My Magical Place: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.'

Thus one of the greatest children's books introduced our little furry footed friends to the world and all were amazed and the world has never gotten over hobbits since.

Peter Jackson takes us back to his beautiful rendition of Middle-earth that we all fell in love with in The Lord of the Rings and from the opening scene it feels like we've never left. I'm thoroughly impressed by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro's story-telling ability; they manage to expertly navigate the line between being true to the source material (thus pleasing us rabid fans) and recreating the story where it is necessary. Jackson and his brilliant team set the bar quite high with The Lord of the Rings and I was afraid that The Hobbit would not live up to that standard - the book, after all, is a written for children and is much less epic in scale. The fact that Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) was involved didn't make me any more comfortable. I like Mr del Toro but his imagination is a bit too dark and twisted for Middle-earth.

I'm glad to report that my fears were unfounded and that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey lives up to Jackson's legacy and that the story is brilliantly told and the visuals are amazing. I'm not convinced by 3D technology yet and the 48 frames per second (over the standard 24) that the movie is filmed in didn't change much for me. Be warned that some people in the audience complained about headaches and dizziness. Bear that in mind when you go see the movie. Initially the movie was meant to be released in two parts but it's been decided on a trilogy now with The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again being released in 2013 and 2014 respectively. It's a cash-in scheme for all intents and purposes but if the quality's as good as the first offering fans won't mind forking out the cash for more Middle-earth goodness.

Sir Ian McKellan reprised his role as Gandalf and delivers yet another great performance as the wizard, if not better and more subtle. Also returning to their roles are Hugo Weaving as Elrond, the never ageing Cate Blanchett as Galdriel, Christopher Lee as Saruman and Elijah Wood and Ian Holm in cameo roles as Frodo and Bilbo respectively. Martin Freeman (Sherlock) plays the role of young Bilbo Baggins with nothing but charm; he brings the character to life. A very good looking Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his company of dwarves are very endearing and amusing. One can't help but love them. It's high time the dwarves get the spotlight. Andy Serkis deserves a special mention in delivering another haunting and, dare I say, heartbreaking performance as Gollum. I am especially glad about the inclusion and expansion of the character of the wizard, Radagast the Brown (Sylvester McCoy). His absence in Lord of the Rings was understandable but it was still a loss. My inner fan boy is rejoicing.

If you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings or just want to see good fantasy movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey should be at the top of your list of December movies. Expect a hobbit, adventure, raucous dwarves, trolls, orcs, goblins, wolves, stone giants (uber cool, these), a hint at a dragon and just all-round magic. Some people felt the movie was too long but I felt it was too short. The wait till the next instalment is what is too long.

My Magical Place: Rise of the Guardians

I went to go and see Rise of the Guardians purely because I was bored and seeing Skyfall (2012) a fourth time didn't seem healthy. Also, Santa with those pretty badass tattoos looked pretty cool. Oddly enough most of the children at the cinema were getting tickets for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012). Brave new world, I guess.

I’ve read reviews in which Rise of the Guardians is said to be The Avengers (2012) for children and to a large extent I agree – it’s a team-up movie at heart but for the most part it’s the story of how Jack Frost (Chris Pine) becomes a Guardian. The story takes place roughly 200 years after William Joyce’s The Guardians of Childhood series, which I’ve not read and thus can’t comment on.

It’s a movie for children so the plot is quite easy to follow: The Man in the Moon transformed Jack Frost into a winter spirit about 300 years ago, which means he can manipulate ice using a magical staff but it also means that no one can see him as that requires that they believe in him first, which no one does. Being invisible is a lonely affair for Jack and because he’s quite mischievous he doesn’t get on well with the Guardians, who comprise of: North, or Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin) as most of us know him. He is the Guardian of Wonder, has an amusing Russian accent and sports badass tattoos on each forearm, one reading naughty and the other nice. He lives in the North Pole and manufactures wondrous toys with the help of his Yeti and the constant interruption of his elves, who are useless but extremely cute and somewhat reminiscent of the minions in 2010’s Despicable Me. Sandy, the Sandman is the Guardian of Dreams and the coolest of the Guardians. He doesn’t speak but uses his magical sand to make images of what he wants to communicate. This, of course, often results in some amusing misunderstandings. He is my favourite character in the movie and is a joy to see in all of his 3D glory. The only reason to see this movie in three dimensions is Sandy. Tooth, the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher) is in charge of collecting children’s memories (stored in their teeth) and preserving them at her palace, with the aid of baby fairies. She’s a lummox. Finally there’s E.Aster Bunnymund, the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman) the Guardian of Hope who brings Easter eggs to children the world over. Jack refers to him as a kangaroo because of his Australian accent.

All in the world is not well though, as another spirit, the Bogeyman, also known as the Nightmare King (Jude Law) is hell-bent on destroying everything the Guardians hold dear in order to have all the children believe in him and his nightmares. The Man in the Moon sends the Guardians a message to recruit Jack as one of them and from there a whirlwind adventure ensues that’s magical, amusing and gorgeous in 3D. Rise of the Guardians is fun and embodies the festive spirit without having to try too hard.

