Awesome Movie Speeches #1

Over the past few weeks I've been trying to mentally put together a list of clips from cinematic history that echo sentiments that resonate with me, speeches that are moving, inspirational and/or contain nuggets of wisdom that have shaped my ideology as it stands today. I was going to make this into a list filling a single post... but then I don't think that would do the speeches justice... it would somehow rob them of power. Similarly, would anybody seriously sit and watch video clips for half an hour to an hour? I don't think so. So I've decided to segment it and periodically examine one at a time. The first clip I have chosen is Charlie Chaplin's closing speech in The Great Dictator:

Why I think it's awesome:

I think this speech sums up my own political attitude wonderfully. Chaplin described himself as a political nonconformist and eventually found himself exiled from America on account of his views. He clearly believed in a higher form of democracy with the brotherhood of man at its core. The Great Dictator was obviously made as a satirical response to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the film is a splendid mockery of Hitler's maniacal policies. This parting shot at the end of the film is also magnificent riposte to them. However, I would go much further than that though because the relevance of this speech has endured.

The speech also reminds me that democracy has to be exercised all the time... because if we do not speak up for ourselves on everything that matters to us... others will presume to do so for us and in most cases they will taint it with their own warped private agenda. The main reason I like this speech though, is that it fuses human passion, religion and reason together as allies... rather than polarising them as enemies. I truly believe that the world would be a better place if we learned to accept our whole nature rather than focusing on a single aspect of it. The brain is an instrument of two hemispheres - the logical and the intuitive. If we focus on one of these two elements, we rob ourselves of half a life.  In terms of consciousness, human beings are children of two worlds - the spiritual and the scientific; in my opinion, we should all learn to fearlessly explore both these vast territories.

Chaplin magnificently fused the realms
of the emotional, spiritual and intellectual

That said this speech is not without its flaws, it seems to suggest in places that our pursuit of technological advancement can save us. It can't. Technology is only as good as the people who develop it... and as fearfully and wonderfully made as we are... we do make mistakes and have a tendency to elevate self interest to a position that isn't healthy in a world that we share with others.

My favourite part of this speech comes when Chaplin starts to invoke John's gospel... as the camera zooms in, it feels like he is not just speaking from his heart but that he is becoming a conduit for a greater thought.

So there it is, the Barber's Speech from the Great Dictator - as universally important and relevant today as ever it was when first broadcast to the world.

• Do you have any favourite movie speeches that you'd like to recommend I watch?
• What do you think about this speech?

15 Films

It's been some time since I have taken part in a meme and having stumbled upon the latest offering on Alastair's blog, I thought it was high time that I threw my two-penneth in. I made my list within the 15 minutes and then went back and added a sentence or two as to why I'd made those choices.

So, here are the rules in case you want to have a go:

• Fifteen films you’ve seen that will always stick with you.
• Don’t take too long to think about it.
• List the first fifteen films you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes.
• Not in order of preference.  

The Star Wars Trilogy (Original)

I know it's slightly cheating to have a trilogy as a single choice... but I've always had trouble separating the original trilogy out as separate entities, partly due to the fact that my father first took me to see Star Wars (as A New Hope was known then) and The Empire Strikes Back, as a double bill in 1980. There are two reasons why Star Wars is at the top of the list - I have special memories of queuing up (just me and my dad), to see it... and at the tender age of 6, it heralded the beginning of my ongoing, eternal love affair of all things science fiction and fantasy.

 

Amélie

Amélie is a wonderfully off beat surreal romantic comedy, it is completely on my wavelength and the film's titular, central character as portrayed by Audrey Tautou... in many ways encapsulates the Holy Grail of what I consider to be the perfect woman.

O Brother Where Art Thou?

Talking off offbeat comedies, O Brother Where Art Thou? is another classic example. Created by the Coen brothers, the film follows the exploits of three fugitives who traverse Depression era Mississippi in search of loot. It parodies Homer's Odyssey and is a brilliant example of quirky humour and clever direction.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

The 6th Star Trek Outing is in my opinion, the finest film offering, featuring all the original cast (also, notably the last). It is a true ensemble piece ... all the characters have something to do and the plot actually carries a lot of political intrigue as well. You really get the feeling that this film is a swan song... right up to and including the cast signatures that zoom off into space at the end credits.

