On blogging...

It’s all Steven Spielberg’s fault. Everything else looks alright, the system is working. Until now. Except for that damn Jurassic Park 3.

My Spielberg problem highlighted above as you may have worked out was related to the organisation of my DVD collection. You see I don’t want to simply go alphabetical, as I have some series of films or groups by the same director that seem to go well together. For example all the Pixar films or Studio Ghibli films belong together, they may have different directors but they shouldn't be scattered throughout the shelves. So I put all the Spielberg films together, except in doing so I separated the Jurassic Park films, leaving number 3 in the J’s on its own. Gah, and it was all going so well.

You see blogs are personal things, even when what you write about isn’t. Some will identify with my DVD dilemma, others, probably quite rightly, will think me rather odd. The focus within blogs on opinion and instant reaction lends itself to the format perfectly, but in doing so you assume, I think, a certain amount of narcissism. To think that what you think about something matters. But I love reading peoples opinions or reactions to things. Or even just finding people engaging about the things I too am interested in. A moment of shared opinion and agreement with something written thousands of miles away by someone you have never met is always thrilling, and I find it fascinating and rewarding that the personal reaction I can have to certain things, be they films, games or even world events, are not unique and that others can share my feelings unknowingly. I guess what I’ve been wrestling with this year in this site is the notion that it’s okay to put my opinion out there, and to do so without expectation or ego.

So with a new year comes another start. Rather than reviews as have come before on the site I will instead offer my thoughts on a variety of topics that interest me, including the films I watch. I do so not because I believe I am more qualified or knowledgeable on these subjects than anyone else, nor because I believe my words deserve to be read and judged, but because I believe one of the best outcomes of entertainment in all its forms is that it promotes discussion and opinion. So often our culture is what unites and divides us, and even defines us in some respects. It’s not all going to be serious, but I hope that I can at least prompt a reaction or an interest in at least some of the things I cover. If not I can only apologise in advance.

Now to get back to my DVDs, I think I was just sorting James Cameron…

First up, Aliens.

Damn it.

Check it Out in October

To mix things up on the blog and resuscitate it back to life ER style I will be posting a series of articles throughout October highlighting a variety of films, TV, music and games that I would recommend. Basically it’s a way of me getting out there some of things I really like, and hopefully might even be a way for others to discover them too. There are few things like discovering something that you really love and that, for whatever reason, you just get. Not everything will be for everyone, some of it will be well known, some less popular but hopefully it will be an interesting experiment and something that might even useful to some people. So I shall see you back here tomorrow with the first entry and then throughout the month!

Eat lead slacker!

I am indeed a slacker and apologise to those who have visted only to find barren landscape of updates these past few months. Alas I cannot promise a rapid posting barrage in the coming weeks either, my current setup is not best suited to preparing and writing pieces to the standard and frequency that I would like, and I don't want to be posting half-baked ideas for the sake of posts. So for now it may remain quiet but I just wanted to let you know I am still here and to watch this space as it were, I still have plenty I want to share and many many many films lines up for possible reviews.

So until then take care, go make yourself some tea or take up knitting, and thanks for stopping by, it is always appreciated.

- Dave

Pearls before Breakfast

The always interesting and reliable Bill Harris recently linked to an article in the Washington Post that recently won the Pulitzer Prize. The story concerns what happened when they placed on the worlds finest musicians, posing as a busker, in a Washington metro station. The results were fascinating and slightly disconcerting in equal measure and it’s a fantastically written article that says a lot about the pace of modern life and appreciation of beauty in a far better way than I could ever say it, check out the article here, its well worth a few minutes of your day. This issue of appreciating art and beauty alongside the rush and hustle of modern living is a very pertinent one and is something I have a great heart for. It is so easy with the pace of modern life to get caught up on ourselves and our lives that we forget to stop and spend time with the things that matter and make a difference, be they people or more abstract creations. I know personally there is a world of literature out there, but I tend to stick to the same authors over and over, similarly with music – why is it always the known we are drawn to? I guess there are no easy answers but pieces like this remind me of the importance of this and encourage me to endeavour to spend more time appreciating and indulging in those powerful and moving creations that to me are as yet unknown. Especially to me as a Christian the appreciation of mans creations as a testament to Gods creation is a powerful concept within the discovery of such things. But even if you don’t believe that I encourage you to try something new, take some time to appreciate something new to you, you don’t have to always agree or like what you find, the beauty of beauty is that it is such a personal quality, but the importance is finding the things that resonate with you, be they films, pieces of art or music and holding them close. As someone who has always had an inbuilt desire to create it is a humbling but exciting experience to truly discover something you love and make it your own.

