I'm getting back into a UK state of mind and I'll be back very soon!
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Hi Guys, I didn't post in June because I was on a a secret geek mission (more on that in October) and I was here:
I'm getting back into a UK state of mind and I'll be back very soon!
I'm getting back into a UK state of mind and I'll be back very soon!
Friday, 25 May 2012
Turning you square eyed - Part One: Youtube
How are you, fine followers? Seriously - how are you? What have you been doing/seeing/creating - please comment.
As some of you know I have nerdish tendacies, so today I am sharing my discovery of myriad youtubers who make my insomniac soul lollop like a carefree matress in the swamps of Sqornshellous Zeta. For each one I've linked both the channel and picked 1 or 2 of my favourite videos.
The five awesome girls - self explanatory title. They were collectively awesome interent friends who posted on monday to friday in 2008 for the year to get to know each other better as they live in different parts of the US. Since then they posted less frequently on the 5AG channel but are individually awesome (they already were of course) on their own channels. Hayley was probably my favourite here she is being delightful about her "political views" including a great reference to Adele's ex boyfreind.
the vlog brothers - John and Hank Green are brothers who have one long chat with each other on the internet and have fun with history and science. Their aim is to raise nerdy to the power of awesome - they are VERY successful at it. Also they created the Don't Forget To Be Awesome label and a Vlog adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
nerimon aka Alex Day- The sarcastic one! Not always sarcastic, he explained the lost finale with stick figures, but if you want a rant he's your man. Fans of Creationism or Twilight please look away now. I would completely subscribe to him interpreting the whole bible. (obviously impractical it would take forever). Sample quote [paraphrased] "adam puts all the blame on eve, which is well unfair" He's also a talented musician who releases music without the backing of a studio and dissects ridiculous music lyrics.
Also fantastic crossover video with 5AG's Kristina. Because I think we should all revisit the My Little Ponies as adults.
Right only a few more links to go - bear with me folks I'm saving the best for last!
On to Alex Day's flat mate Charlie McDonnell aka charlieissocoollike - so many fun videos to choose from but I LOVE a couple of his songs and he messed up a meeting with Tim Minchin in the most endearing way, but that was already on Rude Tube so I'll leave you with his duet with himself and song about fancying people and one of his challenges where he tells you lots about himself - yep he loves Dr Horrible. Sweet.
Finally my nerd video of the week: I may be late to this particular party but the HISHE Youtube channel is full of win. I submit for your pleasure : How Iron Man Should Have Ended
Final, last mention, a new webshow filling my void until the return of The Misadventures of ABG is Jan, part of a channel called WIGS. The cast is fanastic, and Stephen Moyer needs to rock his normal accent more often (no offence True Blood fans). There are lots of different shows yet to come with interesting premises and magnificient actors. What's not to love.
Right off to indulge in a spot of nerdfighting. Do Not Forget To Be Awesome folks.
As some of you know I have nerdish tendacies, so today I am sharing my discovery of myriad youtubers who make my insomniac soul lollop like a carefree matress in the swamps of Sqornshellous Zeta. For each one I've linked both the channel and picked 1 or 2 of my favourite videos.
The five awesome girls - self explanatory title. They were collectively awesome interent friends who posted on monday to friday in 2008 for the year to get to know each other better as they live in different parts of the US. Since then they posted less frequently on the 5AG channel but are individually awesome (they already were of course) on their own channels. Hayley was probably my favourite here she is being delightful about her "political views" including a great reference to Adele's ex boyfreind.
the vlog brothers - John and Hank Green are brothers who have one long chat with each other on the internet and have fun with history and science. Their aim is to raise nerdy to the power of awesome - they are VERY successful at it. Also they created the Don't Forget To Be Awesome label and a Vlog adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
nerimon aka Alex Day- The sarcastic one! Not always sarcastic, he explained the lost finale with stick figures, but if you want a rant he's your man. Fans of Creationism or Twilight please look away now. I would completely subscribe to him interpreting the whole bible. (obviously impractical it would take forever). Sample quote [paraphrased] "adam puts all the blame on eve, which is well unfair" He's also a talented musician who releases music without the backing of a studio and dissects ridiculous music lyrics.
Also fantastic crossover video with 5AG's Kristina. Because I think we should all revisit the My Little Ponies as adults.
Right only a few more links to go - bear with me folks I'm saving the best for last!
On to Alex Day's flat mate Charlie McDonnell aka charlieissocoollike - so many fun videos to choose from but I LOVE a couple of his songs and he messed up a meeting with Tim Minchin in the most endearing way, but that was already on Rude Tube so I'll leave you with his duet with himself and song about fancying people and one of his challenges where he tells you lots about himself - yep he loves Dr Horrible. Sweet.
Finally my nerd video of the week: I may be late to this particular party but the HISHE Youtube channel is full of win. I submit for your pleasure : How Iron Man Should Have Ended
Final, last mention, a new webshow filling my void until the return of The Misadventures of ABG is Jan, part of a channel called WIGS. The cast is fanastic, and Stephen Moyer needs to rock his normal accent more often (no offence True Blood fans). There are lots of different shows yet to come with interesting premises and magnificient actors. What's not to love.
Right off to indulge in a spot of nerdfighting. Do Not Forget To Be Awesome folks.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Response Blog - Overshare
I was reading this blog which referenced the silly survey, I am a sucker for those surveys too, but usually it's the same old questions, whereas the one posted on Caulk and Crinolines had me stumped by question 3. I had to google my university and primary school mascots. So here are a few things you probably never cared to know about me:
And here we go!
