Film of the Week: Teen Titans Go! Vs Teen Titans

There have been many a debate regarding the differences between Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go! The latter series changed so much about what the first one was about, cranking up the silliness to ten every episode is one of the reasons for why fans of the old series turned their backs on the new. Teen Titans Go! Is meant for the younger audience, whereas Teen Titans was aimed at teenagers. Those teenagers who watched Teen Titans from episode one right the way to the very end, only to discover it was getting revived later down the line as Teen Titans Go! must still be recovering from whiplash.

After the success of Teen Titans Go! To the movies, of course the studio would want to cash in further and make another film. And they played a very smart move. The creators of the show Teen Titans Go! are very much aware of the backlash their show was getting from fans of the original and took every opportunity they could in referencing that for comedic effect. This film is basically one long cinematic reference to that battle between old and new, with the characters literally battling against each other to see which group is the better. And then they went even further.

Teen Titans on Infinite Earths, a play on the massive DC crossover event, Crisis on Infinite Earths, where every earth within the multiverse comes together to fight against one enemy. Many, many, many versions of the same five characters were shown in this film, I almost expected the live-action series to make a cameo appearance (which technically would make Teen Titans Go! apart of the Arrowverse, but let’s not make things too complicated).

The battle between fans of both series needed to end, and this film does that brilliantly by uniting them together. Having characters poke fun at each other, be very confused by the way the other group lives, along with a multiverse of other versions, shows both sets of fans that both versions of the characters are just as good as the other, and have it all interweaved throughout a main storyline that focused on Raven’s battle with her inner demon – it would be impossible to become bored whilst watching this film as there’s constantly so much going on at once. It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you’re on, you’re going to enjoy this movie – you’re going to laugh at the jokes, be on the lookout for the Easter eggs in the background, pick up on the many references the characters make, and overall have an entertaining time.

The filmmakers did an absolutely amazing job putting this movie together, I cannot believe I’ve only just heard about it last week. This fits the very definition of being underrated. It needs to be watched by more people, not just fans of both series, but fans of DC as well as there’s plenty in that film they’ll be entertained by, too.

 Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: The Little Unicorn Gift Shop by Kellie Hailes

Well that was quick, Poppy is home from a foreign country to deal/deals done on Ben, the/her shop. I just hope the twins do work. 

To give Poppy a compliment, kind of like Ben did, she did accomplish a lot but risk is risk and I think or know Ben would have missed out. So not much of a risk, I believe an opportunity with two rules, his half, her half, and don’t mock her customers. I agree with the second rule but how long the first rule will last, only time will tell. I don’t think it will be a long time though. They also say opposites attract and from what I have read so far Poppy and Ben seem the ultimate opposites. However, I can see why Poppy is so upbeat with what she has been through in her past. Yes, she does take life seriously and sadly, it seems she gets easily hurt. This part is not nice to read but with going into business together things do need clarifying between them. It also does high-light that upbeat people still do have feelings.

This book is clever as it interweaves snippets of what happened in the past and hints of what could/can or will happen in the future part of this story. It is intriguing enough to keep me hooked and want to keep reading.

Poppy made running a business seem so simple but this book high-lights that there is so much more to running a business than the way Poppy described it. The sad fact is the realisation did hit Poppy but I am glad Ben is going to help her, but not everyone has that kind of support.

With reading about setting up of the shop(s)/businesses and of Poppy’s troubles growing up, although it is mentioned a lot but I must not forget the feud between Ben and his father. It is nice now that Ben’s mother has come into the shop.

I know I am not yet half way through this book, but I wish these two, Ben and Poppy would get their act together. The part where Milly is in the picture is a little awkward to read. I am glad the ‘Unicorn gift shop’ will get a mention in the article though.

Now as I read on, I see Ben and Poppy’s situation is going to take time, this book is really well written describing a realistic build up to a, I want to say difficult situation, and this is part of it, but more appropriately I should describe it as an attempt at convincing someone ‘Love exists’ mixed with awkward even bad, although this is a bit strong, communication between Poppy and Ben. I have to be prepared to read/be interested in this for the long haul.

