Category: Ramblings

Christmas Film Advent- We’re No Angels (1955)

“Even the girl herself called us angels.”

Length: 1Hr 47
Rating: U
About: 
After breaking out of prison on Devil’s Island, Joseph (Humphrey Bogart) and his two cohorts flee to a nearby town and hide in a shop run by kindhearted Felix (Leo G. Carroll) ; his wife, Amelie (Joan Bennett) ; and their daughter. The three men plan to rob the store and board a ship the next day, but they soon change their minds after sharing Christmas dinner with the family. When they learn of the family’s financial troubles, the convicts decide instead to carry out a few good deeds.

The Nice List

  • The trio of convicts are completely perfect. Bogart, Ustinov and Ray remind me in a weird way of Rocket Raccoon, Star Lord and Drax. If there was ever to be a remake (Which it doesn’t need, by the way) the actor counterparts would be brilliant. However, I can’t praise the original actors enough. I’ve heard so much about Bogart and Ustinov but I don’t think I’ve seen anything with them in. Now I know why their reputations proceed them.
  • It has a slight off beat plot of murder and thievery that you’ll never quite take seriously. Nor do I believe for a second that the three men are true criminals; their hearts are turned too quickly. I actually love that from the moment the audience meet them, you know they don’t really mean any harm. It certainly meant I kept a massive smile on my face for the entire 106 minutes of charm.
  • Being an adaptation of a play means that the dialogue is a work of art. Responding to questions with phrases that allude to things the audience know, but others on the screen don’t is such a charming touch that not all adaptations keep.
  • It’s funny. So many times I found myself chuckling; and it’s without effort that the film manages to do this. The highlight being how the trio handle the arrival of the nasty cousin and his nephew.
  • The Christmas dinner scene was just a delight. The decorations, the tree and the singing. It was all wonderful and left me feeling festive, even with the heated setting.

The Naughty List

  • It’s just a wee naughty with some of the conversations for a U classification. Ray’s Albert is rather letchy at the beginning and the less said about the trio fighting over the right to have Amelie for their own personal wank bank, the better. Of course, it’s put much more delicately than that and will most likely go over a little kid’s heads. But you know, when a film’s this good, I’ve got to pull it on something, you know?!

Final Thoughts

I’m starting to find that I’m prefering the older films to modern festive ‘classics’. There’s something about a film that is just trying to tell a story rather than please the majority of an audience.
We’re no Angels is one to put on my repeat viewing list. Along with a reminder to check out more of Bogart and Ustinov’s work.

Love Han x

Christmas Movie Advent- Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

“But once a calamity ever so great occurred
When two Holidays met by mistake.”


Length: 1Hr 16
About: The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.

This is an interesting film for me as I am possibly incorrectly remembering my mum banning my brother from taking me to see this film at the cinema and is perhaps how we ended up seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger fronted Junior (and even if it’s not, brother, it’s the story we’re going with! I watched Junior under protest). I won’t lie; at the time I LOVED good ol’ Arnie waddling around and pretending to be knocked up with Emma Thompson’s baby. But time has not been kind to that film and I’m not certain I’d be able to sit through it now.
It was the year after, when the film aired on my neighbour’s coveted cable, that I hazily remember seeing this film for the first time and not being completely enamored as I thought I’d be. That’s not to say 9 year old me had any taste when it came to films; I loathed Lion King the first time I saw that too.
So it’s quite curious actually that despite never declaring my love of Tim Burton’s cult, and contentiously festive, classic and probably never seeing it more than a handful of times I’ve been gratefully inundated with Jack Skellington based gifts. There are certainly other films of Burton’s that I regard much higher; Sleepy Hollow still hangs on in my ultimate top 10 films and Beetlejuice is not far away from being in it either. This has been my second viewing this year; I’d just finished watching it with my film club in school as part of our Halloween viewing so it’s been interesting watching it with Christmas in mind.

