Philosophical ramblings and Photography...

Hello people of the internet!

   Again, it has been a long time since my last post and for the 'billionth' time (....that doesn't seem like a real word) I apologise. I really wish I was able to post more frequently but with college work, it sometimes is just too difficult. Anyway, this post is slightly different in the fact that I will not be posting a review or recommendation as such, but just some photos I have taken in and around college instead. I am currently in the process of researching for some new television shows to watch, which actually sounds much more professional than it is. In reality, I am lazily lounging on my bed and stuffing my face with food whilst binge watching with frequent marathons of various series. The joys of escapism! So until something captures my interest, these photographs will be posted.

    Ultimately, I think what we can take away from this blabbering introduction, is that I have lost the ability to write coherently and probably need to sleep for the next century. If there is one thing I think I need to learn, something everyone should attempt to do even when they are consumed by stress, whether it college or general life as the culprit, is to relax. I know it is easier said than done, but if there is one thing I really believe in, is that people just need to enjoy life for what it is. Grasp any opportunities you can! As Emma Watson (sorry....I had to mention her....because she is AWESOME!!!) has recently said in her UN Feminist speech 'if not me...who?.....if not now...when?' Do not worry, I will contain myself and refrain from quoting anymore, however I urge you to ponder on this statement. I guess all I am trying to say....is make the most of life. Develop yourself as an individual and do not let work suffocate your creativity. Take the opportunities offered to you, and always follow the route that will make you happy and one that will inspire positivity in the world around you.
 
   I will stop all this pretentious philosophical rambling now and will leave you with some photos. I do not know what the weather is like where you are personally, but at the moment, in and around Cirencester, England....it is rubbish! The heavens have opened and decided to drown us! I managed to venture out into the wilderness....a strange world called 'Outside'....whilst the weather was still excellent. Consequently, I will leave you with some cool autumnal photos from  the area surrounding college, that I hope you appreciate. The day I have to apply to university is looming ever closer, hence the increased levels of stress and anxiety, thus I am really trying to develop my camera skills. So without further ado, take a gander at some of my nature snapshots...I hope they brighten your day for a least a little while.

....I know I said I wouldn't, but I leave you with one more interesting quote. Oscar Wilde stated 'To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.' Ultimately, if nothing else, I hope this post has sparked people to relax and accept life for what it is. It may be stressful and difficult at times, but if you persevere and work hard, it is incredibly rewarding. You get out of life what you put in! I am trying my hardest 'to live' and not to just simply 'exist' and though I may get caught up in life's workload often, I am attempting to just be happy. I live through the camera, escaping into television and film to relax. Take these quotes and do what you will...do not just 'exist'...but 'live'.

Next post: The Flash (new CW television series....keeping with the recent comic book theme). 

Summer almost over....Marvel is just beginning!!!

Hello people of the internet!

It is funny how quickly the summer has flown by! For a minute there, I was wishing for college to arrive sooner (I was desperately bored) but now I dread the arrival of early mornings once again. The tedious routine of college is on the horizon and I wish I had posted more frequently across the summer break. But now, I must say goodbye to the lazy days and finish my summer reading (what can I say...being a slug and not getting up until late, was much more fun then college summer work....if not lacking in productivity). 

However, Summer is not over just yet!!!!! I have time to write another post and for this particular post, I am going 'super'.....because I want nothing more to develop superpowers...which will happen....I really want it to happen....

Guardians of the Galaxy: 

  This film is 'awesome'!!! A mix of 'awesomeness' and humour that firmly situates the film as a 'must-see' feature. I am not going to lie, however, and must admit the viewing experience was slightly tarnished by the fact I saw this film on the day before I was going to retrieve my exam results (picture a chipmunk....hyped up on caffeine....stuffing there face with popcorn....that is literally how nervous I was that day...). Even with that news hanging over my head, I think the film was extremely entertaining, falling only slightly short of the other Marvel films I love. I was not familiar with the 'Guardian' comics, probably why the film has not wormed its way into my heart alongside the numerous other superhero films. But in saying that, I definitely see 'something' in this film. The script is jam-packed with humour, yet this does not take attention away from the action scenes and high quality special effects. The CGI in this film is incredibly well formatted! A whole reality is created; the marvel universe extended with more detail and possibilities for future plot lines. Marvel seems to not only create a franchise and chain of movies, but its own interlinking world of superheroes. I love big blockbusters, simply for the fact that they have the ability to reach more people and create a reality that extends beyond the film screen. For a couple of hours, audiences can forget their own problems and share in the fantastical threats of the characters they love (I can normally delve into such a fictitious world and escape reality...that is if I am not already panicking about exam results...exam results that  decide my whole future). 

