Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
I've got in from seeing Scott Pilgrim vs the world and to sum it in a word, the film was EPIC! Allow me to expand on that. SUPER EPIC! I first heard about Scott Pilgrim when my friend Paddy introduced me to the comics, every time he bought another volume he would let me borrow them, I'm half way through all the volumes now and I am enjoying them so much more than I expected to. What I found funny was that in the first volume was a normal story line, a girl going out with a guy, the guy likes someone else, the guy is in a band ect ect and then in the last four pages of the volume there is a video game styled battle. Scott defeats the first of the seven evil ex's and like in true video game form gets a few gold coins for his victory.
Edgar Wright (director of Shaun of the dead and hot fuzz) did a perfect job of directing the style of the graphic novel (I'm still not sure what to call it, is it a comic or graphic novel? Is there a difference?). The casting was spot on, every actor was a perfect fit for all the characters. When I found out Michael Cera was going to play scott I was a little confused, looking back at his filmography he hardly stuck out as a 'scott' type person, normally he's played a wall flower, a uncomfortable awkward indie guy and I always thought of Scott being a little bit more eccentric but now having watched the film I think Michael Cera really pulled off the role.
I loved the way the pop art video game style merged with the film, it wasn't overbearing and was a reminder to the audience where exactly the film got its influences from. I was watching a interview today where the cast were asked why wasn't the film in 3D. A question my friends and I pondered while on the car journey home. In the interview they said that they felt as if the graphics were already so well fitted to the film that if they added the 3D element that the film might have become more about the 3D, rather than the characters, story and music.
Another high note from this film was the music. I am now looking in to buying the soundtrack and I can't stop listening to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jMruFHTwrY&feature=related
(curse you youtube won't let me add the video to my blog, but click the link and it will take you there)
As well as this song the movie is all about the music, jam packed with rocking good music its introduced me to some bands I've never heard of and I will definitely be looking in to them.
If I had only one tiny little downer about this film would be that some of the better jokes were in the trailer and it slightly gave them away, although I think they were strong enough that they still worked in the film.
Anyway, as you can have guess I really liked this film and can't wait to get it on DVD. Let me know what you think, have you read the comic? Did you think it was loyal to it?
Cotton Wool James.
Thursday 26 August 2010
Saturday 21 August 2010
My thoughts on : Salt and Marlie and Me
So last night I watched Salt. Sadly I had to miss the staff showing of it before its public release as I had to work that night. Although I've got my fingers crossed to see Scott pilgrim vs. the world next week (I might also be seeing grownups but I'm not all that fussed about that one). So what did I think of Salt? It’s difficult to say, while there was nothing wrong with it, it wasn't exactly anything special. I thought it was a lot better than Knight and Day but none the less overall it was a little predictable and generic to the spy/action genre, granted I didn't see one of the twists at the end but I think by that time I had stopped guessing and just gone with it. I'd watch it on DVD, I'd rent it and happily watch it on TV but it’s not something I'd go out and watch again in a hurry.
A movie that I watched a few days ago on TV was Marlie and me. Now for those who don't know I have two dogs, Sabre and Narla, before Sabre my family and I had another dog called Simba. Growing up I was scared of dogs, especially big dogs. To this day I can't tell you why, I had never had a bad experience with a dog but there was just something about big dogs that I didn't like. As my Dad was in the army and we moved every two years we never got a dog because my parents didn't like the idea of putting the dog in a kennel, however about a year before my Dads last year in the army I remember being called to talk to both my Mum and Dad where they asked me 'Would you like a dog' now this question was very much out of the blue and I was taken back a little, I must have been about 12? In year seven of high school, I knew my dad had always wanted a dog, but I had no idea what type. On the spot I said '......yes?'. I had no clue what I had said yes to. Soon after the search began and soon my parents finally found a breeder, we went to vist them somewhere in Manchester where we came across a litter of Rhodesian ridgebacks. I can remember being there very clearly, even though the puppies were tiny I was still uncomfortable. I recall being asked if I would like to hold one, at the time I said 'no thank you' looking back I think to myself 'YES! THEY ARE HARMELESS CUTE PUPPIES!' from there we got Simba. Getting used to a dog in the house took a little time, I had gone from not liking dogs to having a jumping puppy running in the house.