The Good

The stop motion is stunning. Jack is such a perfect character; both as a piece of artwork and as protagonist who is conflicted. While Tim Burton is only credited as the screenwriter on the project, it truly fits within his world. There’s elements that tie this up with Beetlejuice and other films in Burton’s catalogue. I can’t deny that visually, this film is a masterpiece.
Being a musical is a bit of a double edged sword for me, but for now I’ll concentrate on the positives. While I haven’t watched this all that much, I have listened to the soundtrack to death. Danny Elfman stands, for me, alongside the great John Williams for having an instantly recognisable style. Elfman has created beautiful imagery within the songs that they do stand strong away from the visual aspects of the story. There’s a wonderful homage to Beetlejuice within the film’s instrumental suite that I just adore and pulls me into this world further by implying the films are universally linked.
My favourite song will always be Kidnap the Sandy Claws sung by the trio; Lock, Shock and Barrel. Its a underrated song, but has all the charm, fun and blend of both holidays. That’s not to say I haven’t saved any love for the fan favourites, This is Halloween and What’s This?

The Bad

I’m not certain it’s a kid’s film or one that fits within Disney’s branding. Which fits, as it was originally released under the Touchstone banner. It’s rather dark; visually and tonally. I’m not sure when I was a kid I was able to appreciate the approach taken by it. I’d also be weary of showing it to any children I may, or may not, have for fear of scaring them.

The Ugly (Truth)

This, I am certain, will be an unpopular opinion but this doesn’t work as a film for me. The dialogue between the songs doesn’t quite have the punch that I need to keep me engaged with the narrative. And that’s saying something when it’s run time is 76 minutes; you can’t even get a Hobbit out of the Shire in that amount of cinematic time.
Its actually frustrating because the story is there, visually I am enchanted and I want to love it, but it’s those damn songs. They actually outshine, rather than compliment and it should never be that way.

Final Thoughts

So, I’m fond of that skeleton man. I’ll keep pining after the cookie jar the Disney Store bring out every year like Wayne Campbell after the Fender Excalibur, but I will always listen to the soundtrack before watching the movie.

 Han x

Christmas Movie Advent- Arthur Christmas (2011)

“Santa, we know we shouldn’t believe rumours, but we do.”

Watching on Netflix
Length: 1Hr 37

Santa’s clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with St. Nick’s father to give out a present they misplaced to a young girl in less than 2 hours.

The Good

What an adorable addition to the Christmas movie fleet. With an all-star voice cast bringing the Santa family to life, you can’t help but feeling charmed and warmed by the story of the youngest Santa, who doesn’t quite fit the traditional expectations.

Arthur is voiced by James McAvoy and is passionate, clumsy and everything you want in the Christmas spirit. The character reminds me of the comedian Kieran Hodgson and he’d made a perfect live action counterpart.

The story brings together the old and the new. Tradition and technology are at the heart of the story that truly is about bringing joy and truly caring. It’s a message that can sometimes get lost. Evie, the traditional sleigh and Bill Nighey’s Grandsanta prove that there’s sometimes fault in relying in new routines.

There’s so many wonderful touches in this film; from the user manual for the S1, the batteries inside the toy and next in line santa’s Christmas camo uniform. And on that note, Steve is a welcome addition to the Santa role call. A character that is slightly removed from the true message of Christmas has been given the perfect actor to voice it. Hugh Laurie’s distinctive tones fit well among a high hitter family that also includes Broadbent. It also took a curious turn by not making Steve an outright antagonist. So often his character would be so hell bent on gaining the power that he would not be redeemable (2011’s Hop comes to mind). Thankfully, this feel allows the character to realise his strengths and accept there’s someone else to embrace his weakness’.

The Bad & Ugly

Clutching at straws here brings me to the fact that this charming beauty of a film is lacking a sequel. I saw clutching at straws because I’m not certain a sequel is needed. This was a self contained, charming film and the only thing that has me wanting a sequel is the fact that its so good that I’m quite curious to see what Sarah Smith and Peter Baynham could offer us again.

That’s all folks

That’s it for today’s advent calendar. See you tomorrow when Bill Nighey and Martin Freeman will be popping back into the festive countdown.

Han x

Christmas Movie Advent- Nativity (2009)

“It’s the Nativity, you can’t look cool.”