Do you have a favorite number?
My favorite number is 8.Weirdly the same as AJ. I can't remember why, maybe it's a born in August thing.
How many goddamn chickens could you eat right now?
Always several. I love Chicken. My mum's pepper chicken is the reason I knew I wouldn't be a vegetarian forever. The Drum (my work)'s jerk chicken sizzler platter is a major contributing factor to my inability to stay on budget at the end of the month.
What is the mascot of every school you’ve attended?
I don't think my infant/junior school had one - maybe an aeroplane
Secondary school - Edward the Lion
Uni - the liver birds?
I just set your house on fire; what one thing do you grab on your way out?
laptop. On second thoughts a lighter - yiu just set my house on fire, I'm bringing REVENGE!
Personality trait most likely to make you never talk to someone again.
Rascism.
We all like different crap. Name one food, band and movie that you hate that everyone else seems to like.
Food: Raw tomatoes are wrong on many levels. And rich tea biscuits. anyone from my 1995 Italy trip can tell you why.
Band: 1 Direction. I don't so much hate them as realise I've never heard thir stuff and looking at them makes me not want to bother.
Movie: The Tree of Life.
Now name one food, band and movie that everyone hates, but you like it because you’re a stupid dick.
Food: I can eat sweetcorn on nearly anything.
Band: I once listened to a podcaster I love rant about how bad the Counting Crows are. I love 'em.
Movie: Con Air is awesome.
What social situation makes you the most uncomfortable?
I have a pathologically poor memory for names. Even for people I have known for years, lived with or am related to. In my defence my mum has 5 sisters, dad has 9 siblings so family members are very hard to keep track of. But family occasions where people ask "do you remember me..?" often result in me saying "No"
Honestly, how many friends do you have that you would willingly spend a day with? If the answer is not in single digits, you are a fucking liar.
Loads of them. I could easily spend a year spending a day with a different friend each day. That woud be pretty cool. Also I am totally capable of spending an entire day watching tv/movies with someone - which really fills a lull in conversation.
Is there anything worse than The Big Bang Theory?
The thought that one day, The Big Bang Theory will no longer exist.
I wanna know… have you ever seen the rain?
I lived in Manchester for nearly a decade. I live in England. There are days when all I see is rain.
Would you rather have diarrhea 10 times per month or vomit once per month?
This isn't all that hypothetical. Mixing spirits and wine results in the vomit a month scenario. And lets face it, after some waffles and rehydration all is good. Noone wants constant bottom malady.
Would you be interested in spending an evening with me watching sports and eating Easy Mac?
No Formula One. If it's golf you'd pretty much have to look like Ryan Gosling to make that happen. Otherwise sports are fine. I love pasta. I could rock some Easy Mac (assuming it's some instant Macaroni Cheese stuff)
Assuming no penalty, would you kill another human being (you can choose who)? If you say no, once again you are a fucking liar.
I work in customer service.
Which Disney moment makes you cry the most because Disney is a dick of an entity that demands the death of at least one animal per movie?
Dumbo's mum protecting her baby and them being seprated always gets me. Mumfasa's being trampled to death comes second.
Name one abnormal thing about your body.
I'm constantly surprised it still works given the abuse I've thrown at it. Superhuman ability to withstand a diet which is largely stuff with sweetcorn, pancakes, waffles chips and chocolate.
And here we go!
Do you have a favorite number?
My favorite number is 8.Weirdly the same as AJ. I can't remember why, maybe it's a born in August thing.
How many goddamn chickens could you eat right now?
Always several. I love Chicken. My mum's pepper chicken is the reason I knew I wouldn't be a vegetarian forever. The Drum (my work)'s jerk chicken sizzler platter is a major contributing factor to my inability to stay on budget at the end of the month.
What is the mascot of every school you’ve attended?
I don't think my infant/junior school had one - maybe an aeroplane
Secondary school - Edward the Lion
Uni - the liver birds?
I just set your house on fire; what one thing do you grab on your way out?
laptop. On second thoughts a lighter - yiu just set my house on fire, I'm bringing REVENGE!
Personality trait most likely to make you never talk to someone again.
Rascism.
We all like different crap. Name one food, band and movie that you hate that everyone else seems to like.
Food: Raw tomatoes are wrong on many levels. And rich tea biscuits. anyone from my 1995 Italy trip can tell you why.
Band: 1 Direction. I don't so much hate them as realise I've never heard thir stuff and looking at them makes me not want to bother.
Movie: The Tree of Life.
Now name one food, band and movie that everyone hates, but you like it because you’re a stupid dick.
Food: I can eat sweetcorn on nearly anything.
Band: I once listened to a podcaster I love rant about how bad the Counting Crows are. I love 'em.
Movie: Con Air is awesome.
What social situation makes you the most uncomfortable?
I have a pathologically poor memory for names. Even for people I have known for years, lived with or am related to. In my defence my mum has 5 sisters, dad has 9 siblings so family members are very hard to keep track of. But family occasions where people ask "do you remember me..?" often result in me saying "No"
Honestly, how many friends do you have that you would willingly spend a day with? If the answer is not in single digits, you are a fucking liar.
Loads of them. I could easily spend a year spending a day with a different friend each day. That woud be pretty cool. Also I am totally capable of spending an entire day watching tv/movies with someone - which really fills a lull in conversation.
Is there anything worse than The Big Bang Theory?
The thought that one day, The Big Bang Theory will no longer exist.
I wanna know… have you ever seen the rain?
