Film of the Week: The Invisible Man

This film was originally a part of Universal’s Dark Universe, a cinematic universe which was supposed to unite all the classic monsters together, starting with Tom Cruise’s reboot of The Mummy. It bombed, enormously. Universal fell into the same trap Warner Brothers did with their DC Extended Universe; they rushed it. Jammed too many characters into one film without giving any room to breath in their own story, therefore making it unnecessarily convoluted. Needless to say, the Dark Universe idea was scrapped and along with it their version of the Invisible Man, a character which had Johnny Depp playing.

However, the Dark Universe might have flown out of the window, but the concept of rebooting the Invisible Man remained, and Universal found themselves in a predicament where they needed to make some money, so they made the decision to keep all future films which would have been in their shared universe, as standalone instalments without any interconnectivity.

Oh, the irony. If this was still a part of the Dark Universe, this would have been a brilliant inclusion. There were probably many Easter eggs and references that flew over my head to other monsters, but there was no blatant inclusion of any interconnectivity throughout this film, an intention which the Mummy should have obeyed.

The Invisible Man is a masterpiece in comparison to the Mummy, because of its standalone context, allowing all the characters to be the best they possibly can be. The Science Fiction element mixed in with the horror saw Elisabeth Moss’s character, Cecilia Kass be proving right with her belief of being followed by her boyfriend, who everybody else believes is dead. Elisabeth’s performance was sensational – going from barely holding it together, to a total meltdown before piecing herself together and coming out on top, enabling her to walk away worry free. This film takes you through every step of her journey, and you feel what she’s going through. You almost find yourself shouting at the other characters to tell them she’s telling the truth, but like her, no one would hear you.

There’s a common statement which is usually said as a counterargument towards wanting invisibility as a superpower, and that’s if you’re invisible, so would your eyes be, and therefore there be nothing for light to bounce off, leaving you in complete darkness. Invisibility has been given to many characters over the years, completely ignoring this problem, mainly because whatever gifted them the power, overwrote this law. This film decided not to “just-go-with-it”, but instead have Oliver Jackson-Cohen’s character, Adrian Griffin invent a technologically advanced suit capable of rendering the wearer invisible, subsequently keeping their eyesight.

This film did more than just reboot, it reinvented the character, from having bandages wrapped around his whole body to having a suit – a massive change from the source material, and from the classic film of the same name.

This film did brilliantly because it was a standalone project and not part of a bigger universe, but what they’ve done is gone from one extreme to another: all in, to nothing at all. They could have sprinkled something in at the end, connecting the Invisible Man to the Dark Universe, but they spoilt any possible future of seeing the Mummy sharing the same space with the Invisible Man because they jumped in head first too soon, instead of taking it slow with this one.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella

The Emails at the start of this book are hilarious, you only need one half of the communication because they say it all as to what the queries were. I find starting a story in a novel this way is unique, also clever as it has been reasonably commonly known that the first line whether it be an essay, or anything can be the hardest to write. The way this book starts eliminates the said issue.

In the first chapter there is so much crammed in, including undersized shopping, being star struck or not depending who you are and how you feel about things in and around Los Angeles, a race to be run and what I find as really interesting, Becky is questioning how Eskimos kiss and do their lips stick together in the cold. It is however, commonly known the Eskimos kiss is to rub noses. This part could explain the reason for the different technique, it certainly made me think. Now I hope Becky gets her reference as there is a lot riding on it.

Chapter two starts off amusingly in the way Becky thinks we should buy designer shoes like we do her trainers she is testing and buys. I didn’t like Kai the shop assistant, he is so full of himself. I thought because of this the chapter had taken a dark turn, that is until Becky met a film star in an illegal circumstance.

Chapter three, I find it crazy that Becky was supposed to be house hunting and she was shopping instead. The reference she gets is a good one and she is a natural for the job. But I now think Becky has set her sights too high and she should really tone down her imagination, it is creative though. I will give her that, and she has connections in high places and it seems, knows just what to say and do from what I have already read, so we will see as I read on. I have already read the title of this book. Although I mustn’t confuse shopping for with styling for the stars.

Chapter four, I really feel for Becky and her disappointment, but what I do find amusing is the Emails written at the end of this chapter.

Chapter five, Becky is back in the United Kingdom and Becky her friends and family have their own opinions about LA. Sadly, this is typical about anything. I do like the description of the new fountain and it does sound interesting.

Chapter six, now back in LA, all I can say is ‘Pre-school’ it seems is different in LA than it is in the UK. It is lovely that Minnie, Becky and Luke’s daughter, has settled in so well. Sadly, for Becky her world has gotten smaller and she has issues with a person. It is awful when you find you have to be nice to someone who has done you wrong. This part is not very nice for Becky and not nice to read.

Chapter seven, what a chapter, an almost innocent tour to a sowing machine, to finding out someone got discovered. I like this chapter but I feel for Becky and I do wander what on earth will happen next.

Chapter eight, an amusing part is a, I want to say ‘Teddy’s Bears’ picnic but with pretend tea in cocktail glasses doesn’t quite set the same scene and Luke’s description of what he sees is funny. Sadly, Becky has spoken her mind again, I feel for Becky and hope Alicia is found out/exposed soon. If there were teams, I would be on team Becky. Now Becky is having a visitor. I find this part awkward until that is Becky exposes a juicy piece of gossip and coffee it is but Becky’s past acquaintance still haunts. How this will all pan out is anyone’s guess at the moment. I still have to remind myself of the title. The story to it is not without its knock backs.

