Long Time!

Hey everyone!

It's been a while since I've put anything up. I've just been so busy! Just got back from a weekend with my girlfriend, going to a hotel on the Saturday (which was rather nice), and then went to see Snow Patrol on Sunday... then came back to Uni on Monday at half 6! CRAZY!

I will do some updates later! I have some ideas!

MOVIE REVIEW : Bolt (3D)

BOLT (3D)

Directed by Byron Howard and Chris Williams
Starring John Travolta and Miley Cyrus


PLOT

The canine star of a fictional sci-fi/action show that believes his powers are real embarks on a cross country trek to save his co-star from a threat he believes is just as real.

WHAT I THOUGHT

I wasn't sure about this one. It wasn't a Pixar film... it was a Disney film, overseen by Pixar. I thought Meet the Robinsons was pretty good, though Chicken Little was really quite poo. Bolt could have been very good... or very bad. I'm happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to anyone.

It starts with an absolutely awesome action scene that rivals some of the Kung Fu Panda fight scenes this Summer. I love that animated films can make amazing action scenes. It is of course, due to the plot, all fake... but great while it lasts. It reminded me a little of the opening of Toy Story 2 when Buzz takes on Zorg inside the video game world.

The film feels very Pixar-ish though. I was pleased to see that Pixar had created a Cars short to go in front of the film... about Mater racing in Japan, which was great too. The characters and the plot did feel very Pixar though in Bolt. The way that funny scenes and mixed with drama scenes with action thrown in all the time. There's even a montage very similar to "When She Loved Me" (the story of Jesse) from Toy Story 2... you can basically tell that John Lassetter has helped a lot along the way.

The characters are great. John Travolta is excellent as Bolt, the stealer of the show though is Rhino the Hamster... Bolt's biggest fan. I don't want to spoil anything, but anything scene with him in is pure gold.

The other thing worth noting is that the visuals are truly top notch. Explosions, water and fur are all used to the maximum here. I was lucky enough to see it in 3D which enhanced the experience ten fold.

I also loved the ending sequence, though I thought it could be terrifying for young kids. I know that I would've been scared as a kid watching it!

If there's any problem at all, its just that like many animated films, it feels a little predictable and you know what's going to happen. Don't let this put you off though. Really great film to watch, hugely enjoyable and fun all the way through... especially in 3D!

BEST MOMENT

When the hamster gets so excited inside his ball that he manages to steam himself in... due to extreme heavy breathing!

MY RATING
**********

TOP 10 THRILLER FILMS

10. SE7EN (1995)

Directed by David Fincher

Starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman

WHY?
This film is as great as everyone makes it out to be. I don't think its the most amazing thriller in the world, like some people say... but in terms of sheer atmosphere, this film cannot be beaten.

BEST MOMENT
Hard to choose a moment... I'd say the gluttony murder though... THE FAT GUY!

BEST QUOTE
John Doe: Realize detective, the only reason that I'm here right now is that I wanted to be.
David Mills: No, no, we would have got you eventually.
John Doe: Oh really? So, what were you doing? Biding your time? Toying with me? Allowing five innocent people to die until you felt like springing your trap? Tell me, what was the indisputable evidence you were going to use on me right before I walked up to you and put my hands in the air?

09. DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004)

Directed by Zack Snyder

Starring Sarah Polley and Ving Rhames

WHY?
I'm going to be honest in saying that I've not cared much for zombie films over the years. With the exception of Shaun of the Dead, I don't find slow zombies that scary or interesting at all. That's why I enjoyed this breath of fresh air when Zack Snyder make the decision to allow zombies to run. This suddenly made them so much more menacing to me. I love this film, it has a great mix of action, drama and comedy... and I don't understand why some people don't like it.

BEST MOMENT
Definately the crazy awesome opening!

BEST QUOTE
Michael: See this?
[shows how the chainsaw goes through the truck walls]
Michael: So if they try to climb on the truck, this will get them off.
Ana: That's probably the most romantic thing anyone's ever shown me.
Michael: I'm trying, Ana.

08. THE VILLAGE (2004)

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Joaquin Phoenix

WHY?
All I will say is this... if the monsters in this film were real... it would be in my Top 3 Thrillers ever!

BEST MOMENT
When Ivy discovers what Noah has down to her fiancee...