 Overall, Chris Pratt whom portrays Peter Quill(oh wait......sorry it is Star Lord), was a perfect choice for this film because he brings the humour needed; a humour that I have come to expect from Marvel movies after watching the Avengers film, which was much funnier than I originally expected! The ramshackle group includes Peter Quill....wait....Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax the Destroyer...slightly melodramatic (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket....whom is not a rodent (Bradley Cooper). The interactions, between these characters, are perfect and make the story that more interesting. These 'superheroes' are not the clean cut or stereotypical hero characters. They all stray far from the archetype hero and delve into a pool of personality that is fresh; keeping the audience captivated for every minute...every second. 

I give this film a strong 4/5! It would be a full five, however I would like to watch the whole film again without the fear of my results ruining the 'viewing experience! I seriously recommend this film! So....'sinceriously' (guess the superhero connection) I urge you to try this film, even if you try to avoid large franchise films normally.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier 

   This film recently arrived on Blu-ray (as well as DVD) and you can bet I rushed to the nearest shop so that I could add it to my collection....I am cool like that! I remember watching this film in the cinema and being on the edge of my seat the whole way through....and this time, not because of of exam results being imminent.... Originally, I am sad to admit, I disregarded Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) because come on....when you are faced with a norse god (Thor) and an indestructible green 'thing' (Hulk)...you kind of ignore the superhuman. However, after watching this film, I changed my mind and have decided that Captain America is one of the coolest....he is literally an 'ice cube'!!! The whole storyline, of the film, was entertaining; the narrative fast paced and interesting right up to the last second (especially the credit scene....very interesting allusion to AVENGERS 2: AGE OF ULTRON). The chemistry between Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow (portrayed by the amazing Scarlet Johansson) is incredibly entertaining. On top of this, including the inner workings of S.H.I.E.L.D, as a driving force for the film's narrative, was a smart idea and once again entertaining....I really need to extend my vocabulary...sorry.

This film is definitely a 5/5 and I would recommend anyone buy it...and watch it.....NOW!!...please... 

I think it is incredibly unlikely you would be disappointed in the film....I have watched it, in total, three times now, which I do not commonly do with films! Once again, I urge you to give this film a chance...

I urge people to give large franchises like this a chance because though they may not be the most artistically shot...or use innovative themes and camera work....these blockbusters have their own charm. They are powerful projects that can carry the world of comics to a much bigger audience...adding comedy....reiterating action and just being simply captivating! Give it a go!

Ending the superhero theme, I would like to suggest more things people should watch....

Extra:

   In honour of Tim Burton, whom I believe had his birthday yesterday...though I may be wrong, I would like to recommend people watch some of his highly imaginative works. First of all, for those animation enthusiasts, I would recommend you watch some of my personal favourite films. 'The Corpse Bride' and 'NightMare Before Christmas' are excellent films. I definitely prefer live action films but, it is undeniable, there is something special about the style of these stop motion features. The eerie yet funny and magical films are timeless and are worth a watch again and again. If you want something different to this, I thoroughly enjoyed 'Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street' or 'Alice in Wonderland'. Both are opposite ends of the spectrum, but still equally enjoyable. 

Of course, it is extremely likely that you have already heard of and watched some of these films. I would actually be worried if you are a film enthusiast and you had not! However, in honour of this director and his incredibly interesting filming style, I would suggest watching one of his films in the next week. They are imaginative films and I envision myself continually watching them far into the future. 

Furthermore, more of a side note really, I have discovered it is Dylan O'Brien's birthday today. I love many television shows; no one single show being my favourite because, at the end of the day, they all offer the same entertainment and escapism. 