Watching on Netflix
Length: 1Hr45

A primary school teacher, who was once a failed actor in a former career, is given the task of directing the school’s Nativity play, which doesn’t have a positive track record. Attitudes change however, when it transpires that a Hollywood producer is coming to film the play.

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The Good

For kids, there’s plenty to love. It’s fun with a basic plot and some cute characters that little ones will be entertained by. Being the best of a bad bunch, you will be forgiven for thinking that this is a made of tv outing.

The songs in the final act are quite fun, even from an adult’s stand point. It helps that you have the perfect faux misery in the form of Martin Freeman, in a pre-Sherlock performance that keeps me from pressing stop. Ever since seeing him in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, he’s been the perfect person to play the miser who really just wants to be loved. I couldn’t think of anyone better to play the patsy to Mr Poppy’s foil.

Can’t leave the ‘good’ without mentioning Jason Watkins who steals every scene he’s in as the self obsessed Gordon Shakespeare. His role of the antagonist is probably the best bit of the whole film and he’s able to bridge the gap between the adults and children in a way that is organic and fun.

The Bad

It’s a little too cringe-worthy for anyone watching sans children. The children are adorable, most of the adults do their best but together they really don’t work so well together. It has that feel of Outnumbered; the adults get a script and the children get to do what they want. It just doesn’t fill me with that joy a Christmas film should.

Some of the ‘talents’ the children demonstrate are not going to stand the test of time. Even now, just shy of 10 years, some feel outdated. It’s a shame because I know what they were trying to achieve with it.

The Ugly

While I am certain there is nothing intended beyond a funny, innocent man child to make kids on both sides of the screen, I am not comfortable with Marc Wootton, his portrayal or even the character itself. Mr Poppy, in like of changing social perceptions makes me feel like he’s one thoughtless action away from being on the sex offenders register.

While I have no issue as such with scenes that have Freeman and Wootton interact alone, his relationship with the students and his inability to follow basic protocol just has me on edge and takes me out of the film. Tone it down and I think it would rescue this franchise. 

Sunshine Blogger Award @Corazzz  @JennieLy  @northernwrites_ @Rachels_Reads  @olivia_gacka @cupofwonderland  @PewterWolf  @myatticlibrary  @FBooksAWTFT  @bibookishbabe  @Lou_Nettleton 

Thank you @AnAverageLife88 

Rules of the award:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
  • Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
  • Nominate (at least) 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
  • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

*****

Questions I was asked:

1. What would your pen name be?

Han Hunter. Keeping it easy and as close to my own name as possible.

2. What song/track gets you motivated?

When I get into work of a morning, the first thing I do is crank up Youtube to get me going. It ranges from simply putting on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack to singing along to Mr Big’s To Be With You.

3. Which chore do you hate most?

Preparing lunch. I LOVE salads and I’d eat them forever if only it didn’t involve the monotony of chopping. The time it takes to make, the mess… never worth it.

4. What’s the silliest thing you’ve done?

When I first moved to London, I went to see the play Blithe Spirit because Jemima Rooper was in it. I went to the stage door after and while waiting I got chatting to an older gentleman who was part of the cast.

Upon walking away I commented to my friend that his voice was familiar and I thought he was the man from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but it wasn’t listed in the programme. My friend pointed to the next page and I discovered that it was, indeed, Arthur Dent.

Being the expressive person I am, I expressed my sadness that I hadn’t realised and, swinging my arm out to point to the direction we came, I managed to hit said actor.

5. What’s your favourite smell?

Anything that includes cinnamon. That spicy and warm smell just gives me the hug I need.

6. If you could support only one charity, which would you choose?

I would support the charity programme run by Chester Zoo. The work they do on conservation and breeding is incredible. While I don’t condone zoos as a form of entertainment and if we were in a position to remove them from society I would support it, but as it stands, we’ve destroyed the animal kingdom and this really is the one thing we can do.