Chapter nine, all I can say is Becky did stay ‘focused’ and now Suze is in LA. I like how Suze has embraced her take on the LA spirit, sadly, not everyone is on her side though. I am confused, buying books to help you ‘Not to do any shopping’ sound’s contradictory and I also don’t think the newly learned techniques work as a shopaholic is going to need or find a reason for purchasing everything they buy. Becky needs different/more help. There is one more thing I can say about this chapter I do not like the look of underhandedness Alicia showed with Suze. I hope Alicia is found out, sadly, some things cannot be forgotten or forgiven.

Chapter ten, there is an invite to a ‘The coolest party’ to dress for sadly, this is where we find out Tarquin, Suze’s husband, is really out of his, let’s just say, comfort zone. There is a dispute, well more than one really, one sorted out with sweets but I don’t think, as agreed in this story/book that sweets will resolve the more serious dispute. This is however, amusing to read. Not that there is a dispute of course that is an unpleasant part. Becky has an idea, I really hope she is not out of her depth and I don’t actually like her, if I’m honest, spouting all the self-help stuff from ‘Gold Peace’.

Chapter eleven, I want to say I feel sorry for the hamster and I would be if the circumstances had been just so. I found this part cringingly awkward but strangely funny. There is a life lesson in this part, be careful who you talk to and what you say to them. However, who I really feel for is Suze as Tarkie, short for Tarquin, has been keeping information to himself, I would be annoyed as well. Although now the story does turn nicely, Suze and Becky could be playing at being pirates, this I have to read I hope it is described really well so I can picture the scene(s), I will read on.

Chapter twelve, Suze and Becky are not pirates but I wish they were, however, that could be deemed boring and predictable. On my thinking what really happens is unpredictable, a strange shock and amusingly, Becky, continuity or not when it comes to this film as is the case in this story. With a set with one less cake, consumed by Becky and a plot hole pointed out by Becky. Although I think it is clever of Becky to find it and I agree the hole is pretty big, others, clearly, inevitably are not amused, also I don’t blame them either. Now Becky has an amazing, family conflicting, contact into the styling world of Hollywood. I was expecting a famous name but I should have guessed that it would be that particular person. It was still a strange shock though and I don’t know why I didn’t see it coming and that would be the case. I do feel Becky has a better chance than Suze though, as reading what Suze wrote, although it is amusing, I don’t quite believe it is either professional enough or fits the description of an application form. Sometimes telling the exact truth is not deemed acceptable/necessary. You shouldn’t lie I know and I don’t condone lying, but there is room for the professional truth.

Chapter thirteen, Luke doesn’t need to know everything does he? Well not yet. I kind of agree. One thing could be classed as a life lesson it is a little obvious Becky was caught up in a moment and now has to deal with the consequence of that. It is a surprise to read Tarkie has found/embedded himself in to the Hollywood way of life, but only through ‘Volley ball’, sadly, not hiking though at this part. The film industry still holds no interest to Tarkie, it just goes to show that there is more to Hollywood than just films and all that entails. It is good to see another side and someone making the most of it. For Sage to criticize Lois, I really do not like how Sage acted over the clutch bag. Sage came across as spoilt, it was awful to read. Poor Becky, on the flip side, Luke is being fair though and I agree with what he said about the situation.  I am glad the clutch bag is back where it belongs, it is such a relief to read that part. Phew! I also agree with the new idea for the film award, as yes extras are a big part of a film. The fall out of the clutch bag is so Hollywood and Hollywood has just hit Becky like a, let’s just say the commonly known term ‘Freight train’. Welcome to the life of a celebrity.

Chapter fourteen, the fall out continues. A headline and Becky’s reaction made me laugh. I mean drinks cocktails and yes people including actresses do go to the bathroom. The word of the moment ‘Heat’ and now Becky’s mum has spoken to the press, although this is amusing but she really shouldn’t have. It is lovely that Becky wants to do a favour for her dad but sadly, there is an ulterior motive involved. It is sad to read what Becky found when looking for her dad’s friend Brent. I don’t like when things don’t work out nicely. However, now she has had her ‘Big break’ through her paparazzi encounter she has something else to focus on. Becky should really be careful though.

Chapter fifteen, in this chapter the word ‘Drama’ is mentioned and yes I have to agree Becky is in a whirlwind world of let’s just say ‘Hollywood well known’ and now her dad is about to join her but on an entirely different mission. Sadly, Becky’s new found fame is going to her head, I hope her and Suze don’t fall out over it. Also it is amusing to read the reply Email to Becky about x-ray body scanners. I can see why she would be worried, but I do think Luke knows Becky well enough, well he should do, not to rely on x-ray to find shopping bags.