Children will love this movie and adults will appreciate its sentiments. Rise of the Guardians made me grin like a kid. It’s not the best thing you’ll see this year but it is something special.

My Magical Place: The Sky Does Fall

"We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." - Tennyson

 

My earlier predictions concerning the falling of the sky turned out to be rather modest because Skyfall is without a doubt the best James Bond movie to date! I've seen less than 10 out of the 23 of them but I say this with the utmost confidence. I know the lore and that's enough on which to form my conclusion. The movie is aware of its 50 year-old heritage and smashes it only to rebuild it and thus reinforce it. Skyfall goes through some pains to emphasise change in the franchise but also goes out of its way to reinforce tradition - it's a fun struggle to watch before it settles on a balance between the two. The re-introduction of Q and Moneypenny is seamless. Both Ben Whishaw and Noamie Harris play their 'modern' updates of the characters very well.

Aside: Whishaw is really doing the rounds and making a name for himself. I also think that Britain is at a place where their seasoned actors are at their peak and the new generation is very talented, which worked well for Skyfall. That tug of war between the old and the new is always at play.

Daniel Craig is amazing! He's the perfect James Bond: highly athletic, intelligent, brutal, witty, murderous and looks damn good in a suit.

Dame Judi Dench delivers her most hands-on role in her Bond movie career and plays it to near perfection. Bérénice Marlohe may be the official Bond Girl but M is the real Bond Girl in Skyfall, or Bond Mom if you're looking to be more accurate. The relationship between her and Bond runs deep and the manner in which Sam Mendes explores it is heartfelt and genuine. There’s a scene in which she reads from Tennyson’s Ulysses and it wrenches your heart out of your chest.

Javier Bardem as villain, Silva is another of the many highlights of Skyfall. He is a lunatic. He is amusing and very disturbing at the same time. He is not over-the-top like many classical Bond villains though. You get what his agenda is and you can sympathise with him.

Keep an eye on Ralph Fiennes' character, Gareth Mallory. He is quite periphery but makes an impact.

The script is all about the small things and how they lend to the overall picture and the dialogue is as crisp as fresh lettuce.

The real Bond Girl

I could nitpick and point out that the movie does get silly in some places but I choose not to because I'm a terrible critic and because the silliness ads to the 007 tradition.

During the final credits I was texting a friend of mine telling her how the opening theme to Bond movies is usually the most tedious part for me and that it was not the case this time around, even after having heard Adele's Skyfall to death prior to seeing the movie.

So folks if you've not done so go and see Skyfall. Stop whatever it is that you are doing and go to the cinema. Now!

Alien Vision: 99EERAKD9QN7

I'm having alien visions. You, faithful reader, can just ignore them.

99EERAKD9QN7

That is all.

Letters to God #6

'Please, I want so badly for good things to happen.' - Sylvia Plath

Pieces of Letters to God

Hi Big G,

How are You doing today? I'm going to gym in a bit, which is pretty much the only thing that's working out for me. I spend most of my days pretty much looking forward to gym - it's a cool drug to be addicted to as far as I can make out. It's much better than my addiction to coffee.

Tell me, Big G, what's Your workout routine like? It must be hard finding a sparring partner or someone to spot You. No one can claim to understand #GodWorld problems, You're pretty much on Your own. If You ever want to grab some ice-cream we can do that and I really don't mind listening.

Mother's sick and she's quite stubborn in her ways - which are unhealthy ways. She doesn't look after herself and that's not working out well. I'm worried and don't know what to do. I'm not the best son at the best of times. It's like that dude who wrote Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Edward Albee is it? That guy. He said that his adoptive parents weren't good at being parents and he wasn't good at being a son and so they parted ways. I don't think I want it to come to that. I like my people a little bit. May I please have some guidance in this area. Thanks a lot.

'I wanna be the best who ever did it

Don't know if that goal is feasible, or it isn't

But if it is then God, if you're listenin'

Please grant me the strength to crush all competition

You can't blame me for dreaming, I'm a dreamer

And if I'm coming off brash please forgive me

But, that's all I want'

- Eminem on Slaughterhouse's Our House

I'm working that inspiration angle like a geometer! I'm in my writing lab everyday now, working on a mixture of words that matter and carry enough weight to uplift hearts. I'm trying to discover the God particles that make up the words that will bring contentment to my soul. I even got a tattoo that reads: Imagine on my wrist to inspire me to sit my ass down and imagine new, shiny horizons on my keyboard. I've mucked up a lot and continue to do so - it's a hard tangle to get out of but I want to flip that shit and become a laptop toting media ninja, killing folk with sneaky insights into everything nerdy entertainment. Please keep giving me the mana potions to blast down media doors and write well.

