AH!

I sit before you with a mug of coffee at my feet. I'm writing this blog to kill some time, you see. My sim card appears to be broken and I'll have to trot into vodafone in the morning to try and sort it out and keep my old number somehow. It's a b!tch as I just got a new phone because it was constantly breaking down, so this on top of that, is a nightmare.

So, I'm staying up for the night to get in there early. All my alarms are on the phone which I can't access. Plus I need to get some study done early as I'm heading into my last exam on Thursday. I'll probably just crash though...

After exams, I'd like to say I'll go nuts but the fact is that I'm one of the last to finish, so most people will have gone home. My american Alex, is trying to give it up for a while due to liver poisioning. I do think Andy will be around, but I don't want to drink with her. I think we had a moment the other day. It was small, I'm probably imagining it. Our relationship does seem to have changed slightly, become a tad deeper. I'm probably over emphasising it, but I got about as close as I could to telling her I needed her, without saying I had feelings for her. I think it flew over her head. The way I see it, the relationship is heading into the last chance saloon, meaning if I don't take advantage soon, we'll have moved beyond the optomim level. Something will happen, but it might just mean moving me into the Friend Zone once and for all

Ryan is on Facebook. Get on here, fella

What else to rant about...

OH, Star Trek. It is (and I never thought I'd say this about anything Star Trek related) phenomenal. Seriously, go see this now. I'm not in the mood for writing a lenghty review, but the bottom line is, I haven't been this blown away by a film since The Dark Knight. It destroyed my expectations. 5/5

Big D's Touch (A Real Diamond In The Rough)- Buckethead

I'm really diggin the hell out of Buckethead's latest work "A Real Diamond In The Rough". An excellent little acutostic effort, which echoes his earlier masterpieces like Colma and Electric Tears, it's well worth a purchase. Not that I did, seeing as you can't buy his albums here. Thank god for torrents.

Um...

I really have nothing else. I'm busy. Prison Break is coming to an end and Scrubs is officially over. That means that bar South Park and some British shows most of you won't have heard about, I'll have nothing on TV anymore to get excited about. I mean, Dexter is amazing but I watch that online as opposed to eagerly awaiting the new episode on television. That excitement will be gone the minute Scrubs ends over here. Kinda depressing

They're remaking Pokemon Gold and Silver, my favourite games of all time. I can now die happy

I won't be around much after this day next week. You have been warned

Wow, has it really being a year since I wrote the summer blockbuster preview for 2008? Unbelievable how time flies

So, summer is here and that means a load of kickass movies, right? Um... well... sorta. Maybe it's because we were spoiled for choice last summer where practically every week, we got a new treat. I mean there was practically something worth seein every week. This year looks kind of bare by comparison. Lsst year we had the return of Indy, more superhero films than you could shake a stick at, and of course, the phenomeon that was The Dark Knight. This year, the one summer blockbuster superhero movie can't be ranked due to its leaked nature meaning I can't actually anticipate it. And the other one people are so excited about (Transformers 2) just leaves me cold. That being said, after scrapping the barrell, I have come across five films that may well be worth the price of admission. Unlike last summer, where I pretty much picked 5 winners, as all were critically well recieved by both the professional critics and the masses, it's a bit more speculative this year as I don't know how most of the films on my list will be recieved. Judging by their trailers, they'll be a fun night at the cinema at least.

5. Star Trek

Don't deny the genius of The Next Generation! The film probably won't be a patch on the adventures of Picard and company, but it looks like an entertaining, action flick that should be elevated from the mundane dephts by Zachary Quinto as Spock (loved him in the first series of Heroes) and the always watchable Simon Pegg (Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz, Spaced- if you haven't seen it look it up). Has made even a non-trekkie like me interested (I mean in relation to the campy original season, TNG was gold)

4. Angels And Demons

Once bitten twice shy? While DaVinci Code was a big disappointment, this looks a cut above it and what I'm seen so far has gotten me pretty pumped despite initial specticism. It was always pretty clear that Angels And Demons would make the better film, so I look forward to how it'll turn out. One of two book adaptations on my list. Seems 2009 will be remembered as the year of the book movie. That or the robot movie....

3. Public Enemies

Michael Mann? The two best actors of their generation in Christian Bale and Johnny Depp on screen for the first time? Why aren't more people excited about this. The pedigree behind this film is too good for it not to turn out excellent. Could well prove to be the best film of the Summer. Doesn't make it my most anticipated though...

2. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Yeah, I'm a Potter geek, so what? Actually quite a few people are excited for this one. Has the best trailer for any film this summer helps. It looks dark, exciting and magical. For once, it looks like the world of the book I've imagined in my head has been perfectly recreated. And did I mention the trailer? Man, it's won me over and this is the first time I'm excited for a Harry Potter film. Is almost guaranteed to be the best in the series.

1. Terminator Salvation

I'd like to remain spectical and I was vehemently against this film at first. But all the footage I've seen so far suggests nothing other than the fact they've actually pulled it off and that this will be the film event of the summer. Although the director (the aptly named McG) is a worrisome choice, the ace up the sleeve is of course, Christian Bale as John Connor. A kickass trailer. My favourite actor. One of my favourite franchises. All these combine to make it BY FAR my most anticipated film this summer. The only problem? I have to wait til June. You lucky Yanks get it in a matter of weeks

Well, there you go. All I say is roll on 2010. And by that I mean, roll on 2011, by which stage a third Nolan Batman should be on the way.

Peace

If you aren't rolling around laughing at the memories that particular quote has brought flooding back, you should really brush up on your tv lore

So, I decided to quickly blog. Not exactly sure what about. I planned at numerous times in the past few weeks to write a blog but general laziness and not really having anything interesting to blog about put paid to that. Thematically, I've decided to use my failed attempts to try and create a somehat decent blog and what I had been compelled to write about. Take a trip down memory lane...

What's this odd feeling? I think you're happy, sir...

Now, don't get me wrong, I've gotten my depression under control (it was particularly bad around November of last year), but I'd never say I'm a happy person, more a somewhat contented person willing to put up ith their lot because they are unable to change people's perceptions. But around the last month (especially St. Patrick's Day), I've been genuinely happy. Happy just to be alive, a feeling I haven't experienced in a few years. It was probably down to the stellar weather, a rarity here, which is always guaranteed to put one in a good mood. It was especially evident on St. Paddy's Day, where I attended my first parade (shocking I know, but my mother as vehemetly against them) and then enjoyed the sunshine with a few friends, and drinks of course, then spent the night with pizza, more drink and a dvd of Batman Begins. While the rest of the month didn't quite live up to these heights, when the sun did appear, my hapiness continued. Mr. Freeze's (cheap ice lollies) were bought up as we sat by the river and enjoyed life. Some of the best times I ever had

Of course it may be that I'm finally getting some appreciation from some quaters. Don't get me wrong, I pride myself as a lone wolf but it's nice to know I have good friends that I mean something too. Soothes the ego. I was away last week (that's hy no commenties on blogies) and the surprisingly ecstatic welcome I got back from Lisa and Andrea was pretty made me pretty damn chuffed. I still want to bang her but whatever, it's nice to be loved, even if it is just as a friend for now. I've actually tried playing the game around her but I suck at it. I'm the Newcastle United of dating (kudos if anyone got that)

Great day to be Irish

The Irish rugby team won the Six Nations championship and the Grand Slam by beating all theteams in the competition. It was our first Grand Slam in 61 years! It was an emotional day for as big a supporter as me, when we put the Welsh to the sword. Tears flowed as men became simpering wrecks. Much credit must go to the team, especially my standout preformer Paul O' Connell (surely the next Lions captain) but the real mastermind behind this triumph was the coach Declan Kidney, a man who had been in charge of my local club team Munster, and who we had long touted as the right man for the big job. Put the man in charge of saving our economy next I say, he's a miracle worker...

Interlude

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDVsIvvFtcs

Insert snappy title here

Then I was tagged by Shadow. I should have blogged immideatly then, but work was already starting to pile up for me. I forget hat that tagging is supposed to mean, but before it meant that I had to give facts about myself. I'd struggle to come up with things that people don't know about me as I'm a pretty open book (what you see is what you get, and all that "be yourself" crap doesn't work).