There is a glimmer of hope, but it is all too quickly sadly, shut down. It is sad to finally read what happened to one make Poppy leave when she did and two why Poppy is now and then so reluctant to ‘Love’.

The family dinner/barbecue at Ben’s parent’s house was like reading a rollercoaster ride. I was surprised that Ben’s dad, Robert came around so quickly to Ben’s new venture. It did feel slightly rushed and sadly, cringingly unrealistic, this part could have been a bit longer, not that I want to see families at war but this just needed a little extra. I do however, like that the family are now reunited. Now it seems Poppy hopefully cannot deny what she has witnessed how ever much she tries to block it out and run. Sadly, yes, her mum has affected her but that is, as I see it, only one aspect of her life, albeit a big one though.

I like reading the part about Poppy’s birthday, however, the first threat that if she took her blind fold off then it was the end of the glittery biscuits was a bit strong. I am glad that so far Poppy is actually having a great birthday with Ben, even after not wanting to acknowledge her birthday ever existed over the years.

As Ben was a lawyer the only way I can put this is that ‘The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth’ is out. The phrase just seemed very fitting to what Poppy found out from Ben with his house and that he isn’t as much of a risk taker as was first thought, although I see she already knew that but the full extent has now become clearer. I am also glad that Poppy’s birthday has taken the direction it has, as it could so easily have gone in another bad way. This book keeps you guessing and makes you want to read on.

It is sad to see the three words ‘I love you’ cause so much trouble and an unexpected exit in more ways than one. However, before that I thought Ben knew or would have already realised the extent of the effect Poppy’s mother had on her. Also I agree Ben is not Poppy’s mother’. Now he just has to convince Poppy the same.

I like how Milly talked sense into Poppy also it was a surprise to read of who Poppy was visiting. I thought the surprise would be that she went home not to the doorstep she did end up crossing. Well there was a surprise, a very unexpected, and the very nature of a surprise, visitor. Now Poppy is on her way to ‘Love’. And such a big love and a future of, in Poppy’s words, ‘Unicorn-esque’-ness.

Film of the Week: RV

This may not have been the best performer at the box office, but if you're a fan of Robin Williams, you would definitely enjoy this movie. A family going on a vacation was, at the time of this film's release in 2006, considered unoriginal. Countless films have had that motivation for their characters, it must have been difficult to write this without touching the age old cliches... or, at least that's what I've read from film critics. I've seen my fair share of films that if I were to come across an entire boat load of family vacation films, I would have listed a few but the only one I can think of whilst writing this review is "What We Did On Our Holidays," a film that came out years after this one, and was absolutely nothing like RV.

If I genuinely have missed an entire section of IMDB dedicated to family vacation films and this one is adding to that long list which gave the critics motive to state how unoriginal RV's story is, then maybe I'm not that big of a film buff as I once believed to be. And if there really is that many family vacation films out there, then I will defend RV's originality by stating only two words: Robin Williams. If you wanted uniqueness in your films, then hire Robin Williams, who was noted to be an unstoppable improvisational machine but could also act his heart out against a script. RV is no exception.

The reason why I chose this film was, whilst at work, a song from a random playlist on YouTube which is featured in this film started playing. I haven't heard that song in ages, and to be completely honest the last time I probably had heard that song was when watching this film, which was also ages ago.

I thought about re-watching the film to have a refresher course, but the moment I thought about this film, it all came flooding back to me. I was able to recount the funniest scenes in the movie almost picture perfect, and I almost found myself laughing seemingly for no reason, which would have looked rather weird from other people's perspective, seeing a grown man suddenly burst out laughing for no apparent reason.

