The fourth month. INDEX
01. Dead Leaves (01.04.17)
Insanity. Pure and distilled into a cocktail of crazy. Very cool aesthetic and editing a bit over the top at times (but then it is a film about being OTT) There was more story than I expected and it fitted in well. It's about what I expected from the directer of FLCL and TTGL.
02. MST3K - Space Travelers (02.04.17)
A film that makes a very cool thing damn boring. It takes a good bit of skill to make a slow and inept film. But at least the commentary had some fun moments. Picking these out at random is a good idea but I think I will ration to no more than one a week.
03. Alien (03.04.17)
"This is Ripley, last survivor of the Nostromo signing off." Any better last line of a film than that. Heck is the any part of this film that isn't one of the best parts of any film? One of the great films.
04. MST3K - The Final Sacrifice (05.04.17)
Ok I lied, but to be fair this one was recommanded to me today. The film this time was not too bad, it tried too hard in the first act but it was a ok B movie. The commentary was awesome, all the down time gave the guys a change to go wild, and they landed every joke.
05. Soylent Green (07.04.17)
Wow. Its a great film, from the world and its logic to the acting its all great. Then starting with one of the best scenes I have seen it goes into over drive and delivers huge punches one after the other. The whole thing works so well. but the euthanasia part is some of the best film ever.
06. Aliens (08.04.17)
Maintaining its roots but expanding in ways that make the world and plot feel right. My only complaint is one that can be leveled at many films and comes from my understanding of military ways but I found the marines to be annoying in many ways. It doesn't bring the films quality down as it work in its way but one thing I find hard to ignore. A bloody great film, shame about the rest.
07. Doodle Bug [Short] (09.04.17)
An early work by Christopher Nolan. Shot using old stock but with some very modern camera work. The performance is good and the double twist ending is nice. A cool little little short that crams a tone of shots in.
08. Watership Down (09.04.17)
A film from my childhood, not one I was ever scared of. I found the into fascinating and Fiver to be compelling. It is a great film a bit strangely paced in the middle but it is one of the best films of its type. I should give the book a go some time.
09. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (10.04.17)
Also know by; Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below or Journey to Agartha. Directed by Makoto Shinkai and so I don't need to say it looked stunning. The were three very distinct parts (not acts) and together they make for a strange whole. It has some interesting moments and a solid enough story but could have done with a little fleshing out. But the feel of the film is its biggest selling point. I could get lost in its worlds. Only one Shinkai film left.Your Name, I can't wait.
10. The External World [Shortish] (14.04.17)
Directed by David O'Reilly who I found through is games and not a game game Mountain. This is fantastic, irreverent, thoughtful and funny. The style is all over and the whiplash you get from one part to the next is great. The is so much crammed in and it looks and sounds great.
11. Please Say Something [Short] (15.04.17)
Another by David O'Reilly. Life is a bit of a mess and if you try and think through all of the outcomes you will break down. If there are any issues say something. Such a powerful film.
12. Spelunky - Noclip Documentary (16.04.17)
I have thought hard about where to classify these as films. They are made for youtube but are of high quality and reach good lengths. Since they don't get squirted out I give my thoughts on them. Not a game I have pal ye much but one I have heard tonnes about and find the ins and outs fascinating. A very relaxed doc and some very interesting story's.
13. Alien³ (17.04.17)
As good as the first two! Well I watched the Assembly cut and this version is very good. Only two complaints, the cgi is bad. Very bad. The film is too long it could have worked without the alien getting out again and the last chases is horrible. The are some outstanding moments and shots, the cinematography and direction is top notch. Not a bad film at all which is a surprise after the botching of the first version.
14. The Great Dictator (19.04.17)
Charlie Chaplin had a wonderful voice. The big draw to this film is the final speech the contents and how they are delivered with meaning and passion. 1940 what a time to be alive a time that needed this film as do we now. Such a great film powerful in meaning and it is look at the world. Oh and it's damn funny.
15. MST3K - Manos the Had of Fate (21.04.17)
Wow such utter tripe. A film so inept it I'm surprised it got a release. The trio are on top form and they needed to be with the film being boring on top of just plain bad. I think I will have to try one of the new episodes next.
16. Alien Resurrection (22.04.17)
This could have been good, which is not to say it is bad but it cant stack up against the other films. The only character that seem a little human is the android all of the other are far too one dimensional to the point they are distracting. All flavours of personality are on show and they all clash. The are some interesting ideas at work by what they choose to show us was strange and not nearly enough. I could have put up with this being a dumb action film but instead it's a film that had no identity.
