Craig's Movie Club

So, I have seen a few good films in the last few weeks. Some were amazing and some were a bit blah. As I am a blog that literally talks about anything I thought I would give some little reviews. I warn you now there are some spoilers, so here we go -

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
This film was recommended for me on Netflix, and I decided to give it a gander as I love Aubrey Plaza's work on 'Parks and Recreation' and also Jake Johnson's work on 'New Girl'. The film centres around a reporter and his two interns and them chasing a story about some guy who has advertised for some one to be his sidekick as he attempts to time travel. It isn't a film that is bogged down with science fiction, I have no knowledge of psychics and I followed it just fine. It is a really good film. The relationship that Aubrey's character develops with the time traveller is quite special and in the end you don't want him to be this crazy guy that everyone thinks he is. Also there is a cameo from the awesome Kristen Bell so I was more than pleasantly happy with this film. The ending was great - a little bit of mystery so you can decide what happened.

The Blind Side (2009)
My love for Sandra Bullock has no limit. I will stand and cheer for anything she does (even the less than stellar 'All About Steve' which I happened to enjoy). I can't believe it has taken me this long to watch this film which gave my beloved an Oscar. This film is basically about a well off family that takes in a boy from the wrong side of the tracks and looks after him. He is built like brick shit house so he is perfect for American Football. They love him as if he is their own. The story is very touching and I got a lump in my throat basically every second line that was spoken. Sandra is amazing in it and totally believable portraying this woman that actually exists, as it is a true story. I love a film that makes me cry and with this film I was snivelling wreck.

Gravity (2013)
Another Sandra film, and this time I made sure I saw it in a cinema. YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS IN THE CINEMA. The effects are awesome, I found myself questioning half way through if they didn't actually film this in space. It is so amazingly done and so real (as far as I can gather). Sandra's performance was definitely award worthy and I hope she gets celebrated for it. The film it self is quite stressful, the story is about a bunch of astronauts that become under attack from high speed debris flying at them. It destroys the ship they were on and basically a bunch of the film is Sandra just spinning around in space.
You long for the safety of her's and George Clooney's characters as they aim to board the International Space Station to use their escape pod. Some of the shots throughout the film just left me open mouthed - my favourite was the scene where Sandra takes off her suit. This is in no way perverted, it was just beautiful. The fluidity of being in space, this might resonate with some people, but it almost looked like a baby in the womb (its a weird thought but it did to me). Apparently there are some scientific inconstancies but it should no way effect your enjoyment.

Rebecca (1940)
Someone at work knew that I  was a Hitchcock fan and they asked if I had seen this film, I hadn't so they borrowed it me. The horror when I found out it was over 2 hours long nearly put me off (my attention span can last comfortably for an hour and half to two hours. However my love for Hitchcock films and my co-worker sat me in my seat for the entire duration. It is a story of a woman who marries a recently widowed man, she moves in with him and finds her self constantly in the shadow of the deceased wife. The wife's cause of death is put under scrutiny, and is also revealed that the husband did have some part in the death, but he is found not guilty. The problem for me with this film is that it could have been a hell of a lot shorter, the first hour is incredibly dragged out and there is a lot of scenes that are not necessary. I almost turned it off half way through, already thinking of a lie about how much I loved it. I am glad I didn't. The last hour is great in comparison. Would I watch it again? No. I don't need to but I am glad I have watched it.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
I feel like this is one of those films that everyone has seen and I never did. It is a classic film that is constantly mentioned in popular culture. I always remember Phoebe talking about it on 'Friends' so I wanted to see it. So finally I sat down with it, I decided to watch the colour version (I'm a fan of fashion so I wanted to see the clothes in all their glory).
The film is a lot to take. You constantly ask yourself how much one man can take, how could he not snap? Its constant disappointment after disappointment. I started to question the film's title. Then we get to meet the amazing Clarence. At the lowest point of the main character's story, George, he contemplates suicide. Clarence, the angel to yet to receive his wings comes and saves him and shows him just how much influence he has had on the people around him. It is a beautiful last 45 minutes and really makes you question your own life. The ending made me cry like a sinner in church. I am not surprised this is a classic, it was perfect.