Ummm

1. I'm not sure if I've ever divulged this, but I'm adopted...

2. I have two dogs, two cats, six hens and a rooster

3. Even though I conside myself a fan of more highbrow fare, I have a special affinity for the action films of the 80s especially Die Hard and the Rambos

4. I haven't liked one film starring Seth Rogen

5. I still say my prayers every night before going to sleep. More put of habit i would assume as I've pretty much turned my back on organised religion

So, why did I blog now. Maybe because Munster have stormed into another European Cup semi final after powering past the Ospreys (I was there, woot), and are set now to take on out fierce Irish rivals Leinster in Croke Park. Somehow, two Irish teams will meet in a mouthwatering clash on May 2. Munster have looked unstoppable right now (with a Kiwi saying they are probably the best provincial/ club rugby team in the world) and should blow the Leinster "Ladyboys" off the park. I'm scrambling for a ticket so fingers crossed...

Maybe I blogged because of the fact I won't be around much nowdays. Two weeks until exams which last three weeks and then I'm going on my annual summer exodus. I'll try to be as active as I can at night and between study sessions over the next few weeks.

Maybe I didn't blog because I hadn't seen any worthwhile films I felt compelled to review. I do want to see Let The Right One In, which only opened here this weekend, but good luck finding a cinema that's showing it. Did someone say torrent? Speaking of movies, my next blog will be my summer blockbuster preview, though this summer looks a bit lighweight in terms of quality and films of any worth if I'm honest. One film that won't be featured in my anticipation list will be Wolverine: Origins as I did see the unfinished version doing the rounds (oh noes). It's ok, probably a 6/10, not much worth saying; they ruined Deadpool, Gambit was great but pointless and had little screen time and so forth. It's decent, but I'm glad I'll be saving my money

Hmm... I was going to count down my ten favorite shows of all time but my blog is actually a lot more substantial than I first though. Try and guess what my favourite is, some of you might be surprised...

Peace

Two things, you maggots:

1. Yarr, that be spoilers ahead so beware

2. This is written by a diehard fan of the comic. As such some parts of this review aren't going to make a lot of sense. This is one review where I can't be bias free

Hurm...

Who Watches The Watchmen

Watchmen. Considered the greatest Graphic Novel of all time and peerless in its genre. Until now considered unfilmable. Clearly not. Though far from perfect, director Zack Snyder has proven that at least a film can be made out of the material. It is at times a messy and disjointed experience, but it is never less than a thrilling and enthralling watch.

Snyder's greatest strength and at the same time his greatest weakness is his slavish reverence to the source material, and it was out of this that the biggest delights and frustrations for me were found. I was sometimes overwhelmed by the multitude of images and ideas coming before me, and this is coming from an ardent fan of the source material, god knows what the ordinary Joe made of it. The biggest thrill overall was seeing the little aspects of the GN I loved so much so lovingly recreated. Cameos from the two Bernie's, Rorschach's narration, some of my favourite lines being kept in the film, these small touches made my day. However, it is clear that for an adaptation so dense, some elements are going to be lost in translation. The problems with the pacing, due to a crammed first half and a rushed and somewhat detached ending are of course the folly of Snyder's sometimes self-indulgent directing style. You sometimes wonder what a more ruthless approach might have achieved. Still, with the inevitable director's cut I do hope some of these issues with pacing will be remedied, even if it will always retain its disjointed feel. Such is the problem with adapting Watchmen. You feel that a more ruthless director might have been the way to go, not afraid to mess with the material and yet, the film's greatest strength is its recreation of the GN and all its little quirks, unwilling to sacrifice any ground in making the most faithful adaptation possible. But, so faithful is it, it at times feels like it's just going through the motions, seeming at times a cold adaptation due to its perceived lack of imagination, sometimes feeling like an empty shell of a movie. Alan Moore did have a point when he called the film "unfilmable", it's hard to win. As such it gets half way there, a great adaptation but a so-so film.

Visually it looks stunning even if, for the most part, it doesn't feel particularly real, feeling more (as it was) like it was filmed in a parking lot. That's the modern game though and the CG stands up for the most part, creating a visually striking world. The acting is, for the most part, top notch. Everything you've heard about Jackie Earle Healy as Rorschach is true; he's a revelation, nailing the character spot on. He has all the best moments (Rorschach is prison is just perfect, great stuff) and would be the main reason I'd go to see it a second time. Billy Crudup as Doc. Manhattan also gets his character dead on, even if his power is not as elaborated on as I had hoped (but the fact that elements that I felt needed to be elaborated on weren't, is just nitpicking, but important nitpicking!). Jeffrey Dean Morgan IS Iron Man, ahem, I mean The Comedian. Matthew Goode is miscast but it's made so blatantly obvious he's the villain and he's so badly underwritten here that I can't blame the guy much. Malin Ackerman is awful, bland acting; I've never seen such a rung in performance. And Patrick Wilson turned out to be the real surprise for me, giving a thankless and low key role some real depth and gravitas, probably emerging as the closest thing to a hero in the whole film. He really was a joy to watch and a welcome surprise.

