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The Kid by Kevin Lewis – book review

Posted on August 24, 2010
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Where do I begin reviewing “The Kid” by Kevin Lewis? I sat through the first half of the book with my mouth wide open, or that’s how it seemed to me – I’m certain I didn’t or colleagues would have certainly pulled me up on my facial expressions had I done so. It just felt like it at the time!

“The Kid” is a harrowing and sad story of a young lad (Kevin Lewis) growing up in South London in the 1970’s who was abused both mentally and physically, mistreated, and used as a punching bag firstly by his mother Gloria and then by his Elvis loving father Dennis.

I read the first couple of chapters and took a step back allowing myself a momentary pause from the agony of life in Kevin’s world. It made me appreciate the upbringing I had both as a child and young adult. I never wanted for anything, how many people can say that? Certainly not Kevin.

I chose, as I grew a little older not to celebrate birthdays, Kevin on the other hand had no such luxury – he never had the option. I was never abused and although a relatively small family we were lovingly cared for; I thank my parents for that.

As I continued reading, page after page was full of heartache for a young lad lost in a world full of turmoil. Gloria would sit waiting for the postman to deliver her Gyro and then immediately spend it not on the children but herself.

There was never enough food for the kids and they were banned from using the downstairs toilet after dark for fear they would steal what food was available in the fridge. A bucket would be placed on the landing (upstairs) and …

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Toy Story 3 is a UK record breaker for Disney & Pixar

Posted on July 26, 2010
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Disney/ Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 3′ £21.2 million opening at the UK Box office surpassed its closest rival by close to 30%. The final movie in the amazing ‘Toy Story’ franchise has broken records for The Walt Disney Company whose previous biggest opening was £13.7 million for Pirates 2. ‘Toy Story 3‘ is also the second biggest film opening ever in the UK just behind Harry Potter 3, and the biggest July opening to date. It is however the highest-grossing debut for an animated film in the UK’s history.

49% of the overseas weekend total came from the U.K. Toy Story beat out Warner Bros.’ Inception (opening in 38 countries) placed second with $56.7 million. Coming in third was last week’s champ, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek Forever After, with $33 million. Its total gross now stands at $361 million.

3D is ruling the roost and incredibly 76% of the total ‘Toy Story 3′ box office was made up of 3D sales.  All 11 Disney/ Pixar titles have debuted in the #1 position on opening weekends in UK:

‘Toy Story 3′ is Disney/ Pixar’s first £20M+ opening in UK.

‘Toy Story 3′ beat ‘Toy Story 2′s opening by 175% (£21.2M vs £7.7M) and Toy Story 1′s by 524% (£21.2M vs £3.4M).

The UK public is also showing huge appetite for Toy Story merchandise.

The Buzz Lightyear Action Figure is tipped to be the top toy of the year and with Christmas just five months away we are sure to see huge sales leading up to the festive period. Buzz Lightyear has already sold in excess of one million units since the release of the first Toy Story film in the trilogy.

You can be sure however that the new characters from Toy Story 3, the final film of the trilogy …

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I am nothing special

Posted on March 11, 2010
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I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life.

There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who’s ever lived: I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.

Quote taken from “The Notebook” available on Blu-ray and DVD – beautiful and charming film, written by Nicholas Sparks and starred

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I didn’t know honest Guv !

Posted on March 29, 2009
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You have to laugh don’t you. Well, that’s exactly what I did when I read this afternoon that the Home Secretary, yes the Home Secretary has been found out trying to pay for a TV package as part of her parliamentary duties – give me strength!

Her husband decided to watch a couple of “Adult” films on pay per view and then claimed for them back on expenses! Nothing wrong with his taste, everyone is entitled to watch what they want to as long as they are consenting adults, heck he even paid for “Surf’s Up” and “Ocean’s 13″ too. That said, are you trying to tell me you can’t distinguish between that and a bill for web connection? NO! What a pathetic excuse and from the Home Seretary Jacqui Smith herself!

Ms Smith said she “mistakenly” claimed for a TV package when billing for a web connection and would repay the cash.

Downing Street said she had done the “right thing” by quickly rectifying the “inadvertent mistake”.

The Home Secretary is already under investigation by the parliamentary commissioner for standards over her use of the second homes allowance.