7. Name yer poison..

Rum and ginger or Gin and Rose Lemonade

8. Tell us something surprising about you..

 

9. Which Harry Potter book/film was best?

The answer for both is the same; Prisoner of Azakaban. It has such an amazing story, the characters are flawless and not to mention my favourite addition, Remus Lupin.

10. Name something you like that nobody else seems to..

Luis Litt from Suits. I think he’s adorable. I know he’s a dick and hard to love, but he really tries.

11. What are you most looking forward to?

For the first time in years, I’m looking forward to Christmas.

*****

Questions I ask of you:

  1. Which actor would you want to play you in a story of your life?
  2. Who would you want to co-write a book with?
  3. If JK Rowling could bring back one character, who would it be?
  4. Who was your childhood film star crush?
  5. Do you dunk your biscuits?
  6. Favourite meal to order at a restaurant?
  7. If you could have a super power, but it would only last for a week, what would you want?
  8. You can have a tea party with 5 fictional guests; who would you invite?
  9. How do you arrange your library?
  10. Ubereats have arrived at your door with a surprise order; what’s in the bag?

I nominate:

@Corazzz 
@JennieLy 
@northernwrites_
@Rachels_Reads 
@olivia_gacka
@cupofwonderland 
@PewterWolf 
@myatticlibrary 
@FBooksAWTFT 
@bibookishbabe 
@Lou_Nettleton 

The Flash S5 Ep1

And into Season 5 we go. While The Flash is a show that on the surface improves each season, I really didn’t enjoy season 4s antagonist; the phd and his wife. Season 5s opener, however, is a strong episode that reminds viewers of plot threads from last year along with some hints as to what’s to come.

The theme of responsibility is at large and I think will play a big role in this season and my favourite thing about the episode is the fact that we’re not introduced to what could be the season’s big bad until the post credit sequence.

Some highlights

Schunchie-do-hickie I do love Cisco and drunk Cisco is the awesome. But the best? Hungover Cisco is best! “Don’t drink and vibe”.

It really annoys me that this would have been a perfect time to get Tom Felton back! ‘we haven’t filled your position.’ – You used to have two people work the lab, how on earth do you not have someone in the lab. You have no idea how much I loved his chemistry with the team.

Awwwww the scene with Barry and his daughter. It was so sweet to see them interact and bond. Although I do fear she might be like Dawn in Buffy or the original annoying add on, Scrappy Do; the actress is adorable, but the character is annoying.

Ralph! I love his misunderstanding of time travel. I’m so happy the brought him back last season. The presence of Ralph also gives me hope in the sense that Ralph was the Scappy Do of Season 4 and he won me around so much that points have to be given to the actor for such a good job.

Nora and Iris bonding. I love that she is happy referring to Barry as Dad and embraces the role of “mom” like a duck to water. It’s an amazing parallel to Barry and how he’s uncomfortable he is calling Iris mom. Her scene near the end where she cries is just perfect. I’ve never been massively fond of Iris, for reason I can’t quite put into words, but this role of Mom really fits the character.

Cisco and his references. He’s my man! Damn, the ‘I am fortunes fool’ line; why don’t these guys exist in real life? Be still my hear, he knows Trek, Movies AND Shakespeare! Sigh! He’s too perfect.

There is a wonderful moment where Barry remembers a lesson from the wonderful Wells and it just reminded me; I can’t wait to see which incarnation we get next. Wells is my favourite plot point about the Multi-Verse! The fact that they have this brilliant actor who can bring these character to life… Gah, I just hope its not too long before he’s back

 