17. The Shining (23.04.17)
Just what do I make of this? It is well put together and Kubrick works the camera masterfully. The acting set design and building mess makes it a great film. The are parts of the story that don't click for me, they work plot wise but as a story I didn't connect at all. Strange I can see is is fantastic and I enjoyed watching it. It is like finding a fault in a Persian rug.
18. Control Bear [Short] (30.04.17)
Here is a strange one. It is very well made but by one of the Ghibli veterans the is no surprise. The short show so much wonder is a small space and the film floats through its story carefully and with charm. Here is the kicker it is a ad for a teddy bear shop in Japan. Strange...
A good and strong month. Best would have to be Alien with The great Dictator a very close second. The was not a dud this month even Alien Res was ok. I have some good stuff lined up over the next few weeks as well and not long until Your Name comes out. Onto May.
Saturday, 1 April 2017
Friday, 3 March 2017
2017 Film log [March]
Lets keep going. Link to the INDEX!
01. The Blues Brothers (03.03.17)
Fantastic. I first saw this film in my early teens and found it fascinating. I got a lot more out of it this time around. Great music and choreography.
02. Zodiac (05.03.17)
Not quite what I expected. The film felt a lot shorted than it is and thinking back not much happened but it was all very well acted and shot. I can see why it's a classic. A very interesting topic and one I think I will look into furtherer.
03. The Man Who Stole Dreams [Short] (06.03.17)
A film that would have given me nightmares had I seen it as a child. Some very interesting artwork and very trippy. The story while simple works as a way to show the animation and crazy content. Very of its time.
04. Gauche the Cellist (12.03.17)
A exquisite early work (1982) by Isao Takahata who went on to do Grave of the Firefly's for Studio Ghibli. He is fantastic at stylish water colours and animal emotions. I loved this film from top to bottom, the art the story and the music! The sound design and score is great and it work well with the art to make a work of art.
05. MST3K - Squirm (22.03.17)
The best way to watch a bad film is to rip it to shreds. With MST3000 the commentary is there for you. This is the first time I have seen a 'episode' of MST3K and its a very cool concept but the skits are a bit much. As for squirm it takes the make a mundane thing scary and fails in every way. I must track down more of this.
06. Luxo Jr [Short] (25.03.17)
I Watched this to death when I was little. I saw it for the first time in over 10 years today and wow it is close to being a perfect short film. It hits all the pillars of a comedy film and it's caricaturization are fantastic. But the thing that amazed me the most was the quality of animation for 1986.
07. Bayonetta: Bloody Fate (27.03.17)
How to not make a good adaptation. From a in your face crazy action game to a dumb lazily animated film. It his all of the wrong notes from exposition to boring direction and the biggest crime bad action. A waste of time.
08. Ocean Waves (29.03.17)
The forgotten Ghibli? Made for tv its not often remembered as a Ghibli classic, the style and subject is also different from what people expect from the studio. For a short is film it fits in a tone of caricaturization and plot. The structure is kind of non liner but it works well and i like a film where the charterers have interesting flaws. A nice slice of life tale.
A truly hectic month I watch about 50% less than I wanted to but between; Rugby, Football, illness, Iron Fist and other commitments I've had a very lax month. Best? Gauche The Cellist.
Lets try and break ten in April shall we.
01. The Blues Brothers (03.03.17)
Fantastic. I first saw this film in my early teens and found it fascinating. I got a lot more out of it this time around. Great music and choreography.
02. Zodiac (05.03.17)
Not quite what I expected. The film felt a lot shorted than it is and thinking back not much happened but it was all very well acted and shot. I can see why it's a classic. A very interesting topic and one I think I will look into furtherer.
03. The Man Who Stole Dreams [Short] (06.03.17)
A film that would have given me nightmares had I seen it as a child. Some very interesting artwork and very trippy. The story while simple works as a way to show the animation and crazy content. Very of its time.
04. Gauche the Cellist (12.03.17)
A exquisite early work (1982) by Isao Takahata who went on to do Grave of the Firefly's for Studio Ghibli. He is fantastic at stylish water colours and animal emotions. I loved this film from top to bottom, the art the story and the music! The sound design and score is great and it work well with the art to make a work of art.
05. MST3K - Squirm (22.03.17)
The best way to watch a bad film is to rip it to shreds. With MST3000 the commentary is there for you. This is the first time I have seen a 'episode' of MST3K and its a very cool concept but the skits are a bit much. As for squirm it takes the make a mundane thing scary and fails in every way. I must track down more of this.
