301, People we meet on Vacation

Romcom time! and Netflix new offering for early 2026 is a light-hearted escapade focussing on two lonely souls thrown together in a globe trotting adventure, set across 12yrs and the will they / won't they story line that won't take much working out!

People we meet on Vacation is an adaptation of the book by the same name from Emily Henry who also holds Exec Producer credits on the movie release.  Yes, for those who are a fan of the book there are some location changes but in general, the development of the relationship isn't tampered with and feedback is that it's a pretty good realisation of the best selling novel. 

Our wanderlust lead Poppy (Emily Bader), is a Travel Writer, slowly becoming disillusioned by the endless airport lounges and lonely travel arrangement but refusing to set any future plans or settle down.  Enter Alex (Tom Blythe) - the complete opposite.  A planner and homebody who gets thrown into the manic lifestyle of Poppy after agreeing (via a mutual friend) to help out as designated driver on a road trip that obviously goes haywire but somehow, the unlikely duo strike up a seemingly plutonic 'bestie' friendship that oddly sees them agree to meet up once a year and go somewhere, anywhere in the world - regardless of love interests or personal situations.  

The movie focusses on telling the story of a decade of annual, single weeks away - mostly set in flashback following the most recent hook-up (a mutual friends wedding) that sees our duo not in the best of places after a 2 year hiatus of ghosting and awkwardness, initially due to events over the last few get away's but, we get to see all the trips in retrospect and how their relationship developed over time, culminating in that "will they - wont they" finale that rounds off Act 3.

To be honest, there's not much more too it - a few credit bolstering characters in Poppy's parents with cameos from recognisable faces Molly Shannon (SNL / White Lotus) & Alan Ruck (Succession / Ferris Bueller's Day Off) and passing love interests for Poppy and Alex in the form of Lucien Laviscount (Emily in Paris & Snatch) and Sarah Catherine Cook (White Lotus) and finally, Jameela Jamil as Poppy's boss.  All do a good job in this with the Parents in particular offering a very funny interlude.

The movie takes us to Barcelona, Tuscany & New Orleans, all shot on location with a few trick shots that see New York scenes filmed in Spain but there is no denying some of the locations are literally stunning.  

The lead duo are both incredibly easy on the eye and entertaining.  Both were relatively unknown (to me) with Emily Bader only most recently appearing in 'My Lady Jane' (2024) & Tom Blythe being a bit more present in my viewing archive, having starred in The Guilded Age, Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes & Billy the Kid (TV - 2022/2025).  

The camping / skinny dipping scenes will definitely get a chuckle, as will much of Poppy's erratic behaviour paired with Alex's frustrated glances and Alex finding out that he can be a 'vacation version' of himself is eye opening - as is the "Let's pretend we're on honeymoon and get the freebies" scene that I have to admit - we did play on during our own honeymoon and take it from me, it definitely works!  But, the most enjoyable part for me was watching my wife literally chuckling throughout the whole movie, making observations of how 'Alex-like' I am (without the six-pack) and that in itself was worth the sub 2hrs duration for some nice easy viewing on a Monday night.

Again, as with many movies such as this it probably wont go down in Rom-Com history as a movie for the ages, but it's watchable, likeable, enjoyable and if I'm being totally honest - pretty damn cute.

(Images used in blog are sourced from IMDB, Town & Country Magazine, Variety & The Today Show)

  

300, High Rollers

High Rollers is a late 2025 Amazon Prime release that matches Ex-Professional Theif John Travolta (Mason Goddard) against a criminal organisation in need of his particular set of skills.  High Rollers is the sequel the 2024 release Cash Out and see's most of the original cast members return with the exception Kristin Davis (Sex and the City) being traded out for Gina Gershon.

It's clear to say that this film isn't exactly rocket science.  After kidnapping his Ex-FBI girlfriend (now Gina Gershon) in a dramatic beach scene less than 5 minutes in, Goddard is quick to give chase and even quicker still stopped in his tracks but within 10 minutes of the opening credits has not only correctly guessed who is behind the kidnapping, but what they want from him and his band of brothers - all of which is confirmed by a phone call from the protagonist a few seconds later.