OtherEarth by @jasonsegel and @banksirregular

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What do you do when your first novel in the Otherworld trilogy is near perfect? Well, you up the stakes of course. And with Jason and Kirstin at the helm, boy do they amp up the pressure!
A year ago, I went on an adventure that surpassed all my expectations. This year, I feel as if my imagination has been hijacked, given an upgrade and thrown onto a high speed rollercoaster. I was a bit worried that we’d be spending too much time out of the simulated world, but it’s actually where the drama and tension can really be found.
Simon has a plan, and he can’t do alone. In what can only be described as a Bond on the run, Simon and his friends locate allies, makes deals with enemies and try to not get the rug pulled from under them too many times.
The plot is such a wonderful treat, its best kept a secret until you read it for yourself, but I will say that there is a gritty realism within the narrative that is a refreshing change from the nostalgia trips other books like this provide. Kristin and Jason are able to provide a commentary on some deep and serious topics, including addiction.
The final act brings a mental health sub plot to a head. It’s something that is so subtle and unobtrusive to the plot that don’t be hard on yourself for it blind siding you.
The only fault I can find it that there wasn’t more of the book to read. It ends in such a way that you’ll be screaming and shouting about it for weeks after. Then, just to escape the fact that there’s a year until OtherLife reaches us, you’ll head back to Otherworld for another trip with Simon.

Skyscraper 12a

Skyscraper
12a
1hr 42
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell.
Release date: 18th November 2018

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The Good

It’s a summer action film with the Rock at the helm; you pretty much get what you pay for in terms of expectations. You get the added bonus of Millennial Scream Queen Neve Campbell who works so well with Johnson that I really do wonder why they’ve never worked together before.

I adore the idea that the protagonist is someone with a disability and someone who is one half of a multi-racial couple. The characters, their relationships and the whole ‘people in peril’ plot has me sold from the beginning.

The Bad

There’s too much exposition for a film that should have an easy flow to it. Dwayne spends too much screen time alone and it makes the film a little clunky. Johnson works best when he has someone to bounce off, and what we have to remember is, even John McClane had a radio to communicate with his ‘partner’ and bad guy Hans. It’s the biggest thing that is missing from this.

The Ugly

It’s been done before in a much better format, with a much smoother plot. It’s bordering on a Epic/ Date Movie type spoof feel with the way in which it homages movies; from Cliffhanger, Die Hard and Towering Inferno to Poseidon Adventure, High Rise and even Jurassic Park.

It’ll make for an ideal Christmas present for any Rock lovers out there, but my advice is to rent it rather than buy.

The Wider Earth at The Natural History Museum

Before Darwin changed the world, one voyage changed his life.

https://www.kxtickets.com/whats-on/the-wider-earth

IMG_2097

Something wonderful has transformed the Jerwood Gallery at the Natural History Museum. Not only are you transported to a world of inexplicable beauty, you travel in time to meet a 22 year old Charles Darwin on his epic journey of discovery.

Story

Written by David Morton, Wider Earth details Charles Darwin’s five year survey voyage upon the HMS Beagle. Today, Darwin’s theory is widely accepted and faces very little challenge. However, the journey Darwin takes is not simply one of discovery. Morton uses the play to emphasise the challenges Darwin faced, not only of his personal faith but the reaction of others as the diversity between Religion, faith and Science becomes a catalyst for potential social change.

The mystery, the awe inspiring vision and the violent opposition that Darwin faced is all within Morton’s commentary. Not only that, Morton seamlessly alludes to the slave trade and abolition within the realms of religion in order to pose undisputable arguments at to why we are all equal, despite our differences.

Production

IMG_2101

The set it quite simply breath taking. From the opening recitation of Genesis, to the final moments in which Darwin returns home from his voyage, every part of the set it utilised. The revolving centre piece is used throughout the 2 hour production as buildings, the Beagle and even the exotic island landscapes. The lighting and video backdrop only add to something that is already perfect. Between the recreations of Darwin’s scribbles and the blue wash the production uses to recreate the ocean, you will be transported and immersed in Darwin’s world.

I would not be able to write this review without mentioning the one thing that reduced me to tears. The puppetry is out of this world. from the smallest butterfly to the turtles, from the movements to the interactions; the only thing that could have rendered me more in awe would have been in they’d placed an actual new born hippo in my hands.

Casting

The cast of seven are who really sold this play to me. It’s nearly 40 minutes before the audience witness their first puppet animal. but they are the icing on the already beautifully constructed cake. The people on the stage allow me to have an emotional attachment and a connection with a historical figure that I’ve respected for so long.

