- Tuesday, December 31, 2013
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The film is a jam-packed 2 hours 41 minutes but by now, I think we all know not to expect anything less! I don't actually know the original novel plot very well, and hadn't seen An Unexpected Journey since watching it in the cinema a year ago, so the story was a little bit hazy in my memory. To recap, hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) has been appointed as "thief" and joined an energetic group of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). They've set out to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch), meeting familiar faces along the way from LOTR (namely Galadriel and Elrond, and who could forget Gollum?). Lots goes on, including battling goblins and other evil creatures, and the film ends on the awakening of Smaug. Not a proper recap (that's what Wikipedia's for), but basically the clan don't even make it to Smaug. Which is where The Desolation... picks up.
We're treated to a frightfest of giant spiders and orcs, and the scare factor is further intensified by scenes with the Necromancer whose enigmatic identity was previously unknown. I've been told that the Necromancer/Gandalf scenes are all non-existent in Tolkein's novel, but watching it with no previous awareness of the plot, it completely made sense. It also cleverly bridges the plot and foreshadows towards LOTR in a very visually intriguing way. Because the Necromancer is...you guessed it, Sauron. We knew that anyway, but good ol' Gandalf didn't. Another character die-hard novel fans won't be expecting is...Legolas! Credit where credit's due to the make-up and CGI people for making the age-proof elf look as youthful as ever, considering The Fellowship of the Ring was made over a decade ago. Or maybe Orlando Bloom just refuses to age. The blonde archer may not feature by name in the book, but Jackson's logic was, if he was alive then (which he definitely was), why shouldn't he? This means we get to see some seriously kick-ass action scenes.
Another new character is that of Tauriel, a feisty female elf who is also skilled with a bow! It's nice to have some female presence in an otherwise all-male main cast, plus there's a sweet minor storyline involving dwarf Kili and chemistry. Speaking of new characters, there's also brave man Bard from the little town of Laketown who I reckon will play a significant part in Part 3 which will be called There and Back Again. And let's not forget Smaug, because he plays a huge role in this film. Whilst LOTR revolves around this one little ring, which actually proves quite useful for Bilbo in the film, it can be said that The Hobbit kinda revolves around this one giant dragon. He's greedy and powerful and has stolen the Arkenstone, a gem sought by Thorin. The booming voice of Benedict Cumberbatch works remarkably well, and Smaug is brought to life by spectacular CGI. On a side note, as a bit of a Sherlock geek, it's great seeing Freeman and Cumberbatch side by side in a very different circumstance.
Speaking of Freeman, I really could not picture anyone else as Bilbo Baggins. He did a fantastic job in the first film, and this certainly continues as his character development progresses. This character insight extends to the dwarves as well, although there still isn't enough distinction for me to be able to name more than a handful - or even tell them apart for that matter. Perhaps that's just me. One dwarf that does get a named mention, and not because it's one of the only names I can remember without using Google, is of course Thorin. Armitage does a tremendous job bringing to life all the raw emotions of loss and grief along with the ambition of redemption.
I can't finish this review without at least mentioning the music, scenery and special effects. Without rambling on too much, all three are stunning. From the Ed Sheeran-penned theme song which gets better with each listen, to the breathtaking scenes of New Zealand's beautiful Middle Earth, you really are invited into the wonderfully marvellous world of Tolkein. Even though I hadn't read the book beforehand, I feel like I have a very good sense of the intended story which I think Jackson has once again captured with skill.
Whilst the film is still very long, I actually wouldn't call it unnecessarily long as everything seemed integral and purposeful to the plot. I did wonder which scene they would end the film on, and it is a cliffhanger which will keep us hanging until this time next year, no doubt. I certainly enjoyed it more than its predecessor as it just felt like there was more going on. More movement in plot, more sub-plots, more meaning and backstory. And more importantly (for me), more action. There are sprinkles of laugh-out-loud comedy thrown throughout, and thoughtful nods to the future of the franchise. I left the cinema chattering excitedly, and thinking that this whole Hobbit film thing was a good idea; a very good idea.
Another new character is that of Tauriel, a feisty female elf who is also skilled with a bow! It's nice to have some female presence in an otherwise all-male main cast, plus there's a sweet minor storyline involving dwarf Kili and chemistry. Speaking of new characters, there's also brave man Bard from the little town of Laketown who I reckon will play a significant part in Part 3 which will be called There and Back Again. And let's not forget Smaug, because he plays a huge role in this film. Whilst LOTR revolves around this one little ring, which actually proves quite useful for Bilbo in the film, it can be said that The Hobbit kinda revolves around this one giant dragon. He's greedy and powerful and has stolen the Arkenstone, a gem sought by Thorin. The booming voice of Benedict Cumberbatch works remarkably well, and Smaug is brought to life by spectacular CGI. On a side note, as a bit of a Sherlock geek, it's great seeing Freeman and Cumberbatch side by side in a very different circumstance.
Speaking of Freeman, I really could not picture anyone else as Bilbo Baggins. He did a fantastic job in the first film, and this certainly continues as his character development progresses. This character insight extends to the dwarves as well, although there still isn't enough distinction for me to be able to name more than a handful - or even tell them apart for that matter. Perhaps that's just me. One dwarf that does get a named mention, and not because it's one of the only names I can remember without using Google, is of course Thorin. Armitage does a tremendous job bringing to life all the raw emotions of loss and grief along with the ambition of redemption.
I can't finish this review without at least mentioning the music, scenery and special effects. Without rambling on too much, all three are stunning. From the Ed Sheeran-penned theme song which gets better with each listen, to the breathtaking scenes of New Zealand's beautiful Middle Earth, you really are invited into the wonderfully marvellous world of Tolkein. Even though I hadn't read the book beforehand, I feel like I have a very good sense of the intended story which I think Jackson has once again captured with skill.
Whilst the film is still very long, I actually wouldn't call it unnecessarily long as everything seemed integral and purposeful to the plot. I did wonder which scene they would end the film on, and it is a cliffhanger which will keep us hanging until this time next year, no doubt. I certainly enjoyed it more than its predecessor as it just felt like there was more going on. More movement in plot, more sub-plots, more meaning and backstory. And more importantly (for me), more action. There are sprinkles of laugh-out-loud comedy thrown throughout, and thoughtful nods to the future of the franchise. I left the cinema chattering excitedly, and thinking that this whole Hobbit film thing was a good idea; a very good idea.