06. Luxo Jr [Short] (25.03.17)
I Watched this to death when I was little. I saw it for the first time in over 10 years today and wow it is close to being a perfect short film. It hits all the pillars of a comedy film and it's caricaturization are fantastic. But the thing that amazed me the most was the quality of animation for 1986.
07. Bayonetta: Bloody Fate (27.03.17)
How to not make a good adaptation. From a in your face crazy action game to a dumb lazily animated film. It his all of the wrong notes from exposition to boring direction and the biggest crime bad action. A waste of time.
08. Ocean Waves (29.03.17)
The forgotten Ghibli? Made for tv its not often remembered as a Ghibli classic, the style and subject is also different from what people expect from the studio. For a short is film it fits in a tone of caricaturization and plot. The structure is kind of non liner but it works well and i like a film where the charterers have interesting flaws. A nice slice of life tale.
A truly hectic month I watch about 50% less than I wanted to but between; Rugby, Football, illness, Iron Fist and other commitments I've had a very lax month. Best? Gauche The Cellist.
Lets try and break ten in April shall we.
Friday, 3 February 2017
2017 Film log [February]
Into Feb. Here is the 2017 INDEX
01. Shaun Of the Dead (04.02.17)
Awesome film! Its a complete package, funny and well made. The camera work is inspired at times and makes the jokes fall better. I must watch more Pegg films.
02. Hot Fuzz (05.02.17)
Same as yesterday the acting and direction were brilliant. I love how the is no wasted space, everything is a integral part to the film. The plotting is so well done and its very funny to boot. A fantastic film.
03. The Worlds End (06.02.17)
The last flavour of Cornetto. The action choreography is fantastic and the camera work wile still smooth shows it off better. The plot is more straightforward but it all works well. This odd trilogy is a a perfect fit in theme and in what they explore. As before its neigh on perfect. They are all fantastic films.
04. LEGO The White Room [Short] (08.02.17)
A nice short created using lego in stop motion. I liked the experimental nature of the short but the needed to be something more to it, a cohesion between the two parts and better music cutting. Other than that it's a great little film and well executed.
05. The LEGO Movie (10.02.17)
Been meaning to watch this for a while. It is fantastic. I like how they pulled so much together and made a well fitting and coherent story. The animation and voice work is great. It is all around a great film.
06. Blue Ruin (11.02.17)
A strange film, I can't pin it down at all. The protagonist was hard to understand and his actions were odd. It well acted and shot but the nature of the film is very restrained and at odds with a typical revenge thriller. I like how it doesn't tell us too much and the minimal dialogue is nice but I needed a bit more. Good film overall.
07. Blazing Saddles (13.02.17)
Such a funny and different film. I lost count at how many fourth wall they broke and the end was truly phenomenal. It's starts a bit uncomfortable to watch with all the racism flying around but how the film deals with it works well. A true great.
08. Inside Out (15.02.17)
I haven't seen a bad Pixar film yet, and this one could be one of the best. The plotting and emotion are second to none, how it all cycles around the main concept is inspired. All the voice work is great and the film looks stunning. For a film about emotions it sure did bring some out in me.
09. Lupin III The Castle of Cagliostro (20.02.17)
Well that a was a tonne of fun. The earliest Hayao Miyazaki film I have seen and you can see what he brings to the Lupin style. I like the general disregard for physics in this type of animation, it feels a lot more western but that was the style back in the late 70s and the setting showed it off well. Funny and compelling, a great little film.
10. The Iron Giant (22.02.17)
I needed this film. I feel like crap and it was a hour and a half of fun. It is a modern classic.
11. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (24.02.17)
Some films can pull off mixing science with "the power of love" Interstellar dose and this film comes close enough. It's Makoto Shinkai's first feature film and it has all of his trademark looks from the animation style to his love of the stylish lens flare. It is hard to follow as the story is mostly non linear but it weaves some interesting things in with cool world building. Not his best work but the look and feel make it good.
12. Up (25.02.17)
Another Pixar film I hadn't seen. Its funny charming and heart warming, everything I expect from Pixar. I like the use of colour grading throughout the film and how some parts were desaturated but other really popped. A great film top 5 Pixar for sure.
13. A Gathering of Cats [Short] (26.02.17)
A great short by Shinkai. It must be the shorted coherent film I have seen. Simple but the pay-off is great and the animation is awesome.
