Films

I watched a couple of films over the weekend and have to say neither were up to much.

Having spent Friday night out having a meal and Saturday over in Stafford I opted for a quiet night in on Saturday night and watched Killing Bono.

Directed by Nick Hamm and starring Ben Barnes and Robert Sheehan, this comedy, is about two brothers who form a band to rival that of their school mates.  Their mates' band, however, turns out to be U2 and while they struggle for pop stardom U2 go on to become global stars.

I have to say it probably wasn't one of my better to choices to watch and although there wasn't anything wrong with it it just didn't keep me entertained.  It's saving grace was Karl the landlord played by Pete Postlethwaite. 

Yesterday, Clare and I went to the cinema to see 30 Minutes or Less. Jessie Eisenberg plays Nick, a pizza delivery boy who has a bomb strapped to him in order to force him to rob a bank, which he does with his friend Chet (Aziz Ansari).

I saw the trailer last week when we went to see The Inbetweeners and I thought it looked quite funny.  Although I did have a nagging fear that the trailer might have contained all the best bits.  It turns out that my fears were right.  The film didn't live up to my expectations and actually fell quite flat.  It seemed a little short on laughs and towards the end I couldn't have cared if Nick had been blown up or not! 

If you are to take anything from this post then it should be this.  Don't let me pick the film if you want to watch a decent comedy!

Films

I've not long got back from the cinema where I saw The Inbetweeners. 

The film version of the TV series sees the four lads head to Malia in search of sex, booze and more sex.  I have to say I was a little underwhelmed.  I like the TV series and was dubious about it being made into a film but the amount of people who said it was great meant I relented and headed for the cinema.

They're were some funny moments but for me it just seemed to amble along with no real plot.  Boys meet girls and despite some hiccups along the way all end up together. 

I don't think I was the only one in the audience who was slightly bored as one bloke even took a phonecall during the film. Usually I would be livid but in this case I could see his point.

Last night I watched another film.  The Be All and End All.  Again it's the story of young lads after sex.  This time it is two fifteen year old best friends, one of whom is diagnosed with a terminal illness.  Before he dies he wants to lose his virginity and so he charges his friend with the task of finding a suitable girl.

What could be quite a dark and harrowing film is actually very funny and the two lads played by Josh Bolt and Eugene Byrne have a real chemistry on screen. The rest of the cast were also great with Liza Tarbuck playing a fantastic role as the nurse Tina.

Like The Inbetweeners you can second guess the end but given the choice I know which one I'd watch again.

Out And About

Over a week since my last post! So, what have I been up to?  Not much going on in the week although last Thursday saw the return of Big Brother!

Having ended on Channel 4 last year, Channel 5 not only bought the format but also the set and voice over man by the looks of things.  Last Thursday saw it's launch with Celebrity Big Brother. I was surprised by the lack of celebrities.  Bored from the outset I've not bothered with it and from what I can gather I'm not the only one.

Thursday also saw Birmingham City play their first match in a bona fide European competition for about 50 years.  Away to CD Nacional in Portugal in the Europa League they were unlucky not to come away with a win, having hit the woodwork 3 times.  It ended up 0-0 with the return leg at St Andrew's on Thursday.

I would have loved to have been there but instead had to make do with the live text on the BBC.

Friday and Clare and I headed for The Electric Cinema to see The Guard.  Having been given the 4 seater sofa (for the price of two) I settled back with my G&T and a bowl of olives to watch the film.  It's a great way to start the weekend and the film did not disappoint.

Starring Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle it tells the story of  a policeman in a small Irish town who, with the help of an FBI agent, smash a drug smuggling ring. 

I really enjoyed it and thought Gleeson was fantastic.  From the outset you are laughing aloud although I think it is pitched just right with the more poignant moments bringing you down to earth. I thoroughly recommend seeing this if you can.

On Saturday we headed off to Slimbridge Wildlife & Wetland Trust.  Although they have a large collection of birds it is also a fantastic place to see wild birds.  I didn't see as many new ones as I'd hoped but can now add Bar Tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Redshank and Rook to my list.

When we first arrived we had a spot of rain but it brightened up as the day went on.  It was a good day out and met a lovely bloke in one of the hides who was happy to let us use his scope. We chatted for so long that it meant we didn't have time to get over to the River Severn and the last hide.  That will have to wait for another time.  We also met a few odd people including a strange fellow on the way to New Street Station (he must have mentioned he worked part time at a local college at least 3 times in 5 minutes) and a taxi driver who was heavily in debt but had a love of flying machines (gyrocoptors, microlites etc.).

