R.I.P Wes Craven

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Wes Craven

I was so sad when I just read that Wes Craven had passed away at the age of 76 after battling brain cancer. His movies where so influential on the horror genre, from A Nightmare on Elm Street to the Scream series. Although I’m deeply saddened by the news, I know that I can at least remember the horror maestro through his consummate work as a director and that his films and legacy will live on. Rest in Peace Wes Craven and thanks for all the movies you gave us.

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Blogs You Should Follow Part 8

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Blogs You Should Follow

I want to thank everyone for their generous feedback on these posts and I hope it’s brought people more followers. Anyway, here’s three more sexy blogs for you to check out.

Digital Shortbread: Tom runs this supremely satisfying and splendid site. With his cheeky wit and genius rating system, it’s hard to resist his blog.

Oracle of Film: My great blogging buddy Luke is the mastermind behind this killer site. Well written, amusing and full of excellent videos( mainly those drunk quizzes), he’s a bad ass of epic proportions.

Pfeiffer Pfilms and Meg Movies: The spectacular Paul runs this site, dedicated to Michelle Pfeiffer and Meg Ryan. If you ever wanted to read something about these ladies that is funny and written with dexterity, this is the site.

 

 

 

 

The Honourable Woman

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2010's, Andrew Buchan, Eve Best, Genevieve O'Reilly, Hugo Blick, Igal Naor, Janet McTeer, Katherine Parkinson, Lindsay Duncan, Lubna Azabal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Stephen Rea, The Honourable Woman, Tobias Menzies

Against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestine conflict, Hugo Blick’s enthralling thriller The Honourable Woman unfolds like the petals of a flower, with the promise of more to be revealed at every turn. Building around political intrigue and the nature of secrecy, we get the story of one woman attempting to atone for the sins of her father and protecting her own potentially devastating secrets from ever being found out. What emerges is a gripping eight part mini series that hooks you instantly. Warning, some spoilers will follow in this review.

Nessa Stein(Maggie Gyllenhaal) is the Anglo-Israeli head of the Stein group. As a child, she and her brother Ephra(Andrew Buchan) witnessed the murder of their father Eli, who supplied arms to Israel. Twenty-nine years later, Nessa has changed the purpose of the company. Instead of selling arms, it is trying to supply telecommunications and data to Israel and Palestine. With this, Nessa hopes to promote reconciliation between the Israelis and the Palestinians. As the story opens she has been made a baroness by parliament for her continuing work in the philanthropic field. Yet as she is about to award a Palestinian with an exclusive business contract in the company, he is found dead apparently having committed suicide. Events become even more murky and dangerous as Kasim, the young son of Ephra’s children’s nanny Atika(Lubna Azabal) is kidnapped. Soon enough, MI6’s smart head Dame Julia Walsh(Janet McTeer),retiring expert on Middle Eastern affairs Sir Hugh Hayden-Hoyle(Stephen Rea) and secret agencies are crawling over the case that seems to all link to Nessa. Nessa attempts to stay unshakable, but as the layers are pulled back we see that her forthright and composed demeanor hides inner pain and turmoil, that threatens to rear its head once again as the situation turns more complex. But in a world where even those closest to you have secrets, is there anyone that she can truly trust? And as we see in flashbacks many events that provide intrigue, most notably Nessa and Atika being kidnapped themselves while in Gaza eight years before, we are left to wonder what secrets are guarded by Nessa and how she will make her way through potentially dangerous situations that now surround and haunt her.

Right from the get go in The Honourable Woman, Hugo Blick crafts an intriguing and vast tapestry of secrecy, international politics and danger. As director, he weaves this tale of distrust and past events to tightly wound perfection, wrapped in a labyrinthine structure. And as writer, he allows the pace to build and build to a conclusion with a tight script, rather than taking the easy way out and revealing everything early on. The Honourable Woman is all about the patience of waiting for the reveal of secrets and it is observed with craft and skill. Some people may dismiss the show as just slow, but it is built up well and really does keep you guessing  for a long time. Tension oozes from this show, as we navigate through a maelstrom of deceit and danger, twinned with the fact that every character has secrets and no one is the easily identifiable hero or villain in the piece. There is a complexity to the story that is reminiscent of Le Carre, but is also very rewarding in the long run as skeletons begin to rattle in closets and threaten to emerge. As Nessa asks in the opening monologue “Who do you trust?” By the end of The Honourable Woman its doubtful that you’ll trust any character or see them in the same light again. The immense built up makes the moments of gruesome violence and shocking events all the more unexpected in the long run. One thing that must certainly be commended in The Honourable Woman is the way it deals with the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Many dramas and thrillers attempt to remain neutral when showing a specific conflict but fail. This isn’t the case of The Honourable Woman as it presents both sides of the argument, how difficult the conflict is to settle because of the history and how no answer is the easiest. And while very much a thriller, it has an underlying drama observed through the complicated characters, especially Nessa who for all the protection around her, from her strong and resourceful bodyguard Nathaniel(Tobias Menzies) to her confidante and PA Frances(Genevieve O’Reilly) , can’t escape from what is put in motion.