Now, for the fanboy nitpicking. While I did enjoy the film there were a few elements that disappointed me as a fan

-some missing lines, or lines given to other characters when not appropriate

- Wow, it really was violent as hell. Dare I say, too violent?

- Slow mo wasn't overused, but I still found it unnecessary

- Disappointed somewhat that Rorschach's origin was so shirt. It's all there in some shape of course but it's somewhat diluted

- The music direction was awful. Of course I love All Along the Watchtower and I'm aware it's in the GN, but it still didn't fit the scene. The role of music in a film is to add to a scene, not be completely separate of it. A more orchestral score would've helped. Lazy work from the composer, hardly anything worth mentioning.

- The ending. Can't figure out whether I liked it or not. It made sense I guess but I did miss the squid and the whole build-up. The whole "practical joke" angle seems weaker when they're making it look like Jon did it. Anyway, the jury for me is still out on that one. Though I didn't like the immediate aftermath with Dan witnessing Rorschach's death. I preferred the idea of Rorschach dying alone with no one really noticing or caring. Though I did like the way Dan was less accepting of Veidt's plans than in the GN, which was a nice touch after the indifference left me frustrated at the end of the novel. It certainly made Veidt look less heroic and let the viewer make up their own mind on the matter. I applaud the makers for that much

So overall, a flawed film that borders on the brilliant. With time, I may consider it a masterpiece and I eagerly await the Director's Cut that might remedy some of the issues I have by giving the story more time to breathe and maybe expanding on some elements that were sorely missed, such as more screen time for the two Bernie's, though most of my main gripes will still be there, sadly. As an adaptation, it's near flawless; though I do feel that for those who haven't read the GN will be largely indifferent towards it, as it's merely an above adequate film when judged on its own merits. The joy comes for this being a film for the fanboys to treasure from the little clues in the opening credit sequence (possibly the best I've ever had the pleasure of sitting through), right to the "circle becomes complete" ending of Rorschach's journal in Seymour's hands. Because of this the film deserves to take its place among comic book movie's elite, as a gift to the fanboys by the ultimate fanboy himself.

8/10

hi guys

It is now early Sunday and it is somehow already March. I'm down to the last month of proper college before easter break and then exams. I wish time would stand still. I wish I had the balls to make tough decisions. I wish things were different between me and other people. March ain't a great month for me. I'll try to make it different this time, control my own destiny for a change. Lord knows, you get sick of sitting around waiting for life to finally go your way...

It's the truth. No wait, it's the drink talking

It's been Rag Week at my college. For those not in the know, it's an event in universities whereby you're supposed to try to raise money for charities (Raise A Grand Week, see?), but's really just an excuse for students to get pissed off their heads with drink. The older I get, the less infactuated I am with the whole event. Maybe it's because the whole drinking malarky doesn't have the same appeal as when I was younger, back when it was forbidden for me to drink. Man, my first Rag Week was wild, out every night off my head. This year, I nearly focused more on the cons, the noise outside my house preventing me from studying and doing essays. But when I did get the chance to let my hair down, I had fun. According to reports, it'll be our last Rag Week, because the college authorities are pulling their support for it after 40 students were arrested and more hospitalised for their mad antics in town. So, if this was my last Rag Week, here's a quick rundown

It's not on a USB, he gave me an STD

Friend of mine, who's a technophobe talking about an SD card. Anyways, Monday, I sat in and tried finishing an essay (unsuccessfully). None of my friends were going out (well, my Best Friend was, but I'm not keen on most of the friends he hangs out with nowadays and the tail I was chasing was staying in), so I sat in with a friend, Lisa, as she made practice pancakes for the following day (Pancake Tuesday). I was the guinea pig and ate all the reject ones. I didn't mind, it was good stuff! I think I ate about 5, which totally eclipses the number I had on Tuesday (2). After that we watched the Oscars repeats. My American flatmates were unbearable on this day though. They were going wild because it was their only Rag Week and one of them was drinking all day and kept breaking into my bedroom. So, what I usually only experience late at night was something I was getting about once an hour on Monday, Alex barging in and ugging me and rambling on about bullsh!t. He actually jumped on top of me while I was in bed once. At least I made all my lectures

Those Women were in the nip!!!