Chapter sixteen, things and people are certainly changing in Becky’s household all being protected by a new security team, amusingly not the ’24 hour armed guard’ that was originally requested but it seems a, just as competent team overall. So much is happening, her dad has arrived in LA. The two stories side by side makes for a busy storyline in this book. I don’t like Becky’s new outfits for the family even with the protective nature and the suspect, dodgy free gift.  I don’t like guns of any sort. Now her dad has arrived at the house he also wasn’t ‘On the list’ like sadly, Luke wasn’t. although this is borderline light-hearted it is not nice to read. In amongst all that is happening there is still, it seems, room for intrigue, as to what the deal is with Brent and Becky’s dad. Sadly, I feel for Suze she needs a friend and Becky is torn, well not torn, she just chooses her new found career. I don’t like what I am reading, but the intrigue is there to keep me reading at the moment. Things have now turned dark, I feel for Lois and for Becky, I don’t want to make it all about Becky because that would seem like she is self-obsessed and one, no I do agree it wasn’t all Becky’s fault she didn’t tell Lois to do what she did and two, Becky feels incredibly bad about the outcome. Now she wants to say ‘Sorry’ and the novelty of Hollywood is wearing off. Showing a life lesson where there is an up there is the potential of a down. Well now, we read of a big Hollywood twist in this storyline. It certainly makes for interesting reading. A lot has happened in this chapter, it has been a very busy chapter and now all I can say is ‘Danny is cold’.

Chapter seventeen, in this chapter it is nice to read about Becky’s family and not just about her new found, so called, career. I do however, understand how Becky and Luke are torn between two countries. This does high-light the tricky situation some couples find themselves in, with two separate independent jobs/careers. It is amusing to read about her dad being drunk and I feel I have to say that I do not condone forgery of any kind, I also feel Becky with a sinking feeling that she may have done just a bit too much research for the next day Breakfast show appearance, we will see. Oh and Danny is back in the USA.

Chapter eighteen, sadly, I was right the piece on Becky was not about ‘Styling’. I kind of had a premonition but it was set up to be inevitable. Now, and I hope Becky doesn’t go through with it, Becky has another ‘Fast route to fame’ opportunity. I really, one, don’t think she should go through with it and two, take the slower route or give up and realise the danger of surgery is not worth it for a fickle career. I say fickle and I don’t want to sound mean but show business/being famous can mean you are up one minute and down the next. It is sad to see that Hollywood is coming between Becky and Luke. It also seems from what I have read in previous chapters that Suze and Tarquin are not immune to this effect either. It has taken until now for me to realise what was happening. All this is not nice to read; I think they should all, now get away from Hollywood as soon as possible. This book has taken an extremely dark turn and on top of that Luke’s mum has turned up and that is a whole load of more problems. Becky should have kept an eye on the more important events/people in her life. I am glad she wants to try and make amends.

Chapter nineteen, I love the idea Becky came up with regarding Luke’s mum, it is brilliant. Although the route to it is amusing. It shows of the simple pit falls of printing stuff off the web. A family feud is not industrial and ‘Picketing’ amongst other things cannot be the answer, this is funny to read and there is actually a good piece of advice that was worked with so was not all a waste. And as far as ‘Darth Vader’ from the George Lucas films ‘Star Wars’. I can safely say he hasn’t got any relatives in the real world, before I read the reply Email, but again this is amusing to read.

Chapter twenty, I started to feel good about Luke connecting back with his mum, however, by the end it is sad that there were just too many ‘Skeletons in the closet’ to be revealed, and were. Now there is a mix up of phone numbers, Luke and thankfully Becky is not pleased, again they should leave Hollywood as soon as possible, the vibe of the place is not good for them both. Well people are leaving, Becky is not in a good place, not as in geographically but, I can only describe it as in, her head space. There is a lot to sort out with family and friends. I am not going to add career to that list as Becky should rethink her priorities and Hollywood is not worth her losing her marriage/family and friends over. This part is not nice to read. I want to read on, I don’t want to put this book down at the moment as I am intrigued how this situation will work out.

Chapter twenty-one, in this chapter Becky is getting worse, I don’t like how much she is investing in her barely started career, when there are more important issues to deal with. This is a character trait I really don’t like in Becky.

Chapter twenty-two, the premiere hasn’t gone as ‘Betty’ sorry ‘Becky’ hoped it would. It is evil what Sage did to the dress and I am now glad, although, it did take something pretty big for Becky to realise what her priorities are. At the end of this chapter things are looking good/better.

Chapter twenty-three, this chapter/end of the book sadly, ends abruptly, to the point it doesn’t tie up all the loose ends. All I do know about the issue between Becky’s dad and Brent is that it has something to do with a few girls called ‘Rebecca’ but I do have some idea of what did take place/occurred though.

This book highlights not only the glitz and glam of Hollywood but also the exact opposite, the brutal harsh reality of being in the public eye.

Film of the Week: Jumanji – The Next Level

It was going just as well as its predecessor, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, right up to the moment when they brought in a horse as a playable character, then the film derailed. Jumanji’s abilities include spawning a stampede to crush everything in its way, an enormous vine-like creature that can tear apart a house, suck you into the game for years, update and turn itself into a video game and suck in more people where they must re-enact a video game’s storyline to escape; and Jumanji’s origin and possibly true extent of its powers may have not been fully explored yet, but having one of the main characters turn into a horse and the other characters show heartbreak towards near the end of the film when one of the characters choose to remain in the world as the horse… that seems a little silly to me, even for Jumanji.

I can overlook the water with the green electrical-like energy coursing through it being there purely so the actors can have a chance to flex their muscles, and it should be noted that everyone did a good job in capturing different personalities. The first scene where Martha and Fridge, played by Karen Gillan and Jack Black, discover they’ve swapped bodies, whilst it was amusing, I couldn’t shy away from how forced it was, and it felt as if it was only put there to set up the later scene when all the characters revert back to who they were in the last movie.

