People come and go, you've got to accept that as fact.
I'm pretty sure Simon has gone and it's something I'm not overly happy about but I don't think it's something I can change.
Yeah that comes across as a bit mysterious and melodramatic.
Simon is someone I've known for quite a while, I actually don't remember exactly how long, and someone whose views I always valued. He also pushes me.
I think everyone needs someone who tries to make you a better version of yourself. He's very switched on and has a steely constitution, though I have seen it crack once or twice to remind me he is actually human.
He's emotionally strong, I find it hard to be sometimes.
I'm not sure exactly where along the way we started to move in different directions, though I suspect it's more him moving and me staying put. Eventually, I couldn't keep up.
I'm not blaming Simon for anything. If there is blame to be thrown around it's likely it should be shot back at me. And it's a shame.
Ultimately any relationship, be it professional or personal, lives and dies through how much attention it is given and as much as I hate to say it....
Cheers, Simon. I never quite felt good enough to be in the inner sanctum. I'm just sorry I was right.
Friday, April 20, 2018
The 2017 Raymo Awards
It started with Passengers and wound up with Jumanji, and now’s that time to review the year in film in between.
I saw 45 films at the cinema this year (and as always a big thanks to JAFFA and Reading Cinemas) and overall I think it was a solid year. And just like last year 24 movies were rated 7.5 or above, of those scoring 6 or below there were only seven so that’s less than 2016.
Quality drama rose to the top this year and yet again super hero movies were prominent, for the most part they were very well executed too. The reboots/sequels etc didn’t shape up on the whole with a couple of minor exceptions.
Without further ado, here’s my 2017 in film.
1. Lion (10/10)
Nobody would be surprised to see this dramatised version of Saroo Brierly’s true story top the list. And it’s an Australian film too! Lion starts in India and we meet a young Saroo (played amazingly by Sunny Pawar), who is lost while tagging along with his older brother and winds up 1000s of miles away from home. He’s eventually adopted by a Tasmanian couple and grows up there. The second half is the story of how an older Saroo searches for his lost family. It’s stunningly made, emotional in the right spots and everything a good drama should be. Easily the best movie of the year.
Nobody would be surprised to see this dramatised version of Saroo Brierly’s true story top the list. And it’s an Australian film too! Lion starts in India and we meet a young Saroo (played amazingly by Sunny Pawar), who is lost while tagging along with his older brother and winds up 1000s of miles away from home. He’s eventually adopted by a Tasmanian couple and grows up there. The second half is the story of how an older Saroo searches for his lost family. It’s stunningly made, emotional in the right spots and everything a good drama should be. Easily the best movie of the year.
2. Manchester By The Sea (9/10)
An acting tour de force by Casey Affleck that rightly won him an Oscar for Best Actor. This is a heavy film, as you’d expect for a movie about grief. Affleck plays Lee, a handyman carrying a heavy burden from his past who, when his brother dies, is called on to be guardian for his teenage nephew Patrick. He reluctantly moves back to Manchester where he’s confronted with his ex-wife Randi (Michelle Williams, also outstanding) and the past he’s running away from. There’s some wrenching drama in this film and if you’re left wondering why Lee doesn’t pull himself together the answer is in one line in the movie – ‘I can’t beat it’. Brilliant.
An acting tour de force by Casey Affleck that rightly won him an Oscar for Best Actor. This is a heavy film, as you’d expect for a movie about grief. Affleck plays Lee, a handyman carrying a heavy burden from his past who, when his brother dies, is called on to be guardian for his teenage nephew Patrick. He reluctantly moves back to Manchester where he’s confronted with his ex-wife Randi (Michelle Williams, also outstanding) and the past he’s running away from. There’s some wrenching drama in this film and if you’re left wondering why Lee doesn’t pull himself together the answer is in one line in the movie – ‘I can’t beat it’. Brilliant.
3. Wonder (9/10)
For a PG movie, Wonder came as quite a surprise. Auggie (a brilliant turn by Jacob Tremblay) begins the fifth grade, his first time in public school, but people can’t seem to get past the scars on his face that were the result of a number of operations due to a rare condition. He likes to get around wearing an astronaut’s helmet and he finds school as confronting as the children find him. It’s treated with warmth and supporting roles from Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson as his parents add depth. It’s also told from a few perspectives which was interesting. If you missed it, it’s well worth it and don’t think it’s a tearjerker – though I can’t promise you won’t shed one!
For a PG movie, Wonder came as quite a surprise. Auggie (a brilliant turn by Jacob Tremblay) begins the fifth grade, his first time in public school, but people can’t seem to get past the scars on his face that were the result of a number of operations due to a rare condition. He likes to get around wearing an astronaut’s helmet and he finds school as confronting as the children find him. It’s treated with warmth and supporting roles from Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson as his parents add depth. It’s also told from a few perspectives which was interesting. If you missed it, it’s well worth it and don’t think it’s a tearjerker – though I can’t promise you won’t shed one!