TV Deaths

For me a death scene can be the making of a TV show. If they write it right then you know you have a great show. If the death actually affects you emotionally than that is a sign of a good writer. TV deaths always affect me more than a death in a film. I think this is because you have watched these character's development and you have unwittingly become invested. Also you watch how it affects the rest of the characters and this can be just as devastating. Saying good bye to a character can feel like someone you know. Below I have written about 11 character's death' that really got to me and stuck with me.

Ben Sullivan (Scrubs)

He wasn't a main character and he wasn't even a secondary character, he only appeared in 3 episodes. He was the friend of Dr. Cox, he gave us an insight to a more personable and softer side to Dr. Cox. For me his death was a shock, I never even saw it coming. I fell into the trap of believing what I was seeing. We were led to believe that Dr. Cox was having a good time with his old pal and they were on their way to a birthday party - when in reality Dr. Cox was going to Ben's funeral and a way to cope was to imagine his friend was right by the side of him. I was floored and in shock when a sullen J.D appeared and asked him 'Where do you think we are?'. I tip my feathered hat to Scrubs - they blend comedy and drama perfectly.

Cassie (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Again she wasn't a main character either, she was only in one episode. We were introduced to her and had to say goodbye to her in 42 minutes (I know she later appears as The First but that doesn't count). Basically the premise was that Cassie believed she was going to die on a certain day, Buffy being her guidance councillor believed she was suicidal - then Buffy later found out that she was to be a sacrifice in a demonic ritual. Buffy goes in and kicks some demon ass, saves Cassie, everyone is happy, Cassie is wrong and she will live. Seconds later Cassie falls to the floor and dies due to an unknown heart problem. The truly heartbreaking moment of the episode is when Buffy tries to convince her to live and Cassie tells her she wants to and lists all the things she wants to do in life, but will never get to.

Eli (Desperate Housewives)

Another character that only appeared in one episode, but he actually lived amongst the ladies for years. In the 100th episode we are introduced to him as the handyman who did so much more. He was a huge part of the ladies lives and we are shown through flashbacks just how much he was. The saddest moment is before he dies and in a flashback we see him talking to Mary-Alice just before she commits suicide - and then we see him outside as they take her body away, he is just standing there crying. My heart dropped - grown men crying always gets me. He was a great character and I am so glad we were introduced to him.

Batley (Emmerdale)

He was the pet of Edna Birch. She was a hard as nails pensioner who listened to the Lord and no-one else. Batley brought out the softer and more loving side to her. It was a real friendship and a companion for her in her lonely life. It was absolutely heart-wrenching when she had to say goodbye to him. I don't really watch soap operas, but for me this scene was beyond. Me and my whole family cried at that very moment.

Anya (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Anya was always one of my favourite characters on Buffy. After appearing in season 3 as a vengeance demon, then later becoming mortal, then falling in love with Xander, to being a shop keeper and then finally becoming a demon again, she supplied so much humour. My favourite scene from Anya (which incidentally isn't a funny one) is when she can't grasp the idea of death when Buffy's mum dies. She asks all the questions that aren't supposed to be asked - Emma Caulfield's acting was top notch. Anyway, Anya is one of the victims of the final battle in season 7. All fans knew that we were going to lose a major character, I for one did not think it would be Anya. She is sliced almost in half from behind moments before Sunnydale falls in to the Hellmouth. She was an amazing character, and if they do make a movie in the future I will be truly upset if they don't at least acknowledge her.

Prue (Charmed)

This death came at such a huge shock, in the Charmed world it seemed as if the sisters were invincible. Yes they get hurt and damaged but they always get back up. In the last scene of season 3 Prue was thrown through a wall - but this time she didn't get back up. The death was a little bit sullied by the fact that Prue had to be killed off because Shannen Doherty was fired. However, this did not stop the show from growing. The saddest scene is when Piper can't handle the death and screams at Prue's burial place, blaming her for leaving her. I always wished that Prue came back for a cameo in some form - its the supernatural world so I am sure they could have worked something out.