It would have been so much better if Fridge had remained as Jack Black’s character, because he could learn an important lesson that everyone has an important role to play, but instead he reverts back to Kevin Harts character and that possible plot point is gone forever. I can overlook those two points and still enjoy the film just as much as its predecessor. Note: I refuse to state the predecessor was the first film because the first film was the original Jumanji starring Robin Williams.

I just cannot skip over the fact that a horse is a playable character. It’s so out of place even for Jumanji, the same amount of emotional effect would have been achieved if they just included another person instead. And sure, they wouldn’t have been able to complete the game if it weren’t for the horse secretly having wings, but I’m sure the writers could have come up with a different way.

The idea of the game being broken and bringing in two elderly people was funny, and Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart played their parts brilliantly. It has been established there are more than the characters we got in the first film, with a new character, Ming, played by Awkwafina, and so it is possible there are even more characters which can be explored in more stories, but please don’t include any more animals as playable characters because that extinguishes any emotional attachment the scene would have had if a human was standing there instead.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Doctor Sleep (book) by Stephen King

Warning spoilers

This book starts off where ‘The Shining’ left off. Although three years have passed, we don’t need to know too much detail of what happened directly after Wendy and Danny left the Overlook hotel, but there is just enough written about that time to let us know but no to bore us. Now that things have moved on the next chapter in Wendy and Danny’s life can properly begin as in this book. It is a good idea this sequel to ‘The Shining’. As if you have the shining gift you do keep it as you grow up, so here it is, and Danny is growing up. Hallorann’s story that he told Danny is truly a horror story to start this book.

I like how this book references that someone with the shining feeds energy to the ones that have passed to come and visit, and it also makes them stronger for them to do so. I also like the ‘Box’ idea, a simple but effective solution so far.

In the chapter called ‘Rattlesnake’ we are introduced to some more characters. This you could say is interesting to read and although it is described/explained really well I still am not a hundred percent sure what exactly happened. It could just be me though.

After reading off the horror of a morning after hangover, Deenie and her son Tommy, it looks like this story is really about to get going with ‘Part one’ although this book has written the exact words of the phrase, the meaning is still the same ‘You can escape a place but not yourself or your problems’. I like how the words have been substituted and yes it does apply, is relevant to Dan.

I like the reference linking the world to be a hospice. This book has some great also intelligent quotes making this story well written.

It seems I was wrong the horror of Deenie and Tommy is continuing sadly, this time it is tragic. I hope Dan soon finds closure these parts are hard-hitting and not nice to read, even with this being a ‘Stephen King’ novel.

Sadly, this is not one of the easiest books I have read, as it doesn’t flow like some other books and this one is although easy to put down it is however, easy to resume reading again when I do pick up to read it again.

It was a shock to read why baby Abra was screaming and crying so much. It seems you are never too young to predict/see a terrorist attack. Even with what her parents dreamt sadly; the numbers certainly do add up.

The story about the watch is a heart-warming one, it just goes to show it’s not what you remember or even forget but who you know.

A part I find confusing as how Abra is playing herself a lullaby. However, I do find this part nice to read and it seems there is nothing like ‘Do it yourself’. It soon becomes apparent Abra is one extraordinary young child. I cannot wait for Dan to meet Abra, let’s just say again in person. This part is fascinating to read. ‘Hello’. Ok could you say that Dan and Abra have now met? Answer sort off.

I am also glad how Dan helped Charlie and I am pleased the fight didn’t take place.

I like how Stephen King has written about the people who travel in RVs (Recreational Vehicles) also known as motor homes. You could say it is a bit stereotypical but if that is the way it is then so be it. Also, a part that I find a little confusing is when ‘The True Knot’ talks about ‘The Steam’ from what I can make out steam means food, well I think it does from what is written.

Sadly, I now know exactly what steam represents/means. This in part of chapter five is horrific and not at all nice to read about. Well this is written by Stephen King, so really you shouldn’t expect anything less.

I like how Abra’s shining is referred to as a ‘Radio in her head’. I like the part of, what I would call a ‘Play on words’, when I read the words ‘Hot spice’. I did wonder what that meant, I did think it was a food factory of some sort, but after finding out what it was, I thought it was clever. What I don’t like is that a little girl’s life could be in danger. The True Knot are a nasty bunch of people/beings.

I am not sure this is an actual drink or just a made up/invented just for this story but a ‘Pine tree float’ which is ‘Water with a toothpick’ it sounds interesting and clever, real or not, and it turns out a ‘Pine tree float’ is real. I like it even if it is basic. Also, a story that makes you want to do more research is a good one.

Well we have found out Dan’s middle name and how it seems it is being used to connect with Abra in a clever/better age appropriate way of helping her. Let Tony continue to help her.

I am glad that Abra went back and got the magazine out of the trash. I can see her dilemma but ultimately, I hope she can help, sadly, not before she has visited ‘Barry the Chunk’ first in her own psychic way. Now Abra has put herself, again, in danger having got the attention of ‘Rose the Hat’. I hope Abra is more careful and gets Dan’s help, although he isn’t mentioned yet in this part, but the ‘Overlook’ has now been mentioned so more connections/references are being made to the past ‘The Shining’ to bring it up the present. I do hope again Dan is able to help.

It is nice to read that Dan did well in high school. I do like reading this book for the reason of being curious as to what happened to Danny after ‘The Shining’. This book is my kind of thing as I like ‘Revisited’ or ‘What are they doing now’ type programs. I know this is fictional but to me it doesn’t matter, the curiosity is still there.

