Quick and Dirty Reviews: Star Trek

It was AWESOME! What more can I say?
Of course no film is perfect, but I cannot think of anything I disliked about this movie. Even as someone who wasn't a big Star Trek fan going in, I was captivated from beginning to end.

As with all movies created from previous work with an already solid fanbase, there will be nitpicking. I've heard some grumblings from hardcore fans about Simon Pegg's accent being from the "wrong region" (and if you have a problem with it I highly suggest you check out his blog addressing the issue).

I thought the entire cast was amazing. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto were awesome as expected. I was completely surprised by how great John Cho was and I walked away even more in love with Simon Pegg and Anton Yelchin.

I highly recommend this action packed, fun (and surprisingly funny at times) film!

Quick and Dirty Reviews: Watchmen

I am not claiming to know how to review a film. In fact, many people will disagree with my movie tastes (take for example the fact that I did not love the Dark Knight).
However, my new blog feature will be my quick and dirty film reviews.

I figured, hey, I try to watch 100 new-to-me movies during the year, why not share some of them?

The Quick and Dirty review simply states my immediate reactions to the film in question. What I enjoyed, what I didn't and whether I liked it or not.

This evening I saw my most anticipated film of the year.
Watchmen.
**Warning: May Be Slight Spoilers Ahead**


the good:

• The opening blew my freaking mind. That's really all I want to say about it. Just, wow.
• Patrick Wilson can do no wrong in my eyes. I love that man. I saw Lakeview Terrace for that man, and if you'll recall it was the top 5 worst movies I saw last year.
• I loved (almost) the whole cast actually. Special acknowledgment has to go to Jeffrey Dean Morgan as The Comedian and especially Jackie Earl Haley as Rorschach They were perfectly cast. Also Billy Crudup as Dr. Manhattan was way better than I imagined. I have heard that people didn't like his voice but I found it to be perfectly empty and haunting.
• The whole film looked absolutely fantastic. Completely gorgeous.
• With the time constraints of a movie and the depth and complexity of the book, I have to say that all involved did a pretty amazing job. Sure, things were changed, but this is the most true to source material comic book movie I can recall.

the bad:

• While the music was all awesome and I loved almost every song it was more in a "Hey this song is awesome" way than in regards to it actually fitting the film. The music seemed out of place (with the exception of the opening) and sort of distracting at points. In fact, in my theatre, almost every song that came on during the film caused the audience to laugh.
  
• I didn't really like Malin Akerman as Laurie Jupiter. I can't quite put my finger on why. Her acting seemed a little teen drama to me.
• Bubastis. For those who haven't read the book I am sure the cat with horns was a little confusing. Why include him at all if you are going to show that little of him and give absolutely no back story.

the verdict: I really really liked this movie. Would watch Watchmen again.

Again, these are just my immediate reactions to the film. I may even change my mind on some things once I sleep on it and once I see it again.

Also, the IMAX Experience is a waste of money unless the film was actually shot on IMAX.

Santa Baby

Happy Christmas!
I know, I know I am late with this post but it has been a busy couple of days.
A very good kind of busy though.

Santa was very good to me this year.
He brought me an Xbox 360!
My very first gaming console!

Bundled with the system was 5 games: Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, Kung Fu Panda, Turok, Gun and darkSector. Also included with my gift was Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2.

I must have been on the extra good list this year.

I am absolutely loving everything about my Xbox. The dashboard is super slick and easy to navigate. I love the wireless controller. I am finding the layout of it quite easy to use, and I can be confused easily. Also, the new Xbox Experience is so neat! Creating an avatar was fun, and I really do think it looks quite a lot like me.

I haven't had loads of time to pour into playing during this bustling holiday season, but I have played a little bit.

I was up before 5am on Boxing Day to go line up at Future Shop and check out their sales. While I didn't pick up anything that was on sale, or the game I was looking for, I did decide to grab Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. I AM SO GLAD I DID. I really didn't get to far into this but I am already blown away. First of all, the title and music for Star Wars intros always gives me big nerdy goosebumps, and this was no exception. Next, I really don't want to give spoilers for the game but HOLY COW! Being a huge Star Wars fan, and playing through that first section made me giddy as a schoolgirl. It also seems as though this game is going to have an awesome story to go along with it.
I was also completely flabbergasted at the graphics. They were completely breathtaking and I was playing on a standard def television. I cannot imagine what it would look like in HD! Can't wait to get back to playing some more.

I picked this baby up at Walmart today using the gift card I got from my Grandma. Please excuse my language, and Grandma cover your ears, but HOLY SHIT. I have no words for how amazing this game is. To quote a completely overused movie quote: it had me at hello. From the very beginning of the first cut scene I was completely enthralled. I like to think of myself as a zombie movie buff, and that little thing had me captivated, had more suspense and was more thrilling than a lot of actual feature films. And it did the trick by showing me what exactly I had gotten myself into and ramped up my energy for the first assault. Again, I don't want to give any spoilers, but I played through the first solo campaign and had so much fun, combined with so many "HOLY SHIT!" moments. I am so very excited to give the multiplayer a go with a bunch of my friends. Hands down, best game I have ever played.

And on a completely unrelated Christmassy note.... HOW AMAZING WAS THIS YEAR'S DOCTOR WHO CHRISTMAS SPECIAL?!

LUSH Review

I have just stepped out of a wonderful LUSH bath concoction which I am now dubbing :

A Walk in the Sunny Countryside

Sunny Side Bubble Bar + English Countryside Bath Bomb + B Electro Soap + Squeaky Green Solid Shampoo = AWESOME.

After a full day shooting outside yesterday in the not so sunny winter weather I was feeling rather sick today. What better way to feel better than soaking in an amazing bath that gives the feeling of laying outside in the grass on a warm and sunny day.

The Sunny Side bubble bar gave loads of golden iridescent bubbles and an orangey citrus scent. When the bubbles began to fade I tossed in the English Countryside bomb. What a treat! A fresh flowery scent with sandalwood and it releases the most gorgeous green colour to the bath water.

However, if you do not like having 'things' floating around in your tub with you, stay away from this bomb (Or put it in a nylon before popping it in!) This bomb also releases a ton of dried flowers, little silver confetti bells and fabric butterflies.

When the bubbles were completely dissipated I was left with amazing green water with the most beautiful shimmering gold swirling throughout. It was really something to see. I didn't want to get out of the tub!

To complete my bath I washed with B Electro soap, a bright neon yellow on the bar as well as in the lather! (Much brighter than the picture appears) With it's fun colour and uplifting grapefruit & fennel scent, it never fails to put me in a sunny mood. I finished my springy bathtime journey with my favourite solid shampoo, Squeaky Green.

I felt so good once I got out of the tub!

The only downside to this bath cocktail is what you're left with once it's over. A tub covered in gold glitter and full of dried flower bits!

For added effect use this cocktail while listening to "The Village Green Preservation Society" by The Kinks.