Monday, December 31, 2012

As 2012 comes to an end, we often reflect on the highlights and low points. Yesterday was definitely a highlight, with my Twitter review of the past year.

London 2012 and Eurovision dominated conversation, while Luke, my Twitter BFF since January, was most involved in my discussions. Take a look if you like. It's a pretty graphic.

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It's the end of 2012, so I'm going to reflect a bit about what my year's been like in a nutshell.

January brought about the Australian Open and its frustrations, the beginning of my year-long shoe watch (still yet to be completed on here I realise) and I wasn't sure about definite locations for my New Zealand trip. I embarked on that trip at the end of February, beforehand having discovered I was falling in love with reading all over again.

March was mostly holidaying still, while April brought about the return of the mullet in my life, realising my social experiments for Dubbo had largely failed and beginning a trip down memory lane from my epic 2011 adventure.

May. Wow. Introducing Julia and Luke somewhat to Eurovision during my 10th year of watching, being chosen as the runner-up for the Dubbo Showgirl and dramas within Fairfax made it a crazy month.

June was when I discovered online streaming (hel-lo Euro 2012) but July was when I received a crazy amount of hits for a photo I used of Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker (455 at time of writing), The Dark Knight Rises happened and the Olympics had started while home for my birthday.

The end of August marked my time at cadet camp as well as the end of a crazy two months of sports watching, then September got crazy in another way as I travelled from Dubbo to Adelaide and back by car. There are still entries to come on that, again, a result of recent developments.

I was tired in October, but still felt plenty was going on as I found I was allergic to running and then sided with most of Australian AFL fans on the Kurt Tippett saga. Oh, and I was mesmerised by the 7 Up series.

November saw the end of Big Brother's return and Stereosonic (my first festival in more than 12 months), not to mention the beginning of my recent blogging decline with photo issues. December hasn't been without its moments though, namely the prank call scandal, the end of the world and my quest to become a professional blogger for Expedia.com.au.

It's been a pretty huge year.

I've been blessed with the opportunity for more travel, both domestically and the great time in NZ. I've spent time with family and friends well, seeing as it doesn't come around much with my current location, and while there's been turmoil in the company, work's alright. I'm constantly learning about myself and others and that's all I can ask for.

I think 2013 has the potential to be my biggest year yet. I just have to utilise it early. Happy new year!

*For the record, I don't know what my favourite film of 2012 was. I'm yet to see The Hobbit and haven't had time to really assess it. But I think The Dark Knight Rises would be up there.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

There was no new release for me to post a review up last week so I have a DVD review to eventually post instead. For now though, I have a favour to ask!

I'm currently involved in trying to become the newest blogger for Expedia.com.au and have to get the highest number of votes in order to get to the final round and be judged by an actual panel. I believe I have what it takes and if I can get there in a (massive) final surge it would make my holiday if not my year!

I've only got three days to go so please take two minutes out of your day to help me out! They will ask you to share information but if you say 'allow none' it will still let you vote... so no excuses!

If the link to my page doesn't work, try the button on the side of my blog.

If nothing else, you can watch the video I made, which is rather embarrassing but done in one take just the one time. I tried.

Peace out, and I wish everyone a happy new year. Here's to 2013!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Today marks the end of the world on the Mayan calendar, a day that has been talked about for centuries.

Now it is here, and I'm not sure what to think. I mean, there's a good chance that there is no reason for the world to end - just look at NASA's statement. If the smart guys are confident we're not going anywhere then we shouldn't be worried, right? But at the same time life often throws us a curveball, so there is that possibility.



More likely though, is that perhaps it'll be the end of the world as we know it in one way or another. Perhaps today a world leader will make an announcement to shake up a particular region. Or someone of significance may pass. Ha, maybe the Euro will finally collapse in a huge heap and Europe reverts to the currencies of old.

If I knew today was my last day and I had one day to do whatever I want, I'd probably fly home, get my mum and make her go to the beach with me. I'd be grateful for having the life I've had and the opportunities it's given me (not that I'm not every day anyway) and go knowing I've done a bit.

Any regrets? There are things I wish I had done or said differently at particular times for sure, and there are things I have so far missed in life, but no. Life is life and that's what I've had to accept.

I hope to wake up tomorrow and still be alive. I'm going home for Christmas damn it, and I want to be able to enjoy my holiday. Plus there's too much going on to start 2013 for the world to end!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Rise of the Guardians 2D (PG)

LORE to a child is one of the most prominent bases ((plural of basis)) of believing in life. While Santa Claus and the Easter bunny may be linked to religious occasions others like the tooth fairy are still just as revered by children. Yes, they might be inadvertently bribed by the promise of riches for that one, but the intent remains the same.