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is that rare thing... a film that satirizes and pokes fun at its own genre genre... whilst remaining utterly faithful to its conventions. It fully retains the heart and soul of what composes the very best fairy tales. I consider Shrek and Stardust to be modern day inheritors of the mantle first worn by this film.

Amistad

Amistad is probably the first film I went to see, where the audience left in almost complete silence. It portrays the ordeal of illegal slaves with graphic honesty, and portrays the legal battle (from a US perspective)to win their release... it shows mankind behaving at its best and its worst. This is a film you should have on your shelf with Amazing Grace... the two films portray the same moral and ethical battle from different but equally relevant angles.

The House of Flying Daggers

The House of Flying Daggers came out smack bang in the middle of a clutch of martial arts films, produced and set in the oriental world. I consider it to be finest of these, the one I most closely relate to personally. A tragic love story set in the middle of a struggle between two warring factions. It may not be as eloquent as Shakespeare, but it certainly explores similar themes., on a similar scale... and the scenery is just a joy to behold. The final fight scene remains etched on my brain to this day.

Highlander

I first saw Highlander when I was a 15 year old on residential retreat with my school's year, at Soli House. I have very fond memories of that week in general... but I loved the film with its centuries spanning epic tale of duelling swordsman. I consider the musical sequence where Connor McLeod (Christopher Lambert), is taught the skills he needs to learn, by his mentor - Ramirez (Sean Connery), as perhaps the best training montage sequence I have ever seen. People often mistakenly attribute the films entire soundtrack to Queen... but in fairness, the late Michael Kamen deserves credit for his work on the highly memorable score. One word of advice though... avoid the sequels.

Love Actually

Love Actually is a film that is in grievous danger of eclipsing The Great Escape as the perennial film that is on television, every Christmas (if not every bank holiday). Nevertheless, it's strength lies in the interwoven multiplicity of its story arcs and decent acting from an ensemble cast of mainly British actors. It's a film that, depending on where you are at and what your views on love are... you can appreciate in a variety of different ways. If you want to know my favourite arc... just ask.

The Matrix

To me, The Matrix is a film about self discovery and overcoming the barriers of internal doubt and external resistance to become the person you are meant to be... I think there's a lesson in there for all of us. It's sequels are not as strong (I would argue they could have done with being condensed into a single film... and even then they still don't match up to the expectations of the original), but are still enjoyable enough... if a little self important. Nevertheless the original film remains groundbreaking.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

The Day the Earth Stood Still is by far and away the oldest film on my list... but it is a science fiction classic and thoroughly deserves its place on my list.  A Christlike alien arrives in 50's America bringing a message of peace... and is treated with fear and hostility by the government of the day. It came out when the Cold War was still in its early days... and warned of the dangers mankind faced playing with its new "toys". A strong pacifist message, quality acting by Michael Rennie and a message that is still as relevant today as it was back then, make this film a true vintage.

The Miracle Maker

Of all the films recounting the ministry and destiny of Jesus, The Miracle Maker ranks as my very favourite. Don't be deceived into thinking that because it is largely a claymation production, its appeal is restricted to children. The voice cast is top notch and I think the film works because the animation bypasses your stuffy adult defences and allows the richness of the acting and theology to work on you. There are several parts of this film that choke me up in tears like no other film about Christ really does.

La Vie Est Belle (Life is Beautiful)

Life is Beautiful is an utterly brilliant film. Some have criticised it for belittling the Holocaust. I don't think that's accurate... I believe the film carries an expectation of you to have a basic working knowledge of what actually happened in the Holocaust... and providing you have that, you'll appreciate this film's message. Schindler's List deals with the big picture... this film focuses on a single family unit. It is all the more clever because the first half of the film makes you fall in love with the central characters as their relationship develops and blossoms... which makes you sympathise and appreciate their struggles all the more during the second part of the film.

Starman

Starman is yet another film that deals with the arrival of a misunderstood, benevolent alien. It explores the nature of humanity in a deep and meaningful way... and doesn't really pull any punches (when Starman arrives, he takes the form of a recently widowed woman's deceased husband). The acting is top drawer... Jeff Bridges perfectly captures the awkward movements of an alien unused to operating a human form... and Karen Allen provides the emotional heart and soul to the film.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

I know... I'm cheating again, but there are good reasons. Firstly, the trilogy was a single production when it was made... it was just broken up into the traditional 3 parts because... well, who wants to sit in a cinema for 9 hours? However... remember what I said about my dad taking me to see the original Star Wars trilogy? Well, with Lord of the Rings I got to repay the favour... and I took him to see every single film.  So aside from the slick production values, the wonderful acting and the relatively successful translation of the books' key themes to screen, this film holds a special significance to me... because it completed a circle started 30 years ago by my father.

