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)

Mum's Monday: The Brighton Guest House Girls by Lesley Eames

This book has a good start, setting up the three girls' stories strongly so far for them to ultimately arrive at their Brighton Guest House destination.

It is sad to read of Thea’s situation, proving a wrong doing sounds as though it is going to be tough, and yes, I do agree the Will was forged. 

Who’d have thought a ‘Ring’ could be so important although sadly, I still don’t think even that would have convinced anyone either.

It can be sadly, typical that when trying to avoid someone, you then make the most noise and disruption to draw attention to yourself; however, I am glad that Daisy has got off her chest what she wanted to say to Daniel. Although this is good I feel sorry for Daisy as yes, in a small place you one, cannot hope to avoid someone and two, yes, feel awkward and uncomfortable seeing them around. This is not a nice thought.

I did wonder how the girls were to meet. First I am glad Anna is now safe after her ordeal and two, now her part of the story in Brighton can begin. Although this part is a bit quick, I am hoping more information will come to light in the next chapter. I don’t want to put this book down now, not that it is action packed or even intriguing, I just want to see the girls safe.

It is clever of Anna to realise that a fish and chip shop would have old copies of newspaper issues. I am glad that the long shot paid off. Now the delivery of the mirror has also bought the arrival, introduced Daisy to the household, sadly, she is very observant. Again I don’t want to put this book down. Daisy’s big mouth. The girls have met but it hasn’t gone as I thought it would, I am glad that almost all the secrets are out now. There is however, still a story to be told as to how Daisy comes back. That was quick Now let's just say Daisy is not very good with domestic duties, so her working in a guest house sounds amusing to me.

I hope Thea doesn’t sadly regret her decision. Thea is although in a tight spot is a very kind character. I hope the 3 months she has are kind to her in return.

I love Thea’s idea to save  Anna’s respectability. It is heart-warming to read this part and would be yes, true if tragedy hadn’t struck.

Daisy’s domestic lack of secrets are out but I feel that each of the girls can equally contribute their own capabilities to the guest house and Daisy may well learn from the lessons Anna is willing to give. This is a nice book to read overall if you look past all the tragedy, circumstances and shortcomings. The mis-match of characters makes for exciting and entertaining reading. The three girls work well together and are very resourceful as a group and patient which pays off with flowers as well. It is nice to read that things are looking up.

I like how Daisy saved the horse Night Warrior (Warry), she has a heart of gold. I certainly didn’t see that coming in the story, as you wouldn’t normally associate a horse with a guest house. Now if acquiring a horse wasn’t exciting enough Anna and Thea are off to London.

I do see that the lives of the three girls have taken over so much so that any information about the workings of the guest house has, I feel, has taken a back seat/been neglected. The fact that they do have paying guests is mentioned I just thought, as by the title of this book, more mention of the guest house would be more interwoven into this book.

I like how Mr Acaster took pity on Anna. The girls were very lucky it is nice to read that the trip to London has gone reasonably well. I like now back in Brighton Daisy is being so thoughtful towards Anna. However, I am now glad that Daisy can now go to see Max and Warry the horse, although those are not all she sees and the Brighton Races sound good.

It is interesting to read that horses have to be trained to gallop in races. The question asked as ‘I thought all horses could gallop?’ was my first thought. This book has so much more depth than just the guest house, although this, I feel, still takes a back seat and that there should be more written about it.

I love the kind gesture of Mr Acaster, but I certainly don’t like what the Doctor is suggesting. I just want to read quickly and move on to a nicer part. I am not disappointed as it is amusing to read further on that Rory has ridden horses that are so slow that he had wanted to dismount and carry them over the finish line himself . After a nice afternoon with Rory, I love the thoughtful gesture Daisy showed Anna. Daisy really got an understanding of the loss Anna is feeling/felt.

I still don’t like all the talk about what the Doctor suggested to Anna. It is now nice to read that Thea went to see Warry the horse and had a lovely day. It is also nice that Anna has so much support around her. Let’s now hope the letter brings good news.

It is all happening at once. This book has got very busy very quickly. I just hope things all work out ok. It seems babies will come when they want and no amount of planned plans will change that. The telegram news is good news so far.  knew it, well it is early days, to be sure but I had my suspicions. If I am right, poor Anna.  

It is sad that Daisy had to rush off under the circumstances. Again it is all happening/very busy for the three girls. There doesn’t seem to be enough time.