So where then does Jack Frost fit in? A relative loner who wanders around the world creating cold weather, he’s not often a storytime favourite or really at the hearts of most children. To base him as the central character for this kid-friendly venture is risky, but the support of the perennial favourites promotes a universal idea that everyone deserves to be seen.

Being known and cared about is something that Jack Frost (Chris Pine) is desperate for. Here he’s portrayed as a teenager, using his days to observe children while wishing he could play games himself and have a real purpose.

His true calling comes soon enough when the man in the moon appoints him as the fifth guardian of the world’s children, joining North (Alec Baldwin), Bunny (Hugh Jackman), Tooth (Isla Fisher) and the Sandman.

Jack Frost’s appointment is a response to the imminent threat of Pitch Black (Jude Law) – the Boogieman, who is staging a coup and taking the happiness and safety away from children to replace it with fear and nightmares.

It’s a scary world to see the lights of Earth go out, and it fast becomes a dire situation for the guardians. Jack Frost is a lost soul as he begins his crusade with them, still unsure of his place.

There’s some tension with Bunny that gets him going, but Jack Frost takes time to settle into his newfound position. Chris Pine voices him with slight frustration and wrangled tension, a teenager unsure of his place and whether he can shoulder some of his new responsibility.

In his directorial debut Peter Ramsey uses the content of William Joyce’s The Guardians of Childhood in a fun manner as Baldwin, Fisher and Jackman get their crazy on with some varied portrayals of the guardian poster kids. 

Scarier elements will take adults as captive as the children, Law holding a subtle dominance as the baddie amid seamless animation that draws you in. Also in cinemas in 3D, the film holds true with a moral message to believe in bigger things. Nice for the kiddies, still a fun watch for their guardians.

Rating: 3.5/5
*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 15/12/2012

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The Nutty Professor (1963)

Anyone from Generation Y is likely to know the story of one nutty professor through Eddie Murphy from the mid-90s, but true credit for this story of multiple personalities falls squarely on the shoulders of Jerry Lewis.

Of course, he was inspired by works of the horror genre before him to concoct the story of university professor/scientist Julius Kelp, buck-toothed and the scapegoat for everyone’s jokes. Only Stella (Stella Stevens) has respect for her teacher, and he in turn is revealed to have hidden feelings for her.

Kelp’s frustration at being unaccepted culminates in a potion that turns him into Buddy Love, a good-looking, smooth and talented alter-ego. But his hopes at gaining Stella’s affections turn sour as he can’t stop himself from being one of cinema’s most arrogant characters, not to mention the effects taking the potion is having on him.

As Julius, Lewis is as whiny as a spoilt five-year-old, but for some will still manage to delight with his wise-cracks; alter-ego Buddy is irritating enough to make you wonder just why Stella sticks around. But Lewis gels it together nicely to create an ending unexpectedly sad, metaphorically speaking out for all those who are bullied, young and old, as he realises his lesson.
MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEWS? See what I thought of Pitch Perfect and A Nightmare On Elm Street.

Monday, December 10, 2012

I have to make a comment on the A Current Affair interview with the 2DayFM DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian.

Did anyone else think that they were choosing their words a little TOO carefully? Or even not being expressive enough?

As a journalist, I'm on their side - prank calls are not uncommon and I don't believe for a second that the one call was the only reason for Jacintha Saldanha's death. There's much more that goes on within a person before they choose to end their own life.

But watching that, with full discretion on the conditions from ACA well presented may I add, I didn't really believe all of what they were saying. Well, not so much that, it's just that they skirted Tracy Grimshaw's questions.

Photo from AdelaideNow

They're obviously under legal advice, and I get that, I understand in part how that works. But Tracy was clear in her questions - what harm will it do now if they had actually said whose idea it was? They don't know anything about the process to get a segment on air? And why beat around the subject when asked if they thought they'd scored a coup after the call?

Of course they freakin' did. They would've been jumping for joy in the studio.

I just think this has been spun so far out of control, particularly by the British media - who themselves are at one of their lowest points with the Leveson Inquiry (hel-lo News of the World), so can't really talk.

There was no malice in this, and for these guys to be distraught in such a way is really unsettling to see. I'm glad they had the courage to front up to the media because it would've been so hard, and it's clear they are genuinely distraught.

Unfortunately, I just think it didn't shed much light elsewhere on the situation. Especially if Southern Cross Austereo are keeping them tight-lipped for fear of a lawsuit.

What did you think?

Sunday, December 09, 2012

It may appear that I've been neglecting my blog the majority of the time lately, save for the film reviews.

But I haven't, I promise!

A couple of weeks ago I ran into a dilemma where my free Picasa photo storage had run out... it's still the same situation.

