The Old Guard — A Review.

18th July, 2020.

Right now … ?

It has to be said, right now, I seriously need some cash.

I’m right when — in the video intro for this post — I say I need to see a film.

And need a haircut.

No … I really need a haircut … !

It’s getting frustratingly lank … !

~≈†≈~

It’s not, unfortunately, something I can do anything about … yet.

At least, until I get paid.

That’s the point I’ll be joining the queue for the nearest barbers.

Just me, there’s a a few of them: queues and barbers.

But it’s not something I can do anything about, right here and now.

Saying that, I can — and have — gone for the other option in I mention in the introduction.

Yes.

I’ve seen a film.

The Gina Prince-Bythewood directed, The Old Guard.

Hmmm … 

~≈†≈~

Level 16 — A Review

22nd June, 2019.

It has to be said: Amazon’s a funny bugger.

No, wait, let me be fair, there.



Third party sellers on Amazon are funny buggers.

I ordered — with a little help — some new jogging bottoms.

Mine are getting a little worn.

The things were supposed to be here, by 8pm, today.



Guess what … ?



They’re a no-show.

I’m thinking Amazon third-party sellers … can be a mixed bag … 

~≈¥≈~

The Howling — A Review

7th May, 2019.

OK …



Have you ever felt that watching a film would be a good idea?

Or, come to that, watching a TV show?

One or the other, at least?

You know how it goes, you’ve got nothing to do of an evening, nowhere to go, you’ve had dinner, the laundry’s done, you’ve finished that book … 

What ever: you have time on your hands, and are wondering what to do.

Personally, I actually fancied a movie: as I had a few I’d not seen, sitting in my movie collection.

Frankly?

After sorting out some for my 8 year old nephew, Jude — who thinks Men In Black looks entertaining*, and Boxtrolls looks weird and interesting — I fancied a movie or two … 

Ones that possibly had an 18 rating.

Or maybe not … I’m actually tempted to see Boxtrolls … 

At any rate … ?

I fancied something scary.

Something to make me jump.

So felt watching the 1981, Joe Dante film, The Howling could be just the thing.

Just as a question?

Was it time well spent … ?

Hmmm … 

~≈§≈~

Upgrade — A Review

31st January, 2019.

It’s officially official: I … get beeped at … 

Every so often.

When the spirit move … 

No, let’s forget that line, shall we?

I think I was going to veer into the ever so slightly pretentious, there!

At any rate?

Like many nights, I’ve had tonights off.

And nothing much to do: bar watch the odd movie.

Although it HAS to be said, I’ve just had an old friend sing at me: which is rather a nice thing to have happen.

Hmmm … 

Let’s move on, there, shall we?

Before things start getting … um … unusual …

At any rate, I’ve had the evening off, movies are made, teasers written  … 

Time for a movie, I think … 

The 2018 sci-fi flick, Upgrade looked interesting …

~≈§≈~

The Nun: A Review.

16th January, 2019.

Yes: it’s officially depressing … 

I went all the way to Southend … and came back without a job.

And got the email this afternoon, to confirm it.

Granted: I think I was maybe under qualified for the role.

But … still … 

It’s depressing to get knocked back after going all that way … ?

Is … 


Yeah: you fill the words in.

~≈§≈~

To top that off … ?



To top that off, I also got turned down by the job in London: the one I went for, last week?

Although that was less of a blow: I got there a few minutes, late — which never impresses — AND the rest of the people working there seemed terribly young.

So I wasn’t so emotional about that.

All I have to do, now … ?



Is keep hunting, and wait to see what the interview I had yesterday, says … 

~≈§≈~



At any rate … ?

At any rate, I really wanted something to do, tonight.

If nothing else … ?



If nothing else, catching something on the box seemed the thing: although not much broadcast TV appealed.

The movie collection … ?

Had a few bits I’d not caught … 

iTunes, on the other hand?

My iTunes account had a few quid: saved up for when I had been working.



I could, at least, rent a movie.

I did.

The 2018, The Conjuring franchise entry, The Nun.

Was it money well spent … ?

Hmmm … 

~≈§≈~

Millennium: A Review

31st December, 2018.

I’m have to admit, its New Year’s Eve.

And, as I write, 2019 is about an hour or so away.

Let’s hope it’s a good one, shall we?

From where I’m sitting, the most I can hope for … ?

Frankly, is a job.

Wish me luck on that front.

I do know my nephew, Jude, and his mum — my sister, Ruth — are due over.

After all, Dr Who’s on.

Which is something to look forward to!

Tonight, though … ?

Tonight, I’ll admit it … 

I’m skint: so, even if I did drink, going to a pub would be tricky.

Assuming, of course, that the pub DOESN’T charge for entry on New /Years Eve.

So … 

What to do … ?

Reach into the collection, obviously.

Tonight’s movie … ?

Millennium … 

~≈§≈~

Godzilla — A Review

2nd October, 2018.

