I've just returned from the Big Sky Festival which took place last weekend in Geraldton (Western Australia where a colleague and I provided the delegates with books. They had a number of local, state and national writers that participated in panel groups, discussions and lectures about different subjects. The panel I gate crashed on Saturday afternoon, presented on the local radio station (Yo Mama), was a fascinating insight into their spiritual beliefs, intergalactic intelligence life and what planet they are from (Liz Byrski's ladies and gentlemen, is from 'Gerriatrica'. Yes, you heard it hear first.). It took place at the University Campus and run by the local library staff, who kept us well feed on a diet of cuppas, cake and quiches. Apart from taking in terrific sales, meeting fantastic friendly people and having an all out fun time, it really inspired me to start taking my writing seriously. I began a story on the weekend during the sessions and I intend on blogging more on this site.

So stayed tuned.

Reviews:

Book of the Week

I just finished The Soloist written by LA Times Columnist, Steve Lopez. The book is based on the story of his friendship with a ex-Julliard student, who suffers from schizophrenia. Once a talented uprising student, he now plays his two stringed violin in a city tunnel, the place he calls home. Lopez takes the reader on a journey through a world of extreme poverty on the darkest streets, where the journalist pursues the dream to improve Mr Ayers life and the people around him.

Despite the content, the book is not particularly heavy handed and gives a rather sheltered view in the blunt yet simple way it describes the streets and his disease. You feel for the characters and their struggles but the emotional involvement is limited. I have not seen the movie yet, but I don't mind waiting for the DVD to catch it.

TV of the Week

**Spoilers for Season 4 Finale**
How I Met Your Mother is still the favour of the month (or year at this rate) so I thought I might just review the last episode of the fourth season before the fifth begins Tuesday week. “The Leap” takes place around Ted's 31st birthday when he's desperately trying to design a hat shaped restaurant and revealing the not so fascinating story of the goat. Then there's Marshall and his attempt to finally....wait for it...leap off the building and land in their neighbours roof complete with a jacuzzi. This story line helps reveal that 1) Lily is really pregnant in this episode and 2) it's more amusing watching what object they use in their attempt to hid her belly then well, this story arc. Let me side track for just a moment to talk about hiding the female leads pregnancies during the the later episodes. It should be a drinking game. Anyway, fortunately story line number three is much better. I confess, I love that Barney has a crush on Robin and this arc deals with the subject in typical Barney style. I know fans have reservations about Barney being involved but I think as long as the writers keep within his character, it should be fine. So all in all, I finished watching the season, with a big smile planted firmly on my face.

Movie of the Week

Last weekend I watched Inglorious Basterds at the local cinema with my boyfriend. Even though it was set in Nazi-Occupied France 1941 (re First Chapter), the movie was amusing. I laughed out loud in a a couple of places. Tarantino made it work and the leads were great, especially who played the “Jew Hunter”. It had his usual array of bloody violence (they really do scalp them Nazi's) and little nuances like subtitles not interpreting the language into English some of the time. It was a great movie and I'm impressed that he found a different angle to tell yet another WWII movie from.

6 Months On...

It's been a while.
Thought I might make a few comments about the shows/ films I have seen for the first half of the year. Oh dear, I really should write more.

Anyway I went through a breakup back in April so thank God for Britian's Got Talent. Loved it. Caught it all on Youtube. My favourite acts were Diversity (so glad they won), the best dance group I have ever seen; Greg, the guy with the highest voice I've ever heard (so wished he was in the final) and Susan Boyle (would love to see her in the West End). And who doesn't like Ant and Dec!





Once Talent was over, How I Met Your Mother became the series of choice. I love the humour, Barney, the group fun, Barney's crush on Robyn, Lily & Marshall, Barney antics,... heh heh. Funny. I'm currently watching the fourth season.



Movie-wise I've seen:

The Proposal: Love Bullock. Love Reynolds. Couple of sweet moments. Overall fair stuff.
The Boat That Rocks: Nice cast. Forgettable movie.
Wolverine: Lost track of the body count. Angsty flick.
Star Trek: Never watched the series so this was a nice introduction to it for me.
Doubt (DVD): Perfect title with a perfect cast.
Seven Pounds: A moving messy script.
Angels and Demons: Action packed thriller. Not bad.

Hmmm.. I think I'm forgetting something.....

2008 in Review

1. * The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 2 1/2stars - Nice visuals, dull characters
   
2. * The Wrestler 4 stars - Safe word needed
   
3. * Four Holidays 3 stars - A bit of romcom fun
   
4. * Quantum of Solace 3 stars - Just shoot the bad guy already?!
   
5. * Australia 3 stars -Corny, bum numbling nice.
   
6. * Burn After Reading 3 1/2 stars - what a cluster fuck!
   
7. * Body of Lies 2 1/2 stars - a bit of downer...
   
8. * How to Lose Friends & Alienate People 3 stars - Not to be taken seriously
   
9. * The Duchess 4 stars - Biting period drama
   
10. * WALL E 5 stars - Best animation since Happy Feet
    
11. * Tropic Thunder 2 1/2 stars - Slightly amusing
    
12. * Taken 3 1/2 stars - So who wants to go travelling...?
    
13. * The Dark Knight 3 1/2 stars - Seriously fun
    
14. * Wanted 3 stars - Threads? Seriously? What? Screw it, it looks cool.
    