The only downside to the day were the trains on our journey home.  First we were delayed by 30 minutes at Gloucester and by over an hour at  Birmingham Moor Street. This meant it took us over 4.5 hours to get home!

Sunday was spent shopping in Birmingham and later that day my parents popped over for a couple of hours.

As usual the weekend flew by and before I knew it the working week was upon me once again.

Last Weekend

Monday again!  I can't believe another week has passed!

Weather wise, the last couple of days have been quite nice and what I'd expect for July but on the whole I've given up on the glorious summer I'd hoped for.  Warm and grey with the chance of showers seems to be the theme for this year.

Friday was pretty much like that but as Clare and I would be spending the evening at the cinema I wasn't too bothered.  We were off to see Mammuth, starring Gerard Depardieu at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington.

We arrived in Leamington and headed for Pizza Express just as the heavens opened up, though it didn't last long.  Having eaten (the place was quiet customer wise but very loud when it came to background noise) we headed over to the Royal Spa Centre.  We were a little early so stopped at the Newbold opposite for a drink. 

Eventually we headed over to the Spa Centre, and before taking our seats, stopped at the confectionary stand.  The woman behind the counter warned us off the popcorn by whispering "it's really expensive".  We ended up chatting about sweets now and past, the theatre and places in around Coventry and Birmingham.  She was really pleasant and it was nice to stand and talk.  She was quite funny and  reminded me of a skinnier version of Miranda Hart.

The film itself is an odd one.  Very funny in parts and quite dark in others.  The audience (which numbered about 15) really seemed to enjoy it.  If you've not heard of it then here is a brief description from IMDb

Serge Pilardosse has just turned 60 and is about to retire from his job in a slaughterhouse. He has always worked from the age of sixteen, never been on sick leave. So, how will this man fill his days? His wife Catherine, who still works in a supermarket, notices that her husband will not get full retirement benefits since some of his former employers failed to do the requisite paperwork. So off goes Serge, riding his old Munch "Mammut" bike, in search of the missing documents.

I enjoyed it and thought the soundtrack was great.  I'm not sure it is for everyone though.

It was really pleasant night and a great way to start the weekend.

Saturday was meant to be a trip to see Macbeth in Stratford.  Throughout the summer various theatre groups are performing some of Shakespeare's plays outdoors, free of charge (if you are interested have a look at the RSC website, there is a link below). 

As we were about to head out Clare took a call from a friend who lives over that way who wanted to meet up for a drink.  We headed over to Stratford (having had breakfast at Morrison's and popped into the bookies). We met our friend outside The Golden Bee before heading in and grabbing a gin. We sat in the window chatting and watching the tourists go by.  The sound of a low flying plane caught my attention.  My friend told me that there was a Spitfire fly over and so I found myself standing n the road outside watching the Spitfire as it circled and flew low over the town a few times before disappearing over the rooftops.  Clare, unfortunately missed this as she was at the bar.

The drinks kept coming and we missed the start of the play.  As there are plenty more throughout the summer we figured we could always catch another one.  Instead, upon saying goodbye to our friend, we opted for a game of mini golf.  Despite my gin soaked haze I still managed to win (Clare beat me at crazy golf a couple of years ago in Great Yarmouth so it was nice to even up the score).

Time was getting on but we decided we would visit the RSC and head to the top of the tower for the views of Stratford.  We purchased our tickets and as we had time to kill before our timeslot went and got some chips.  We sat on a bench and listened to a couple of saxophonists murder well known songs.  If they struggled they would simply stop halfway through, move onto the next tune and murder that instead.  As buskers go they weren't the best but it still didn't stop people throwing their loose to change to them! 

The woman who controlled the lift to the top of the tower at the RSC was at great pains to stress that she was on her own and therefore it was not her fault we had to wait.  Obviously not everyone could go up together and she had to be in the lift to take people up and down.  We waited and eventually we were allowed into the lift. At the top we were greeted by another member of staff.  It made me wonder why we had to be escorted in the lift as there are no floors inbetween and so can only go to the top! Surely the person at the bottom counts them up and down and the person at the top does likewise.  5 come down means another 5 can go up.  I have used a lift before so don't know why we had to be chaparoned.

The views from the top are OK. It's a view of Stratford I'd not seen before. The guide gives you a map that shows places of interest on the horizon but to be honest it isn't very good and I found it to be more confusing than anything.  We looked, took some pictures and left. 

Whilst up the tower the rain came down and once back at ground level I was suprised at how quickly the streets had emptied.  Having looked at the swans on the river we headed home.

