Mum's Monday: Top Secret

 

The idea for the storyline ‘A diversion by having a music festival’ is a good strong one. interwoven into this is when you see them the obvious in how they make the jokes. They are so obvious it takes geniuses to have the courage, knowhow and will to put them in a film. However, some of the jokes are not so obvious but really clever all the same.

I am sure the name ‘Hilary’ (Lucy Gutteridge) doesn’t mean what is said it does it actually means ‘Cheerful’ from the Paper Fronts Babies Names book by Andre Page.

In a case of misunderstanding, the music is a little different to the planned repertoire, rock n roll has hit Germany.

The car crushed scenes makes for a great double meaning scene. The Ballet next, with the enhancements, the action and the police it is like no Ballet I know.

Twenty minutes can seem a life time and Martin (Billy J. Mitchell) is beyond help although the gadget may help. Things look bleak but nothing in this film is sensible. Also can there be a change in circumstance once a person has passed? Answer, nothing is off limits.

It seems you cannot rely on your manager, also this film actually highlights the importance of knowing the wattage of a country you are visiting and school can’t be that bad.

After an amusing yet irritating miss-direction Nick (Val Kilmer) finds out why he is really in Germany, also this part highlights why you should either not touch anything in a laboratory or be careful what you touch. Nothing now seems over the top anymore.

Hurry, Hurry! to the phone, luckily the next scene yes, ‘How silly can you get?’ answer you have to watch this film, it is hilarious, appropriate song, and she’s fainted.

The scenes in the park again highlights you have to watch the background to this film as well as what is happening in the foreground.

The ‘Swedish’ bookshop scenes are brilliant just because they are played out backwards yes, it is an amazing idea and is flawless in the flow of the scenes and the way the scenes are portrayed.

On the desert island with Nigel (Christopher Villiers) the scenes play out well the resourcefulness of the characters is exceptional. Poor Nick, he does sympathise, not sure about the words to the song though. 

Well, well the ‘Torch’ is no different to Nigel on the island and I love the names of the ‘Men’. This is not a bad movie but I do like how the plot was explained in a few short sentences, mature? questionable. Well done Nick winner of the ‘Noughts and crosses’ during an unusual gun fight.

Some clichés, a rock star who doesn’t want to be recognised, a traitor in the mix, a hole in the floor and a song, it seems, for all situations.

A cow disguise is good idea but dressed as a cow can lead to a hungry calf being fed. It is a very accurate disguise. Now we see anything/anyone can be used as a ‘Hook’. Well the bull has found the traitor and yes, a very impressive tunnel.

Don’t you just feel sometimes that your life is just going around in circles and yes, for the German’s in this film as well.

I like how airport protocol for security reasons are included in this film, you cannot be too careful. The underwater scenes are well done. I love the new hair style. The speeches are from the heart and the reference to the ‘Wizard of Oz’ at the end is, as this film has shown throughout, ‘Obvious’.

Now just watch/read the credits as well.

The Written Podcast: CGI (Titanic and the Justice League)

It has been pointed out on numerous occasions how the CGI in Justice League doesn’t quite live up to people’s expectations of 21st Century technology, when you have the likes of Ready Player One and, dare I say it, Avengers: Endgame. One comparison states that Steppenwolf is no better than a PS2 character. That metaphor has stuck with me and disallowed me from seeing the character any other way, because I still play a few PS2 games and, whilst they certainly set a new industry standard, they are nowhere near the photorealistic graphics we have on today’s consoles and PCs.

The PS2 hit the shops in 2000 and became the highest selling console of all time, with 3,800 games released. It was my first exploration in the gaming world, and the graphics were outstanding. When the console came out, I was six years old, so it is true when I say that I hadn’t seen anything like it before.

Nowadays, being 26, and able to play more mature games and watch more mature films, and have developed an awareness of CGI and whether it’s any good or not, if a game or film were to hit the market with graphics which can be associated with a console than came out 20 years ago, especially when it has been proven it’s possible to achieve a greater level of detail, it shouldn’t be a surprise when it receives a lot of criticism.

