If you build it, they will come

Today Lego celebrates the 50th anniversary of its legendary brick. Back when I was a wee nipper, Lego was by far and away my favourite toy. The great thing about Lego was that when you got bored with the houses and vehicles that you built as per the instructions, you could just break them up and start again on your own crazy creations. The only limit was your imagination! For an example of this, check out the pic above for an amazing piece of Lego Art by Nathan Sawaya :-)

Heath Ledger 1979 - 2008 RIP

Here is yet another very young and talented actor whose life was cut tragically short. He was in many films, but was probably most famous for his turn in Brokeback Mountain (which earned him an Oscar nomination last year). I’ve a hunch that his role in the upcoming Batman movie “The Dark Knight” will end up being the performance he’s most remembered for. So sad, cause I think the best was yet to come from Heath.

Not so mega man

I AM LEGEND

“I Am Legend” is the 3rd film to be based on the book of the same name by Richard Matheson. I’ve never seen either of the previous incarnations or read the book (though I fully intend on doing so), so I was able to go into this film with no preconceived notions or wild expectations.

Robert Neville (played by Will Smith) is the last man on earth. Emphasis on the “man” part, cause as the tagline of the film states, he’s not alone! Three years previous, a catastrophic virus (to which he was thankfully immune) infected humankind, wiping out most and mutating others into brain-dead zombie monsters. Neville spends his days alone in a quarantined New York, trying to come up with a cure for the virus, but at night he holes himself up in his house to avoid the attacks from the monstrous mutants.

The story (or the one that was promised) was a genuinely intriguing one. Lets put aside Nevilles struggle against the mutants and his quest to find a cure for the moment. What was most interesting to watch was one mans battle to stave off insanity. Cause let face it; even with the most grounded of personalities, after 3 years alone with only your dog for companionship, little cracks would start to appear! Neville tackles this by maintaining a strict daily routine, but that ends up being supplemented by having conversations with mannequins in stores, just to maintain the illusion of other people in his life.

And it has to be said, given how the whole film rests on his shoulders; Will Smith carries it quite well. As always, he does a good job of making his character relatable to the audience. What I was pleasantly surprised to see was his decent attempt at demonstrating how someone would behave after being isolated for so long (although I’d have preferred a little more “crazy” on my corn flakes).

The movie also succeeds in swallowing the viewer in a sense of extreme loneliness, with its overgrown city streets and deserted buildings. The build up to the reveal of the mutants is also handled quite expertly. The scene where Neville creeps along through the darkened corridor in a desperate search to find his doggie chum, was one of the tensest pieces of cinema in recent memory. And the first sighting of the creatures, huddled around the corpse of the deer was completely unnerving. Sadly, that was the highpoint of the film and it went a little downhill from then on.

The main thing about the movie (looks-wise at least) that bothered me was the decision to use CGI creations as the mutants in the film. And these were fully CG, at all times (not just for complicated shots which would be impossible to humanly replicate). But CG monsters, no matter how well done, are never as believable or scary as a physical creation. It baffles me as to why the director didn’t choose to use regular people in make-up (see “28 Days/Weeks Later”), or even make-up enhanced with a little CGI (a la “30 Days of Night”) instead. Surely this would have been less costly and it certainly would have been more effective. Instead, any time one of the mutants appeared on screen, the tension and fear that had been created just evaporated from the scene.

The plot was filled with many little unexplained quirks and there were story points that were mentioned but never followed up on. The end of the film was particularly contrived and felt like the writers had hit a brick wall and needed to wrap things up quickly. Having been subsequently informed of the books original ending, it makes me wonder why the writers of this movie subverted the original ending as much as they did. It’s a crying shame that as yet, no one has had the courage to make a film based on the superior ending in the book. Maybe for the books forth movie incarnation perhaps?

I Am Legend was a decent film (and I loved the teeny-weeny cameo from Emma Thompson), but it was let down by misused CGI and a hasty (all too convenient) ending.

Going boldly

Because of the obvious J.J. Abrams connection, the very first teaser trailer for the new Star Trek movie premiered on front of Cloverfield last week in the States. The trailer offers little or no actual movie footage. Instead we follow a camera as it slowly revolves around the construction of some unidentifiable piece of machinery. Workers can be seen dotted around, hanging from bits of scaffolding. Sparks fly here and there as metal is being carefully welded. In the background we can hear various well-known historical space-themed statements.

The sound reel ends with Spocks classic final line from Star Trek II (traditionally read by Kirk) and the camera pans back enough to finally reveal what it is that’s being constructed: the saucer section of the original Starship Enterprise.

The trailer ends with a brief glimpse of the original Starfleet Federation insignia and then the words “Under Construction.”

OOOOhhh, the expectation! The film premiers in the States this Christmas and the trailer can be seen here:

Star Trek Teaser Trailer 1

Brad Renfro 1982 - 2008 RIP

Its always an especially sad occasion when a budding talent passes away at such a young age. Some of his movie highlights included: The Client, Apt Pupil and Bully.

Flavour of the week - Ben Cohen

It goes without saying that rugby players in general appeal to me, but Ben Cohen in particular has always tickled my fancy! Aptly nick-named "Big Ben" (and at 6' 2 and 16 stone, its easy to see why!), this big hunk of man meat is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.

My 5 Favs of 2007 - TV Shows

1) VERONICA MARS (S2)

I’m only halfway through the second season, but it’s proving to be just as enjoyable as the first.