I am glad that Max has a plan to help Anna. This book is lovely to read with everyone helping everyone else and getting on. Although, true to form not everyone is so agreeable, hence Thea’s predicament and the help Anna needs, yet all that doesn’t take away the warm-hearted feeling you get reading this story.

Well that was a twist on what I thought and yes, I suppose Pier’s could have got together with someone else if he had really wanted to. The plan was very risky but well worked out and was incredible as to the outcome of it. I don’t like Pier’s mean parents.

I didn’t want to read about the fawn in case it was too badly hurt, luckily it was ok after some minor treatment.

As I am reading on I realise that time is running out for the three girls plus the new small addition to the household, nothing has been proven yet, I just hope it does all work out in some way, but it seems first there may be another addition to the house. Although this is nice to read I do wonder how it will all work out. It is a shock as ‘May be’ could be less of a maybe as there may not be the time. This is a crushing blow. I know it reads that Thea should ask for more help, but it is/can be hard to.

I really don’t like Rory’s attitude, Daisy is better off without him. Who does he think he is? I would have expected a little more understanding and respect but sadly, I was wrong.

I am not sure about Ralph, I didn’t like what he did to Max. I also didn’t see, but feel I should have done, Rory in the mix and now what has been done to Thea if she hasn’t got enough to think about. I do hope the nice letter brings results. I almost forgot about that. 

Wow! What a rescue, reunion and a first meeting it all is lovely to read. It doesn’t last long as it is now not nice to read about Daisy’s predicament. I agree, Rory is long gone and I am glad about that, but this does go to show that age old issue of ‘You don’t know what you have until it’s gone’.

It is amusing to read that Thea would give Daisy a reference, but sadly, not for her ‘Cooking’. The wording in this part of the part is much better/funnier than what I have written here. But I hope you get the funny idea.

It is partly amusingly more expensive for Thea when she arrives in London. I don’t know much about Pip from this book but I know enough that I like the young lad and he is a wonderful help/actor as are his friends.

Finally the truth is out. Well some of it that’s two couples sorted it just needs the third to be worked out. If a couple don’t seem right together they shouldn’t be but I know who I would like to see rightfully get together. I know Thea has been keeping secrets from Ralph but I don’t like his behaviour.

Oh wow. What an amazing ending, with now three right for each other couples and being back in business.

The Written Podcast: In Defence of - The Great Escapists

The Great Escapists is a documentary series focusing on Richard Hammond and Tori Belleci standard on a desert island and they have to try and survive and find rescue. That premise does stipulate it’s going to be an educational program in which Tori uses his experience gained from Mythbusters and working in the film industry to show us a bunch of helpful top tips, and Richard Hammond being the comedic element whilst also getting his hands dirty. I will admit that is what I was expecting and was surprised when I discovered it to be apropos to a situational comedy. The trailers did not showcase the true nature of the show, and that’s where I can see how people have taken a disliking to the show - they were also expecting something akin to education.

What we’ve got instead is a situational comedy about to guys stuck in a room telling a story about their time on a desert island, and basically being the best survivors ever and giving the impression that they can build anything out of rubbish, including a fully functioning car and tank, and a three storey treehouse apartment complex all in the first episode. I did sit down the expectation of being taught a few tricks here and there, and when the sequences depicting the interviews first appeared on screen, I was confused at first. This is not what the trailers depicted the show to be at all, and so I had to adjust to a different genre entirely, which is only made even more confusing when it still comes under the category of a documentary series, usually filled with facts. It’s basically fiction. Every conversation between Richard and Tori is scripted. They did not build that house themselves, and Richard did not build that car, nor did Tori build that Tank - at best it took a good few weeks of planning to make it work whilst looking as if it was made up of stuff washed ashore.

Now, none of what I’ve said has been positive about the show when this article is about defending it, which doesn’t make much sense I know. My defence for this show came when I had adjusted to the format of the show, and I had accepted the situational-comedy-esque style of the show. My defence came when Richard was being his on-screen persona, similar to that of which is displayed on The Grand Tour between James May and Jeremy Clarkson - it’s the same style of acting; emphasising his personality for comedic purposes. Richard’s been doing it for years, and so he slips into the scripted nature of the show effortlessly, whereas Tori has practically done nothing but non-scripted TV for years, and so his acting is a little wooden at times. My true defence of the show is, this was made with the intention of not taking itself too seriously, but marketed as if it was entirely serious.

If they had marketed and edited the trailers to resemble exactly what the show was about, it would have received much favourable opinions. We’re used to Richard’s on-screen personality from The Grand Tour, and why shouldn’t Tori branch out and do something different? They clearly had a lot of fun making it, but unfortunately it was let down by promising something different to what we got.

