Update

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Craig M

So what has been going on with me lately? Movie viewing is a little slow of late…you’ll have noticed only the occasional review. Well, we’re in the middle of gaming season in the run up to Christmas, and I’ve managed to get hold of a few titles. These are Watchdogs 2, Gears of War 4 and I’m still ploughing through Mafia 3 … and then there’s also Recore – a game I’m not sure at this stage if I’ll go back to. That’s not to mention the various games I’ve still yet to play or get hold of, namely Battlefield 1 and Dishonoured 2. It’s a lot to have on one’s plate and well, games aren’t that short these days…with many being huge open world fairs that last me months.

In other more personal news, I’m pretty busy in work and well, the day to day grind can get stressful occasionally, but I’m getting by in my own way. With my birthday recently it’s given me a mental kick up the arse to be more positive, not dwell on the past and try and be in a better mood more often and for longer periods. I think I do struggle with depression, and can really let it take a grip of me sometimes … but I can’t let it and have to fight against it the best I can.

In recent weeks I’ve realised too that I’m a bit addicted to my favourite band, Garbage and I understand more than anyone this can get a tiresome and over-familiar subject to family and friends. However I actually do enjoy everything about them … listening to their music, following their escapades on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and just enjoying the whole journey with them. It’s a hobby for me and more than just an interest in their music, and has become a big part of my life. I suppose meeting them back in June was the ultimate and has only gone towards making me feel closer to them as a fan. I suppose I shouldn’t really care what others think, should I?

Also, my annual Top Ten Movies of the year is of course on the horizon and I’ve tried my best to watch so many movies, especially some of the real big-hitters of the year. As always, it’s going to be fun compiling a Top Ten and I think It’ll be interesting to see what I make my number 1. I also look forward to reading other blogger’s top tens when the time comes.

Well that’s all from me for now.

Craig.

Autumn TV Goodness and update

Posted on October 18, 2015 by Craig M

Yeah I know to the majority of my readers, that’ll be ‘Fall TV goodness’ but I’m in the UK and well, that’s just how I roll. Starting pretty much from now, there seems a plethora of exciting TV shows coming my way to fill up my nights with quality drama. First off we have the return of The Walking Dead for it’s sixth series. This very consistent and very well made show has never disappointed and the characters and storylines remain as compelling as ever. Next up will be the return of er…The Returned, a French horror drama about a group of dead people who return to their hometown seemingly unaware that the people they love have been mourning their deaths for several years and had only just began to rebuild their lives. Season One was excellent with some great characters and a quality, eerie atmosphere. So I’m looking forward to whatever this season has install.

Last week also saw the latest season of acclaimed drama Homeland hit UK screens and going by that first episode, it looks to be another gripping season ahead. Homeland has certainly been one of the best shows in recent memory and the real-world relevant backdrop of terrorism adds a great deal to the impact this show can have. Starting this Monday too, is the second season of that surprise hit TV spin-off Fargo, based on the Oscar winning Coen Brothers movie of the same name, this time set a number of years before season one. I don’t entirely know what to expect, but last season was so damn good, it should be pretty unmissable. Now add to this I’m still catching up with Game of Thrones which has been fairly consistent and gripping through the almost three seasons I’ve watched thus far, and that’s a lot of TV to cram in.

In other news, I’m gearing up to see my favourite band, alt-rockers Garbage on the 9th of November in London, a very long-awaited and never before realised dream for me personally. The highly anticipated 20 Years Queer Tour kicked off stateside on 06 October and runs until end of November with a final date in lead singer Shirley Manson’s hometown of Edinburgh. I’ve been watching videos on Periscope of them backstage, checking Facebook fairly religiously and probably doing my head in (and everyone else’s) during the build up – but dammit, am I excited and looking forward to it. In preparation I got myself a copy of the re-mastered edition of their debut album in a deluxe version on CD, as well as buying a couple of t-shirts and other bits of merchandise. Hey, I may never see them again as it’s not the easiest thing for me to arrange or make happen … so why not go all out? I’m intending to take some photos and possibly record some footage so maybe I’ll put some stuff on here once it’s all over with.

In recent posts I have remarked on depression and difficult times and I’m trying my best to steer away from this now. I have some amazing things on the horizon that should and will give me a different, more positive outlook on life. I think I’ll always be prone to negative thinking and dwell on the past and on certain people in my past, but looking to the immediate future …. it’s more positive than I sometimes let myself believe. My 40th birthday is also right around the corner and it will mark a milestone in my life and a step in the right direction, and I need to see it that way. I need to look ahead with a clearer outlook and not focus on the past at least not as much, anymore.

A xmas message

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Craig M

Well its upon us, that time of year again, and every year I am not in the mood, being a big grump, letting the things that have happened to me during the year cloud my thoughts and make me a miserable bah humbug. Then like every year, there comes a time where it just hits me. I was out doing some shopping this morning and just gathering some stuff, a birthday card here, a bag of cocktail sausages there, some drinks etc. etc.. Walking around the supermarket with Christmas music blaring in my ears and a couple of ol’ favourites come on – Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses and Fairy Tale of New York by The Pogues. Yeah I’m feeling Christmassy.

That stuff I reported on a little while back about being depressed, was referencing losing / severing ties with someone I was very fond of (… I do wonder if she ever reads this). Well … thoughts of that still linger, but I know it’s the past – she is the past, and I really have to finally accept that, even if it was simply a friendship that I had wanted a lot more from. I need to mend, move-the-fuck-on and well, get on with my life.