- Sunday, December 29, 2013
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I've just spent over an hour watching the countdown of the nation's "favourite" Christmas song. (Fairytale of New York won, by the way.) I've also been ruining Mariah songs for the nearby public, calculated the percentage of Christmas light houses on my running route (50.9%, by the way), spent a significant amount of time searching for Christmas presents (and even more money), and I am currently sat watching Finding Nemo, having dabbled in channel-hopping The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe earlier. It can only mean one thing: Christmas.
I don't know if it's the horrific weather or the whole "you feel less Christmasy as you get older" thing, but I am feeling less Christmasy, no matter how many times I re-watch the John Lewis ad, wear a Christmas jumper, or eat mince pies/drink mulled wine/both. But with all this seasonal busyness stressing over how to cook your potatoes or answering the age-old question of "What do I buy my dad for Christmas!?", I realise I have so little time to reflect on why we came about celebrating Christmas in the first place.
I'm no stranger myself to saying something along the lines of, "I just watched Love Actually. Now it's Christmas." So does Love Actually = Christmas? Or Elf, or Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone or "Other"? Nope it most certainly doesn't. But what is Christmas to me? It used to feel so much simpler to be a kid and recite lines from carols and the school nativity play about Christ being born and there being no room at the inn. However, the whole "you feel less Christmasy as you get older" applies here too. As a Christian, Christmas is about Christ being born and that being the start (and continuation, if you think about it) of something absolutely perfect; the best present. But truthfully, it's something so much easier to say and something not necessarily reflected in my actions. I guess I'm literally swept away by the Christmas of consumerism, like the very interesting video below shows. It was played at the Christmas service at church last week and definitely something to reflect upon.
I don't know if it's the horrific weather or the whole "you feel less Christmasy as you get older" thing, but I am feeling less Christmasy, no matter how many times I re-watch the John Lewis ad, wear a Christmas jumper, or eat mince pies/drink mulled wine/both. But with all this seasonal busyness stressing over how to cook your potatoes or answering the age-old question of "What do I buy my dad for Christmas!?", I realise I have so little time to reflect on why we came about celebrating Christmas in the first place.
I'm no stranger myself to saying something along the lines of, "I just watched Love Actually. Now it's Christmas." So does Love Actually = Christmas? Or Elf, or Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone or "Other"? Nope it most certainly doesn't. But what is Christmas to me? It used to feel so much simpler to be a kid and recite lines from carols and the school nativity play about Christ being born and there being no room at the inn. However, the whole "you feel less Christmasy as you get older" applies here too. As a Christian, Christmas is about Christ being born and that being the start (and continuation, if you think about it) of something absolutely perfect; the best present. But truthfully, it's something so much easier to say and something not necessarily reflected in my actions. I guess I'm literally swept away by the Christmas of consumerism, like the very interesting video below shows. It was played at the Christmas service at church last week and definitely something to reflect upon.
Now, I'd be such a hypocrite if I said I didn't enjoy what Christmas is today and that presents (giving and receiving) don't bring a smile to my face. It's precious family time, too. However, I'd also be lying if I said all these things are the source of meaning. Yes they're traditions and are meaningful and have significant meaning. But I stand by the fact that they're all part of one bigger picture and one very small (but HUGE) little birthday all those years ago. I know all of these things, however it's not always at the forefront of my mind. Because I am swept away by everything else leaving no time to reflect.
Actually, at work the other day, a friend came up to me and said something like, "Bev, do you ever have time to reflect?" Which stumped me. Genuinely, I can't say that I always do. Thinking about Christmas is just one example; writing this alone has been the largest form of Christmas-related reflection I've done for a very long time. New Year is coming up, traditionally associated with change and improvement and all that, and I know at least one thing on that list. And also the fact that it needs to belong in a life, not just a list.
This is turning out to be a much deeper post than I thought. Even going back to the first paragraph, listing some of the festive fun, I came to the direct conclusion that it was Christmas:
"I've just spent over an hour watching the countdown of the nation's "favourite" Christmas song. (Fairytale of New York won, by the way.) I've also been ruining Mariah songs for the nearby public, calculated the percentage of Christmas light houses on my running route (50.9%, by the way), spent a significant amount of time searching for Christmas presents (and even more money), and I am currently sat watching Finding Nemo, having dabbled in channel-hopping The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe earlier. It can only mean one thing: Christmas."
But with my new-found reflection, I've been watching TV, singing out of tune, calculating useless statistics, am poorer, love Finding Nemo. There's got to be more than this...and there is. There definitely is. There's love, and there's a very special Christmas gift way cooler than all the ones under the tree: the gift of the love of Jesus. Now that's what Christmas means to me.
Merry Christmas - I hope it is filled with love and you get to spend it with those you love.
Love,
Bev xxx
- Wednesday, December 25, 2013
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I have a confession to make. I'm quite out of touch with "today's tunes", even if it is a very recent happening. My journeys revolve around trains (so no in-car radio), my going-out-and-dancing-to-the-latest-club-tracks days have decreased with age, and my recent radio listenings have been to old Christmas classics on Magic FM. Who can say no to Magic after a long day at work? Despite all this, I still love new songs when I actually make the effort to not be lazy and search for new tracks be it on Spotify, through word-of-mouth or whatever else. And I'm not the type to keep quiet when I find a song I like. I love music, and love sharing music. So...here are some songs I'd love to share with you.
Starting with...
1) Jamie Lynn Spears - How Could I Want More
2) Nina Nesbitt - Selfies
3) Leona Lewis - One More Sleep
4) Christina Perri - Human
5) John Mayer - Wildfire
6) Ed Sheeran - I See Fire
- Saturday, December 21, 2013
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Ok guys, I promised you I would get back to Beview at some point and here it is. I owe you yet another apology. Thing is, it's not like I have writer's block, as I'm constantly thinking "ooh here's a brilliant thing I could write about!"...and it's not like I don't have time because everyone has 10 minutes to spare in their busily busy lives. The problem is not logging on and getting down to it in the first place. And that is where I owe you the apology.
Soppy heartfelt stuff out the way, let's begin! Also, there was no way I could possibly watch the 50th Anniversary episode of one of my favourite shows and not write a hugely enthusiastic review/beview on it. Impossible.