That's my 15... I'm all done. I'd love to hear your comments on my choices... and your alternative suggestions, please do leave me a line or two sharing your thoughts.

Inception, Deception and Perception

I recently purchased the film "Inception" on DVD:

I originally saw the film during it's cinematic release and thoroughly enjoyed the film (this despite working out what the final shot of the film was going to be, as early in the film as Michael Caine's first scene). The film is essentially a thinking man's science fiction philosophical take on the "heist" movie genre. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dom Cob - the lead confidence man with a tortured past, heading up a hastily put together band of specialists who attempt to pull off the perfect crime... and it's all in the mind; quite literally.

Instead of trying to break into a vault and steal gold or some shady government secret, Cobb and his posse are actually trying to plant an idea (inception, hence the title of the film), in the mind of the young heir to a business empire... an idea that when fully realised, will lead to the break up of said business empire. They do this by using technology to induce several levels of shared dream state which they can use psychology, trickery and subversion to infiltrate a mark's secrets and manipulate them into achieving the desired outcome.

The mission is threatened throughout the film by the demons from Cobb's past which erupt from his subconscious into the different dreams... leading to undesirable outcomes. Chief amongst these demons is Mal (Marion Cotillard), a shade of Cobb's deceased wife who embodies his subconscious desire to live out his memories and artificially reconstruct the life he left behind when the real Mal died (her death being the result of his attempt to use Inception to convince her to leave the dream state of limbo).

The time spent in different dream states increases exponentially with each level of dream experienced. It is stated that in the deepest level of dream state - limbo, that the length of time is so great that you can lose track of reality and become lost there and this is a theme I want to explore in a little more detail.

In the film, each dreamer uses a "totem", a crafted item that acts in a unique way in the real world... a way that is significantly different to how it acts in the dream world; the idea being that it acts as a defence and helps keep it's user lucid. Cobb's totem is a spinning top that only falls over in reality... in the dream world, it continues to spin... endlessly. In the final shot of the film Cobb thinks he has reclaimed his life and goes to be reunited with his children... as he does so, we are left with the image of the top still spinning... and a swift cut to black as it just begins to wobble.

Cobb's Totem

The meaning is clear - we are left to draw our own conclusions as to whether or not Cobb has returned to reality at all... or whether in fact the "real world" of the film was just another dream in itself. I personally take the pessimistic view because of certain things that happened earlier in the film. Characters and events seem to constantly urge Cobb to "come home", most notably Michael Caine's father-in-law figure.

This got me thinking about our reality... how the inherited brokenness we share as individuals -  is effectively a false reality which I as a Christian choose to identify as the sinful nature. It is a world, a mindset, that separates us from the God who loves us.

The dream world can seem very real and in most cases (depending on which survey you read), we are not aware it is a dream until we awake to reality. Similarly a reality where we find our spiritual selves at the centre (even if it's on a subconscious level), is in fact an illusion... a nightmarish limbo that is a distorted and twisted representation of the truth. We cannot escape it in our own strength... because so great is its allure and subtle is its deception that we cannot perceive why or how we should leave.

God is like Michael Caine's character.... imploring us to stop kidding ourselves playing in the sandbox of our dystopian fantasy and return home to him.

Whether we choose to recognise his voice for what it is... or acknowledge the true intent behind it, is down to our individual perception. Sadly for some, their state of mind leaves them in a reality described like this:

“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.

Acts: 28:26b-27

 Those are God's words spoken through the prophet Isaiah and echoed through Paul. You might think that sounds harsh.... but I do not believe God is speaking in anger here.... but in deep sorrow and grief for their circumstance.

But even if we listen to God.... how can we be certain we are living in his reality? How can we know we are not just kidding ourselves on another level?

How?

The answer is that not unlike the characters in Inception... we have a totem. A unique totem.

Our totem is not a personalised crafted image, it it none other than the living Jesus - his ministry, his life on Earth ran at odds with the man-centred way of managing our lives, the "rules of the game". Jesus was totally sold out for his Father...nothing mattered more to him and he showed us the way to live properly. If our lives are not in step with his loving commandments, then when placed alongside him, the physical laws of our personal world are shown up as warped.