Normally you wouldn’t agree with a grown man being in communication with a minor over the internet/a computer and I am glad this has been referenced, despite Abra needing Dan’s help and the situation/for the sake of this story contact has to be established and this could be classed as one of those exceptional circumstances. People should still be careful though in real life. This book/story is set up to be ok, but not every situation is. When they meet up it is also good to see referenced about basically meeting a stranger for the first time safely like out in the open. This is all been well written as this is a sensitive topic to cover and it all must happen so to include safety references is very good, not to would or could be classed as irresponsible.

The story has moved on; it is nice to read Abra now is no longer alone in her shining. I feel this story is about to go on in ‘Leaps and Bounds’. Action wise, as to place Dan ultimately finds himself in.

Now that I am halfway through the book the action hasn’t quite started yet, but the lead/set up continues to be a good strong solid one.

There isn’t really any intrigue as we all know where Dan will end up. I just want to know that Abra will be ok, that is what is keeping me reading this book at this time.

First whilst off looking for the ‘Baseball glove’ I am somewhat pleased to what else Dan found. Although it is tragic it may well bring closure to the family. So, I am going to think of the bigger picture on this part.

I really don’t envy the chat/conversation between Dan, John and Abra’s father David because of all the information he is going to find out. Yes, Abra is in trouble but not in the conventional sense like being pregnant. I personally however, not condoned/and not liked would have found a pregnancy easier to deal with. I mean a lot more people have babies than find out their lives are in danger because of their shining. I certainly don’t want to be in David’s shoes, but I am glad he believes what his, loosely called, guests are telling him, although I do think he would have preferred Abra to bring home a boyfriend her own age rather than a grown man. However, Dan is very safe, a father wouldn’t have known that at first. This part is all well written again difficult with such a sensitive subject.

A funny part is during a clever part where Abra is inside Dan’s head, as a result of this I can see why Dan got worried that he may well find himself shopping like a teenage girl. I however, hope the initial plan works out well.

I obviously do not condone what the true knot does or have done, one thing I will say is they are evil clever as sadly, we have located ‘The Crow’.

Now I feel the action is about to really ramp up. I want to say for this part ‘No one messes with Dan’s childhood’ and now I will read to see if everything works/pans out ok for the good guys.

I don’t want to say this as a bad thing because it isn’t but before we get back to Dan’s childhood place, the story is even more fleshed out. I may be impatient and it is my impatience that is thinking how ‘Long-winded’ this story is, but this story is far from being ‘Long-winded’ it is really well written/described and I want to keep reading all these twists and turns before as I feel this book gets to the point of it. A book that keeps you wanting to read it is a good thing, I think. It’s like just when you think this book is going in one direction it doesn’t quite get there and goes slightly off to another event/occurrence.

A shocking revelation. I didn’t see that coming, what now? Answer a chat and it seems the truth had already been said out loud. This is incredible.

The clever action I finally going to happen. It has all been worked out and written well. This is action like nothing I have come across before and I am pleased at the outcome of it all. This really is a strong story.

Just as I was thinking this story was all over there is more to read and I questioned why it carried on? answer, it actually tied up some loose ends, some of which I had forgotten, included in this part is a good life lesson that a ‘Problem shared is a problem halved’.

The Written Podcast: A Locked Down Introvert

There are two types of introvert: those who prefers to stay indoors and only go out when necessary, and those who occasionally goes outside, but prefers to do so alone (or with friends, but only with the same friends, never going to some place where interacting with strangers is required). I very much fall into the latter category. I used to fall within the confines of the first category where I very rarely went outside, but over time my confidence sneaked into the second. I am an introvert and I do go outside, but when I do, I enjoy my own company – case and point; last October I went to New York City. I was able to do what I wanted, when I wanted, and enjoy my holiday.

When the UK went into lockdown on 27^th March 2020, it was a weird experience for everyone. A countrywide lockdown has never happened, and it was noted by a few online communities that the introverts are celebrating because they do not need to interact with the outside world for an extended period. It was noted that they would forever keep themselves occupied and never get bored as they would do what they always do when inside the house. In fact, a colleague of mine at the place where I work quipped that I would be the only person who’d enjoy being lockdown because I’d get a lot of writing done, and in truth I have gotten a lot of writing done, but I never acknowledged I’d be happy about being stuck in doors. Sounds antonymous, doesn’t it?

For three weeks I have written and edited, subsequently completing what I had scheduled to take a couple of months as I had to weave it around work life. I kept myself busy by completing two of my projects and make good progress with a third. In between writing and editing, I’ve been recording and editing videos for myself and watching an incredible amount of TV. I have not gotten bored once during this lockdown. If anything, a couple of times I became a little indecisive as what to do as I wanted to maximise as much as I could. I made sure to stay home and safe by keeping my creative mind active.

But, the fact that I am only able to get on with my projects is due to a country lockdown and if the pandemic never happened, I’d still be going to work and shuffling my projects around to maximise what time I had between work and bed. The hypothetical situation many have expressed about staying at home all day but still getting paid has now come true, but unfortunately for the wrong reasons. Our hypothetical situation didn’t involve being locked down; it involved being able to go outside to wherever, whenever we wanted. Therefore, some extroverts are eager to get back to work, and introverts like me aren’t necessarily missing going outside, we’re missing the opportunity to go outside. Whilst we would spend 99% of the time indoors if given the chance, that remaining 1% involves getting out and about just to clear the cobwebs between the ears, to have a different change in scenery for a couple of hours, be on our own, because we are introverts after all.

