My Final Blog Post

Of all the blog posts I’ve written, this is by far the most difficult. Every single time I start, I find myself restarting because the words just don’t sound right, so I’m simply going to follow my instincts. If it’s a short post, then it’s a short post, but if it naturally develops into a long one, then I’m OK with that, too.

I wanted to upload this post last week, but I found myself up against a mental block. I have been struggling to construct the sentences that convey enough information whilst portraying my feelings and after the sixth try, I realised the only way I’m going to write this post is to be upfront and honest. This is my last post. From this post forward, I am stepping away from blogging. Why? Because life has gotten in the way. 

When I started this blog back in 2017, I was uploading one post each day, and when I noticed myself struggling with that, I dropped it down to three posts a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - and I maintained that routine for quite some time, but alas, even that became a little too much for everyday life, and soon I was finding myself missing days. The more days I missed, the more I stressed myself out to find the time to write the posts, I found that the only thing I had managed to construct for myself was a vicious circle: The more posts I missed, the more I stressed myself out to make time to write them, the more I felt burnt out, the more I missed, and subsequently, the more I became stressed.

I’m not going to stop writing or watching films and TV shows, that much is for sure, but I have to admit that I cannot do it every single day, otherwise I would burn myself out to the point where it would not be enjoyable anymore. I love writing. I love creating stories and characters, and following other characters on their journeys, and so I am not going to stop writing; it’s merely going to move into the back seat as I continue my way forward on the road of life.

I would like to thank each and every single one of you who have read my posts, and a special thank you to those who've contributed to my blog. Maybe one day I will return to blogging, with a brand new idea, and I would love to hear what your ideas will be; but for now, I have to say goodbye.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Molly Brown Unravelling the Myth by Kristen Iversen

I like how at the start it is explained in the ‘Foreword’ that the name Molly was an unofficial change of name from her rightful name Margaret or Maggie when she was a child.

This book also starts off with Margaret arriving aboard and travelling on the Titanic. I know that the thought of the day that no other ship had been built like the Titanic but her sister ship the Olympic was a pretty close match. So overall, to me, the Titanic wasn’t as unique as they thought. Sadly, in light of the events on her maiden voyage her uniqueness comes from the iconic legacy the ship leaves behind.

Although this is a biographical account of the ‘Unsinkable Molly Brown’ on the Titanic the description of life aboard and the people on board is brilliantly done and the detail is much more informative than anything I have read or seen before about the Titanic.

The noise coming from the Titanic whilst the ship was sinking was really well described, I could picture all the items listed and I get the sense that the noise would have clearly been loud/deafening to hear. Again as in the nature of this book the description of time spent in the life boat is described really well. This continues to be a very informative book.

It is amazing to read how much help Margaret, being chair of the committee, was able to secure and distribute. I also love that the crew and captain of the Capathia was recognised in the way that they were. We hear, or I have heard about the Capathia docking in New York and the inquiry but it is now lovely to hear off all that happened in New York I never really knew as much of before.

I didn’t realise that things on land were changing back in the age when the Titanic sank, that women wanted equal rights with men, yet on the ocean, on Titanic it was still ‘Women and children first’ into the lifeboats. Things have certainly changed since. A lot was learnt from the Titanic disaster.  

Although tragic and we know how it is was so bad as to how many survived compared to how many perished. It is interesting and good to read that Margaret spoke the truth. However painful it is to relate and to read.

Sadly, it seems even the Titanic disaster is not immune from deception. One person after the disaster allegedly just disappeared having not even been on the Titanic at all.

I can see why the story of Margaret Brown was sensationalised, yes, she did an excellent job in helping the survivors and people have been known to like a ‘Hero’ story.

It is interesting to read about all the historical events surrounding when Margaret was born and was growing up. It is amusing to read about why women were employed to work at the phone exchange. Although I don’t actually condone violence. 

One of the things to remember whilst reading this book that it is clearly and very well explained that not everything written in this book or elsewhere is to be believed,

This book certainly shows that there is so much more to Margaret Brown than just travelling on the Titanic with all her charitable work, it is lovely to read of how nice and determined she was to make a difference in the world. 

Whilst reading this book I cannot help thinking that if it wasn’t for the fact the Margaret Brown was on the Titanic and how in her character she made the impressions she did, we would never have heard or even known about her and all the good she did. It is sad to think it took a disaster to discover such a great influential woman. You could say a ‘Force of nature’ in more ways than one.

The part covering Margaret’s death is very quick and there is no warning when you start reading the paragraph, in fact I had to read it twice to make sure I had read it right.

This is an interesting eye-opening book to read.

Film of the Week: Zack Snyder's Justice League

After numerous rumours and being told that the director’s cut doesn’t exist, it’s finally available for us to watch and enjoy, and it is a monster of a movie, clocking at an impressive 4-hours and 2-minutes. That’s 2-hours longer than the theatrical version of Justice League, but 9-minutes shorter than the director’s cut of The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King, so if you’re a fan of the latter film, then you’d be used to sitting down for 4 entire hours. But the question we have on our lips is: Is it worth it?

Let’s be completely honest and state that the 2017 version of Justice League was Joss Whedon’s film. Zack Snyder may have received overall credit, but it was Mr Whedon which shaped the film into what we got, and that final cut was the reason why fans started campaigning for the Snyder Cut. Joss’ version was made infamous mainly because of Henry Cavill’s CGI’d mouth, a factor which I’m pleased to note does not make an appearance in the Snyder Cut. What was the ultimate nail in the 2017’s Justice League was the vast differences in styles between Zack and Joss. Zack Snyder tells a story via visuals, whereas Joss Whedon relies on dialogue to progress the story, and trying to blend the two together for the theatrical version did not work, and we ended up with a total mess.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is far and away better than that of the 2017 version. The characterisation has vastly improved, the way Snyder utilised his visuals to tell one epic story really did keep me gripped. I would understand if you are hesitant at taking up 4-hours of your day because the hype may have set you up for something much bigger - and I was a little worried myself that I wouldn’t enjoy it, but I am pleased to state that I did. I live with a dog, and it does not understand that I am watching a film, so when he has to go out to do his business, he has to go, and so I did have to pause it halfway through to take him for a walk around our area, but upon coming back and resuming watching the film, I was sucked right back into the story and the visuals. It did not matter to me that the film was 4-hours long.