This movie doesn't hang around - and given the whole film is just 99 minutes long you can see why.  No need to worry about a 3hr drawn out overly scripted waste of air watching this one but that said - it's a great cast with Travolta, Gershon and other familiar faces such as Noel Gugliemi as Hector (doesn't he always play someone called Hector?) & Lucas Haas adding to the roster.  

Other members of the gang make up the 'younger' element of the team although as with Cash Out - I personally can't help but think that had these movies been granted a bigger cinema release you could easily see actors like Sydney Sweeny & Michael B Jordan picking up these parts but being honest, Natali Yura and Quavo do a pretty decent job.  

Considering they are being held to ransom to complete the heist, our damsel in distress (Gershon) remains practically un-phased by the whole ordeal and the criminal 'go-between' seems relatively friendly & supportive.  Private jets, new identities and seemingly unlimited resources to pull off a Hotel & Casino Heist are made available to the crew & the new identities given to the team, such as 'Kai Ritchie' & 'Jennifer Aston' add further to the fact that this movie isn't taking itself too seriously and is happy to rush through the set-up and planning and focus the bulk of the screen time on the actual heist itself.  

What follows is a pretty expected second act.  Standard protocol seen many times in heist movies such as hacking security cameras, recon of facility, embedding aliases & a potential plot twist to seamlessely roll into Act 3 - the finale, but as always - no spoilers!!!

Other than playing Santa Claus in some Capital One Christmas Ads - 2024 & 2025 only saw these two movie releases from Travolta which for me is a real shame as personally, I think he's great.  Don't get me wrong, these are not Oscar Winners by any means but when you look back at some of his more recent credits - let's say to "From Paris with Love" in 2010 (a personal favourite) there is an impressive CV with most of them being highly watchable and entertaining.  Let's just say that the 71yr old Travolta looks great and shows no signs of slowing down just yet.  

Real world Mississippi locations provide a pretty backdrop for the majority of this movie and the Casino scenes (all shot on location) really add to the plot and pace of the film.  

In the end - there is very little not to like.  It's fun - fast paced, doesn't take itself too seriously, has some great locations and the acting isn't too wooden (for most of the cast).  It's a no-brainer that if you want something totally standalone to while away 1.5hrs of your day then this is a winner and although watcing the first film would get you up to speed quicker with the cast and characters, it's not essential.     

The good news - Cash Out 3 is already in post production so it's clear Travolta has bought into a long term franchise here and I'd expect to see most of the cast return again as they have before.

(Images used in blog are sourced from IMDB, Screen Rant, Rotten Tomatoes & Movie Freak)

299, Tinsel Town

I know I said Champagne Problems (Blog 298) would hopefully be my only Christmas movie, which turned out to potentially 'not' be a Chrsitmas movie but fear not, Sky TV's 'Tinsel Town' (which is actually a fantastic play on works for this film) definately IS a Christmas Movie - and one that boasts a pretty incredible cast.

Kiefer Sutherland heads up a very random collection of stars in this story that see's an expiring Hollywood Action Superstar, struggling to remain relevant in his version of Tinsel Town, get hoodwinked by his Agent (Katherine Ryan) into what he is led to believe is 'Theatre in England', but as you can probably work out, turns out to be a Panto stint as Cinderella's 'Buttons' in a very low budget rural production set in the fictional village of Stoneford.  

Ego's obviously kick-in early doors with reluctance and annoyance to participate from our lead Bradey Mack (Sutherland) but persuaded over the course of the first half of the movie by Dance Instructor Jill (Rebel Wilson), aged ex-panto Dame and pure thespian Albert (Derek Jacobi) and his estranged daughter, plus the rest of the Panto ensemble, starts to understand the magic of Christmas, Panto and the joy it brings.