Yes: it’s another night off.



Again.

Although, unlike last night?

I’m in less of a bleak mood.

Less bleak, thankfully, but equally as bored: and wanting to catch another movie.

You guessed it.

The 2014, Gareth Edwards directed, version of Godzilla.

‘Hmmm’ … ?

Seems rather appropriate … 

~≈§≈~

Patient Seven: Hmm …

28th August, 2018.

*Spoilers*

Yep: it’s officially official.

I’ve had another day off.

As I write, I’ve some music on in the background.

Japan’s famed Tin Drum album.

Which may not be for everyone, I admit.

But frankly?

I like it.

Although I’m curious to know why a band call Japan produced tracks like Cantonese Boy or Visions of China.

Totally different country.

At any rate … another day … another dollar …



And another movie.

~≈§≈~

You’ve possibly worked out I like a film or two, haven’t you … ?

Possibly, he said!

At any rate, I like a film or two.

And occasionally?

Get recommendations.

Including from an old friend, Faye.

She’s managed another on, today.

The Danny Draven directed, anthology film that is … Patient Seven.

~≈§≈~

Thelma: Am I Convinced … ?

8th April, 2018.

Yeah … 

That little opener’s one for the books, isn’t it … ?

Maybe I should try and clarify, here: shouldn’t I?

My name’s Paul, if you didn’t know.

I work in a call centre inChelmsford, I blog — the Daily Teasers are getting some attention — and, occasionally?

I’ve a bad habit of telling you about TV shows I’ve watched … and movies I’ve rented/seen.

Oh, and occasionally music.

I’ve got Into Battle with the Art of Noise, by the Art of Noise, on in the background.





Which is definitely an interesting listen: especially the Diversion Zero mix of Beat Box.   Quite different to the version on Whose Afraid (of the Art Of Noise).

At ANY rate … ?

I’ll watch or listen to stuff.

THEN tell people about it.

Tonight … ?

Tonight, I’ve rented Thelma, from iTunes.

And I’m not convinced it’s a winner.

~≈§≈~

Blade Runner 2049: Great Expectations … Unconvincingly Results …

4th February, 2018.

Hmmm … 

You know, I get a certain amount of evenings off.

You’ve probably worked that out, already, haven’t you?

This coming working week?

I’ve Wednesday and next Sunday off.

That’s in addition to this evening, of course.

And, to be frank?

To be frank I wanted to see a film.

One that’s only just become available: but raved about for quite some time.

I’ve seen Blade Runner 2049.

I THINK I’m getting a habit of picking movies I don’t like, just recently.

mother! didn’t grab, particularly.

As you’ve possibly worked out, I’ve seen Blade Runner 2049 … 

Unconvinced is putting it mildly.

~≈§≈~

The Prince Of Darkness: Mmmm …

31st August, 2017

Ummm … 

Possibly Hmmm … 

Or even Ahhh … 

Yes, you’re right … 

It’s been one of those afternoons.   Or possibly days.

No, nothing drastically bad’s been happening.   Nor anything especially wonderful.

Just — basically — quiet.

Well … bar doing the inevitable laundry … and watching a movie.

John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness, so you know.

And, having seen it?   The frequent words of one of my co-workers comes to mind here.

“I’m confused …”

~≈Ï≈~

The Ghoul: Not For Me …

You know, I don’t think that I’ve had that much time off, this week.

Or, at least, as much as I did, last week.

But … ?

But I’ve had enough: to do a little writing, a little cleaning up around the place.

Oh, and enough time to stay in, this morning, patiently waiting for an electrician to fix my hallway light.

Or, at least, replace the fitting … and, while he was at it, see to the beeping smoke detectors.

No, literally, beeping.

The batteries needed changing.

At any rate?

At any rate, I had the evening free for a movie.

Right now?

Right now, I’ve just finished watching the Ben Wheatley produced, Gary Tunley directed, The Ghoul.

And, much as I usually like anything with the name ‘Wheatley,’ on it?

I’m not convinced by The Ghoul … 

~≈Ê≈~

Ghost in the Shell: Hmmm …

15th August, 2017

You know, I HAVE to confess to having had the night off, tonight.

You’d possibly worked that out, hadn’t you?

After all, I’ve only been complaining about the way my work hours go up and down like a yoyo, for some time.

This week?   Sees me on very short hours: but next week, sees them going back up.

Leaving me with little money, later … 

But plenty of time, now.

Unoccupied time.

Time I can watch a TV show: although I’ve caught a few of them.

Or maybe go out.   Not enough cash, frankly.

Or … ?

Rent a film: something I’ve been meaning to do for a while.

I’ve a few films sitting on an extra hard drive on my MacPro, waiting to be watched.

But fancied something new.

It didn’t take long to find something I fancied see: mostly because of the whitewashing argument about the film.

Was it worth it, though … ?

Hmmm … 

~≈Ê≈~

Under the Shadow: Not Bad …

10th May, 2017.