Sunday.  The forecast was for a sunny start, clouding over in the afternoon with rain and the possibility of a thunder storm.  Clare and I headed over to Solihull Nature Reserve to make the most of the sunshine before the rain set in.  We followed the path along the river and then over the motorway bridge and across a field before coming to a lane.  Not wanting to venture too far in case of rain we turned around and headed back.  We stopped at the cafe in Brueton Park before heading back over the Nature Reserve.  We spent a good few hours wandering around in the sunshine and it wasn't until we were heading home when the cloud finally rolled in. The rain, however, never came!  On the way home I heard a rustling in the bushes and as I looked a baby hedgehog appeared briefly before disappearing back into the undergrowth.  A nice way to round off the day.

We didn't see much in the way of birds on our travels.  Buzzard, Kestral and Goldfinch seem to have been the main ones but there were a few more butterflies, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Painted Lady, Red Admiral and quite a few whites were present.

All in all a lovely weekend.

Oh there is one more thing.  Yesterday was the last ever edition of the News Of The World!  I didn't buy the paper myself but over the years my Dad has and I've spent many a Sunday afternoon trawling through it. 

It's demise is due to a phone hacking scandal that happened a few years ago and is now coming to light.  The original claims were glossed over and the police didn't find much in the way of evidence.  It has since emerged that this was much bigger than first thought and a new police investigation is under way.  Members of David Cameron's circle have been arrested and there are sure to be more.  Advertisers such as Ford pulled the plug and others followed. As a result of this Rupert Murdoch decided that the paper could not go on and yesterday saw the final edition.

Paul

I went to see Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's new film Paul yesterday.  It's pretty much what you'd expect from these two.

The story is about two comic book enthusiasts (Pegg & Frost obviously) who are on a journey of a lifetime in the USA.  Having been to a comic book convention they hit the road to visit all the sites of major extra terrestrial importance (Area 51 etc.).  Not long into the journey they meet Paul.  Paul is an alien who has escaped from the government and needs their help to get home.  Pursued by inept government officials they head north to the alien rendezvous point.

As with all their films it is filled with in-jokes and little nods to the genre they are sending up. I probably missed a lot of them but still enjoyed it. 

The cinema was quite full, I hadn't seen it that busy for some time, and the film seemed to be well received.  I don't think it will make any Top Ten lists or win any awards but it's not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

True Grit

I found myself at the cinema again on Friday (twice in one week).  This time to see True Grit. 

Based on a novel by Charles Portis it tells the story of Mattie Rose (Elizabeth Marvel), who in her quest to track down her father's killer, hires US Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges).  Rooster is a ruthless killer with the law on his side and at first turns Mattie down.  Eventually he accepts her money and strikes out to track the killer down.  He is joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) and also Mattie (despite his protestations).

The film, directed by the Coen Brothers, is closer to the book than it's prevous big screen outing (Henry Hathaway, 1969 starring John Wayne), and has an air of authenticity about it.  The dialogue is of the time and at the start I struggled to understand some of it. The soundtrack is also of the time and works well with the cinematography which shows the washed out beauty of the harsh landscape.

The Coen Brothers have made another great film.  I'm not usually a fan of Westerns but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Brighton Rock

Clare and I popped along to the Electric last night to see Brighton Rock and had a really good night, getting there in time to grab a sofa and have a quick drink.

The film itself is dark in content and drab in appearance but is thoroughly enjoyable. Based on a novel by Grahame Greene it tells the story of a small time hoodlum, Pinkie Brown.  After the murder of his boss, by a rival gang, Pinkie takes over control and sets about seeking revenge.

Rose, a waitress at a nearby cafe, becomes witness to the final moments of a rival gang member. Pinkie needs to make sure she won't talk and so takes her on a date. Rose subsequently falls in love with Pinkie and as the truth as to what he is really like dawns on her she vows to stand by him.

The film is based in the sixties (Mods and Rockers fighting on the beach) and has an all star cast including Dame Helen Mirren and John Hurt.  However, it is the two lead characters that steal the show. Sam Riley (Pinkie) and Andrea Riseborough (Rose) put in great performances that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham

Birmingham today for the German market.  This year's market seems to have grown and apparently is the sixth biggest German Christmas Market in the world, bigger than Dresden, Nuremberg and Berlin!

We got there mid morning and it was already busy.  The temperature had climbed above freezing and instead of the cold it was the rain we had to contend with.  Having browsed half the stalls we decided to pop to The Edwardian Tea Rooms in Birmingham Museum to grab a coffee and wait for the rain to ease.