Thankfully it didn't take long for my attitude towards dogs to change. I quickly found it odd Simba not being around when he was on walks, or had gone to the vet. He became part of the family. And I a converted dog lover. It was a few years back that Simba died. It was odd because he was such a big dog, but he was still really young for a dog. There was a problem with his heart, and I don't remember the full details but it had something to do with cancer, or a tumour. It’s not really something I think to think about. But I remember being there at the vets just before he was put down. My Mum and Dad stayed in the room with him when it happened, my sister and I waited outside. I remember before leaving I gave him a kiss and a long hug, he was ill and I knew we had to but I still hated it. I closed the door behind me, I sat down and I openly cried. When we got home it felt strange him not being there. I normally sit on the floor in the living room when watching television because my legs are so lanky, Simba would always sit next to me and lean against my legs and be there. I never expected to love a dog as much as I did, I miss him.
I can't remember how long it was after Simba passed away but we did get another dog, Sabre, another Rhodesian ridgeback, he's great. His personality is different to Simba which I think is a good thing. I remember a few people say something along the lines of 'I can't believe your getting the same breed of dog' t those people I said 'my family like that breed of dog' (or in my head 'who are you to tell me what type of dog to get?|!') It was about the time I left for university that my parents got Narla (I always joke saying that she replaced me, one child had left the nest and another moved in).
Watching Marlie and Me brought back a ton of memories from Simba, plenty of good ones, but the last half an hour when Marlie starts to die hurt a lot. I think Marlie passed away a lot like Simba which made it all the harder to watch. I think because I was never a dog person and then to love Simba, getting used to him being there and then him be gone just like that made it hurt even more. Marlie and me is a fantastic film and one I think will have a stronger effect on people who have a dog and an even stronger one from those who have lost a dog. But I think even without having had a dog you can relate to the owners and cry along just as much as I did.
Simba
Sabre and Narla
A movie that I watched a few days ago on TV was Marlie and me. Now for those who don't know I have two dogs, Sabre and Narla, before Sabre my family and I had another dog called Simba. Growing up I was scared of dogs, especially big dogs. To this day I can't tell you why, I had never had a bad experience with a dog but there was just something about big dogs that I didn't like. As my Dad was in the army and we moved every two years we never got a dog because my parents didn't like the idea of putting the dog in a kennel, however about a year before my Dads last year in the army I remember being called to talk to both my Mum and Dad where they asked me 'Would you like a dog' now this question was very much out of the blue and I was taken back a little, I must have been about 12? In year seven of high school, I knew my dad had always wanted a dog, but I had no idea what type. On the spot I said '......yes?'. I had no clue what I had said yes to. Soon after the search began and soon my parents finally found a breeder, we went to vist them somewhere in Manchester where we came across a litter of Rhodesian ridgebacks. I can remember being there very clearly, even though the puppies were tiny I was still uncomfortable. I recall being asked if I would like to hold one, at the time I said 'no thank you' looking back I think to myself 'YES! THEY ARE HARMELESS CUTE PUPPIES!' from there we got Simba. Getting used to a dog in the house took a little time, I had gone from not liking dogs to having a jumping puppy running in the house.
Thankfully it didn't take long for my attitude towards dogs to change. I quickly found it odd Simba not being around when he was on walks, or had gone to the vet. He became part of the family. And I a converted dog lover. It was a few years back that Simba died. It was odd because he was such a big dog, but he was still really young for a dog. There was a problem with his heart, and I don't remember the full details but it had something to do with cancer, or a tumour. It’s not really something I think to think about. But I remember being there at the vets just before he was put down. My Mum and Dad stayed in the room with him when it happened, my sister and I waited outside. I remember before leaving I gave him a kiss and a long hug, he was ill and I knew we had to but I still hated it. I closed the door behind me, I sat down and I openly cried. When we got home it felt strange him not being there. I normally sit on the floor in the living room when watching television because my legs are so lanky, Simba would always sit next to me and lean against my legs and be there. I never expected to love a dog as much as I did, I miss him.