The plot is understandably predictable with Mack very quickly signing onto the situation he finds himself in, learning to poke fun at himself and managing to sort out his personal life at the same time which is quite an impressive turnaround from the stuck-up egotistical A-lister he started out being in the space of just 94 minutes.

What made this movie a winner for me was the cast.  I feel all the main players need a mention.  Kiefer and Rebel head up the cast pretty well, a little wooden in places but very watchable.  Brit comedians Jason Manford & Asim Chaudhry work perfectly together as the Panto Dame 'Ugly Sisters' with all the inuendos and double entendres you'd expect (and, if the TV work runds dry guys, you could easily consider this as a genuine annual option for you both!).  Other notables in the Panto line up comprise of Meera Syal, Lucien Laviscount, Savannah Lee Smith and a host of others, each having their own little side stories.  

Danny Dyer rocks up as Jill's ex-love interst in what is really the only 'bad-guy' role but his nature is quickly softened and Derek Jacobi puts on a brilliant performance as the aforementioned ex-Dame and local village 'Mr Nice Guy'.  The stand out for me was Nigel (Mawan Rizwaan) who dips in and out of most scenes as a 'jack of all trades', from Chauffer to Barman & Stall Holder to Panto cast member for me, was very enjoyable to watch.

Yes, there are some points where you wouldn't be a-miss for thinking you were watching a Taskmaster Christmas Reunion show but, there are many laugh out loud moments throughout and you do get a real feeling of warmth in the plots and sub-plots scattered throughout the movie.

We all know a good Chrstmas movie can be around for a lifetime, the same as Pop Stars releasing Christmas albums - get one thats sticks, and you're forever a part of Christmas (plus regular ker-ching!) which is probably why so many stars sign up for movies like this, just take Love Actually! That cast is forever engrainded in our Christmases for many decades to come.  

I can't honestly say if Tinsel Town will hold the same longevitiy as that - but grab the kids, some popcorn, put the fire on and kick back for what is actually a pretty decent little offering this festive season.

(Images used in blog are sourced from IMDB, Sky Group, The Independent & Radio Times)

298, Champagne Problems

Firstly - don't panic - I've not written a blog about a Taylor Swift song!

Champagne Problems (available on Netflix) is the first (and possibly the last) of the 2025 Christmas Movie Blogs, and the good bit is, it's not actually a proper Christmas movie.

Okay - it's 'set' at Christmas in Paris and the stunning Champagne region, it's slushy and romantic, the plot is super easy to work out and the cast is gorgeous.  To be honest, there is nothing really bad to say about it!  So perhaps it really is a Christmas Movie!

In brief - our loveable lead (Sydney - played by Minka Kelly / Ransom Canyon) is tasked by her boss to head over to Paris, at Christmas to buy-out a failing Vinyard.  She meets a guy on her first night there, kind of falls in love, is late for her meeting the next day - turns up, faced with a room full of other investors all after the same thing and would you believe it! Guess who turns up as the Son of the Vineyard owner.  (Don't worry - not really a spoiler - its very predictable!) 

Next stop - they all get whisked away for a weekend at the Vineyard in Champagne, to get to learn about the business, the owner - and all basically just have a lovely time so he can make up his mind who he wants to sell too.

What made this move for me is the characters.  There really is no one to dislike.  Sydney (Minka) is just adorable, the love interest (Henri) is suarve and friendly - his Dad (Hugo) is just the nicest man on the planet and then there are the other bidders.  Roberto, the Gay Billionaire who just wants to party.  Otto, the up-tight German who is all about efficieny (stereo-typed to the max!) and Brigitte, the local French woman who has a history with the widowed Vineyard owner.  Even if they tried to make you dislike any of them, you just can't.  

The script joyfully skips along at quite a decent pace & the surroundings / settings are stunning, albeit the scene set within the Parisian Christmas Markets (I hear on good authority) is never that calm and friendly! 

Does it peak at any point?  Is there the build up to the high, followed by the low, and then the happy ending moment - of course there is, but it's done is such a way that you dont care if you know how it's all going to end within the first 10 minutes, it's actually a lovely little watch.