BEST QUOTE
Ivy Walker: We have the magic rocks. They will keep us safe.
[tears well up]
Christop Crane: Why have we not heard of these rocks before?
Ivy Walker: There is nothing to fear.
[on the edge of tears]

07. FIGHT CLUB (1999)

Directed by David Fincher

Starring Edward Norton and Brad Pitt

WHY?
Hard to give this film a genre, but I certainly get thrills out of it... so I put it here. Superb, and very unique film. It's unlike anything else I've seen, and is 100% brilliant in that respect.

BEST MOMENT
So many! I'd say the awesome twist at the end though!

BEST QUOTE
Tyler Durden: The first rule of Fight Club is - you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is - you DO NOT talk about Fight Club. Third rule of Fight Club, someone yells Stop!, goes limp, taps out, the fight is over. Fourth rule, only two guys to a fight. Fifth rule, one fight at a time, fellas. Sixth rule, no shirt, no shoes. Seventh rule, fights will go on as long as they have to. And the eighth and final rule, if this is your first night at Fight Club, you have to fight.

06. THE SIXTH SENSE (1999)

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment

WHY?
I can remember how terrified I was when I first saw this when I was younger. In terms of shocks and thrills, this film has a whole load. The storyline and acting are both fantastic too though, as well as the music.

BEST MOMENT
Come on... I'll show you where my Dad keeps his gun...

BEST QUOTE
[first lines]
Anna Crowe: It's getting cold.
Malcolm Crowe: That is one fine frame; one fine frame that is. How much...
[he sits down with a grunt]
Malcolm Crowe: ...does a fine frame like that cost, do you think?
Anna Crowe: I never told you, but you sound a little like Dr. Seuss when you're drunk.

05. THE FLY (1986)

Directed by David Cronenberg

Starring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis

WHY?
I, probably like many people, wasn't expecting much from this. I was pleasantly surprised though. Not only does it have awesome special effects... the acting is phenomenal. The slow process that Jeff Goldblum's character is going through is interesting, tragic and funny at the same time.

BEST MOMENT
When he first starts showing symptoms of change.

BEST QUOTE
[Brundle sits at a table full of junk food, and explains his altered digestive system to Veronica and her videocamera]
Seth Brundle: How does Brundlefly eat? Well, he found out the hard and painful way that he eats very much the way a fly eats. His teeth are now useless, because although he can chew up solid food, he can't digest them. Solid food hurts. So like a fly, Brundlefly breaks down solids with a corrosive enzyme, playfully called "vomit drop". He regurgitates on his food, it liquifies, and then he sucks it back up. Ready for a demonstration, kids? Here goes...
[cut to Stathis, who is watching the videotape]
Stathis Borans: Oh my God. My God!


04. THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT (2004)

Directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackeye Gruber

Starring Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart

WHY?
After the credits rolled first time I saw this film... I was blown away. It was such a shocking and hard hitting film. It is a film of moments, some are terrifying to watch... but it kept me captivated all the way through. Plus Ashton Kutcher's acting is awesome in this!

BEST MOMENT
When he wakes up with no arms. What a shock!

BEST QUOTE
Evan: When we were kids, your dad was making a movie about "Robin Hood" or something...
Kayleigh Miller: What do you want to know, Evan?
Evan: Is... Did he... What happened in the basement?
Kayleigh Miller: Look, it was a long time ago. Is that why you came all the way back here? To ask a lot of stupid questions about "Robin Hood"?
Evan: No, I... I just think something really bad might of happened.
Kayleigh Miller: Is there a point to any of this?
Evan: Look... what ever happened, it wasn't our fault, we were kids. I mean, there is nothing that we could do to of deserved or could of done...
Kayleigh Miller: Just shut up, Evan, you're wasting your breath.
Evan: You can't hate yourself because you're dads a twisted freak.
Kayleigh Miller: Who are you trying to convince, Evan? You come all the way back here to stir up my shit just because you have a bad memory? What? Do you want me to just cry on your shoulder and tell you everything’s all better now? Well fuck you, Evan. Nothing's all better, okay? Nothing ever gets better. You know, if I was so wonderful Evan, why didn't you call me? Why did you just leave me here to rot?