Speaking of impossible things...let's talk Doctors. Three of them at the same time, which is kinda impossible. Matt Smith, the quirky eccentric one with the bow tie and fez. David Tennant, one of my first loves and eternal ambassador of Converse. Also slightly eccentric. And John Hurt, the mysterious man. And mass killer? We always knew the Doctor had a troubled past, but it was always portrayed in a way that meant we didn't think twice or lose sleep over it.
(I should probably mention now that this review contains spoilers. Lots of them. Stop reading now because you deserve to watch it without it being ruined. Also *geeky Doctor Who joke alert* I am no River Song and I don't keep spoilers to myself.)
Anyhow, back to Doctor Who. I watched this in my local cinema to get the wholesome feel and experience; there's something about the buzz and energy of everyone around you that is hard to escape, especially when everyone's in their 3D glasses oohing and aahing at the screen and chuckling quietly at the in-jokes. With special recordings from the cast - and one funny Sontaran clip - it was worth every penny. Having said that, I'll still watch it on the telly again one of these days. Doctor Who on your TV screens is always a welcome thought. Even after 50 years.
Anyhow, back to the actual plot. It was much more light-hearted than I expected. In my head, it was all doom and gloom and I even predicted a major death and regeneration, even though Moffat and co. have been promising a Christmas regeneration into "12th" Doc Peter Capaldi. I wasn't disappointed by what I did see, however. Tennant and Smith had this amazing chemistry as you laugh at their similarities eg. the glasses, and John Hurt plays the older man laughing at his younger self brilliantly. Even though technically he is younger. Timey wimey stuff gets confusing sometimes. Nevertheless, we see present-day art gallery action with U.N.I.T, mysterious paintings and evil monsters, Elizabethan weddings, and most importantly a lot of Galifrey/Time Lord stuff from the Time War. All the stories interact with each other and scenes jump seamlessly from one to the next.
So we have this dilemma: does the Time Lord end this war and commit genocide? Or does he stand by and watch his people suffer? For ages, the Doctor has had this heavy burden of being the last of the Time Lords and the one responsible for pressing that big red button of mass death. But, *spoiler alert*, Steven Moffat did say ahead of this episode that it would change everything. And boy, didn't it just! New Option 3: Freeze em and save em. We had a glimpse of this from David Tennant's farewell ep "The End of Time" several years back, and now we find out how. Frozen paintings. It's a clever little device really, and one that leads nicely onto the future, and changes how we look at the past too. Add Bad Wolf Billie Piper, nice girl Clara adding an important and timeline-changing voice (whilst allowing Doctors to take centre stage), Zygons who weren't actually very scary, and a few subtle - and not so subtle - nods to the 50 year history, and you have one helluva Doctor Who celebration.
After all, it was a celebration. Teamwork, companions, saving the day and "being a Doctor"... It was heartwarming to see hope splashed about so prominently. Even John Hurt, who I thought would be a dark and dangerous fella, had a character we all felt for in his state of hopelessness. I had been half-expecting the David Tennant Doctor to be the one trapped in the parallel universe with Rose, but the fact that it was fascinating. And yes, he did marry Elizabeth I. At least we have closure from that episode aaages ago. And I'm beginning to ramble now; the Tom Baker cameo was lovely. I'm sure fans had been expecting more appearances, but I understood that the storyline would surely have dragged on if we found places for all past Doctors and companions. It was great to see the Doctors (even if by special effects) all working together...including Capaldi! In fact, when his eyes flashed on screen, I'm fairly certain you could have heard the gasp in unison from outside the cinema.
There's probably more I can say about it. But I'd be rambling even more than I am already. My afterthoughts (apart from "wow") were that:
1) I've really missed David Tennant. I started watching Doctor Who because of him and he really was magical, slipping straight back into those shoes.
2) It was dramatic without feeling too dramatic. The world is constantly in danger in the world of Doc Who, and this was no different except it didn't quite feel like it...
3) I'm excited by the future of the show. There's a lot more on the way and this ep has proved that Doctor Who is still going strong after all this time.
4) It felt like a celebration of the show. I left the building with a smile on my face.
Overall, a very good episode! I feel like I can't quite compare it with the usual ones, and it should be viewed as a spectacle in its own right. And you know what? I enjoyed it. I really did. What's next in the weird and wonderful land of sonic screwdrivers?
*Spoilers*
- Tuesday, November 26, 2013
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I'll be first to admit that I don't have an absolute clue what "twerking" is. My going-out dance moves consist of a hilarious-slash-mortifying swimming routine. (Front crawl/back stroke/breast stroke/treading water...there's a move for it all and I'd be happy to demonstrate in person.) But I don't, and won't, twerk. I'm guessing neither would the smiley care-free old (young) Miley Cyrus. It's not just the twerking...it's the provocative dancing with the married man probs old enough to be your dad, it's the provocative dancing in front of little kids watching MTV (kids, don't watch MTV), it's the weird-please-never-do-it-again things with a foam finger. All these things are strange. But even stranger because the doer is a 20 year old girl who was, only a mere few years ago, teaching us the hoedown throwdown, in cowboy hats and not some form of latex underwear. Everything practically screams, "look at me, I've changed. This is the real me now. I've grown up." (Supposedly grown up = be "sexy".) Why is it then that young child stars, maybe particularly Disney stars, are in such a hurry to "grow up"?
I apologise for stereotyping here because this isn't the majority, it's just the ones in the spotlight. This all isn't the definitive path - look at Dakota Fanning, for example. And in some cases, it'll be more revealing clothes which are totally age-inappropriate but that's it. In other cases (the ones I am focusing on), a history of scandals will often follow the golden years, whether it's playing a controversial character in a film, sudden image shock, drug abuse, to name a few. It's trying to be as distant as possible (whether the intention is there, who know?). I see photos of 15, 16 year olds who could confidently pass for 30. Outfits even I wouldn't consider for at least another few years. Most cases aren't as extreme as the Miley VMA case study, and maybe they just have a slightly more sophisticated taste in fashion. But my point is that a 16 year old singer/actress/model etc is no typical 16 year old person. Sadly, often, they don't even have a choice.
Like I said, we live in a tragic world where fame is toxic. Your fans become obsessed with everything you do, and the paparazzi now thing you with your shoelaces undone is the best thing since sliced bread. A combination of everything plus every kind of pressure is enough to change you, or make you want to change who you are and how you are perceived, irreversibly. And whilst I am mostly shocked that Miley Cyrus is now a crotch-grabbing foam-finger-misuser who needs to cover up a bit more, I'm sad too. Because the innocent Hannah Montana character and 15 year old her has already been immortalised and will never be forgotten as long as she lives. Everyone is watching her every step, any place she treads, and every word she says. You've got to feel sorry for, and respect, how much people like Miley have had to grow up. In an actual growing up sense, not the grown up = be "sexy" way.