George (Grey's Anatomy)

This was another huge shocker aswell, we didn't even see the incident which ultimately ended his life. Instead we are shown a John Doe appear in the hospital and then we find out at the same time as Meredith when he draws 007 (his nickname) on her hand as he can't speak. He later dies in surgery. He was such a major character that was there from day one, he is a character that I got invested in because I didn't think I would have to say goodbye to him on the show. I always wished him and Izzy got together, but also I understand why it wouldn't have worked. The scene where we last see him with Izzy is heartbreaking. What happens is they are both wearing their best and they get into a lift together - metaphorical of the idea they are moving on.

Denny (Grey's Anatomy)

If there is one thing I can guarantee I will get from Grey's Anatomy is water filled eyes and a snotty nose. They are geniuses when it comes to writing a devastating storyline, but for me this tipped me over the edge. Denny is a character who is waiting for a heart transplant, he falls in love with his doctor, Izzy, and she also falls in love with him. She has a plan to cut his wire to a machine thats keeping him alive so he will be rushed in to an operating theatre and receive a heart that is meant for someone else. Doesn't really go to plan, and Denny dies. The soundtrack is 'Chasing Cars' by Snowpatrol and it just added to the devastation. Watching Izzy's reaction and morning was really hard - Katherine Heigl should of won every award.

Joyce (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

For a show that is about a girl saving the world hundreds of time, they sure know how to knock us out with a death scene. 'The Body' is up there with one of my favourite  episodes of Buffy ever. It is so pure and perfect. Joyce is Buffy's mum and she finds her dead on the couch - ironically for Buffy there was no supernatural/demonic element within the story of Joyce's death, so this left Buffy powerless. It was a human part of life that Buffy had no control over. The worst scenes for me where when Dawn is told and when Buffy finds the body - they break my heart. The show was amazingly done, the lack of soundtrack in some parts gave a really realistic feeling to a horrible reality some people have probably faced. It wasn't a dressed up episode, nothing was overdone - it is probably the most human episode of the series. 

Paul Hennessy (8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter)

What truly made this episode truly devastating and hurt so much was the fact that the actor had actually passed in real life, the death of the character had to be written in to compensate for the loss of the actor. They could have gotten another actor but this would not have been right, John Ritter made that character. In the show we see the family find out what happened and then we see the funeral, its hard to watch because you know these emotions are real - they are actually mourning. All the actors did an amazing job and it will forever go down as one my favourite shows of all time.

Finn Hudson (Glee)

This again was another death that was incredibly hard to watch as Cory who played Finn actually died in real life. What I like about the episode is that we were never told how he died - I really liked this because at the end of the day we didn't need to know, we all know the tragic reasons in real life. This episode was hard as it felt like we were just watching a lot of actors mourn on camera. Yes they had words but there wasn't any acting involved for some characters as it all came from the heart. The songs chosen were great aswell and fitted the sombre mood of the show perfectly. I will stand and applaud Lea Michelle as she did an outstanding job. Its hard enough having to go back to work after losing a loved one but to have to do it on camera, sing about him and talk about him - I can't imagine the strength it must have taken just to walk on to the set where she met her husband to be. 

I HATE CHRISTMAS SONGS!

So its the beginning of December and of course every radio station, music channel and shopping establishment think there is only one type of music we want to listen to - Christmas songs! I may be a one man army when it comes to my hatred of christmas songs and for that I apologise, but as soon as I hear Noddy Holder scream 'IT'S CHRISTMAS' I can feel my eyes just roll into the back of my head. 

I understand people's love for them, they are happy songs that remind us of this great time of year. It's just I don't choose to listen to them. This will be my 25th Christmas that I have experienced and just for once I would like to not be slapped in the face with them. I work in a restaurant so of course all the other music has been shunned for the christmas cheer. I wouldn't even mind if we had a new bunch of christmas songs to enjoy, but we don't. We get the same ones again and again. Every 'Top 20 Christmas Songs' on the music channels is the same 20 songs. 