You know what there are an abundance of, feel-good movies. Heck, that description is an entire genre in of itself, where the audience feels warm and comfortable as all the characters get their happily-ever-after ending after going through a series of struggles. I can name a good few feel-good movies off the top of my head, and you know what makes that genre different from every other out there? It doesn't matter how many there are, if any one of those films can make you feel good, you're not going to criticise it for being unoriginal. Once you've been tucked into your sofa, there's no need to be negative about anything. RV sits perfectly within that genre, and will make sure you're not only tucked into your sofa, but with a hot chocolate in hand, a bowl of popcorn in your lap, and a couple of pillows moulded around your neck for added effect. The critics may say there are too many family vacation films out there, but who cares when you're made to feel-good whilst watching RV, and laughing your head off from Robin William's performance, which is guaranteed to make your laugh no matter how many times you've seen the movie.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Pixar's Brave (The Pixar Theory)

Just what the film needs, a disgruntled princess. The scenes are amusing to watch.

The part where Merida (Kelly Macdonald) has her freedom, you can really relate to the exhilaration she is feeling, the music helps as well.

Even though this film is set in olden times it seems they have not escaped modern day dilemmas. It is good to hear that ‘Marriage is not the end of the world’ but no one should marry against their will.

Once a rebel always a rebel. I also like the mischief Merida’s three brothers get up to.

Don’t you just hate when you have to attempt to break up a fight, especially when you are enjoying the entertainment of it so much.

Merida’s brother’s sure do like those buns. It is amusing to watch the lengths they will go to get hold of some.

Just when I thought all was lost, Merida uses a loophole to break the rules. This and the resulting argument is although not nice to watch had to happen for the storyline to move on.

What has the spell done? Well changed fate, so Merida did get value for money/what she paid for.

This film is not what I expected. I thought Merida would be more of a great warrior as this is what the title Brave meant to me and not a daughter trying to escape marriage. 

Will everything be sorted by tomorrow? Not so far.

It is funny now the ‘Tables have turned’. It is nice to see a mother and daughter connection, even under the circumstances of the change of destiny,

This film also high-lights that just because you learn to sow and/or all the life skills needed as a wife, which ultimately could become useful, it doesn’t mean you have to become a wife, well until you are ready, if ever, to be.

It is nice to see mother and daughter restored. The rift between mother and daughter has been repaired, and of course, the mother is no longer a bear. the fact that being a bear could have been permanent kept me on the edge of my seat.

The theory for this film is the Witch (Julie Walters), is the little girl Boo in another Pixar film Monster Inc, looking for/remembering Sully. There is a picture representation of Sully in this film. The magic in the land, used by the Whisps, would later develop over the years and become the basis for the superheroes in The Incredibles, which is the next film in the Pixar Theory.

Film of the Week: National Treasure

I’m sure many have debated about whether National Treasure is historically accurate or not, and improbable piecing of information from vague clues leading the characters all over the world only to finish in an old church where the treasure they’ve been racing towards is buried underneath. National Treasure isn’t the worst film in the world, nor is it the best, but it sits comfortably in the middle. Those who like it don’t have anything bad to say, and those who don’t like it are usually the people who start the debates.

So, let’s say that this film is wildly inaccurate, the leaps in logic are massive and the clues are too vague to know where to begin working them out. If that’s the case, what makes this film enjoyable? How many films are criticised for being inaccurate, where the filmmakers inject too much artistic licensing into the project that the film as a whole, it quickly becomes just another film. A documentary exploring someone’s life, or an important historical event, or the beginnings of something major which changed the world, they must always use the words “inspired by true events,” simply because of the inaccuracies sprinkled throughout the film, whether they be minor or major, that’s entirely dependant on who writes it, or what makes the flow of the film better.

With National Treasure, it isn’t a documentary, it isn’t inspired by true events, it is entirely fictional, but it includes real facts. I would state that this film is the reverse of a documentary. But, hang on, isn’t the reverse of a documentary just a fictional film. You can say Transformers is the reverse of a documentary film because it’s not anywhere near what a documentary is. Let me explain what I mean. A film inspired by true events has a few fictional elements injected throughout, whereas National Treasure is a fictional film with a few true events injected throughout. It deals with real events, accurate dates and times, historical locations, real people who lived in America’s most famous moments whilst it was developing; with fictional elements inserted in between.

