This has been a tough weekend work wise if I’m honest. It’s been super stressful so I’ve been avoiding reading. Well, I’ve managed to do some reading but it’s not been great. I still haven’t finished War Horse which I started this week with the intention of finishing before I saw the stage version. Even though I didn’t manage that I absolutely adored the play. I mean, I was in floods of tears but it was exquisite. So well realised and mesmerising but, also, so good at capturing the real consequences of war. It was so much more meaningful and powerful than Steven Spielberg’s film version. He completely lost his way with that film and I spent most of my time laughing. I really hated that film and, if you’re interested, you can hear more of my rants in my review from 2012 here.
Weekly Blog Posts
- TUESDAY’S REVIEWS – Lady Bird (2017)
The third Best Picture nominated film that I’ve watched this week and, again, I absolutely loved it. If you haven’t seen this great film yet then find out why you should here.
- BOOK REVIEW – Tin by Padraig Kenny
In which I get more excited about a children’s book than I have about anything I’ve read in the last 6 months. I couldn’t help but hype this book before I read it and spend days scouring bookshops trying to find a copy. Was is worth it? Find out here.
- THROWBACK THIRTY – Oliver and Company (1988)
I’ve spent about twenty years seeing the trailer for this film but never watching it. It was finally time to see if I’d been missing out on the greatest thing ever. Was this the Disney movie I’d been waiting for or was it something I did well to avoid until now? Click here to read my review.
Just Finished
- Tin by Padraig Kenny
As you can probably tell from the rundown of this week’s posts, I finally finished Tin. I wanted to love this book so much and, I have to be honest, it really did deliver. Find the link to my full review above.
Currently Reading
- Amiable With Big Teeth by Claude McKay
Not gonna pretend I opened a page of this book this week. In fact, I’m not even sure which pile of books it currently resides in. I wanted to spend Black History Month reading something meaningful and that celebrates diversity. Instead, I’m a huge failure. I just keep buying such tempting books.
- War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
I don’t have much left of this book but I’m still irritated that I didn’t manage it before I went to the theatre on Thursday. Still, I’m glad I’ve finally got round to reading it. It’s amazing how different each version (book, stage, and film) can make you feel about the same story. The film felt cold and unemotional whilst the stage show was just spectacular and vivid. The book is so sentimental and naive in comparison but no less powerful. After watching the film I thought I would hate this book but I really don’t
Recently Purchased
Fanfare please guys… I’ve not bought a single book this week. It’s a fucking miracle. I don’t know what’s happened to me but I have successfully avoided temptation and it feels great. It would feel better if I’d read more but never mind.
Recently Watched
- Netflix Binges: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Sherlock
Finally finished the 12 seasons of this show. I have to admit the 12th season is a pretty solid effort all round. Some amazing episodes. My friend from work watched the whole thing before me and is now rewatching it all again. I’m sorely tempted to do the same. Instead I started watching Sherlock again because, let’s face it, there’s always room for more 2010 Cumberbatch face in my life.
- 100 Movies Bucket List
Managed to scratch off another 2 spaces this week. I’m not going to do this quickly but I’m getting there.
- Casino Royale (2006) – Do you remember a time when nobody wanted Daniel Craig to be James Bond? Looking back now it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking on the role in 2006. Craig’s first film in the franchise is still an absolutely smasher even if it has been somewhat eclipsed by the phenomenal Skyfall. I love the fact that this is early Bond. He’s a little rough around the edges and we see him make mistakes. I love this film.
- Back to the Future (1994) – An absolute classic that I’ll never tire of. I have to be honest and say that I have a greater fondness for the third film. I know it’s the shittest by far but I bloody love the Wild West. Still, I prefer 1 to 2 even with the dodgy incest vibe going on.
Yipee ki-yay, motherbooker 