We're also to blame. I hold my hands up, because I am one of those people checking out the red carpet outfits on Mail Online and fueling the paparazzis' need to invade every part of a private life possible. We only get one childhood and, whilst it's all part of the tough fame game, it's still stripping you of that one childhood. Every tweet and conversation beginning with "OMG did you hear about Miley?" is adding a battery for that spotlight, and every negative comment a match for lighting the fuse. Where does that fuse lead to? In Amanda Bynes's case it was desperately bleak. But saying this, we're doing it again. If you knew what I meant by "Amanda Bynes's case", you've already invaded her private life by knowing and speculating. Myself included. We care but maybe we shouldn't have cared in the first place because we shouldn't have known in the first place. Often it's caring about the story, the gossip, and not the person. Why? Because we don't know the person in the first place and we never did. We see the interviews and the media portrayal, but unless you have Miley Cyrus on speed dial and have an invite to her wedding, you probably don't know her.
I don't really know where I'm going with this. It's more a compilation of rambled thoughts rather than a planned piece of writing where I have a conclusion or had an outcome before I began typing. All I can really end on is that I hope, behind the stage outfits and dance routines and tattoos, Miley Cyrus is still Miley Cyrus. Perhaps not the little girl we all once recognised from the telly, but that she is her own person and not a trapped by pressure, pressure and more. She's not a 12 year old girl in a sequin sparkly jacket any more It also make me hugely grateful that I - not a big production company or agent or media frenzy - owned my own childhood. The only spotlight was the one in the school nativity play where I was a dove in a stable. And the only photos were the goofy ones only my family will be able to laugh at in our family albums. You can only hope that these stars, who begin their career at such a young age, will be alright at the end of the day.
- Saturday, August 31, 2013
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For many years, I've lived in a fast-moving, power-walking, can't-be-delayed-ing place. After a short while away, it's now back to "walk quickly or you can't walk anywhere". Mainly applicable to morning rush hours and highly concentrated areas of transport. It's quite an easily-acquired skill. Here's how:
1. Walk with purpose
You might look like an idiot swinging your arms wildly back and forth, but if you walk with purpose (facial expression: determined), it's ok. Kind of.
2. Don't walk behind people on mobile phones
Attention to mobile phones means less attention to the speed of your walking. If pavements were roads, they would be road obstructions.
3. Don't walk behind people with suitcases
Either help them out and offer to carry, or keep your distance.
4. Big group? If you can't beat em, join em
There's a crowd in front of you. In the words of that children's book "We're Going on a Bear Hunt", you can't go over it, you go under it, you can't go round it - you've got to go through it! Walk through the crowd and sidestep/trot/crawl/prance through the crowd to the other side.
5. Follow in the footsteps of a quick walker
They'll make the path clear - anyone they overtake, you overtake. Warning: Follow too closely and they'll freak out.
6. Overtake with care
The key is to swerve in an out of gaps without getting into other people's ways. Spot the gaps. Can potentially be dangerous.
7. Never get in other people's ways
People in a rush are ruthless. You'll know from the side effects of following steps 1-5.
8. Look where you're going
Easier said than done.
9. Lots of big strides
Er, to walk quickly...walk quickly.
10. And sometimes, just sometimes, it's ok to run.
See that train approaching the platform 100m away from you? Run like the wind! Think Gump! Think Bolt!
Monday morning, give it a go.
1. Walk with purpose
You might look like an idiot swinging your arms wildly back and forth, but if you walk with purpose (facial expression: determined), it's ok. Kind of.
2. Don't walk behind people on mobile phones
Attention to mobile phones means less attention to the speed of your walking. If pavements were roads, they would be road obstructions.
3. Don't walk behind people with suitcases
Either help them out and offer to carry, or keep your distance.
4. Big group? If you can't beat em, join em
There's a crowd in front of you. In the words of that children's book "We're Going on a Bear Hunt", you can't go over it, you go under it, you can't go round it - you've got to go through it! Walk through the crowd and sidestep/trot/crawl/prance through the crowd to the other side.
5. Follow in the footsteps of a quick walker
They'll make the path clear - anyone they overtake, you overtake. Warning: Follow too closely and they'll freak out.
6. Overtake with care
The key is to swerve in an out of gaps without getting into other people's ways. Spot the gaps. Can potentially be dangerous.
7. Never get in other people's ways
People in a rush are ruthless. You'll know from the side effects of following steps 1-5.
8. Look where you're going
Easier said than done.
9. Lots of big strides
Er, to walk quickly...walk quickly.
10. And sometimes, just sometimes, it's ok to run.
See that train approaching the platform 100m away from you? Run like the wind! Think Gump! Think Bolt!
Monday morning, give it a go.
- Saturday, August 17, 2013
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If you scroll through past posts, you'll know that I have a strong fondness for movie premieres and have been lucky enough to attend a few in the past. In 2012 there was War Horse, The Hunger Games and Now Is Good but it's been nearly a year since my feet have been near any red carpets. Fortunately, thanks to the awesome guys at Indie London, I had the opportunity to attend last week's premiere of The Wolverine, starring the even more awesome Hugh Jackman. Which means you lovely chaps on Beview get an exclusive review before the film hits cinemas later this week!
Let's start with the basics; the film primarily takes place in Japan, after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand. Another basic, Wolverine is immortal. (Kudos to Jackman for looking eternally young. After all, the first X-Men was 13 years ago.) Insanely cool metal claws pop out from his knuckles. Moving onto the slightly more complex elements...our poor hero has been struggling with his immortality and the loss of his one true love Jean Grey. And now to make things even more mind-boggling, Jean Grey (played by Famke Janssen) appears in this film, and Wolverine is stripped of his immortality! I don't feel bad for saying that as it's there in the trailer and plot key words, but from here on now I'll keep things helpfully as spoiler-free as I can.