I can't remember how long it was after Simba passed away but we did get another dog, Sabre, another Rhodesian ridgeback, he's great. His personality is different to Simba which I think is a good thing. I remember a few people say something along the lines of 'I can't believe your getting the same breed of dog' t those people I said 'my family like that breed of dog' (or in my head 'who are you to tell me what type of dog to get?|!') It was about the time I left for university that my parents got Narla (I always joke saying that she replaced me, one child had left the nest and another moved in).
Watching Marlie and Me brought back a ton of memories from Simba, plenty of good ones, but the last half an hour when Marlie starts to die hurt a lot. I think Marlie passed away a lot like Simba which made it all the harder to watch. I think because I was never a dog person and then to love Simba, getting used to him being there and then him be gone just like that made it hurt even more. Marlie and me is a fantastic film and one I think will have a stronger effect on people who have a dog and an even stronger one from those who have lost a dog. But I think even without having had a dog you can relate to the owners and cry along just as much as I did.
Simba
Sabre and Narla
Monday 9 August 2010
Music Blog: 10/8/10
Tomorrow I'm going to a screening of Avatar: The Last Air bender which I'm looking forward to but am worried about as well. I love the animated series (and am happy to hear that another series is being made) but I am worried about seeing the movie, It hasn't got the best reviews over in America, I've not really heard that it’s a must see yet, it’s still unsure if the other two films are going to be made and I have a terrible feeling it’s going to be another Golden Compass (aka The Northern Lights) pretty to look at but overall boring. But I still have high hopes so until that review here is a music blog!
Arcade Fire
I don't know much about Arcade Fire other than their song was used for the movie 'Where the wild things are' the song is called 'wake up' and I really enjoyed it but never got in to the band. I've only seen half of the film but fell asleep just because I found it that boring (again, very pretty but just boring) I'll give it another chance one day. But working alongside the trailer their song was perfect, a little but indie, uplifting while depressing at the same time and just cool. Now I've been listening to XFM for a bit now and they keep playing their new single called
We Used To Wait
Again I don't know much about the band, but every time I hear their work I seem to like it, so this is definitely a band I am going to look more in to. What do you think of them? Are they worth my time? What songs would you suggest listening to?
The Hoosiers
With their new single 'Choices' they have a new sound. When I first heard the song I wasn't a fan but the more I listen to it the more I like it. I do however have a problem with the video. It’s just bad and looks a little cheap. I cringe at the intro where the lead acts, as much as I like the band there’s just something a little bit annoying about them when they act up, perhaps it’s just their sense of humour that I just don't get but when I watch the video I have to pass the dialogue to get to the song. None the less I like their music and have enjoyed their past videos. When I was in college I went to see them live at the Academy in Manchester. Now Academy 3 is a very small arena, you could compare it to a shed. But I prefer smaller gigs as there’s a better chance of seeing the band and getting closer to the front (although being as tall as I am I don't often have trouble seeing the front: P ). I remember on the way there NME voted them worst band of the year (a great start to the night lol, although I've always thought NME is a little bit up its own backside) but my friends and I had a great time. There was plenty of energy, and as much as I said I find the band a little annoying I do like them and from what I've seen and read about them they seem to be genuinely nice people. I look forward to see what different types of music the band experiment in to with their album.
^The Hoosiers at Academy 3 in Manchester
Eminem - Love The Way You Lie ft. Rihanna
Eminem is either a joker or deadly serious, now normally I'm not a huge fan of his works especially the more light hearted ones (although to my annoyance 'we made you' was stuck in my head for days) and while I really didn't like her Rude Boy I tend to normally like her songs and her videos. I like that Rihanna is experimental with her fashion and style but it doesn't define her as an artist (which could be argued with Lady Gaga). Working together they have created a dark song which deals with domestic violence, a issue close to Rihanna. In the video stars Megan Fox which is always a plus, there is a beautiful moment where Megan and her 'partner' are on fire. Just a wonderful sight. A truly dark and chilling song.
Eliza Doolittle
Ending on a happier note is skinny Genes by Eliza Doolirrle. This cute little singer is a breath of fresh air, she reminds me of better looking, better dressed version of Miquita (T4 presenter) the song is cherry, happy and just all round fun to whistle along with. I expect we'll have many hits from her to come and I can't wait to hear what else she has got to give.
