Showing posts with label film reviews. Show all posts

Review of eCupid

eCupid (2011)

A gay man nearing 30, and in a 7-year relationship rut, taps into an otherworldly Internet ad that starts omnisciently controlling his life.

Review: Aww I thought this film was cute. Weird and surreal in places but basically very cute if you just look at the romance. 

The acting by Houston Rhines was good, I always worry about the acting skills in some of the gay films I watch (a bit like the made for tv Christmas films that are about to hit our screens). 

Pretty men, cute story that made me go awwwww, with a clear message that you don't know what you've got until you lose it. 

Review of Limitless

Limitless (2011)

With the help of a mysterious pill that enables the user to access 100 percent of his brain abilities, a struggling writer becomes a financial wizard, but it also puts him in a new world with lots of dangers.

Review: Oh wow. This was such a clever film. Why have I not heard about this before? Not only is Bradley Cooper *fine* this is a twisting-turning very clever story, and I loved every minute of it. 

Highly recommended. 

Review of Ant-Man

Review of Ant-Man


Oh, I love superhero movies but for some reason I avoided Ant-Man... I mean he's not Thor. He's not Captain America, how can an ant be a superhero... But omg, I loved this film... Funny and the special effects were awesome (not least of which was making Michael Douglas look younger. Lol.) 

And the guy who played the lead, Paul Rudd, was just awesome. Kind of rough around the edges in a pretty way... And the female lead was strong as well... 

Two regrets... The first is the end last minute of the movie and if you've seen it you'll know what I mean... Yes to what? 

And the other regret is that I didn't see it in the cinema... Shame... 








RJ assistant here. RJ asked me to find a photo of Paul Rudd. Does this one make him look pretty in a rough kind of way?



Review of San Andreas

Review of San Andreas

4/5 awesome special effects and a fairly tight story line until about half hour from the end...

I have a major weakness for a good disaster movie. I've just watched San Andreas on the plane and that was probably the wrong thing to do considering I am on the way to Los Angeles. And yes, LA and San Francisco are pretty much destroyed.. The Hoover damn goes, as does the red bridge, all the usual stuff is no more. There is also the classic end where the Stars and Stripes unfurl. 

I was fascinated to watch because I wrote a disaster story called All The Kings Men in which I basically destroyed LA. There were no forest fires in San Andreas, it fixated a lot on water which was a string part of the characters story line.









I've loved disaster movies ever since the 70s and the one that scared me to death, was Towering Inferno. In fact the first time I watched it I didn't actually get the entire way through it. Then there was the one with the ship that turned upside down, and one I can't actually watch at all - Jaws 'shudders'. 

Volcano, Armageddon, Deep Impact, all these kinds of films I absolutely love. The tsunamis, the collapsing buildings. Volcanoes... Love the special effects so much :)

Do you have a favourite disaster movie?

RJ's assistant here - RJ watches a disaster movie as she flies to Los Angeles. She's insane... just saying. 

Avengers - Age of Ultron - 5/5

The latest in the Marvel universe and I couldn't have been more excited to go see it. I wasnt even put off by the fact I really disliked Iron Man 3 (I really need to watch it again and see if it was as off as I first thought).

Overall, I loved Avengers Assemble.

It was a hotchpotch of story, a bit random, some of it at the beginning a little hard to follow, but maybe I was over analysing it (as apparently I do). Add in some confusing *mind altered* scenes, and a random Thor scene to build up to the next Thor film (I assume) and it took me a while to settle in to the film. Once I was there though, it was a ride, and I loved the story building. Just a few hours of pure escapism.

Unexpected was the really clever and perfect building of Bruce Banner's role (Hulk). Loved. And the home life of Hawkeye.

The action scenes were full on... and yet another City (cities) destroyed... rofl...

And so much eye candy - thought RDJ was exceptionally gorgeous in this film *is shallow*.