It was evident from the beginning that Zack had poured a lot of time and effort, with passion, into making this film the best it can possibly be, and later hearing that he did all of that without a paycheck proves he really wanted to make the 2017 version the best it could possibly be. Unfortunately, studio interference and personal troubles got in the way, so following the campaign and seeing the total amount of love for this film goes to show that sometimes, the studio needs to back away and let the filmmakers take control.

Is it the most perfect film? No, but it’s the best it can possibly be, and that’s good enough for me. It fixed a great deal that was wrong with the theatrical version, and re-edited bits and pieces, and the final, director’s version is not just a film, but a passion project.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: The Pixar Theory - Toy Story 2

I love the game at the start of this film Rex (Voiced by Wallace Shawn) makes a great spaceman, especially in the head wear which is amusing to see and cute also despite what Rex says about his limitations.

It is good to see that Andy (Voiced by John Morris) is still into Cowboys, with a trip to ‘Cowboy camp’ with Woody (Voiced by Tom Hanks) coming up. It is however, sad and yes, annoying for Woody and for me watching that Woody has lost an important piece of clothing, as it is nowhere to be found so far. Oh no the TV has been accidentally turned on and an annoying advert is on. Now there is ‘Some good news and some bad news’ . It is lovely to see the interaction between Woody and the dog. They say that dogs are Man's best friend and it is Woody who has the way with the dog. Although this is heart warming and amusing to see, on the flip side it is sad to see that the dog doesn’t respond to Andy as it should in a normal family and pet dynamic situation.

Sadly, 5 five minutes is too long. It is so sad to watch these scenes with Woody on the shelf. Even more the dream. Luckily it was just a dream. What isn’t a dream is the ‘Yard sale’ and who Woody wants to rescue, but  sadly, it gets worse despite all best efforts.

Now Woody is very high up and that is a long commute to work, Al (Voiced by Wayne Knight) is shown as evil and a clever part of this is highlighting his lazy side. Now Woody has met some new toys and it is good to see that he has found out who he is as well. This is exciting for Woody but not for everyone else.

It is lovely to see the toys are on a mission to rescue Woody. And now back at the skyscraper that is one massive ‘Cliff hanger’ and the fun doesn’t last long. It is sad to see the realisation. I have to question on what side the Prospector (Voiced by Kelsey Grammer) is on. And just to prove how ‘Dangerous’ the outside world can be the film cuts back to the rescue toys in that outside world. It is, it seems, even more dangerous at the skyscraper. Although a road has traffic on it. I love the clever way the toys got across but amusing to see and I am glad I am not involved in the edge of your seat action aftermath. 

Well the toys have made it inside and it is clever how something so insignificant but clever it seems you always get one in this case it is Rex who has been distracted. It is good to see Woody getting repaired although it is sad to see when his boot is painted though, again something so small but means a lot. 

Now it is Buzz’s (Voiced by Tim Allen) turn to get distracted and Hamm (Voiced by John Ratzenberger) seems to be the only focused one. It is fun to see Buzz meet his, what can only be described as, his former self. I like how ‘Tour guide Barbie’ (Voiced by Jodi Benson) is so helpful or at least wants to be. Oh no the ‘Wrong’ Buzz, this makes me want to shout at the film along with the real Buzz.

Poor Jessie (Voiced by Joan Cusack). This film has the potential to create a lot of hoarders, people who don’t want to throw things away or give  away anything.

I like how they incorporate the very nature of a toy/game with the film, using the script. This is strong in the case of the Boxing game. Again a small part but it one gives depth to the film and two shows a wide range of the toys that there are.

I am so glad Buzz is now on the case. Now of all the toys to be released it had to be that one. Although it is a definite ‘No’ to letting go it is now good to see the lift save the, amusing to see, pile of toys.

Now who’d have thought Bullseye could be so modest and Woody so ticklish. Unfortunately the rescue toys arrive and miss interpret the situation. Well I am glad Buzz cleared that up. 

I love how the tables have turned, Buzz did learn from Woody sadly, Woody thinks differently now until ‘Come with me’ I love this, what a twist, I don’t like this also another toy is living up to their nature but this is certainly not in a good way this time.

I like the reference to the Star Wars film by 20th Century Fox father and son scenario, this is, to me, amusing, where have I heard that before or like I haven’t heard that before, moment. Although I am glad Rex did what he did it is sad to see Buzz’s reaction, however, this is a nice in-depth acknowledgement again however, small but meant alot. I love the playful father and son scene.

Now for my favourite part of the film, so the toys have to find a way of following Woody and a handy pizza delivery vehicle is available. It is amusing yet good to watch the toys work together to drive. Now amongst all the, what can only be described as chaos, Hamm has found a manual and what he reads and the timing is perfect and brilliant, to make this partso funny to see and hear. And it doesn’t have anything to do with the story so I would say the unexpected nature of it adds to me liking it so much within this film.

It is the edge of your seat action, once again to see the maze of airport workings. I am glad Slinky dog’s (Voiced by Jim Varney) behind isn’t going somewhere else. I do feel sorry for the owners of the camera though and feel that another distraction could have been used. Yes, I know this is a fictional computer generated film, but looking after airport luggage/possessions should be taken seriously. I don’t like the speech the Prospector gave but he will now get a lesson in what it is like to be a toy and  to be played with, a big artistic, I hope, lesson. Now Woody’s finest rescue can begin. I am sure the workings of an airport doesn’t quite work like that but it does add to the action. Yes, ‘Let’s go home’. 