MPs can claim for subscription television services but they have to be used wholly, exclusively and necessarily to perform their duties.

BBC political correspondent, Gary O’Donoghue, said a source told him Ms Smith was “livid and shocked” when she found out about the films.

He said he was told Ms Smith was not at home when they were viewed and said she had no intention of resigning over the matter.

Mr O’Donoghue said he was told Ms Smith had given her husband a “real ear-bashing“.

Last month Ms Smith was criticised for claiming taxpayer-funded allowances for a second home while living with her sister.

But she insisted she had …

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Young Victoria on a Saturday Night!

Posted on March 15, 2009
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With only minutes left before I had to make a decision on whether I go to the cinema or not last night I chose in the affirmative and went, cap in hand to watch the latest film on the life of Queen Victoria.

Although I had seen the trailer for the film a few weeks previous I still wasn’t certain if it was a film I wanted to see, purely based on the fact that I couldn’t see another film beating Mr Brown (Judi Dench and Billy Connolly). I really loved that film; full of honest acting and great characters. If you were looking for another option then why not check out Victoria Regina made in 1937 and starred Helen Hayes as the Queen.

We arrived at the cinema and made our way to the cinema of the Gods (right at the very top floor of the cinema but I don’t think any Gods were present last night!) minus popcorn and diet coke and nibbles (although I did smuggle in a bottle of energy drink, naughty me!).

Despite the poor audio and the framing not quite right, the film was charming and was over before you knew it. It did what it said on the tin and despite a few “poet licence” moments from Julian Fellowes it was a lovely film. I can rest easy that Mr Brown remains the top Victorian film despite “Young Victoria” trying her best to win the race.

I have always enjoyed films that make you want to know more as soon as you leave the cinema, Changeling with Angelina Jolie is a recent example of that and Young Victoria certainly joined the stable of further knowledge required! I couldn’t wait until we arrived home to check out whether Prince Albert did in fact receive …

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Gran Torino ticks all the boxes

Posted on February 28, 2009
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Every once in a while along comes a movie that is perfect in every way.  For me, the latest movie to fit that category is Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino (Rolling Stone Review). Clint Eastwood not only stars but produces and directs the film; something he has apparently hinted will be the last such project he will undertake. Only time will tell if he has the will power to refuse a doosie of a film!

Clintwood plays Walt Kowalski, a bigoted veteran soldier from the Korean War, who, as the film begins, has just lost his wife and has to deal with a family hell bent on pushing him into a nursing home so they can handle his affairs and grab his money!

Kowalski lives in a suburb of Detroit close to the Ford factory he worked for the majority of his life. He has seen his neighbourhood deteriorate over the years and the ethnic change is something he isn’t enamoured with. Added to that the growing problem of gang culture one has to wonder why he sticks it out. There is little on offer for the new generation, most of who are caught up in gang rivalry and street corners.

When we first meet Kowalski he has very few friends and in all honesty he has no desire to make any!  However, this all changes when he catches his young neighbour (Thao played by Bee Vang) trying to steal his treasured “Gran Torino”. What follows is an endearing relationship that grows and grows and with it he sees change in the neighbourhood and how he is perceived by his alien neighbours. 80% from Rotten Tomatoes.

There are truly magical scenes throughout the film but no more so than the interaction he has with his local Italian barber. They constantly …

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The 2009 Oscars Live!! The Results

Posted on February 23, 2009
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Well the hype is over, the red carpet worn, the stars bejangled and we now settle back – yes we the less fortunate, to our sofas and bubbly and enjoy the awards ceremony! Will it be a clean sweep for the Brits with Slumdog Millionaire and Kate Winslet or will the Americans spoil the party and win them all ?…. only time will tell. It’s over to Hugh Jackman!

I never knew Jackman could sing!!! In his own budget cut opening he charms the audience and serenades Kate Winslet!! Lmao, Jackman picks Anne Hathaway out of the audience and the two sing a duet – fair dues, she has a cracking …. voice!!! Well rehearsed but fun! This is by far the best opening to the Oscars since Billy Crystal!!!

He deservedly receives a standing ovation from the celebs!!! A few of my predictions HERE

Here we go, as it happens live …. the results !!!