However, the MTV television show 'Teen Wolf' shocked me in how quickly I became invested in the narrative and characters. Stiles (Dylan O'Brien) is an extremely funny and expressive character; a character that makes this show unmissable (along with the rest of the cast of course). Dylan O'Brien has showed extreme talent in this show, portraying both a loveable side-kick and terrifying villain believably. I have recommended this show before, but wish to do so again because it has' everything'. I say that often, but have never meant it more than with 'Teen Wolf'. This show is an amalgamation of many genres, whether you want horror, action, comedy or romance! Every episode is shot like a small full-length film! It is great! So give it a go....and look out for Dylan O'Brien in the upcoming film 'Maze Runner'...another film that promises to be 'awesome'!!

And that is all...until the next post! Even if you have already watched all the suggestions, try and find some films or a television show to binge on. Over the last few days of Summer, find something to marathon watch; something you can enjoy and that can help you relax over the last few days..

NOTE: I apologise if this post seems too short! I am undertaking an EPQ and I am up to my eyeballs in Hitchcock and the horror genre in general. I hope to write a much longer, or at least more inspiring and 'entertaining', post in the near future. Also, unfortunately, images are not my own!!!!

I will write again soon....until then...goodbye internet!!! Relax and enjoy some media in the meantime!

Summer Shows..Summer films..

Hello to whomever may be reading this post!

  Ultimately, I would like to recommend and review some shows and films that I think are worth trying in your summer break. Apart from my current obsession, with TEEN WOLF!!!! (the television show), there are several shows and films I think are worth watching (at least once) to see if they are something that can capture your imagination and allow you to relax. 

TELEVISION:

True Blood

First of all, this HBO show is in its last season now, and though admittedly the earlier seasons were more interesting (in my opinion), I think the show as a whole, is worth a watch....one long binge watch and marathon on any lacklustre weekend. Arriving in the midst of the 'vampiric craze' that swept across all the media (seems like a lifetime ago now), the show follows the telepathic character Sookie Stackhouse (yes...the name is slightly...different) as she gets swept up in a supernatural world. Anna Paquin portrays the character Sookie which is awesome because come on....she is Rogue from Xmen...and Xmen is something that will always be awesome!!! A stereotypical love triangle is introduced in later series of the show, between Sookie and two traditional vampires called Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer). Overall, this show uses an amalgamation of both horror and romantic codes and conventions. I like the show because the creators seem to have had the ability to reinvent the show in each series. The show has evolved from the very first episode and come a long way from just being a simple show based on the books 'The Southern Vampire Mysteries', written by Charlaine Harris. 

I give the show a 3.5/5 or 4/5 (I am undecided)...it has plenty of good qualities..even the title sequence alone is 'Emmy-nominated' with an interesting take and portrayal of the Deep South (where the show is set). This southern gothic show is shot with a perfect mise-en-scene to fit both the horror and romance atmospheres and if you have not tried it as of yet (which is unlikely considering this recommendation comes to you six years late...it premiered in 2008) I seriously urge you to. 

Witches of East End

This second show has seriously grown on me. I love watching supernatural shows with an element of witchcraft (because I am cool like that) and as the title suggests, this show is all about witches. At first I was worried I would lose interest with this show. The first couple of episodes, to me, seemed 'cheesy' and lacked anything unique. However, as more episodes went by, this show almost 'grew up' and is now going into a second season that seems slightly darker and even more interesting. The show centres on a family of witches (mother, aunt and two grown daughters). The witches are not just stereotypical 'double double toil and trouble' witches seen in media though, they are immortal and cursed beings whom have escaped from Asgard....on the run from Joanna Beauchamp's (Julia Ormand) father...it is complicated. Give the show a go...that is all I can say! It may not be the most inventive or artistic show in the way it has been constructed or shot but the storyline is unique and different (once again it is based on a book). I think the show is a strong 4/5!!!