I love how they got home, you have to watch carefully to spot it in the background to start with, and are now part of the family. Yes, I love the name Andy has four letters and a horse has four legs. Buzz has a new romance, crime doesn’t pay, Mr and Mrs Potato head (Voiced by Don Rickles and Estelle Harris) has a new adopted family whether he likes it or not and now with a fixed penguin the song is nice to hear after Buzz and Woody talk together. 

There is a lot of little things that mean so much in this film that it just goes to show that it is/ can be the little things that can make the difference compared to big fancy gestures, sayings and doings.

As this is the sequel to the first Toy Story film the theory from the first one still applies, that the magic combined with the children playing with the toys brings them to life.

The Night Fire by Michael Connelly

This book highlights the busy life of crime fighters, jumping from a funeral where a case file is given to one officer, Bosch, to a fire in a homeless person’s tent. With Ballard on the case, this story is already fast paced/moving.

I partly agree with ‘Making a case personal’ so in solving it to get justice is a good thing, but, i feel you would have to be careful that you don’t get too emotionally involved that it affects your personal life in a negative way.

Sadly, the court adjourned high-lighting that most things come down to money. There is intrigue as to why fly an expert in from New York when there are some in Los Angeles. Even more sad is the situation Bosch is now in. This ramps up the suspense and the need for a speedy outcome of justice and a hope that the treatment does work. Sadly, there could be a time limit though.

This book describes really well the nature of the cold case investigation. Although to me it came across as a bit technical, it needs to be more fittingly described as police jargon. However this is a crime thriller afterall.

I think I have worked out something about the Hilton case. The reason I am mentioning it is because of, if and a big IF I am right I can refer back to this sentence, if I am wrong I will also give this sentence a mention as well. This book makes me think about and try to solve the case. I like a story of intrigue.

I don’t think Mr Winter is where he says he is. I could be wrong but this book is written in such a way that i seem to question a few things, this part included. Well it turns out I was wrong about the Winter family case. 

It is annoying to read ‘Courtroom procedure’. I am also glad that the witness was eventually allowed. This book goes into a lot of detail about a trial. I like the clever questions, especially about the ‘Kit’.

With Ballard’s investigation it highlights the importance of meeting and speaking to a person with knowledge about the case.

The fire in the homeless man’s tent highlights why, one you should never judge on what you first see and two the importance of a thorough investigation.

I was wrong about the Hilton case, it just goes to show the need to be thorough and try to leave no stone unturned as they say.

The lead up to the ‘Phone tap’ is a long one. I at this point don’t want to put this book down and for me to want to read through it quickly and see if the ‘Phone tap’ is successful or not and to know what does happen. This part makes me eager to read on.

As i read through this story it becomes clearer that an air-tight alibi can be too airtight. I have mixed feelings about this, but yes, a further look into that part of the particular case and the trip away to Hawaii wouldn’t go amiss.

The undercover job and ‘Wiretap’ i feel was a success and i agree that the follow up phone call to the coroner was ‘Genius’.

It turns out i was sort of right about the Hilton case and why it was taken and kept unsolved. It is a surprise that i was part right but it is sad that justice wasn’t sooner. Well arresting ‘Kidd’ was eventful. I am glad Ballard got her deal with Olivas as well in the end.

It is good to see Bosch and Ballard working the tent fire of the homeless person case. Although it is sad that the real identity of the suspect juror, a different person altogether had her life affected in such a bad way. It is nice to read that Bosch and Ballard are doing such a thorough job. It just goes to show that not everything or everyone is or are as they seem.

It is sad but interesting to read of how someone could possibly survive a suicide attempt jumping off a building. Yes, i have seen it in films where people have fallen and have had their fall slowed/broken by obstacles attached to the outside of a building but then it wasn’t a suicide attempt. I always thought that an attempt at suicide by jumping/falling off a building was always, inevitably fatal, especially from a height high enough to cause that i would automatically assume death of the person jumping or falling.

Although it is a sad set of circumstances and it is not nice to be wounded it is light-hearted and amusing to read that ‘Get well cards’ are the only option. Although yes, card shops do have a wide and ever widening range of cards of everyone inclusive and most eventualities, to my knowledge there isn’t one for ‘I hope you recover from the stab wound you received from a knife wielding hit woman’. Like it says in the story ‘Get well soon’ has to suffice. This part wasn’t nice to read but it was made easier by mentioning the types of cards.

Now out of hospital, case/cases closed. All well done all round.

The Night Ferry by Michael Robotham

Book one:

It is a good strong start to this story I love how it includes a reference to the history of the area in East London. Now reading about the present day all I can say is ‘Brother’s hey’. He certainly sounds a character in this book. However, Alisha has a reunion to get to.

The school reunion leaves a question unanswered and the tragedy strikes, not only that but what is discovered or in this case not discovered is handed to Alisha at the hospital. A puzzle? Yes. Intriguing definitely. 

The police investigation is underway, sorry it seems it is an open and shut case, I feel that Alisha and indeed me as I read on is unconvinced. I want to say myself, the accident is far from solved and not only that the ‘Plot thickens’ as they say. And now as I read on the phrase the ‘Plot thickens’ now seems an understatement.  

Alisha is a really good police officer and I am glad she is on the case. It just goes to show not everything is as simple as it seems. I already knew that you shouldn’t trivialise infertility and the effect it can have on a couple. This story high-lights of some serious consequences of not being able to have a baby. I like how it has been recognised and makes other people aware of the anguish that people can go through. There is a lot of trauma in this book including/and now we read about Donovan who has been medically discharged from the army.

