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
    

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.

Romance Central

I know I depressed some of you with my favourite tragic romances so let's look at the one's I love that worked....


Anna & Will
Notting Hill
She's as famous as can be, but this average 'flopsy' British guy came and managed, after several attempts, to secure her heart. They got married and lived happily ever after, sitting on benches in private gardens.
Secret Ingredient: Prescription Diving Goggles

Ana & Harold

Stranger Than Fiction
Just goes to show that giving flours, yes flours can work (I love that scene and that gesture.). Even after getting hit by a bus thanks to a kind hearted author, bed bound Harold lives to see another day with his sweetie.
Secret Ingredient: Cookies

Elinor & Edward
Sense and Sensibility
The girl finds the silent, polite guy of her dreams only to find out he's engaged! After enduring her broken heart and his insufferable fiancee, as fate would have it, she marries the brother instead, leaving Elinor weeping for joy as he proposes in the traditional style filled with emotion.
Secret Ingredient: An atlas

June & Johnny

Walk the Line
After battling drugs, alcohol and a divorce, the love of his life still refused his countless proposals, despite the obvious attraction between the two. June finally said 'yes' putting a little more meaning into my favourite Cash song..."We got married in a fever!..."
Secret Ingredient: A microphone

Sylvia & Truman
The Truman Show
Banned from set and his life, she watched anxiously as he discovered the truth about his life...and remembered the love of his life. After striking the sky one day, he opened the door to find her once and for all.
Secret Ingredient: A red knitted shawl

Ed & H.I.

Raising Arizona
After meeting and marrying, this not-so-ex con (Son of a bitch!) and ex police lady try out for a youngin' with little success. Even after their brief time with Nathan Jr, they're still together, dreaming of happiness.
Secret Ingredient: Huggies

Julia & Robbie
The Wedding Singer
Nothing like finding out you're in love with the girl whose wedding you're planning, not to mention her groom-to-be is a loser, her mother is a snob and your ex suddenly returns, admitting her mistake! But a simple song from first class seals the deal and wedding bells it is.
Secret Ingredient: Blank Sheet Music

Nimue & Merlin
'Merlin'
Their romance was generally from a distance, meeting occasionally to rest from the demands of the world, until Nimue rested a little too long, trapped by Mab's magic. Fortunately, after reunited after so long, a little bit of magic gave them back the time they had lost and they spent their days in peace.
Secret Ingredient: The moon

Hope you all feel better now! Thanks for all your comments.

And the males.....

(From Cast Away. He doesn't say much but we felt his loss like anything when he was lost at sea. Sometimes it's just the simple things...)

(From the fantastic series and film, Wallace and Gromit. He's smart, sensible and saves his silly owners butt more then most. Gotta be the best dog ever.)

(From the Sci-fi series, Stargate SG-1. How can you resist our favourite space monkey? He's hot, incredibly smart and always stands up for the little guy... or alien....)

(From the trilogy, Back to the Future. He's cute, fiery and just an all round decent guy. One that you can take home to mum (...especially mine since she loves Michael J Fox!).)

(From Burton's classic, Edward Scissorhands. He's innocent, kind and most of all, quirky. Awww!)

(From the film, Crocodile Dundee. I swear, us Aussies are all this bush savvy. Okay, maybe not but hopefully we're down to earth, charming and witty like he is!)

(From Galaxy Quest. He's under appreciated, stressed out and has a fantastic dry sense of humour about it all. Love him!)

(From the world's best TV show (Yes the worlds best) The Simpsons. Oh come on, do I really need to explain myself here why this man is the funniest, lovable, relatable character ever?)


(From Men in Black. The brightest rookie with attitude to beat. Thank God he's here to protect the planet.)

(Hee hee hee...I bent my wookie....)


(From the UK series, Coupling. Just the stuff that comes out of his mouth will have you in bewildered amazement. He is funny, supportive and fabulously tragic.)


(From the underrated film, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. He's protective, well meaning and hopelessly flawed. Damn, he cracks me up every time I watch it.)


(From the film adaptation, Les Miserables. He's obsessive, determined and cold. He'll stop at nothing to see that justice is served....)


(From the best of the trilogy, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. Nothing strikes fear, like cloaks on horse back. Gives me the shivers now. Favourite scary dudes.)


(Fortunately we have this guy to save us! Yay! He's loyal, gentle, strong and brave. And really good looking with the whole mysertious thing happening there....swooon!)


(From Napoleon Dynamite. Despite his geekiness, lack of a serious job and eh, personality this guy pulls a decent chick and turns out to be a cute little guy anyway. Gotta give him points for that....!)

(From the classic, Psycho. So nice and awkward at first. Talk about learning not to judge a book by it's cover. Our sweet, innocent little murderer....eek eek eek!)


(From the movie, Remains of the Day. He's loyal, dedicated and incredibly polite. His decorum provided for the best story of unrequited love... *sigh*)


(From the tv show, Rugrats. He's a natural leader displaying kindness and the innocent charm only a babe could do. Have an incredible imagination too.)


(From the sadly canceled classic, Firefly. He's devoted, protective and gentile. Plus he's a handsome doctor. What more do you want?)


(From the best movie of all times, The Shawshank Redemption. I doubt the prisons are full of good, peaceful convicts like him but we always have hope.)


(From the Aussie classic, Shine. He's an inspiration. The reason I now love classical music.)


(Is there seriously a serial killer as intriguing or as scary as this guy?)


(Couldn't really not include a character from Star Wars, now couldn't I. Funny, tough and an awesome pilot. Also he's not related to the princess so that's a plus right there!)


(From Zoolander. Talks absolute crap in the funniest way. Plus he can pull his jocks right out of his pants with one move. Classic.)


(From the self titled movie. Proves the original is often the best. The guy has a chocolate factory for crying out loud. It says it all.)

(From the mini series, The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant. She may have been the focus but he was the real reason for watching. His hopelessly one sided love and overall good intentions as a soldier turned into an obsessive hunt for revenge. Amazing to watch. )

And that's the men! Love to hear who you like.

Big and Small Screen People That I Adore (Females)

(From the self titled movie. I adore her honesty, sense of humour and fun loving ways. I think there's a little of her in all us girls)

(From the hit television series, House MD. She's sassy, smart and wars daily with everyone's favourite doctor. One of the best woman in television.)

(From the movie, Garden State. She's cute, down to earth and quirky. I love quirky people. Absolutely love 'em.)

(From the classic film, It's A Wonderful Life. She's determined, gentle and kind. If she was in my reality, she'd be my best mate for sure.)

(From Forrest Gump. She's lost, desperate but eventually she finds her way home. I identify with her so much when I'm feeling hurt or blue.)

(From the movie, A League of Their Own. She's confident, strong and talented. She's got this real inner determination that I just love.)

(From the comedy film, Legally Blonde. She's intelligent, knowledgable and breaks stereotype. Plus she's just so funny to watch. I'd have her as my lawyer any day.)

(From the underrated TV show, Extras. She's spacey, silly and so lovable. I loved every scene with her in it just to see what she'd say. Great great character.)


(From the Pixar classic, Monsters Inc. The cutest little animated character. Awwww!)


(From my fav, Silence of the Lambs. Oh wow, where do I begin with how gutsy and smart this woman is? If you haven't watched the film, WATCH THE FILM (and no, I wasn't shouting, the caps locks key got eh, stuck or something.)

(From the 50's classic, Sunset Blvd. She's vain, conceited and obsessed with herself until the point of insanity. Yet we can not turn away....)


(From the biopic, Walk the Line. Great voice with a fiery spirit. If I was ever famous, I'd want to be like her.)

Next up... the men's turn