It is a good program. Once I had adjusted to what it was actually about, I was entertained. I found it funny, I found it a brilliant way to escape into a light-hearted series. When I finished the first episode I went back and rewatched it again, this time fully adjusted to the ideas it had within and found it just as entertaining, and was able to pick up upon the bits that I had missed during those times when I was a bit confused. Sadly, however, it seems that the trailers have subverted people’s expectations too much - an understandable reaction considering they’re literally designed to promote the show - and the show as a whole is suffering for it. The reviews slating it will deter people from watching it, even those who haven’t seen the trailers and wouldn’t have been tricked. It’s unfortunate, but I think Amazon has killed this show before it could grow. I just hope that I’m able to convince enough people to give it a chance.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Film of the Week: Superbob

Filmed in Peckham over 19 days, this 2015 low-budget British film about a postman who develops superpowers after getting hit by a meteorite was surprisingly emotionally sturdy. Superbob’s filmmakers’ intentions were to make a film that showcased superheroes in a different way, and that’s exactly what I received. Filmed as if it were a real life documentary, we meet Bob (Brett Goldstein) who was gifted with powers by a meteorite that hit him when it crashed to Earth. As is traditional when it comes to many superhero films that try and showcase the genre in a different way, the main character is bestowed with all the powers Superman have - flight, invulnerability, laser vision, fast running, and X-ray vision. We see a small montage of Bob using his powers at the beginning of the film, but it doesn’t heavily focus on him being a superhero. We do see him perform an heroic act at a scene of a tragic car accident, and few instances of flight and strength, but the film mainly focuses on him being an ordinary, awkward person who just wants to go on a date.

He’s definitely overshadowed by his celebrity lifestyle, but the documentary-style film does give us something different, an ordinary man who has powers. At the beginning we see him not at all confident at standing up for himself, and he’s definitely not good at public speaking, but at the end, he manages to say “no” to his boss, quit the UK government and go freelance, becoming a true superhero, whilst maintaining an ordinary life with the woman who he realises he has fallen in love with, his cleaner, Dorris and goes and life a happy life in Columbia.

Superbob is quintessentially British through and through, which enforces the intention to give the impression that Bob is just another ordinary day trying to enjoy his mandatory day off and have an ordinary date with June (Laura Haddock).

Brett’s and Natalia’s chemistry allowed their characters - a socially awkward mild-mannered person and a confident cleaner who begrudgingly acted as his girlfriend to make his mum happy for the afternoon - kept the film fresh every time they were together. And by the end of the film, I was giving into the emotional rollercoaster that came with Bob finding his confidence and his feelings for Dorris.

Catherine Tate does a phenomenal job as Bob's boss, Theresa Ford, who allowed the filmmakers to make the documentary to showcase how normal Bob really is, and tried to keep things operational. She was just doing her job, and kept her feet on the ground. It’s easy to put her in the category of being a villain, and whilst she does call Bob in on his day off and manipulates his date into helping her all for political points does allude to being Bob’s archenemy in the film, Catherine’s character was really trying to keep things mutual being Britain and the USA, who were the ones to send Dorris away so that Bob cannot be seen with anyone other than June, a British person. The unexpected complexity of Theresa Ford’s character keeps the film from being too normal, and allows the superhero genre back into the everyday that the documentary tries to highlight.

Ultimately it is a superhero film, but essentially, it’s a touching comedy about a guy who just wants to have a day off.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Reap the Harvest by Margaret Dickinson

Part one, when I see that this book includes the great floods of 1953 and set in Lincolnshire, I decided to do a blog as a tribute to all those affected by the floods and it has been 68 years since the flood. So this blog is for those down the eastern side of Britain and some coastal areas of Europe . The flood affecting these areas happened over the dates of the 31st of January and the 1st of February 1953. Hence when this blog has been put up. I have also visited Lincolnshire on numerous occasions so I am familiar with the county also.

It took me a little while to figure out who was who in this story. I first thought the story was mainly told by the daughter Kate but it is told mostly in the view of the granddaughter Ella. And from what I have read so far it seems that this is going to be an interesting read/’battle of the wills’.

Sadly, for some families it does take a funeral to bring a family together, which it has in this case. It seems there are a lot of secrets in this family and in the way that this story line is written there are little snippets of clues to what some of the secrets are. Also we are still yet to find out what is in the ‘Letter’.