A great month with the greatest film being?... Most of them. A kop out but such a good month, onto March.
01. Shaun Of the Dead (04.02.17)
Awesome film! Its a complete package, funny and well made. The camera work is inspired at times and makes the jokes fall better. I must watch more Pegg films.
02. Hot Fuzz (05.02.17)
Same as yesterday the acting and direction were brilliant. I love how the is no wasted space, everything is a integral part to the film. The plotting is so well done and its very funny to boot. A fantastic film.
03. The Worlds End (06.02.17)
The last flavour of Cornetto. The action choreography is fantastic and the camera work wile still smooth shows it off better. The plot is more straightforward but it all works well. This odd trilogy is a a perfect fit in theme and in what they explore. As before its neigh on perfect. They are all fantastic films.
04. LEGO The White Room [Short] (08.02.17)
A nice short created using lego in stop motion. I liked the experimental nature of the short but the needed to be something more to it, a cohesion between the two parts and better music cutting. Other than that it's a great little film and well executed.
05. The LEGO Movie (10.02.17)
Been meaning to watch this for a while. It is fantastic. I like how they pulled so much together and made a well fitting and coherent story. The animation and voice work is great. It is all around a great film.
06. Blue Ruin (11.02.17)
A strange film, I can't pin it down at all. The protagonist was hard to understand and his actions were odd. It well acted and shot but the nature of the film is very restrained and at odds with a typical revenge thriller. I like how it doesn't tell us too much and the minimal dialogue is nice but I needed a bit more. Good film overall.
07. Blazing Saddles (13.02.17)
Such a funny and different film. I lost count at how many fourth wall they broke and the end was truly phenomenal. It's starts a bit uncomfortable to watch with all the racism flying around but how the film deals with it works well. A true great.
08. Inside Out (15.02.17)
I haven't seen a bad Pixar film yet, and this one could be one of the best. The plotting and emotion are second to none, how it all cycles around the main concept is inspired. All the voice work is great and the film looks stunning. For a film about emotions it sure did bring some out in me.
09. Lupin III The Castle of Cagliostro (20.02.17)
Well that a was a tonne of fun. The earliest Hayao Miyazaki film I have seen and you can see what he brings to the Lupin style. I like the general disregard for physics in this type of animation, it feels a lot more western but that was the style back in the late 70s and the setting showed it off well. Funny and compelling, a great little film.
10. The Iron Giant (22.02.17)
I needed this film. I feel like crap and it was a hour and a half of fun. It is a modern classic.
11. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (24.02.17)
Some films can pull off mixing science with "the power of love" Interstellar dose and this film comes close enough. It's Makoto Shinkai's first feature film and it has all of his trademark looks from the animation style to his love of the stylish lens flare. It is hard to follow as the story is mostly non linear but it weaves some interesting things in with cool world building. Not his best work but the look and feel make it good.
12. Up (25.02.17)
Another Pixar film I hadn't seen. Its funny charming and heart warming, everything I expect from Pixar. I like the use of colour grading throughout the film and how some parts were desaturated but other really popped. A great film top 5 Pixar for sure.
13. A Gathering of Cats [Short] (26.02.17)
A great short by Shinkai. It must be the shorted coherent film I have seen. Simple but the pay-off is great and the animation is awesome.
A great month with the greatest film being?... Most of them. A kop out but such a good month, onto March.
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
The Internet Works!!!!!!
Its been an interesting few weeks.
Farm Buildings
First and most importantly my home
internet connection and been upgraded, at zero cost. From 0.9Mb/s to
2.9Mb/s and all it took was for BT to look at the wires and go 'hmm
this is strange. It's made of aluminium not copper.' just a simple
update to ancient wires far from my house has made all the difference
in the world.
Its been so strange having consistent
and “fast” internet. I have got a tonne more done and I can watch
video and streams in a good quality. I can't understate how slow it
was before and this three times increase is very welcome.
Country Road
I have been doing ok with my new years
goals. I haven touched an energy drink all year and I have had very
few carbonated soft drinks as well. And when I have its been a nice
treat, going for a good quality one helps, like a nice dandelion and
burdock I had the other day.
While I haven been working out I have
been eating well and I have kept active. The DON'T sticker has been
good as well. Plus I have written about 1000 words of prose over a
few days. It has meant my Mr Holmes review has slid but it is in it
way... Honest.