Bradley Foster brings a curiosity and passion to the biologist and naturalist that everyone knows. There’s a joy and boyish charm in Foster’s role that breaks down the wall between the man and the theory. The conflict between Darwin’s faith and the questions his exploration raise is raw and unapologetic, and is only solidified by the relationships we experience. Notably those of his beloved Emma, played by the delightful Melissa Vaughn who helps bring life and character to many of the puppets we meet, and Captain Fitzroy, played by the incredible Jack Parry-Jones whose handsome frame brings a level of authority and passion to the Captain who dissolves throughout the play as his mission doesn’t quite go to plan. Marcello Cruz plays Jemmy and provides some of the most heart breaking scenes either side of the interval.

It is Matt Tait who held my attention throughout; with his husky Scottish tones that sooth the soul and bring authority to Fitzroy’s second in command, Wickham. He also has an amazing ability to bring to life the puppets he controls. The highlight is the bird that soars around the stage.

Andrew Bridgmont, and Ian Houghton round out the cast and play multiple roles on land and sea. Without them, we would not see the inspiration behind Darwin’s curiosity. They both bring charm, joy and humour to the play and ensure I’ll be coming back for another viewing.

City of Dust by @MKennyPR @HQDigitalUK

City of Dust_FINALCharacter
Talia is back on fighting form, with Max and her twin right at her side. The book jumps right back into Arafel life and brings with it a reunion of old friends and introduction of new players.
Talia continues to remain a character that will forever remain the perfect heroine that from the very start joined the ranks along with Katniss, Triss and Hermione. The impact of Book of Fire is clearly ingrained; she’s battle bruised and trying to keep her thoughts on track. It’s only really when she’s set on a new path that her strength is really propelled to the limelight.
While those who have given their hearts to August will have to wait patiently for his presence within the pages, it only gives you the opportunity to consider Max as a strong character and romantic partner for Talia. He’s Talia’s equal and not scared to show his annoyance. There was the briefest of minutes when I’d forgotten about August.

Story
The world building is as immersive as ever and will consume you completely. The description of the desolate streets are hauntingly beautiful. Aside from the characters, the world building is my favourite part of this series.
The story sees Tailia back in old territory and searching for a stolen item. However, it’s only the tip of the iceberg as the plot opens up to an exploration of eugenics of mythic proportions.
Readers will need to breath when they can, because as the story reaches its final act you won’t get opportunity to. It’s fast paced and epic showdown will leave your heart in your mouth. No one is safe and the fates of many will be left clinging to the edge of a shocking cliff when the final page comes around.

Writing
Just like meeting up with an old friend, the words envelope you in a comfortable hug. Just like Book of Fire, City of Dust contains a glossary for terms. However, the world is so beautifully written, and the action so carefully crafted that the words don’t need the glossary.
The only negative would be that it’s so good that it’s going to be a painful wait for the next instalment.

Film Review: Hotel Transylvania 3

In Sony Pictures Animation’s Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, join our favorite monster family as they embark on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer, from monster volleyball to exotic excursions, and catching up on their moon tans. But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monsterkind.

https://youtu.be/d5exSS74Lh0

The good

As sequels go, this one has a fair go and keeping fresh and avoiding the pitfalls of gimmicks that worked in previous outings (blah blah blah, for example was referenced, but not over worked)

As always, my favourite was the Wolf-man, his wife and his brood, discovering the on board childcare was a definite highlight.

Drac’s loneliness actually hits an emotional chord. It’s lovely to see films embrace the concept of love after grief.

The humour is spot on. I laughed the loudest and the most throughout the film. I’m sure there were many questioned from confused kids ‘mummy why’s that lady laughing?’ at some of the more adult-based jokes that rendered me a giggling mess.

The bad

It felt a little long for a kids film. Even I was wriggling in my seat. It really could have done with about 20 minutes shaved off, just to keep the audience focused.

The ugly

It was very episodic. Almost as if it was created as part of the Netflix tv series and they were all stitched together. It’s a personal thing, but I’m not a fan of that type of storytelling. War Horse being the worst for that.

Oh… and Al Brook’s gramps and his speedo clad saunter past the witches was a sight I could do without.