For me, it's during that 1% I get a lot of my inspiration for my ideas for blog posts, short stories, and books. Being locked down has given me the opportunity to work on the projects I'd started - and I have finished a couple of them - but generating brand new ideas have dried up quite considerably. In other words, being an imaginatively productive introvert means that I prefer staying in doors to write down the ideas I've collected by going outside during that 1% I've decided to do so.

But whoever we are, the reason for all of us having to stay indoors is the wrong one. Regardless of whether we are extroverts who are itching to go outside or introverts who are taking this lockdown in their stride, we must all do our bit in combating the Coronavirus. I may miss going to the cinema, but if we do not pull together by staying in our own homes, only going outside when absolutely necessary, then we’ll all be missing what we enjoy doing outside for a lot longer than we'd like to, and soon even introverts of both variants will go stark raving bonkers.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Film of the Week: Impractical Jokers – The Movie

Impractical Jokers is a highly successful American show where four life-long friends compete in challenges in attempt to embarrass each other. The four Jokers, Sal, Joe, Q, and Murr, refer their show as a reverse prank show, because the punchline isn’t on the strangers, but instead on themselves. If you fail to do whatever the others tell you to do, you lose the task and the Joker who lost the most number of times in an episode must undertake a punishment. These punishments are harsher than the challenges, and the rules stipulate that if you say no within these punishments, you’re off the show.

The TV show has gained a loyal audience, most notably in America and here in England, even selling out arenas where they tell crazy stories about what’s been going on in their life in between filming the show. I’ve been to one of these live performances at the O2, in London, and I did enjoy it. If you’re unable to find the show on TV when you need a good fix of comedy, you can watch clips on YouTube on the official True TV channel.

The show has been going on for 8 seasons now, and with the show being as popular as it currently is, there shouldn’t be an end in sight. There have been many speculations throughout the show’s run regarding whether it is scripted or not, and the Jokers have stated numerous times that the show is not scripted at all, that every reaction from the public is real. Which intrigued me about the movie because that was going to have a story, and a story needs to be scripted, which means people needs to learn their lines and cues.

The movie blended script and realness together. The story focused on four friends who embarrassed themselves at a party whilst in high school and 25 years later they’re invited back to that party under the guise of being famous, and the four of them see this as an opportunity to redeem what happened years ago. The problem is they’ve only been given 3 tickets instead of 4, so they play challenges to see who can go and who must be left behind. Under the true nature of the show, the challenges aren’t scripted, but the story sections in between are. And in between these challenges they also give each other one punishment each as well, which again is not scripted. The question is, does the film work?

The simple answer is yes, but mainly if you’re a fan of the show. If you’re going into this film blind without any prior knowledge, the punishments will seem a little out of place. As a fan of the show, I wasn’t quite sure what I should be expecting, except that they would be doing the challenges, and my conclusion is, it’s not a film you should watch with the intention of critiquing it. Yes, I’m aware I’m writing this review, therefore contradicting what I just said, but bear with me. From the perspective of a critic, the story was hollow and clunky, and the acting could have been better, but from the perspective of a fan of the show, it’s a standard episode of the show, with a story, featuring four real-life friends simply having fun. Murr’s subtle characteristic choice of being the victim in the show was ramped up for comedic affect, which was blatantly planned, which did lead me to predict the ending.

If you’re a fan and want a good long laugh, then there’s nothing wrong with this film, but if you’re not a fan of the show and see this film and get curious, be prepared to be confused – you may need to do some homework with a couple episodes of the show before fully appreciating the film in its entirety.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: 17th Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

This is already a fast paced book and I already think I know what happened or who should have been shot. However, it is still very very early on in this story/book so I could be totally and utterly completely wrong, but this story does make you think and try to work out who and why very quickly. I already don’t want to put this book down to see if my theory is right or wrong. as I have said early days. It turns out my theory is wrong. there are two different stories in this book, I would like to read on and find out if and/or how they are connected.

In this modern times of the internet including social media, I can see how a case can create a frenzy of people’s opinions. The downside to all this, and not just on the case in this book, but real life, I can see that finding an unbiased neutral jury could be difficult. It is good that this book highlights the difficulty of a court case in this day and age.

It is heart-warming to see that someone is, not only taking the murders of the homeless seriously, she is also doing her job properly. A life is a life regardless of their situation.

As I have said there are two stories running alongside each other these are powerful and hard hitting stories. The trail in this book is a brave choice of story line and although there can normally be two sides to what happened, this has to be written and also carefully worked out for the verdict to be achieved/reached.

This book has quite suddenly got very busy with a character not well, one being shot and another having been arrested. The one not well I hope she finds out what is wrong and recovers or at least feels better. I am glad at the outcome of the complaint, now they should be working together, but it is extra sad as to how this has come about, and with the others, the trial/show must go on as is commonly said. 

This book gets braver still but evidence is evidence, it is good that only the ‘Need to know basis’ people saw it.

This is a very in-depth, well written and well described story. I really don’t want to put this book down.

Wow, with the shocking mention of a familiar name already running through this book in a particular place, this book has become a more solvable yet disturbing case. The reason/motive for the shootings is also becoming clearer.