Jesus showed us the way to freedom... by dying once for all, he provided the doorway... the opportunity, the universal offer to leave the dominion of our human imperfection and embrace the freedom and liberty of abundant life:

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:14-19

So the offer is on the table... and once again we draw nearer, ever nearer... to Christmas - that time of year when we celebrate the birth of the child who was and is called the Light of the World. When the light comes... is it not time to wake from our slumber and embrace the new day?

 

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

(Ephesians 5:14b)

However... on the "Light Side" of things...

After that heavy post, I thought it only fair to balance it out by talking about something a little lighter.

Well I'm proud to announce that I have joined the Jedi Order:

Yes... I donned my robes and took up my lightsaber in a bid to slay any Sith Lords who might dare to show their face at Alcester's annual Street Market... which this year was given the theme "At the Movies".

I entered the costume competition but didn't get anywhere... should have seen that coming when one of the two judges said with with great disdain "Yes! I know who you are... Star Wars!"

I would wager she hadn't seen the films and only seen kids/young men running round waving glowing plastic swords about in juvenile fashion... pretending to be Luke Skywalker. People of a certain age and above seem to have an allergic reaction to anything science fiction related... especially if it's Star Wars.

If the pictures in the press, I'm going to post it here and let you draw your own conclusions as to who the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place should have been. I think it might raise a few of your eyebrows.

I'm not bitter though... I just loved the excuse to wander round my hometown kitted out as a Jedi. It comes in handy you know... I accidentally pulled a Jedi mind trick on an ice cream man who insisted on charging me 50p less than he should have until I finally convinced him I owed him more money. It also gives you an air of authority. A bunch of kids lobbed some litter on the floor next to a bin... when I motioned to them to pick it up and put it in the bin... they obeyed without hesitation... weird huh? Maybe Police and Community Support Officers should try wearing this get up!

The only down side is that it's not very practical clothing for a baking hot sunny day. I was wearing three layers out there and I spent most of the day slumped in various corners as I was severely dehydrated, no matter how much I drank it didn't seem to have any good effect.

Still, one must suffer for one's art and I'd do it all again.... in fact I'm looking for an opportunity to do so!

New Indy Trailer is Up

The teaser trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is now out. Here's a copy I found on YouTube:

You can find a higher resolution one over at the official Indiana Jones website. It looks very much like Indy is going up against both the Russians and the US Government this time. I especially like the look of the warehouse action scene... I was amused by Indy cracking his whip in time to the music. Also as someone has pointed out to me... that warehouse does look a bit familiar. ;-)

It looks like the same place that they stowed the Ark of the Covenant at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. It'd be great to see the Ark again... but I don't think they'll touch on it, aside from (if we're lucky), maybe a double-take on Indy's part as he passes a broken box with the Ark inside.

Some people might look at the trailer and think "cheesy", but that's actually part of the charm of Indiana Jones. Don't believe me? Take a look at what for me is one of the most memorable clips from Raiders (although there are many more):

That is typical Indy... going up against ridiculously silly odds...but it is so entertaining. My hopes are still there for the fourth installment. How about yours?

Security Measures

Some sneaky person keeps taking crafty swigs out of my fruit juice carton at work.

It is really annoying!

I buy a large carton as there is just enough to last me 1 glass a day for the whole week, it saves me money and keeps me healthy too. When I poured myself a glass for lunch yesterday, I noticed that the carton was a lot lighter than it should be... about ooo I don't know a glass full lighter? I was not impressed; so I got grumpy about it... had a rant... and tried to think no more about the matter.

I came in from lunch today and was about to pour myself another glass... when lo and behold, there was only something like 2 cubic centimetres left! This is ridiculous. I've been advised to label it up... but to me, that isn't the issue. As I see it, I don't feel I should have to be in a place where I have to take protective measures over something as trivial as my lunch.

And then it hit me... I need to make my drink more secure... I had something like this in mind:

Of course, that little clip is a timely reminder that the title to the fourth Indiana Jones movie has finally been announced - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I agree with a lot of people on this, it sounds a little too wordy. They need to drop a word somewhere... I'd lose "crystal" personally. I'm really looking forward to it...but I hope Lucas sticks close to the spirit of the original 3... and doesn't get too preachy or up himself, we don't need any "Greedo fires first" nonsense, or politically correct messages. Let Indy be as irreverent as he ever was - it's supposed to be the 1950's after all!