4. Wonder Woman (9/10)
Who would have thought DC would produce the best super hero film of the year?! Why they didn’t do it before Dawn Of Justice is anyone’s guess but the origin story of Diana Prince (played with class by Gal Gadot) is all quality. When Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes near the mysterious island of Themyscira he brings the real world to the Amazons. Diana is convinced the god Ares is responsible for the conflict and leaves to take the fight to him and save the world from war. She’s brilliantly naïve early on and there’s plenty of awkward humour that’s been missing from the DC films. My only gripe is that she’s yet to be referred to as ‘Wonder Woman’ in any of her appearances. But it’s a fantastic super hero entry.
Who would have thought DC would produce the best super hero film of the year?! Why they didn’t do it before Dawn Of Justice is anyone’s guess but the origin story of Diana Prince (played with class by Gal Gadot) is all quality. When Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes near the mysterious island of Themyscira he brings the real world to the Amazons. Diana is convinced the god Ares is responsible for the conflict and leaves to take the fight to him and save the world from war. She’s brilliantly naïve early on and there’s plenty of awkward humour that’s been missing from the DC films. My only gripe is that she’s yet to be referred to as ‘Wonder Woman’ in any of her appearances. But it’s a fantastic super hero entry.
5. The Fate Of The Furious (Fast & Furious 8) (9/10)
I don’t know what to say, I’m a sucker for this series of films and they seem to get better and better (albeit more ridiculous). Having finally brought the family together in F&F7, Dominic Toretto is drawn away from the good side by a mysterious villain named Cipher (Charlize Theron). While I think she was a little underused it’s a great twist on the series forcing Hobbs, Letty and company to battle Dom and win him back. There’s also a fantastic dynamic between Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham that apparently has spawned a spin off that will delay F&F9 (not sure I’m happy about that). Great fun.
I don’t know what to say, I’m a sucker for this series of films and they seem to get better and better (albeit more ridiculous). Having finally brought the family together in F&F7, Dominic Toretto is drawn away from the good side by a mysterious villain named Cipher (Charlize Theron). While I think she was a little underused it’s a great twist on the series forcing Hobbs, Letty and company to battle Dom and win him back. There’s also a fantastic dynamic between Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham that apparently has spawned a spin off that will delay F&F9 (not sure I’m happy about that). Great fun.
Honourable mentions: Spider-Man: Homecoming (9/10) is the Spider-Man film we’ve desperately wanted for years and Marvel nailed it with the casting of Tom Holland and the integration into the MCU. Just bumped out of the top five by Wonder. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 (8.5/10) fell a bit short of the first film, possibly because of the raised expectations, but stood up pretty well thanks to the dynamic between the main cast. There were a few surprises from leftfield and I bet a lot of you haven’t heard of these – A Ghost Story (8/10) sees Casey Affleck covered in a sheet for most of the film (as a ghost) after his character dies. He returns to try to comfort his wife and make sense of what happened. Paterson (8/10) is a simple film about a man (Adam Driver) who leads a seemingly mundane life but it’s a slow burn and is better on reflection as well. Baby Driver (8/10) was very cool and possibly rated higher had it not had about seven endings. A few others to note are 20th Century Women (8/10), Thor: Ragnarok (8/10) and War For The Planet Of The Apes (8/10) wrapped up the trilogy very nicely.
Surprise of the year: Goodbye Christopher Robin (8/10) is the story of how A.A. Milne created Winnie The Pooh and its beloved characters inspired by his son. My expectation wasn’t super high. Domhnall Gleeson plays Milne while Margot Robbie is his wife Daphne. Upon the birth of their son both parently basically ignore young Christopher Robin (who they call Billy Moon) for different reasons. When Milne is forced to care for his son it leads to him writing a book about him and his toys. It’s an excellent story and definitely one I wasn’t expecting.
Flop of the year: Downsizing (5/10). I did have reasonable expectations but it really let me down. The concept of people wanting to shrink in size to live a better life sounded like a fantastic idea. And it was for a while until it went in a rather boring direction and was reduced to, well, less than it should have been. Matt Damon does his best but the plot after a small twist doesn’t leave him much to work with and it just heads downwards. Shame.
The film I wanted to like more: Star Wars: The Last Jedi (7/10) came with huge expectation after a cracking trailer so was always going to be harshly judged. It’s divided fans a bit and as a fan, but not nutjob fan, I was disappointed with a few things. After setting up a number of burning questions in the Force Awakens it seems all of JJ Abrams’ work was swept aside by Rian Johnson to go in a different direction. When Mark Hamill says it’s not the Luke he knows it’s a worry. Then there was the Leia problem. We could argue black and blue here but it just should have been a lot better.