Favourite Christmas Movies


Lethal Weapon

Like Die Hard, this isn't a story about Christmas, more a film set at Christmas. I love the sleigh bells, the tree, the cat, the dog, the buddy buddy, the fight in the rain, Mel's acting (even though he's a dick, back then he was sex. Just that. Sex.)

IMDB Entry IMDB Link

Die Hard

Such a Christmas Movie even if it doesn't seem like it at first sight. The music, the lights, the absolutely perfect hero movie...

IMDB Link

A Christmas Carol

Possibly one of my most loved actors in one of my most loved adaptations of A Christmas Carol...

Enchanting, gorgeous, and quite possibly the only time I have fancied Scrooge.

IMDB link



The Holiday

I wish everyone in England lived in a village... in a cottage... with snow... at Christmas... sadly that doesn't happen but I like that Hollywood thinks it does. This story is predictable and therefore is a perfect Christmas romance with a Brit and a American swapping homes for Christmas...

Would love to see this remade as a gay movie. Who's with me on that? Actually I would LOVE to write this as a gay romance... sighs... IMDB Link




Love Actually

So much yummy British Goodness set at Christmas where Hugh Grant is an awesome single Prime Minister. Cliche and saccharine sweet but the real reason I love this so much is the poignant story of the sister who has the additional needs brother.

IMDB entry - IMDB Link




White Christmas

Now this brings back memories of when I was tiny and there was a choice between two channels on our TV and they would show a Christmas film, either a James Bond or White Christmas... or The Wizard of Oz come to think of it.

IMDB Entry

The Snow Bride

Made for TV Hallmark Channel, and perfect with a glass of wine and some chocolates, predictable and snowy christmas story... sighs...

IMDB Link

Sue Brown’s Five Favourite Christmas Movies or why Sue has a crush on Bruce Willis


...why Sue has a crush on Bruce Willis

But let’s start with Chance to be King. It does link in – honest, guv! I am very fond of Chance to be King.

It was my first solo story to be published as an author back in 2010 and I’m thrilled that Dreamspinner picked it up for republication.

A lot of my books, particularly the early ones, reference two favourite films of mine; Princess Bride and Die Hard. As Die Hard is a Christmas film, yes it is, it really really is, I’ve included it here.

Die Hard – I admit to have a penchant for Bruce Willis in Die Hard and Eric is my homage to Bruce, although possibly a foot taller and maybe a tad better-looking, with hair. I always love a cynical anti-hero and Brucie running around in a vest makes me very happy.

Okay, he kills off Alan Rickman and Jeremy Irons but hard-drinking anti-authority John McClane makes my toes curl. Also, the film is so eighties. The shoulder pads, the big suits, no mobile phones.

Make the Yuletide Gay – Rob Williams’ gay romance makes my cynical cold heart melt every time I see it. Gunn and Nathan are an adorable couple, and I firmly believe they’ll have their happy ever after. Anya and Sven, Gunn’s parents, wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Santa Clause – for a woman who hates Christmas movies I have a very soft spot for The Santa Clause, and I’m not sure why. It includes all the things I hate; cute kids, plot that induces cavities, and snow.

Yet, Tim Allen just pulls off the dad, forced into becoming Santa after he accidently knocks the actual Father Christmas off his roof. There is no logic in loving Christmas movies.

The Polar Express – we watch The Polar Express every year. Initially it was because my son and his obsession with all things trains, but he’s way past that stage and yet we still watch it every year.

I still think Tom Hanks is as scary as shit as the conductor, and it’s not all sweetness and light. There are some dark moments as well. Maybe that’s why I like it.

Home Alone – You may laugh or cringe at this choice, but it’s a family favourite. I think my kids still love it because the kid beats the adults every time. I think I love it because it’s not dependent on technology. It’s slapstick all the way.

And finally, for those I don’t speak to on a regular basis, I wish you a Happy Holidays and a glorious New Year.


Sue’s bio

Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn't following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop. In fact she hides so she can plot and has become an expert at ignoring their commands.