Here's a shot of the principal cast along with Steven Spielberg (who is of course directing).

Yes that's cockney sparrow Ray Winstone in the background, Shia Le Beouf ... fresh from Transformers is also tagging along and as you can see Karen Allen is back. I've actually just bought a DVD of Starman - the 80's classic science fiction film she starred in with Jeff Bridges. It's a lovely film, a little drawn out but very moving in places. I've been meaning to get hold of it for some time.

Back to Indy and my orange juice issue to finish with... and if the ancient South American security system is a little too elaborate and unworkable to defend my lunch... I could always try this cheaper alternative:

Till next time.... God bless

N

Klaatu Barada Nikto

I decided to watch the 1951 classic sci-fi film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" tonight.

The reason for this sudden trip into nostalgia was that I have been notified of some disturbing developments in Hollywood. Yes, you guessed it... there's another remake of a vintage on the cards.

I'm way too young to remember the original film, my mother was still a toddler when it came out... so I was definitely just a twinkle in my daddy's eye! However, having seen it... I honestly can't see the need for a remake. The central message of the film is still relevant today, it doesn't require reinterpreting or re-imagining. OK, so the effects are well wobbly by modern standards... but the acting and the plot line are top standard.

The film's protagonist is Klaatu, an alien visitor from a distant planet... who comes bearing a message of peace and goodwill to mankind. However, along with this he brings a stern warning that Earth must abandon the use of atomic weaponry (not atomic power mind). His people had not interfered in human conflict before, because it had not threatened to spread beyond our borders. However with the advent of ballistic missiles, this attitude changed....and his message is simple - repent or see Earth reduced to a cinder. Being a peace loving civilization, Klaatu's people treat war and violence with zero tolerance and built a race of super robots (of whom Gort, his silent companion is one), to police themselves... and they respond to any act of aggression with unlimited power.

Klaatu (portrayed by the late Michael Rennie), bears many Christlike qualities ranging from him taking on the pseudonym of Mr Carpenter, to his "resurrection". This film came bearing a message that the things we find alien are not necessarily our enemy... at a time when the Cold War was kicking into high gear. It was also the first of several science fiction movies that sparked of the first generation of people to ask if Jesus was really an alien. Now as a Christian, of course I don't believe this myself... and I see the parallels merely as a parable of Christ's mission. However there are simple universal truths at the heart of this film that the world should sit up and pay attention to. That all men are equal, irrespective of national identity... that we must learn to be kind to one another or face the terrible consequences of our own actions... and that freedom and security have to be universal, or they are meaningless concepts. Klaatu values a secure society... but not in the same way that modern politicians have embraced. At one point in the film he says:

"I am fearful when I see people substituting fear for reason."

Why is it we allow ourselves to live under the leadership or threat of leaders and terrorists who irrespective of their aims and objectives... have actively encouraged that very principle? That of encouraging people to substitute fear for reason?

Back to the film and according to this source, Keanu Reeves has been signed to portray Klaatu. This is a mistake, it is beyond his ability as an actor. It's one thing to portray heroic characters in an ensemble cyberpunk movie (and don't get me wrong, I like The Matrix... I like it a lot), but this film is a totally different animal. It isn't an all out action shooter and it requires gravitas and eloquence.. and for the central character to pretty much hold the film together on his own strength. I do not believe Reeves has this range. It is clear to me that the producers took one look at The Matrix and another at The Day the Earth Stood Still... and concluded that since Reeves had played a messianic character who had returned from death in one sci fi movie which made a lot of money... he'd automatically be able to do the same thing again. However, like I said... the philosophies of these films are very different and Klaatu and Neo are not the same character.