Letdowns: Moonlight won the Oscar for Best Picture but I thought it was average and definitely not what it was cracked up to be; same goes for Loving; Cars 3 was better than Cars 2 but pales in comparison to the original. Pixar on notice again.
What lies ahead? I’m keen for Black Panther and Avengers Infinity War and Ant-Man and the Wasp, Ready Player One looks cool – kinda Tron-esque. The Han Solo movie could go either way, there’s Jurassic World 2 and The Crimes Of Grindlewald (Fantastic Beasts 2), the latter of which I expect a bit from. Hopefully there are some great dramas, I’d love to see a return to the classic comedy genre (though hopes aren’t high) and I wonder whether they’ll get Aquaman right.
See you at the movies!
See you at the movies!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
The 2016 Raymo awards
So here we are again, it’s time for the rundown of 2016 in film.
I saw 42 films at the cinema this year (as always a big thanks to JAFFA and Reading Cinemas) and the quality was mixed. It was strong early but fairly solid in the last few months.
A respectable 24 movies were rated 7.5 or above but 10 received scores of 6 or below.
It was a big year for super hero movies, sequels and rather pedestrian reboots. But I guess we’re stuck with that for the time being.
Here’s the highs and lows of 2016.
1. Spotlight (10/10)
Both brilliant and chilling, the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered an extensive paedophile ring within the Catholic Church. I knew this was going to be a standout and it lived right up to expectation, possibly exceeded it. A great cast including Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo (who was amazing) and it holds up to a second and third viewing. Not the easiest watch of the year but clearly the best film and deserved Best Picture winner. If you haven’t seen it, make sure you do.
2. Captain America: Civil War (9/10)
Marvel knocked DC out of the park with their film pitting good guy against good guy - the main difference being there was an actual reason to be split. Still very much a Cap film, though, we’re introduced to a few more characters in the MCU highlighted by a very cool Black Panther and the MCU version of Spider-Man and he is a real winner. Marvel keep getting it right and while the luck will eventually run out as the cast moves on, most likely, Civil War is pure entertainment, witty and in keeping with what the series has been doing.
3. The Big Short (9/10)
Another early standout film. This one focuses on the housing crash in the mid-2000s and again features an excellent cast with Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling starring. Though they are upstaged by Margot Robbie’s cameo explaining the intricacies of the financial world while sipping champagne in a bubble bath. Not quite as accessible as Spotlight but still easily one of the better movies of the year.
4. Doctor Strange (8.5/10)
Yet another Marvel entry and, a bit like Guardians Of The Galaxy and Ant Man, it was a risky film that they managed to pull off. Granted it started a little slowly but stacked with the humour and witty script we’ve come to expect from Marvel, and some solid leads in Benedict Cmberbatch as the Doctor and Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, it works and brings the mystical world into the MCU. Plus there’s a cracking credits scene! Hard not enjoy this one.
5. Eye In The Sky (8.5/10)
Many may have missed this one but it really had me hooked. Focusing on a remote military strike on a terrorist base in Kenya, tensions arise when an innocent girl wanders into the kill zone. This triggers a moral debate about whether to proceed with the mission. Outstanding performances from Helen Mirren, the late Alan Rickman and Aaron Paul drive the film and it’s definitely worth seeing.
Honourable mentions: Solid bunch. The Accountant (8.5/10) fell just short of the top five but was excellent and a great performance from Ben Affleck. I enjoyed Deadpool (8/10) as most did (pressure on the sequel though) and Suicide Squad (8/10) and Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them (8/10) was a refreshing entry to the Harry Potter world (love the jewel thieving critter). Quality dramas like The Girl On The Train (8/10), Room (8/10) and 10 Cloverfield Lane (8/10), the latter a chilling turn from John Goodman though the ending could have been better. Nocturnal Animals (8/10) will probably get better with a second viewing, I had high hopes but it was quite complex. A charming Maggie Smith in The Lady In The Van (8/10) was a delight and in outer space Star Trek Beyond (8/10) was up to scratch. Then, let’s not forget Rogue One (8/10) which proved a worthy entry into the Star Wars universe.
Surprise of the year: The Shallows (7.5/10) proved that you can still make a ‘shark’ film gripping and they certainly achieved it here. Pretty much just a cast featuring Blake Lively as a surfer who lands on a remote beach her mother talked of and finds herself in a battle with a rather fiesty shark. It’s hard to keep the attention and the tension up with such a simple premise but it worked and encouraged me not to go back into the water all over again.