A show that is as well-written and densely plotted as The Honourable Woman would have failed with the wrong actors. Thankfully, the actors assembled all bring their excellent credentials and undeniable skill to work here and make it a very riveting ride. Maggie Gyllenhaal is absolutely exceptional in the main role of Nessa Stein, the character that everything hangs on. Displaying the outwardly confident, regal and graceful persona and then peeling back the concealed depth of her character to show confusion and pain, Gyllenhaal is at her best here. Her convincing English accent is another thing to praise as it is so composed and well done. In short, Gyllenhaal embodies the many complexities and changes of her character with dexterity and wisdom, making this one of the finest performances of her career. Andrew Buchan essays the role of Nessa’s brother Ephra, who used to run the company but handed the reins over to his younger sister mysteriously. Presenting the quiet demeanor of Ephra, Buchan manages to display through subtle gestures something darker and haunted about him that makes him a fascinating character to watch. Lubna Azabal quietly embodies the role of Atika, close friend to Nessa and nanny to Ephra’s children, who shares Nessa’s secret from what happened to them in Gaza. Azabal has this amazing ability to convey such deep emotion though the smallest thing, which is highly effective. The scenes between Azabal and Gyllenhaal are excellently played and you sense the deep bond formed between the characters. Stephen Rea and Janet McTeer are on splendid form as members of MI6 drawn into this dangerous case with personal history of their own to contend with. McTeer in particular savours her role as the head of MI6 Julia, whose sharp intellect, quick-witted replies and decisive actions make her a great character in this labyrinthine thriller. Eve Best is well cast as the ruthlessly efficient and mysterious agent Monica Chatwin, while both Genevieve O’Reilly and Katherine Parkinson fill their respective roles as Nessa’s PA and Ephra’s wife very well. Igal Naor steals all of his scenes as Shlomo Zahary, a businessman and friend for many years to the Stein family. There are glimmers of humour to his character that are amusing, but there is also the sneaking feeling that he can’t be trusted. In smaller but still well-played parts, Lindsay Duncan as Hoyle’s estranged wife Anjelica and Tobias Menzies as Nessa’s bodyguard Nathaniel shine with what they’re given.

Relentlessly gripping, precisely filmed and well-acted, The Honourable Woman is a mini series that engages the brain with its mystery and twists.

Apologies For the Lack of TV and Movie Reviews

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Apologies

I just wanted to apologise for the lack of movie and TV reviews on my site. It will change, I’ve just had a few things on outside of blogging that have distracted me. Thanks to everyone for being so understanding. There will be movie and TV thoughts coming to my blog very soon. First with my take on the mini series The Honourable Woman, then back to the ladies of Desperate Housewives and then back to bad ass movies again.

Blogs You Should Follow Part 7

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Blogs You Should Follow

Once again, here are three more recommendations from me of some of the best blogs out there to read.

Recked with Finn West: Finn runs a blog about nudism, bodies, sex and being yourself. A very eye-opening blog awaits you if you visit his site.

Back to the Viewer: This cool, hip and downright bad ass site is run by good guy James. Honest, funny and descriptive, his movie reviews are of the highest regard.

Flix Chatter: The delightful and always lovely Ruth is the head of this beautiful site. Know for her love of period dramas and Jane Austen, as well as the Bond franchise, she is a star blogger in my book.

 

 

 

 

Blogs You Should Follow Part 6

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Blogs You Should Follow

And now for three more splendid, off the chain blogs that rock in the best possible way.

That Moment In: A superb blog that believes that every movie has at least that one moment of glory. David and Adam run this mega amazing site that boasts some killer podcasts that are utterly addictive.

Film Nerd: The delightfully sassy Laura is an absolute blast on her site. If you want honest opinions, tinged with witty lines, her site is the best place for it.

Head In a Vice: One of my first ever blogging buddies Tyson runs this kick ass site. Taking its name from that grisly scene in Casino, he writes about mainly horror movies and does it with style. 

My Eighth Liebster Award

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Liebster Award

I thank with all my heart wonderful Kat for awarding me this. Another award to me, gosh I’m turning into a major award magnet. But I won’t be too cocky about it. I can’t believe this is my eighth Liebster Award, it’s completely unbelievable. Back to the award, and I must answer the great questions she has set me.

1. Would you rather only watch TV shows or read books for the rest of your life? I would have to say TV shows, gotta love it when something good is on the box.
2. What’s your personal theme song? Ray of Light by Madonna.
3. Was there a book you had to read for school and ended up loving? Which one and why? Although I loved English as a subject, there isn’t really a specific book that springs to mind.
4. Are you an early bird or night owl? An early bird unfortunately.
5. What movie/book/TV show would you say everyone has to watch/read before they are 20? For a movie I would say Stand by Me. For a book I’d have to say Matilda. And for TV, it has got to be Charmed and Buffy.
6. Are you more of an outdoors or inside kind of person? Mostly indoors, although this can change on occasion.
7. If you could hang out with any fictional character you like for an entire day, who would you choose and where would you go? The Charmed Ones and I would go to an exotic island.
8. If you had a TARDIS and could go anywhere in space and time, where would you go? I would go back to the roaring 20’s, so much scandal, sex and atmosphere.
9. Who’s your favourite superhero? Why? Batman would be, because he’s so iconic and there have been many incarnations of him.
10. What’s the first thing you remember doing today? Taking a shower and attempting to sing.
11. Who would play you in a movie about your life? Brad Pitt, without a doubt.