However, me being me, I do enjoy a bit of hypocrisy and there is some Christmas songs I do not hate.

• Mariah Carey 'All I want for Christmas'
• Danity Kane 'Home For Christmas'
• Destiny's Child '8 Days of Christmas'
• Boney M 'Mary's Boy Child'
• Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson 'Winter Song'
• Britney Spears 'My Only Wish'
• Greg Lake 'I Believe in Father Christmas'

My all time favourite Christmas song is by Jackson 5. 'Santa Claus is coming to Town' will get me in the mood for yuletide celebrations.

One thing that irks about some christmas hits is the songs that aren't actually about Christmas. You pair any random, slow, romantic song with a winter themed video and BAM you have a Christmas song. Every year they are brought back and we accept them as christmas songs. For example - 

• East 17 'Stay Another Day'
• S Club 7 'Never Had a Dream Come True'
• Spice Girls '2 Become 1'
• Gary Jules 'Mad World'
• Every X Factor single

I don't mean to spread hate especially within the season of joy its just they really bother me, there is no other type of music we are forced to listen to straight for a month or two. And in all honesty do you like Christmas songs? The last Christmas song to get to number one was in 2004 with Band Aid and before then it was 1990 with Cliff Richard! I am however excited to hear Leona Lewis' and Kelly Clarkson's Christmas albums though - their voices slay me.

British LOL's

Someone asked me the other dau which TV boxsets I owned, so of course 10 minutes later I was finished naming them all. They asked me why there wasn't any British comedies on the list. I replied that I didn't like any of them, I have quite a snobby attitude towards comedy and I honestly think our American cousins do it better. Modern Family, Friends, Parks and Recreation, Will & Grace, The Big Bang Theory - need I say more.
It did get me thinking though - I actually do love some British comedies, whereas some just go over my head. I don't find shows like Alan Partridge, Porridge, Monty Python and Only Fools and Horses that funny (I do not say this out loud with fear of being exiled), but there are some that I find myself watching re-runs of all the time. I wrote a short list of 6 comedies that I feel prove me wrong, and prove that Britain is funny.

1. The Inbetweeners (E4)
I fell for this show straight away, Will is a perfectly written character - the scene where he shits himself during an exam can make me laugh out loud just by thinking about it. The other boys are great aswell, each with their extreme personalities. Neil is probably my favourite character, his naivety mixed with his lack of shame just makes him great.

2. Absolutely Fabulous (BBC)
How can you not like this show. It has everything a comedy should have. It has a drunk best friend, a snobby daughter, a slightly out of it Grandmother and a bat shit crazy assistant. All these characters just add to this show. Eddie is obviously the star of the show, she is totally oblivious to her status and thinks she is more than what she is - however to me she is perfect. If I could change one thing it would be the americans - they are too extreme and I often find myself zoning out when they come on.

3. Miranda (BBC)
I accidentally stumbled across this show one night when I was having pre-drinks at my friends house and she was taking forever to get ready. I will always remember it -  the scene was when she was at a job interview and she starts to sing a Whitney Houston song, I laughed so hard that I almost saw my pre-drinks in reverse. Miranda is one of those characters that I find my self relating to (reluctantly), she is one of lifes losers who just strives to have everything that everyone has but takes for granted. Miranda Hart is a comic genius and I am actually going to see her on tour and I can't freaking wait.

4. The IT Crowd (Channel 4)
I didn't watch this show much when it was broadcast, but then iTunes had an offer to buy the series for like a fiver or something so I snapped it up, so happy I did. I binge watch this show all the time (thank you Netflix). My favourite character is of course Moss - I love him. I feel if I was to be around him I would just laugh all the time, he would hate me because he isn't trying to be funny. Jen and Roy of course make up the magnificent trio. I was glad that Channel 4 got them together to do one more episode to wrap things up - I needed the closure.