This blog is a portion of my life, it’s my comfort blanket and somewhere I can sometimes just bleed out my thoughts, even if more often than not I choose not to. In recent months I think it’s a good idea though and get comfort and support from likes or the occasional comment – and that’s no matter the subject. I’ll keep it mainly movies and games based, but don’t be surprised if I have a self-reflective moan occasionally along the way.

For the blog I am trying to squeeze in those last few movies before the end of the year. I keep getting recommended Angelina Jolie’s Malificent and well, I will surely see Guardians of the Galaxy this weekend. Not sure about much else, what with Christmas day on the horizon and family visiting etc., as well as work in between (sob). I also might do an impressions on Assassin’s Creed Unity, probably one of the most interesting and immediately next-gen games I have played so far.

So wishing all my readers, occasional visitors, regular commenters and anyone else a wonderful festive time. I’ll report back on how my Christmas day turns out, what prezzies I’ve had and what I’m up to on the day itself, and you can look out for a Top Ten of my movie viewing year on New Years Eve as always.

I’ll leave you with this brilliant tune:

Ramblings…

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Craig M

Well it’s a bit of a lazy Sunday so thought I’d write something on here. This past year has had a few ups and downs … personally I’ve gone through some depression. However I think I have overcome most of it, and looking to a future where such a thing isn’t at the forefront of my thoughts (at least not as much). I’m concentrating on more positive things, like friends, family and my job, hobbies etc … things that make me happy. I suppose it’s all about appreciating the good things in life, rather than focusing on what’s missing from it.

In the coming months, as far as this blog is concerned, I have some stuff to look forward to. On the gaming front Destiny is just around the corner … preloaded it on my Xbox One last week, and well it’s been agonizing waiting for it to unlock but it will finally be available on Tuesday. I’ll report back on this long awaited, much anticipated game next week. Also got Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare pre-ordered, along with Sunset Overdrive. Both look amazing.

The Netflix challenge has hit the skids a bit, as I was feeling like it was less about movies I wanted to see, and more about doing the challenge, so not sure if I will go back to it. An interesting ‘experiment’ none the less. Some movie’s on the horizon include reviews of the Blu-ray release of Spirited Away, one of my favourite Studio Ghibli movies … add to that Hayao Myazaki’s swansong The Wind Rises. I also have the 15th Anniversary of The Green Mile pre-ordered, so will finally give my opinion on this much loved prison drama.

Towards the end of the year, it’s possible I may own a PS4. Can see that happening.

In other news: I have been closely following the news on my favourite band Garbage and looking forward to what they have planned for next year. They intend to re-release their debut album to mark it’s 20th anniversary, as well as their sixth studio album that they have been working on for the past year or so. Also a tour has been hinted at and if they make it back to the UK I have, to name one of their best tunes, made a ‘vow’ to see them this time around. Exciting times to be into this band who seem to really be in their element these days.

Well enough from me for the time being. Please remember to check back often for movie reviews and general ramblings and I’ll make sure to keep the content coming. I appreciate all my visitors and subscribers, those that press ‘like’ or offer their comments etc. Makes this little blog really mean a lot to me.

Craig.

Ramblings

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Craig M

Well sitting here at my computer, some 90s music blaring out via iTunes, scrolling through various blogs, internet stuff etc, felt like blogging some stuff that’s in my head.

CES has just come and gone, and what’s with these new curved TVs? Why do we need to watch something on a curved surface? Is it cool or more a case of technology for technologies sake? Oh and what about Ultra HD… 4k, OLED etc…. I have a Full HD 1080p 40inch LED television that I think is more that good enough…. but suppose if the technology really takes off, then we’ll all have them … one day. I like to at least try and keep up with new gadgets, tech but its all moving so fast these days.

I am looking forward to a new Garbage album out this year, and following their touring adventures on Twitter, Facebook has been a joy since they returned from their hiatus. It’s pretty cool isn’t it, with the internet and everything, that us regular human beings can feel so close to these celebrities, rock stars these days? So much more than it used to be say in the 80s or 90s. Oh and talking of 90s, as I write this, Pulp’s Common People is playing … that track is sublime.

On the gaming front, it’s fun looking forward to some of the new games on the horizon … especially Watchdogs which is due out in the spring, and has been announced as being available in various special editions, including one called Dedsec… that comes with a figurine of the main character and soundtrack, the game in a steelbook, badges, an art book and other shizzle…for £94.99 … yes a bit (ahem) pricey. Talking of pricey, I have ordered Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for XB1, for three reasons: firstly there’s not a lot to play on the new console until at least late February (Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes???) and well it’s a shiny new version of one of my favourite games of last year. Also it comes out in deluxe packaging, never a bad thing.

I look at this blog and wonder if sometimes I should post more, get my thoughts and feelings out there, probably not get too personal but unleash my annoyances, concerns, feelings out there … for the public to read, puzzle over, laugh and smile at … but I probably wont … I am just a bit more inward than I sometimes think I should be. That being said to me this blog is an outlet, a place for me to write about what ever I want, even if it isn’t movie related… yes that remains the main subject of the blog, but sometimes I’ll write as today about other things. This has been a bit of a random post from me and not really for any other reason than to just write about something and get my thoughts down. Hope you have enjoyed reading, maybe you learnt a little more about me in the process, or maybe not.

But as we begin a new year, thanks to all who take time to read my stuff on here and I promise to keep posting reviews and musings. Will you join me on this journey?