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Now, I have done some research. Forums are a great place to discover whether or not it's just you or others with the same problem. Turns out there is someone who is in the same mess as me. Unfortunately there has so far been no solution to the issue.

This upsets me because there are so many entries I've been meaning to make - there is more to my On the road to nowhere series for one thing, and obviously life and tacky shoes haven't stopped for this.

The easiest thing for me to do would be to get on a plan, where I get oodles of storage for a small monthly fee. But I don't need the space they're offering so I feel it would be somewhat wasteful.

I will keep working on it.

Sorry folks.

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Pitch Perfect (M)

BEING part of a school choir was once limited to a select few, those who wanted to really to strengthen their singing abilities and be part of a non-contact team effort. It wasn’t cool to most, but the popularity of student singing competitions had a turnaround to go on to reach those with different ideas.
Entering the new millennium, musical styles changed. Rap became steadily mainstream with the likes of 50 Cent and Eminem; Pink had a problem with their style but gave her own attitude. Then a few years later came a television show that arguably revolutionised the musical for the new age.
Glee is a love-it-or-hate-it program where the characters will break out into song to carry the story several times over any given episode. The loose adaptation of Mickey Rapkin‘s novel offers none of that, but the material still draws from Glee’s success at making something once judged cool.

It does manage to separate itself though, insisting that joining one of Barden University’s a cappella clubs is not about discovering your sexuality or working through other differences. That was high school; this is “the real world”.
Beca (Anna Kendrick) knows how different styles of music mesh and blend, but puts her dream of scoring a record deal as a DJ on hold to try out getting a tertiary education for her father’s sake. She soon joins the Barden Bellas after being hounded by Chloe (Brittany Snow); the reveal of her good singing voice mixed with a group desperate for members makes for an easy story progression.

Her relationship with new Treble Makers member Jesse (Skylar Astin) is not as clear-cut in figuring out. The rivalry between their a cappella teams doesn’t help, particularly creating uneasy tension from Bellas leader Aubrey (Anna Camp) on the rest of the group as they focus for regional and then final competition.

It’s a new, scary universe for Beca, who before the Bellas shut everyone out from her life. If high school had taught her how to survive, university definitely loosens her up. It’s hard to avoid when surrounded by other misfits including Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), whose honest nature precedes any underlying issues.

With a cast of relative unknowns, Jason Moore in his first feature as director handles the groups accurately to the point of near annoyance – the girls focused on the task at hand, the guys much more relaxed for having extreme confidence in their abilities.

Predominantly likeable characters make for easy viewing as Beca tries to find her way. The songs arranged early are successfully made to sound dull, but overall prove part of an inspired blend of sounds.
The biggest influence of all, musically and personally, is The Breakfast Club. Moore unashamedly uses the coming-of-age classic film as a turning point for Beca in standing up and walking against the crowd. Well played.

While the Beca-Jesse relationship ultimately plays second fiddle to the competition, Wilson’s comic edge comes as redemption. Wilson’s turn is the best of her five films to release in 2012, pulling off some ridiculous statements to lighten the film’s tone.
Rating: 3/5

*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 8/12/2012

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A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

Modern cinema has a lot to thank Wes Craven for if it finds horror an exciting niche. His creative control over many interesting ideas not previously explored in the genra opened eyes of generations to reveal what we most fear.

Craven preys in teenagers in this game-changing nightmare after Tina (Amanda Wyss) and then Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) see burned man Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) in their dreams and feel they are close to death. Reassurances from Nancy's boyfriend Glen (Johnny Depp in his debut) and her mum Marge (Ronee Blakely) come to nothing as they find themselves in an impossible situation.

How to fight a monster in a dream is in a way a perennial question; how do we fight demons in our minds? Craven plays on that idea of life to turn it into something horrific, that our minds can see their end almost effortlessly while we're at our most vulnerable. He uses the idea of vulnerability further with the twist of a nursery rhyme, in turn creating one of cinema's most memorable songs.

Some effects don't look as dated as they should, and with a score that creeps along with the general dread of the events it deservedly gained cult status among both horror buffs and Depp lovers.

*Published in the Mailbox Shopper (Dubbo) on Wednesday 5/12/2012

MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEWS? See what I thought of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and The Seventh Seal.

Sunday, December 02, 2012

I surprise myself sometimes - a review I still thought I hadn't saved onto my USB was sitting there all pretty and waiting for me today. So here you go.


The Accidental Tourist (1988)

IN author Anne Tyler’s world, businessmen who loathe travelling are serviced well in the United States through Baltimore travel writer Macon Leary. His books on how to minimise the experience are meant to be how to best avoid people politely but equivocally undermines social interaction.