Ahead of the big X-Men flick Days of Future Past, we are not reunited with too many familiar faces. Instead, there are new characters like Mariko Yashida (played by Tao Okamoto in her first film), a young woman Logan/Wolverine is assigned to look after - in a way very reminiscent of The Transporter. Then there's her grandfather Shingen Yashida, who meets Wolverine in a very crucial point during the 19th century. These events come back to the forefront when Mr Yashida offers Mr Wolfman a chance to lose his immortality and live a normal life as a thank you for Mr "Young" Wolfman saving his life. Gift, blessing or curse? There's also a jealous dad with a sword, numerous ninjas, a dodgy fiance, an equally dodgy ex-boyfriend, a lizard woman, and one of my favourites of the film, Yukio, a bright-red-haired kick-ass side-kick.
Add all this together with fascinating Japanese culture and some very decent action scenes, and you have a compelling action film. More on the action, there are the confrontations you can see in the trailer, and then some. There's the train sequence, a full-on fight on the fastest high-speed train of Japan...Wolverine vs robot...Wolverine vs sword-wielding man....Wolverine vs everyone. You get the picture. What's nice about this, however, is that we as an audience are so fond of the Wolverine character, that a film just about him is not out of place at all. We saw this with X-Men Origins: Wolverine. He can fight, he can heal (usually), and he has a friggin' cool superpower. And that hair. The action scenes are pretty darn cool, but if being totally honest, I would say they were stronger than the story itself.
The story has culture and structure, but I wasn't totally convinced the whole way through, especially about the reasons we were given for why Wolverine is doing what he does. I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that I'm not a big fan of The Transporter films either. Also, I guessed part of the plot and was right, and some of the characters could have had more character development to show more of why they're there. There are a few moments where they are simply characters in a film, without actually having character. It's a little hard to explain! Having said all that, it's still a good film. There is no denying or taking away from that. Maybe I'm being overly picky and shouldn't be pulling threads at a franchise which is based on action, but the superhero bar has been set very high by your Batmans and Iron Mans of the past.
And also, you may be wondering why "The" precedes "Wolverine". "Did they simply run out of film names?", you wonder. Watch it and you'll find out the significance!
In general, I thoroughly enjoyed watching The Wolverine, and enjoyed it even more due to the fact that Mr Hugh Jackman and co. were watching alongside in the same cinema! Hand on heart, he really does look better in the flesh, and I don't think I ever saw him not smiling. Miles away from his moody angsty character, Hugh Jackman is loveely.
Premiere bonus snaps from the night! (Spot the Jackman if you can)
- Monday, July 22, 2013
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Spurred on by paychecks, a recent lack of shopping and my lifelong love for dresses, I've been on an Asos dress spree. Three occasions (which happened to be on consecutive evenings!) meant three new dresses which I happily sourced from the Asos sale, attempting three different styles, aided by three different colours of three different Miss Sporty lipsticks. This gives the perfect opportunity for some more fashion blogging, which I have sorely missed! (For previous outfit blogging, check out my old blog http://www.thewhiteshirtchallenge.blogspot.com.
1) The Great Gatsby
I haven't seen the film or read the book (I know, I need to do both!), but it's been impossible to escape the 1920s fashion revival. I attended a Great Gatsby themed "ball", and whilst the dress isn't strictly 1920s, I accessorised by using a Orelia necklace as a headband and charlestone pearl style beads. And silver and sparkle is kinda 20s,ish... The top of the dress is all sequins, and the bottom is very poofy. I also went for the whole dramatic smokey eye look and red lips (Miss Sporty in "Malaga"), using a pair of hair straighteners to attempt old-fashioned waves. I know they say don't do eyes and lips, but I was going for the whole dramatic thing anyway. There's a tiny bit of stock remaining for the dress on Asos here, for a bargain £13.50.
2) Be bright
I wasn't planning on buying another dress on that same Asos order, but I came across this on sale. One of my favourite colours is yellow because it's so bright and bold. This is more lime green than yellow, but boy is it very bright and very bold! There are scattered sequins all over too, and a less-than-common neckline which I liked. So as not to cover said neckline with long hair, I put it in a one sided mermaid plait. I wanted a bright pink lip colour to go with the whole bright theme without spending too much money on something I won't be using regularly, and Miss Sporty offers a wide range of colours with a very affordable price tag (£2.59). The shade is called "I love" (038), and the dress is still on sale here for £16.50.
I bought a one-shouldered Little Mistress dress from Asos a while back and there are still colour variations available online. It's something that would fit perfectly for prom-type occasions, with a sequin and bead panel and a very nice organza/netting lining for the skirt - too out-there for a casual evening out but perfect for special occasions. I bought a Miss Sporty nude lipstick a while back and thought it would go nicely with the theme.
Here's a disclaimer: I have not been paid to advertise Asos or Miss Sporty! They were simply happy coincidental purchases of products I am more than happy to recommend. Although as Beview is all about the reviews, if I were to write a mini beauty review, I'd say that the lipsticks had strong staying power, came in a whole host of shades, didn't dry out my lips, and were perfectly affordable so I didn't break the bank!
- Sunday, June 30, 2013
- 2 Comments
The current series of The Apprentice has drawn many a comment about it's big personalities and lack of their "business acumen" in places. The number of times I've shouted at the TV in mock despair is more than the number of times Jason has made us go "aww" plus the number of times I've mentioned Alex and those eyebrows. But this week, things changed.
I was lucky enough to attend the filming of the aftershow You're Fired!, which meant I got to watch the episode the Monday before the show aired. Which also meant having to keep schtum about what happened and who got fired. At this point, I should probably tell you to stop reading if you haven't seen it yet... And that if you haven't seen it yet, you should.
So, the candidates are given a selling task. Sell, sell, sell! They have to choose a big ticket item to sell sell sell, alongside two other, cheaper ones. The week before, I saw the preview/trailer/ad and thought - yawn..caravans! I couldn't have been more wrong if I tried. Milkshake man Kurt and Mr Neil Clough were project managers, featuring products such as electric bikes (no pedalling required so why is it a bike?), a folding camper, a retro campervan and a boat roof thing. Instead of going with what was known to sell most, Kurt went with the retro campervan as what he personally liked most. After his team lost grandly, Kurt's defence was to blame his earlier decision..so yeah, still his fault. They sold a massive zero campervans, despite Leah's last minute attempt (after being drafted in as "eye candy". The look on Natalie's face was the look of "I can't believe I'm not considered eye candy!" despite them having no knowledge of it at the time. But she claims she could've sold loads, as she "works in recruitment". Connecting the dots for that one is a tad difficult.