A Rare Treat

One of the things I love about the internet is that it is so big that it must contain an almost inexhaustible supply of interesting reading and information. Of course the tricky part is locating it amongst the 99% of other rubbish that floods the net. Every now and again though you stumble across a new gem and treasure it, in my case this recently happened with Waiter Rant. Now I'll be honest, this is hardly a unknown site I am privileged to have discovered, in fact the site was listed in 50 of the most powerful blogs recently in the Guardian, but still for each individual there is a small joy in the discovery of something new and interesting, be it websites, films or music, something we find created by someone we have never met, and yet which manages to strike a nerve and create a bond of understanding. The site follows an anonymous New York waiter who recounts tales of his daily life, irate and sometimes incredibly rude customers as well as providing a fascinating glimpse into a career that goes largely unappreciated and considered. The site is equal parts funny, poignant thoughtful and entertaining and is well worth checking out. The advantage as well of discovering a site like this now is that there are over 3 years of archived posts to dig into, something I am greatly enjoying at the moment. Like the fine wines the waiter himself finds himself serving on a regular basis this is one site to be savoured. Waiter Rant.

The yearly Re-boot

Woah, just managed to get in something for February. As you may have told from the tumbleweed that have been passing through this space things have been rather hectic lately. Along with that has come a bit of refocusing on what I want the blog to be. Going forward it will become a bit more streamlined and focused on opinion pieces or articles on a wider range of subjects and hopefully more regularly. I will also try and link to interesting pieces around the net and have more general random posts as well. I will cut out the sections about football and daily life as they were sparodic at best and of limited appeal, this way the blog becomes an outlet for my views and interests. As for the film reviews, despite my huge backlog I do not want to back down from my pledge to review all the films I see this year, this will mean some major catch up in March but it's something I'm up for! There will be a bit of a change to the format with some smaller reviews appearing, most likely during this catch up period and also a change to my scoring. At the moment I mark out of 10 but am changing to the totally unique and not ripped off every review site ever, system of stars. It may be hackneyed but there is a reason for it, marking becomes easier and rather then being faced with the prospect of the 'perfect 10' score you have the 5 star option which rather less implies perfection, but can be used to represent those films that truly stand out. I will also update my old reviews to conform to this system so for an idea of how it will work check them out soon! So with February behind us I will hopefully get back on track in March and see you on the other side! As usual comments, suggestions and general chattery (it's a word... maybe) are appreciated and welcome. - Dave

The end of year re-cap 2007

I figured I should get this out of the way soon before it comes ludicrously late and faintly ridiculous to be looking back to the past year and not forward to the one ahead. 2007 was a great year for me personally, the first full year of being married to my wonderful wife Marti saw us move from our first flat in August, see her continue on to her third year of University, go on several holidays with varying family members and grow closer to our great group of friends we have in the Southampton area who all make it feel so much like home here. It was a year as well of personal growth and as I approach my 23rd birthday and continue this blog I know that I have a long way to go on this yet, but that I’m on the right path. The title of Forward Motion reflects this and I pray that this year I will grow stronger in my faith and in myself to achieve what I want to, rather than being held back by doubts. Aspects of my future are still uncertain to me, but I have grown a lot in my writing and hope that this is the year when I kick it into gear and start to really go for what I want to happen, rather than sitting back.

Entertainment-wise this was a great year as well, many great films were released and on the console front with the big three consoles finally released it was a time for the talk to stop and the games to do the talking, something that will long continue into this year as the developers get to grips with the new hardware. So now to my top 5 films of the year, something I do every year on my website (though the previous years lists are lost to the depths of the internet now). Again these are not necessarily the best ‘made’ films, or even the best films that I rated highest, but the ones that now, looking back, I enjoyed the most, impressed me the most and that I will continue to watch and appreciate in the future. Also these are just the films I have seen, my viewing was spotty at best this year and so many great films I’m sure just passed me by!

5. Knocked Up The so-called year of Judd Apatow started with Knocked Up, a surprisingly sweet and very funny comedy about a one night stand that takes an expected twist. Catherine Heigl and Seth Rogan shone in the main roles and the supporting cast were equally well developed. The film really impressed me with it’s more realistic approach to relationships and growing up, and as a result shines through with real heart.

>Read my review.

4. Hot Fuzz Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright and Nick Frost can do no wrong at the moment and their hotly anticipated follow up to Shaun of the Dead did not disappoint. Hilariously aping 80s buddy cop movies whilst mixing in a midsummer murders style mystery the film managed to be an homage, a parody and it’s own beast entirely. Fantastic performances again all round and another wickedly subversive entry to the resurgence of British cinema.

>Read my review.

3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Despite an awkward opening the fifth entry into the Harry Potter series really impressed me this year becoming my favourite of the film adaptations so far. Darker and brooding, yet retaining much of the books trademark humour and heart this was a terrific adaptation of the biggest book of the series, perfectly showing how to trim the fat and keep the core values at heart. The three stars have really grown into their roles and it shows and the new characters slotted into the world perfectly, feeling as if they had always been there. The good news is that director David Yates is staying on for Half Blood Prince to be released this November, I can’t wait!