Lawrence Kasdan’s adaptation has William Hurt as Macon, whose marriage to Sarah (Kathleen Turner) falls apart a year after the death of their son. Keeping their dog after the divorce, Macon trains him with the help of Muriel (Geena Davis in an Academy Award-winning role).

Kasdan puts one of cinema’s most awkward characters to screen with Hurt exuding the socially inept writer. The comedy emerges from this particularly as we’re introduced to his kooky family post-divorce. But Davis’ happy-go-lucky Muriel is just as effective as Macon’s polar opposite, helping him find a new side to himself both personally and professionally.

The film has a sense of great attitude about it, serious but comical in concurrence. Opposites really do attract in this instance, and mixed with a story that travels in all sorts of directions before reaching the final destination, you do feel like you’ve been on a journey with them.

*Published in the Mailbox Shopper (Dubbo) on Wednesday 21/11/2012

Saturday, December 01, 2012

I've been lucky to have had a good run of films across the last few weeks. This film saddened me! But it was really good. Enjoy, and remember to share if you like it :)


The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (M)
NO matter what era adolescents face, being a teenager sometimes sucks. Not all the time if you have friends who ‘get’ you, but there are always bad days. However, many are in worse situations, finding themselves at the lowest of points because they don’t have that particular support.

Teens at life’s lowest point often arrive at that stage because of things like social awkwardness, or general repression from experiencing a traumatic event during childhood. Charlie’s (Logan Lerman) issue with both hasn’t worked in his favour before his transition from middle school to high school.
Not wanting to only make friends with awesome English teacher Mr Robinson (Paul Rudd), Charlie digs deep and approaches Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). To his surprise, Charlie’s burgeoning friendship with the duo extends to their group of misfits.
It’s not so different from the late 80s-early 90s era to now in that teenagers so desperately want to be different. They wish everyone had as good a taste in music as them, they’ve done a few things they may regret and in the end just want to feel free.
The freedom Charlie craves surrounds the guilt over the death of his aunt Helen (Melanie Lynskey) and through this story he struggles. Charlie faces the things most teenage boys do – crushes, unrequited love and self-uncertainty, and it’s awkward as he tries to push past his naivety and develop through his adolescence.

Stephen Chbosky, writing and directing the adaptation of his 1999 novel, retains that awkwardness well. The script is exaggerated and full of curiosity for Charlie, Sam and Patrick as they try to figure out where they fit in within the food chains of school and life. Chbosky weaves a tale about concerns for the future, homosexuality in a less accepting time and characters with more to them than meets the eye. It’s not something we haven’t seen before but definitely keeps its own wits about it.

Best appreciated by those knowledgeable of the likes of Dexy’s Midnight Runners and David Bowie, the soundtrack is a large carrier for the story. It’s an effective form of escape for Charlie and his friends, and provides a healthy dose of nostalgia for us watching. Chbosky uses that nostalgia for lighter moments before daily life begins to weigh heavier on Charlie’s shoulders. The film switches between Charlie’s happier days and saddening flashbacks regarding his aunt like mood swings, making the film increasingly sad.
The supporting cast is smartly chosen in appealing to television fans with the likes of Kate Walsh (Private Practice) and Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries), and they all remain above high water to help deliver a story emotionally challenging and rewarding. Miller and Watson are melodramatic as Patrick and Sam; Watson not yet losing the sly grin the world came to love in the Harry Potter films. Lerman plays a helplessly confused boy with integrity, Charlie doing all he can to just be a normal kid.
Chbosky’s soft touch with the camerawork and his heartfelt story make the film one not so predictable; something to saviour for the young (and young at heart) generation.
Rating: 4/5

*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 1/12/2012

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The Seventh Seal (1954)

Ten of Swede Ingmar Bergman’s films are in the 5th edition of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, the book on which the choices for this column are based. A master of European cinema, his works talk of life and its questions, asking for truth to what should be believed.

Antonius Block (Max von Sydow) has returned home with Jons (Gunnar Bjornstrand) from their service as knights in the Holy Land crusade when Death arrives. Antonius, not knowing enough to have faith and believe in a higher order, challenges Death to a game of chess to stall his life’s end.

Drawn out in between Death’s other reapings, Antonius has time to seek answers by visiting churches and closely observing life and its minute happenings. Antonius and Jons meet travelling acrobats Jof (Nils Poppe) and Mia (Bibi Andersson) along the way, and the four travel together through dangerous woods to avoid the Black Plague spreading along coastal areas. 