The day before writing this article, I watched a film that came out 23 years ago and became the highest grossing film of all time for 13 years before being dethroned by Avatar, which was directed by the same person as the previous record holder, James Cameron. I am, of course, talking about Titanic. I don’t think it’s necessary to tell anyone about the plot of Titanic, or give my opinion on whether Jack could have survived (even though Mythbusters proved that the door was absolutely big enough to fit them both); instead, I’m talking about the CGI. 23 years ago, or to put it in another way, in 1997, Titanic wowed audiences all over the world. Seeing the film from the perspective of someone who has watched multiple films with extraordinary CGI within, I was amazed to see how well Titanic’s CGI had held up. Sure, it’s had a few re-releases over the decades with a few touch-ups here and there, making the CGI much better compared to the original, or at least that’s what I have to assume as I haven’t actually seen any of the re-releases.

CGI in films have developed a new saying among audience members “you only notice bad CGI”, meaning if it’s good, you won’t even know that, that particular shot was entirely made or helped by a computer. There are plenty of practical effects throughout Titanic, but the seamless blend of practical and computer generated imagery makes James Cameron’s epic film almost ageless. Instead of touching up the already rendered images but instead create the entire film from scratch with up to date technology, then we would definitely see the difference, there’s no doubt about that. And what I mean by the previous sentence is those films that have been made with up to date technology is definitely noticeably different to those which were released some years ago, but Titanic still holds up. The CGI has remained remarkable that it can compete with today’s greats, even going toe to toe with some of the best PS2 games, and, to swing things back around to Justice League, laugh in its poorly rendered lips.

If Justice League had been released back in 1997, then it would have been seen as one of the greatest uses of computer technology in film, with a considerable amount of it being created on a computer. It probably would have broken a large number of records at the time of its release, but unfortunately, today’s standards have escalated by a large margin and a film that came out 23 years ago having better computer generated imagery than one that came out 3 years ago, that says more and in better ways than I can ever put it.

It’s been a long-time rumour, but it’s finally been confirmed that a Snyder Cut of Justice League will be released next year, and I, among many, have expressed excitement as it will hopefully strip away everything Joss Whedon had done, and an update on the CGI aspect of the film, making Steppenwolf looking like a PS4 or even PS5 character, rather than a PS2 one.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Twin Betrayal

When the channel 5 announcer announced this film, as it was just after the Australian soap ‘Neighbours’ they referred to an equivalent storyline from Neighbours featuring the characters Dee and Andrea both played by Madeleine West. Dee being the good twin and Andrea being the evil/bad twin. So me being a Neighbours fan thought I would also watch this film as well.

It is lovely to hear a mother Jessica Klint (Jen Lilley) tell her son that the divorce is not his fault. This is nice because too many children blame themselves when their parents split up.

The boring ‘Insurance’ conference is looking up, well was. Now there are just 70,000 problems plus one set up.

I don’t like how Jessica’s dad is so harsh. This is all building up the tension/suspense. It is nice that Jessica’s sister Alessandra (Jen Lilley) wants to reconnect. A lesson, if you are asking a favour, be nice to the person who you are asking the favour off.

I actually like this part. The twins are good at working together. Harry (Nick Ballard) is at a loss, this is clever.

Now Alessandra needs a favour. I know it is devious but it is all carefully worked out even down to swapping handbags. Just when I thought the language barrier would be a problem, it isn’t but things now look bad, but what a kind police officer, Phew. ‘It’s over’, but I get the sense it is not over by a long way.

I know Jessica is in the clear but sadly, the evidence is building up. I didn’t like how Jessica’s ex husband offered his condolences, especially as to what the last conversation/argument was between father and daughter. 