03. CLOVERFIELD (2008)

Directed by Matt Reeves

Starring Michael Stahl-David and Jessica Lucas

WHY?
The most recent film on this list. I always knew from the trailers that I would probably like this film. I wasn't expecting to love it quite so much though. This film is an experience. An experience like no other. I saw this film at the cinema three times because I was so amazed but what I was seeing. It is a truly thrilling, well made and fantastically delivered film that needs to be seen by everyone.

BEST MOMENT
When the gang come in between the monster and the army!

BEST QUOTE
Beth McIntyre: [sees monster] What is that?
Hud: It's a terrible thing.
[while trying to get to a flight of stairs, Rob encounters a parasite and kills it]
Beth McIntyre: Oh my God! What is that?
Hud: I don't know! Something else! Also terrible.


02. PERFUME: STORY OF A MURDERER (2006)

Directed by Tom Twyker

Starring Ben Whishaw and Rachel Hurd-Wood

WHY?
Not many people have heard of this film, which is a shame. Then again, I get the feeling that this film would be a bit strange for a mainstream crowd. I love every moment of it though. My favourite part of a film is always the storyline, and this one is fantastic. Not only that, but it's amazingly well made with fine acting, unbelievable visuals, creepy sound and brilliant music.

BEST MOMENT
When he finds the girl with the plums... I won't say any more...

BEST QUOTE
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille: You want to make this leather smell good, don't you?
Giuseppe Baldini: Why of course, and so it shall.
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille: With Amor and Psyche by Pelissier?
Giuseppe Baldini: What ever gave you the absurd idea I would use someone else's perfume?
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille: It's all over you.


01. SIGNS (2002)

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix

WHY?
Signs is one of my favourite films of all time. I will never forget the fear I felt first time, second time and third time I saw this film. Its hard to explain a lot of the time. I've never been so scared by an alien walking past a house. What sets this film apart from others is its character development. All the family are interesting to watch, and it is because everything feels so real, that the film is so terrifying. It has a hugely religious undertone which boosts the film even further into a deep, yet scary experience that I don't think has been bettered yet.

BEST MOMENT
The Mexican video tape!

BEST QUOTE
Graham Hess: People break down into two groups. When they experience something lucky, group number one sees it as more than luck, more than coincidence. They see it as a sign, evidence, that there is someone up there, watching out for them. Group number two sees it as just pure luck. Just a happy turn of chance. I'm sure the people in group number two are looking at those fourteen lights in a very suspicious way. For them, the situation is a fifty-fifty. Could be bad, could be good. But deep down, they feel that whatever happens, they're on their own. And that fills them with fear. Yeah, there are those people. But there's a whole lot of people in group number one. When they see those fourteen lights, they're looking at a miracle. And deep down, they feel that whatever's going to happen, there will be someone there to help them. And that fills them with hope. See what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you? Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or, look at the question this way: Is it possible that there are no coincidences?

MOVIE REVIEW : Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS

Directed by Patrick Tatapolous
Starring Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy


PLOT

An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans.

WHAT I THOUGHT

Over the last few days, myself and my housemates have sat down and watched all the Underworld movies. I've always liked them, they may not be the best films in the world... but they sure are fun to watch!

I wasn't sure what to make of this one, it's a prequel set back when vampires and werewolves were just starting. I loved this period in the last two films, but it was a different director and could have gone wrong very easily.

Luckily, I am very impressed. It holds up well against the other two. It's nothing amazing, and I certainly wasn't moved in any way... but it did keep me very entertained, and to be honest quite enthralled within this story.

You could see direct references to other stories... Romeo and Juliet... Defiance... lots of different tales, but this moulded them all together quite nicely. The thing I was most pleased with was the contuinity of this prequel really held up well, and is a fantastic companion piece to the other two films. You see some sections fully realised that were only viewed as brief flashbacks in the first films... and these were all the best moments.

If there was a major problem, it was the ending. It felt a little rushed and didn't tie up all the loose ends it had created.

Alongside the story, technically it held up well too. It matched the look of the previous two films, and had some great gore effects that made us wince quite a few times. Music isn't great, but it didn't really bother me. The performances are good too. Especially from Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen. Also, for anyone confused... no the girl isn't meant to be the same girl from the first film. Many people think it is from the poster. They are meant to look a like... but they are not the same character!

Anyway, good film... best viewed alongside the other two to get the full saga. If you didn't like the other two movies, you won't like this one though.

BEST MOMENT

When poor Sonya meets her unescapable doom!

MY RATING
**********

MOVIE REVIEW : The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Directed by David Fincher
Starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett


PLOT

Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences.