But on the other team (and I forget which names they both have), they go with what sells, and indeed...sell. Note at this point that I have used the word "sell" almost as many times as Lord Sugar did in one minute. The show was stolen from the word go by loveable Jason and his more-than loveable giant teddy bear. His selling techniques worked extremely and somewhat surprisingly well with the target market, the over 50s, making the first major sale and bringing us that lovely heartwarming 2 seconds of TV with the lady whispering into his ear. How sweet.
And from that moment on, it was a massive victory of £30something,000 compared to a teeny thousand-and-something. The highlight? Jason being asked to return to the boardroom where Lord Sugar put in an extra word about being impressed and such. That's when, in the studio audience, there was the loudest "awwwwww". Jason's used this episode to rocket to the forefront as not just a one-trick pony (his "one-trick" being peeling onions in the kitchen) but as the candidate the public will remember for series to come. I just can't help wondering what his business plan exactly is. Guesses, anyone?
Back in the firing line, Kurt's risky strategy of not picking the product with the better track record costs him dearly...and he's out. But (cue shocked faces and gasps in the audience), Shugs ain't finished just yet! After being in the boardroom three times, the finger is pointed again and it's a double firing show as Natalie is also out. Some can accuse Kurt of playing tactics and picking Natalie as the weakest link, but they were both fired so, y'know.
From even before we saw the show, I had an inkling Kurt would be given the boot. Why? I saw a chap in the audience who looked just like him! (An older version; his dad, I'm thinking.) But a double firing is even more exciting - almost as exciting as the previews for next week's online dating advert task!
More Apprentice chat next week,
Bev x
- Saturday, June 15, 2013
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(If you haven't, of course, already been bombarded with links on Facebook.)
- Saturday, May 25, 2013
- 0 Comments
It hit the $1 billion (I know!!) mark this week and reignited our shameless love for superheroes. Released almost exactly one year after the marvel that was The Avengers (see what I did?), Robert Downey Jr made a spectacular return to the silver screen in what is supposedly Iron Man's last solo film. Avengers 2 out next year, Spiderman 2 being filmed, a Superman reboot, Captain America 2, Thor 2...we really do like our men in lycra don't we!? Luckily, Iron Man is a man of metal and he's back for what I really think is the best in the trilogy by far.
Is it a good film? Yes. Does it live up to the standards set by it's predecessors? Yes, and raises it by one giant iron bar. Former Playboy Billionaire Man is now in a committed relationship with sassy Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and just when you think things are smooth and plain sailing, The Villain comes along. Yep, in every film regardless of genre you're going to get your Hero and Villain. This one's particularly interesting though. Disaster is being struck by bombings with no forensic evidence left at the scene, and The Mandarin is to blame, played by the fantastically versatile Sir Ben Kingsley. At the same time, poor Tony Stark hasn't fully recovered from his ordeal (remember the falling from the sky?) in New York. In fact, the very words "New" and "York" are potentially more dangerous than the villain! I exaggerate.
The cast is superb, and I simply cannot imagine Iron Man/Stark being played by any other actor. Downey Jr slips in and out of the suit seamlessly, and not just in the metaphorical compliment sense. Funny, cocky, and insanely clever. Gwyneth Paltrow takes centre stage and even gets to wear the suit - Iron (wo)Man...she's not just the pretty love interest. Jon Favreau, who directed the other two films and plays butch security man aka Pete From Friends aka Ultimate Fighting Champion, provides some light humour as a universally likeable character. Not to mention returning Don Cheadle as Rhodey, the other guy in the other iron suit. His is slightly more decorated though... The new cast members, notably Rebecca Hall and Guy Pearce are extremely significant and bring about a sci-fi edge with potential dangers and an important back-story. And also, a very cute kid who is undoubtedly the best sidekick in the world. Speaking of stories, the whole plot is genius. There's a twist (did you hear about the twist?) and a story that takes you up in the air and all the way back down in a weird but effective human paper chain. You'll see. The villain and his own sidekicks are kinda indestructible which makes it all the more interesting to see how Iron Man & co. deal with it. Interesting and clever.
Visual effects are superb and no less; Iron Man, aided by JARVIS (more than just a cool voice) is getting technologically better and more advanced, and it's interesting to see a lot of screen time of Tony Stark minus metal suit. Aided by scientific advances, and not giving too much away, the bad guys use a lot of CGI to make them so...bad(ass).
So yes, it is another superhero film. Yes, there is a threat to destroy the world. Yes, it's up to the hero to save the day. But it's SO much better than three yes's. You'll laugh, cry maybe, and be treated to a two-hour-and-a-bit extravaganza reminding you why, for most people, Iron Man is the most popular Avenger. You'll have to do more than take my word for it; go to the cinema and see for yourself.
- Monday, May 20, 2013
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I use Youtube for a variety of reasons. Watching music videos, catching up with the latest "Viral Internet Sensation", looking at cute videos of cute kittens, and listening to covers from talented, unsigned and up-and-coming singers. The fact that anybody can record a song in their rooms, upload and share with the world means that the window to talent is as easy to access as accessing the Internet itself (aka, easy peasy lemon squeezy). Just because an artist hasn't been scouted by Jay-Z or auditioned for the X Factor or signed to a multinational record label, it doesn't mean they don't deserve recognition. As a new Beview feature, every so often I'll be sharing my favourite Youtube covers and artists....starting now!
Bev-iew-tube (pronounced Bev Youtube, clever eh?)
Cassandra Farrar - Radioactive (originally by Imagine Dragons)
This has been one of my favourite songs of the past few months and Cassandra's version is a beautiful cover with her own twist on the song, as Simon Cowell would say. Check out her channel of over 100 videos, featuring many enchanting original songs, some sounds vaguely reminiscent of Taylor Swift before she went all Avril Lavigne-Dub Step-Angsty Pop, and a guitar I want! Radioactive is one of her most popular covers, but there are some very underrated special gems in the collection.
Sam Knight - That's Life (originally by Frank Sinatra)
Ok, so we see loads of indie covers and pop covers and guitar covers around, but it's so much rarer for a jazz and swing song to be covered these days. Sam Knight happens to be a friend of mine, whose smooth voice and unique style definitely makes him stand out in a sea of young artists on Youtube. That's Life (can you believe it was originally released in 1966!?) is one of several covers on his Youtube channel which is well worth checking out.
There'll be more from the wonderful world of Youtube, plus reviews of Iron Man 3 (I finally went to see it!), Doctor Who and The Apprentice coming soon on Beview.