Now that I’ve answered those, here are my three nominees.

1. That Moment In
2. Laura
3. Sister Geeks

And now for my 11 questions, that I hope will get very interesting and diverse responses for.

1. You get stuck in an elevator with none other than Chris Hemsworth, what do you do?
2. What’s the sexiest thing you’ve ever done?
3. Are you a deep thinker?
4. If you could, which movie star would you go on a date with?
5. What is your number one pet hate?
6. What do you do to relax?
7. Do you reckon you would make a good spy?
8. Have you ever had a holiday romance?
9. What is your stance on adult movies?
10. Do you ever watch reality TV?
11. And for a laugh, have you ever stripped in public?

Blogs You Should Follow Part 5

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Blogs You Should Follow

Here are three more exceptional and fabulous blogs that deserve your attention.

Cinema Parrot Disco: The delightful Table 9 Mutant is bound to keep you entertained with her musings of movies. And for all those who love Chris Hemsworth, her blog is practically a shrine to the Mighty Thor.

Abbi Osbiston: A remarkable girl with a flair for top 10 lists, amazingly designed food dishes and lashings of gifs, Abbi is a darling of the blogging circle whose blog is one to view as often as possible.

The Sporadic Chronicles of a Beginner Blogger: Zoe runs this sensational blog that has kept me coming back many a time. Her use of language is exquisite and her taste in movies is second to none.

 

 

Satrap’s Devilish Night

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Fiction, Satrap

This post is part of Devil Week, courtesy of the amazing Eric. As I couldn’t find a movie I’d reviewed containing the word devil, I thought I’d do something else. I decided to use my alter ego Satrap as inspiration and right a devilish post. Warning people, this post will be somewhat sexual so if you’re easily offended please look away now.

Satrap could hear the cheers from backstage and it excited him. Friday night was the guarantee that it would be a packed crowd and the signs weren’t wrong .All of these screaming ladies where here just for him, the star attraction and fulfilling fantasies. And tonight it would be scorching because of his new outfit. A devil cape, horns and a nifty red leather thong was the regalia in question and Satrap had a feeling it would be well-received by his adoring audience.

“And please welcome to the stage, your very own devilish dynamo, Satrap” came the call from his hype announcer Emmy.

Satrap slinked onto the stage with purpose and sexual aggression. The screams erupted as cougars fanned themselves with money at the sight of this Adonis. The music began blaring and the raunchy routine began. Satrap moved his hips from side to side, making sure that the audience got a decent look at his peachy bum. His scarlet cape whirled around like a dervish as a smile of satisfaction crept onto his face. Spicing things up, he slowly removed the cape and threw it into the adoring and fawning crowd. The girl who grabbed hold of it looked like she was going to faint because of her excitement. Satrap rubbed his well-defined hands across his muscled chest and began to grind like there was no tomorrow.

The routine began to gather momentum as a new song began. The sweat was pouring as the bright lights shone down on the specimen of masculinity, giving pleasure to those around him. A girl at the front row was beckoned by Satrap with a come hither finger as she approached him. Gently taking her hands, he navigated her fingers across his abs as she smiled with passion. Her hands moveds lower and she slapped his peach of a bum with excitedly. His buttocks waggled in unison to this action as he seductively slipped her back in her seat.

“Come on now Satrap” Emmy shouted with enthusiasm. “You know what everyone here came for”.

Satrap knew exactly what she meant and slowly but surely the red leather thong was lowered as he faced the back of the stage. The red leather slid down his legs like a snake and eventually hit the floor. Now Satrap thought it was time for the finale. He spun around, his hands covering his penis and then threw his hands in the air, revealing his manhood for the audience. The screaming reached fever pitch as money was thrown on the stage and Satrap shook his member between his legs, letting it slap his thighs with intention. It would appear that his devilish idea had payed dividends and now he was the sex god if ever there was one. The lights on Satrap dimmed as the roaring applause and screams rang out loudly, and he quickly assembled what money he could find in his space. It was another job well done for the Satrap of Sin.

Blogs You Should Follow Part 4

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Blogs You Should Follow

I’m really happy with the success of these posts and genuinely touched by the response. I just want to give back to the blogs that have always been there for me. Anyway, here are three more spectacular blogs.

Film Grimoire: The sublime Anna runs this site full to the top with style and class. Especially look out for her search and rescue posts, where she divulges about the search terms that lead people to her blog, with interesting results.

Movie Rob: This guy is a machine in watching movies and writing about them. He has watched so many excellent movies and the amount of posts he manages to churn out is just jaw-dropping and extremely enviable. All in all, a consummate site indeed.

Life and Other Disasters: The luminous and fellow Charmed lover Kat has a wistful and passionate site. In it she details her regular thoughts on successful books, killer TV shows and sometimes her travels. You will get a very warm feeling after visiting her blog.