WHAT I THOUGHT

This weekend, I also finally got to see the Oscar film that I had been really looking forward to - Benjamin Button. I don't know why I wanted to see this one so much. Maybe it was the fantastic effects that I had seen in the trailer. Maybe it was my love for Forrest Gump. Maybe it was word of mouth. Who knows? I've seen it now though... and it didn't disappoint.

The film's tagline reads "Life isn't measured in minutes, but in moments." This is 100% true of Benjamin Button. It is a film that is compromised of moments. Moments in one man's life that are considered to be interesting, and worthy of showing. Much like Forrest Gump. I saw this film very much as the spiritual sequel to Forrest Gump. It's the same writer, and more or else follows the same path. A lot of characters follow similar traits, and you get the same feeling at the end from it. This is no bad thing though, as Forrest Gump was so good.

Anyway, where was I? Let me start with the special effects. Wow. It takes a lot for a film to fool me nowadays. There are not a lot of times where I am truly baffled... but this film did it. The whole opening, where Benjamin Button is an old young boy... how did they do it? It's Brad Pitt in heavy make up, but on a kids body that is extremely disfigured. Watching him walk along is amazing. It never stops though. I tried to work out the point in the film where Brad Pitt was playing his normal age, but I couldn't... because I'd just accepted all the makeup so much. Cate Blanchett's make up is just as good as Brad Pitt's. My girlfriend didn't even recognise Cate Blanchett at one point, because her old make up was so good. When they are both made to look younger at different points in the film, I'm not sure how they did that either. Sometimes you just have to accept a film, and not think about how they made it... its just a difficult thing for me to do.

Secondly, the score. I loved it. I'd heard mixed things... but I really enjoyed it. It seems to have elements of a clock behind it, which works amazingly.

And of course, the acting. It is great. It's not amazing in the way that they are playing eccentric roles or anything... but the two leads have a great chemistry together... and you fully accept them as they pass through time.

The only flaw that has knocked a star off for me was the running time. Though I loved going on Benjamin Button's journey, and meeting all the characters... and all the memorable moments (such a fantastic sea war bit) it did sag a little in the middle. It was mainly in Tilda Swinton's part. I understand why Benjamin having an affair is an important thing to see... I just thought it went on a little too long! I wanted to see where Benjamin was going next all the time!

David Fincher's directing is of course what holds the film together. It takes a stronger director to grasp these films made out of "moments" and glue them into place - and he did it masterfully. His past experience with Pitt really paid off - a great performance came through. And his special effects skills were used here to the max.

So, this is a truly great film. This is the one that I hope wins the Best Picture Oscar later in the month (though I'm a little annoyed that it'll probably lose out to Slumdog Millionaire - which wasn't as good!). Everything is amazing. Nothing is wrong, except a slight pace problem in the middle. I can't wait to see it again, and I know it is a film that I will watch time and time again.

BEST MOMENT

I loved the whole first hour - but this film had a tiny moment that made me fall in love with it. I love tiny moments in films. A few seconds, or a line of dialogue that make you love the film more than you were expecting to. For instance, Ivy finding Lucius stabbed in The Village, or rose petal moment in Perfume. Benjamin Button had one of these moments for me.

There's a point, quite near the beginning of the film (when the kids are both very young), when Daisy sneaks into Benjamin's room. She wakes him, and as he opens his eyes he can't make her out. He has to put on his glasses. He then beams a smile at her saying "OH HI!"

I don't know what it was... but this was a tiny moment of love for me. I think it's the perfect Benjamin Button moment where he has the problems of an old man (bad sight) but the mind of a child (seeing her). I had a grin on my face for the whole scene after that because I loved that tiny moment so much.

MY RATING
**********

MOVIE REVIEW : Dances with Wolves

DANCES WITH WOLVES

Directed by Kevin Costner
Starring Kevin Costner and Graham Greene


PLOT

Lt. John Dunbar, exiled to a remote western Civil War outpost, befriends wolves and Indians, making him an intolerable aberration in the military.

WHAT I THOUGHT

Whilst I was ill last week, I finally got a chance to sit down and watch a DVD that I had wanted to for ages. My Mum and Dad had bought the DVD of "Dances with Wolves" saying how great it was. I wasn't sure what to think... I'd heard of it, but didn't have a clue what to think. I wanted to see it though. Problem is that we had the extended edition which is four hours long.

