Review – Star Trek – Into Darkness (2013)
Was I the only one to see a Star Wars image in this shot?
Synopsis
After a terrorist attack on Earth, the crew of the Enterprise form up and head off to try and catch the culprit – who is harbouring more than one game changing secret - all while dealing with oh so much lens flare.
Pluses:
Witty banter – there was some truly great dialogue in this instalment.
Good use of supporting characters.
Spot the cameos.
Cumberbatch fighting when he was way outnumbered.
Some great wide angled shots.
Hat tips to the original series/film franchises except one (in cons).
Minuses:
One particular scene's dialogue – I won’t give it away – and while there was the odd titter at the exchange, it was totally unnecessary.
The over complexity belying one contact point on of a piece of equipment.
Not enough Cumberbatch.
Too many male tears feeling somewhat disingenuous.
A reverse of a classic scene from the original movie franchise.
They hung so much light on one plot point resolution that I can’t imagine anyone not seeing it coming.
Vulcan hair styles are not designed for running.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable flick. I didn’t realise I was seeing the 3D version (I try and avoid them like the plague), and while there were the usual 3D designed scenes, some went past so fast as to not “get” the 3D experience.
Did anyone else think the StarFleet uniforms looks a bit like the SS just in grey and without skulls and bones on the hats?
PS. There’s nothing at the end of the credits, so if you don’t feel like sitting through them after the 3D candy ends, you won’t miss anything.
#fourlensflaringpandas
Review – The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Maybe if we eat throughout we can stay awake
To say I was excited about The Hobbit would be a complete understatement. I followed all the pre-release info with bated breath. Imagine my disappointment to not being able to go and see it the instant it opened? (I was involved in a car vs cyclist incident) So I waited and waited. Avoided reviews, opinions and stayed true. I finally saw it in late January shortly before heading back to hospital for surgery. Urgh.
Synopsis:
Nothing happens.
Positives:
Was nice to see the familiar locations and style.
So many of the cast were actors I have enjoyed for years.
Negatives:
Does Jackson need a new island or something? Cuase there is NO reason to drag this out so badly.
The writing was so untidy. Yes The Lord of the Rings was long but it moved. The Hobbit was a rollicking fast adventure story, not a long drawn out battle with Hobbit Cancer.
Was absolutely unwatchable to someone who had a shorter attention span (due to injuries).
Filled with tosh - and not the good Tosh.0 either.
I gave up after about 50 mins or so - when Bilbo was about to go snatched by the Trolls.
Nothing happened. I remember a funny piece by The Onion about how the movie was 50 mins of Bilbo deciding what to pack. Yeah, that.
If I ever break my leg again and am high on pain killers I might give it another go, but for now, I'll just wait for the third movie, then wait for it to come to TV, then possibly go out that night.
#OnePanda (but only because I loved LOTR so much).
Review – Community – Biology 101 (S03Ep01)
Little dry there Abed?
This week:
The gang is back for class after the summer off. Greendale will always be Greendale no matter how normal Jeff may wish it (through song) to be. Abed discovers British TV - including Cougarton Abbey. Jeff learns about himself, we meet some new characters, and some old ones go on new journeys.
Pluses:
The forementioned Cougarton Abbey.
Chapstick!
Pearch and Jeff dynamic.
Chimpanzzzzzzz (LMFAO).
Jeff post Chimpanzzzzzz.
OMG the Vice-Dean!
Matching outfits!
Starburns!
Minuses:
No John Oliver.
I love Community - you all know that. This was a great entre back into the show. It wasn’t a big set piece like some previous episodes, but it nicely set the scene for the year to come, while getting us up to speed on the Summer and the new characters (or changes in direction for existing ones).
#FoursolidCommunitylovingpandas
Review – True Blood – She’s Not There (S04Ep01)
It is good to be the King, no?
This week:
She's back (via the fairy dimension) but time has moved on, just like the people in Sookie's life. The world comes crashing back in on Sookie and we find out what our favourite Bon Temps residents have been up to.
Pluses:
Bill did his house up finally.
Jason finally got his wish to be a Deputy.
Tara's arc totally makes sense given what she has been through.
Pam being Pam.
Eric has lost a lot of his bulk from last season.
The poo is finally off Sookie's walls.
Minuses:
Fairy realm. So poorly done and hopefully the end of this arc.
Necromancy (though I know where it is going).
Jesus and Lafayette.
Jessica and Hoyt.
This episode was a bit disappointing. As soon as they did the time jump I was really interested in seeing how some characters had developed - Everyone’s favourite baby vamp, Jess, was a character I was really interested in seeing. I know it is early days, but what was portrayed wasn’t very Jessica. I felt like they were trying to cram too much in to cover everything. Given how short a time span a series is, I hope we get to see more of the development and never go back to the fairy kingdom.