15. * Hancock 3 stars - Fun beginning, sappy ending
    
16. * The Happening 3 stars - Scary to a nothing conclusion
    
17. * The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 3 stars - Forget the movies, Just read the books (Except Caspian is quite hot...)
    
18. * Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull 2 1/2 stars - Creating another level on the Suspension-of-Disbelief pole.
    
19. * Iron Man 4 1/2 stars - Awesome fun.
    
20. * Smart People 1 stars - Ugh, little redeeming factors here.
    
21. * Nim's Island 3 stars - Nice kids movie
    
22. * Vantage Point 3 stars - Was a great ride that side railed at the end.
    
23. * Run, Fatboy, Run 2 stars - Okay.
    
24. * Be Kind Rewind 3 1/2 stars - Sweded! Love the remakes.
    
25. * Jumper 2 stars - Just really don't care.
    
26. * Fools Gold 2 1/2 stars - The bimbo was funny
    
27. * Atonement 4 stars - Fantastic story, just fantastic
    
28. * Juno 4 stars - Quirky lovable fun
    

An Insight on...

To say I've had a slight obsession with this show, is an understatement of massive proportions. However I need to discuss the ins and outs of this show and what makes it work so well for me.

What makes this medical show any different from any other is the relationship between House, Cuddy and Wilson. Their banter, schemes, angst and general character flaws bouncing off one another make any ordinary episode entertaining and a joy to watch. This has improved throughout the seasons despite awful plot lines focusing on silly out-of-place authority figures (Volger & Tritter) or the over-analysis of House's actions and schemes. Yes, House is a jerk. Everyone knows... move on. As great or crappy as the cottages/ducklings/minions are (depending on your personal preference between old and new team) they still don't hold the interest level that the older three do. While Wilson used to play more of a role as House's conscience the show wisely have given him a bit more of a sense of humor. The moments, especially towards the end of season 3 were classic. One of my favourites is when Wilson kidnapped House's guitar. Awesome.



Cuddy adds to show not only as a love interest or easily played authority figure but as a genuine friend for both House and Wilson. Though I confess I am a "Huddy" fan (yay for last episode), the real juicy moments are all the UST moments, flirty retorts and odd show of affection. I think if they were to get official it wouldn't quite work. As long as they both 'secretly' care about it each oth it'll be fine. But I will be around to find out....

Stay tuned...

The Rare and Far Between...

A reality television show that doesn't suck.

I only really watch the odd reality show for mere amusement but 'So You Think You Can Dance' was such a good show this season I stayed tuned a little longer. Unlike most reality television the entertainment value was not on the conflict between the judges or the contestants but solely on the stories and passion shown on the floor. It was all about the dance, the choreography, the stage. The show had a unique bond between all the participants, including the judges and choreographers and they really felt like a big family.

Not to mention, for once, the top guy dancers were straight and very easy on the eyes.... that may have been a reason too...

Here are my favourites from what I've seen:

Josh & Courtney dancing the Rumba....( this dance got me hooked to the series.)



and the best....

Twitch & Katee

It's the Oddest Things....

I must admit, I get rather defensive when it comes to film. This usually happens when people make comments like:

"It was different then the book. It limited my imagination." - Totally different medias. Totally. Different.

"That couldn't happen in reality." -No shit. It's a movie- what's your point? Go outside the damn theater if you're so interested in reality. (However this comment is certainly applicable for the last Indy flick. Talk about suspending disbelief!)

"I don't like films with Mr/Mrs Whoever in it cause they do drugs/ believe in aliens/ jump on couches etc." Not watching a film because of an actors/actresses personal life means you'll miss out on some good films. Separate the actor from their character and judge them on their talent.

However I do have a few pet hates of my own:

-Bad Dialogue
-Heros that destroy half the bloody city that they're trying to save. Seriously, Wanted, I'm looking at you here. You can bend bloody bullets but can't even keep a damn train on it's tracks?
-Crappy remakes (being the majority of)
-Crappy sequels (also being the majority of)
-the fact that Hollywood would rather make crappy remakes and sequels then original work.

However with that in mind and since I've read about five millions lists since my last post. Here's some examples of where the remake/sequel equals or even surpasses the original....

I'm sure there are more.....

Can you really pick a favourite?

I hate getting non-personal e-mails (which means I just may have to actually reply to some email-pals... any how...) but I love getting the weekly newsletter in my inbox on Friday nights from the lovely down-to-earth people at Empire Magazine. This week they challenged us to think of our favourite top ten films. Here are mine listed below for the next... well... until I remember a fabulous film I forgot. My greatest movies of all time are...
1	The Shawshank Redemption Hope is right up there on my value system.
2	The Silence of the Lambs Will always give me the shivers. Fantastic everything.
3	The Sixth Sense I just adore the attention to detail to the best plot twist I've ever seen.
4	Kiss Kiss Bang Bang The snappiest script I've ever watched in motion with a stellar cast.
5	Sunset Blvd. The best obsession based film setting the perfect tone in every scene.
6	The Matrix I still like chunky boots and black leather coats nearly a decade on.
7	Ocean's Eleven Probably the film I've watched the most. Best use of characters and dialogue with the perfectly paced plot.
8	Galaxy Quest Every time I watch a sci-fi film or series, I think of this film.
9	Forrest Gump One of my first sentimental favourites.
10	A League of Their Own Best example of a fantastic lead female character with a perfect mix of drama and light comedy.