch into space on the first mission to Mars. But when a mechanical failure surfaces that would kill the three men, NASA removes them from the Capricorn One capsule. To prevent a public outcry, NASA launches the capsule unmanned and requires the astronauts to film fake mission footage in a studio. However, the plan is compromised when an ambitious journalist (Elliott Gould) discovers the conspiracy.

The Good

Bloody hell, talk about a legacy cast. There’s nothing better than watching an old school film and recognising people you watch. Not only that, they’re 30 years younger. James Brolin, Elliot Gould and ? all bring their a-game to this chilling political conspiracy thriller. I’d have liked to have seen more from ?, as early parts of the film hint at a comedic side I’ve not seen in his most recent roles.

The film has this delightful slow build of a plot which you simply don’t see getting made in Hollywood nowadays. There’s no heavy pattern or formulaic action sequences. Elliot Gould may take top billing when it comes to the credits, but there’s no clear star driving this plot forward.

In an age where movies are catering for an over-stimulated audience, this is a nice change of pace; it’s atmospheric, chilling and emotive. I’m not ashamed to say, I jumped twice at events I wasn’t expecting. Actually, I yelped too at one and screamed at the other.

The Bad

As I said, there’s no star. Unfortunately while it’s a blessing, it’s also the film’s curse. As a result of no one person being followed, the plot feels overly choppy and, at times, hard to follow. It also gave the film an overall uneasy feeling and while I don’t personally like it, I can’t deny that it adds to the whole film.

The Ugly

why was the on-trend colour of the 70s all shades of brown? Literally everything in this film; from costumes to sets was brown. This is such a personal thing but picking a colour palate because it’s in fashion dates a film and it’s a shame because the theme and conspiracy at the heart of this movie has a timeless ‘fake news’ quality about it.

Love Han x

It’s Not All Doom and Gloom

From the Feeds

Today’s post comes from Buzzfeed and is a compilation of 33 wonderfully heartwarming photos.

Daily Three

  1. I got to watch a film with my dad that I found purely on a few bits of information he gave me. Capricorn One is a tense slow-build of a film that actually even made me scream.
  2. I tidied, hoovered and generally been productive. It’s strange that I had to move back home to unlock the full adulting level.
  3. I made the perfect omelette. It didn’t stick to the pan, it didn’t rip as I folded it and it was cooked all the way through.

Mamma Mia! Here I Go Again (2018)

Length: 1Hr 54

Rating: PG

About: In 1979 young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University — leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam — the latter whom she falls in love with, but he’s also the man who breaks her heart. In the present day, Donna’s pregnant daughter, Sophie, dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother’s old friends and boyfriends on the Greek island of Kalokairi.

The Good

Well, the joy of the first outing means that you’re invested from the outset and you care about finding out what they’re all up to.

The new cast is a perfect fit for the older counterparts we already know of. You can’t fault the Donna and the Dynamos; Lily Janes, Jessica Keenan Wynn and Alexa Davies steal this film and the songs that they sing.

The Bad

It feels rather weak by having the two timelines running; one of which was boiled down to a single song in the first movie. Other than retconning Rosie and Bill’s relationship, I’m not sure there was enough added to the 1979 plot. If the plot was given more room to breath and the boys given something other than lip service cameos, I would have enjoyed it more.

The Ugly

Unfortunately, all the ABBA hits were used and what we’re left with are the B sides. Yes, they are well shoe horned into the plot, but only hard core fans will be singing along this time.

It’s another film that reveals too much with the trailer. There were too many things that play out as if we’re not meant to know. It leaves you feeling a little deflated.

Kick the Moon by Muhammad Khan

Muhammad Khan’s second novel is a relevant cautionary tale of self realisation, challenging the trappings created by fear and, most importantly, acknowledging stereotypes of gender and culture before working against them.

My affection for the protagonist hit me fast and hard. Ilyas is a young man I’ve had in my classroom time and time again. He’s a person who is so busy trying to balance what everyone else expects, that he forgets who he really is and what makes him happy.

The journey that Ilyas goes on, in part, is a solo one. However, as a reader, you feel every step he takes. It’s hard to see the assumptions made about him and decisions made for him when you get to hear his own thoughts of the matter.

By the time the reader meets Kelly, they already get a feel for the world in which Ilyas lives and the way in which it goes against his own moral code. Khan is able to explore the complexity of a teen’s life and how complications don’t always arrive from one social group or source alone.

Kelly’s arrival and Ilyas’ Maths teacher takes the story on a wonderful and heart warming adjacent storyline. It’s here where I feel Khan does his best work; raising issues and challenging stereotypes not only within the story, but to the reader directly.

My favourite aspect of this story is the comic Ilyas and Kelly develop. The glimpses you get about the story will have all readers scrambling to Twitter and begging Khan to create the comic book proper.

Kick the Moon is out now.