Sue’s internet links

https://www.facebook.com/suebrownstories?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/suebrownstories
mailto:suebrown.stories@gmail.com
http://suebrownsstories.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=711a0a0202d37ef6
http://www.pinterest.com/suebrownstories/
https://www.goodreads.com/sue_brown


Christmas Countdown 2013 - 22 December

Favourite Christmas Movies

Love Actually - so much yummy British Goodness set at Christmas where Hugh Grant is an awesome single Prime Minister.

Fab film

And very poignant with the sister who has the additional needs brother.

IMDB entry - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314331/













The last but by no means least featured Anthology Author is

Meredith Russell with her story Spiced Apple and Cinnamon

Unfortunately, we do not have any blurb for this story. Instead, spend some time looking round the blog at her fine artwork that is on display in many locations.

22/12/2013 - 11:21AM. Found it on Meredith's blog -

It's Christmas morning but Keegan can't bring himself to enjoy the day. Not just yet. Not until Alex is home and safe and in his arms and they can celebrate the day together.

Meredith's Special Christmas Memory

I love Christmas. I love the colours, the smells, the food, and if we're lucky, we get a sprinkle of snow.

No matter what you believe in, for me Christmas is all about family, spending time with them, sharing gifts and laughs, and lots of food and drink.

Just lazing around and being together.

Info on Meredith Russell

Meredith can be found on her blog here.

Not read it yet? What are you waiting for? Download the anthology for FREE at Love Lane Books or All Romance eBooks.

Mr RJ's Crap Joke Section

Last night turned out to be a little bit more than a few alcoholic beverages. Three pints of beer, five southern comfort and lemonades later I stumbled to the door at 2:00AM in the morning. In true self employed style I even managed to answer a Love Lane Website query that had come in. Mind you, I had to rewrite the email a couple of times and the keys on my laptop were not where they usually are!**!??  The first pub we visited had one really cool feature. They let dogs in! The woof woof type :). Now I love dogs and I think myself and Jack may have to frequent this drinking establishment. He will love the fuss all the customers and staff seem to make with the dogs.

Anyway I'm prattaling, so back to the business in hand.  Tonights selection comes from a car forum I belong to.  The thread is entitled "Crap Jokes" so I think they qualify for this section and what a bumper selection!

Bought some 'rocket salad' yesterday but it went off before I could eat it!

Just got back from my mate's funeral. He died after being hit on the head with a tennis ball.
It was a lovely service.

I've just found out who was nicking my beetroot. I caught him red handed.

I used to work in a shoe-recycling shop. It was sole-destroying.

I was attacked by some little ginger boy doing martial arts.
It turned out to be the carroty kid!

My daughter asked me for a pet spider for her birthday, so I went to our local pet shop and they were £70!!!
Blow this, I thought, I can get one cheaper off the web.. 

A book just fell on my head.
I have only my shelf to blame.

Why did the fungi leave the party?
Because there wasn't mushroom.

Santa says to Mrs. Claws "Any idea what the weather will be like for Christmas?". 
Mrs Claws: "Look's like rain, dear"

I told my friend not to dig beneath me to find gold but he went ahead and undermined me.

My mate has just moved in with his girlfriend and her massive magazine collection. When she refused to part with them he left her.  She had too many issues.

The universe implodes. No matter.

Two atoms are walking down the street.
Says one atom to the other, "Hey! I think I lost an electron!"
The other says, "Are you sure??"
"Yes, I'm positive!"

A mate of mine recently admitted to being addicted to brake fluid. When I quizzed him on it he reckoned he could stop any time....

I went to the cemetery yesterday to lay some flowers on a grave. As I was standing there I noticed 4 grave diggers walking about with a coffin, 3 hours later and they're still walking about with it. I thought to myself, they've lost the plot!!

I start a new job in Seoul next week. I thought it was a good Korea move.

Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarves are not Happy.  

More from Nancy :-

How many reindeer does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Eight. One to screw in the bulb and seven to hold Rudolph down.