It is nice to see Alisha had someone to talk to after some disappointing news. This led to her ‘On off’ relationship which ultimately led to a family occasion. I did wander how all this was relevant as I was reading it, but it all becomes clear after an awkward encounter with someone Alisha is supposed to ‘Marry’. 

A tragedy has now happened. It is a shock and sad to read. I like how Alisha found something at Cate’s house just in time, before the hot turn of events, what has Brendan Pearl have to hide?

Well things have certainly taken a serious turn, Alisha’s name and address has turned up in a most unexpected and tragic place. There are certainly some unanswered questions to be solved, yet this book is clever that there are clues interweaved so we get an idea of what is going on but yes, Alisha should go to Amsterdam.

Book two:

Now in Amsterdam the description is very detailed, it mentions the ‘Windows’. This would seem a little strange to me if I hadn’t seen them for myself when I visited Amsterdam whilst I was on a coach trip to see the ‘Tulip Fields’, and looking for something to eat and spotting a well-known fast food restaurant I ended up at. Afterwards I just went for a wander and quickly realised I had stumbled, accidently with no indication or warning into the famous Amsterdam’s ‘Red light district’.

In Amsterdam all that is slowly happening to a point is that Alisha and Ruiz are looking for Samira then all of a sudden this story gets really busy really quickly with a distraught family, a forgotten new job and a proposal/plan for a new move/life, a lot to think about. this story has taken a dark turn after finding Samira and I agree with Alisha, I hope Ruiz is going to be alright.

The connections between events and people are becoming clearer, however, there are still some unanswered questions as to why the car accident happened at the start, this part is still unclear.

It is annoying to read of all the lies and deceit sadly a ‘Scarf’ can be a very powerful item in the wrong hands. I hope, somehow, justice wins overall.

I have mixed feelings about whether the ‘New’ arrival should be there or not. The answer is ‘He should be there’. The term that is, to me, high-lighted in this part is that you are not aware, until you are aware of the situation and yes, it is human, womanly nature for a woman to ‘Change their minds’. I can see why Alisha is not ready to go home yet however, it is a fine line between the law and childless couples fulfilling the dream of having a child. This has to weighed up against getting justice for Cate and her husband. An intriguing and tricky situation.

In this part there are two awkward phone calls one more awkward than the other. You have to understand he is a grieving father. It is written and described so well that I can clearly picture the image in my mind and there are also two tragic outcomes, one the first is so much more tragic than the second. I can see that Alisha is torn but her wanting of justice is strong. I want to read on to see how this is all going to end.

An amusing part I love is the reference to someone sounding like a ‘Beat box’ it made me laugh.

It is clever how the problem of ‘No foot passengers allowed on board’ was solved. The couple sound really sweet to me in their nature as well. Once on board Alisha may have found someone of interest, unfortunately she is going to meet more people than she was looking for you could say ‘It is really bad timing’. It is a relief that the captain is helping but annoying it is taking so long, but ‘Protocol’ has to be followed. I just want to read on quickly for it all to be alright, well I hope as things have now turned out nasty.

Book three:

I like how fireworks are described as ‘Painting the sky’ and what have people got against Wolverhampton? I haven’t been but it can’t be that ‘Foreign’. 

I know there is a miss-identification but I also feel there is about to be a twist in this story. I could be wrong but I definitely don’t want to put this book down at this point/part. Maybe not a twist, well as yet but sadly, there is a fine line between the law and a bond between woman and child. 

I like how Shawcroft was ambushed in front of his golfing chums on the golf course. If you want to make an impression, do it with an audience.

I like that the hunch paid off but sadly, there are two addresses to check out. This is one good news as both ok but two they shouldn’t have been divided up. With Alisha on the case I hope it will be alright. Again the fine line of parenting love is on the line, can the new parents lose the babies? In more ways than one it is mentally upsetting.

Very rarely when I read a book that I guess or have an idea about something, although not one hundred percent confirmed, it seems to be the case. Also most of what I predicted has happened with a few minor surprises in amongst what I hoped or thought would be the outcome. In other words, some of what happened I see and some I didn’t see coming.

Film of the Week: Greenland

Where would we be without disaster movies? Now and again we feel the urge to grab our popcorn, sit back, and be entertained by high-adrenaline action from start to finish. A volcano erupting, an earthquake levelling an entire city, or a tidal wave hell-bent on washing everything away - sometimes we need a break from the emotionally driven stories and focus on nothing but action. But what happens when a disaster movie tries to also be emotionally driven, too? Should the two story-driven ideas mix? Will we be entertained? Would the edge of our seats be cold as we remain still in the centre of them? Well, Greenland tries to answer those questions and provides us generally favourable answers in the form of a surprisingly entertaining action-based and emotionally-driven story.

The action starts when it’s revealed the Earth’s scientists made a mistake when predicting where the meteorite would land. Instead of in the ocean, it hit basically everywhere but, and that’s quite a mistake considering 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. The world simultaneously learns they’re going to experience an extinction level threat and they must race against time to reach safety in the form of Greenland’s underground bunkers built specifically to deflect the shockwave generated by a nine-mile wide meteorite, named Clarke.

grerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, and Roger Dale Floyd play John, Allison, and Nathan Garrity, and when John receives a strange phone call from the Government insisting that his family reach safety immediately, at first they’re confused until they see the first of Clarke’s pieces slam into Tampa, Florida, wiping out the entire city in seconds. Panic ensures and the Garrity family are now on a mission to reach Greenland.

