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.

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...

Best Animations I've Seen

Films

1. Beauty and the Beast (1991) The early ninties has arguably some of the most enjoyable classics Disney has to offer. This beautiful love story is my favourite Disney film. I get shivers from the introduction and the animation is just gorgeous. I guess the idea of living in a huge castle in the middle of nowhere is pretty appealing too.
2. Spirited Away (2001) Miyazaki offers so much more depth in his animations in comparison to Western films. The animation and layouts are beautiful and the characters fasinating. This is fantasy at it's best.


3. The Simpsons Movie (2007) I'm jumping the gun here since I hasn't seen it yet but it will be awesome. Just check this out:
   
4. Monsters Inc. (2001) Pixar animations for the beginning where producing quality kids films that adults enjoyed too. While the story is simple and on first viewings not particularly great, the lovable characters and adorable animation grew on me. Boo!


5. Howl's Moving Castle (2004) I love how this film explores it's imperfect characters and oddities. While Spirited Away has a 'tidier' plot, this film draws you with it's grand imagination. Again, Miyazaki's backgrounds are amazing.


6. Aladdin (1992) Out of all the Disney films, the songs from this movie are the most memorable. Having watched it countless times, the classic scenes are numerous and brilliant to watch. Plus, I just love Robin Williams as the Genie!


7. The Emperor's New Groove (2000) This is probably the funniest Disney films I've seen. The dialogue is well written with some nice moments where the fourth wall is broken (I know a lot of people don't like this, but I do!). It's cute in it's odd little way.


8. Toy Story (1995) The best Pixar animation which also proves that a sequel that's just as good (some argue better). I love the idea of toys coming to life, there's something in this movie that just touches the child in all of us.
   

Television Shows

1. The Simpsons (1989-)
2. Daria (1997-2001)


3. Futurama (1999-)


4. Animaniacs (1993-1998)


5. Histeria! (1998-2000)


6. Pinky and the Brain (1995-1998)


7. Rugrats (1991-2004)

Coming up next...101 memorable film moments...

A-Z on the screen(s)

A is for Anthony Hopkins. After watching The Silence of the the Lambs and Remains of the Day I am officially a huge fan. No doubt there will be more about him later....

Unfortunately Channel Ten (In Perth, Australia that is.) has YET AGAIN been taken over by the WORST TELEVSION SHOW IN HISTORY, Big Brother. Some of the contestants I swear, scare small children. But then there are shows that were great. I was a big fan of C.S.I. . Loved the characters (and thought Warrick was hot :) ) but it jumped the shark at the end of last season. Whoever thought Gil and Sara would make a good couple should be shot.
But then there are programs that are just simply awesome. The Simpsons is THE BEST SHOW IN HISTORY. So I guess it would be no secret that Dan Castellaneta has to be one of my favourite voice actors simply because he is Homer Simpson! Continuing on the line of t.v shows, anyone interested in behind-the-screens must check out Extras. I think it's better then The Office and the guest stars are great. The Patrick Stewart episode is the best. I couldn't watch X-men with a straight face afterwards.
If you are a young film maker like myself or just enjoy soundtrack music check out freeplaymusic.
I couldn't tell you about the soundtrack about Garfield but I can tell you it's one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The comic strip was so simple I don't know how you would make a feature length out of it, apparently neither did they!
Bryan Singer, however, is someone who knows what he's doing both on the big and small screen. He is the Executive Producer on House MD, the latest show being added to my DVD collection. Never thought I'd be interested in a medical drama but it makes me laugh.
I love animation flicks and the only one I could think of starting with 'i' was The Incredibles. I was Elasta Girl on a kids camp a couple of years back and had a blast. Yes, I promise to do a nice big review article on animation flicks in the near future.
Now we can talk about two (more) favourite actors of mine, Joaquin Phoenix and Kate Winslet. Both put so much passion into their roles. I don't think I've seen a film where Phoenix isn't trembling with emotion. Winslets' characters are always so passionate and she brings a sense of integrity and life to her roles.
I can't say the same about Lost, which i think is an appropriate title and description for the plot. I think I lasted maybe half an hour through the pilot before my BS meter exploded under pressure in an impressive BOOM! Now THAT would made sense.
Totally off topic here, but the coolest thing starting with 'm' is Metro Youth! See all the crazy folks here.
Totally back on topic now. Most I presume, enjoy The Lord of the Rings trilogy because of the story or the eye candy factor or the theme. While I'm not a die hard fan I loved The Fellowship simply because of the Nazgul. On horseback. Ultimate freaky kill-first-ask-no-questions bad guys. But not as scary as the daily revelations on Overheardinnewyork. Definite proof that people are the scariest thing on this planet. Run while you still can.
Or even better run with the guys off Prison Break. Preferably with Linc and Michael rather then, oh say T-bag. He kills because he cares.
If you've ever had an interest or know a 'trekkie' or other fandom geeks, you'll love Galaxy Quest. Brilliant casting! And this scene is incredibly funny. Just like Ralph Wiggum in this scene. Actually just try this (the children are right to laugh at you.). Ah, so many good lines.
Oh, 's' has so many potentials. So many good movies. But the best would have to be The Shawshank Redemption. So much hope. *happy sigh* The Sixth Sense is another favourite, starring Toni Collette as Cole's mother. Fantastic actress. Plus she's an Aussie so how can she go wrong! Check out About a Boy.
On to being incredibly me-centred as if this blog wasn't enough, here's a doco I contributed to at University. I am currently studying film in my final year. And a music Video too of a local Perth band called The Bulletholes. Unfortunately I can't take credit for these mish mash trailers. They're very eXciting. Work with me here! Here's the links to two others. Raaaaiin drops on roses and whisppppers on kittens. Puts a whole new spin on some classics.
A big thankyou to YouTube for all the links. Where would we be without you?
Anyway it's about time I caught some zzzzzzzz's.
Over & Out.

These are a few of my favourite things!

Yes, While Julie Andrews was singing about brown paper packages tied up with string I am slightly more inclined towards moving pictures. Particulary film and television. More particularly.....

On the small screen...

House MD
The Simpsons
Prison Break

On the Big Screen

Comedies
Dramas
especially

The Shawshank Redemption
The Silence of the Lambs
The Sixth Sense

(yes, films starting with 'S' seems to be a trend here!)

And lists. Lots of films. Top 10's. Top 5's. Top-i-couldn't-think-of-a-decent-numbers.

All comments welcome except SPAM and those that make me cry. Don't make me send hired goons.

--Jus