Arcade Fire
I don't know much about Arcade Fire other than their song was used for the movie 'Where the wild things are' the song is called 'wake up' and I really enjoyed it but never got in to the band. I've only seen half of the film but fell asleep just because I found it that boring (again, very pretty but just boring) I'll give it another chance one day. But working alongside the trailer their song was perfect, a little but indie, uplifting while depressing at the same time and just cool. Now I've been listening to XFM for a bit now and they keep playing their new single called
We Used To Wait
Again I don't know much about the band, but every time I hear their work I seem to like it, so this is definitely a band I am going to look more in to. What do you think of them? Are they worth my time? What songs would you suggest listening to?
The Hoosiers
With their new single 'Choices' they have a new sound. When I first heard the song I wasn't a fan but the more I listen to it the more I like it. I do however have a problem with the video. It’s just bad and looks a little cheap. I cringe at the intro where the lead acts, as much as I like the band there’s just something a little bit annoying about them when they act up, perhaps it’s just their sense of humour that I just don't get but when I watch the video I have to pass the dialogue to get to the song. None the less I like their music and have enjoyed their past videos. When I was in college I went to see them live at the Academy in Manchester. Now Academy 3 is a very small arena, you could compare it to a shed. But I prefer smaller gigs as there’s a better chance of seeing the band and getting closer to the front (although being as tall as I am I don't often have trouble seeing the front: P ). I remember on the way there NME voted them worst band of the year (a great start to the night lol, although I've always thought NME is a little bit up its own backside) but my friends and I had a great time. There was plenty of energy, and as much as I said I find the band a little annoying I do like them and from what I've seen and read about them they seem to be genuinely nice people. I look forward to see what different types of music the band experiment in to with their album.
^The Hoosiers at Academy 3 in Manchester
Eminem - Love The Way You Lie ft. Rihanna
Eminem is either a joker or deadly serious, now normally I'm not a huge fan of his works especially the more light hearted ones (although to my annoyance 'we made you' was stuck in my head for days) and while I really didn't like her Rude Boy I tend to normally like her songs and her videos. I like that Rihanna is experimental with her fashion and style but it doesn't define her as an artist (which could be argued with Lady Gaga). Working together they have created a dark song which deals with domestic violence, a issue close to Rihanna. In the video stars Megan Fox which is always a plus, there is a beautiful moment where Megan and her 'partner' are on fire. Just a wonderful sight. A truly dark and chilling song.
Eliza Doolittle
Ending on a happier note is skinny Genes by Eliza Doolirrle. This cute little singer is a breath of fresh air, she reminds me of better looking, better dressed version of Miquita (T4 presenter) the song is cherry, happy and just all round fun to whistle along with. I expect we'll have many hits from her to come and I can't wait to hear what else she has got to give.
Thursday 5 August 2010
My Thoughts On: Knight and Day
My Thoughts On: Knight and Day
Disclaimer: The following are my own thoughts and feeling and do not represent anyone else.
So last night I was called last minute, I was told there was a staff screening of Knight and Day at work. So at eleven at night I called my friend to see if she would like to see the film and my sister asked to come along as well. So we were there at half twelve ready to go. Now I've seen the trailer a few times now, I wasn't all that bothered about seeing the film. As much as I like Cameron Diaz I've never been a fan of Tom Cruise even before he turned to scientology and this little happening
I've seen bits of mission impossible. But what actually has he done since that has been that popular (if not a dying franchise, I'm actually shocked they're bringing it back for a fourth) He was in Tropic Thunder and War of the worlds. I can't judge Tropic Thunder but I have heard that his character may be getting a spin of movie, but is he really the type of actor that can pull of a full comedy by himself? And then there was War of the worlds which was just grey dull and boring. So it makes sense that he's gone back to the genre that he works best in. Action. I've read he was offered the role of the lead in the movie Salt (now played by Angelina Jolie) but rejected it as he thought the role was too similar to his character from Mission Impossible but by taking on the movie Knight and Day he's pretty much done the same thing. While the story lines are different, he's still fitting in to the role of action spy, not actually a huge leap from Mission Impossible. By taking on the role it’s like he’s screaming out 'I've still got it! I can still be cool, shoot guns and drive fast cars! While at the same time make a tiny effort to play different roles (while playing a similar role)'
However, putting aside my feelings for the man let’s look at the film. Overall I felt the story was a little weak and I didn't find myself caring if the day was saved. Throughout the film Cameron Diaz's character is drugged and we skip large parts of the plot. One could see this as a funny and quirky way of getting away from the boring parts of the plot to the more important parts, however to do it throughout the film just gets a little old. There’s not allot to say really about the film, it’s not exactly a bad film it’s just all the best parts are given away in the trailer and one of the better parts of the trailer was the Muse song with it. The film is funny is a sort of 'we know we're being corny' kind of way but I can't help but think when watching the film if I was watching a plot or the inside of Tom Cruises head as he slowly breaks down in to madness. (Not being cruel but the guy has a really scary smile)
To break it down
Pros: Cool driving scenes, a few nice action scenes, Cameron Diaz
Cons: Tom Cruise, green screen and CGI weren't great, everything was given away in the trailer, cheesy and not always for good, not enough mystery for a spy genre of film and confusing film title.