It was a good four hours though.

Set in the Civil War, it follows a character as he goes in search of himself. I don't really want to give too much away, but it is a film about self discovery, and it is fantastically made.

I found myself swept away in this world that the character was exploring. It's extremely clever at its portrayal's of people. At first I hated the Indians, but by the end of the film... I was actually ashamed of being white! No film has made me feel that way before!

The cinematography is top notch, along with the epic and sweeping score. It was made on a budget of only $15 million, which is amazing as it looks like it cost so much more. There is a scene where they are all hunting buffalo, no CG is used at all... but it's one of the most exciting and thrilling action scenes I've ever watched.

If there was one fault with the film... it is that it was slightly too long. It's epic, and deserves to be this long... but it did sag a little in the middle. This may be that the first viewing I had of it was the extended edition though! It would be interesting to see the theatrical version.

Don't let the running time put you off though. You should see this film. It is fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

BEST MOMENT

Hard to say... probably the buffalo hunt though!

MY RATING
**********

Tonselitus!

Hey guys!

Sorry I've not updated in a while. On Tuesday I woke up feeling absolutely dreadful. On Wednesday I was even worse. Kept going from boiling hot to freezing cold, a headache that could've beaten up a horse, and of course a throat that was so sore I could barely swallow. Clearly something was wrong!

Turns out I had what the Doctor described as a "severe case" of tonselitus! It really took over my body for a few days, but I'm now on anti-biotics and am alive again and kicking... getting better!

Start Uni again tomorrow (I hope)... and I will post some reviews tonight that I need to catch up on!

Ciao for now!

THEATRE REVIEW : Verwood Pantomime (Cinderella)

THEATRE REVIEW : Cinderella (Verwood Panto)

This weekend I returned home to see my local Panto. This year my girlfriend and my Mum were in it... so I knew I had to see it.

It is evidentally the 25th year for the society now, and I wish I had seen some more of them. I thoroughly enjoyed this production of Cinderella.

It had everything you wanted from a Panto. Really bad jokes. Great cross dressing. Slapstick comedy and more. I really liked it.

I also don't want to toot her horn too much... but my girlfriend Lucy was fantastic playing Dandini (the Prince's servant). She was definately one of the top actors performing with clear vocals and an all round great performance.

I also liked the Ugly Sister being played by a bloke. Hilarious in every respect, and just what I would expect from a dame.

I'd also like to congratulate my Mum (who was in the chorus this year), who also did a fantastic job.

I really got into the panto... and was supposedly "very loud" shouting things out, cheering and starting clapping during songs.

So a big well done to everyone involved... I will be going back next year.

TOP 10 FAMILY FILMS

10. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (2007)

Directed by Gabor Csupo

Starring Josh Hutcherson and Anna Sophia Robb

WHY?
I never expecting this to be in my top 10 family films. But it really is fantastic. I wasn't expecting anything from it at all... and what I got was one of the most engrossing family films I've seen that draws you in then shocks you in a way that you would never had expected! I can't say why... but those who have seen it will know! Plus Zooey Deschanel is in it... which just makes every film so much better!

BEST MOMENT
The twist... god... didn't see that one coming!

BEST QUOTE
Leslie Burke, May Belle Aarons, Little Kids: [chanting] Free the pee! Free the pee! Free the pee!


09. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

Directed by Tim Burton

Starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder

WHY?
Family films is a difficult category. I personally think this is the genre that Edward Scissorhands falls into... because at the end of the day... it is a fairytale. And a fantastic one at that! Johnny Depp is amazing as the title role, and the whole thing is controlled by the hand of Tim Burton... along with Danny Elfman's best (and most well known) score! This was the team at their prime, and everyone should have seen it!

BEST MOMENT
The Ice Dance. Mainly because of the music.

BEST QUOTE
Bill: So Edward, did you have a productive day?
Edward: Mrs Monroe showed me where the salon's going to be.
[turns to Peg]
Edward: You could have a cosmetics counter.
Peg Boggs: Oh, wouldn't that be great!
Bill: Great.
Edward: And then she showed me the back room where she took all of her clothes off.
[everyone stares, Kevin snickers]

08. MOUSE HUNT (1997)

Directed by Gore Verbinski

Starring Nathan Lane and Lee Evans

WHY?
I love this film so much. It's slapstick comedy at its absolute best. Lee Evans and Nathan Lane both perform excellently together as the two brothers, and the film is carried along with an incredibly dark sense of humour. It's a film of moments that you'll never forget such as Christopher Walken as the Exterminator... or the rabid cat! There's just too many to list!