I lived in Manchester for nearly a decade. I live in England. There are days when all I see is rain.
Would you rather have diarrhea 10 times per month or vomit once per month?
This isn't all that hypothetical. Mixing spirits and wine results in the vomit a month scenario. And lets face it, after some waffles and rehydration all is good. Noone wants constant bottom malady.
Would you be interested in spending an evening with me watching sports and eating Easy Mac?
No Formula One. If it's golf you'd pretty much have to look like Ryan Gosling to make that happen. Otherwise sports are fine. I love pasta. I could rock some Easy Mac (assuming it's some instant Macaroni Cheese stuff)
Assuming no penalty, would you kill another human being (you can choose who)? If you say no, once again you are a fucking liar.
I work in customer service.
Which Disney moment makes you cry the most because Disney is a dick of an entity that demands the death of at least one animal per movie?
Dumbo's mum protecting her baby and them being seprated always gets me. Mumfasa's being trampled to death comes second.
Name one abnormal thing about your body.
I'm constantly surprised it still works given the abuse I've thrown at it. Superhuman ability to withstand a diet which is largely stuff with sweetcorn, pancakes, waffles chips and chocolate.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Films, Festivals and Fun
Hi guys
It's been a pretty busy month. Which means I have neglected you kind people. Apologies, I hope absence has merely made the heart grow fonder.
The oscars were just plain "fine" in the end, barely worthy of comment on the fashion or eventfulness scale. Even Ryan seacrest's ash bath and Angelina's leg have faded.
March is always a busy month for me. In Birmingham there's the flatpack festival and in Manchester the Viva Spanish and Latin American film festival.
It's been a pretty busy month. Which means I have neglected you kind people. Apologies, I hope absence has merely made the heart grow fonder.
The oscars were just plain "fine" in the end, barely worthy of comment on the fashion or eventfulness scale. Even Ryan seacrest's ash bath and Angelina's leg have faded.
March is always a busy month for me. In Birmingham there's the flatpack festival and in Manchester the Viva Spanish and Latin American film festival.
I managed a pretty great weekend of festivities which took in Blank City - a documentary celebrating outrageous and innovative cinema, Quadrophenia - disillusioned youth and a great cast of character actors.
then on to Manchester for a cross section of Spanish Langauge films - sublimely surreal black tragicomedy The Last Circus, La Mirada Invisible the tale of a repressed teacher with hidden passions and Primos a sweet comedy about love and family.
Viva! closed with the start of this exhibition of Spanish filmmakers at the Instituto Cervantes on Deansgate, which is well worth a look before 30th April.
I've also got my act in gear and caught up on some films I've missed so I finally saw the amazing The Interrupters, the above average Rise of The Planet of Apes and mildly depressing but revelatory Dreams of a Life.
They win for me respectively the awards for Most ridiculously overlooked documentary, most egregious failure to recognise Andy Serkis if not with the best supporting actor oscar (and Christopher Plummer's speech was one of my highlights of oscars night) but surely with his own category! And finally film most likely to make you call that person you should speak to more often.
Of the more mainstream fayre, Tom Hardy has impressed me with his humour in This Means War - funnier than I thought it would be , I went for the eye candy but left having enjoyed the humour. I also FINALLY caught Warrior, which given it's a film about fighting was way darker than I expected. God Nick Nolte, you were a fine deadbeat ex vet drunk. I also secretly love it when there is accent revenge in a film. For every yank pretending to be a brit, there is Warrior containing a brit and an ozzie pretending to be yanks.
Also Zombieland came around on my rental list and I saw The Hunger Games which proved that Woody Harleson has range with his rocking drunk, cranky, crazy characters. Each one uniquely bitter and brave!
To say I saw The Woman In Black is to totally undermine the meaning of the word "saw". on a statistical percentage, I glanced The Woman In Black with audio. Way too scary for a wimp like me, but some people like that kind of thing. (Thanks little sis for the nightmares). Oddly I am still going to watch The Cabin In The Woods. Any association with Joss Whedon can dispel my fears!
Very few links and tweople today. However there are a few things on my cultural radar I want to big up...
Did you see Son of Rambow? No? Rent it now!!! It was a lovely british film about friendship, which I wish had done better and featured pre gossip girl Ed Westwick as brother to a supremely talented Will Poulter.
Need more convincing? Luckily you can head down to the cinema right now and see him in Wild Bill the debut directorial effort by my 2nd favourite member of the Junior Gazette (Lynda Day was my role model through my entire adolescence) and featuring another Press Gang alum - and potnetial serious BAFTA contender Charlie Creed-Miles.
Is it also a coincidence that Dexter Fletcher was also my original favourite stealth Brit? I was delighted to discover that the american ("an american. there are more than one of us you know") was actually relatively local!
But I digress. I am crazily enthusiastic about this film. I love having reasons to support British filmmaking as it makes it better for the arts as a whole when there are British creative sucesses and I people are buzzing about it, but I want more people to go!
Also something you may consider for your Easter weekend - West Bromwich! No I'm not joking. the pink palace also known as The Public is hosting an indie music festival called Now We Are Weekender.
Finally I haven't plugged a book in a while, so in addition to buying Leeanne Stoddart's superb poetry book for family and friends - there are another 2 books I want to plug.
If you like vampires and the supernatural, is suspect you will love Sire: The Vampires of St Troy by Thomas Galvin a very entertaining blogger.
And if you want to go the extra Geek/Nerd mile then check out Lab Coats in Hollywood by David Kirby. I once had the great pleasure of attending a course he led on Science on Screen and he has some amazing insights into the relationships between "real science" and "film science". Here's a great wordpress review of the book.