I wouldn't recommend paying to see this at the cinema and at best would say it would make an alright rental from blockbusters if you’re bored and can't find anything else. 5/10
Disclaimer: The following are my own thoughts and feeling and do not represent anyone else.
So last night I was called last minute, I was told there was a staff screening of Knight and Day at work. So at eleven at night I called my friend to see if she would like to see the film and my sister asked to come along as well. So we were there at half twelve ready to go. Now I've seen the trailer a few times now, I wasn't all that bothered about seeing the film. As much as I like Cameron Diaz I've never been a fan of Tom Cruise even before he turned to scientology and this little happening
I've seen bits of mission impossible. But what actually has he done since that has been that popular (if not a dying franchise, I'm actually shocked they're bringing it back for a fourth) He was in Tropic Thunder and War of the worlds. I can't judge Tropic Thunder but I have heard that his character may be getting a spin of movie, but is he really the type of actor that can pull of a full comedy by himself? And then there was War of the worlds which was just grey dull and boring. So it makes sense that he's gone back to the genre that he works best in. Action. I've read he was offered the role of the lead in the movie Salt (now played by Angelina Jolie) but rejected it as he thought the role was too similar to his character from Mission Impossible but by taking on the movie Knight and Day he's pretty much done the same thing. While the story lines are different, he's still fitting in to the role of action spy, not actually a huge leap from Mission Impossible. By taking on the role it’s like he’s screaming out 'I've still got it! I can still be cool, shoot guns and drive fast cars! While at the same time make a tiny effort to play different roles (while playing a similar role)'
However, putting aside my feelings for the man let’s look at the film. Overall I felt the story was a little weak and I didn't find myself caring if the day was saved. Throughout the film Cameron Diaz's character is drugged and we skip large parts of the plot. One could see this as a funny and quirky way of getting away from the boring parts of the plot to the more important parts, however to do it throughout the film just gets a little old. There’s not allot to say really about the film, it’s not exactly a bad film it’s just all the best parts are given away in the trailer and one of the better parts of the trailer was the Muse song with it. The film is funny is a sort of 'we know we're being corny' kind of way but I can't help but think when watching the film if I was watching a plot or the inside of Tom Cruises head as he slowly breaks down in to madness. (Not being cruel but the guy has a really scary smile)
To break it down
Pros: Cool driving scenes, a few nice action scenes, Cameron Diaz
Cons: Tom Cruise, green screen and CGI weren't great, everything was given away in the trailer, cheesy and not always for good, not enough mystery for a spy genre of film and confusing film title.
I wouldn't recommend paying to see this at the cinema and at best would say it would make an alright rental from blockbusters if you’re bored and can't find anything else. 5/10
Monday 2 August 2010
My Thoughts On : The Sorcerer's Apprentice
My Thoughts On : The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Remember this?