Will it make you feel Christmassy?  Possibly, but it WILL make you wish you were in Paris for Christmas and if you're like us, 40 minutes into the movie we were goolging 'Vineyard get-aways in Champagne' for the new year (mostly unnafordable of course) but we can only dream.

It won't go down as a Christmas Classic and I'll probably read over this blog again in a few years time wondering what the hell this movie was all about, as there are dozens with the same sort of premise but for the here and now, make sure you add this one to your Christmas 2025 viewing.  If anything, it'll make a nice change to Elf and The Holiday I'm sure! 

(Images used in blog are sourced from IMDB, The guardian, Parade, Radio times & US Weekly)

297, Frankenstein

 

A new offering from Netflix this month is Guillermo del Toro's re-imagining of Frankenstein, taken as always from the 1818 Mary Shelley Novel.

I have to admit, of the 60+ movie adaptations of this book (so far), I dont recall ever actually watching one in full! (or even reading the book!).  The classic 1931 version is deemed the most iconic, characterising the 'creature' with the high forehead & bolts in the neck and there have been dozens more versions in between that and this most recent offering, but I am not really in the best position to compare this to either these prior movies or the novel itself however, it appears del Toro's version is being priased for not only being "faithfull to the original text" but also hailed as "a great and powerfull modern re-telling".

Our story starts as many do now,  at the end - with the first half of the film narrated retrospectively by Victor Frankenstein himself, being chased across the NorthPole by his creation, only to be saved by a Navy Sea Captain who with his crew, set out to protect Victor from his hunter and it's to this Captain that Victor re-tells his tale.  Oscar Isaac portays the inventor and does a pretty good job.  Erratic, funny in parts, obsessive and single minded, we flash back to memories of childhood and his doting mother and overbearing father (played by Charles Dance) who, as a world leading Surgeon, is intent on ensuring his eldest son follow in his footsteps, which to all intents and purposes Victor does, only to be consumed with the objective of re-creating life which lays out our plan for the remainder of this first act.

The creating of the creature itself for me, was probably the highlight of the movie.  Victor meets Harlander (played by Christoph Waltz) who, with an ulterior motive, after seeing Victors presentation of his early works on re-invention offers unlimited funds to support his project.  They aquire a desolate tower in the middle of nowhere and set about creating the laboratory in which our tale begins.  

The lab itself was more reminiscent to Jim Carey's 'Riddlers' lair in Batman Forever and the horrific process, graphically portratyed by del Toro with the chopping up and splicing together of body parts was gruesome, but somehow, being set to a very uplfting and cheerfull soundtrack suddenly made it all enjoyable and fun - removing the viewer from the actual horrors of what was happening before your very eyes.     

Now, I can only assume that as in the original novel, Frankenstein becomes frustratred with his creation - deeming it a failed experiment and nothing like what he imagined so sets out to destroy the creature, with disasterous consequences.

There are many other elements I've purposely missed at this point.  A yonger brother and his fiance* that causes distuption for Victor - Harlanders ulterior motive, Victors own struggles and how that plays out but, all in all - Act 1 is great fun.

Back on the Navy Ship and after Victor finishes his story to the Naval Sea Captain, we switch to the 2nd part of the movie and we actually get to hear the Creatures side of things.  His portrayal of events that has led him to the North Pole and to hunting down his creator.

For a 'Frankensteins Monster', forget the bolts and high forehead, the slow marching, arms out in front and constant moaning.  This creature is actually quite a handome chap.  Played by Jacob Elordi, I kept getting flashbacks to a less 'shiny' version of Paul Bettany's Vision / J.A.R.V.I.S (Marvel) with the two tone skin colouring and smooth head (with hair that grew over time).  The Creature is somewhat a caring soul - dangerous, strong and deadly yes, but childlike and wanting to experience new things - none of which is seen by Victor (or seen but ignored) but only understood by Elizabeth* - the aforementioned fiance of the younger brother.

