You find me writing this Sunday Rundown in an unusually good mood today. Even though it’s already after 11pm and I’m only just starting to write this. But I’ve always enjoyed the pressure of a deadline drama. The reason I’m so positive today? I’ve spent a lovely chunk of it eating amazing food and spending time with wonderful people. As I’ve made abundantly clear on this blog already, I’m turning 30 in just over a week. As part of the ongoing celebrations some of my work-friends and I went to a Michelin star restaurant for lunch today. It was so wonderful that I don’t even care how unproductive I’ve been. Head to my Instagram for some sensational (even if I do say so myself) example of food porn. Maybe this whole “turning 30” thing won’t be that bad after all?
Weekly Blog Posts
- TUESDAY’S REVIEWS – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
With only a week to go until the Oscars my quest to watch all of the Best Picture nominated film is hotting up. I’ve currently only got 3 to go… even though I always forget about The fucking Post. This week I watched the offering from Martin McDonagh, which I was desperate to see. I’ve loved McDonagh’s previous 2 films so was sure I’d love this. Find out if I actually did here.
- BOOK REVIEW – War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Another week and another review of a children’s book. I think I could get used to reading kid’s books. It’s so much less stressful than “adult” books. However, I do think I’m probably being a bit unfair in my reviews. Particularly of War Horse... but it didn’t help that I had just seen the stage show. Read more here.
- THROWBACK THIRTY – Bull Durham (1988)
I’m not a sports fan by any stretch of the imagination so I wasn’t sure what I’d think of this baseball movie. All I really knew about it was that Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins met whilst filming it. It did feel like it was about time to finally sit through it though. My TBT review of it can be found here.
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.
- The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
I was hoping to have this finished by now but, after a busy day at work yesterday, I couldn’t keep my eyes open last night. I’m so close to then end that I might (read won’t) have time for another book before the end of the month. Whatever happens, this will be up for review on Wednesday. I’ll make sure of it.
Recently Purchased
So after being so good last week, I caved and bought a few books this week. Some were from a charity shop and the others were super cheap anyway.
- Oxfam haul – I bought three copies of some Jacqueline Wilson books that I read as a child for an upcoming blog project. I bought Double Act, The Bed and Breakfast Star and Girls Under Pressure. They’re making me feel super nostalgic. I want to read them again now.
- Amazon haul – Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi and Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett. I’ve wanted to read Frankenstein in Baghdad for ages so I finally decided it was time. The Terry Pratchett was to increase my spend for delivery purposes and to add to my meagre hardback library collection of the Discworld novels. Both worth lifting my ban for I think.
Recently Watched
- Netflix Binges: Spongebob Squarepants
I found myself, after minutes of scrawling through Netflix trying to find something to watch, of realising I wasn’t in the mood for anything. So I, embarrassingly, started watching the one season of Spongebob on there. It’s easy to have on in the background when I’m getting ready for work… and I’m gonna pretend that’s the only reason. Cause I’m basically 30 now.
- Get Out
I need to start doubling (or tripling) down now I’ve only got a week left to watch these. I watched two Best Picture nominees and decided to only properly review the other one. I wasn’t sure I could review Get Out without giving too much away and it’s definitely the kind of film you need to watch knowing as little as possible. It is astounding though. An absolute must watch. So haunting but so well made. On the outside it looks like another forgettable horror film but this is a very clever look at modern society. It’s powerful and first-time director Jordan Peele did a remarkable job. It’s the kind of film that can change people whilst still being an entertaining watch. I’m so glad it was nominated.
- 100 Movies Bucket List
Managed to scratch off another 2 spaces this week. It’s a great excuse to revisit old favourites.
- Shaun of the Dead (2004) – I definitely think Edgar Wright is one of my favourite directors. And it’s only partly because I have a massive crush on him. He just knows how to do visual comedy better than most and his films are always so fun but clever. Shaun of the Dead is such a wonderful homage to all the great zombie movies and manages to be sentimental and sweet at the same time. Despite my boredom with zombies in general, there will never be a time when I’m done with this film.
- Toy Story (1995) – Pixar at its finest right here folks. I remember watching this film as a kid and loving it. The idea of toys coming to life was such a fantastic one and it all worked so well. It’s also a story that stands the test of time and will appeal to every generation of children. The animation is, of course, amazing and you can’t fault the voice acting. This is such a great film. No matter how old you are.
Yipee ki-yay, motherbooker 