So find some festivals and some films and show them some love!
Viva! closed with the start of this exhibition of Spanish filmmakers at the Instituto Cervantes on Deansgate, which is well worth a look before 30th April.
I've also got my act in gear and caught up on some films I've missed so I finally saw the amazing The Interrupters, the above average Rise of The Planet of Apes and mildly depressing but revelatory Dreams of a Life.
They win for me respectively the awards for Most ridiculously overlooked documentary, most egregious failure to recognise Andy Serkis if not with the best supporting actor oscar (and Christopher Plummer's speech was one of my highlights of oscars night) but surely with his own category! And finally film most likely to make you call that person you should speak to more often.
Of the more mainstream fayre, Tom Hardy has impressed me with his humour in This Means War - funnier than I thought it would be , I went for the eye candy but left having enjoyed the humour. I also FINALLY caught Warrior, which given it's a film about fighting was way darker than I expected. God Nick Nolte, you were a fine deadbeat ex vet drunk. I also secretly love it when there is accent revenge in a film. For every yank pretending to be a brit, there is Warrior containing a brit and an ozzie pretending to be yanks.
Also Zombieland came around on my rental list and I saw The Hunger Games which proved that Woody Harleson has range with his rocking drunk, cranky, crazy characters. Each one uniquely bitter and brave!
To say I saw The Woman In Black is to totally undermine the meaning of the word "saw". on a statistical percentage, I glanced The Woman In Black with audio. Way too scary for a wimp like me, but some people like that kind of thing. (Thanks little sis for the nightmares). Oddly I am still going to watch The Cabin In The Woods. Any association with Joss Whedon can dispel my fears!
Very few links and tweople today. However there are a few things on my cultural radar I want to big up...
Did you see Son of Rambow? No? Rent it now!!! It was a lovely british film about friendship, which I wish had done better and featured pre gossip girl Ed Westwick as brother to a supremely talented Will Poulter.
Need more convincing? Luckily you can head down to the cinema right now and see him in Wild Bill the debut directorial effort by my 2nd favourite member of the Junior Gazette (Lynda Day was my role model through my entire adolescence) and featuring another Press Gang alum - and potnetial serious BAFTA contender Charlie Creed-Miles.
Is it also a coincidence that Dexter Fletcher was also my original favourite stealth Brit? I was delighted to discover that the american ("an american. there are more than one of us you know") was actually relatively local!
But I digress. I am crazily enthusiastic about this film. I love having reasons to support British filmmaking as it makes it better for the arts as a whole when there are British creative sucesses and I people are buzzing about it, but I want more people to go!
Also something you may consider for your Easter weekend - West Bromwich! No I'm not joking. the pink palace also known as The Public is hosting an indie music festival called Now We Are Weekender.
Finally I haven't plugged a book in a while, so in addition to buying Leeanne Stoddart's superb poetry book for family and friends - there are another 2 books I want to plug.
If you like vampires and the supernatural, is suspect you will love Sire: The Vampires of St Troy by Thomas Galvin a very entertaining blogger.
And if you want to go the extra Geek/Nerd mile then check out Lab Coats in Hollywood by David Kirby. I once had the great pleasure of attending a course he led on Science on Screen and he has some amazing insights into the relationships between "real science" and "film science". Here's a great wordpress review of the book.
So find some festivals and some films and show them some love!
and Me!!! check out my more concise ramblings/observations and bizarre humour here....https://twitter.com/#!/shegeekmcr
Sunday, 26 February 2012
That special time of year: Oscar predictions
Here we go: After much thought and seeing a couple of movies, but not as many as last year or this guy:
The best actor race is a curious one. I am pretty certain it is in the bag, but I actually would be thrilled by a Gary Oldman upset. If George Clooney wins I will be shocked and annoyed, because it'll be the second time I wished 2 other people got the award ahead of him. Also I would have loved Michael Fassbender to be nominated for Shame.
The women, a nice range of nominated roles both for lead and supporting actress. I have lost an article I wanted to reference on this, which I will post in the comments if I track it down. But are there any more different women than Marilyn Monroe, Maggie Thatcher, Lisbeth Salander and Megan from Bridemaids!
As I haven't seen as many films as usual, my technical category picks are pretty much out and out guesses - whatever I put for these categories I basically thought, well if it's not...then it'll be Hugo.
Screenplay - my most consistently poor prediction record. I went for Tinker Tailor... out of patriotism and because Peter Straughan's bafta acceptance speech, was eloquent and elegant and brought tears to my eyes.
See you on the other side, and we can laugh about how crazy I was thinking Hugo would beat The tree of Life for Cinematography.
Happy viewing.
BEST PICTURE: THE ARTIST
BEST DIRECTOR: Michel Hazanavicius, THE ARTIST
BEST ACTOR: Jean Dujardin, THE ARTIST
BEST ACTRESS: Viola Davis, THE HELP
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christopher Plummer, BEGINNERS
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Octavia Spencer, THE HELP
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
BEST ART DIRECTION: HUGO
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: HUGO
BEST COSTUME DESIGN: THE ARTIST
BEST EDITING: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
BEST MAKEUP: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: THE ARTIST
BEST ORIGINAL SONG: “Man or Muppet,” THE MUPPETS
BEST SOUND EDITING: HUGO (this was DRIVE until this morning)
BEST SOUND MIXING: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: RANGO (I actually want Chico and Rita to win)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: PINA
BEST FOREIGN FILM: A SEPARATION
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM: TIME FREAK
BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM: DIMANCHE/SUNDAY
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM: THE BARBER OF BIRMINGHAM: FOOT SOLDIER OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT (because if a film mentions Birmingham, any Birmingham, it gets my vote!)