Fr. Ted quote, watch it if you already haven't. Tuesday, I made my one lecture and was then stuffed with food, first my dinner, then some scones Lisa made and then we had our pancakes. Bunch of the guys came over, we had a ball, watching The Simpsons and football. Unfortunately, two people were making the pancakes; Lisa, and a classmate of her's called Paul. His pancakes were soppy and tasted like omelettes. I could only eat two, but like I say I was stuffed anyway. Went out that night, first to a bar and then queued for about 45 mins to get into a club. Still was a great night though. I was a bit distracted at times, cos Lisa's sister, who I have a thing for was with us, along with a friend of her's (he's gay thankfully). But, I was upset by the amount of my friends and others hitting on her. Hell, one guy I know even tried to set her up with a friend of his. Another guy was sniffing up her, even though he shows her nothing but contempt when he's sober. I hope she's wish to him. I also wish she didn't view me as a brother, but hey that's because I'm so close to her older sister. She did want to dance with me a lot though, or at least, have me be there, so she stuck to me like glue for the night. Although I think that's just because she's knows I'll take care of her and I'm reliable. Still, the music was good once we went to the upstairs floor (downstairs was all 90s cheese, none of the decent music from that decade). Bitta GNR and AC/DC? Good stuff...

Get Off my Lawn

Wednesday. Missed all my lectures due to laziness and hungoverness. Also, it was Ash Wednesday and I accidently ate some chicken, which is a no no as a Catholic. Had to study for an exam that night for the next day. Despite all this, Wednesday was by far the best day of Rag Week, because I finally went to see Gran Torino...

And my rating is, a perfect score- 5/5

I don't give those out often, but seriously, thanks to the terrific badassery of Clint Eastwood and the most quotable dialouge I've heard in a film in yonks, I'd easily say it's my favourite film of 09 so far. Yep, Slumdog Millionaire can suck it, this is a real film!

You really do treat him like sh!t!

Lisa's boyfriend over our treatment of one of our friends, who we abandoned at the club. We'd done the exact same on Tuesday. Thursday started with an exam. Surprisingly, everywhere around where I live was quiet because apparently, a lot of people had gone home. Thursday night was pretty quiet for a change, compared to the previous nights. I went to my friend Deirdre's 21st. It was a good night. Not much happened- Lisa told me she knew I had a crush on her sister and told me not to get involved for my own sake, but basically just teased me about it, drank cocktails and cider at the party, went out, queued for 30 mins, danced for an hour and then had to head home because I was feeling sick. Walked home with Lisa and her boyfriend Dave, who's a raging alcoholic. Had to sit with them for ages, because she begged me not to leave her alone with him, as he was out of his mind and hard to handle. It wasn't fair on me, but I couldn't leave her alone, and so couldn't leave them til he'd calmed down enough. Ah, the joys of Rag Week

Did I Ever Tell You I Was Hit By Lightning Seven Times?

Friday came and everyone went home. But Rag Week still had one more trick up its sleeve. Me and a friend finally saw Benjamin Button. I give it 3.5/5, technically flawless and a wonderful film on the surface but the characterisations were so cold and detached, I was hardly moved by the proceedings at all. It was all a little vapid

As it stands now. I have the house to myself. The Americans are visiting Belfast and all my flatmates are gone home. That means I can sing as loud as I want, run all over the place and take showers at 2am

That blog may be a little too whiny or dull for some to read, but hey, I do like to randomly blog and this is a pretty good blog. I'm happy with it

PS: My internet was down for the last month. That's why I haven't been commenting in a lot of your blogs recently. I do apologise...

PPS: I'm going to see Springsteen in July. I'm so f**king excited!

PPPS: Watchmen is only five days away. You should all be very excited. My next blog will be dedicated solely to reviewing the film, something I haven't done since TDK. I think you all now realise how important this film really is...

Later