In almost every disaster movie, that’s all the plot points you need to keep us glued to our screens as an occasional impact strike from small meteorites before the inevitable final impact hits will keep us reaching for our popcorn and on the edge of our seats. But in Greenland, we get all the ingredients we are used to seeing in a disaster movie, but with a few extra pieces in the form of an emotion. So much emotion, in fact, the main ingredient, the disaster part within the disaster movie takes to the back seat and we’re finding ourselves focusing on a family who are determined to stay together through thick and thin, whilst fighting for survival. At times when it seems that the odds are stacked against them, they pull through at the last minute. It’s an emotionally-driven disaster movie, and that makes it the most realistic disaster movie we’ve had for quite some time, since 2012’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. So, does that mean we won’t get a decent emotionally-driven disaster movie for another nine years?

If that’s the case, I’m confident in saying that we’ll have a plethora of disaster movies that purely focus on the disaster part of the story to keep us entertained for when the next emotionally-driven disaster movie comes along.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian

Everyone said they shouldn’t do it, the road trip, but Ella and John are doing it anyway. It is such a heart-warming start/reason why.

On a personal note for me this is a great book to read if you want the sense of escapism, adventure and a sense of freedom. This is one of the reasons I am reading this book and it doesn’t disappoint. I have also been to both ends of ‘Route 66’, Chicago and Santa Monica, Los Angeles as well.

This book has been really well researched into the effects of Altzimers and also of a cancer patient. It does, although this is the point of the whole story of travelling, puts me on edge when John is driving with his condition. I sadly find myself shutting this part out that he is driving with Altzimers. I am not saying he cannot drive but maybe I am a nervous passenger and this book is written well, so that you feel like you are also there along for the ride as well and the result is I am on edge if i think too much or focus on his driving more than i should. I do realise that.

It is good to read of the stops at tourist destinations along the way although the visit to the caverns was a little negative and ended abruptly. This part shows that one good research has been done along the route of this road trip and two of how an elderly person/or a person without a care in the world can be outspoken. This is not only still an enjoyable, escapism book that can be read by a younger age group but I feel probably more suited to an older age range of readers.

The description of bed linen sheets and other household items like towels over the many years of married life is/seems trivia but is interesting as it is something that just happens in life. It goes to show how much depth there is in this book because it is there in life and we don’t realise any of it until it is in a book being pointed out in such a clear way.

I don’t agree with the gun situation. I don’t want to know why or anything about them having it. This is not only a shock but also horrible to read and fills me with shock, disappointment and dread.

It is lovely and heart-warming to read the part where Ella and John met up with another group of people travelling Route 66. It seems to me that the/a road can create a community feel to it.

This road trip is turning into quite an adventure it quickens up before Texas, what with being pulled over by the police, there is a life lesson in this part, ‘Keep your hands on the wheel and don’t try to open a bottle of drink or as I read, anything else for that matter whilst driving’. Also a museum that was too much of a sensory overload  and cars for sale or just ones that just needed rescuing.

This trip has taken a dark turn. I thought that John going for an ice cream and a blown tyre was going to be as action packed as it got, but sadly, some ‘Non helpers’ turned up. I am afraid to say the outcome and how it ended up is not so bad. This is still not a good thing to read about though.

It is heart-warming to read that when Ella and John hit another state and they met the little family with the baby.

I don’t agree with John driving and talking on the phone as well. This book is set in America and was published in 2009, though since 2009 laws have changed in the United Kingdom, so to me this is an outdated storyline in 2020.

Now parked at a campground things have taken a turn when Ella and John both have a fall. The description is very long and thorough of both trying to get up. It certainly explains the problems of falling when you are of a certain elderly age. Sadly, this part does go on and on. This is not a criticism as I may well struggle in later life, it's just this part is so well written.

Now after all that Ella and John have been through it is nice to read that they are now living a life of luxury in a hotel suite. For me personally I am with Ella in that it is extravagant , but it is one not my money and two my story or holiday/trip.

Ella and John have now arrived in their last state on their trip, California. After visiting Santa Monica and an even more eventful trip to Disneyland. I did wonder how this book would end, even how they would get back across the country and home. Well it seems Ella has taken care of everything sadly, even John and like she says at the end ‘It is basically none of our business what she has chosen to do.

This book is so well written that it  makes me understand Altzimers a lot more than I did before. Also it is almost an actual tour guide for ‘Route 66’ I would certainly take this book if I did the whole road trip myself.

Film of the Week: Fast and Furious (Franchise)

I want to do something different this week. Instead of talking about one film, I want to talk about eight. The Fast and Furious franchise has diverted quite substantially from the first film. What was a simple undercover cop story trying to intercept and take down a group of street-racing criminals who were suspected to be involved in some heists has evolved into a story about criminal masterminds and spy agencies and utterly bonkers car stunts. It has been widely parodied across the internet stating how different the franchise has become, and how many films there are.

As a fan of films and enjoy figuring out what makes a film tick, I wanted to understand what people meant by the statement, “it used to be about street racing.” With any long-running franchise, the story is of course going to develop. We see that more so in TV shows than in films as they have multiple seasons - my most recent exploration about the evolution of a long-running series involved watching Supernatural from the first episode to the last. Seeing the two characters, Sam and Dean go from fighting the big bad of the week to literally going toe-to-toe with God himself proves how far the show had come. After beating the main antagonist of each passing season, of course the show had to bring in new and bigger enemies to keep the show interesting as the amount of knowledge and experience Sam and Dean had obtained from the previous seasons would make for a boring show if the writers didn’t introduce bigger entities. But I’m getting off the main objective here. My point about how far Supernatural has come is it’s natural progression within the lore of that world. The same goes for every other TV show and film franchise, and whilst Fast and Furious and Supernatural are two very different entities in media, after watching all eight films back-to-back with the speed of once a week, I noticed that natural progression from film to film. Narratively, it makes sense that they would be fighting against a submarine in the eighth film after previously only going up against racers on the street.