After managing to escape Victors first attempt at destruction, the Creature sets out on his own adventure, seeking hidden refuge with a family of hunters and learing how to speak and understand reality from an old blind man played by David Bradley (Filch from the Harry Potter movies) who takes pity on our anti-hero and in the absence of his own family, spurs the creature on to seek out his creator and set the record straight.  

As with Victors story, I've purposely left out some key points of act 2 but one to highlight is the brutal nature of the Creature lending itself to a fantastic wolf fight.  Again, hide your eyes if you're more the squemish type, but once all is said and done we end up back at the North Pole, on the Naval ship, with Inventor and Creator reunited and Victor finally getting to understand what he has created.

Overall I really enjoyed this one.  At nearly 2.5hrs long it didn't really seem to drag at any point.  The story itself  I found fast paced and they manage to cram an awful lot ino this movie.  The Cinematography and acting was fantastic, a little campy in parts - but aren't all monster movies?  

The scenery is breathtaking - beautiful surrounding from high luxury stately homes to desolate northern wastelands and great but subtle special effects.  Let's just say, the CGI used on some of the wild animals would feel just as easily at home in the new Snow White movie than it does in this.

If like me you think know all about Frankenstein but only through what you've heard or believe to be accurate - give ths one a go.  If you have seen other variations, namely the Kenneth Branagh outing from 94' then definately check this one out as it should make a good comparison.

Scary? Not really.  Brutal? Occasionally. Future Classic? Probably not - but, this movie should stand up strong against prior versions and I can now say, pretty confidently - ask me about Frankenstein and his Creature, and I can tel you what it's all about!.

(Images used in blog are sourced from IMDB, Empire Magazine, House & Garden, Broadway Cinema, & The Shaving Room)

 

296, Hedda

Hedda is a current Amazon Prime release that follows a single evening in the company of Mr & Mrs Tesman, predominantly Hedda - the wife to George Tesman who, besotted with his wife, has recently purchased a significant sized estate to afford her the life of luxury and ceremony that she desires.

The evening focusses on a party, thrown at Hedda's request, that sees prominent figures from literature and education thrown together with friends from Hedda's past in a hedonistic, boozy & egotistical evening of pleasure and betrayal.

Hedda's past life is a mixed bag of socialite dating, power grabbing, bullying and a sense of self importance - most of which appear to be very much unknown to Hedda's rather naive husband and it becomes clear very early on that the house, the lifestyle and the promises afforded to Hedda all focus on a promotion at work for George, that comes under threat when the arrival of Eileen Lovborg sends the party into a spiral.  Armed with a new manuscript in-hand, something she believes is a sure-fire way of her securing the job instead, initially believed to be a 'given' for George - the environment intensifies and Hedda start to manipulate the situation, guests and the activities to play out to her benefit.

Originally a play - the single setting of the house and party give itself easily to a stage production.  I couldn't help getting Gatsby vibes when watching this, albeit Hedda is set around 30 years later but for me there were many comparisons, especially the party itself - the setting, the grounds, the clothes and the frivolity - to me, all very similar.

Being a character driven screenplay I would admit there appears to be very little in the sense of a plot line.  The real funs starts when Eileen arrives - and the backstory between her and Hedda soon becomes apparent, as does Hedda's past life and how she ended up where she is, much to everyones surprise as this was not the life some believed she should have.  

Eileen (played brilliantly by Nina Hoss - who I have only seen in Jack Ryan, 2022) is definitely the star of the show for me.  Hiding a dark past herself which does get some explanation,  the relationship with Hedda comes from a seemingly dark place,  either through abuse of power or position - even perhaps adoration or obsession we only get the headlines but this becomes the focus of the story and one that plays out to its conclusion.

Some may find this movie isn't their cup of tea - would it have been better on the stage? Well, perhaps.  I however did enjoy it.  It's all about the characters and their ulterior motives that captured my interest - the power play between George and Hedda, the involvement of Eileen and Thea (Eileen's +1 to the party) along with yet another side interest of Hedda's - Roland and the many other guests that all seem apparent to the continuation of the story as we make our way through the night, only to end up the following morning with a police investigation and some questions to be answered.