What do you call a scary reindeer?
A cariboo

What do you call an elf wearing earmuffs?
Anything you want. He can't hear you

So there we go for another day.  A couple of  thank you's.  Thank you to Laurie P for asking for a Mr RJ section for crap jokes. Are you mad Laurie?  You wish this infliction to continue?  I do come across some bad ones every so often so I may be back on the odd occasion to make you all groan!  Thanks to Susan for the link.

Until tomorrow.....

The Twenty Five Days of Christmas Competition

For the master post explaining prizes, etc, visit Competition and prizes for the twenty five days of Christmas. Don't forget every entry you make counts towards the grand prize on 25 December. So if you enter every day, you will have 24 chances for to win..

Today enter the competition to win a signed copy of The Christmas Throwaway paperback and a RJ Scott Pen.

Good Luck!!!!!


Christmas Countdown 2013 - 14 December

My favourite Christmas Movies

White Christmas - Bing Crosby

Now this brings back memories of when I was tiny and there was a choice between two channels on our TV and they would show a Christmas film, either a James Bond or White Christmas... or The Wizard of Oz come to think of it.

IMDB Entry














Today's featured Anthology Author is

Hollis Shiloh with her story The Christmas Mansion

In a world of gas lighting and horse-drawn carriages, Rex is fixing up an old mansion to host a Christmas party for his wealthy family's business. He meets a gentle, insecure magician named Gene, who's come to work on the crumbling mansion's moldings. He doesn't expect to fall in love.

Hollis Shiloh's Special Christmas Memory

For me, Christmas is a bright spot at a dark time of year, a reminder of family and sharing, light and music, caring and hope. I love Christmas stories because they're almost always filled with reflection and happiness. I also like snow, frosted windows, the smell of pine, and Christmas carols.

Info on Hollis Shiloh

Hollis can be found on her blog here.

Did you like her story? Leave a message on her blog to let her know.

Not read it yet? Download the anthology for FREE at Love Lane Books or All Romance eBooks

Mr RJ's Crap Joke Section

Good Evening everyone. Hope you are all having a great Friday.  Mrs RJ and myself have been very busy this afternoon with the release of Texas 5 and I'm now writing this with just under an hour to go before this post goes live. Mrs RJ has gone to bed (she's not feeling too good and seems like she has a bad cold).  Looks like I'll be getting Man Flu anytime soon :). I'm yawning away but on the TV, to keep me company, is the Graham Norton show with his guests Jamie Oliver, Ben Stiller and Martin Freeman.  More comedy for a Friday night!

I'll start you with two jokes I was quite impressed with.  The first was on the Radio this morning from an 8 year old.  Very clever :)

Did you hear about the magic tractor?
It went down the lane and turned into a field.

the second on TV last night

Why did the pie goto the Dentist?
To get a filling

Boom Boom :).

To finish I present to you a selection of the jokes left in the comments with thanks to the contributors :-

from Nancy :-

How do you scare a snowman?
With a hair dryer

Why did the cactus cross the road?
It was stuck to the chicken's back.

Why did the duck cross the road?
It was the chicken's day off.

hmmmm.  Thinking we might have to have some Why did the ???? cross the road jokes.

and from Paula

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
Frostbite.

What do you call a cat on the beach at Christmas.
Sandy Claws

and from Sharon

How do sheep in Mexico say "Merry Christmas"?
Fleece Navidad

What did one sheep say to the other sheep?
"after ewe"

Until the next time......

The Twenty Five Days of Christmas Competition

For the master post explaining prizes, etc, visit Competition and prizes for the twenty five days of Christmas. Don't forget every entry you make counts towards the grand prize on 25 December. So if you enter every day, you will have 24 chances for to win..

Today enter the competition to win a $10 Amazon Voucher.  In addition, a further entry pulled out of the hat will receive two free eBooks from Hollis Shiloh's back catlalog.

Good Luck!!!!!


Christmas Countdown 2013 - 12 December

My favourite Christmas Movies

Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon, way back in 1987

Like Die Hard, this isn't a story about Christmas, more a film set at Christmas. I love the sleigh bells, the tree, the cat, the dog, the buddy buddy, the fight in the rain, Mel's acting (even though he's a dick, back then he was sex. Just that. Sex.)