Judging
Some of today’s pictures are from a
rabbit show I want to at the weekend. Doncaster to be precise, it
been a very long time since I last when to that one. Rabbit showing
have been in my background all my life but my interest has been a bit
back and forth unlike in beekeeping. Though that could be due to my
asthma more than anything.
I must get some of my photo back log up
on Flicker soon. It will be a tonne better now the internet is good.
I want to do better at keeping up with things like this. It's been a
good month so far, I have taken over 500 so far and been out and
about four or five times. I need to get into a better grove, I have
made some dumb mistakes. Time to go back to basics.
Smoke Pearl
Ghost in the Shell is fantastic. I now
have watched everything I can to do with the franchise until the live
action film comes out later this year. I will be seeing that in the
cinema. It's such a well rounded concept and the amount of directions
it had gone is very interesting and makes for some very cool story’s.
The mix of near future sifi and military action with thought pieces
is a can of worms ripe for creative minds.
Speaking of story's... The Parapod is
back and it's still great. How its going to go is anyone’s guess,
but I know it will be a laugh. The matter of conspiracy theories is
interesting but I may get a bit frustrated. But the arguments and
tangents that will come will be hilarious. The is something special
about this show, perhaps it the fact that Barry isn't a character.
(somehow)
January Morning
I've jumped into an old game this week,
Pokemon Sapphire. It's the game I first played when I got back into
the series. I played it well after it originally came out. It hit me
during collage and was what helped to drag me back into the circle as
such. Nice little game but Emerald is the better game. I have played
Emerald much more over the years but I felt like taking a trip
through memory lane.
I have also been keeping up with
Hearthstone and may make my best end of month rank. Updating it on my
table may allow me to play a bit more often and at better times. I
have found myself just ticking over, a game or two a day just for the
quests. I would like to go for a good run while the meta is stable.
Mild Mid Winter
That's all for now. Coming soon is the
Mr Holmes Review and a new 'One Song'. Promise.
Saturday, 7 January 2017
2017 A Plan?
We are now a week into 2017 and
I think I have almost got some kind of a plan, on how to start to
work out what to do this year.
This is going to be one with a bit more
focus for me. I want less stuff to get away from me, the are things I
need to keep on top of. I have got some ideas on how to make a start
and it can be summed up in some short words: HEALTH, PRODUCTIVITY,
DON'T, PLANNING and ME. Each covers a part of what I need to get to
grips with this year. I will try to break each one down into, things
to do. I have one or two things to mention towards the end.
Perched
Health – This comes in two major
parts, My intake and my output. I have made a good enough start at improving
my diet, I have cut out energy drinks totally and have eaten less
snacks and other 'junk' foods. Though I don't look like it, I do have a
need to eat less and eat better. I have coasted on some good general
fitness for a few years, now that I'm in my late 20s it wont be long until
my body starts to rebel. I don't have a full plan yet but I have at
least made a start.
As far as output goes this focus on
exercise. This is a funny one for me, I like to think I get a lot and
in some regards I do, but I don't do much in the way of a diverse range of activity’s.
I could do with taking up a sport or routine but for now I have made
a large focus on walking. I can get from town to home in a good 40
minutes but I need to do more than a core workout. I have some ideas
forming I just need to find a place to do some exercises. I don't
want to join a gym but that could be an answer.
Shadow Arch
This year will bring some other changes
to how I work. I need a new computer. I could perhaps get away with
my laptop for another year but I think it would get less effective
and I would loose my mind. Looking into it I should be able to get
something sorted out by October at the very latest perhaps by July.
I don't want this to be an expensive
year but the are things around me that need sorting, so I have a new
word of the moment. - Don't - If I think about treating myself to that
new game or a DVD or a bag of sweets I think don't. It is a mental
workout not to get a bottle of coke and a
chocolate bar when I am wandering about town. I don't need it and it helps save health and money. It seems to be working so far. The main reason could be because I have decided to put a sticky note in
my wallet and phone case so I see 'DON'T' several times a day.
Holding On
I need to be better at getting things
done. Both for work and for myself. I have utilised my phone better
and synced notes across devices as well and the calendar with I will
use! I have far too often not known when important are due to happen,
I should just be able to glance at my phone and know everything. I
have tried diaries in the past but Google calendar should work out
well.
Also slipping in under productivity is
getting things done, I want to get out (or stay in) and take more
photos. I need to keep my skills up and challenge myself a bit more.
In the same way with my writing, I want to focus on getting more done
both in terms of blogs and prose. I may even take a interesting step
and do some stuff with pen a paper. That could have a nice side
effect of improving my handwriting.