The whole film is set to an over indulgent soundtrack - fast paced percussion pretty much throughout and songs from the time - I was confused about the addition of Bjork's "It's Oh So Quiet" but found out (after googling) that it was actually a cover of an original 50's track that now all makes sense!  I do think the music was heavy & defiantly being used to build tension and atmosphere but it worked very well in parts and did add another level to a plot so heavily focussed on the spoken word.

How does it end?  Well, that's for you to find out yourselves - historically this blog won't ever really give the game away but If you liked Gatsby, if Theatre screenplays are your thing - if you like a story that includes intrigue and deceit then this may be a hidden gem you'll thank me for.  If these are not you're your thing - don't blame me - you were warned! 

(Images used in blog are sourced from IMDB, BBC, Vanity Fair, The Guardian & Rotten Tomatoes)

295, A House of Dynamite

Well, if you all thought my comeback post, 'Trainspotting 2' (Blog #294) in 2017 was a welcome return to the blog, only to be dissapointed with a 'one off' submission following a 3yrs gap then rest assured, I'm re-vitalised, re-married, re-invigorated and the blog is back!

In a world that's 11yrs older than it was last time out (ignore the T2 post!) so much has changed! 

Is the written a blog a thing of the past?  Do I have it in me to re-launch onto Tik-Tok or result to viral streaming to visualise my ramblings - or are there enough of you out there still interested in the typed script, well, we will see!

The Blog will now take a new turn - with the successes of Netflix, Paramount+, Apple TV, Disney +, Amazon Prime plus much better terrestial T.v offerings outside of 'soap world', you don't need to go to the Cinema four times a week to keep up with all the new releases.  There is so much Blockbuster action now focussing itself into streaming services and big named stars appearing in TV shows that I am hoping to blog more about the everyday accessible viewing, not just the cinema realeases that are very much (for me), few and far between compared to the beginnings of this blog and hopefully - everyone will be happy!

Where to start!

Box sets have exploded - the 'binge' TV show is a current normality for most and my household is no different - saving up espisodes to smash out over a week or weekend.  The culture of 'everything everywhere all at once' (see what I did there?) has gripped us all so although this blog is a return to publication (and don't worry - there is a movie I have in mind to kick things off) - let's not forget some of the awesome stuff I've missed out on talking about over the last few years.  If you have ever read my blog and used it to decide what to watch - then below is especially for you!

Netflix:

Territory, The Diplomat, Lincoln Lawyer, Gangs of London, Black Doves, American Primevil, The Night Agent, Riviera, House of Guiness.

Disney+

Rivals, Skeleton Crew, Dr Odessey

Sky

Industry, The Penguin, The Day of the Jackal, Sweet-Pea, Dune Prophecy, Seal Team, SWAT

Apple TV

Disclaimer, Your Friends and Neighbours, Slow Horses, Highest to Lowest, The Morning Show

Paramount+ (Or, the Taylor Sheridan channel!)

Lioness,  Yellowstone (plus all prequals), Landman, The Agency, Mobland, Tulsa King

Amazon Prime 

The Better Sister, Lie to Me, Ballard, Suga, The Termination List: Dark Wolf, Marching Powder, Handmaids Tale, Cross 

(and many more I have probably missed - so just a few thousand of viewing there to crack on with - all recommended!)

............ and don't even ask me to list the hundreds of movies I've seen inbetween all of that!  Just imagine if I had stuck with it across the last 11 years, - I'd be well on my way to over 1000 posts.  

That's 2017 to 2025 all caught up - on with the Blog.

A House of Dynamite on Netflix starts out as a gripping thriller - set 18 minutes from potential USA devestation, you get to see the launch of an undisclosed foreign power nuclear weapon making a beeline for central USA and our story focusses on key areas of American Government, Defense and Public Opinion that has you gripped to your cushion and sitting on the edge of your seat for the first 40 minutes.  