Bev x
Ps. If you're wondering what the aforementioned "cute videos of cute kittens" refers to, look no further.
Bev-iew-tube (pronounced Bev Youtube, clever eh?)
This has been one of my favourite songs of the past few months and Cassandra's version is a beautiful cover with her own twist on the song, as Simon Cowell would say. Check out her channel of over 100 videos, featuring many enchanting original songs, some sounds vaguely reminiscent of Taylor Swift before she went all Avril Lavigne-Dub Step-Angsty Pop, and a guitar I want! Radioactive is one of her most popular covers, but there are some very underrated special gems in the collection.
Ok, so we see loads of indie covers and pop covers and guitar covers around, but it's so much rarer for a jazz and swing song to be covered these days. Sam Knight happens to be a friend of mine, whose smooth voice and unique style definitely makes him stand out in a sea of young artists on Youtube. That's Life (can you believe it was originally released in 1966!?) is one of several covers on his Youtube channel which is well worth checking out.
There'll be more from the wonderful world of Youtube, plus reviews of Iron Man 3 (I finally went to see it!), Doctor Who and The Apprentice coming soon on Beview.
Bev x
Ps. If you're wondering what the aforementioned "cute videos of cute kittens" refers to, look no further.
- Wednesday, May 15, 2013
- 0 Comments
It's that time of the year again...the return of the boardroom, the 16 capable candidates, and the "I could do that so much better!" screams from your living rooms. The Apprentice (UK) has treated us to not one, but two, episodes from the latest 9th series. We've watched as eager beavers jumped the gun straight into the crossfire (we're talking about Apprentice...gotta have some cliches!) as the teams tackle selling stuff, and making beer. Since Tuesday, the forums/social networking sites have been spreading comments like wildfire along the lines of "The Apprentice has had it's time." I disagree.
***Firstly, if you don't like spoilers and have not yet watched this week's episodes? Stop reading now! I will tell you who's fired, and you won't like me for it. Run whilst you still can***
So, they all get fired. (Only joking; seriously, stop reading.) The first episode showed the ultra-super-ridiculously cringey "I'm the best" candidate statements...we had likenings to Jessica Rabbit and Napoleon, amongst other quotes that will make you want to hide behind a pillow - not out of fear. Candidates include silver-haired fox Myles Mordaunt, whose name alone conveys power, sucess and wealth (or is it just me?), doctor Leah Totton who I think totally disproves the "dumb blonde" concept and I reckon will go very far, Sophie Lau who reminds me so much of Susan Ma, Francessca who is Stella English, impeccably educated Jason Leech, Alex "Those Eyebrows" Mills, and Luisa Zissman who apparently asked fellow candidates who "the President of England" was. And of course, we got the cheesy team names: Endeavour and Evolve. I'm just waiting for the day they run out of those inspirational words and choose something more obscure...like "Beliebers4Lyf". Just imagine the look on Lord Sugar's face!
Episode 1 involved selling a container-load of goods including lucky Chinese cat plastic figures, loo roll, bottled water and leather jackets. Already, both boys and girls were bickering like there's no tomorrow. Leading the girls, we had enthusiastic Jaz, a name undoubtedly shortened from "JazzHands", whose eagerness was admirable but ended up patronising her colleages as 5 year old kids at school. I was particularly impressed by Leah, who has a smart aura about her, and especially annoyed by Luisa (have you seen the horrible tabloid party photos published? Definitely not Apprentice-friendly). Anyone who uses "no offence, but you're just a doctor" as an insult is definitely on my "Fired" list. On The Apprentice, there are a lot of "With hindsight, we would have done this..." moments - this team's included going to Chinatown to sell overpriced cats only to find all shops closed. "Is it a Chinese holiday?". No, silly, it's 9am. The boys also encountered cat problems, wasting time shoving batteries in, in order to make their sale. Neil, who looks like either an actor or football manager, tried to claim his crown as Alpha Male of this series; from past viewing experience, he'll do well and go far.
In the boardroom, the usual talking over each other occurred (when does it not!?) and we said goodbye to Jaz instead of Logistics Uzma and Quiet Sophie. Just when you think it's over, real life Tigger, Tim, makes a plea that would feel better placed in the firing line... Big mistake!
Leading onto Episode 2, making and selling beer, where Tim leads the girly team (pretty sure I heard Luisa say something like "come on girlies!") and Quiet Kurt is PM for the boys. Blame the editing, but I saw Kurt in Ep1 so rarely I didn't really know he existed. After choosing a rhubarb and caramel flavoured beer, the girls were making a mess...literally. I wanted to look away and run a mile, after watching them completely mess up simple calculations and standing around like clueless children instead of capable business-owners. Maybe I'm being harsh, but Lord Sugar should be going into business with someone who can do ratios and numbers, right? The boys, similarly, made errors including telling someone who didn't even drink in the brewery. And sending people to a business pitch without the product. Here, have a sniff. The bottle smells alright so buy some! Hmm... The standout perforance, however, came from Jason. Zeehan is close to closing a deal, and Jason suddenly jumps in with a lower price. He's sworn at, poor guy, and treated like a child told to sit in the corner and not speak unless spoken to. With the games, malice and tactics of The Apprentice, unless he has a supreme business plan, I don't think he'll be cutthroat enough to compete with the other spiky characters.
After the boys win by quite some margin, the other boy Tim is fired. Only the project managers have gone so far, kind of showing that you can sit in the backseat for the early episodes and go through (what did Sophie and Jordan do?). I'm left feeling sad about Tim's departure; I picked him out as my favourite during the first episode, and really think he'd be a series standout if he made it a few weeks longer. The fired candidates from the early weeks are never really remembered, which is a shame.
Anyway, two episodes...verdict? The Apprentice has had me shouting at my screen on more-than numerous occasions. I've questioned the BBC's "casting" decisions quite a bit as well. I'm sure some of these people are more likeable in "real life" than they're portrayed to be, and although I'm not currently convinced, I'm sure their business acumen will shine through too. (Having said that, it's a general consensus that they are all about "selling". I think they'll need to prove they're not just good salespeople to impress the viewer.) But when it comes down to it, The Apprentice makes good TV. It gets you ranting (see all above!!), debating, shouting, tweeting...and the controversial candidates are there for a reason. Good TV and guilty pleasures... Welcome back!
Before next Wednesday's episode...Whos' Who? Enjoy some seeing double :)
(Jason Leech, Alex Epstein. Francesca MacDuff-Varley, Stella English. Susan Ma, Sophie Lau.)