'I am over 25

And I can't make a name for myself

Some nights I break down and cry'

- fun., One Foot

I don't even know what to say about my other pursuits hey... Life, love, money, drugs, beer and all the rest. It's a murky puddle I frown upon every morning. Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold. I frown. The other night I thought about killing myself with a shoe or something. My sister says You're against that sort of thing though. So no shoes then?

'Oh my God! Have you listened to me lately?

Lately, I've been fucking crazy...'

- fun., Some Nights (Intro.)

I've also let some very good people down lately and I'm sorry for that. It's not my intention to ever hurt people so please send them all some good vibes if You can. Well, I know You can. I guess I mean if You think it'll help. I'm sad about this.

I'm re-visting Middle-earth and that's nice. It's like that Mandela 27 years thing where I imagine he felt every inch of his struggle and it all felt very righteous. The Elves make their sorrow in their struggle against Morgoth seem cool, they make it matter more than everyday pain. My sorrow always just feel lame - just like my life sucks and that's it, there's no other purpose there. Anyhoo, Middle-earth is a nice escape from the day-to-day crap of my so-called real life. If You're in that sort of mood please send me a The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe sort of adventure. I'm too old, I know but it would be nice. Or You can send me my ex-therapist, Ursula. She was cool.

"Please keep giving me mana potions..."

It's always pretty rad-ical talking to You and telling You about all the strange things that befall me. I imagine our creator/creature relationship in the image of a puppy bringing its master a stick because masters love sticks - it's cute. Have Yourself a great evening and and say hi to the Heavenly host for me.

Love,

b3an_Champ

Audio Slave: fun. Some Nights Album Review

@b3an_Champ:

I like music as much as the next fellow... I've never really understood this saying but I mean to say that I like music a great deal but my physical being isn't that way inclined. I have little to no rhythm, three left feet (and I'm not even left footed) and I can't sing my way out of a paper bag. I like listening to music though, a lottle. Music affects my soulstuff in a subtle manner that makes me smile. This review (or commentary mayhap?), thus, is based on how fun.'s Some Nights makes me feel, which ranges from squishy inside to tears.  Joining me is @NthAsia, whose wisdom in this matter exceeds mine and she's more qualified to make judgement. She'll be adding her voice to mine.

And. Here. We. Go!

"It's all fun. and gay 'til someone loses their rights."

I've never heard of these dudes before stumbling on their single, Some Nights. I was at gym when I heard the song and I knew that the more I hear it the more I'll love it - sort of like seeing someone for the first time and knowing that you'll share a portion of yourself with them in the near future. I downloaded the single and let it make itself at home on my phone and gradually got into it and one day on the bus it broke me when the song's tone changes about halfway through and Nate Reuss sings: 'My heart is breaking for my sister and the con that she call "love" / When I look into my nephew's eyes... / Man, you won't believe the most amazing things / That can come from some terrible lies'.

Some Nights turned out to be an odd sort of album for me... I like most of the songs on the album in general but I fully love half of songs like Some Nights, Carry On and Stars. Ruess starts off jokingly enough on serious or semi-serious matters and whilst you're bobbing your head, having a good time the song would transcend its jovial tone and break your heart: 'Well, some nights I rule the world with bar lights and pretty girls / But most nights I stay straight and think about my mom / Oh, God I miss her so much'. I'm still confuddled by such wizardry. It’s the sort of magic that makes you feel sorrow and makes you smile at the same time. I like how fun. blends emotions like sorrow and joy, it makes me feel like I can have a good time no matter how shitty my life gets.

I love all the songs on the album but the three that stand out for me are: Carry On, All Alright and Stars.

I’ve always been a big fan of acts from record label, Fueled by Ramen and fun.’s Jack Antonoff, Andrew Dost and Nate Reuss are more than worthy to share space on my playlist with stable mates like Fall Out Boy, Yellowcard, Paramore, Panic! At the Disco and Gym Class Heroes.

"...some nights I rule the world with bar lights and pretty girls..."

@NthAsia:

I discovered FUN with their first single from Some Nights: We Are Young. I thought it was bold and, dare I say, fun. Who thinks of “set[ting] the world on fire”? I knew I had to get the full album. I did. And just like how @b3an_Champ says, it gives a sense of sharing a portion of yourself with someone, it does. Except in this case, Nate uses his voice to share the band’s portions and stories with you. I am hoping it is not just his stories he is telling, being the lead singer and all. Because, as much as the album sounds very connected, it’s also a lot for just one person to have gone through. Nate’s unique and somewhat raspy voice captures me in a way a sad story always has hope in it. Like how your heart will choose to love a drug addict. You are overwhelmed and hurt constantly by the need to save them, and are aware of the need to walk away, but the love pulls you in. Like honey and a swarm of stinging bees. I hope this makes sense to you somehow. This album is beautiful. People have called FUN the Queen of our time. I am not old enough to know much about Queen except the popular songs like I Want to Break Free and We Are the Champions. I cannot fully grasp what their sound was. But I do know FUN does make you travel back in time and into a space where your soul is fondled with great sadness. One of the few albums where I do not skip a single track, Some Nights will make some of your nights.