Under the Dome

Based on the novel with the same name, written by Stephen King, this sci-fi show is also on the second season now. You have probably realised now from this post, and previous posts as well, that I really like and prefer the horror and fantasy genres but this science-fiction show is surprisingly captivating. When a town gets cut-off from the rest of the world by a mysterious dome, hence the name, a whole range of problems and chaos erupts amongst the inhabitants. I will not say much more, because it is the 'unexpectedness' of events that makes this show an interesting 3.5/5. Though some episodes are slower than others in narrative, the effects are well executed and the mysteries build up constantly to keep any eyes in the audience, glued to the television screen. Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre and Britt Robertson are particularly great in the show! Once again, spend an afternoon watching this show and lose yourself in Stephen King's imagination....is the dome a threat or is this mysterious phenomenon more friend than foe?

FILMS:

The Fault in Our Stars

I find it very annoying, and I know it is my own 'fault', that I always get around to a review or recommendation of a film or television show, just as the hype amongst the audience is fading. However, this is one film everyone should watch. The stark and blunt portrayal on the effects of cancer on these young characters, is sad and poignant. Based on the novel by John Green, this film is excellent if not emotional (you have to be in the right frame of mind to watch this film...you will not be left in the happiest of moods). The issues are not avoided in this adaptation and right from the start, the inevitability of the cancer ultimately winning and 'oblivion' setting in, is alluded to. Actress Shailene Woodley portrays character Hazel Grace excellently with a sarcastic sense of humour but also as someone consumed by young love. Her dedication to Gus (Ansel Elgort) is constructed in a series of soft sad scenes, light-hearted fun, and a brilliantly composed non-diegetic soundtrack. All I can say is I did not expect much from this film but was pleasantly surprised considering it is not a genre I like to watch avidly. I hereby state this movie a 4/5..."Okay?"....."Okay".

Vampire Academy 

Finally, this movie was strongly slated by critics....and I can see why! This film suffered from poor CGI effects and action sequences clearly lacked something. However saying this, I still strongly believe the movie is worth at least a one time watch. I bought this movie for £8 even though it is newly released (which probably says a lot about the quality), solely because I am really interested in different portrayals of the vampire in modern media and how they have evolved since the traditional and original representations. Ultimately, if you are interested in vampires, even to a little extent, and have a spare hour or so, I would try this film. It admittedly has many flaws, but I think Zoey Deutch is entertaining throughout as a Dhampir (half-human and half-vampire). I think, had it been given the opportunity, maybe a different script, the film would have been successful enough for a sequel and grown with an interesting concept and supernatural world to back it further. This film is 2.5/5 and far from the worst film I have ever watched. 

And that is all folks......I will never say that again..do not worry. The theme for these suggestions, which I have just discovered for myself, are television shows and films that have been adapted or based on existing novels. I really like when films and shows are adapted from literature and if accomplished successfully, the show or film can become an excellent companion for the book. Both types of media text can contemplate each other. I deeply hope you try at least one of these recommendations but either way, until the next post, keep on enjoying film and TV, find something that you can escape into. Enjoy your Summer...

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the images used in this post....sorry :)

COLLEGE IS OVER!! Summer begins...kind of!

Hello World!!!

    I guess it has been quite a long time since my last post and for that I apologise. I found it considerably knackering to make it through the last few weeks of college. I very nearly had to crawl to catch the coach to Cirencester every day! But now college is over.....HALLELUJAH!!!!!!! I can now enjoy my summer and will hopefully use the time to focus on creating some videos and posters for different aspects of media. I really want to take the time to improve my practical abilities for my second year of media when I return in September...no rest for the wicked ;)

  So, for this post, I will do something slightly different. I will not necessarily be recommending anything in particular to watch but instead, I would like to post some of my own photos from my recent travels. And when I say travels, I mean college trips to Gloucester Cathedral and Berkeley Castle and also my visits to University Open Days. Yes it is that time in my life, when I have to begin looking at what university and course I want to study and begin writing my personal statement. It is stressful! I have learnt that just when you are getting over exam stress and panic, life will throw at you yet more stuff to worry and stress over. That is why, during summer, I may be working on 'honing my skills' (that is a weird phrase...feel free to erase it from your mind) in creating videos and taking photos, but at the same time I am going to relax for 80% of the time. In life one must be happy and staying in bed, past an acceptable time, keeps me happy! Good Morning? What is this strange 'morning' you speaketh of?