In a shocking twist, it just goes to show nothing is always ‘Black and white’. I am glad the truth is out and the right justice will be served.

The link between the two stories, although slight it is an extremely pivotal moment/part, which makes this all clever and well worked out. And also not to mention/forget ‘Murder club’ of course.

I am glad that although Lindsey has to rest and Jacobi has been forcibly retired, it is heart-warming about the mutual agreement moving forward, the pair have worked out for themselves.

Overall, this book has been really well researched and written.

Mum's Monday: The Lion King (Live action 2019)

Having seen the animated and stage show version of this film, I thought I would see what this new version was like.

Apart from the animals talking, singing, the slight colouring/shades that don’t quite look natural and no commentary, this could almost be a wildlife documentary of how animals are in the wilds of Africa. This is a compliment to how well the animated version was realistic enough to transfer scene by almost scene to this live action one with a few slight exceptions.

There is still the sad part where young Simba (voiced by JD McCrary) loses his father in the stampede. We know from ‘Save the wildlife’ adverts that animals have feelings. Where these adverts connect with the adults, this can be an opportunity to connect with the children and teach them at a young age about preventing animal cruelty. It can certainly be seen as a good opportunity, opening up the topic for discussion first of all.

I am not going to criticize this film simply because who’d have thought that a wildlife animated film could transfer to the stage show? And it did in a spectacular and successful way with amazing costumes worn by the cast. I actually think this live action version is better than the animation and quite possibly should have been made first or even instead of.

This film certainly teaches by giving a better understanding of how the dynamics of wildlife works. I can see it better in this film compared to the animated one.

An inspired idea.

The Written Podcast: Doctor Who – Season 12 Finale, The Timeless Children

I am aware this article is being released a long way from when the episode aired, and that’s because I’ve had difficulty comprising a definitive opinion. Every time I try, I bounce between arguments which are just as strong as each other. Starting off this article with the conclusion, my thoughts on the episode are: “I don’t know.” I simply don’t have a clue. I’ve never not been able to have an opinion about an episode or film, but this has broken me.

Chris Chibnall’s second series as head writer, after the poorly received series 11, which was intended for both Jodie and Chris to find their feet. It didn’t have an overarching story, essentially acting as a reboot of the show as it didn’t focus on too much of the past either. That all changed with series 12. It focused heavily on the past. Episode 5 was a rollercoaster of a ride, beginning with the surprise return of Captain Jack Harkness, much to everyone’s delight, and then throwing a massive curve ball by revealing a never-before-seen incarnation of the Doctor, played by Jo Martin. Episode 5, Fugitive of the Judoon, was talked about by everyone. Theories were ripe with who Jo Martin’s Doctor really was, but no one expected what we actually got. Safe to say, no one predicted completely rewriting everything about the show.

That’s what a lot of people’s complaints lie, rewriting the entire history of the show. The show’s 57 years old. The format has been changed many times, continuity errors are ripe, and blatant retcons have been made. In a way, The Timeless Children does fit in with this long list – a list of which fans just accept without hassle. So why is this episode rejected? Because it does more than a nonchalant retcon or a genuine continuity error, this changes everything that has been built across the 57 years of the show.

The reason why I’ve struggled to comprise a definitive opinion is because I wanted to do a little research beforehand to make it clear why this retcon doesn’t work, and for the most part it doesn’t, but I was surprised to find out this retcon wasn’t an original idea. Chris Chibnall merely took an idea that never saw the light of day before the show got cancelled during the 7^th Doctor’s run (played by Sylvester McCoy). Before the show got cancelled, the 7^th Doctor does say that he believes he’s more than a Time Lord, and it the big reveal was that his past ties in with the foundation of his race, meaning it would confirm there being incarnations before William Hartnell’s incarnation, the man who started it all. Ultimately, the show got cancelled, and 19 years late in 2005, Russell T. Davis came along and successfully revived it, adding the fact that the Doctor is now the last of his kind.

Steven Moffatt’s run as head writer saw many episodes looking at the Doctor’s past. No head writer has revealed more about the Doctor’s life than Steven has. When the show started the Doctor was a mysterious figure, but that mystery was slowly eroded away during Steven’s run. You could argue that Chris’s retcon brought back that mystery. The Doctor is not Gallifreyan, but instead is someone from another dimension. She was found by an adventure and brought back to Gallifrey where after suffering from a fatal fall was discovered to have the ability to regenerate – change her entire body. This leads to the child being studied and after many regenerations later, the secret to how it worked was cracked and the Time Lords were born. I idea behind the Doctor being this child from another dimension with the ability to endlessly regenerate brings back the mystery Steven partly unravelled. But a strong counterargument is the mystery didn’t need to be brought back. Just move on.

As I conducted more research, I discovered that Chris Chibnall actually pitched this idea to both Russell and Steven whilst they were head writers, and they both turned down the idea. Why Steven made Chris the head of the show when he was obviously going to play out his twice rejected idea. I couldn’t find out the reasons both Russell and Steven had for turning down the idea, but I can trust they’d be justified.

With the Doctor now having unlimited regenerations, and the Time Lords implanting the ability into themselves brings up a couple of plot holes. With regeneration now being artificially injected, River Song’s shouldn’t have the ability. It was established in series 3 that you stare into the Time Vortex as a child and you are given the ability to regenerate. The Master stared into the Time Vortex and went insane. River Song was conceived in the TARDIS whilst flying through the Time Vortex, therefore giving her the ability to regenerate. But nope, now it’s artificial implanted. The second plot hole involves around having only 12 regenerations. If the Doctor can regenerate unlimited times, why did the Time Lords grant him a new set of 12?