Having left the museum we headed back out into the rain and made our way to The Electric Cinema, who at 12pm were having a poster sale for charity. We queued for about half an hour before we could have a look at the posters.  I had one particular in mind (Skeletons) but when I had a look it didn't seem to be in the greatest of condition and so left empty handed.

From the cinema we went to The Green Room on Hurst Street for a drink and a bite to eat.

A bit of shopping afterwards before heading to my parents to see my brother who had come up from Cornwall for the weekend.

Birmingham was very busy and quite politically active. There was a demonstration outside BHS about it's tax avoidance and, close by, a student demo (signed their petition against tuition fees). 

If you agree with their cause and would like to show your support there is a demonstration in the Bull Ring on Wednesday 8th December at 2pm. I'm sure they would appreciate your support.

Red

I really liked this film.  I imagine it will have come in for some criticism but I have thought it was good fun. 

Bruce Willis is a retired C.I.A agent who is struggling with a normal suburban life.  The highlight of his day is when he speaks to Mary Louise Parker, a Customer Service Rep, over the phone.  She also struggles with her job and dreams of a life of excitement.

When Bruce survives an attempt on his life, he kidnaps her (as he believes her life is also in danger) and sets about trying to find out who has ordered his death.  Along the way he asks his old spy pals for help.  These include Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and John Malkovic.

This gentle shoot 'em up, if you can have such a thing, matches the age of the cast.  It rolls along at a slow but steady pace and has a good mix of action and laughs.  A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The Town

Went to see Ben Affleck's The Town last night.  I heard mixed things about it but I thought it was a really good film. 

A group of bank robbers take a hostage and then release her only to realise she lives around the corner. Affleck is then sent to talk to her to see if she knows anything and to find out what she has told the FBI. He inevitably falls for her. 

With the FBI breathing down their necks Affleck decides it's time to move on but before he can there is one more job to do.

The film is quite long at just over 2 hours but never drags and builds quite nicely.  A strong cast and some great scenes.  I really enjoyed  it!

Knight and Day

Yesterday I went to see Knight and Day. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I won't spoil it but the story is about June Havens (Cameron Diaz) who finds her everyday life tangled with that of secret agent Roy Miller (Tom Cruise) who has realised he isn't supposed to survive his latest mission. As their campaign to stay alive stretches across the globe, they soon learn that all they can count on is each other.

Tom Cruise is a great actor, something I forget, coupled with Cameron Diaz they seem to have a chemistry that really comes across on screen. Both turn in strong performances. Add some great locations and some fantastic action scenes and you're away.

If you want an all action Hollywood Blockbuster you can do a lot worse than this. I don't imagine it will win many awards but for a couple of hours of escapism it really hits the spot.

The Weekend

Friday night and my plans to watch the meteor shower were dashed by cloud.  Instead I contented myself with the spectacle that is Big Brother. Josie is guaranteed a place in the final courtesy of her house mates and Jo was evicted.  The countdown to the final begins now. Just over a week to go.

Saturday was spent shopping.  I have decided to start collecting cricket books and after a trawl of the charity shops I managed to pick up both Botham's and Fintoff's autobiographies, a tribute to Dickie Bird and a book on cricket writing.  Not a bad start! 
Obviously if you are having a shopping day you need to start it right.  For me that is a vegetarian breakfast at Morrisons.  It has become quite a regular thing on a Saturday morning. For around £2.70 you get fried egg, mushrooms, tomato, beans, 2 x hash browns and a slice of toast. Wash it all down with a cup of coffee and an extra round of toast if you're really hungry (I usually am) and you're away.

Yesterday Clare and I went to the Electric Cinema to see Skeletons.  For those who don't know it is the oldest working cinema in the UK.  It shows both Hollywood blockbusters and small independent films. You can either sit in the stalls or have a sofa at the back.  The sofas are great with plenty of room to stretch out.  You can also text the bar and they will bring you your drinks so you do not miss the film. 

Yesterday's film was Skeletons.  Last week it won the Michael Powell award at Edinburgh.  A British Comedy, directed by Nic Whitfield and starring Ed Gaughan and Andrew Buckley, it tells the story of 2 agents who work for a psychic cleaning company.  In other words they are employed to clear metaphorical skeletons out of real cupboards. 

I still don't know what I made of this film.  I thought it looked great and thought all the roles were performed really well.  I liked the premise of the story and thought the script was well written but as I left the cinema the one word that kept coming to mind was bleak.  I think I enjoyed the film but I'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone.  If you read the reviews it seems to be a mixture of good and bad, a little confusing and I think that's how I feel about it.