#twofangtasialovingpandas
Review – Doctor Who – The Impossible Astronaut (S06Ep01)
So let's get this straight. You are pissy at me cause I went to get my magic drinking straw?
This week:
It is two months since the Pandorica opened and The Doctor saved the universe/world from annihilation (again). He has been having some funtastic adventures, some even with River. When mysterious numbered envelops in TARDIS blue are delivered, the team come back together in Utah for a picnic. But this is Doctor Who, nothing is idillic for long.
Pluses:
OMG the baddies are going to give the Weeping Angels a run for their money.
The power of the baddies.
How cool is it that Mark Sheppard is in this!!??
Amy Pond wears long shorts (I am sure millions of boys cried a little when that happened).
Great moment with Rory and River. The great tragedies of their lives - especially River. Rory just needs to get over himself.
Really strong development of the team as a unit.
Lying with Fish Sticks and Custard.
Minuses:
I really don't think it needed to go to the States. Yeah Spacemen are in the States, but given the actors are all Brits, what is the point?
The big emotional scene at the beginning - did anyone really think that was it? Really lacked punch.
This wasn't the episode I was expecting. I don't know what it was that I wanted, but it wasn't this. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the subtext within the episode and how it has been set up for next week. As a general rule two parters shit me, I hate waiting, but it usually pays off in the end.
#threeandahalfTARDISblueopandas
PS. ABC: Why are you showing it a week behind the rest of the world? And people wonder why we rig our computers to be from another country so we can access content internationally.
Review – Community – Paradigms of Human Memory (S02Ep21)
And then we all had icecream.... NOOOOOOOOO!
This week:
We reminise over the year that was with our favourite study group as they work on their 20th diarama. We look back on all the classic moments while they poke fun at clip shows, and themselves.
Pluses:
Annie's Boobs.
Jeff's speeches.
Romantic slo-mo.
The Cape.
Red long underwear.
Abed's brain.
A slicked up Chang.
The diarama itself - loved Chang's placement.
Sing, sing, sing.
The Dean.
Minuses:
No Starburns (but I am just trying to think of a negative).
Yet another 5 panda outting from the brilliant mind of Dan Harmon and the whole Community Crew. Each time I see such a brilliant episode from Community, I wonder "Where to from here?" as the bar is set and reset so high, but they do not disappoint.
#fivegloriouspandas
Review – Breaking In – Pilot (S01Ep01)
We get paid to be bad... I'll allow it.
Synopsis:
Cameron Price (Bret Harrison - V, Reaper, The Loop) has Uni all figured out. After hacking the computer system, he has made it his bitch. Along comes Oz (Christian Slater) and his team at Contra Security (a company that is hired to put security to the test), and Cameron's life will never be the same again.
This week:
Pilot so a lot of introductions and scene setting. Cameron has to steal an expensive car as his first case while getting constantly harassed about office birthdays and pranked as the newbie. What could possibly go wrong?
Pluses:
OMG LEX LUTHER IN UGG BOOTS!!
Boom goes the dynamite. Awesome pranking.
I'll allow it.
Sky Mall.
Snappy dialogue.
Heaps of fun.
Good running gags that didn't lose their impact.
Slater gets to continue his love of all things Star Trek.
Minuses:
A little stereotypical.
Lot of pressure on the case of the week scenario to keep it so engaging.
This was a remarkably enjoyable romp. I will certainly be continuing to catch this. It reminds me a little of Better Off Ted in its style and dialogue.
#fourgigglingpandas
Review – Wang Wang and Funi (Adelaide Zoo)
Wang Wang: I am so fluffy because I spend time daily in the Panda Spa.
Wang Wang and Funi are the "loaner" pandas currently residing in the Adelaide Zoo. Wang Wang is a bit of a boofhead and Funi is a bit like a puppy - naps like a champion then plays like the world is ending.
Funi made the cutest noise when she found a carrot. She sat down, holding it, threw back her head and gave herself a little cheer.
Housed in a custom built duel exhibit, Wang Wang and Funi have access to a pond, which I labeled a Panda Spa, and a special chilled rock for when it gets too hot. Each have a protective glassed in area for when the public get a bit much and a large open air area with lots of area for exercise (NB. Panda exercise is walking to the next treat hidden by the keepers). In the glassed in area, the pandas are given "toys" (like a box of sawdust) and bamboo for nibbling - so even if they are behind the glass, they are still putting on a bit of a show for the fans.
Funi looking very pleased with herself while hunting for treats.