Frozen Mooring
Getting away from goals and such the
are a few things I am looking forward to in the near future. I have
made some headway into getting into classic gaming, I have a tone of
options and I am tempted to make this year a year of old school
gaming. I have played old games on and off over the last few years
but I think I will make a push at it this year. It also has a benefit
of being cheep.
'Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu' was a
anime show from last year that impressed me so much I even did a nice little write up on it. It seems that the show though not very popular
in the west (though the is a vocal cult following) it has a done well
enough to get its second season. So for the next 13 weeks or so the
even more long winded 'Shōwa
Genroku Rakugo Shinjū: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen' (yep it's
spelled different. It
depends on who translated/ romanised
it) is airing. I am very much looking forward to giving this a watch and the first episode is out so I know what I'm doing next.
I
think I may start on a blog review of Mr Holmes today. The more I
think about it the more I want to say. The are a tone of points both
good and bad I want
to mention. I think I will try to get that worked out soon.
Crosses
So
the new year is well under way, I can't wait to see what it has in
store.
Tuesday, 3 January 2017
2017 Film Log [INDEX]
This is the hub for my blog posts about the films I watch this year.
All of the pages are split into months and the are links to any reviews that I have done.
Here is the INDEX or 2016
01. January
02. February
03. March
04. April
05. May
06. June
07. July
08. August
09. September
10. October
11. November
12. December
All of the pages are split into months and the are links to any reviews that I have done.
Here is the INDEX or 2016
01. January
02. February
03. March
04. April
05. May
06. June
07. July
08. August
09. September
10. October
11. November
12. December
Monday, 2 January 2017
2017 Film Log [January]
As with last year I will be keeping a record of all the films I watch this year. Here is the year INDEX
01. Kubo and the Two strings (02.01.17)
A great start to the year. A visually stunning tale, the old heroes quest with a few twists. It gets a bit preachy towards the end but it is a great story. Laika's style is a fantastic fit for a tale in this culture and the art is top notch. The music and direction is stunning, with all voice actors putting in a great performance.
02. Empsillnes [Short] (03.01.17)
No I don't know what that means. Strange that I think this short could have been shorter. Its got some nice sifi elements but the narrative didn't grab me at all. The animation is ok and just on the right side of the uncanny valley. Overall a decent film but nothing to write home about. LINK
03. Mr Holmes (06.01.17)
A lovely look into the future of Sherlock Holmes. He is in his 90s and retired due to his last case. The film ties two sub plots around Sherlock's failing health wonderfully. As you would expect most of the trademarks of a good Holmes story is present and well shown. Ian McKellen was fantastic as a old and past his prime Holmes, the child actor was surprisingly good. The film brings all its parts together well and makes for a great film.
04. Snatch (07.01.17)
A film that oozes style and grime. Funnier than I remembered and very well acted. One of the most quotable films around. I love the semi liner plot and how it all works out towards the end. Not much time is wasted and some of the finer points are great. The music stuck out more this time around and its all great.
05. Robot on the Road [Short] (08.01.17)
Hmmm, where to start with this one... A very dirty robot is hitch-hiking his way from place to place a writing a blog about his 'hosts' behind their backs. It's cool how much emotion they put into the robot compared to the human character. Fun little short with some not notch artwork.
06. Pacific Rim (09.01.17)
This film could have been a trilogy. It is very by the numbers and almost a text book example of 'rule of cool' but it works. It work very well. The issues I have with it could be solved with more time to show the world more. The acting is good for the most part and the direction is great. The effects are ok but it is helped by the darkness of the film. Don't think to much about the physics.
07. Night of the living Dead (11.01.17)
The birth of the modern Zombie. A very bleak film where the humans and more of a danger than the living dead. The direction is good and the sound track is very different. the are some shocking moments and ending is fantastic. Very glad I have gotten around to seeing this classic, onto Romero's other films.
08. Ghost in the Shell - Arise - Ghost Tears (13.01.17)
It's been a while since I watched the previous OVA's but I'm going to work my way through the last four soon. The team is starting to come together more and they are getting their logistics sorted. Its nice to see a long intro into this world I can see how the would would develop into what we see in SAC or the two main films. Nice little story with some terrifying human bombs again. The look is growing on me.
09. Midori (14.01.17)
A very shocking work of horror. Some of the things are very disturbing and the way it is drawn is very unsettling. All of the animation sis by one guy and though very simple at times the are some very awesome moments of sakuga. I wasn't expecting a happy ending but the one I got wasn't that far off. I like how it showed some difficult subjects and the tragedy of Midori, what I life she had.