Flop of the year: I could easily say Ghostbusters (4/10) but I knew it was going to be rubbish so the award goes to….The Revenant (4/10). I know a lot of people liked this one but I’m sorry it didn’t do anything for me. Leonardo DiCaprio grunts and crawls his way to a Best Actor Oscar. Please! It was too long, too dour, and ended with a massive cop out. And Tom Hardy deserved an Oscar much more than Leo.
The film I wanted to like more: Definitely Nocturnal Animals (8/10) as mentioned above. The trailer had me intrigued and I very much like Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal, both of whom were excellent by the way. It’s a story within a story and that made it complex and hard work to follow. High quality no doubt and once I see it again I’m sure I’ll rate it higher, especially since it’s one of those films where the ending is left up to your imagination, I guess is the best way to it.
Letdowns: X-Men: Apocolypse should probably kill off that series, it was pretty ordinary, and you would have thought Underworld: Blood Wars would do the same though it was left right open for another. Jason Bourne was pretty average as well and as much as I’m a Jack Reacher fan, Never Go Back wasn’t the best book to base a second film on. I suppose I could add Batman vs Superman into that as well but I didn’t expect it to be that great anyway (that said it wasn‘t as bad as expected).
Another year coming up littered with sequels, both deserved and not so deserved (see Trainspotting). High hopes for Guardians Of The Galaxy 2, Spiderman: Homecoming and Wonder Woman in the super hero genre. DC look to have Wonder Woman right so a lot hangs on this one for their universe. Of course there’s Star Wars Episode 8 and it’s going to be bittersweet with Carrie Fisher’s recent passing. And how could I forget Fast and Furious 8 (Fate Of The Furious) which looks awesome. Hopefully there’ll also be some quality drama/thrillers out there too.
See you at the movies!
I saw 42 films at the cinema this year (as always a big thanks to JAFFA and Reading Cinemas) and the quality was mixed. It was strong early but fairly solid in the last few months.
A respectable 24 movies were rated 7.5 or above but 10 received scores of 6 or below.
It was a big year for super hero movies, sequels and rather pedestrian reboots. But I guess we’re stuck with that for the time being.
Here’s the highs and lows of 2016.
1. Spotlight (10/10)
Both brilliant and chilling, the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered an extensive paedophile ring within the Catholic Church. I knew this was going to be a standout and it lived right up to expectation, possibly exceeded it. A great cast including Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo (who was amazing) and it holds up to a second and third viewing. Not the easiest watch of the year but clearly the best film and deserved Best Picture winner. If you haven’t seen it, make sure you do.
2. Captain America: Civil War (9/10)
Marvel knocked DC out of the park with their film pitting good guy against good guy - the main difference being there was an actual reason to be split. Still very much a Cap film, though, we’re introduced to a few more characters in the MCU highlighted by a very cool Black Panther and the MCU version of Spider-Man and he is a real winner. Marvel keep getting it right and while the luck will eventually run out as the cast moves on, most likely, Civil War is pure entertainment, witty and in keeping with what the series has been doing.
3. The Big Short (9/10)
Another early standout film. This one focuses on the housing crash in the mid-2000s and again features an excellent cast with Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling starring. Though they are upstaged by Margot Robbie’s cameo explaining the intricacies of the financial world while sipping champagne in a bubble bath. Not quite as accessible as Spotlight but still easily one of the better movies of the year.
4. Doctor Strange (8.5/10)
Yet another Marvel entry and, a bit like Guardians Of The Galaxy and Ant Man, it was a risky film that they managed to pull off. Granted it started a little slowly but stacked with the humour and witty script we’ve come to expect from Marvel, and some solid leads in Benedict Cmberbatch as the Doctor and Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, it works and brings the mystical world into the MCU. Plus there’s a cracking credits scene! Hard not enjoy this one.
5. Eye In The Sky (8.5/10)
Many may have missed this one but it really had me hooked. Focusing on a remote military strike on a terrorist base in Kenya, tensions arise when an innocent girl wanders into the kill zone. This triggers a moral debate about whether to proceed with the mission. Outstanding performances from Helen Mirren, the late Alan Rickman and Aaron Paul drive the film and it’s definitely worth seeing.
Honourable mentions: Solid bunch. The Accountant (8.5/10) fell just short of the top five but was excellent and a great performance from Ben Affleck. I enjoyed Deadpool (8/10) as most did (pressure on the sequel though) and Suicide Squad (8/10) and Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them (8/10) was a refreshing entry to the Harry Potter world (love the jewel thieving critter). Quality dramas like The Girl On The Train (8/10), Room (8/10) and 10 Cloverfield Lane (8/10), the latter a chilling turn from John Goodman though the ending could have been better. Nocturnal Animals (8/10) will probably get better with a second viewing, I had high hopes but it was quite complex. A charming Maggie Smith in The Lady In The Van (8/10) was a delight and in outer space Star Trek Beyond (8/10) was up to scratch. Then, let’s not forget Rogue One (8/10) which proved a worthy entry into the Star Wars universe.