IMDB Entry http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093409/


(1987... did I mention it was 1987... jeez... so old)









Today's featured Anthology Author is

Gary Hendrickson with his story Our Best Christmas.

Jackson swore he’d make it up to Kevin over what happen last year, but trouble at work is making it difficult to follow through on his plan then an unexpected gift on Christmas Eve changes everything.

Gary's Special Christmas Memory

"if it doesn't move decorate it"

When it comes to Christmas no part of the house is safe as my sister found out one year when she arrived home and found a decorated tree hanging in her bedroom window, there was no place for it to sit.

Info on Gary Hendrickson

Gary can be found via Facebook here.  Let him know what you thought of his story.

Not read it yet? Download the anthology for FREE at Love Lane Books or All Romance eBooks

Mr RJ's Crap Joke Section

What have you started Nancy?

I must admit I like a good joke.  But I particularly like a good rude joke and Nancy posted one in the comments on the 10th.  In case you missed it, here it is....

What comes before Christmas Eve?
Christmas Adam

My kind of humor. So on this note, tonight I present to you a selection of rude Christmas jokes....

Why doesn’t Santa have any children?
Because he only comes once a year, and when he does, it’s down the chimney. 

What’s the difference between snowmen and snowladies?
Snowballs.

What do the female reindeer do when Santa takes the male reindeer out on Christmas Eve?
They go into town, and blow a few bucks.

I joined a nudist colony last week.  First few days were the hardest.

Why did the snowman have a smile on his face?
Because the snowblower was coming down the block.

OK. So they're not that rude but I don't want anyone taking offense.  Just take a gate instead :)

And with such bad humor all round, I will wish you all Good Night. Before I go, thank you to all who comment on this section and post jokes of their own.  If there was a deathly silence this feature would probably have stopped by now.  If you want it to stop, you know what to do :).

The Twenty Five Days of Christmas Competition

For the master post explaining prizes, etc, visit Competition and prizes for the twenty five days of Christmas. Don't forget every entry you make counts towards the grand prize on 25 December. So if you enter every day, you will have 24 chances for to win..

Today enter the competition to win a $10 Amazon Voucher.

Good Luck!!!!!

Christmas Countdown 2013 - 6 December

Favourite Christmas Movies

Die Hard, starring the vest wearing shoeless bad ass Bruce Willis and the English Gentleman turned German Terrorist for the part - Alan Rickman

So this may not be a traditional Christmas Movie, but it is one of my fave films set AT Christmas. Snow, Jingle Bells, a Christmas Party...

This is most definitely in my top ten of all films. Took me ages to get Mr RJ to watch but once he did he was hooked too.

Yippy Ki Yay people....

IMDB Entry

(OMG was it really out in 1988! I feel so old)







Today's featured Anthology Author is

Nicole Dennis with her story Christmas Promise

Wounded by an IED and medically discharged, Marine Trace LaPointe wandered around the country until a simple postcard with the reminder of a promise stopped him.

Lost in his damaged body and pride, he didn't want to return home to face the man he left behind. Days before Christmas, he makes his way to his hometown to face the unknown.

Geeky, book-smart Camden Ross loved a boy after Trace protected him on the schoolyard.

When Trace signed for the Marines, Camden had a pair of saint medallions created to protect his one love and partner. He made him promise to return home after his tour finished. Several tours later, there was no Trace and Camden moved on with his life.

He never forgot his first love, sending a postcard in the mail every Christmas as a reminder, hoping one day his love would appear on his doorstep.

Info on Nicole Dennis

Nicole can be found on her blog here.

Did you like her story?  Facebook her here to let her know.