- Thursday, May 09, 2013
- 0 Comments
I will blog more.
- Tuesday, April 30, 2013
- 0 Comments
...It's been a nice month.
(This post is totally useless, it's only purpose being to boost the number of April posts. Well at least I'm being honest.)
Hello May!
Bev x
(This post is totally useless, it's only purpose being to boost the number of April posts. Well at least I'm being honest.)
Hello May!
Bev x
- Tuesday, April 30, 2013
- 0 Comments
I'm still writing against the clock here, so I'll make this quick. A lot of new exciting stuff is coming out in the next few months and I'm going to do a 5 minute job of compiling it all! (This feels like a mad rush, like those dreams/nightmares I get of finding out I'm going on holiday about an hour before, and having 10 minutes to pack everything.)
Ok let's roll.
Iron Man 3. In UK cinemas now!
The Apprentice. Returns to our screens next Tuesday, with this year's candidates having been announced today. Exciting stuff :)
Star Trek Into Darkness. Mmm Benedict Cumberbatch; need I say more?
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. It's not out until the end of the year, and this is just a teaser trailer, but it promises to be a damn good film.
Fast and Furious 6. It's hard to think these films have been around for 5 whole instalments already, but with a gradual shift away from the typical racing cliches, it'll be good for car lovers and non-car lovers alike!
The Great Gatsby! The original film and novel have captured hearts, and, after a zillion delays in releasing this, it's finally out next month (May). With a soundtrack led by Jay-Z featuring Florence, Lana and Beyonce, there's a lot to watch out for.
And one more...
Diana Vickers - Cinderella. A new track from Ms Vickers of X Factor all those years ago. It's not a film, but it counts as new stuff!
How's that for a 5 minute post eh?
Bev x
Ok let's roll.
And one more...
How's that for a 5 minute post eh?
Bev x
- Tuesday, April 30, 2013
- 0 Comments
Dear Reader,
I am writing this against the clock. I am very conscious as to post this before the clock strikes midnight - not because I'm secretly Cinderella, but because I need to add a few more posts for April!
As of several days ago, we hit the 10,000 hits mark on Beview so this is basically a (hopefully) short and sweet message to say THANK YOU!!! 10,000 is a pretty whopping huge number and seeing as we've only really been around for a year, that is something I am extremely proud of. Thank you for reading, wherever in the world you are. (New readers from Belarus too which is SO cool!) I'm on the verge of sounding like an easily-excited schoolgirl so I'll bring it to a close soon...
But yeah. Thanks!
Here's to 10,000 more :)
All my love,
Bev
I am writing this against the clock. I am very conscious as to post this before the clock strikes midnight - not because I'm secretly Cinderella, but because I need to add a few more posts for April!
As of several days ago, we hit the 10,000 hits mark on Beview so this is basically a (hopefully) short and sweet message to say THANK YOU!!! 10,000 is a pretty whopping huge number and seeing as we've only really been around for a year, that is something I am extremely proud of. Thank you for reading, wherever in the world you are. (New readers from Belarus too which is SO cool!) I'm on the verge of sounding like an easily-excited schoolgirl so I'll bring it to a close soon...
But yeah. Thanks!
Here's to 10,000 more :)
All my love,
Bev
- Tuesday, April 30, 2013
- 0 Comments
I'm truly, genuinely, very excited to review the debut album from Josh Kumra, "Good Things Come To Those Who Don't Wait". For simplicity's sake, I'm going to simplify this to "Good Things...", or "GTCTTWDW"! If you saw the post at the start of the year with my "Ones to Watch" for 2013, you'll remember the name Josh Kumra. He's a reoccuring person on the blog and his is music is exactly my kinda music, so I may be a teeny tiny bit biased. I first heard his music when he supported Nina Nesbitt on tour, and have predicted big things ever since. A few weeks ago, I heard his track "The Answer" for the first time on the radio on Magic FM and was so excited, I stopped driving, pulled over at the side of the road, took a photo of the song on the screen, and tweeted it to him. (He replied!) I then heard it about twice daily (Magic loves Kumra), but that - and him supporting One Republic on their European tour - has been leading nicely to the release of the album. Which I will begin to review right about now.
There's a James Morrison-esque husk of Kumra's voice which has the ability to perfectly form goosebumps up and down your arm. The album, as a whole, is soulful, gentle, relaxing, and beautifully written. I'd previously heard the songs "The Answer", "Waiting For You" and "Don't Go" from his number one collaboration with Wretch 32, so had great expectations based on the fact that I really enjoyed those three. "GTCTTWDW" is great, and then some. Take the haunting vocals of "Brave Face", which strikes a personal cord with me, and the weirdly bouncy backing of "Lost Again" and it's soft "oooohs", and the chart/radio-friendly "By My Light"; there are subtly contrasting new sounds in every offering from the album. One of my favourite tracks has got to be "Where Do We Go From Here"; the lyrics are relatable, and it takes you on a bit of a musical rollercoaster (you'd understand if you gave it a listen). Also, "White and Black" makes you want to sway and bob your head (again, you'd understand if you listened), featuring other up-and-comer Maiday. The male-female harmonies are lovely and I can't really describe the sound with any word other than lovely. It's lovely.
The deluxe version of the album offers an extra 5 songs which continue the chilled out vibe of the standalone "Good Things...". I really like "Pretend" - lyrically he manages to avoid cliches (he acknowledges this too!) and it has a natural flow of storytelling, with an angelic choir-ish chorus and cool chords. This guy's, like, really good. Ultimately, however, I think the best song is "The Answer". I love love love it; you should know that by now. It's like, really good, y'know?
When I saw Josh Kumra perform live, it was just him and his guitar, in true classic singer-songwriter style. "Good Things" is understandably different in that it is a full production of things; there are layers, funky electrobeats and nod-along-with-the-bass bass. If you ever get the opportunity though, he'd be a class act to see on tour. The album doesn't seem to showcase his incredible guitarring skills enough.
"Good Things Come To Those Who Don't Wait" is a very good thing. Lyrically and melodically, it's ace and I definitely need to hear more from him in the future. I knew his voice was great even before I pressed play, but the range of tracks create a varied yet distinct sound which puts him in his comfort zone, and dares to stretch it on occasion. Yep, I waited a while for the album to come out, but good things come to those who wait too!
- Friday, April 26, 2013
- 0 Comments