And what makes this film enjoyable to watch is the belief it has in itself. There is not a shred of doubt that any of the fictional elements weren’t real, and all of them are cleverly developed and explained to make you believe that what the characters are talking about is true. By the end of the film it’s easy to imagine that this film was really inspired by true events and all it’s doing is retelling what happened on the way of discovering some history shattering information and treasure.

Ben Gates has been searching for the big treasure his entire adult life, his father before him and his dad before him - and it’s immediately clear from the moment his team discovers the first clue, Ben goes straight into decipher mode and uses his knowledge gathered over the years to figure out the clue. In fact, every character is extremely knowledgeable, even an expert in the field of archeology. Every character is intelligent. Hardly anything needs to be fully explained for them to make connections, they are basing every decision they make around their knowledge, belief in what decisions they have made, and the faith in themselves for making sure what they are doing will be as faultless as can be.

It’s not the most perfect film in the world, but it’s one that can be enjoyed. The sequel proves to be just as strong as the first, a rarity when it comes to franchises, and we who are fans of National Treasure are waiting patiently for a third which has been developing for many a year now. It’s a joyous feel-good film for all the family.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: 13 Going on 30

At the start of this film with the six so called friends, it is not nice to see how 13 year old Jenna (Christa B. Allen) treats, who can only be described as her one and only friend Matt (Sean Marquette). This however, is a strong set up to the wish young 13 year old Jenna makes. Now it has come true we will see how it all plays out. So far it has been realistic enough for the nature of this film. I hope it continues, it does.

It is brilliant how smoothly it is going even though 30 year old Jenna (Jennifer Garner) is chaotic. The hangover angle is a clever/great idea. It is sad to hear older Matt (Mark Ruffalo) say that they weren’t friends anymore.

Yes Jenna is still 13, it is so funny to watch the party scenes. It is lovely to see when the Michael Jackson Thriller is played, it is actually heart-warming to watch.

The miss-understanding at the bar was luckily quickly resolved, asking for ‘Ketchup’, was a safe move in the script. 13 years old is 13 years old but yes there is a chance someone could get arrested if not careful. 

The ‘Ice ice baby’ scene is cringy. You can clearly see the cracks in Jenna’s life continue. 13 is too young to be thrown into the world of a 30 year old.

The trip back for Jenna makes her/you realise at 13 you just have to be patient. Wishing your life away is not good, but with the ‘Redesign’ of ‘Poise’ magazine it can be turned around in a good way, I hope.

I don’t want to see split relationships but I do hope Jenna realises how much of a friend/soulmate Matt is. It may be too late which is sad but I hope it does work out, in more ways than one.

It is clever the part of the script where the ‘Editor and chief’ has a rather delicate part of his anatomy on the line and Jenna has been working on her own project. ‘Life’ ‘Bravo’ now what is Lucy (Judy Greer) up to? This is not nice to watch, Lucy is evil.

I suppose things sometimes have to get worse before they can get better. Things are certainly unravelling. It does go to show that you have to be a grown up to realise that at the age of 13 you don’t actually know a whole lot. Jenna has, however, matured throughout this film, but with a little patience you will be an adult in no time at all . It is lucky and lovely Jenna does get a second chance. And it is lovely to see that she realises who her real friends are. It also goes to show that success can come in many different forms and is very personal to an individual.

What a beautiful ‘Pink dream house’ heart- warming ending.

When I first heard about this film all these other age changing films sprang to mind with ‘Freaky Friday’ (Jamie Lee Curtis), ‘Big’ (Tom Hanks) and ‘17 again’ (Zac Efron and Matthew Perry). All these age changing related films shows that this film is not an original idea but it holds its own in the line up and is a very good film.

The Written Podcast: In Defense of Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End

I will admit the trailer for this film did set up something spectacular. All the pirates from all corners of the seven seas coming together, fighting as one. At the time it was the most expensive movie ever made at £300M, and after two incredible pirate movies, with the second leaving us on a completely unexpected cliff-hanger, it's safe to say we were all excited when we walked into the cinema. Except for me. I never saw the film in the cinema nor did I see the trailer. In fact, I never saw the previous two film's trailers before watching, because I was young enough not to pay attention to what was being advertised, just watched the films when I was either they were recommended to me, or I saw them as interesting.