Surprise of the year: The Shallows (7.5/10) proved that you can still make a ‘shark’ film gripping and they certainly achieved it here. Pretty much just a cast featuring Blake Lively as a surfer who lands on a remote beach her mother talked of and finds herself in a battle with a rather fiesty shark. It’s hard to keep the attention and the tension up with such a simple premise but it worked and encouraged me not to go back into the water all over again.
Flop of the year: I could easily say Ghostbusters (4/10) but I knew it was going to be rubbish so the award goes to….The Revenant (4/10). I know a lot of people liked this one but I’m sorry it didn’t do anything for me. Leonardo DiCaprio grunts and crawls his way to a Best Actor Oscar. Please! It was too long, too dour, and ended with a massive cop out. And Tom Hardy deserved an Oscar much more than Leo.
The film I wanted to like more: Definitely Nocturnal Animals (8/10) as mentioned above. The trailer had me intrigued and I very much like Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal, both of whom were excellent by the way. It’s a story within a story and that made it complex and hard work to follow. High quality no doubt and once I see it again I’m sure I’ll rate it higher, especially since it’s one of those films where the ending is left up to your imagination, I guess is the best way to it.
Letdowns: X-Men: Apocolypse should probably kill off that series, it was pretty ordinary, and you would have thought Underworld: Blood Wars would do the same though it was left right open for another. Jason Bourne was pretty average as well and as much as I’m a Jack Reacher fan, Never Go Back wasn’t the best book to base a second film on. I suppose I could add Batman vs Superman into that as well but I didn’t expect it to be that great anyway (that said it wasn‘t as bad as expected).
Another year coming up littered with sequels, both deserved and not so deserved (see Trainspotting). High hopes for Guardians Of The Galaxy 2, Spiderman: Homecoming and Wonder Woman in the super hero genre. DC look to have Wonder Woman right so a lot hangs on this one for their universe. Of course there’s Star Wars Episode 8 and it’s going to be bittersweet with Carrie Fisher’s recent passing. And how could I forget Fast and Furious 8 (Fate Of The Furious) which looks awesome. Hopefully there’ll also be some quality drama/thrillers out there too.
See you at the movies!
Monday, August 22, 2016
Self improvement drive
Friends, now is the time to get serious. Actually, it's well past the time but better late than never.
After a discussion with a mate last week I've decided to have a red hot go at making improvements and shaking off the bad habits.
I'm not going to set a particular day to day plan right now, that may come later, as it is not a 'specific number of days' challenge.
1. Learn how to be good to yourself. This means put some effort into looking after myself physically, mentally and aesthetically. The latter is a strange one, but it basically means pay a bit of attention to grooming. Present well.
2. Tidy up. My room is a bit of a mess and it probably is a reflection of where things are.
3. Exercise. I'm never going to be a buff gym toned Adonis but I can make an effort to be better. I don't know why it is so easy to fall out of the habit of something as simple and good for you as exercise. Sure, I've had injury issues recently and that's starting to have an effect via lack of conditioning, but it should be a no-brainer.
4. Try new things. I went to the theatre the other night and it's something I should consider doing a bit more of.
5. Don't be ashamed. Speaks for itself really.
6. Shed bad habits. Probably unrealistic to say I won't have any bad habits but I do need to make a big effort to stop gambling on the machines. I know you can't win and I have had periods of abstinence but I can do better than that.
7. Do things I enjoy.
8. Learn to talk more. I tend to be on the quiet side most of the time, it's almost like I don't know how to do small talk and it is a hindrance in social situations.
Let's see how I go. Surely it can only be good for me.
Feel free to offer any suggestions or encouragements or anecdotes.
After a discussion with a mate last week I've decided to have a red hot go at making improvements and shaking off the bad habits.
I'm not going to set a particular day to day plan right now, that may come later, as it is not a 'specific number of days' challenge.
1. Learn how to be good to yourself. This means put some effort into looking after myself physically, mentally and aesthetically. The latter is a strange one, but it basically means pay a bit of attention to grooming. Present well.
2. Tidy up. My room is a bit of a mess and it probably is a reflection of where things are.
3. Exercise. I'm never going to be a buff gym toned Adonis but I can make an effort to be better. I don't know why it is so easy to fall out of the habit of something as simple and good for you as exercise. Sure, I've had injury issues recently and that's starting to have an effect via lack of conditioning, but it should be a no-brainer.
4. Try new things. I went to the theatre the other night and it's something I should consider doing a bit more of.
5. Don't be ashamed. Speaks for itself really.
6. Shed bad habits. Probably unrealistic to say I won't have any bad habits but I do need to make a big effort to stop gambling on the machines. I know you can't win and I have had periods of abstinence but I can do better than that.