The best actor race is a curious one. I am pretty certain it is in the bag, but I actually would be thrilled by a Gary Oldman upset. If George Clooney wins I will be shocked and annoyed, because it'll be the second time I wished 2 other people got the award ahead of him. Also I would have loved Michael Fassbender to be nominated for Shame.
The women, a nice range of nominated roles both for lead and supporting actress. I have lost an article I wanted to reference on this, which I will post in the comments if I track it down. But are there any more different women than Marilyn Monroe, Maggie Thatcher, Lisbeth Salander and Megan from Bridemaids!
As I haven't seen as many films as usual, my technical category picks are pretty much out and out guesses - whatever I put for these categories I basically thought, well if it's not...then it'll be Hugo.
Screenplay - my most consistently poor prediction record. I went for Tinker Tailor... out of patriotism and because Peter Straughan's bafta acceptance speech, was eloquent and elegant and brought tears to my eyes.
See you on the other side, and we can laugh about how crazy I was thinking Hugo would beat The tree of Life for Cinematography.
Happy viewing.
BEST PICTURE: THE ARTIST
BEST DIRECTOR: Michel Hazanavicius, THE ARTIST
BEST ACTOR: Jean Dujardin, THE ARTIST
BEST ACTRESS: Viola Davis, THE HELP
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christopher Plummer, BEGINNERS
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Octavia Spencer, THE HELP
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
BEST ART DIRECTION: HUGO
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: HUGO
BEST COSTUME DESIGN: THE ARTIST
BEST EDITING: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
BEST MAKEUP: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: THE ARTIST
BEST ORIGINAL SONG: “Man or Muppet,” THE MUPPETS
BEST SOUND EDITING: HUGO (this was DRIVE until this morning)
BEST SOUND MIXING: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: RANGO (I actually want Chico and Rita to win)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: PINA
BEST FOREIGN FILM: A SEPARATION
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM: TIME FREAK
BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM: DIMANCHE/SUNDAY
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM: THE BARBER OF BIRMINGHAM: FOOT SOLDIER OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT (because if a film mentions Birmingham, any Birmingham, it gets my vote!)
Monday, 6 February 2012
Birmingham Casting Call
I have been asked to circulate a casting call for several Birmingham based 15-20 year olds and 1 older guy (40-50) for a film about the riots - Broken Society.
Shooting this month in Birmingham. Details to follow.
Directed by Actor/Director Neil Reidman
Contact details on his website: http://neilreidman.com/index.html
Or post below/message me on twitter for info.
*** Unrelated Geek squee - Neil was in a Tennant Doctor Who episode! ****
Related event plug - I have been trying to get a Birmingham screening of highly acclaimed US film The Interuppters and it's happening this month at The Drum. It's about people in Chicago who are proactively trying to stop crime by interrupting perpetrators.
I would be delighted if you can make it - and at £2.50 a ticket, why wouldn't you give it a try? Roger Ebert calls it one of the greatest Oscars snubs EVER (well that's how I read it) in his blog. See if you agree.
****
tweeps in this blog: @neilreidman @shegeekmcr @TheInterrupters
Shooting this month in Birmingham. Details to follow.
Directed by Actor/Director Neil Reidman
Contact details on his website: http://neilreidman.com/index.html
Or post below/message me on twitter for info.
*** Unrelated Geek squee - Neil was in a Tennant Doctor Who episode! ****
Related event plug - I have been trying to get a Birmingham screening of highly acclaimed US film The Interuppters and it's happening this month at The Drum. It's about people in Chicago who are proactively trying to stop crime by interrupting perpetrators.
I would be delighted if you can make it - and at £2.50 a ticket, why wouldn't you give it a try? Roger Ebert calls it one of the greatest Oscars snubs EVER (well that's how I read it) in his blog. See if you agree.
****
tweeps in this blog: @neilreidman @shegeekmcr @TheInterrupters
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Redesign and updates in progress ...Please bear with me
This page is due a thorough update - so I am doing it gradually over January/February.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
New Year, New Possibilities, New People
Previously on Planet Esther...
Shameless
What’s that you cry across the far reaches of cyberspace? Where is the link to the long agonised over review of Shame? Alas it never came to be, so Manchester Salon was not left rapturous over my succinct profile and erudite words of wisdom.
In the end I felt I didn’t really know what I could add to a discussion. Yes it’s about sex addiction. Yes it’s fantastically acted, insightful, full of pathos and incredibly engaging. You will never hear “New York New York” the same way again. Yes, I recommend you watch it. It is a fantastic portrayal not just of loneliness, and obsession and futility but also of siblings with a complex family dynamic.
What’s that you cry across the far reaches of cyberspace? Where is the link to the long agonised over review of Shame? Alas it never came to be, so Manchester Salon was not left rapturous over my succinct profile and erudite words of wisdom.
In the end I felt I didn’t really know what I could add to a discussion. Yes it’s about sex addiction. Yes it’s fantastically acted, insightful, full of pathos and incredibly engaging. You will never hear “New York New York” the same way again. Yes, I recommend you watch it. It is a fantastic portrayal not just of loneliness, and obsession and futility but also of siblings with a complex family dynamic.