The first film, Curse of the Black Pearl reinvented live-action films for Disney as it was the first film they ever released with a 12 rating, and it proved a massive hit. The second - Dead Man's Chest, upped the visuals slightly by making it a hard 12 rating. The third, At World's End, made sure there was no doubting that it was a 12 rating. With audiences being ok with a Disney film being a 12, and having £300M in the bank, it was clear they saw the opportunity to flex their muscles and go all in with the action, the comedy, the suspense, pretty much everything. It was an ending of not just a trilogy, but a two-part story. When At World's End came out in 2007, I was 13, so old enough to watch it, but at the time I wasn't an avid film viewer so it took me a couple more years before I saw it, but I was still in high school when I did and still not an avid film viewer. Having not seen the trailer and the first two films, At World's End was a truly epic film.

I didn't analyse the film, just watched it. I was immersed with the world building, the practical effects, the computer animation, but at the ager I was when I watched it, I didn't see any of that specifically, just watched the film for what it was. As I grew up and evolved into an avid film viewer, I naturally started to develop an analytical side. The more films I saw the more patterns I spotted, the more cliches I noticed, the more one-liners that were repeated. I'm not saying films can't do anything original anymore but are just a repackaged formula over and over again, because that would be highly incorrect. As I my analytical side developed, I was able to distinguish the good from the bad, and began to justify why I saw each film as such, even ones that I had mixed feelings over. The Pirates of the Caribbean series started out as an epic adventure movie with stunning visualisations and unparalleled music, to what I've labelled as, a popcorn movie. Grab your freshly cooked popcorn, stick any one of the now five strong franchise and enjoy. There's no need to study or analyse what's going on, just enjoy your evening in before going back to work.

I have no seen the trailer for At World's End and I will admit it did build up something it didn't deliver. Even the film itself builds up something it never delivers, hence why the trailer did, too. Imagine how epic that would be if every pirate ship fought in the war between the English, with the main two ships encircling the whirlpool created by a literal Goddess of the sea, with Captain Jack Harkness fighting one on one with Davy Jones. Or it would be too convoluted, there would be too much going on at once, and there wouldn't be enough time to focus on everyone and everything to give a proper telling of the story, or make the film seven hours long, which would be far too long for even a super fan to care for.

So, many have wondered if it was necessary to include all those other pirates if the film wasn't going to bother including them in the final battle. It does seem that way. They brought so many characters together only to bench them, but that's what the question focuses on only. If you study the film through and through, including that of the previous film, the question morphs into one with a different context. The very reason why all the pirates across the seven seas gathered together to fight against the British is because the British fleet, lead by Beckett, who had Davy Jones and the Kraken in the palm of his hands, if left unattended, would take over the seven seas, and they had to be stopped. Beckett was an incredibly powerful force on the waters and had to be defeated. The main story saw an impending fight between Captain Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones and that's exactly what we got. Davy Jones had the intention of stopping Jack from stabbing his heart, and Beckett had the intention of defeating Jack as it would prove him to be an even more powerful force on the waters. The two ships were first to fight, and it depended on who won for the other pirates to intervene or not. When Beckett's ship was destroyed, the British saw this as an absolute loss, saw that the pirates are not to be messed with and decided to best option was not to fight them, so turned around.

The trailer gave us the impression that every pirate would be involved in the fight, but the film justifies everyone's involvement. Because I didn't see the trailer before watching the movie, as my mind developed that analytical side, I was able to see the film's intention. I couldn't be disappointed by what the film gave me as oppose to the trailer as I saw the film first before the trailer. However, I do understand how the trailer does cause deception.

That's my defense on Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End. Don't watch it knowing what the trailer wants to give you, watch it knowing what the film series as whole wants to give you, it changes that question. You won't be asking if it was necessary for them to be there if they didn't participate, but instead be asking why would the film be worse off if they did.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Peter Kay's Car Share

Series one, episode one, I like the simple look of this program. It is a journey to work with two people. There have been other films, TV and books with the storyline being a developmental route from one event to another. An example is ‘Notting Hill’ with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. From a couple meeting to a ‘Happy ever after’ ending. Peter Kay’s Car Share is not unique as in the storyline but it is unique in the simplicity of the literal sense of the word that this is a journey to and from work.

