Film Review: The Hangover

I went to the cinema hearing great things about 'The Hangover' and expecting a lot. I can honestly say i was not disappointed.

Todd Phillips directed another comedy favourite of mine in 'Old School' and this is definitely better. The script delicately balances the line between crude humour and great film making. The soundtrack is of a high standard which ironically is lost because you spend your time laughing at the joke just gone, yet it still manages to have a positive effect.

This movie perfectly taps into the Man-crush/Bromance theme thats in social networks currently and you can't help be feel part of the group and feel involved in this laugh a minute ride. The film is geniunely gripping and while very little happens you want it continue and never end.

The best comedy since Anchorman - 9.0/10

PS. stay for the credits :D

:)

TO

Potentially Dangerous

Forgive me as this is a quick post before i head on out to catch a movie, inspiration struck.

I want to steal a quote from a friend of mine called Coops.

"It doesn't matter what you do, or where you are going; who you've been, or who you want to become, as long as you are what you are because you chose to be that way and you always stayed true to what you believe. As long as you spent your days chasing after moments that take your breath away then you've not wasted this life you were given."

I read this last night and it literally made me feel something. I think that this segment is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read on the internet, and her modesty only makes it more appealing.

This got me thinking of the potential we all have to move and affect people all around us; positively and negatively. I think we all take for granted just how much of an impact we make on the social environment around us. Some because they lack the confidence to say and act how they truly feel. Some fear the reprisal of the actions. And some simply don't want to interact.

This does not change the fact that we impact each other in thousands of ways everyday. From the man in the shop you say thank you, never knowing that made his day. From the girl you smile at that special way, never realising how she feels about you. To the hurtful thing you say to the one you care for, never realising the pain.

Words are just my medium. There are many ways in which to express emotions and affect those around you.

Dance. Song. Speech. Sport. Poetry. Story-Telling. Writing.

I urge you all to think about what you have to offer this world, and utilise that feeling. Somebody cares, and somebody will watch or listen. This era of social networking is the perfect environment to find like minded individuals who make you feel valued and help build an identity for yourself.

"To have that sense of one's intrinsic worth... is potentially to have everything"
Joan Didion

:)

TO

The Perfect Woman

My Perfect Woman:

1. Sometimes wears Caps backwards and likes wearing hats.
2. Enjoys watching American sports.
3. Doesn't mind sharing me with my laptop.
4. HAS NO POINTLESS DRAMA.
5. Agrees with Ludacris that "Once more we leaves em' dead, we want lady in the street, and a freak in the bed".
6. Loves sitting in sweat pants, watching films and laughing.
7. Will take a joke of one of my mates and send it back twice as good.
8. Enjoys watching me play Football (Soccer).
9. Will feed my ego but tell me to shut the f**k up when i'm being a d**k.
10. Loves comedy.
11. Understands that Hip-Hop isn't just about b*tches and h*es.
12. Gets ridiculously excited about the smallest of things but...
    
13. Doesn't follow the hype with everything unless its truly deserved.
14. Understands man-crushes aren't homosexual and respects the man-crush.
15. Doesn't need constant reassurance about her looks and can sit there makeup-less and know i think shes hot.

Does she exist?

?

TO

Is Vick Just Too Sick?

On June 12, 2009 Michael Dwayne Vick was released by the Atlanta Falcons.

This man Michael Vick was once heralded by some as the most exciting man to watch in American sports and the 10-year; $130 million contract he signed in 2005 reflect this and the level of faith his team showed in him.

However, after several isolated incidents it arose in 2007 that Vick was, outside of football, the leader of a dog fighting ring under the guise of 'Bad Newz Kennels'. Vick and his associates bred dogs and then forced them to fight each other to the death and gathered crowds to bet on the outcome. Seeing as Vick was one of the highest paid sports stars in the world at the time it's easy to say this wasn't about the money.

It gets worse. The dogs that were deemed to be underdeveloped or did not meet the targets for a fighting dog were brutally tortured and then executed. It is believed they used these methods to avoid creating attention from gunshots so some were beaten to death, some suffocated or drowned.

If you wish to read more (there is a lot) about this case then the details can be found here.

Vick was given the longest sentence of all those charged at 23 months federal imprisonment followed by 3 years of probation. It got worse for Vick as he was cheated financially by two seperate lawyers and he had to file for bankruptcy on July 7, 2008 as he owed his team and several banks money.

Vick was released from prison on May 20, 2009. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will consider lifting his suspension. Vick has reportedly exercised while in prison and eagerly anticipates a return to the NFL.

This creates the dilemma that many argue and a question that i wish to pose to you. After reading the story, does Michael Vick deserve a second chance?

Firstly a video with exactly what he can do well:



But given all the negatives that obviously surround him, should he be allowed to compete again and command giant salaries that reflect his ability but contrast his demeanor?

Several other prominent sports stars such as basketballer, Stephon Marbury, have come out to defend Vick. It is important to remember Vick comes from a poor background in the Southern American states where dog fighting is a normal activity. Other defenders of Vick state that he was excessively punished due to his celebrity status and was made an example of by a harsh judge. Others simply say that Vick has served his sentence and he should be free to return, within the law, to his previous life free from judgement.

I personally feel that the emotionless character necessary for someone to carry out such acts on such loyal and intelligent animals as dogs means that Vick is unlikely to change deep down. The traits that allowed him to carry out such activities are almost impossible to shift and are deeply embedded.

However, i do believe in second chances and the right to move on after serving a prison sentence deemed fair by a court of law. BUT i also believe due to the nature of Vick's life before the prison sentence he should not be allowed to once again play in the NFL as an American Footballer. He isn't an average guy and the money he earned reflected that. When one is in the public eye and a role model to thousands of kids one should not be allowed to just return to how things were after committing such atrocities.

I want to know what you readers think. Leave a comment and a name with your views!

:)

TO

Quickie with TO

I'm off out but I wanted to share this quick preview of Michael McIntyre in Manchester as i'm going to see him later in the year...:



:D

TO