The cast is phenominal - Rebecca Ferguson, Idris Elba, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Jason Clarke - the list goes on.  Netflix can command this sort of cast & this size of budget and they rarely dissapoint so by the time the movie gets to around 37 minutes - I am as excited as a puppy with 2 tail's and then.....................reset.

Yes! just like that - seconds from devestation we get a rewind and Act 2 begins.  Basically, a repeat of Act 1 but from another perspective.  

Okay - breathe, they are building anticipation - no need to panic.  

But alas, Act 2 lacts the conviction of Act 1.  Is this because we now know whats happening - so nothing is a surprise?  Perhaps the Director (Kathryn Bigalow - Hurt Locker, Zero-Dark-Thirty) wanted a soft reset, to allow the chance for that anticipation to build once more - high following high? and just as you get there again, ACT 3!  another reset - come on!

The movie has been out a few weeks now so assuming some of you have already seen it, I dont want to spoil the ending for the rest - but for those who have seen it, I'm sure they would agree with me that we should spoil it for you!  If anything to save you from a complete dissapointment at the end and save you all the 112 minutes of your life you'd waste if you do watch all of this movie.

I read that the idea was to prompt a conversation - what would you do in this situation but in reality, we all like a conclusion to our movies or shows!  I remember 'Lost' - did they ever really explain it (I never got to the end) so to commit to the promise of this film - the cast, the director - the expectation.  I have to say, it sadly wasn't really for me.

That said - DO watch the first 40 minutes as a 'TV episode' and you get all you need - excitement, anticipation - and if I remember, you get to play "Guess the President" (as you only hear his voice in Act 1) 

Well - that's Post 295 done and dusted.  I hope my loyals will come back to me (I think we got over 20,000 at it's peak) which I know is nothing compared to the dizzy heights of streamers nowadays but I'm back in my happy place, and I look forward to you all sharing the ride with me.    

294, T2 Trainspotting

After a 3 year break its time to re-launch the blog and what better way than going full circle to one of the movies that first made me really appreciate cinema as a medium of story telling unlike no other and T2 completely solidifies my love for the art.

T2 takes place 20 years after the original movie ended and before the full opening credits you get a quick run down of events for Renton, Sick-Boy, Begbie and Spud all following immediately on from Renton's betrayal with the £20k he stole after the drug deal that ended the first movie.

No spoilers from me on this bit but its good to see how each have dealt with the fallout of that night.

Its hard to not speak highly of the way the 2nd movie seemingly brings the audience straight back into the fray and even if you haven't seen Trainspotting for 20 years - the way the movies connect make it easy to recall events and well placed flashbacks further assist in remembering the story links for each character as you literally re-live the original movie step by step. You HAVE to watch the original to fully enjoy T2 - so much of the nostalgia will be lost if you go into this cold and seeing as C4 / Film4 have been playing it quite regularly right no - there's no excuse.

Having watched all of the lead cast mature in different roles over the years it was amazing how easily they all fell back into character.  McGregor was immediately Renton all over again - the accents (not too hard I suppose) but the look, the clothing - very much a mirror image of his younger self however for me, having watched Elementary for a few years - seeing Johnny Lee-Miller revert  back into Simon with the hair - the accent - the general charismatic approach (even with James Bond references still present) was brilliant.

One of my favourite scenes was the pair of them having a boozy time reminiscing about the 90's - all to the total confusion of Sick-Boys 'friend' Veronica who just laughs along at the boyish charm and bromance being rediscovered by the long time friends after such a long break.

There are a lot of references that go back even further than the original - you hear how Renton and Begbie met, how Sick-Boy and Renton saved up for their first hit and how other characters not in the main group have also developed such as Mikey Forrester, Diane and Renton's Dad.

For me, it was all about the history - there is a great scene where (old) Spud finds himself back on the road from the original opening titles (the chase where Renton hits the car and laughs) and has a moment of reminisce as a very subtle, slowed down version of 'Lust for Life' kicks in - albeit cut short but for the real nostalgia you have to wait until the very last scene!