Not read it yet?  Download the anthology for FREE at Love Lane Books or All Romance eBooks 

Mr RJ's Crap Christmas Jokes Section

I know you have all been waiting with bated breath for another instalment of more rubbish jokes on the blog (well Suzy & Nancy have at least :) ) and I hear your cries after reading the first lot of "if I was not wearing a corset my sides would of split" to quote Blackadder. So let me disappoint you no further and start you off with some real humdingers :-

What do angry mice send to each other at Christmas?
Cross Mouse Cards!

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?
One that's deep pan, crisp and even!


and quite possibly the worse I have found so far :-

What carol is heard in the desert?
O camel ye faithful!

More tomorrow unless the complaints are too high :).

The Twenty Five Days of Christmas Competition

For the master post explaining prizes, etc, visit Competition and prizes for the twenty five days of Christmas
Don't forget every entry you make counts towards the grand prize on 25 December.  So if you enter every day, you will have 24 chances for to win..

Today enter the competition to win a signed copy of New York Christmas and a RJ Scott Pen


Christmas Countdown 2013 - 4 December

Another of my favourite Christmas Films

Possibly one of my most loved actors in one of my most loved adaptations of A Christmas Carol...

Enchanting, gorgeous, and quite possibly the only time I have fancied Scrooge.

IMDB link

Today's featured Anthology Author is

Diane Adams with her story Christmas Lightning

For some people to find love, it takes a bit more than a little Cupid's arrow. A bottle over the head might be more effective, or maybe a little bit of Christmas Lightning. 

Dr Richard Jackson's first encounter with reluctant patient Lane Reed sparks with unexpected interest, but even though Jax knows he has a weakness for the 'good-ol-boy' type, he can't bring himself to hand over the infuriating man to someone else. And it gets worse. 

As the night wears on he begins to think he doesn't want anyone else taking care of Lane again...ever. Which is ridiculous. 

Right?

Info on Diane Adams

Diane can be found on her blog here.

Did you like her story?  Facebook her here to let her know.

Not read it yet?  Download the anthology for FREE at Love Lane Books or All Romance eBooks 

The Twenty Five Days of Christmas Competition

For the master post explaining prizes, etc, visit Competition and prizes for the twenty five days of Christmas
Don't forget every entry you make counts towards the grand prize on 25 December.  So if you enter every day, you will have 24 chances for to win..

Today enter the competition to win a full set of signed Sanctuary Postcards, and a RJ Scott pen



Christmas Countdown 2013 - 2 December

My favourite Christmas films...

I wish everyone in England lived in a village... in a cottage... with snow... at Christmas... sadly that doesn't happen but I like that Hollywood thinks it does.

This story is predictable and therefore is a perfect Christmas romance with a Brit and a American swapping homes for Christmas...

Recommended with wine, chocolate and your closest friend to cuddle.

Would love to see this remade as a gay movie. Who's with me on that?

Actually I would LOVE to write this as a gay romance... sighs...

IMDB Link







Today's featured Anthology Author is

Kay Berrisford with her story Gifts from the Tree

When Phin deserts James on Christmas Eve, offering vague excuses, James is left wondering how well he knows the man he’s been seeing. Phin, an expert on forest mythology, clearly has secrets, which doesn’t make James feel any better as he faces Christmas alone. But when an attempt to collect a Christmas tree takes a strange and magical turn, James finds out the supernatural happenings in the woods and Phin’s absence could be linked.

Kay is runing a competition on her blog to win a choice of any of her eBooks + a $10 LooseID voucher.

Did you like her story?  Facebook her here to let her know.

Not read it yet?  Download the anthology for FREE at Love Lane Books or All Romance eBooks

The Twenty Five Day competition

For the master post explaining prizes, etc, visit Competition and prizes for the twenty five days of Christmas

Don't forget every entry you make counts towards the grand prize on 25 December.  So if you enter every day, you will have 24 chances for to win...

The prize today is a Free RJ Scott eBook from RJ's backlist or first sight of a new upcoming book.

COMPETITION for 2nd December NOW CLOSED... Don't forget to enter on the other days in December... Each day can be found on this blog. Full details of all prizes: HERE

Thor 2: The Dark World, Film Review

A solid entry into the Marvel universe... Loved Thor and Loki... 5/5

Meredith Russell reminded me that I didn't tell her what I thought of Thor 2 and so I added it to the list of things I wanted to do today.