Bergman shines a light on what is otherwise a gloomy world through von Sydow, whose Antonius is hopeful and protective of those around him as his life comes to an end. His answers come in the way they don’t expect – an appreciation of surroundings is painted as most important to overshadow what we fear. An eerie use of music adds to a constant uncertainty as the story unfolds, unsettling but ultimately vital.

*Published in the Mailbox Shopper (Dubbo) on Wednesday 28/11/2012

MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEW? See what I thought of Skyfall.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

I forgot to copy my classic review so that will be posted in the next few days.

For now, we must all rejoice, for Bond is back. Bond is classic.

Skyfall (M)
THE ENGLISH have had plenty to be happy about in 2012. Their national pride and resilience, shaken in recent years through bomb attacks and civil riots, was restored with their stellar home performance at the Olympic Games. From there a ball was set rolling, which found itself in the land of fiction as the world’s smoothest spy turned 50. And haven’t they celebrated.

James Bond (Daniel Craig) is, like his martini, shaken when the definitive list of MI6 agents in global terrorist operations is stolen under their noses. He is pushed out of the chase to get it back by a misfire from fellow agent Eve (Naomie Harris), and returns to action months later as a near drunkard and unrecovered from the mission’s injuries.
It’s a Bond we rarely see, not only because he’s out of neat dress. Brit Sam Mendes immediately draws the curtain to reveal uncertainty; not just a man unsure of his standing, but an extension to a nation pleading for mercy from villains in the shadows. You wouldn’t be wrong for thinking it was akin to that of Bruce Wayne’s Gotham City.
Agents revealed from the list start to fall as Bond makes his return to the field. The revelation that M (Judi Dench) is the target of the man behind it brings sentimentality to the situation. Their relationship, often represented with the potential for friendship and always containing trust, is tested beyond their expectations.
This all derives from a villain who takes some time to appear. But Mendes and director of photography Roger Deakins make no mistake in estimating the importance of Silva’s (Javier Bardem) entrance. The film’s best single shot sums up the bad guy as he introduces himself. The softly spoken Bardem conjures a quietly maniacal being to put Bond into a spin.
This 007 story is one of an underdog with the villain meticulous in remaining one step ahead. No doubt it will speak as symbolism for many in a time where the average life contains financial uncertainty among other dangers.
 
What Mendes and screenwriters Neal Purvis, Robert Wade (the duo’s last Bond after five films) and John Logan set to achieve is a return to the days of old. The characters are aware of time slipping away, as well as impending change. But in restoring old King and country, their staunch belief in an old-fashioned approach comes to work in their favour.
There is the return of some old favourites in the way of gadgets, paying homage to Bond’s history with a bit of cheek. The return of Q (Ben Whishaw) and introduction of intelligence and security chairman Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) are welcome additions.
Mendes barely puts a foot wrong as he covers a lot of ground. While completely separate to the arc of the last two features (although Bond has never been one for continuity), this story still has much to reveal about different weaknesses of a man most consider untouchable.
There are women Bond has loved, and those he protects. Skyfall is not about those he charms, but saving those in need from peril. Harris and Berenice Marlohe as Severine play second fiddle to the woman he realises is the only one who’s really stuck around – to help him, and to help restore pride and security to their great nation.
Rating: 4/5

*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 17/11/2012


MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEWS? See what I thought of Breaking Dawn - Part 2.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Photos: done?

OH no. In attempting to write a regular blog with photos tonight I'm told by Blogger that I've reached my free quota of photo storage through Picasa Web Albums.

OH NO.

Blogger accounts can apparently can use free storage from Google Drive as well so I downloaded that to perhaps solve the problem - but that didn't work.

I think that could be because Drive's a relatively new thing and I'm on an old Blogger account.

Oh dear.

I have some thinking to do in regards to my next step; whether paying for storage is the go or sussing out other options.

What a headache.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Across the border from Mildura, Wentworth (in NSW) is a quaint little town with a few big things going for it. Their jail was the first to be designed by an Australian and the model for many built later on (Dubbo's doors are a Wentworth design apparently), and it sits at the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers. A beautiful sight that is.

The steamer PS Ruby is a special monument to them, being restored by a loving team (I think of volunteers).




 

I can't remember which river is which, but this is from a lookout at the junction.



Now that's a drink.

The PS Ruby.


This is the tenth post in the On the road to nowhere series. Missed the last one? Catch up!

Monday, November 19, 2012

The second half of my journey began in Mildura after leaving Adelaide. Going through Renmark on the way was nice, having visited there two years ago for some work experience.

Right on the Victoria/NSW border, Mildura is a great base for surrounding areas. It also had a lot to offer for itself, not least a great major eating strip. Definitely one up on Dubbo there. To be fair, it services up to 60,000 within a close proximity.