The first film in the franchise sees a regular cop going undercover. Brian O’conner (Paul Walker) is tasked with intercepting a group of criminals who spend their days heisting and their nights racing and gathering enough evidence to take them down for good. Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) was Brian’s main target as he ran every heist operation and his own street racing team. Brian does what he was tasked to do and gains Dominc’s respect, but that respect is challenged when he discovers Brian is a cop. That respect then remains mutual when Brian lets Dominic get away. This sets in motion the rest of the franchise. As a whole, talking about every character’s personal development would take up multiple pages and would also be unnecessary as those who are reading this article are probably already caught up with the franchise anyway, so I’m going to jump ahead to the fifth film where the franchise starts taking that pivot. Universal wanted to do something different and focus on a bigger heist instead of street racing, so I could end the article here and say the reason why they were fighting against the submarine in the eighth film is due to studio interference, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Narratively, it makes sense that they would divert from street racing in the fifth film because they were running from the law and the only way to clear their name was to take down a criminal mastermind, steal his money and run away with it all, starting an innocent life in the shadows with no need to fear who’s sneaking up behind them.

Narratively, the respect, the experience, and the knowledge all the characters gain for each other and about the world they live in has changed their lives, but I do now understand that phrase, “it used to be about street racing,” just as Supernatural was just about hunting things that go bump in the night. One character, Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) even points out how ludicrous their lives had become by saying the line, “first a tank, then the plane, and now we got a spaceship?” whilst obviously what they were going up against wasn’t a spaceship but instead a highly advanced intelligence drone, it still holds some weight as to how far they’ve come from simply racing on the streets to full blown saving the world, but when he was corrected on that statement he says, “oh, it’s a drone. Now you gonna break it down and be articulate like you already know what the hell is going on?” That sums up the natural progression the series has made in one short swift sentence - an almost fourth-wall breaking moment highlighting how we see the movies. Little does he know that things were only going to get crazier.

Let’s not forget Brian’s comment just before driving backwards out of a plane, “just when you couldn’t get any better, huh?” In context, that was meant for himself, but again it’s a reference to just how far the franchise has come. It’s another semi-fourth-wall breaking moment.

The Fast and Furious franchise has evolved with each film being bigger than the last, and so in hindsight, the submarine scene was inevitable, and it made me wonder what they were going to in the ninth installment.

As I stated earlier, I now understand the phrase, “this used to be about street racing.” I started watching the films with that intention and the moment it clicked into place for me was during the seventh film. The team were once on the streets, using cars they practically built themselves, keeping them financially stable any way they could - they were doing things as normally as their lives would allow. And then came the scene in the seventh film when they were driving some of the most expensive cars in the world before walking down some steps wearing some of the most expensive suits and dresses in the world. The three pictures below helped me understand that phrase and how far the franchise and the characters had come.

And whilst we mock and mockingly predict what’s going to happen if the franchise continues on and on, I think that’s everyone’s way of understanding that phrase. Narratively, after watching the films with that intention in mind, it makes perfect sense. Don’t get me wrong, cars against a submarine is definitely crazy and is a long way off from the first movie, but seeing the that development in quick succession, with statements referencing their own crazy development from the characters themselves helped me realise that street racing was a major contributing factor to where they were going, and not something they had left behind.

Kind regards;

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Toy Story 1

I love Andy’s ( Voiced by John Morris) imagination and the way he utilizes the toys as in making a safe and the threats in a game of make believe ‘Stick up’. And of course Woody (Voiced by Tom  Hanks) to the rescue and Mr Potato Head (Voiced by Don Rickles) is of the only obvious, when you see it, barred prison cell in the room, also known as the cot. ‘The Birthday party is today’ and now it is time for a ‘Staff meeting’. I love the ‘Quick draw’ on Etch a Sketch. Before the meeting can begin we have a, trying to be scary, Rex (Voiced by Wallace Shawn) dinosaur and Bo Peep (Voiced by Annie Potts) has romance on her mind. 

The meeting is brilliant, the items on the agenda are cleverly well thought out including the ‘Moving Buddy’ idea. However, the last item causes an adjournment and a ‘Code red’. It is brilliant how the toys organise themselves. It is sad to see a soldier get injured but great to see good soldiermanship. 

Oh, just when we thought all the presents were unwrapped, one more is pulled out and it is, on the edge of your seat, stuff, as an impatient Rex means the toys have to move fast.

It is amusing yet sad to see Buzz (Voiced by Tim Allen) react to his new surroundings, you can quickly establish that Buzz doesn’t actually know he is a ‘Toy’. it is left up to Woody to try and explain. It is sad for this to be miss interpreted as jealousy.

It seems now that Buzz has taken over the control of the toys, this is sad to see yet amusing that now Rex can roar and it is apparent to everyone but not Mr Potato Head, it seems, that he comes apart, especially when he is trying to lift weights.

I don’t like Sid (Voiced by Erik von Detten) this part is really not nice to watch and I agree the ‘Sooner’ they move the better.

I know who set up the scenario but I really do not think he meant Buzz to end up where he did. I am glad that Buzz, however, did manage to go along for the ride in the end. Although this did leave the other toys sadly, wondering what had happened to Buzz including the worst case scenario.

If Woody thought he was in trouble before, he and Buzz are in real big trouble now. I like how Woody kind of takes control of the situation. It is amusing to see Woody play along with Buzz but if it works, it works. Poor Woody. Well at least he had a good idea.

I love ‘Pizza Planet’ but Woody is not having such a good time. Now Sid has his eye on a prize and it is not looking good at all. I really don’t like Sid, poor toy alien. Sid is evil.

Sid’s room is like a horror movie but it quickly becomes apparent that they are just innocent, helpful and clever toys. Who’d have thought pull cords could be so dangerous. Now the dog is awake and now Buzz sorry ‘Mrs Nesbit’ has had a little too much tea.

Thank goodness for Buzz that there is a storm. Poor Andy. It is a shame that the toys cannot explain to Andy what has happened. I love how Woody explains to Buzz how much it means to be a toy and they are ‘Almost there’.I love how all Sid’s toys help Woody. This is clever and resourceful and it is all well timed as well.