So there you go, my micro review. If you fancy something meatier, the review that did appear in Manchester Salon is here. http://www.manchestersalon.org.uk/shame-cornerhouse.html
So that was last year. This year has come and it’s full of new possibilities. And new films.
Square eyes, round belly
As usual, I am trying to see as many awards nominated films as possible, but I’m generally behind with my viewing and refusing to watch War Horse so it’s not as comprehensive an attempt as last year. I’m also watching more TV these days, I’ve finally caught up with Fringe, I'm addicted to The Good Wife (they could kill off Alicia and I'd still stay for Diane, Kalinda, Eli and ven Cary and Zach) and I have found a new addiction in the form of a webseries called “The Mis-adventures Of Awkward Black Girl”. http://www.awkwardblackgirl.com/episodes
So that was last year. This year has come and it’s full of new possibilities. And new films.
Square eyes, round belly
As usual, I am trying to see as many awards nominated films as possible, but I’m generally behind with my viewing and refusing to watch War Horse so it’s not as comprehensive an attempt as last year. I’m also watching more TV these days, I’ve finally caught up with Fringe, I'm addicted to The Good Wife (they could kill off Alicia and I'd still stay for Diane, Kalinda, Eli and ven Cary and Zach) and I have found a new addiction in the form of a webseries called “The Mis-adventures Of Awkward Black Girl”. http://www.awkwardblackgirl.com/episodes
**Warning ** It does contain some offensive language but is genuinely sweet at it’s core. In fact if you, like me, are facing a Valentine’s Day without a special one, this shows hope that there is someone for EVERYONE! After uber-nerd Carlton Banks left my life, I never thought I’d relate to a TV character who shared my ethnic roots and I never really looked for it, so this has come as a delightful surprise. Not since Ross’ “you’re over me, when were you under me?” and Aeryn Sun/John Crichton’s galaxy wide struggle for true frelling love, have I been so much so invested in a fictional romantic decision. Note to self: do not start watching a series 24 days before the season finale airs. That's going-to-see-a-Katherine-Heigl-film-with-high-hopes level of torture (curse the 27 dresses anomaly!)
Please enjoy Season 1 online and wait eagerly with the rest of the Awkward Nation for season 2. What other webseries fans, whilst waiting for the show to go live, send me recipe tips for show related food? More importantly who doesn’t want Angry Birds Cup Cakes!! http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/03/angry-birds-cupcakes.html
Perfect Poetry
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, some people have a gift for words, and I can’t say it enough, Leeanne Stoddart’s poems are positive and full of joy, and if you want to impress your other half with words which will enlighten their soul. It’s more original than flowers and chocolate and will last longer. Preview it and buy it here! http://leeannestoddart.com/bookpreview
Spread a little love and it all comes back to you...
I’m all about discovering new and interesting creative people and met this guy recently. In addition to being added to the list of people whose blogs I would happily spend a Sunday afternoon browsing he has also recently sent out an altruistic post aimed at getting work for his mates: read his stuff, buy him a pint if you meet him http://iam.peteashton.com/hire-them/
Next time on Planet Esther...
I will be overwhelmed by your support of Leeanne’s book. Having propelled it to best seller status and I will be regaling with tales of my travels Leeanne’s PA/publicist a post necessitated by her global success. Make it happen people!
I will be overwhelmed by your support of Leeanne’s book. Having propelled it to best seller status and I will be regaling with tales of my travels Leeanne’s PA/publicist a post necessitated by her global success. Make it happen people!
More likely I’ll be talking about the Oscars.
Some tweeps mentioned in today’s blog:
@shamefilm ; @manchestersalon ; @awkwardblackgirl; p_nut_butta ; @peteashton and of course me- @shegeekmcr
See you in the future.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
It's Only Words...
Initially I was excited, since I relish in sharing things I’ve loved & feel it is my nerdly duty to steer people away from the potentially disappointing loss of those hours which could have been spent contemplating the universe, eating or looking at funny Youtube videos. Or spending their time watching something that did not suck.
So reviewing is great. But... I've been asked to provide a biography & a picture, which leads to unnecessary over-thinking and “oh my god why do I have no pictures taken sober” anxiety.
And true horror...writing about myself in the third person.
Outside my head, I am on draft number 5. I have scoured the online profiles of other people on the site, to get the tone just right. I convince myself that I can edit all my relevant interests and a justification for strangers to spend their time reading my words, into a succinct paragraph. I cut anything that sounds like I am angling for Claudia Winkleman's job on Film 2011.
Inside my head, I am hamsterwheeleing through “can Esther avoid use of the third person” “does it sound like an online dating profile” “is it too dry” “will anyone get my joke” “will they even get that it’s a joke” “do I sound like a humungous tool” “how much does it cost to hire someone to do this for me”
Seriously. I’m agonizing over approximately 80 (Too long? Too short?) words of gubbins. It’s turned me into Woody Allen.
Here goes - less of a bio, more of a manifesto:
Hi I’m Esther.
You are probably reading this because you know me.
You may not agree with my opinions, but I hope you do, or don't think I'm crazy to hold them.
I do this because I watch a lot of stuff.
You may not agree with my opinions, but I hope you do, or don't think I'm crazy to hold them.
I do this because I watch a lot of stuff.
I am often trying to be as funny as I am informative.
I sometimes get irritated by irrational things. (Someone is trying to remake Oldboy...REALLY)
I sometimes love irrational things. (Twilight - ok love is the wrong term, but I've invested more time in them than I should)
Sometimes I hold contradictary thoughts about the same subject (I am obsessed with Twilight but totally see where this guy is coming from. He may despise Twilight, but he's funny doing it.)