Within Mildura and close surrounds I visited Orange World where I learnt about the wonderful produce that comes out of the Sunraysia region, the Stanley Wines factory in an attempt to see the Big Goon Box, and took notice of the cool art deco influence on their architecture.

I must mention that the hospitality I received here was great... and that they have a really good Sportsgirl. Oh how I miss that shop.

I could say this is the best fresh OJ I've ever had - and I will. Fabulous.


The Orange World experience then consists of a tractor ride through part
of the orchard.

What used to be the Big Goon Box. You can imagine the Stanley logo and
the pourer bit stuck on the bottom. No vomiting homages here. Devastated.





This is the ninth post of the On the road to nowhere series. Missed the last one? Catch up!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Little did I know I'd be getting my country on and going on a road trip yesterday (to the Warrumbungles, but that's a story for a later time), but something struck me when I saw this on my fridge back on Wednesday.


One of the more random Shoe of the Week choices I think, this is a shoe purely for the farming/animal enthusiast. One would hope it is not real cowhide or PETA activists would surely have something to say. I would too - but not for that...

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So who's seen the Downton Abbey preview for Season 3 on Seven?

I feel like fistpumping every time I see it... Whoever thought of putting a montage to David Guetta is a champ. DA in da cluuuub (OK that's really lame but what else can you say, it's so random).

It's been done so well, not least because of what looks like excellent content. I can't wait until the end of January (no doubt it'll premiere after the Australian Open) - but I will; looking for this was hard enough not to read any potential spoilers.

Here you go :D


Saturday, November 17, 2012

I went to Dubbo's midnight screening for this one, which I think is my first ever unless I did one for Harry Potter in Adelaide sometime first... and there were more than 200 people, a great turnout. I decided to make it a work thing too, and speak to some of those there and write a story about it being the last one and all. You can read that here.

And now, the review. I've seen a mix of good and bad, but I found myself in between. There were great elements to it but I've come to learn that doesn't make something good.

Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (M)

SOCIETY'S need for a love story is everlasting, and when a film franchise has, to date, grossed $2.5 billion the fact is ferociously confirmed. But that this love story between a human and a vampire (and then a werewolf) has come to dominate cinema on a global scale for the past four years is telling of the apparent want to also believe in the paranormal; something beyond our true understanding.

The reason why is an interesting and likely unanswerable question. But we do know that the final instalment of The Twilight Saga arrives after a tumultuous year for the leading couple. Kristen Stewart's affair with her Snow White and the Huntsman director tarnished her reputation in the eyes of some fans; and no doubt blemished the film's preluding hype.

But fans will still come in droves to see the aftermath of half-immortal Renesmee's birth. Bella (Stewart) has been turned by vampire husband Edward (Robert Pattinson), and finds motherhood suits her well. Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy) soon becomes the interest of ruling entity the Volturi, who believe she is an immortal child - once human and turned into a vampire. The Cullens aren't given much time before the Volturi make a visit to kill Renesmee, but use it to gather friends as witnesses to help in the case to spare her.

The hope of restoring peace amongst the ranks seems thwarted as Volturi leader Aro (Michael Sheen) goes about destroying those who are uncooperative. Combined with the disappearance of family members Alice (Ashley Greene) and Jasper (Jackson Rathbone), Bella and Edward are fearful.


While the saga has always been very much a family affair, this instalment heaps on a lot more seriousness. The small amount of physical romance that remains is, although annoyingly scripted, surprisingly tasteful, and it takes a back seat to the emotional turmoil they face. Bella finally grows up.

But the first half an hour in particular suggests a concession in defeat that the love triangle, in particular Taylor Lautner as Jacob, has truly become a parody of itself. Director Bill Condon has embraced the fact with humour, be it intentional or not, to alleviate some of the tension we all knew was coming.

Condon, known for diversity among his films including Dreamgirls and Kinsey, treats the adaptation as adult - but at the same time understands the need to balance darker and lighter moments for the young fan base. This is best shown in a final showdown which differs from the book, proving extremely effective for those in the know.

Frustratingly, something the franchise has never done right is special effects; the final film is no different. That loss of credibility has regularly been shared with the cast performances, which are a mixed bag. Here, Lautner plays Jacob with a bit of schtick but Stewart and Pattinson's chemistry drops dramatically, seemingly for the lack of romantic content.

For minimal plot, it holds steady over the course of two hours, and over the course of the films this gains points for the twist, as well as intense Amazonian vampires. But like previous instalments, the final chapter is one that will be impressive mostly to fans.

Rating: 2.5/5

*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 17/11/2012

MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEWS? See what I thought of Seven Psychopaths and The English Patient.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

How cool was this morning's total solar eclipse?


I watched it all on Sunrise and it gave me goosebumps. It was beautiful!