Well, well what is he doing back? What a twisted entwined mess. It is sad now,that the twin thing can get Jessica out of a ‘Tape’ problem, but sadly, can land you in another scenario where the maid Maria (Peggy Blow) sees ‘You’ or thinks she does. Twins are twins and when they are identical a miss identification is easy. Added in all that money, a tight-fisted with money father and a threat to be cut out of a Will. it all adds up to the mild but horrible suspense of an innocent person/soul being swept into a difficult heart-wrenching situation.

It is lovely that Jessica has someone to confide in. it is good to see Jessica go to the police officer. Jessica might just, just be able to sort it out. It is amusing that it is the fact that she was asked out on a ‘Date’. How could she know that? And I thought having no/an unravelling alibi was a problem but there is still the small matter of the other 10 million problems. 

The twist is clever, Jessica I feel is a little too trusting well almost, but her plan , I hope it works. Yes, it all does sound ‘Far-fetched’ and now sadly, it gets very orange. I see no way out. It is now lovely to see Jessica’s ex husband actually be nice. Now what a twist. ‘Not Maddie’ (Yasmine Aker) not Maddie. This is evil with so many twists, and now yes, thank you Maddie and especially ‘Thank you detective’

Mum's Monday: Deadly Exchange

It seems 18 is a new start for Rose (Valentina Novakovic) now Chloe. I don’t agree with her firstly taking the law into her own hands. Now that Chloe is in America it is usual for one,  make a fuss of a new arrival and two, not be aware of anything untoward. Now it is a little obvious, Chloe is looking for a replacement mum. This scenario could turn out to be a dangerous, intriguing and  even more of a deadly outcome. 

Sadly, Jack (Rhys Matthew Bond) is the only one that can see Chloe as a bad person. This is a little cliche but works well in this film. I am glad though that one person is clued up, as in Jack and he is right you can’t hide ‘Your true colours forever’.

This film shows you can be as charming and help people as much as you like but even Blake’s (Victoria Konefal) mum Samantha ( Lindsay Hartley) is doubtful and with a suspicious computer expert, Chloe is not hiding/as hidden as she thinks she is.

Poor Jack. This is such a shock I actually didn’t see this coming but sadly, I feel I should have done. I know it is another cliche where someone knew too much but it does all work and fit together. So much though for Blake. So sad.

I don’t like how Chloe intrudes on mother and daughter loss. Now ever the so helpful Chloe this is not nice to watch, but again within the nature of this film.

Now I sense in the light of what happened and someone else getting close. Yes, I am right however, this is a little quick. Someone really has a taste for murder and to getting what they want. I do believe there will be more victims in more ways than one, before this film is over. 

Sadly, it is inevitable, although I don’t agree with violence either. It is sad to see some people sticking up for Chloe against Jack’s mum. I know as I am watching this film I know the truth and the others don’t, but I hope they soon will.

It looks bad, really bad, things are, if it is possible, seems to be going to get  a lot worse before hopefully the truth comes out. Chloe is such a troubled soul and cynical. I don’t like all the negativity but yes, it has to be there. You really shouldn’t let Chloe borrow your phone. It turns out not just cynical but very, very manipulative. The usual answer, but the truth ‘ I have no idea how those got there’ yes, I was right worse.  

This film high-lights you should be careful in inviting a stranger to come and stay in your home. I hope Blake, well all of them can be saved. I am glad it is a ‘Yes’ in more ways than one. However, this film does actually end on a creepy ‘Mum’ note.

Mum's Monday: Precious Things

Shown on Channel 5 here in the UK as a new movie "My Daughter is Innocent".

When I first heard about this film , the title, my first thought was ‘I wonder if she is actually innocent and how would it all play out’. So I felt intrigued enough to want to watch this and if the case, try to solve the mystery I set myself, myself.

Although it is sad to hear a daughter refer to her mum as a ‘Prude’ in a later scene when the two mums of the girls meet up, their conversation just goes to show that people, even their own child doesn’t always know what is going on in their parent’s lives.