7. Do things I enjoy.
8. Learn to talk more. I tend to be on the quiet side most of the time, it's almost like I don't know how to do small talk and it is a hindrance in social situations.
Let's see how I go. Surely it can only be good for me.
Feel free to offer any suggestions or encouragements or anecdotes.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
All talk, no action
It's funny how you can look back at what you've written previously, promised yourself I guess, and you realise that you did nothing about it.
All talk and no action.
So it seems I'm on a vicious circle posing as a merry-go-round.
This. Must. Stop. Here.
I've identified a few areas that have to change and, surprise surprise, they aren't new.
Thanks to an adverse reaction recently to trying something that was ill conceived in some ways I've gone back a few years. If only it were possible.
1. Attitude.
I've become a little grumpy, easily angered or annoyed, short fused if you will and it frustrates me greatly. Ultimately it is my reaction to outside forces that is responsible, not the forces themselves. Whether it is incompetence, apathy or ignorance of others it is up to me as to how I react.
And I react wrongly. I react in a way that only gets me flustered. This is not going to be an easy fix but I think it is the most important.
2. Focus
There are so many distractions out there. Quite often there are distractions from the things that distract us. Over the last year or so I've found my ability to focus on one task has diminished a bit and I feel it is the rise of many distractions that is contributing. Again this is not going to be an easy fix. Little things like taking the time to read the paper, read a novel will help.
3. Purpose
Am I interested in what I do? Sometimes I ask myself this question as it often seems like a real chore even though what I do for work is also a major hobby. Yes, I'm lucky in that respect and, given the number one problem, sometimes it is easy to forget that. But am I interested in anything else?
4. Straight and narrow
I've been battling a particular issue with gambling and at a time when I thought I had it right I ruined all the hard work I'd done and am back at square one with it. It serves no good purpose, and is one of the aforementioned distractions.
5. Don't be so afraid
Part of being in that vicious circle is it never lets you go until you force your way out. I haven't been good at that when it comes to particular worries/fears and it's proven costly in some respects.
That's a good start point. It's not easy to change but it's time to stop talking and to start some action.
All talk and no action.
So it seems I'm on a vicious circle posing as a merry-go-round.
This. Must. Stop. Here.
I've identified a few areas that have to change and, surprise surprise, they aren't new.
Thanks to an adverse reaction recently to trying something that was ill conceived in some ways I've gone back a few years. If only it were possible.
1. Attitude.
I've become a little grumpy, easily angered or annoyed, short fused if you will and it frustrates me greatly. Ultimately it is my reaction to outside forces that is responsible, not the forces themselves. Whether it is incompetence, apathy or ignorance of others it is up to me as to how I react.
And I react wrongly. I react in a way that only gets me flustered. This is not going to be an easy fix but I think it is the most important.
2. Focus
There are so many distractions out there. Quite often there are distractions from the things that distract us. Over the last year or so I've found my ability to focus on one task has diminished a bit and I feel it is the rise of many distractions that is contributing. Again this is not going to be an easy fix. Little things like taking the time to read the paper, read a novel will help.
3. Purpose
Am I interested in what I do? Sometimes I ask myself this question as it often seems like a real chore even though what I do for work is also a major hobby. Yes, I'm lucky in that respect and, given the number one problem, sometimes it is easy to forget that. But am I interested in anything else?
4. Straight and narrow
I've been battling a particular issue with gambling and at a time when I thought I had it right I ruined all the hard work I'd done and am back at square one with it. It serves no good purpose, and is one of the aforementioned distractions.
5. Don't be so afraid
Part of being in that vicious circle is it never lets you go until you force your way out. I haven't been good at that when it comes to particular worries/fears and it's proven costly in some respects.
That's a good start point. It's not easy to change but it's time to stop talking and to start some action.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
The 2015 Raymo Awards
Another year has come and gone and we’ve arrived at the wrap of 2015 in film.
I saw 36 films at the cinema this year (as always a big thanks to JAFFA and Reading Cinemas) and it was a year of high quality and not so many stinkers.
Among the three dozen films there were 17 that rated an 8/10 or above, seven of those scored 9/10 or more.
The main letdowns were unnecessary sequels or reboots and I’m sure my lowest rated movie will cause some controversy.
Without further ado, here’s the highlights of 2015.
1. Inside Out (10/10)
Finally, a stunning return to form from the usually reliable Pixar studios. Some may argue whether this deserved a 10 but from my perspective it was close to faultless. Not a new idea, I’ll admit, but an idea done with humour and heart. We’re introduced to the emotions in Riley’s head - Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger - and are taken on a rollercoaster of discovery as they learn to work together to guide her through life. I must admit I enjoyed the Anger character particularly. Attention to detail is the key here and I simply had a ball watching this. Happy to say it was the best movie of the year.