This brings me onto the next section of the article: Theories. You see, the only way I can truly make sense of this retcon is by injecting theories into it. Theory number 1 is the reason why the Doctor ran away. The 12^th Doctor (played by Peter Capaldi) said he ran away because he was scared. Scared of what? Could he have found some information relating to him not being who he believes he was, so he ran away before it was revealed. Theory number 2 is the Time Lords granted him a new set of regenerations to keep the secret because the Doctor would have regenerated anyway, leading him to be curious as to why and eventually finding out the secret. Theory number 3 resolves the hybrid mystery which wasn’t fully explained in series 9 but was only prophesied. The hybrid isn’t one being, but a race of people: The Gallifreyan’s and whatever race the Doctor is. A strong counterargument to those theories is the necessity to make them to make sense of the show, when instead they should only be made for fun when confronted with a mystery which will be explained, or to add to an already understandable show.

Should I be mad that William Hartnell isn’t the first incarnation? Well, they alluded to there being 8 incarnations before William’s, and would have been confirmed during Sylvester’s run. But, 57 years of knowing William is the first is iconic. He started the franchise; he started an iconic show. Doesn’t answer my question though. That’s because I don’t know if I should or shouldn’t be mad. The theory that William’s incarnation wasn’t the first has been hotly debated long before series 12 came along, and I’m sure many believed it to be true. Let’s compromise; I shouldn’t be mad that there are regenerations before the first, I should be mad at the reason why there are regenerations before the first; and just how many are there, no one knows.

Maybe Chris could have handled the story differently. Have the Doctor be Gallifreyan, have only a set of 12 regenerations before William, have the Time Lords make him forget he ever had those incarnations, but only that one previous set. Instead of having the Cybermen in the two-parter, have both parts focus on the secret and drop in casual pieces of information regarding the previous set, and the reasoning why the had to wipe his memory. I would have accepted and understood that more than what we got.

The show has forever changed, that much is clear. All we can hope for is series 13 does everything it possibly can to justify why it made that retcon. If it doesn’t focus on the retcon but instead a completely different story, then I’ll be disappointed. Every episode during series 13 has be about justifying and explaining all the plot holes this new revelation has created, including how Ruth’s Doctor has a Police box as her TARDIS when it was clearly established that it changed into the Police box when it landed in the scrapyard and the chameleon circuit broke, that’s why it’s always a Police box. Every episode of series 13 cannot deviate from justifying everything, including where the Doctor came from and her race of people.

Chris Chibnall has changed the very fabric of the show. Can he redeem himself?

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Film of the Week – Knives Out

A murder mystery with a twist. I know, most murder mysteries have twists and turns to keep the detectives guessing for dramatic effect and the audience engaged, but Knives Out brings a unique twist to the chessboard. All the players behave as you would during any other investigation, setting up the motives, and the little quirks of each person’s personality making each and every single person an unreliable narrator, and therefore a suspect.

Knives Out is one of those films where to review, would be to spoil, as any fully formed opinions would revolve around the major parts of the movie, where the most spoilers sit within. I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it and it did make me chuckle a couple of times, and the big twist was certainly an eye-opener. With every twist in films, no matter how big and “out of the blue” they appear, they’re always set up throughout, and Knives Out is no exception. Of course, during the first watch I didn’t pick up on them, but upon seeing other spoiler filled video reviews, one explaining how the twist was set up perfectly. I do want to go back and re-watch the film just to look out for the pieces of evidence that points to the twist, so I can piece it altogether in my mind.

With every murder mystery comes a brilliant detective, and Knives Out brings in Benoit Blanc, played superbly by Daniel Craig. His accent was a little hard to understand at first, but it grew on me over time. This is a star-studded film, with many big names, all playing their parts brilliantly – each one had me convinced they had committed the murder. After his long stint playing Captain America, this was a nice break away from the superhero genre and seeing him playing a spoilt playboy who developed sympathy for Marta Cabrera, Harlan Thrombey’s (the victim) nurse.

We don’t get many films focusing on a murder mystery, besides the feature length TV episode adaptation of Agatha Christi’s work, which one novel, Murder on the Orient Express was turned into a major cinematic film, but Knives Out is a fresh take on the genre. There are so many TV shows centred around a detective solving murders, with the odd episode here and there having a good twist which kept you guessing, and so Knives Out needed to stand out from the crowd. It certainly did that. Re-watching it, I may know what happens, that’s not going to steal anything away from my enjoyment.

To conclude without spoiling, Knives Out does get you thinking in more ways than one. Bringing together a big family comprised of totally different personality and world views all in one room for an extended period, will cause debates. It’s possible these views will cross over to the audience who’ll have their own opinions – whether the film was right or wrong to express a certain view, but that’s the point. The entire film is supposed to be taken subjectively to keep the mystery of who done the crime alive, never fading away. It’s designed to get you thinking down tracks to constantly divert your viewpoint, otherwise the mystery would be too easy, and they might as well have the killer announce themselves at the beginning of the film. I recommend Knives Out because anyone can enjoy it. It may be a part of the murder mystery genre, but ultimately anyone can get onboard with this film because of the vastly different perspectives each suspect reveal whether intentional or not.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)