2) DAMAGES (S1)

In case you didn’t already know, Glenn Close kicks serious ass in this show. Ted Danson is also surprisingly excellent as her nemesis. The time-hopping format kept me on my toes too ;)

3) CALIFORNICATION (S1)

David Duchovnys performance in this show was a revelation. Though a bit crude at times, it managed to balance genuine and complicated relationships with some sharp and hilarious dialogue.

4) BOSTON LEGAL (S2)

Another excellent year in a consistently excellent programme. Once again Shatner and Spader are the main draw. The writing continues to impress, managing to balance funny, touching, dramatic and socially relevant all in a single episode!

5) KIDNAPPED

I think the fact that this show was cancelled actually worked in its favour as it managed to craft a nicely thought-out storyline with none of the usual season-long filler!

My 5 Favs of 2007 - Singles

1) MY SECRET LOVER ~ Private

I had to relegate myself to just ONE Private song in my top 5, so the amazing video that accompanied this single managed to tip the scale in its favour.

2) STRONGER ~ Kanye West

For me, this was the song that refused to grow old. So what if it heavily samples an already well-known Daft Punk song, it still rocks the Kasbah and the Akira inspired video is genius.

3) GIMMIE MORE ~ Britney

It’s Britney, (expletive removed).

4) LOVE IS A LOSING GAME ~ Amy Winehouse

Practically every single she released this year was gold, but this was always my favourite track off the album. It’s the one time she doesn’t sound like she’s putting on a voice :P

5) BECAUSE OF YOU ~ Ne-Yo

Yes, most of his songs DO sound alike, but this was the first and I dare say best cut off his latest album. It bounces along like no other!

My 5 Favs of 2007 - Movies

Let me just preface this by saying that for me, 2007 was a very disappointing year for films. Granted, it might just have been the films I went to see in the cinema that were poor. No doubt I’ll catch up on some decent movies when they eventually make their way to DVD (“The Assassination of Jesse James” and “Disturbia” are two I’m quite sorry I missed on the big screen). But for the most part, the cinema and I just didn’t see eye to eye. I’ve managed to just about pick out 5 films that I was generally happy with.

1) STARDUST

For me, this was such a fun movie and all of its components (actors, story, music, production) came together so very nicely. Everything a modern fairytale should be.

2) HAIRSPRAY

While it dragged a wee bit in the middle, this movie was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stodgy year of cinema. With its rollicking soundtrack and exceptionally enthusiastic cast, it sent me home from the cinema with a big stupid grin on my face.

3) THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

The pace was a little frantic, but I really couldn’t have asked for a better ending to a consistently entertaining series of films.

4) APOCALYPTO

Mel Gibsons chase movie is so visually arresting that it almost works without the subtitles. The cast of no names did a fantastic job too.

5) 3:10 TO YUMA

A surprisingly enjoyable western. Russell Crowe pulled another fantastic performance out of that arrogant ass of his! Shame about the ending though.

My 5 Favs of 2007 - Albums

1) MY SECRET LOVER ~ Private

A shamelessly pop-tastic album bursting at seams with 10 insanely catchy songs.

2) MUSIC CITY SOUL ~ Beverly Knight

This is by far my fav Bev album to date. Her voice shines on each and every soul-drenched track.

3) SET THE MOOD ~ David Jordan

The biggest musical surprise of the year for me, “Set The Mood” is a refreshing album and if you listen closely, you can hear echos of Terence Trent D’Arby.

4) SKYBOUND ~ Tom Baxter

Though not as instantly classic as his debut, Tom’s sophomore effort is still brimming with heart achingly beautiful songs.

5) THIS DELICATE THING WE'VE MADE – Darren Hayes

This double disc musical extravaganza would have rated higher if not for the excessive number filler of tracks. But persistence and patience will reveal moments of pure aural bliss.

Here comes the Knight

Alongside the new full-length trailer for "The Dark Knight", some seriously sexy new teaser posters have been unveiled. Space is already being made on my bedroom wall...........

Tell no one

MY SECRET LOVER ~ Private

Once again, all thanks must go to “Popjustice.com” for highlighting an obscure band I’d otherwise never have come in contact with. I can’t say I know all that much about Private, apart from the fact that they hail from Denmark and are fronted by an unusual looking chap named “Thomas Troelsen”. But what I do know is that they have managed to release one of THE best pop albums of recent memory.

The band has a very distinct sound. You’d swear that the songs were recorded back in the early 80s (which I think has a lot to do with the analogue equipment they used when recording). The whole thing is very electronic, fused with a classic late 70s / early 80s disco sound. If I had to make a fumbling comparison, I’d say that the album is an exciting mishmash of Prince, Wham, Michael Jackson and the Scissor Sisters.

The songs are mostly infectious up-tempo numbers, guaranteed to have your toes tapping or hips wiggling, although there are a few mellower tracks to let you catch your breath. The overall mood is light and breezy with carefree (and sometimes nonsensical) lyrics. My only complaint (which is no doubt just me being hyper critical) is that the songs are mostly chorus, but when you’ve got choruses THAT good, there’s no harm hearing them repeatedly!!

The album really is a hidden gem, and although its not (currently) available from local shops or even many online stores, I’d consider it an essential purchase for any pop aficionado. Its certainly one of my favourite albums of the year :D

The album can be purchased from CDWOW at the link below:
http://www13.cd-wow.com/detail_results.php?product_code=2385916

Standout Tracks:
The whole bloomin thing!