I still cannot figure out how a child got hold of a rocket and is able to play with matches. This is highly dangerous and his mum is nowhere in sight which is really bad in this circumstance, sadly, it is left to the toys to deal out some discipline . 

Now the action begins in getting to the new house for Buzz and Woody who it is nice to see wouldn’t leave Buzz behind. Luckily they didn’t leave the rocket behind and it is lucky that it is a sunny day also with a little ‘Falling with style’ they can all move house.

Now it is Christmas and it can only mean, you would think, one thing and with some dreams coming true also ‘A puppy’.

Overall this film is quite dark with what happens to the toys

The Pixar theory is that with the magic combined with the children playing with the toys, it brings the toys to life.

Film of the Week: Bliss

Maybe I didn’t watch this as well as I thought I did, but my ultimate opinion about this film is, I don’t get it. I do not understand what it is supposed to give me; whether it’s meant to provide me with a political stance about how the future is going to look like, or just a formal science fiction film; and I wasn’t entirely sure if I was meant to be confused about what was going on, or understood everything that was happening on screen. In fact, the most confusing part about this film is trying to figure out what the heck this film was meant to be.

Owen Wilson and Selma Hayek are big names, they’ve acted in some brilliant films; there’s nothing wrong with their performance in this film, it’s just the story seems to be all over the place, it was unclear what performance they were ultimately meant to be giving.

Again, maybe I wasn’t watching properly, but I certainly wasn’t distracted by something else, my attention was solely on the film - I just don’t get it. But I do understand something, and that’s the plot - sort of. Salma Hayak’s character, Isabel, has created a simulation program in which lies a grittier world than the real world, and she gained the trust of several people to try it out and live inside that world. Owen Wilson’s character, Greg, has forgotten that he’s living inside a simulation until he meets up with Isabel and gives him some magical drug that allows him to control aspects of that world. He struggles to trust Isabel until she proves they were living in a simulation and brings him to the real world where he has even forgotten about his past. Whilst living in the real world for a short period of time, he realises something but doesn’t want to go back until they’re under duress from the Police and suddenly changes his mind in order to save Isabel. He then lives on in the simulation.... It seems that I may have understood a lot about the film, but that’s just the basic synopsis, I understood nothing else. What did he realise? Why doesn’t he want to go back and why did he suddenly change his mind? But, hey, it was nice to Bill Nye.

It’s supposed to be a mind-bending love story, and apparently they were already married before entering the simulation… I dunno, to be perfectly honest. Maybe there was something I missed during my first watch to fully understand what the film was trying to give me, but it left me so confused about what the film was meant to be that I’m not really in any rush for a second viewing. It wasn’t necessarily thought-provoking, statement-making, nor politically-satirical; it was just… well, the viewing experience wasn’t entirely bliss, it was just science-fiction. And that it did very little to give us any chance to believe any of it. Sure it explained a few details here and there, but not enough for me to say, “now that’s something that could happen in our world.”

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Now You See Them by Elly Griffiths

I can think of a better way to start a book other than a funeral. However, as part of reliving the memories of the magician, I can think of a better birthday present for a seven year old than a ‘Bottle of Whiskey’. This part made me gasp and I did find it amusing. So you could xay an interesting start after all.

I know with a girl having gone missing the police do have to take it seriously and cover all leads/inquiries i do feel although at the moment they have been blind sided by the film star Bobby.

I agree about the television, it is one good to read the one at home, Emma, who has the kids could get a break and two it is bad that the only person to disagree is the one at work all day. What does he know?

Another part is partly good to read, it shows that you can take the police officer out of the job but you cannot take the police officer out of a person. Just because Emma is now a mum of three kids it shows she hasn't lost her investigative brain. Sadly, this part does show that some women struggle to have it all.

I know a disappearance of someone’s child is serious and upsetting, it is sad to read the devastating effect it is having on Rhonda’s mother. I know what she said sounded/seemed to the police officers as not important, but I do feel that the police should have asked more questions. 

I know it is only a small joke but when Edgar went to pick up his in-laws they asked ‘Have you come to arrest us?’ This to me is intelligent humour and funny.

I know it may seem like a small gesture but I like that Edgar agreed that Malcolm could have a photo of his late daughter, who he had never met.

I love how newspapers refer to ‘Births, deaths and marriages’ . I personally cannot remember if I have heard the reference before or not, this is clever and amusing to read. 

When visiting Joe in London, Max finds him also and in a ‘Blink and you will miss it’ moment a place of interest is mentioned. This is intriguing.

Most of us could say we have been there trying to either prove a point or even be incognito, only for the effect to be ruined by a trip or fall or in this case falling over a chair. I also like the part about how the windmill sails can be used to send out messages. This is interesting to read.

Newspaper article or no newspaper article, bait or no bait, what Edgar said to Emma, yes he wanted to keep her safe but it definitely wasn't nice and I really do not agree with it.

It is nice to see someone who cares so much about animals and I do agree with this part.

This book is now getting darker, with a note and someone outside Rhonda’s house. I don’t want to put this book down with these two developments going on.

This book has now taken a shockingly, horrible dark turn. This part is awful to read.

All the clues are there throughout this book, all cleverly worked out and all coming together towards the end.

A dog i mean a dog well if you are going to escape from prison you would need a reason to do so.

It is now nice to see the characters' lives taking a positive turn and careers are on the up, but sadly, some die hard fans are going to be ultimately, sadly, disappointed.

The Written Podcast: Streaming is the New Terrestrial TV

The Golden Age of Television. A phrase that’s well known across the world. The first known era of the golden age is when networks were only showing live broadcasts of shows and many associate the end of that era when there was more demand for pre-recorded shows. Since then, that term has been used across the eras, and as TV became even more popular and accessible across the world, and more networks were being created, either showing repeats of shows they purchased from other networks or airing their own original content before repeating them, that phrase has since been attributed to the past and not to the present. Many people believe that the Golden Age of Television is over.