John (Peter Kay) and Kayleigh (Sian Gibson) have met. The script is well done there is a lot of it but in the nature of this program two people in a car, the script has to flow and it does. This is an interesting and heart-warming start.

Episode two, after a great sing a long there is a very amusing miss-understanding. The synchronised driving in the funeral procession is well done, mixing it up from just a to and from work journey car share. The conversation does turn darker, but strangely it is still entertaining. It is a very cleverly thought out send off, quickly followed by finding out who Ted’s replacement is. Now it is getting crazy amongst all this a wreath that spells TED is not ‘Cress’. This is so funny and a clever part of the script that I was speechless. Although this isn't the first time I love that when a song comes on the radio, Kayleigh’s imagination of being the singer is played out. This is an in-depth insight to some people’s realistic scenario. This episode shows that there is nothing like a funeral for a person to question their life, also I am glad this episode ended with a laugh.

Episode three, someone’s had a party. The car share just got crowded and interestingly, strangely, weirdly amusing, oh and fishy as well. I love the play on words using fish. That is a big box, I wonder what is inside? Oh, I don't agree with him being in the trolley. It is not hygienic and it is where people put their food. I was going to say the return journey wasn’t as interesting as the morning one, but it turns out it was just a different kind of clever/interesting.

Episode four, Nice dance moves, Beyonce to the Bible to dinosaurs to a disciplinary . It is hard to keep up with the eclectic mix of conversation. Things have darkened and has changed course to a car wash and Kayleigh doesn’t like water. The animation in the music video is cute and amusing. Now for the journey home, it is a struggle to make ends meet especially with, I want to say ‘Zoo’ but this isn’t strictly true, adopting all the animals on the list amusingly sounding like one though. Oh dear, when on speaker phone be careful who is listening.

Episode five, once again the episode has hit the floor running, it is Nana Rose’s birthday and now there are two extra passengers in the car being taken to school. It is crazy how the scenes swap quickly from one scenario to another seamlessly. Now that will teach him to think he could post the card, this creates all kinds of chaos and ‘Peppa Pig’ to the rescue, yeah I know I would have said ‘Aghh’ as well and not just because Kayleigh moved my injured arm. I am glad they stopped for petrol, I hate getting low on fuel, this personally makes me uneasy. Now for the journey home and did I just spot the ‘Green eyed monster?’ kind off, sort off. That was bold straight out mentioning the J word. Now this brilliant John is imagining himself to be singing in a music video, this certainly keeps things fresh and entertaining, what is it about the passenger seat? Things have taken a dark turn in more ways than one however, let the game begin. I knew it was the wrong fuel.

Episode six, I don’t think he should have been put off singing, I was enjoying that. Yes it is ‘Stressful’ moving, it is a nice gesture of John sadly, he is busy , but not so busy to point out all the memories. Yes, ‘Rock on Tommy’ and now for something to eat. A blackcurrant is a blackcurrant, well I wouldn’t argue with that. Well just when it couldn’t get funnier ‘Ebony and Ivory’ by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder comes on the radio. This is a very visual episode. Ok, Ok, Christmas team not Christmas ‘Type’ I get the message. This is now seeming to turn into what, I believe, is known in the business as an ‘Easter egg’ also known as a reference to life on the stage/entertainer. It is heart-warming seeing it as it is the last episode of the series, that John and Kayleigh are both in the imagination music video. Goodbye, for now that is.

Series two, episode one, Kayleigh and John might be on separate routes into work but they can still talk on the phone. The music video was nice to watch. Also I am with/agree with John the bloke on the bike shouldn’t have put his bottle on John’s car. Yes, Kayleigh does ‘Fancy a lift’. This is heart-warming to watch. Now for the journey home. I don’t like what was put on ‘Youtube’, like I said I agreed with John. well the ‘Car share’ is back on.