5. Trollied (Sky 1)
This is a show that I think is lost amongst the cable channels. It should be on the BBC at least, more people need to see it. It is a sitcom based in a supermarket - we never leave the supermarket. It has a range of characters so there is something for everyone. My favourite character is Lisa, she is the check out girl who could not give less of a shit. She is literally there for the money, she has no passion and is often rude (so basically any shop worker).  She is crude and loathes everybody, she is the best.

6. Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (BBC)

I believe this was our answer to Friends - accept a hell of a lot more realistic for us Brits. It tells the story of 5 friends trying to get through life in Runcorn. They are struggling for money, struggling for jobs but they appreciate the beauty of having a pint with your mates down the pub. Its hard to pick a favourite character from the original 5, but I would have to say my favourite supporting character was Donna's mum - she was amazing, made me laugh more than anyone else.

So to recap I may have been too harsh, we have some jewels in our comedy crown. We getting better and better and we have had some amazing shows come and go. Maybe my next boxset purchase will be a British Comedy.

Supergroups!

Inspired by the formation of McFly and Busted as one big supergroup; I thought I would create some that world needs/wants. Before you say, yes they are all female. I can't help it; I love a good female singing voice.

Little Saturday
A combination of Little Mix and The Saturdays. Unfortunately we live in a world where there can only be one raining girl band at a time, fortunately for us when one goes quiet the other one steps in - so they both get chart success and the attention they deserve. Combining these two groups would be genius, it was give us one amazing girl band that would be unrivalled! They are pure pop fun and they deserve more than what we give them.

DCTLC
What would happen if you put the two biggest selling girl groups of all time together in the same room? Magic I am sure of it. Separately they have dominated - together they would conquer. The tour would be a spectacle and would sell out in minutes the world round. Just like TLC were going to at the American Music Awards (but didn't!) they should hologram in a Left Eye and it would literally be the best show on Earth! I am actually getting excited and its not even happening - it was created by me, boredom, 4 am and Photoshop.

Jessie, Paloma, Adele, Ellie and Florence
Arguably the five best voices we have birthed in this country in the last few years. Just now I thought about Emeli Sande as a sixth member - chills. The shows would be epic and beyond any vocal performances anyone has ever seen, Separately they have sold out arenas - together they could sell out stadiums around the freaking world. I need this to happen, I am too excited for it not to happen.

My Go-To Albums

I am one of those people that get incredibly bored with music very quickly, I can love a song one day and instantly turn it over when it comes on the music channels the next day. However, there are some that break this rule. These are my go to albums right now, when I'm on the train or walking places and I can't choose anything to listen to, I will go to my old faith-fulls.

Little Mix - Salute

Quite a new addition to my go-to albums. When I first heard it I was a bit erm about it. I can flick past one or two songs but some really stuck with me. 'Boy' is my absolute favourite on the album, think old school Destiny's Child with a bit of Dream's "He Loves You Not' and Jesy's amazing vocal intro and you have a great track. Also with the album you will notice you start to walk in a different way, you march! They have perfected the art of marching music - if you don't agree listen to 'A Different Beat', 'Move' and 'Salute'. This type of music just makes my head bop and there ain't nothing wrong with that.

Natalia Kills - Trouble

I will always be thankful for Spotify for this treat to the ears. Its an amazing album. It has attitude filled songs, mixed with some beautiful ballads and some throw back tunes that are reminiscent of the 90's. Particular favourites include 'Devil Don't Fly' and 'Saturday Night' - I am a huge sucker for a ballad. If you need a song to help you stomp the street like a boss ass bitch then you got 'Problem' for that - this album has something for everyone.

Taylor Swift - Red 
If you know me then you know my love for Taylor is deep and its real. She is an amazing writer and every song she gifts us with seems like we are having a peek in to her world. I have to say my favourite album of hers will always be 'Fearless' (it was perfect), but the reason this album is on my go-to list is because it is so varied. No two songs sound similar, no two songs cover the same topic and lets face it her voice is like a fine wine - its only getting better with age. Favourite songs include 'Red', 'The Lucky One' and 'Holy Ground' - but for me its like picking my favourite food, its all good.