08. Ghost in the Shell - Arise - Ghost Stands Alone (15.01.17)
Do they? One body with two ghosts, how do the metaphysical self's stay separate. Some interesting moments in this one, back to the good psychological sifi GitS is know for. The is something about the sound of Christmas music mixed with gun fire. It's horrifying but made for a great intro. The fire starter is getting closer, only one OVA and a film left.
09. 10 Cloverfield Lane (18.01.17)
Damn that was good. from the eerie begging to the tense middle and the crazy end. Loved how it all fitted together and everything was important. Brutal at times and very creepy at others but that ending was insane. I like how Michelle was smart and resourceful, not the basic I know a thing that helps but more of a savviness then shines through. Great film.
10. Robocop (20.01.17)
It felt like the right kind of day to watch a dystopian film. It's the first time I have seen it in one sitting, I have seen bit here and there and I know most of the film just through culture. Is a solid film well worth watching.
11. Majora’s Mask - Terrible Fate [Short] (21.01.17)
This is how you make a video game film. In just a few minutes it ranges wide variety of tone and tells a compelling tale. This style of film making would work wonders for a full LoZ film. The animation is fantastic and the sound design is inspired. Only part I'm not sure on is the design of the fairies, they look kind of like they do in the game but that was due to the lack of detail back in 2001.
12.Ghost in the Shell - Arise Movie (22.01.17)
And so ends the Arise version of GitS for now at least. I like how its end screen would fit into the first part of either the original film or the first episode of SAC. I like the take on cyborg mortality with the lack of parts as your body becomes obsolete. A strong film that caps off the Fire Starter case well. I hope the is more GitS to come, its by far one of my favourite franchises.
13. Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (24.01.17)
A very interesting Documentary into the life and work of Bob Ross. I have only seen about ten or so episodes of his show but its fantastic and I've been aware of him by proxy through stuff online. Now it even gets shown on Twitch makes watching it easy and very enjoyable. Its a nice little doc that show all it needs to.
14. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (27.01.17)
Yokohama Shopping Trip, I have been after this for years. I have read the manga two or three times and the world and story is captivating. The gentle and calm apocalypse in which a robot runs a cafe. The feel and tone of the animation is almost enough to put you at ease with the world. I love the art work and how little happens. Less is more.
15. Nineteen Eighty-Four (28.01.17)
A fantastic performance from the great John Hurt who died last night. I have read the book once years ago and was taken aback by how bleak the ending is. Here I have found a small hint at a bright future. This was on my list to watch for ages and I'm glad I did, it's a powerful film.
16. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou - Quiet Country Cafe (29.01.17)
It's kind of sad that this is all of YKK that I can watch, I would love to see a season or two to show just how great the premise is. This came out a few years after the first OVA and the quality is slightly higher but has a more pastel look going for it. I like how we saw two of the iconic side parts to the manga, the plane and the wild girl. I want more.
Best of the month? 10 Cloverfield Lane I think. Strong start to the year and I have a good list going forward.
01. Kubo and the Two strings (02.01.17)
A great start to the year. A visually stunning tale, the old heroes quest with a few twists. It gets a bit preachy towards the end but it is a great story. Laika's style is a fantastic fit for a tale in this culture and the art is top notch. The music and direction is stunning, with all voice actors putting in a great performance.
02. Empsillnes [Short] (03.01.17)
No I don't know what that means. Strange that I think this short could have been shorter. Its got some nice sifi elements but the narrative didn't grab me at all. The animation is ok and just on the right side of the uncanny valley. Overall a decent film but nothing to write home about. LINK
03. Mr Holmes (06.01.17)
A lovely look into the future of Sherlock Holmes. He is in his 90s and retired due to his last case. The film ties two sub plots around Sherlock's failing health wonderfully. As you would expect most of the trademarks of a good Holmes story is present and well shown. Ian McKellen was fantastic as a old and past his prime Holmes, the child actor was surprisingly good. The film brings all its parts together well and makes for a great film.
04. Snatch (07.01.17)
A film that oozes style and grime. Funnier than I remembered and very well acted. One of the most quotable films around. I love the semi liner plot and how it all works out towards the end. Not much time is wasted and some of the finer points are great. The music stuck out more this time around and its all great.