I wasn't a great fan of Thor I. I mean I loved it, don't get me wrong, I loved Thor, and Loki, and Asgard, and the ice giants... I just didn't *get* the romance. Some said in a Marvel film you don't necessarily need a romance, and I understand that, but in Thor I it was like *the whole poignant part of having to leave her* meant nothing to me.

Having also not been over impressed with Iron Man 3 (and that review I couldn't even bring myself to write!) I was interested to see how Thor would work out.

I am so pleased I didn't give up on Thor (and I mean, who could, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston ... sighs).

The film, Thor, Loki, their mother, the wonderful part played by Idris Elba as the guardian... it was a really well crafted story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And... I enjoyed the romance this time. The humour was spot on and I ended up feeling this was a very solid film. One achingly beautiful scene in the prison with Loki had my emotions all upside down. Gah... that Thor could see him... sighs...

Then there was *that part of the film* I can't give anything away with spoilers but I am itching to write what I thought of *that part of the film*. I wont write anything about *that part of the film* and please, no spoilers in the comments if you leave one. But, DAMN MY WRITER'S MIND for knowing EXACTLY what was going on...

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

So, all in all, a solid 5/5 but you really need to have seen Thor I to appreciate Thor 2 properly. Also Thor 2 alludes in places to The Battle Of New York (TM, ROFL) which was in Avengers... so you may want to watch that as well...

Hell, watch them all. If you are a Marvel fan this Thor film does not disappoint. (Just don't get too excited by Iron Man 3)

RJ

p.s I LOVED the end theme... http://youtu.be/kWmfIacPS94


Now You See Me - Film Review 4/5

Now You See Me

IMDB

An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.
My thoughts...

Loved Jesse Eisenberg, spent the first half an hour trying to recall where I had seen him before then recalled he played Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network. Also Dave Franco (Little brother of James), but I didn’t recognise him, and Isla Fisher was stunning and sexy.

I’m not a great fan of Woody Harrelson. Loved him in Indecent Proposal but after that it seems he plays the same quirky character in everything.

Morgan Freeman seemed a little odd… I didn’t quite get his characters, but I loved Michael Caine.

Twist in the story – didn’t see it coming. Not often I get caught, so very nicely done!

The story wasn’t quite paranormal to convince me there was a paranormal element to it at all, so I found the direction of the movie a little confusing. BUT all in all, 95% of the film was bloody awesome. Just that 5% off for a strange lack of direction or motivation towards why they all did what they did.

I think the film wanted to be a revenge movie, a twist movie, a hyper-loud action movie, but couldn’t quite settle on any one thing…

Still 4/5 and recommended as chewing gum for the eyes…


The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - 5/5

If I could give it more than 5/5 I would.... rofl

IMDB Entry for the film

A wonderful escape into Middle Earth with camaraderie, bromance, love and danger...

Martin Freeman as Bilbo. I love Martin Freeman and he has a particular way of acting and I was a little worried that Martin's depiction of Bilbo would be 'Martin doing an impression of someone called Bilbo'.

I soon realised that he had upped his game tremendously and he became Bilbo for me.

The dwarves... I think the studio missed a HUGE marketing initiative here... there are too many photos and posters around of odd looking dwarves doing stupid things... and having seen Snow White and the Huntsman and absolutely hating it I was expecting a repeat. I was so wrong.

Richard Armitage - Thorin
Yes they did stupid stuff but as soon as they stood in front of Bilbo's fire and sang a lament I was HOOKED. There was love between them, and a common goal, and Richard Armitage as Thorin was just bloody awesome. Add in the stunning Aidan Turner as Kili and I could see bromance throughout the whole group.

These dwarves loved each other and would die for each other. The moment with the Storm giants when Fili and Kili are separated is heartbreaking. The dwarves are not there as light relief; they light up the screen with their intense relationships and camaraderie.