I prefer to spread love not hate. However, I have no issue with spreading strong evidence based dislike (Brett Ratner -please do not contaminate the world with tastless racist, tacky, dumb derogatory verbal diarrhea. It's comments 6&8 that really make me want to punch him. You don't have an impressive enough body of work for people to ignore you being repulsive. But don't get me started on Roman Polanksi.)
Sometimes I rant.
Sometimes I digress.
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air.
I sometimes get irritated by irrational things. (Someone is trying to remake Oldboy...REALLY)
I sometimes love irrational things. (Twilight - ok love is the wrong term, but I've invested more time in them than I should)
Sometimes I hold contradictary thoughts about the same subject (I am obsessed with Twilight but totally see where this guy is coming from. He may despise Twilight, but he's funny doing it.)
I prefer to spread love not hate. However, I have no issue with spreading strong evidence based dislike (Brett Ratner -please do not contaminate the world with tastless racist, tacky, dumb derogatory verbal diarrhea. It's comments 6&8 that really make me want to punch him. You don't have an impressive enough body of work for people to ignore you being repulsive. But don't get me started on Roman Polanksi.)
Sometimes I rant.
Sometimes I digress.
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air.
Please read what I write, deliberate, cogitate, ruminate (I'm not that deep it won't take long), and hopefully enjoy. If you like it, I am grateful if you recommend it.
Damn that's 238 words...Draft 7 here I come.
*****
And the photo. I am self conscious about my face. I don't think I'm hideous but I don't think I'm photogenic and tend to overcompensate by overposing. I am pathologically incapable of keeping a straight face. The comedy picture is not likely to be an option. That said, they don't know me so maybe I can pretend to be Claudia Black.
Monday, 10 October 2011
My Top 10 Directors The Rationale: Welcome Aboard
Oh my love hate/relationship with Best Of Lists. I love making lists. I hate making final decisions.
But since I love love love the Battleship Pretension podcast, so when they called for a list of my top 10 directors, I agonised, deliberated, cogitated, hesitated, deviated and obsessed and eventually narrowed it down. Then put them in alphabetical order because ranking would take another 3 weeks.
Predictably I will lean more indie than mainstream (Peter Jackson probably being my most painful omission) and of course I HAVE to list at least one woman, one minority and one foreign language film maker - but you who know me, know I still like to mix it up and I am nothing if not egalitarian in my film going tastes so here's the list that in a few weeks, I will lament and rethink and obsess over.
Criteria
a) I find their films unmissable
b) their body of work is woven into the fabric of my life
c) they have made a standout film which I can't imagine never having watched
d) consistently excellent casting choices
e) demonstrating imagination beyond words
f) they keep employing Michael Fassbender which is a gift to cinema which just keeps on giving.
1. Jacques Audiard
Read My Lips - original, passionate, creepy, The Beat That My Heart Skipped - intense and beautiful, A Prophet - haunting. He turns traditionally unsympathetic people into complex and likeable and compelling characters.
It was between him and Almodovar for my favourite foreign filmmaker I can watch again and again and in a head to head between my favourite films of those directors The Beat That My Heart Skipped beat All About My Mother. Then I started thinking about Michael Haneke and decided to quit whilst I was ahead.
2. Susanne Bier
Along with The Lives Of Others, After The Wedding is a film I try to get everyone I know to watch. A wonderfully played out situation, of being caught between a rock and a hard place. One of europes most critically lauded directors, and the director of the current Best Foreign Language
Film Oscar, she consistently makes high quality, dramas.
3. Kathryn Bigelow
I did a Women and Film course a few years back, and you can't fail to acknowledge that initally people will be surprised that Point Break, that great action movie, was directed by a woman. When you think of action directors you mainly think if men, so it is a testament to KB's skill that she's not hired for a "feminine touch" but rather a great eye. I was mesmerised by the opening sequence of The Hurt Locker and she obviously gets bonus points for that whole "only lady with a best director oscar" thing.
4. Danny Boyle
I loved Christopher Eccleston before Shallow Grave and worshipped him after. Actually this is probably the first contemporary director I followed becuase of him, rather than or in addition to the films "stars". Also I've had the opportunity to meet him and he's a proper gent. The first place in the UK you could see all his films up to Sunshine was the independent cinema in his home town of Manchester and he’s patron of the cinema and actively supports it in person. And he never sticks to one genre. He’s basically so awesome I can forgive him The Beach.
5. Tim Burton
From an aesthetic point of view - hands down my favourite director.
Beetlejuice is probably memorable for my parents for reducing both me and my sister to unaccustomed companionableness and near silence. And his awesome Depp and Bonham Carter casting never hurt. Also he regulary works with Mackinnon & Saunders, stop motion puppeteers (and so much more) based in Stockport who are part of a fantastic and talented team.
6. George Cukor
My Fair Lady and the Philadelphia Story in your repertoire. Nice work. He literally made my heart soar with song and introduced CK Dexter haven into my world. The ladies weren't just fair, they were feisty too!
1. Jacques Audiard
Read My Lips - original, passionate, creepy, The Beat That My Heart Skipped - intense and beautiful, A Prophet - haunting. He turns traditionally unsympathetic people into complex and likeable and compelling characters.
It was between him and Almodovar for my favourite foreign filmmaker I can watch again and again and in a head to head between my favourite films of those directors The Beat That My Heart Skipped beat All About My Mother. Then I started thinking about Michael Haneke and decided to quit whilst I was ahead.