I do, however, see that yes, a child is going to keep things from a parent if the parent is negative and also that could lead to pushing people/children away.

I knew it ‘Alex?’ The party just turned sour. Kelly (Hannah Vandenbygaart) is up to something, yes, I was right now it is sad to see friends fighting over a ‘Boyfriend’. And now the parents are arguing, what a tangled mess.

It is interesting seeing two parenting styles play out. This is not what I thought it was, like a crime drama but I realise now the term innocent/innocence can obviously mean more in the wider world, I knew that, but I just thought differently for this film. Oh! I spoke too soon. I think the principal should have stayed with girls while the police were there.

It is nice to see the ‘Peace offering’ and now with a trip to the police station for the four of them. I can see that an investigation needs to be carried out, but I do feel that it could have sadly, have gone better. Is she innocent? It does look bad. I also feel Heather and Kelly know more than they are letting on.

A part that is sadly, amusing and so funny is when Heather (Christina Cox) asks for ‘4000 dollars’ worth of ‘Pot’/weed/drugs from Alex’s room/flatmate. It does go to show that if you are going to do a little investigating yourself you do need to know what you are doing, it is not as simple as you might think.

Not everything is as it seems. I know that Matt (Matthew Sterfiuk) has an ulterior motive but it is nice to see that he is willing to help.

I think I have solved the case and the breakin, so I feel that it is right what the lawyer said, divulging too much information is/can be dangerous. Oh no, I think I am right yes, solved, although I did think it was the wrong generation.

If you want to search for this movie on IMDB, don't type in "My Daughter is Innocent" as it will bring up a page that isn't complete, but you must instead search for "Precious Things".

Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D.: It Got Better

When Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. first launched, it gave the impression of being a standard sci-fi show in which they would have a “villain of the week” with an underlying larger plot happening in the background that would occasionally make its way to the forefront before being wrapped up during the season finale. The first half of season 1 was not good. Every episode was filled to the brim with cheesy lines that were interwoven with its over-the-top-esque style. Whereas all the Netflix shows successfully deviated from the main movies as much as possible whilst also keeping continuity via a few passing references, those shows were strong from the beginning and was a disappointment when all of them ended abruptly. Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. was the first ever TV spin-off from the movies and so tried just a little too hard to be its own thing.

When it comes to TV shows, first impressions count. If you do not have a good solid first episode, people won’t be coming back for more. If you don’t have a solid episode throughout your entire first half of the season, then you’ve lost a good majority of your audience. When the first season went on its mid-season break, for a few, that was their finale. They didn’t want to watch any more. For those who stuck around to see what would happen, like me, those people, and me included, were pleasantly surprised with how the second half was a vast improvement of the show. It didn’t try and stand clear of the movies, it moulded itself around them, specifically Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the movie where S.H.E.I.L.D. fell and Hydra was found out. The show used the first season’s second half to set up the rest of the show’s entire run from season 2 right the way through to the end of season 7. The secret organisation isn’t so secret anymore, nor is it an organisation – not as it used to be, anyway.

It would be difficult for me to talk about all seven seasons in this article, but when season 2 was wrapping up and coming to its climatic finale, a good chunk of those who switched it off at the beginning of season 1 returned to see what all the fuss was about. They, too, were pleasantly surprised with how the show had developed and stuck around.

Watching the show grow from strength to strength season by season, seeing every character develop – some in more ways than others, especially when they introduced Inhumans – thinking back at how the show started off being, it basically saved itself from cancellation.

It is a shame that it started out as it did, because if it had started off just as strong as the second half of the first season did, no one would have left, and no one would have to play catch up when being told just how good it had gotten since they stopped watching – which can also put people off if they discover how much of the show is there to be watched. I was there from the very first episode and I was there at the very last episode, and all I can say to round up this article is this: By the end of the show, in its own way, it stood up high with the Netflix shows – except Daredevil as that show was in a league of its own; it’s that good.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)