What intrigues me about that statement is, I’m inclined to believe it. In fact, I’m inclined to believe that Terrestrial TV itself is starting to fade away. And when I say starting to, I mean we’ve still got a few years to go before we can say it’s extinct. Terrestrial TV is still a major contribution to everyday society. Networks across the world airing their shows at set times each day, whether original content or repeats; as I’m writing this my mum is watching a repeat of Murder She Wrote on the TV, with adverts. Terrestrial TV is still something we enjoy, but isn’t something we’re worried about anymore. During the first era of the Golden Age of TV, if you were to miss a show that was being performed live, then you’ve missed that show. There were no repeats. When shows were being pre-recorded before airing, maybe you’d get a repeat of a popular show, but generally, if you missed an airing of an episode of a show you wanted to keep up to day with, you missed it.

Nowadays, if you missed an episode, no worries, just watch it on catch-up. On demand streaming services are becoming an increasingly popular era of TV. A Television is a device that lets you watch shows, but the word “television” has morphed to become an umbrella word for any device that allows streaming of content. Desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, all have the ability to stream content, and yet we still associate that act as watching TV. Sure, we have smart TVs that can connect to the internet and therefore has access to the popular streaming services, so by that context you are watching shows on the Television, but you’re not watching terrestrial TV, you’re watching an on-demand streaming service, and we are in an era where there are so many of them our bank accounts are looking like a TV guide.

Netflix is essentially the company that pioneered the streaming service and brought the ability to watch whatever you want on demand, at a touch of a button, into mainstream society, and since then we’ve had what can be dubbed as The Golden Age of Streaming Services. TV has evolved. Maybe the large amount of streaming services available is just another era of The Golden Age of TV, but since the majority, if not all, streaming services can be accessed by multiple devices, can it really be called TV anymore?

The problem is, as terrestrial TV is slowly fading away and streaming services are growing in popularity, companies are jumping at the chance to start their own and as a result we may have one too many of them, each offering their own competitive subscription rate and original content, it’s quickly becoming equivalent to sitting down in the evening with you meal on your lap scrolling through the channels not knowing what to watch and by the time you find something interesting you’re meal’s grown cold. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Sky Store, Now TV, Britbox Apple TV HBO Max. YouTube Premium, Crunchyroll, Curiosity Stream, and all the on-demand content by networks such as BBC, channel 4, and Discovery, with iplayer, 4 On Demand, and Discovery+; and more; where the heck do we even begin?

I haven’t watched terrestrial TV in years. I’ve watched only on-demand catch up and streaming services, which means the only adverts I see on the TV are when I’m passing through the living room, and TV adverts are another conversation to have at a later date, because they’re getting crazier and crazier with time.

Whether you class a streaming service as a branch from terrestrial TV, or is its own separate entity, we’ve either entered a new era of The Golden Age of TV, or began the first era of The Golden Age of Streaming Services. Whatever that conclusion may be, streaming services are certainly becoming more and more the new form of TV.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

TV Show of the Week: Wandervision

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has come a long way since 2008, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. Wandervision is the first piece of media within Phase 4 of their gigantic (and ever increasing) plan. I’m writing this article after watching the fifth episode of the series. I wanted to wait until after the final episode had aired to give my verdict and praise, but the shocking ending of the fifth episode enticed me to voice my opinion sooner.

Whilst also following the storyline of the series, I also kept up to date with as much information as I could regarding what was happening behind the scenes, and it was mentioned that Wandervision, Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, and the currently untitled Spider-Man sequel can be regarded as one trilogy as they share similar traits or is a part of one storyline. I couldn’t find any more information regarding whether this was true, but considering all the rumours Spider-Man 3 that are circulating around the internet, as well as the actual title of Doctor Strange’s sequel, the evidence does point in the right direction. The fifth episode of Wandervision is the strongest piece of evidence we have that references a multiverse.

Warning: The next paragraph contains major spoilers if you haven’t seen the fifth episode.

I want to start off my saying that Wandervision is currently the best thing on TV. A couple of sources state that each episode cost an incredible £25Million to make. With a planned 9 episode run, that means the entire series cost £225Million to make. That’s more than some feature length films, and £5Million more than Captain America: Civil War. And with each passing episode, you can see exactly why it costs that much for each episode, especially episode 5. I won’t go into too much depth about the special effects as my main focus is highlighting the recasting of Wander’s brother, Pietro. Within the concept of the story, recasting her brother does make sense with the context of a sit-com scenario that each episode focuses on, but it’s specifically who has been recast to play the role of her brother that is what is shocking. Evan Peters, who played Quicksilver in the X-men films. X-men was made by 20th Century Fox, which is now owned by Disney, which owns Marvel. We have a brother from another universe suddenly showing up on Wander’s doorstep. It would be rather weird if that is not meant to be a direct reference to a multiverse.

Whilst you do have to have a subscription to Disney+ to watch Wandervision, which is an understandable turn off for some people as they may already have several subscriptions to other streaming services, I do recommend watching this show. I’d recommend waiting for each episode to air before signing up so you can enjoy the free trial whilst binge watching all 9 episodes because it is certainly a show that deserves to be watched in its entirety. After each episode airs I simply cannot wait for the next one the following week.

No one, not even Marvel themselves could have foreseen how massive the MCU would become. They teased us with the multiverse with Spider-Man: Far From Home, only to be told it was all a ruse, but it appears that they are really going ahead with the multiverse, and if the rumours surrounding Spider-Man 3, with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield joining the film playing their version of Peter Parker respectively, then Phase 4 might just be one heck of a rollercoaster ride.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)