Dubbo was meant to get it partial, with the peak of about 65 per cent coverage coming to us about 20 minutes or so later. I went outside a few minutes ahead, but soon realised it didn't appear any darker.

It was half hiding behind a building and with my sunnies on (which I know doesn't help if trying to look at it, don't worry), accidentally looked up that way for a second or two. But it was as if it was just a bright sunny morning, and as soon as I did I looked straight at the ground again and sought refuge under a tree.

I'm under the tree researching again to find out the peak time and it was right then according to one website. No visible darkness at all. Great.

Did I miss it?

I had no idea, and heard afterwards that partial ones may be harder to see - but 65 per cent should have made some sort of visible difference even looking the other way.

I took a photo to see if that made any difference, looking down and pointing my camera up to the sky from hip height.




Not really.

Nice photo though, if not a bit bright.

I then tried the pinhole thing for a second, trying to do it through the safety of the tree. But obviously the ground was shadowy from said tree and that idea failed. As did this whole experiment.

***

Late in the day at work I discover the partial eclipse actually happened around 7.30 - AT THE SAME TIME AS CAIRNS, which makes complete sense. However, I refuse to blame myself for the fact that I was incorrectly informed from multiple resources. For the record I had just stepped out of the shower at that time.

major. fail.
And after all that faliure, I'm now really paranoid about my brief glimpse at the sky. It's not like I actively stared at all, more like being caught without sunnies for a second. I'm sure it won't blind me, but I do worry. Just a bit. My left eye's been a bit sore today, but I have been known to have eye strain in recent months from using computers etc. And psychology could have much to do with that also.

Saturday, November 10, 2012


Seven Psychopaths (MA 15+)
WRITER’S block is a creative mind’s greatest fear. Knowing that those flowing juices in the brain have disappeared in place of a general void is usually a worrying sign for many, and then usually followed by the conclusion it comes down to a lack of artistic stimulation around them. It can come from anywhere and affect anyone whether it be for the purpose of words, a painting, or a performance. But as Hollywood tells us, it’s those who live in Tinseltown that are the ones under the most pressure in this life.

While that’s not always the case in reality (JK Rowling’s Harry Potter struggle in the UK circa book 5 comes to mind), the choice many make to move to Los Angeles for a shot at the big time can be a blessing or a curse. Irishman screenwriter Marty (Colin Farrell) thinks it’s the latter when his agent continues to hassle him about a non-existent script.
Trying to help Marty through his case of writer’s block is best friend Billy (Sam Rockwell), an actor who runs a puppy kidnapping business with friend Hans (Christopher Walken). When Marty suggests an initial idea of creating a story about seven psychopaths, they help him by trying to recruit potential case studies.
Sure enough, LA has its crazies. We meet the first psychopath in the opening sequence as two mafia men discuss the situation surrounding a soon-to-be-murdered woman. The film continues in a similar fashion as the reveals come in quick succession. Characters don’t develop overnight, but in Marty’s mind it’s a whirlwind.
 
Their turn for the worse (because in a film about writing a script, there’s always a conundrum) comes as Hans and Billy’s alternative business attracts a customer all sorts of wrong. Charlie (Woody Harrelson) is a gangster with a faulty gun – but he will NOT rest until his dog Bonny is returned to him.
The weird and crazy mind of Martin McDonagh returns for the first time since debut In Bruges, this time away from Europe to where dreams are made of. And some crazy serial killers. The film unfolds to them as it does to us, made up as it’s gone along. Billy is visibly the craziest of the trio, but in his head he knows where the movie will continue to go. And he, as we do, gets all the excitement as components of drama, action and a contemporary Western shootout are mashed together in a ridiculously entertaining story.
Much of that comes from a great energy captured by McDonagh. Collaborating with Farrell again after In Bruges, he gets a spirited performance from his leading man as well as from both Rockwell and Walken. They make a formidable trio… who may all have social problems, but can sit around and just talk as friends. That’s what Marty wants, and to some extent that’s what he gets.
Rating: 4/5

*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 10/11/2012

***

The English Patient (1996)

Michael Ondaatje’s sweeping lustful romance amid World War II is one of cinema’s modern classics, the Booker Prize-winning novel’s adaptation realised to widespread acclaim by critics and fans.

We come to know Count Laszlo de Almasy (Ralph Fiennes) after a plane crash renders him badly burned and transported to Italy. There, nurse Hana (Juliette Binoche) cares for him as the war comes to an end.