Miranda Lambert - Four The Record
This album is country perfection, she has the twang down and there is no shortage of guitars and banjos. This is the epitome of country for me, every song is a story whether happy or sad. It takes a lot for a song to make me cry just by listening and not having a video for it - 'Over You' had me bawling, ugly snotty kind of crying. This album is perfect for journeys, you can just look out the window and the scenery fits the songs and you can create your own music videos (just be aware of fellow passengers judging you as you place your hand against the rain splattered window and mime). This album does also have its great up tempo songs aswell. Favourite tracks include 'All Kinds Of Kinds', 'Look At Miss Ohio' and 'Mama's Broken Heart'.

Demi Lovato - Demi 
If I could have any one's singing voice it would be heres, her range is awesome and she can hold a note like nobodies business. Each album of hers gets better and better. This one definitely shows a growth and maturity. She has now got a clubby vibe to her sound on some songs and I'm not mad about it, her ballads are what you expect - perfect, and she still hasn't forgotten her pop routes. If you ever want to mime and feel like a diva (which we all do at some point of the day) then pop this on. Some favourites include 'Neon Lights', 'Warrior' and of course 'Heart attack'. I also very much recommend her last album - 'Unbroken'.

The Band Perry - Pioneer 
I fell in love with this band the second after I heard 'If I Die Young' - it was depressing, country perfection, which is what I ask from my music a lot. When they released this second album I was afraid they wouldn't live upto the high bar I set them. Then they released 'Better Dig Two', yes another death related song, but my god its so good. The whole album is great - they haven't stepped away from their country roots, but why should they, you don't fix something that isn't broken. I am also listening to them on replay a lot lately because I am going to see them on Sunday and I am balls to wall excited.

Pleasuring the masses

Before I start there will be a lot of people that will probably disagree with this post, people that know will probably think I am nowhere near a people pleaser. Well thats not how I feel, read on and you will see what I mean.

For years now I have felt a bit like a people pleaser, not in the brown nosing way. In the way where I hate disappointing people, where I don't like been in people's way and sometimes to the extreme where I would hide certain parts of my personality to fit in. In all honesty now, I am sick of it. I am going to be me, I am going to make me happy and I am not going to try and impress people anymore.

I have reached a point in my life where I have realised that I have done everything because thats what I thought I had to do, what was expected of me. Its lead me to quite a boring existence. I am still in education at 25 and studying something that right now I couldn't give two shits about. I will finish though, I have worked to hard and long for it - it will literally be the only achievement I will have had. When I look back it seems a lot of stuff I have done was pointless. For example I didn't need to do my A Levels - I followed my friends there as I didn't have a plan, I should have gone straight to art college.

My job is another place where I am sick of trying. For some reason I have been labelled lazy - I am not lazy. Yes, I will sometimes take a minute to talk to someone I work with, but my job never suffers and I will help other people with their jobs if they need it. I am always trying to be noticed by people at work but I'm not. They only notice my negatives. I don't want to sound big headed but there isn't many people at my job that can do some of the things I do well. I think from now on I will just go in, do my job and leave - pointless trying to impress someone who doesn't look out for it.

University is another place where I feel like I am not doing it for me. For instance I now know that I am on the wrong course with the wrong career choice. I know now that I won't use my degree to its fullest when I leave. I feel like I am quite a creative person, however there are too many rules that I have to design by - this isn't what I signed up for. I went to uni because I never saw another life for me, it was always in my plan and I never questioned it.

So, from now on I am taking a stand. I am only responsible for my happiness, no one else's. If I don't want to do something then I won't do it. Life is too damn short to be unhappy or trapped. As I type this I am doubting myself as I know I will be in uni tomorrow, which is the last place I want to be. Maybe I will have a change of heart soon, but who cares - its my life. Its my life to screw up, I don't have to answer to anything or anyone.