Episode two, ‘Harry Potter?’, ‘Hagrid’. Well that is a new unexpected look for ‘Toy Story’ ‘Woody’.  Let’s party. You have heard of the ‘Morning after’ this is the journey home after. It is to say the least informative and eventful.

Episode three, Day off, bad influence is all I can say. I like watching the ‘Safari trip’ but I don’t agree with bunking off work. Sadly, John and Kayleigh pay the price when a ‘Monkey’ hitches a ride.

Episode four, that was quick, the parcel has arrived and Kayleigh is locked in. Just another eventful morning but this time a non car share. Under the plant pot! You have to watch it. Now having eventually got to work that morning we now have the journey home. It is becoming awkward, Kayleigh wants ‘A label’. It is sad to see the well known situation of a lack of proper communication, if only people can just say what they feel, easier said than done. Oh no, oh ok, with all the dents I am glad it turned out how it did.

Episode five, ‘Unscripted’. This is a good idea, Peter and Sian are brilliant, the improvisation is so natural. This episode is so funny to watch there are a few bumps along the way but John and Kayleigh seem to laugh a lot more in this episode.

Episode six, the final episode, and back the script. I hope Kayleigh gets the package, oh good. There are a lot of songs in these two series however, some songs mean more than others which is heart-warming to hear. Now for the journey home with a work colleague’s wedding invitation and a cup of brew, please yes, pay by card. A hedgehog, oh no car smash(es) and a bus home. I think the ‘Car share’ journey has done its job with a little help from a song as well that is.

This ended kind of how I thought it would but not where I thought it would and it still manages to keep you guessing and wanting more. Who’d have thought you could get so much drama from some car journey’s to and from work? Not me but it turns out you can as proven above.

Film of the Week: Pirates of the Caribbean – The Curse of the Black Pearl

Instead of doing a new film this week, I thought I’d focus on an old-ish one. I say old-ish, the first film came out in 2003. That’s 17 years ago. 17 years ago, I was 9 and that’s why I can class this movie as old-ish. It’s not an old film in the grand scheme of things, because it’s not black and white, but within my lifetime with the vast array of films being released at any one time, the landscape constantly changing, it’s an old film.

I chose to talk about Pirates of the Caribbean – The Curse of the Black Pearl because it has aged incredibly well. The special effects are amazing, the soundtrack is inspiring, the story never gets old, and of course, the characters are always enjoyable. It’s clear that a lot of care and attention went into making it the best film everyone could.

I used last Sunday as a lazy day. After being furloughed for 12 weeks and then working 6 days the first week back and then five days with one day off in between, the fast approaching 2-day weekend was welcoming. I used Saturday as the day to get things a few things done as I was still holding some momentum from the last 2 weeks, but when Sunday came around, I did absolutely nothing, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I needed that day to recalibrate and recharge so I can begin again for the following week as I wouldn’t be required to work a Saturday for the next 2 weekends. I used Sunday as a day to help myself get back into the swing of things. But, of course, it’s tiring when you do nothing all day. Come 6PM that evening, I was nearly falling asleep in my chair. I had relaxed a little too hard, and I knew that if I went to bed at this time, I’d throw my inner clock out of sync and so I had to keep myself occupied for the next 3 hours so I could go to bed and get a decent night’s sleep.

I picked Curse of the Black Pearl above all the other films in the franchise, because it’s an easy watch, whilst hitting the senses just enough to keep myself from falling asleep. Curse of the Black Pearl is an easy watch because I know everything that’s going to happen. I’m not watching it for the first time, so I don’t have to pay that much attention to it, but it forces you to pay attention with all the action sequences, thumping soundtrack, and mesmerising special effects.

Curse of the Black Pearl is such an amazing film if I wanted to, I could rewind it to the beginning and start again and still get the same level of enjoyment out of it. I didn’t find this bit of information out until a few years after the film came out, but Pirates of the Caribbean is the first film Disney ever released to have a 12A rating in England. It’s certainly different from all those princess movies they’ve made.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)