The film is a feast for the senses as the story of his time in Egypt as a mapmaker for England’s Royal Geographical Society unravels. He falls in love with married woman Katherine (Kristen Scott Thomas), doomed from the earliest day, but director Anthony Minghella treats it with sensitivity. That should be obvious – he wrote 20 drafts of the screenplay.
With an original running time of four hours and 10 minutes, two and a half hours seems a pittance. But the steady story lets us in to an indescribable world; a vivid faraway land where love is hesitant because of outlying circumstance. Fiennes leads a strong cast, all of balanced importance who come out with Minghella strong in having made a thought-provoking and satisfying film.
*Published in the Mailbox Shopper (Dubbo) on Wednesday 7/11/2012

MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEWS? See what I thought of Bachelorette and The Age of Innocence.

Friday, November 09, 2012

A dawning moment

This week my calendar offered a few doozies, so a pretty steady week. This was the worst of them though, a homage to a city that I've never been to but sounds amazing.


 
 
This Raine woman's been featured on my calendar before, so the curiosity got the better of me and I looked her up. Couldn't find much (shock horror), but she's featured on the 7th Avenue Collector website, whatever that is. It confirmed for me after 10 months that these shoes I look at on my fridge every day are actually available for people to buy - CHEAP. Not that that surprises me with the quality I've been subjected to...

Thursday, November 08, 2012

As the Big Brother winner for 2012 was announced last night, I apparently upset a fair amount of people on Central Standard Time by briefly sharing my happiness on Facebook. Unbeknownst to me - as Dubbo, like Adelaide, regularly gets the show on a half-hour delay - we actually got the result live, whereas they unfortunately did not.

As far as I'm aware it's my first boo-boo since being on NSW time, resulting from my incorrect logic. I've made my apology, but this episode (no pun intended) brings a timely reminder that there's one simple rule to follow: if you don't want to know, don't log on.

Living in a non-live time zone's hard in the days of mass social media. It's not like I haven't done it, and like most I've had my monumental stuff ups.

A particularly big one was finding out the Eurovision winner in 2009 (I think, or 2008) the hard way just before going to my friend's to watch the delayed final. Now, for those outside Europe, avoiding the result every year is REALLY HARD. A total media blackout for an entire day is usually required, but it can be done. Disappointingly in 2009, I found out not through the TV or radio reports, or even Facebook (because it most certainly would've been discussed there), but Google. Google is not even safe.

But ultimately, it was my fault for turning the computer on.

***

I wrote at the beginning of the season about my thoughts of the return of the series as well as the housemates in contention for the crown. I hadn't warmed to anyone then, and while I really liked the group as a whole entity I don't think I ever did cement a favourite in my mind. But the season was fantastic for a number of reasons, namely a rollercoaster of emotional drama, inventive tasks, and a back-to-basics approach.


In the end, I'm impressed that Benjamin won. Why? Well yes, he was a bit of a bully and a lot of people hated that. But he didn't try and hide his dislike of people all that much, and the girls weren't exactly perfect. Layla dumped George to go with Sam (debate for or against that all you like), while Estelle ended up kissing three of the guys: Bradley (to help him out yes, but still, there was an almost romance there), Ryan and finally Michael. So you could judge and point fingers at all of them about something really.

Benjamin had different sides to him that made for very good television. And that's what it comes down to really. He was excellent at dishing out constructive advice, good at taking on challenges in a number of questionable outfits and OK, a bit of a gossip. Does it matter that he's gay? Yes, on the point that in a country not officially accepting of gay marriage we were acceptant of his personality and preferences.

The Big Brother finale was very well programmed; impressive from Nine. I look forward to watching again in 2013 - oh hang on, no, I plan to try and be ON THERE... The show was fun, and not without a huge surprise from the winner to his partner. For me it was a huge deal - it was a marked statement not seen before on Australian television before; a defiant stance that marriage is not a dirty word.

At least I left that for everyone to discover themselves.

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

A town of the choo-choos for decades, Peterborough was interesting in that it was my first SA Outback destination ever in taking a second detour off the Barrier Highway. It delivered more than I expected.

The hours flew by during my short stay, accompanied by a father-daughter duo I had met in Broken Hill on my walking tour who were coincidentally ahead of me on the road and had the same idea.

We took in their train museum, the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre, where I felt like I had been plonked in the middle of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (subconscious childhood dream realised right there). Lunch followed at a place which combined three of my favourite things - retroness, film and good food.

From here I would continue to Adelaide to see family and friends, and attend a beautiful wedding. I felt I had already done so much in just five and a half days.




Thomas' roundhouse.

This thing on the back of the car is a means of mobile communication.
Funny how that's changed...

Toby was a pretty cool train.


If someone had told me earlier I'd fine this on the main street I would've
laughed. Fabulous.




This is the eighth post of the On the road to nowhere series. Missed the last one? Catch up!