I'll sign of with the strong message, that is Klaatu's closing dialogue from the original film:

"I am leaving soon, and you will forgive me if I speak bluntly. The universe grows smaller every day, and the threat of aggression by any group, anywhere, can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all, or no one is secure. Now, this does not mean giving up any freedom, except the freedom to act irresponsibly. Your ancestors knew this when they made laws to govern themselves and hired policemen to enforce them. We, of the other planets, have long accepted this principle. We have an organization for the mutual protection of all planets and for the complete elimination of aggression. The test of any such higher authority is, of course, the police force that supports it. For our policemen, we created a race of robots. Their function is to patrol the planets in spaceships like this one and preserve the peace. In matters of aggression, we have given them absolute power over us. This power cannot be revoked. At the first sign of violence, they act automatically against the aggressor. The penalty for provoking their action is too terrible to risk. The result is, we live in peace, without arms or armies, secure in the knowledge that we are free from aggression and war. Free to pursue more... profitable enterprises. Now, we do not pretend to have achieved perfection, but we do have a system, and it works. I came here to give you these facts. It is no concern of ours how you run your own planet, but if you threaten to extend your violence, this Earth of yours will be reduced to a burned-out cinder. Your choice is simple: join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer. The decision rests with you."

A Race Against Time

I've been incredibly busy today...considering I am now on annual leave from work and had spare time aplenty.

You see, as of tomorrow I am going away to do my annual stint at the Maze Scripture Union holiday camp... and I still have a mountain of packing to do.

However, I had vowed to myself that I was going to watch the live action Transformers movie before I went away. I was pretty vexed to discover that the local picture house isn't going to screen it until after I get back. So did I admit defeat.... no of course not. I hopped on the bus to Stratford-upon-Avon and transferred to the Birmingham train. By 10:20 I was sniffing out a ticket at the local Odeon cinema (which was just the first one I stumbled upon).


I have to say that above all, the film was a lot of fun. Of course it had it's flaws but that's the beauty of it. The film accepts it's own weaknesses and ratchets up it's strengths to compensate(sorry about the pun). Yes the plot is a little hokey, what with robots pursuing a cube of immense power across the galaxy... and the key to finding them being the imprint on a pair of antique spectacles... but the films plus points by far outweigh this.


First of all the characterisation is inspired... and you can clearly see Stephen Spielberg's influence on Michael Bay, in using the whole boy/alien bonding set up, as seen before in E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial. You sympathised with the humans... particularly Sam, because it is through his eyes that we are more or less flung into the world of Transformers on a personal level. As for Optimus Prime... he is who he always is - a giant robotic John Wayne. He is the Autobot leader and moral compass... and he just wouldn't be the same if he didn't have a n ample supply of noble pontifications to hand. However you have in the grumpy Ironhide a useful counterpoint to this. Optimus is pretty much the straight man who the other Autobots bounce off with their different personalities... particularly Bumblebee and Ironhide.


Their is plenty of action to whet appetites for a sequel... and ingeniously there was plenty of comedy thrown in. From Sam's robot awkward robot assisted attempts to woo his woman to the awkward confrontation in the bedroom with his parents over what they thought was "Sam's Happy Time", to the Autobots intentionally pitiful attempts at hiding...considering they are robots in disguise. Curiously all this comedy was utterly missed by the Daily Mirror's reviewer, who just tore lumps out of the film. I can only draw two conclusions from this - either he had a complete sense of humour failure/bypass, or he is a complete Simpsons fan boy and was offended that another film should come out the same day as his precious and beloved dysfunctional American family. Don't get me wrong, I love the Simpsons... but that is no reason to be nasty about other films.

Most other reviews I have read have been favourable... and my personal experience reflects this. So as long as you are not a complete G1 purist... I really recommend giving it a shot.

Rumour has it that the Dinobots will be explored in the sequel... and my hope is that they will follow the comic's perspective of how they came to be... and not the dumb way the cartoon handled it. Especially as the Dinobots were much more rounded and better written in the comics... notto mention the back story having much more credibility. You can make your own minds up by reading this wikipedia link.

Having left the movie, I had time enough to get a little shopping done before hopping on the train. A brief sojourn in Stratford resulted in me being able to do something that I haven't been able to do for along time:


Mint choc chip dairy ice cream!

Once back home I started packing... but here I am again having got sucked back to my keyboard! *Sigh* I just can't leave well enough alone... can I?

I really must get the rest of it finished though as I am off some time after noon.

If I get the opportunity I'll try to fill you in on anything exciting in the week... however it is extremely likely that I will be away from keyboard for most, if not all of this time... and any spare moments will be primarily reserved for recharging my energy reserves (although truth be told I operate pretty much on adrenaline for the whole time I'm away normally). So throughout the next week, I'd really appreciate your prayers, if you can spare them.

God bless

N