Best Supporting Actress – and the winner is ………Penelope Cruz

Best Original Screenplay – and the winner is ……..Milk (Dustin Lance Black)

Best Adapted Screenplay – and the winner is ……..Slumdog Millionaire

Best Animated Feature – and the winner is ……..WALL-E

Best Animated Short – and the winner is ……..La Maison en petits cubes

Best Art Direction – and the winner is ……..Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Costume Design – and the winner is ……..The Duches (Michael O’Connor)

Best Makeup – and the winner is ……..The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Cinematography – and the winner is ……..Slumdog Millionaire

Just a quick side note here, Natalia Portman looked incredibly hot tonight!!!! So both Slumdog and Button have won 2 Oscars so far, who is going to win the match …

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The Oscars 2009 – My Predictions

Posted on February 22, 2009
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So who’s going to win the most coveted statue (well the one you can take home with you anyway!) in the movie world. UPDATE …Complete List of winners and comments here.Like most of us I have no idea but I will take a pot shot and guess ahead of the official results tonight. I’m sure I’ll be way off the mark and despite having a reasonable idea most seasons – I haven’t seen the Slumdog Millionaire and can only go with the hype! So it’s a guess rather than an educated guess! Complete List Here

Best Film

Nominated: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire

For me it’s a sure fire thing, between two films! Slumdog Millionaire and Benjamin Button – Slumdog will win although I’d love to see Benjamin Button win this one.

Director

Nominated - David Fincher (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button), Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon), Gus Van Sant (Milk), Stephen Daldry (The Reader), Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) – David Fincher for me but again I think it will be a Slumdog victory.

Actor

Nominated: Richard Jenkins (The Visitor), Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon), Sean Penn (Milk), Brad Pitt (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button), Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) – Without doubt between two actors – Pitt and Rourke. I thought Langella’s performance in Nixon stole that film but not strong enough for an oscar. I’m going with Brad Pitt but think the populous vote will be for Rourke.

Supporting Actor

Nominated: Josh Brolin (Milk), Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt), Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Michael Shannon …

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World Trade Center Trailer

Posted on August 15, 2006
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Apple have a great trailer for the new film from Oliver Stone, World Trade Center.

The Official Site can be found here – and includes a magnificent intro. Believe me, I very rarely sit through a full web site intro but this one will take your breath away, beautiful colours, slick presentation, the theme is treated with the utmost respect on the site. Don’t click “Skip Intro” when you visit the official site, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as I did.

I’m not sure when this film is out in the UK but I for one want to see it, I just hope they treat the subject with as much respect as the website and trailer show. It was a truly horrific day, one very few of us will ever forget wherever we were on that fateful day. The film centres on two police officers (McLoughlin and Jimeno) who were trapped in the rubble on September 11th and were the last two survivors to be rescued from the rubble.

The cast is highbrow and includes Nicolas Cage, Michael Pena and Maria Bello to name but a few. I’m looking forward to the review for this film but whatever happens, I’ll certainly go and watch this film.

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Tim McGraw’s – My Little Girl

Posted on August 15, 2006
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Tim McGraw’s new single “My Little Girl” is released this week,a song that is taken from his new movie Flicka co written by Tom Douglas. Flicka which is out on October 20th in the US is a tale about a 16-year-old Katy McLaughlin dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by working on her father’s ranch in modern-day Wyoming. Tim plays her father in the film, a not surprising venture for Tim following the acting he has done in his numerous videos.

The film was filmed on location in the beautiful New Zealand and Los Angeles.

Back to the song, it is taken from the Flicka soundtrack and is currently available on Tim McGraw’s greatest hits vol 2. I love the chorus, in fact the song is typical Tim Mcgraw! It also borders on being one of my favourite songs by McGraw.

A number of visitors have been searching for the lyrics to “My Little Girl” so I thought I’d post them in full and not just the first verse. I can’t find a link to the video or song at the moment, however this is the best I’ve found so far at youtube (let the video run past the happy birthday song!). If you do see a better version please let me know. Just a quick update, I now have a link to Tim McGraw’s video for My Little Girl – it can be found here

Verse 1:
Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.
Gonna tell you how much I love you, though you think you already know.
I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.
You’ve had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

Chorus:
Beautiful baby from the …

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Meredith Salenger WOW !