This was a beautiful movie - one filled with flashbacks and in my mind, every single story line opened in the original gets complete closure which is totally satisfying and as a duo of films, these two compliment each other like salt and pepper.  I couldn't think of a better way to close a 20 year story who, for a 20 year old at the time - and a 40 year old now, completely appreciate as not only a change in the times but also as a tale of maturity. It was my coming of age movie, one that I connected with and to see it finally finished was awesome.

293, Thor: The Dark World

For those of you who haven't kept up with the with the recent spat of Avengers, Iron Man, Thor movies and feel you need to get back in the loop, Thor 2 takes place chronologically after the Avengers movie - albeit 1 to 2 years later.

I too was wondering why after such a gap our blond hero didn't even bother letting his earth girlfriend know he was back in town, leaving local news bulletins to break it too her but luckily they were quickly answered with a slap to the face within the first 10 minutes of meeting up and a very speedy "you're forgiven" but I suppose the lure of a handsome God knocking on your door is enough not to warrant breaking up over!

Well, there is no doubt that Thor is back with a bang and offering his girlfriend a free trip to Asgard I'm sure was a highpoint in any love stricken woman so when she is possessed and a new (albeit ancient) enemy of Dark Elves rise up against humanity and threaten existence, Thor has to once more bring the Thunder as he did in Avengers to defeat evil once and for all.

Obviously this blog is coming out quite a while after Thor 2 hit the cinemas back in October (but even the best of us need a break!) and in all honesty - the entire plot line is now a bleary pre-Xmas blur however I do recall London getting mostly annihilated, Christopher Ecclestone playing a blinder as Dark Elf Malekith and Tom Hiddleston reprising his fallen Loki role, this time - forced into helping those he previously tried to destroy all for the greater good - enemy of my enemy is my friend and all that.

I am confident that the visual spectacle of Thor 2 will amuse the most hardcore Marvel fan base as and with most of the characters and relationships already in place - it doesn't take too long for familiar faces to reignite on the big screen.

As a Marvel fan myself I wont ever slam a Stan Lee inspired movie and seeing that most of my Christmas Stocking comprised of Marvel goodies - who am I to judge?

Oscar winner it isn't - but its damn good fun regardless!

292, Ender's Game

This is another of the movies that crept up silently, without a single trailer or clue what it was about before I came to watch it.  I literally knew that Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley headed up a pretty slick cast list about a space age generation, locked in battle with an alien race.

After coming close to extension - the bravely on one warrior, Mazer Rackham (Kingsley) gave his life to save the human race.  50 years on - and expecting a retaliation attack, Colonel Graff (Ford) is heading up an elite force of teenage warriors - leading the way with game strategy and computer based warfare intelligence to create a 'remote controlled' army - set to destroy the enemy race - The Formecs.

Don't get me wrong - its not all kids in-front of TV screens - there is some actual training and one-on- one combat between the trainee troops but its the skills of youngster Ender Wiggin, played by Asa Butterfield that catches the Colonel's eye and Ender is quickly promoted through the ranks to officer training and with his own battalion of like minded youths.

 The final training scenario sees a now hardened and strategically advanced Ender take on Bonzo - leader of the Salamanders and as such - promoted to lead (albeit remotely) the potential attack on the Formecs.

I wont go into to many details about the end of the movie as there's a cheeky twist that see's Ender and his troops come to realise exactly the situation he's advanced himself to with devastating effects however on the whole, this was a new twist on an old story and one that was well acted and well received.


Ford & Kingsley head up the cast in roles that I wouldn't have guessed either would be interested in.  Maybe Ford is getting used to begin back in space ahead of his (rumoured) Star Wars return in Episode VII, due 2015. 

The special effects were standard to any other space / alien movie but you have to award this one to the kids, with the exception of Bonzo, who just sadly came across as annoying.  Ender, Petra, Bean & Alai all seemed to revel in their roles and under the leadership of Ford and Kingsley made this movie a nice little surprise that was a definite one to watch on the run into the Christmas blockbuster season.