BEST MOMENT
There's so many. I'd say where the duo manage to trap themselves in a room full of mouse traps is my favourite though.

BEST QUOTE
Ernie: We're looking for a cat. And preferably with a history of mental illness. I'm talkin' one mean pussy.

07. MARY POPPINS (1964)

Directed by Robert Stevenson

Starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke

WHY?
It was a toss up here between Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. But Mary Poppins will always come out on top! My childhood revolved around this film! I still know every word of all the songs. It's actually a quite sinister film at times, but it's so fantastic that you're drawn into the world and don't leave till the end!

BEST MOMENT
The chimney dance! I still always want to dance along to it!

BEST QUOTE
Mrs. Banks: As a matter of fact, since you hired Mary Poppins, the most extraordinary things seem to have come over the household.
Mr. Banks: Is that so?
Mrs. Banks: Take Ellen, for instance. She hasn't broken a dish all morning.
Mr. Banks: Really. Well, that is extraordinary.

06. FLY AWAY HOME (1996)

Directed by Carroll Ballard

Starring Jeff Daniels and Anna Paquin

WHY?
I have a real love for this film. I know some people may think it's incredibly stupid, but this is an exceptionally well made film. The acting is amazing. The cinematography is at times absolutely stunning. And it has a terrific score too! It's one of the ultimate feel good films, and I love to watch it from time to time to be taken on a journey with the characters, and always come out with a smile!

BEST MOMENT
When they manage to fly with the geese for the first time!

BEST QUOTE
DNR Officer: Who's the guy at the house?
Amy Alden: It's my Uncle David. He's got a black belt. We call him KILLER!


05. MATILDA (1996)

Directed by Danny DeVito

Starring Mara Wilson and Danny Devito

WHY?
Matilda has always been a difficult one to judge. It's a near perfect adapation of the Roald Dahl book except for the country in which it was set! If this film had been set in Britian it would have been perfect. It's still an unbelievable film though. All the cast are exceptional, especially Pam Ferris as Mrs Trunchball... who is absolutely terrifying! The music is also top notch! And this film has so many amazing scenes... like Bruce Bogtrotter's cake. Thats the thing, even though its American, the actors all fit so well that it's still amazing.

BEST MOMENT
When they break into Miss Trunchball's house. Now that was a tense scene to watch!

BEST QUOTE
Agatha Trunchbull: I need a car, inexpensive but reliable. Can you service me?
Harry Wormwood: In a manner of speaking, yes. Uh, welcome to Wormwood Motors. Harry Wormwood, owner, founder, whatever.
Agatha Trunchbull: Agatha Trunchbull, principal, Crunchem Hall Elementary School.
Harry Wormwood: Huh.
Agatha Trunchbull: I warn you, sir, I want a tight car, because I run a tight ship.
Harry Wormwood: Oh yeah, huh, well, uh...
Agatha Trunchbull: My school is a model of discipline! Use the rod, beat the child, that's my motto.
Harry Wormwood: Terrific motto!
Agatha Trunchbull: You have brats yourself?
Harry Wormwood: Yeah, I got a boy, Mikey, and one mistake, Matilda.
Agatha Trunchbull: They're all mistakes, children! Filthy, nasty things. Glad I never was one.


04. LABYRINTH (1986)

Directed by Jim Henson

Starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie

WHY?
It was a difficult decision between this and The Dark Crystal. This is by far the better film though. This is a masterpiece of puppet filmmaking. They really do blend it seamlessly because it is all executed so well. It also introduced Jennifer Connelly, and David Bowie was an amazing villain. Like I said with Mouse Hunt earlier... it is a film of moments that you will remember for a long time!

BEST MOMENT
The Magic Dance!

BEST QUOTE
The Worm: 'Allo.
Sarah: Did you say... hello?
The Worm: No, I said "'allo," but that's close enough.
Sarah: Oh... you're a worm, aren't you?
The Worm: Yeah, that's right.
Sarah: You don't by any chance know the way through this labyrinth, do you?
The Worm: Who, me? No, I'm just a worm. Say, come inside, and meet the missus.


03. BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY (1985-1990)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd

WHY?
Everyone knows of the Back to the Future Trilogy! Because its so awesome! It made time travel into an adventure that didn't involve dinosaurs for once! The Doc is one of the best characters in film history though... every thing he says could be used as a quote! I couldn't decide which one to choose, as I love them all! Each feels very unique, though all are clearly from the same storyline... a good sign of a great trilogy! WE MUST GO BACK TO THE FUTURE MARTY!!!

BEST MOMENT
I can't decide!!! From the first film it would be the awesome finale! From the second film it'd be the hoverboard chase! And in the third film it would be when the Doc is drunk!

BEST QUOTE
Marty McFly: Wait a minute, Doc, are you trying to tell me that my mother has got the hots for me?
Dr. Emmett Brown: Precisely.
Marty McFly: Whoa, this is heavy.
Dr. Emmett Brown: There's that word again; "heavy". Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the earth's gravitational pull?


02. HOOK (1991)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Starring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman

WHY?
This was so so so close to Number one. For a while it was, but I can't help but love Number one that little bit more. Don't get me wrong though. This is one of my favourite films of all time. It's just perfect. The actors are perfect in their roles. The music is perfect. Everything looks so colourful. I think its the best adaptation of Peter Pan. Many people hate it, and I hate them for hating it. If you don't like Hook... consider yourself my enemy.

BEST MOMENT
When Peter flies again for the first time!

BEST QUOTE
Captain James Hook: No stopping me this time, Smee. This is it. Don't make a move Smee, not a step. My finger's on the trigger. Don't try to stop me, Smee.
Smee: Oh, not again.
Captain James Hook: This is it. Don't try to stop me this time, Smee. Don't try to stop me this time, Smee. Don't you dare try to stop me this time, Smee, try to stop me. Smee, you'd better get up off your ass. Get over here, Smee!
Smee: I'm coming. I'm coming.
Captain James Hook: Stop me! This is not a joke! I'm committing suicide!
[Smee makes the gun go off which aims at the toy ship in the pool model]
Captain James Hook: Don't ever frighten me like that again.
Smee: I'm sorry.
Captain James Hook: What are you? Some kind of a sadist?
Smee: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. How do you feel now?
Captain James Hook: I want to die.
Smee: [kisses him] Oh, now, now.
Captain James Hook: There's no adventure here.
Smee: [hold out Hook's gun] You call this no adventure?
Captain James Hook: Death is the only adventure I have left, Smee.


01. STAR WARS SAGA (1977 - 2005)

Original Trilogy : Directed by George Lucas and Irvin Kershner and Richard Marquand

Original Trilogy : Starring Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford

New Trilogy : Directed by George Lucas

New Trilogy : Starring Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christenssen

WHY?
It had to be Number one. Some people may think Star Wars is an action film... or an adventure film. But George Lucas has always said that he designed it as a family film, and I for one always saw them with my family. What can I say? The original trilogy is possibly the greatest film trilogy of all time (except Lord of the Rings for me). The sense of adventure you get from them is second to none. I openly admit to liking the new trilogy as well though. Even though the first one isn't great... I love the other two. I think Ewan McGregor is exceptional throughout, really binding the films together. I had to put the whole saga down because that is the best way to view Star Wars. Last year my house mates and I sat down and watched all six. It was an amazing experience that we all loved. And for the reason of Star Wars bringing so much joy to me after all the times I've seen it... it has crept into Number One!

BEST MOMENT
Star Wars Episode 1: The Duel of the Fates
Star Wars Episode 2: Anakin Finds his Mother
Star Wars Episode 3: Order 66
Star Wars Episode 4: The Death Star Trench Run
Star Wars Episode 5: The Final Lightsaber Duel
Star Wars Episode 6: The Opening on Tatooine

BEST QUOTE
Princess Leia: Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder.
Han Solo: Who's scruffy-looking?

SNOW!

Wow! How awesome is all this snow! It's said to be the heaviest in 18 years... I've never experienced snow like it!

Last night me and the film crew walked back for an hour at 2 in the morning, with two trolleys, trying to beat 5 cm of snow! It was awesome!

Then today we woke up and our garden was covered!

Snowball fights were had, and snow angels... plus everyone keeps falling over.

Did I also mention Smooth the Snowman?

Hope your day's are as good as mine!