2. Susanne Bier
Along with The Lives Of Others, After The Wedding is a film I try to get everyone I know to watch. A wonderfully played out situation, of being caught between a rock and a hard place. One of europes most critically lauded directors, and the director of the current Best Foreign Language
Film Oscar, she consistently makes high quality, dramas.
3. Kathryn Bigelow
I did a Women and Film course a few years back, and you can't fail to acknowledge that initally people will be surprised that Point Break, that great action movie, was directed by a woman. When you think of action directors you mainly think if men, so it is a testament to KB's skill that she's not hired for a "feminine touch" but rather a great eye. I was mesmerised by the opening sequence of The Hurt Locker and she obviously gets bonus points for that whole "only lady with a best director oscar" thing.
4. Danny Boyle
I loved Christopher Eccleston before Shallow Grave and worshipped him after. Actually this is probably the first contemporary director I followed becuase of him, rather than or in addition to the films "stars". Also I've had the opportunity to meet him and he's a proper gent. The first place in the UK you could see all his films up to Sunshine was the independent cinema in his home town of Manchester and he’s patron of the cinema and actively supports it in person. And he never sticks to one genre. He’s basically so awesome I can forgive him The Beach.
5. Tim Burton
From an aesthetic point of view - hands down my favourite director.
Beetlejuice is probably memorable for my parents for reducing both me and my sister to unaccustomed companionableness and near silence. And his awesome Depp and Bonham Carter casting never hurt. Also he regulary works with Mackinnon & Saunders, stop motion puppeteers (and so much more) based in Stockport who are part of a fantastic and talented team.
6. George Cukor
My Fair Lady and the Philadelphia Story in your repertoire. Nice work. He literally made my heart soar with song and introduced CK Dexter haven into my world. The ladies weren't just fair, they were feisty too!
7. John Hughes
I am a girl who grew up in the 80s and wasn’t rich. I’m also a bit of a nerd. And i discovered an american filmmaker, who understood my teen angst. I still own my video of Pretty in Pink even though I no longer have a video player. I wish to be buried to Don’t You Forget About Me.
8. Richard Linklater
He was partially responsible for my first job in independent cinema which led me to being able to see films for free for 3 years and go to press screenings and film festivals. For that alone, I love him. A perfect lazy Sunday for me would involve a pancake breakfast and a movie double bill : Before Sunrise & Before Sunset is usually that choice.
9. Steve McQueen – f + c = a
Is Spike Lee the best black filmmaker in the world? Possibly.
Is Steve McQueen gunning for that crown? I hope so.
Cool name, I'm a sucker for a man who rocks a bow tie, his accomplished debut made critics stand up and take notice. And his follow up collaboration with Michael Fassbender - Shame - is one of the films I am most excited about in the pre oscar season.
10. Christopher Nolan
Memento and The Prestige took me on thoroughly compelling and fun ride. With the Batman films & Inception- he has attracted and used the talents of some of my favourite actors out there Joseph Gordon Levitt, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Heath Ledger, Cillian Murphy and Jim Broadbent to name but a few. All he is missing is the Mighty Fassbander. And the eventual Christopher Nolan/Michael Fassbender project will be AWESOME (also my dream supporting cast includes Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Joseph Gordon Levitt ...my brain digressed on what Inception would have been like with Fassbender instead of Leo DiCaprio. Hmmmm). I simply love watching his films, anticipating his films and occasionally ranting about how his films may have lacked substance and had a completely unnecessary snow expedition segment, but made up for it with JGL and folding up Paris.
And so to the cheating section:
11. Rob Reiner. He could be no other number.
The Sure Thing, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride...my funny bone thanks you!
Please forgive me Peter Jackson, Duncan Jones, Michael Winterbottom, Martin Scorsese, Andrea Arnold, Joseph L Manciweiz, Howard Hawks, Baz Luhrman, Terry Gilliam, James Cameron, Wong Kar Wai, Coen Bros, Lucia Puenzo, Michael Haneke, Amy Heckerling, Jane Campion, Matthew Vaughan, Ridley Scott, Miranda July, Alfonso Cuaron, animators, documentary makers.... Don't worry next week I'll change my mind.
Memento and The Prestige took me on thoroughly compelling and fun ride. With the Batman films & Inception- he has attracted and used the talents of some of my favourite actors out there Joseph Gordon Levitt, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Heath Ledger, Cillian Murphy and Jim Broadbent to name but a few. All he is missing is the Mighty Fassbander. And the eventual Christopher Nolan/Michael Fassbender project will be AWESOME (also my dream supporting cast includes Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Joseph Gordon Levitt ...my brain digressed on what Inception would have been like with Fassbender instead of Leo DiCaprio. Hmmmm). I simply love watching his films, anticipating his films and occasionally ranting about how his films may have lacked substance and had a completely unnecessary snow expedition segment, but made up for it with JGL and folding up Paris.
And so to the cheating section:
11. Rob Reiner. He could be no other number.
The Sure Thing, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride...my funny bone thanks you!
Please forgive me Peter Jackson, Duncan Jones, Michael Winterbottom, Martin Scorsese, Andrea Arnold, Joseph L Manciweiz, Howard Hawks, Baz Luhrman, Terry Gilliam, James Cameron, Wong Kar Wai, Coen Bros, Lucia Puenzo, Michael Haneke, Amy Heckerling, Jane Campion, Matthew Vaughan, Ridley Scott, Miranda July, Alfonso Cuaron, animators, documentary makers.... Don't worry next week I'll change my mind.
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