2. Avengers: Age Of Ultron (9.5/10)
I know not everyone will agree with this one but, a bit like Inside Out, I very much dug the latest instalment of the Avengers series. Plenty of action as you’d expect, some great character development and interconnecting storylines and one liners made this a highly enjoyable experience. Perhaps I’m a little biased. We learned a lot more about Hawkeye in this one as well as being introduced to twins Scarlet Witch (who shares an excellent scene with Hawkeye) and Quicksilver. The former was well used, the latter a bit wasted I thought. Marvel simply keeps hitting the mark.
3. Still Alice (9/10)
The acting performance of the year from Julianne Moore and a very well deserved Oscar too. Alice is a brilliant linguistics professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. It’s terrifying to watch as Alice’s memory starts to fade, she forgets where she is at times and struggles with what the disease means. There’s a solid support cast including Alec Baldwin and Kristen Stewart but this is all Moore’s film and it is an absolute must see if you haven’t already.
4. Fast & Furious 7 (9/10)
I don’t know how but this series just keeps getting better. Acting takes a back seat to pure action entertainment and the seventh F&F would have been the toughest to make due to the death of Paul Walker while the filming was on a break. While you can tell in a few parts where they’ve used his brothers as stand ins it works and the ending is quite poignant too. There are some ridiculous scenes here but on the whole this is a tribute to Walker and just damn good fun too.
5. The Imitation Game (9/10)
Another fantastic acting performance from Benedict Cumberbatch as mathematician Alan Turing who is famous for cracking the enigma code during World War 2. A true story brought to life with a great script filled with tension and wit and a headline performance from its star. I must admit I didn’t know a lot about Turing going into this and it was a riveting story, it would have been highly controversial at the time too, and a riveting turn from Cumberbatch.
Honourable mentions: For nostalgic reasons as much as any I have to say Dumb And Dumber To (9/10) was an absolute riot. It may have been aided by being in a group who all enjoyed it as well and the fact the Farrelly Brothers stayed true to the innocent stupidity of Lloyd and Harry and didn’t plunge far into dirty humour as is the trend today. Birdman (9/10) is a ‘love it or hate it’ type of film but I thought it was just superbly shot, very smart and great performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton were standouts. Of the others Holding The Man (8/10) is a heartbreaking conversion of a heartbreaking true story that fell just short of being brilliant and Ant Man (8/10) continued the Marvel trend. Oh yeah, Star Wars: The Force Awakens (8/10) is familiarly entertaining.
Surprise of the year 1: Paper Towns (8/10) is a movie that I was sure told you everything in the trailer and as a result I almost didn’t see it. This was 2015’s teen romantic-comedy type film like The Spectacular Now, Fault In Our Stars or Perks Of Being A Wallflower and while it wasn’t quite up to those films it was simply charming. Quentin (Nat Wolff) sets out to find the girl of his dreams Margo (Cara Delevingne) when she runs away from home but finds so much more along the way.
Surprise of the year 2: Creed (7.5/10) resurrected the Rocky franchise with the story of the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed who seeks out Rocky Balboa to be his trainer and embark on a boxing career like his father. Michael B Jordan is outstanding as Adonis Johnson and Sylvester Stallone breathed new life into the retired Rocky. Didn’t expect to be riveted and the finale is outstanding.
Flop of the year: OK, controversy time. I just couldn’t get into Mad Max: Fury Road (5/10). I never thought Max would be a side character but he faded into the background as Charlize Theron’s Furiosa stole the show. I found the long chase storyline a bit boring and I just didn’t like it. You may disagree but this is my list! Honourable flop mention to Trainwreck (5/10), I’m sorry but Amy Schumer is simply not funny.
The film I wanted to like more: Foxcatcher (7/10), based on the true story of wrestler Mark Schultz, had all the elements of an excellent film but I thought it was let down by Channing Tatum’s disconnected performance. Maybe it was the character but I expected more.
Letdowns: Mainly the sequels like Pitch Perfect 2 (7/10) and Ted 2 (6/10) both of which were a big step down from the surprise excellence of their originals. Perhaps it was that nothing was expected of the first films and they were so vibrant and funny. Regardless they were cash ins.
I don’t have high expectations for 2016 on the whole. From the list for the first third or so there looks to be few highlights with more sequels and remakes to come. That said I can’t wait for Captain America: Civil War and Deadpool, while I suspect there will be at least one car crash with Batman vs Superman coming up. Hopefully there are some hidden gems out there.
See you at the movies!
I saw 36 films at the cinema this year (as always a big thanks to JAFFA and Reading Cinemas) and it was a year of high quality and not so many stinkers.