05. Robot on the Road [Short] (08.01.17)
Hmmm, where to start with this one... A very dirty robot is hitch-hiking his way from place to place a writing a blog about his 'hosts' behind their backs. It's cool how much emotion they put into the robot compared to the human character. Fun little short with some not notch artwork.
06. Pacific Rim (09.01.17)
This film could have been a trilogy. It is very by the numbers and almost a text book example of 'rule of cool' but it works. It work very well. The issues I have with it could be solved with more time to show the world more. The acting is good for the most part and the direction is great. The effects are ok but it is helped by the darkness of the film. Don't think to much about the physics.
07. Night of the living Dead (11.01.17)
The birth of the modern Zombie. A very bleak film where the humans and more of a danger than the living dead. The direction is good and the sound track is very different. the are some shocking moments and ending is fantastic. Very glad I have gotten around to seeing this classic, onto Romero's other films.
08. Ghost in the Shell - Arise - Ghost Tears (13.01.17)
It's been a while since I watched the previous OVA's but I'm going to work my way through the last four soon. The team is starting to come together more and they are getting their logistics sorted. Its nice to see a long intro into this world I can see how the would would develop into what we see in SAC or the two main films. Nice little story with some terrifying human bombs again. The look is growing on me.
09. Midori (14.01.17)
A very shocking work of horror. Some of the things are very disturbing and the way it is drawn is very unsettling. All of the animation sis by one guy and though very simple at times the are some very awesome moments of sakuga. I wasn't expecting a happy ending but the one I got wasn't that far off. I like how it showed some difficult subjects and the tragedy of Midori, what I life she had.
08. Ghost in the Shell - Arise - Ghost Stands Alone (15.01.17)
Do they? One body with two ghosts, how do the metaphysical self's stay separate. Some interesting moments in this one, back to the good psychological sifi GitS is know for. The is something about the sound of Christmas music mixed with gun fire. It's horrifying but made for a great intro. The fire starter is getting closer, only one OVA and a film left.
09. 10 Cloverfield Lane (18.01.17)
Damn that was good. from the eerie begging to the tense middle and the crazy end. Loved how it all fitted together and everything was important. Brutal at times and very creepy at others but that ending was insane. I like how Michelle was smart and resourceful, not the basic I know a thing that helps but more of a savviness then shines through. Great film.
10. Robocop (20.01.17)
It felt like the right kind of day to watch a dystopian film. It's the first time I have seen it in one sitting, I have seen bit here and there and I know most of the film just through culture. Is a solid film well worth watching.
11. Majora’s Mask - Terrible Fate [Short] (21.01.17)
This is how you make a video game film. In just a few minutes it ranges wide variety of tone and tells a compelling tale. This style of film making would work wonders for a full LoZ film. The animation is fantastic and the sound design is inspired. Only part I'm not sure on is the design of the fairies, they look kind of like they do in the game but that was due to the lack of detail back in 2001.
12.Ghost in the Shell - Arise Movie (22.01.17)
And so ends the Arise version of GitS for now at least. I like how its end screen would fit into the first part of either the original film or the first episode of SAC. I like the take on cyborg mortality with the lack of parts as your body becomes obsolete. A strong film that caps off the Fire Starter case well. I hope the is more GitS to come, its by far one of my favourite franchises.
13. Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (24.01.17)
A very interesting Documentary into the life and work of Bob Ross. I have only seen about ten or so episodes of his show but its fantastic and I've been aware of him by proxy through stuff online. Now it even gets shown on Twitch makes watching it easy and very enjoyable. Its a nice little doc that show all it needs to.
14. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (27.01.17)
Yokohama Shopping Trip, I have been after this for years. I have read the manga two or three times and the world and story is captivating. The gentle and calm apocalypse in which a robot runs a cafe. The feel and tone of the animation is almost enough to put you at ease with the world. I love the art work and how little happens. Less is more.
15. Nineteen Eighty-Four (28.01.17)
A fantastic performance from the great John Hurt who died last night. I have read the book once years ago and was taken aback by how bleak the ending is. Here I have found a small hint at a bright future. This was on my list to watch for ages and I'm glad I did, it's a powerful film.
16. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou - Quiet Country Cafe (29.01.17)
It's kind of sad that this is all of YKK that I can watch, I would love to see a season or two to show just how great the premise is. This came out a few years after the first OVA and the quality is slightly higher but has a more pastel look going for it. I like how we saw two of the iconic side parts to the manga, the plane and the wild girl. I want more.
Best of the month? 10 Cloverfield Lane I think. Strong start to the year and I have a good list going forward.
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