Anyway....on with the photos.....

Gloucester Cathedral:

Okay. When I heard the history department had planned a trip to Berkeley Castle and Gloucester Cathedral, I felt slightly lacklustre. I mean I love history, but compared to trips to the Globe Theatre and the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff (for English and Media), I did not think this day would measure up. But then, I realised one thing....HARRY POTTER! The cathedral was used as a filming location for the first, second and sixth Harry Potter films and if there is one thing I love, it is Harry Potter!!!!

 It is Daniel Radcliffe!!!! Only joking....it is just some random man but if you are a fan of the Harry Potter films, then you should recognise the hallway. Soak the photo in and be transported, slightly, to Hogwarts. 

This is supposedly the wall in which, in 'The Chamber of Secrets', a message was written in blood...'The Chamber of secrets has been opened...enemies of the heir beware...'

You will find, during this trip, I very much enjoyed taking pictures of windows....because I am cool like that....and the lighting often looks really great...

This image really reminds me of the Harry Potter films...do not know why....

Another window....because yet again I am cool....

The reason we visited the cathedral...Edward II's tomb....still convinced that Harry Potter is slightly more important...but medieval history is fascinating, Edward II being especially interesting...is he really buried here? I really do not know....

Berkeley Castle:

This castle is where Edward II was kept captive and notoriously rumoured to be murdered by a red hot poker being shoved up....that place which must not be named (guess the reference?)...or by suffocation...or he may have just fled... Either which way, this castle was really cool to visit, even if it looks like I took more photos of butterflies compared to anything else....

They had a butterfly house and with the perfect zoom function on my camera, I could not resist seeing what kind of photos I could take....this is an Atlas Moth (I think) and it was terrifying and huge...thus this photo is taken from across the room...you would have to force me at gunpoint to get any closer...

From butterflies to a dungeon....just because....

This is where Edward II was kept....until he met his unfortunate demise...or fled....it will never be known...unless I invent a time machine which is totally feasible....maybe.....

 Another window....because I am obsessed....

Window and ivy...you get the picture by now....

This woman...I forget her name because I sometimes have a memory like a sieve...had 'Midsummer Night's Dream' written for her....I think Shakespeare was commissioned by an admirer...which is cool because it is an awesome play....

Just when you thought the window photos were over....

Just when you thought the butterfly photos were over....

The castle..which is smaller than you first imagine...  The cool fact is that it has been home to the same family (the Berkeley family) for around 900 years...still to this day... and I also think it is really cool that the University of California Berkeley is named after a family member (or so we were told)...it is a small world...

London-King's College University: (these images were taken on my phone...thus are not as good....)

My parents and I visited King's College Open Day in London and it was amazing. However, I love the city but not the university. Strand Campus is amazing, both the buildings and location (it is extremely close to both the National Theatre and...."drum roll please".....GLOBE THEATRE....)... I want to live in the Globe Theatre...if there is one thing you should do, is watch a Shakespeare play in this theatre...preferably 'Midsummer Night's Dream' like I was able to...  It was a life changing experience...one that consolidated my passion for language, the written word and media (even if the theatre and not film or television). The location is great, London being a hotpot of experiences and a fantastic sensory overload, however the course did not live up to what I had originally hoped...

Because any day is not complete unless a coffee drink is involved...

Look how clean the water looks!!!....not....

AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!....that is all I will say!

Big Ben...Houses of Parliament and some tourists.....

Somerset House is right next door to King's College campus....I repeat, the whole area is amazing...

Big Ben and the London Eye...because I am a little bit of a tourist inside still...

Well....I hope you have enjoyed this post, even if no review or recommendation has been included. I promise I will include a detailed review next week...until then why don't you try Penny Dreadful (a television show) in the meantime. I give it a 3.5/5 so it is worth giving a try....Dracula, Frankenstein and Dorian Grey...what else could you want from gothic horror...the answer is nothing....nothing at all....

Goodbye for now!!!!