>Read my review. 2. Inland Empire David Lynch’s follow up to Mullholland Drive was a revelation this year, abandoning his usual visual style for the freedom of home DV camera, lynch spent the past couple of years crafting and improvising this sprawling epic about a doomed actress who gets lost in her part in a cursed film. Strange, unsettling and unexpected this was a dense and difficult film but one filled with moments and images that stuck with you. Like a dream this was an experience, with Lynch its always about the feelings and the journey, not the destination and that he managed to pull out a moving and upbeat ending makes the trip all the more worthwhile. The film is a grower and since seeing it, it has burned its way into my subconscious, the mark of a truly great film if there ever was one and this will be a film I revisit many times over the coming years I’m sure.

>Read my review.

1. Ratatouille Whilst the rest of this list took a while to form there was a clear winner for the top spot this year. Pixar’s Ratatouille under the helm of the master Brad Bird was a stunning film, the animations was gorgeous, even for Pixar, the characters vivid and real and the story heartfelt, entertaining and filling – like a gourmet meal. Bridging the gap once again between kiddie animation and adult storytelling this found the sweet spot in the middle and didn’t put a foot wrong. Pure joy from start to end Ratatouille is a film that I think will only grow with people as time goes by and acts as a reminder of how valuable an asset Pixar are to the filmmaking world, and with another stunning looking film – Wall-E – out this year, there’s no evidence of them slowing down any time soon.

>Read my review.

Christmas Greetings

Hello again! It’s been rather slow on the blog of late and will be slow over Christmas due to me not being around but never fear I am still planning on expanding it next year, but have been so busy with other things that its rather been on the back burner, but I have loads of ideas and will try and keep hitting my mental target of 10 posts a month (or more... y'never know!).

But it’s Christmas time, a time of year I love unabashedly, yes its horribly commercial and it will never be as good as when you were a kid, but because of the great memories I have of it and my close friends and family it is a time of year I always look forward to.

This year we are splitting the duties between households again, but as they live 10 minutes apart its not much of a problem (plus the potential of two Christmas dinners is nice!). Both houses will be full this year (19 between them!) so it will be a fun and crazy few days! We go down on Sunday for most of next week and after work on Friday I am off until the 31st, which is a welcome break I can assure you!

So wherever you and whatever your plans are I hope you have a fantastic time this year and enjoy yourself, eat far too much and get some cracking presents.

- Dave

Xkcd

If people can have a new favourite band, then consider Xkcd my new favourite website, or webcomic certainly. First brought to my attention through John Rogers excellent blog Xkcd describes itself as ‘a webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math and language’ and for whatever reason it just appeals to my sense of humour. Simple sketches are all the site consists of but it’s full of creativity, humour and randomness that just puts a smile on my face. So if it sounds like your thing go check the site out and, as you start trawling back through the archived comics, prepare to lose great chunks of your time. - Xkcd

31 Days of Spielberg

Just a quick note to mention one of my favourite websites at the moment, Windmills of my Mind which is taking the month of August as a time to spend 31 days with Steven Spielberg, day by day charting his career from the very start up to date in great detail. The site posts one article a day and they are all fascinating and wonderfully written and researched. Spielberg is one of my favourite directors and so it is especially interesting for me to find out more about the man and see his career thus far dissected so skilfully. The articles already up cover many of his classic films including ET and Jaws and include a lot of background detail and anecdotes as well as plot descriptions and critical appraisal.

So if you have some spare time I highly recommend you give it a look, the site is currently up to 1991 and the film Hook and look out for new articles to be appearing there up until the end of the month.

...

Windmills of my Mind

Lifting the Veil

Junk Food Science has an excellent piece up today that counters the recent story (which I'm sure you may have seen) claiming that people with overweight friends are more likely to be overweight themselves, in essence stating that it is something that can be 'caught' and passed on. However despite the widespread reporting of the story when you look at how it was constructed and the rather radical assumptions made you may think again not only about this, but all the other so-called scientific studies that get released and reported on so often:

'ABC news told viewers this morning that having fat friends was bad for you and that fat friends could be spreading the attitude that being fat was okay and making it acceptable to have unhealthy behaviors. The groupthink instantly made it acceptable to publicly make fat people out to be pariahs and no one noticed the hurt it was causing. Let’s not beat around the bush. The key message of this study was to justify and promote the social shunning and discrimination of fat people. Not one health or medical writer, even at the most prestigious consumer or medical publications, has critically reported on this study or even appears to have read it. Not one has made a critical examination and pointed out its unorthodox methods, its findings that conflict with known science and known biological mechanisms, or the flawed and contradictory findings within the study itself.'

The rest of the article can be found here and its definitely worth your time to read, it's a bit complex and in depth but provides a fascinating look at the thinking behind what we see in the news.

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