Love Han x

WED: No Doom, No Gloom

From the Feeds

sorry. Finding things tough at the moment without WiFi. Should be up and running by Monday. So just one for today;

https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/19/i-will-not-stop-until-syrian-refugees-are-reunited-with-the-beloved-pets-they-left-behind-8331338/?ito=social

Daily Three

1. I’m all registered at my doctors and somehow it feels like everything is right with the world.

2. I was given a £7 voucher from Starbucks. I dropped the company an email because i’ve found the service a little inconsistent (cold coffee, no filter available, a very messy caramel Mach). I didn’t want anything other than a warm cup of coffee the next time I went in. Now I’ve gotten enough for 3 filter coffees.

3. I watched BoRhap with my dad. I learnt more about my dad, his views and even a little bit about my own life in this one viewing than anything else in my life. From fashion, the fears of people at the outbreak of HIV/Aids and what he thought of Freddie. ”He had such an amazing personality. A charisma and a character that no one else had. Taken way too young. He’d only just gotten started.”

⁃ Then the bit that hit me right in the emotions. My dad told me during the final scene that my mum was in hospital and watched all of Live Aid, having just had major surgery removing a fibroid from her womb to save my life. I don’t know how well my father has remembered it, but I like the thought that Live Aid helped with ‘our’ recovery.

Sun: Not all Doom and Gloom

From the Feeds

Just a solo post again this evening. To read the full post, head here. This evening’s article highlights how an inclusive society can bring so much joy.

Buzz, 23, had been refused by a number of tattoo artists. His autism had, some might say, rightly put them off. Concerns were expressed that the noise and the pain would be too much for Buzz and that he would not be able to sit through the session required to give him the tattoo he wanted. They are professionals and even I have been refused service for some of the tattoo ideas I’ve had. I’m sure I don’t need to remind people of the disaster that was the woman who claimed that she asked for one star on her face only to be met with a constellation that she “slept” through.

Inkorporated, a tattoo parlor in Washington, came to the rescue and offered their services. They explained that they too agreed with others; that the sound and pain may not allow Buzz to sit through the whole process. However, they said it was at least worth a try. After all: Buzz had wanted a tattoo since he was little and would put on the temporary ones on.

All you have to do is see Buzz’s smile to realise that it was just a chance that was needed. Someone who would challenge expectations.

Daily Three

1. A friend got in touch to tell me they rely enjoy reading my blog.

2. I made a kick ass dinner for me and my dad

3. I bought mince pie flavoured peanut butter today. Will let you know how it tastes.

love Han x

Devoted by Jennifer Mathieu

Devoted is quite possibly the most difficult read I’ve ever experienced. It’s expertly written and contained wonderful, well rounded and well intended, characters to compliment a complex and compelling story.

However, it really held me ransom and I had to take a few pauses and even considered abandoning it completely at one point. Again, this is actually a testament to the writer. Mathieu has, again, created something real and emotive.

It just so happens that while I have a love of books like Book of Fire and The Special One’s that contain a cult-like society, I found devoted, being one rooted within a real religion, so unbelievably frightening. There were certain fears I had about the progression of the plot and that the book would send an anti-religion message. I think my fear came from the thought that this plot is so real in parts of the world.

I’m happy to say, the message I wanted was made very clear. It’s the first contemporary book I’ve read in a long time that has had me question the world in which we live in. My main reason for not abandoning the book was that I felt I had a duty to not leave Rachel with her family. I felt overwhelmed and trapped within the narrative, just as she did.

Mathieu’s writing helped me moved past my own weakness and I felt like I was supporting Rachel on her journey. I loved the romantic sub plot between Rachel and Mark. More so that there was no rush to tell their story within the confines of the novel. I’ve been inspired, they’re now part of me and I will spend some time considering their blossoming friendship and perhaps romance.

Love Han x

Not all Doom and Gloom

From the Feeds

This first post is about inclusivity and how easy it can be.

Next up is this novel approach to how to read Fahrenheit 451.

Next is a story about Joe Manganeillo letting his geekness hang out with pride in order to bring joy to a hospital in America.

Daily Three

1. I’ve sorted out the internet and gotten a better deal. I’ve got to wait four more days, but I can cope with that.

2. I gave the kitchen a proper good clean and made spaghetti bolognese.

3. There have been so many little things that have made me smile today; from a blogger who is offering a proof to disadvantaged teens to the Starbucks barista who let me know I was able get a free refill on my coffee. But, the biggest little joy was the fact that there is a job going as an education officer in the Beatle’s Story. Well, if that isn’t a job made for me, I don’t know what is.

No Doom, No Gloom- my Daily Three

Just the Daily Three today

1. I did lots of sorting, binning and organising. It’s a long slog, but I think I’m finally at the point where everything has a place.

2. I’ve been able to send off my carer’s application. Again, another hard slog, but its getting there.

3. I am ending the night with Desperate Housewives. Such an amazing show.

Sorry I haven’t compiled the articles today. I’ve been a little preoccupied.

Sleep well

Han x

Monday No Doom, No Gloom

From the Feeds

Solo post for today is a heartwarming story about the longest surviving kidney transplant recipient.

Daily Three

1. We now have smoke alarms

2. There was the most gorgeous toddler in Starbucks today. She came up to my table and smiled at me and giggled. There is literally nothing better than a smile.

3. My gorgeous and beautiful friend who runs a book subscription company made sure my next subscription is coming to the right address instead of being lost in London. It’s simple things like a message that makes a person a little more… Seen.