Posted on August 5, 2006
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Meredith NowOh My God ! I was just sitting here minding my own business after finishing off a few things around the house when I saw Meredith Salenger on the tv! I nearly dropped my newly opened a bottle when I saw her in Lake Placid (Deputy Sharon Gare). Only last week was I trying to remember her name when we were talking about Dream a Little Dream, but I failed miserably until I was in a position to search on the net.

I absolutely adored her in that film, starring the two Corey’s : Haim and Feldman. It was a great cast with stalwarts Jason Robards and Piper Laurie also starring. I think apart from Susan Ursitti (Boof) in Teen Wolf she was my first major crush as a very young lad. One thing I can say about seeing Meredith in Lake Placid tonight is that the years have been very very kind to her. Apparently she took a break from acting after Dream to gain a degree from Harvard in 1992 (Psychology). No idea if she’s married or has children but I’m available if she’s desperate!!!

It;s great to reminisce about the good old days, I think I’ll have to get hold of a copy of the DVD now and see why I thought so much of her when I was a wee child!

What I’d like to do now is find out what happened to Susan Ursitti after Teen Wolf ? doesn’t look as if she has done much unfortunately and no recent spottings. Anyone know anything ? I hope so.

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Mel Gibson Arrested DUI

Posted on July 31, 2006
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Someone once said that you learn something new every day and today is no exception for me. I don’t know if I can be accused of being blinkered, out of touch or blind but I can honestly say I never knew anything about Mel Gibson’s problems with alcohol, the devil’s drink, the … you can go on! I don’t know how I could have missed this news but following his public arrest on Friday in Malibu it has now become apparent, the Oscar winning director and actor has a huge problem.

I know he had received a lot of criticism for his anti-semitic views especially following his film “The Passion of the Christ” and his alleged distorted view of the Bible etc etc. He has since released a statement on his drunken behaviour with many people especially showbiz reporters claiming he had received preferential treatment due to his fund-raising efforts for the police. Hollywood Split over Gibson’s future

The police did not charge him with driving under the influence because it’s the district attorney’s duty to decide if the arrest merits charges. After being taken into custody, Gibson posted $5,000 bond for his release, said sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore.

Will this have any affect on his future box office draw or will it increase his profile ? we all know he won’t be the last actor to resort to drinking but i for one do not condone any drinking and driving – I don’t care who you are. If you drink; you don’t drive, simple as that.

The statement reads as follows:-

After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed.

I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the LA County …

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Flicka Movie and Tim McGraw

Posted on July 28, 2006
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McGraw and LohmanHas anyone seen Flicka starring Tim McGraw and Alison Lohman ? I have to admit I didn’t know about the movie until I searched for news on McGraw being a fan of his music but am now curious to see what other people think of it? Not sure when it comes out in the UK but I’m sure we’ll have to wait a while. Is the soundtrack any good ?

Based on the novel “My Friend Flicka” by Mary OHara, “Flicka” is set against the backdrop of a modern-day ranch in Wyoming. It tells the story of Katie (Lohman), a teenager who dreams of running her familys ranch, much to the dismay of her father (McGraw); his hopes are pinned on her older brother. In the tale, Katie finds a wild horse she names Flicka and claims it for her own.

Any comments on the film, the scenery (believe it was filmed on a ranch in Wyoming), the acting etc ? I hope someone has seen it !!

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Flight of The Phoenix

Posted on July 23, 2006
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Just finished watching Flight of the Phoenix with Dennis Quaid and Hugh Laurie (Blackadder & House). I know I’m two years late but decided as I had time to take a look at one of my dvd’s on the “to watch” pile – plus the fact that as it was due to be broadcast on Sky Movies tonight I wanted to watch it in DTS !!!Flight of the Phoenix It was disappointing to be honest, the film didn’t seem to go anywhere and none of the cast stood out which really surprised me.

I quite liked the music soundtrack despite there being too few songs ! I laughed at the scene when they changed from Whitney Houston to Hey Ya by Outkast – great track and a funny moment in a dull film. The ending was obvious as was the cavalry charge at the end ! Ok to rent if you don’t have anything else to watch but certainly not a keeper !

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