As usual Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf was just so well done. He is Gandalf to me and his character's absolute faith in the courage of the Hobbit is just perfect.

Gollum was even better rendered in this film I think as we see him in the shadows under the mountain.
Aidan Turner - Kili 
We get to see the Elves and there is inclusion of back story, especially for the fall of Erebor and of Thorin's family, that were stories or back story that were small parts of the written book. Very well done.

A friend told me that even though she loved the immersion in the world and the film, that there was kind of a nothing plot and I suppose I went in with the thought that it could never be as good as the LOTR films.

See, I loved the LOTR trilogy so much and add in spreading a small book over three films and I couldn't understand how it would work. I was ready to be disappointed.

The eye of Smaug
It worked. It worked REALLY well. There was danger, excitement, humour, brotherly love and enough stunning landscapes to make the film stunning. The story had a natural break and the eye of Smaug echoed the eye of Sauron... beautiful...I am so excited for film two which I imagine will be out next Christmas.

Memories

Out of the frying pan and into the fire.... I remember reading The Hobbit as a child and my dad explaining what this meant to me... made me smile and sad...

Movie Review - Latter Days - 5/5


"...when I first came to Los Angeles, it looked like just this mass of dots... all jumbled and disconnected..."

Blurb

Christian (Wes Ramsey), a hunky, 20-something, West Hollywood party boy gets more than he bargains for when he tries to seduce 19-year-old Elder Aaron Davis (Steve Sandvoss), a sexually confused Mormon missionary who moves into his apartment complex.

When Christian exposes Davis' secret sexual desire, Davis' rejects Christian for being shallow and empty, The encounter shatters each boy's reality and draws the two into a passionate romance that risks destroying their lives. 

Latter Days is a charming, sexy, and moving tale that will leave you believing in the transformational power of love. IMDB :: Website

Redwoods - 4/5

A real story of a powerful love. The love for the man in your heart, for family and for a child. Lovely. 4/5. 

IMDB link

When I finished watching Role/Play I had a real smile on my face, Redwoods on the other hand left me feeling so introspective and sad.

It's supposed to. It's a sad ending and that is the warning I will give you. So anyone with a HEA fetish (AKA ME!) had best maybe not watch this. There is one very passionate and incredibly hot sex scene and lots of what i love - tender kissing and touching...

I loved Matthew Montgomery in this... and Brendan Bradley was awesome as well... a very sweet, wholly satisfying love story that I would recommend watching with a box of tissues. I can't say any more for fear of giving it all away...

Role/Play 4/5


A recently outed soap opera actor crosses paths with a recently divorced gay marriage activist, forcing them to confront the price of fame and the fickle nature of celebrity within the gay community.

* * * * *

This film left me with a very happy smile on my face and that is the best type of way to leave film in my opinion (I do like my Happy Ever Afters (TM)).

I am no great expert in gay films but I know what I like and I liked this one hell of a lot.

Once past the first ten minutes of info dump type discussion about who or what is who the film unfolds in the best MM romance traditions.

Lust. Angst. Sex. Misunderstandings. Facing Truths. Handling Lies. Love. All wrapped up with an incredibly convincing couple of guy, who I have been told are partners in real life.

I loved that the whole thing didn't venture outside the hotel apartments in Palm Springs *What happens in Palm Springs, stays in Palm Springs*. There was no fighting face to face bigotry but there was plenty of moments when the outside world intruded and the characters were forced to deal with the what if's and maybe's of being seen together. I kind of knew what the secrets were but I guess that is the writer in me (I hate myself at the movies sometimes!)

My best sum up of this film - I wish I had written this story.

Avengers Assemble 5/5


Where do I begin. It's a 5/5 film. I don't want to say anything else... I want to jealously hoard my reactions to this amazing, gorgeous, well written, fantastically crafted hero movie. I want to go back to the cinema immediately and watch it all over again... and then a third time just to make sure. It's a huge film with huge special effects. Even though each hero becomes part of the team they retain their own character.

I loved it.