Guarantee your spot with Wang Wang and Funi
You should to book to see the pandas. You buy your tickets to the zoo on line, then book your chosen time for the panda enclosure. You may get in without booking (as I got to see them twice), but since it doesn't cost anything extra to do so, why not? On the day I went, the Clipsal 500 was on and the weather was pouring with rain, then hot and humid, then pouring with rain etc. As such the zoo wasn't very busy - as such it was lots of pandas (and other great animals) with no waiting. What was even better was that after about 25-30 mins into the last session of the day, everyone left because they were both behind the glass. I was left alone in a giant enclosure with two pandas. Once it was silent, they pandas went out and played. I got so close to Funi as she played, making the funniest noise, before romping around her enclosure. Wang Wang then went exploring in his enclosure looking for more treats.
Wang Wang on the prowl for those sweet, sweet rice cakes.
There is limited Panda merch available at the dedicated Panda Shop - I bought a Wang Wang mug, Wang Wang boxers and a Panda Stamp (that prints a panda and a set of panda paws walking across the page). Unfortunately, Funi is drawn way too silly and girly, whereas Wang Wang is just a little anthropomorphised.
Wang Wang taking on his nemesis "Box of Sawdust!"
Pluses:
OMG PANDAS!
Insanely cheap - $28 for a full day's fun.
Free to book panda time (Other paid events are $130 and $495 for a much closer and personal experience).
Zoo staff (keepers and volunteers) were incredibly helpful and chatty - I got "adopted" by a senior volunteer who was telling me best spots and what to look for.
You can get within inches of the pandas.
You get to see Panda junk.
They are even cuter and fluffier than you can imagine.
Free bus and close to the city.
Minuses:
If they are asleep, they aren't that exciting and yet still cute.
Some visitors totally ignored the signs and the ropes - so no wonder the pandas stay in the glass when there are lots of people about.
Not a lot of options for food and drink at the zoo.
Wang Wang in the classic Panda Pic
I had a brilliant time and can only say...
#fivepandaseventhoughtherewereonlytwo
Review – Vampire Boys (2011)
Vampire Boys know that shirts are optional and that a healthy tan is a must.
Synopsis:
Vampires made by an Ancient One on their 100th anniversary of becoming a Vampire must do the same else they and their progeny die. Jasin (yes that is how it is spelt) and his "brothers," come to LA to find "The One" for Jasin so they can all live together. Unbeknownst to Caleb, a young, gay, college swimming star from Ohio just moved to LA, he is "The One."
Pluses:
Just how bad the dialogue was. It was awesomely bad!
The acting was so wrong. Their skills of fake drinking coffee were brilliant!
I had no idea it was a gay equivalent to Twilight, I was surprised when the leads were acting, well, gay.
The sunshine myth is just that, a myth - turns out Vampire Boys tan quite nicely.
Their abs weren't nearly as fake as suggested by the poster.
It was just insanely fun.
Minuses:
The score/music - it was atrocious! That being said, once you got used to it, it kind of added to the experience.
The token female looked like an ex-hooker with bad plastic surgery.
What was with the shock shot of extra large genitalia?
Jasin's hair.
A few of my friends and I love catching terrible movies - when I saw this was rated at 2.4 on imdb, I thought I had to see it. After a busy week and tiring Saturday, I skipped a BBQ and livetweeted the movie - you can see that here though don't forget to keep clicking more till there aren't any more - then read from the bottom up. It wasn't the worst movie I have seen, but its approach was super fun, and I had an absolute blast watching it. As someone who doesn't much care for the Twilight franchise, this was just brilliant. That I had no idea what I was getting myself in for, made it even more fun.
#threepandaswhoaretheone
Review – Community – Critical Film Studies (S02Ep19)
Heading back, on the track, for a little green bag.
This week:
It is Abed’s birthday, so Jeff arranges an awesome Pulp Fiction party for him. Unbeknownst to Jeff, Abed has his own plans - to have a proper sit down dinner with real conversation.
Pluses:
OMG Abed’s sweater! (This plus the voiceover was an instant tell to the movie they were taking on this week)
The gang’s Pulp fiction outfits.
Troy and the suitcase.
Dany Pudi’s acting.
Jeff’s voice over.
So amazingly funny.
Jeff backstory.
Britta character development.
Not too much Pearce.
Cougar Town (say it in a breathy way).
Minuses:
Little too much Chang (not my favourite character).
With homages to two movie classics as well as the running Cougar Town story line, this episode was up there with the best. The story within a story within a story within a story. Classic. I don’t want to say much more because it will give it away, but if you have seen the major movie this episode hangs on (not Pulp Fiction) you will love every single second of this week’s Community, and probably will love it anyway.
In fantastic recent (since I last blogged about Community) it has been renewed for a third season. It is so nice to see a smart comedy finally accepted and not left hanging with a reasonably early renewal.
#fourandahalfsweatercladpandas