Hmm … 

Do you ever the get the feeling I … umm … like watching a film or two … ?

You don’t … ?

You’ve not been paying attention, have you … ?

But let me just emphasise the point, here.

I like watching films.

TV, as well: and listening to music.

Brian Eno’s Discreet Music, in case you’re wondering.

I’m in that kind of mood.

I’ve ALSO been in the mood — having a quiet night in — to catch a film.

You’re looking at the poster, aren’t you … ?

And asking yourself if I’ve sat down with a copy of Under the Shadow, aren’t you … ?

You’d be right … 

~≈Ë≈~

The Evil Dead — More Hmmm …

7th October, 2016.

You know … *yawns* … I have to admit to being a film fan.

A tired one, at the moment: put the blame on stress.

And bad food!

Long story, there.

At ANY rate … 

I’m a tired film fan.

One who’s just seen Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead: and isn’t necessarily stunned.

~≈Â≈~

The Darkness — Could Be Better …

3rd October, 2016

You know, I’ve something of a confession to make.

I’m …

Well, not job-hunting, per se.   I’m now officially between jobs.

I got the rather good phone call, this morning: the interview I went for was successful: I start … as soon as I fill in the paper work, and email it back to the agency.

With that done … ?   In the morning, when I get to a printer!

With that done, I’ll be looking forward to a weekly income!

At any rate … ?   I felt I had an excuse to celebrate.

With no spending cash?   And NOT being a drinker?

Spending a little bit of credit on renting a movie from iTunes seemed to be the thing to do.

The film in question … ?

Was the 2016, Greg McLean directed, The Darkness.

Right here and now?

Yes, the title of THIS post … is accurate …

~≈Ë≈~

Superman v Batman: Dawn of Justice — Oooh …

1st August, 2016.

You know, I have to confess, I like a film, now and again.

Really.

And, while I don’t have a Netflix account?

I DO have an iTunes store account: with a little credit in it.

AND a series of movies, backed up from the DVDs I used to own and stored on an extra hard drive.

Tonight?

Tonight, I had a spare evening.   One I wanted to spend with a good film.

I don’t know if I got that.

When you consider I rented Superman v Batman: Dawn of Justice

That’s a gobful of a title: for a long film.

One I’m STILL not sure about.

~≈†≈~

Prometheus: Flawed, but functioning …

You know, I’m confused … but entertained … 

And I’ll be frank: I don’t know quite what I’ve just seen.

It’s good … 

And could’ve been worse … or better … 

Ummm … 

I suppose I’d best tell you what I’m talking about, hadn’t I … ?

~~~~~

Now, I mentioned — in this morning’s Teaser — that I’d had a very small tax rebate, hadn’t I … ?

I had, I think.

And it’s one I’d managed to spend on milk, sugar, a loaf: and the one thing I’ve been able to treat myself to, this year.

A movie, courtesy of iTunes.

As you’ve possibly guessed, the iTunes standard-definition version of a movie I’ve been itching to see since it came out, on the big screens.

Ridley Scott’s newest — and much talked about — release, the 2012 film, Prometheus.

And … 

Hmmm … 

It’s a slippery one … 

But let me try to sum up.

~~~~~

Set in 2089, Prometheus sees Drs Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway — Noomi Rapace and Logan Marshall-Green — archeologists who’ve uncovered that various human cultures have recorded a star map that points to the same place.

A small moon, orbiting a planet, around the star, Zeta 2 Reticula: and one that they’ve long assumed to be home to a race they dub “The Engineeers”.

A race both scientists assume have died out … just before creating humanity …

It’s only once they — and the very expensive expedition sponsored by the Weyland Corporation — get to the moon they realise that the Engineers are a lot less alien than they’d assumed.

And that the moon seems to be a military testing station that seems to have lost control of

something.

~~~~~

Now … 

The fact I was umming and ahh’ing, at the start of this post … ?

I’m thinking, here, that I potentially have good reason.

You see, I’m thinking that Prometheus has had some flak in the time it’s been available to the likes of you and me.

I can  appreciate why: some of the scenes don’t quite hang together as well as they could: there’s one between David (Michael Fassbender) and Dr Holloway that doesn’t quite flow properly into the next.

I also feel that — at 124 minutes — Prometheus was maybe a touch too short: possibly 20 minutes more could have allowed for more time developing the characters, to show us more of what they could do.

Saying that … ?

Messrs Scott and company have given us a beautifully shot and acted film: and one that is surprisingly better than the bad press would have you believe.

It’s ALSO one that manages to tie itself to the franchise it’s a spin off from — the final reveal of its take on Giger’s Xenomorph is VERY much on the mould of the latter — in a far better way than the recent re-take of The Thing.

Tie itself in … without being bound.

Personally … ?

If I were you, I go see Prometheus.

You won’t get a fantastic film.

For all that, you will get a very watchable one.

Prometheus.   
★☆☆☆