A week before its release date in the UK tonight I watched a screening of The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Taking the original idea from Walt Disney's Fantasia, Disney re-tell the story in a modern setting with wild magic and a stable story. When I first saw the trailer for the film I thought it was just going to be another shot at trying to be the next harry potter much like Percy Jackson and the lighting thief. While I never saw Percy Jackson I know of the story and how the demi god is whiskey away to Mount Olympus (Hogwarts) where he learns to use his powers (magic). However this film is different. Rather than taking the lead character away from his home to learn how to master his spells the magic comes to him. Set in New York the main character alongside his master (Nickolas Cage) run around the city trying to outdo the villain and save the world from destruction. It was nice to see how the location didn't change the character but the events. It also cut down on storytelling time. While in the first Harry Potter films it takes time to get to Hogwarts and to build in to the magic and the action this film is different as in the first five minutes we are already in a magical battle. Quickly drawing the audience’s attention we know this film is going to involve magical goings on. It just so happens that the hero had a large space where he carries out his science experiments which went on to be the area for his magic practice but as an audience we let this coincidence slide as we're just happy to see the magic happen.
The story is interesting, not overly complex but strong enough that you can believe in it and what to be a part of the world. Enough information and history was given that it made sense and you weren't feeling as if you were missing out on anything. Seeing as this is typically a kids film it’s normally best to keep it this way, any unnecessary information would have just dragged it down. While a Disney kids/teen film it contains enough humour and action to keep an older audience happy. An all round good family film. I personally liked the links with Merlin and Morgana and like mentioned before felt the information we were given about them wasn't to over bearing.
One downside to the film I felt was that there was a big build up to a few powerful sorcerers’ (especially the ones that were keeping the big evil villain Morgana trapped away) but of these villains wasn't in the film for very long. She was a young girl who was said to put Salem on the map. She looked terrifying but sadly wasn't in the film very long and we didn't get to see much of her. It might have been better just not to have involved her at all.
Overall a good film. Nothing overwhelmingly fantastic, but certainly original in its own rights and a refreshing take on the 'magic teenager' genre of film. Not a must see but I'd definitely recommend it (after Toy Story 3 and Inception). A fun family friendly film with enough to interest the whole family. 8/10
Disclaimer: The above are my own thoughts and feeling and do not represent anyone else.
Remember this?
A week before its release date in the UK tonight I watched a screening of The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Taking the original idea from Walt Disney's Fantasia, Disney re-tell the story in a modern setting with wild magic and a stable story. When I first saw the trailer for the film I thought it was just going to be another shot at trying to be the next harry potter much like Percy Jackson and the lighting thief. While I never saw Percy Jackson I know of the story and how the demi god is whiskey away to Mount Olympus (Hogwarts) where he learns to use his powers (magic). However this film is different. Rather than taking the lead character away from his home to learn how to master his spells the magic comes to him. Set in New York the main character alongside his master (Nickolas Cage) run around the city trying to outdo the villain and save the world from destruction. It was nice to see how the location didn't change the character but the events. It also cut down on storytelling time. While in the first Harry Potter films it takes time to get to Hogwarts and to build in to the magic and the action this film is different as in the first five minutes we are already in a magical battle. Quickly drawing the audience’s attention we know this film is going to involve magical goings on. It just so happens that the hero had a large space where he carries out his science experiments which went on to be the area for his magic practice but as an audience we let this coincidence slide as we're just happy to see the magic happen.
The story is interesting, not overly complex but strong enough that you can believe in it and what to be a part of the world. Enough information and history was given that it made sense and you weren't feeling as if you were missing out on anything. Seeing as this is typically a kids film it’s normally best to keep it this way, any unnecessary information would have just dragged it down. While a Disney kids/teen film it contains enough humour and action to keep an older audience happy. An all round good family film. I personally liked the links with Merlin and Morgana and like mentioned before felt the information we were given about them wasn't to over bearing.
One downside to the film I felt was that there was a big build up to a few powerful sorcerers’ (especially the ones that were keeping the big evil villain Morgana trapped away) but of these villains wasn't in the film for very long. She was a young girl who was said to put Salem on the map. She looked terrifying but sadly wasn't in the film very long and we didn't get to see much of her. It might have been better just not to have involved her at all.
Overall a good film. Nothing overwhelmingly fantastic, but certainly original in its own rights and a refreshing take on the 'magic teenager' genre of film. Not a must see but I'd definitely recommend it (after Toy Story 3 and Inception). A fun family friendly film with enough to interest the whole family. 8/10
Disclaimer: The above are my own thoughts and feeling and do not represent anyone else.
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