It is nice to read about Lincoln cathedral as I have passed it so I am familiar with the city of Lincoln. I like the comparison of ‘Townie’ and ‘Country bumpkin’ . What I don’t like is Ella’s grandmother Esther’s reaction to Ella’s shoes when Ella got back from the beach/sea. It is only Ella’s mother Kate’s opinion that counts. Also I don’t believe Ella to be impertinent either, she is, I feel, mature for her age and wise beyond her years. I also believe Kate has done a good job in bringing up Ella especially as a single parent. Kate’s parenting should be none of her mother Esther’s business. 

This book has been very well researched, reading about the night when the storm floods hit the east coast of the UK is both tragic and informative. It has been well written with even a tiny bit of an amusing part where a pig is saved and has to put upstairs with the rest of the people in the house.

It is also nice to see Ella help her grandmother and that they make an amicable connection. It shows that some things are bigger than some family secrets. There is more tragedy in this story, but I am glad the family and Ella have closure. 

It is heart-warming to read about Ella getting a draughts board that was donated to the flood victims. I feel that there is more depth to this part than what I read. I see that someone’s kind gesture can mean more than to a person receiving it than the person donating it could ever know. The flood was so much more tragic than the sea just coming in over land.

I can see how Ella, having been brought up in Lincoln, needs to learn a lesson in the ways of the workings of a farm. I don’t like reading this bit, but a farm is a farm and food is food. However, sad it is. 

It is a shock, and yes, well done to Ella as to what she observed/noticed and did. Also a shrimping trip doesn’t normally make it to the front pages of a local newspaper. 

The next part is a little quick when aunty Peggy comes to visit. Afterwards the next few years seem to be skipped over. 

Part two, it is nice to read that Ella is able to visit Lincoln. I sadly don't think what she bought her grandmother is appropriate. I know in the story there are reservations from Ella and I agree. It turns out it is all good after all. Although it looks like Ella and her grandmother are getting/becoming closer or have become closer over the years sadly, there are still some issues to be resolved/resolve. 

This is not a nice book to read in some places mainly to do with how Ella’s grandmother Esther treats Ella. One time she cold towards her and the next only slightly warm-hearted. I hope Ella’s grandpa Jonathan is reasonably ok. I am glad Tibby the cat survived. Sadly, I still see a lot of reasons for Ella to rebel in the future, but the cat has to recover first. 

Now chapter twenty starts off unexpectedly nice/good. The mystery continues with a duplicate photo, but this is soon forgotten as there is a dance to get to. Now I thought Rob and Ella are related, someone ought to tell/remind Ella if this is the case and the truth behind it or at least what all the mystery is. I do know that yes, during the 1950s earlier and a while after things were very different to as they are now in 2020.

This book does high-light it is not always a good idea to be rebellious as Ella found out. It was a surprise as to who came to her rescue. Ella got lucky, again it is not a good idea to rebel, but at sixteen, I know me as an adult now that I didn’t know everything when I was sixteen. But sadly, teens are teens. More and more snippets of information are coming to light. I knew it, with an interesting end to chapter twenty two. I am intrigued now to read chapter twenty three. I don't want to put this book down now.

It is heart-warming to read that during Danny disclosing the secrets he knows that Ella is going to put flowers on her mother’s grave. I don’t know if it is just me but all the entwined family secrets take some reading. There is just one thing left for Ella to do now and that is yes, to find her father.

Reading about Ella’s life now and the reunion is lovely. I just hope everything does work out as Ella hopes it will. I still don’t want to put this book down. There is still intrigue and a lot to work out. Well that quickly turned sour. I suppose some things are not always plain sailing and it takes a little time to come to terms with. I mean the information was sprang on her with no warning to begin with.

Even with Ella’s new exciting spoiled life it is heart-warming to read about the obvious worry about what is going on back at the farm. Things have certainly moved on fast.

So Ella is going ‘Home’ . It is sad under the circumstances and I don’t like how Esther has been stubborn, I just hope Ella is not too late and now I love how Ella, with help, saves the day. This book does high-light that ‘You don’t know what you have until it's gone’.

I loved reading all about the party, the guests and the ‘Burying the hatchet’ as it has been said previously should happen. 

It is lovely, although obviously people don’t live forever so yes, there are ghosts to lay to rest in amongst it all working out for Ella and Rob and yes, Ella you are still there. This is a heart-warming ending.

They say that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but when I see this one I thought that Ella stayed or went to live with her grandmother to help on the farm after it was affected by the floods. Yes, Ella does help but the circumstances are very different to what I first thought them to be and this is a really good book and I am glad I got it and have read it.