Among the three dozen films there were 17 that rated an 8/10 or above, seven of those scored 9/10 or more.
The main letdowns were unnecessary sequels or reboots and I’m sure my lowest rated movie will cause some controversy.
Without further ado, here’s the highlights of 2015.
1. Inside Out (10/10)
Finally, a stunning return to form from the usually reliable Pixar studios. Some may argue whether this deserved a 10 but from my perspective it was close to faultless. Not a new idea, I’ll admit, but an idea done with humour and heart. We’re introduced to the emotions in Riley’s head - Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger - and are taken on a rollercoaster of discovery as they learn to work together to guide her through life. I must admit I enjoyed the Anger character particularly. Attention to detail is the key here and I simply had a ball watching this. Happy to say it was the best movie of the year.
2. Avengers: Age Of Ultron (9.5/10)
I know not everyone will agree with this one but, a bit like Inside Out, I very much dug the latest instalment of the Avengers series. Plenty of action as you’d expect, some great character development and interconnecting storylines and one liners made this a highly enjoyable experience. Perhaps I’m a little biased. We learned a lot more about Hawkeye in this one as well as being introduced to twins Scarlet Witch (who shares an excellent scene with Hawkeye) and Quicksilver. The former was well used, the latter a bit wasted I thought. Marvel simply keeps hitting the mark.
3. Still Alice (9/10)
The acting performance of the year from Julianne Moore and a very well deserved Oscar too. Alice is a brilliant linguistics professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. It’s terrifying to watch as Alice’s memory starts to fade, she forgets where she is at times and struggles with what the disease means. There’s a solid support cast including Alec Baldwin and Kristen Stewart but this is all Moore’s film and it is an absolute must see if you haven’t already.
4. Fast & Furious 7 (9/10)
I don’t know how but this series just keeps getting better. Acting takes a back seat to pure action entertainment and the seventh F&F would have been the toughest to make due to the death of Paul Walker while the filming was on a break. While you can tell in a few parts where they’ve used his brothers as stand ins it works and the ending is quite poignant too. There are some ridiculous scenes here but on the whole this is a tribute to Walker and just damn good fun too.
5. The Imitation Game (9/10)
Another fantastic acting performance from Benedict Cumberbatch as mathematician Alan Turing who is famous for cracking the enigma code during World War 2. A true story brought to life with a great script filled with tension and wit and a headline performance from its star. I must admit I didn’t know a lot about Turing going into this and it was a riveting story, it would have been highly controversial at the time too, and a riveting turn from Cumberbatch.
Honourable mentions: For nostalgic reasons as much as any I have to say Dumb And Dumber To (9/10) was an absolute riot. It may have been aided by being in a group who all enjoyed it as well and the fact the Farrelly Brothers stayed true to the innocent stupidity of Lloyd and Harry and didn’t plunge far into dirty humour as is the trend today. Birdman (9/10) is a ‘love it or hate it’ type of film but I thought it was just superbly shot, very smart and great performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton were standouts. Of the others Holding The Man (8/10) is a heartbreaking conversion of a heartbreaking true story that fell just short of being brilliant and Ant Man (8/10) continued the Marvel trend. Oh yeah, Star Wars: The Force Awakens (8/10) is familiarly entertaining.
Surprise of the year 1: Paper Towns (8/10) is a movie that I was sure told you everything in the trailer and as a result I almost didn’t see it. This was 2015’s teen romantic-comedy type film like The Spectacular Now, Fault In Our Stars or Perks Of Being A Wallflower and while it wasn’t quite up to those films it was simply charming. Quentin (Nat Wolff) sets out to find the girl of his dreams Margo (Cara Delevingne) when she runs away from home but finds so much more along the way.
Surprise of the year 2: Creed (7.5/10) resurrected the Rocky franchise with the story of the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed who seeks out Rocky Balboa to be his trainer and embark on a boxing career like his father. Michael B Jordan is outstanding as Adonis Johnson and Sylvester Stallone breathed new life into the retired Rocky. Didn’t expect to be riveted and the finale is outstanding.
Flop of the year: OK, controversy time. I just couldn’t get into Mad Max: Fury Road (5/10). I never thought Max would be a side character but he faded into the background as Charlize Theron’s Furiosa stole the show. I found the long chase storyline a bit boring and I just didn’t like it. You may disagree but this is my list! Honourable flop mention to Trainwreck (5/10), I’m sorry but Amy Schumer is simply not funny.
The film I wanted to like more: Foxcatcher (7/10), based on the true story of wrestler Mark Schultz, had all the elements of an excellent film but I thought it was let down by Channing Tatum’s disconnected performance. Maybe it was the character but I expected more.
Letdowns: Mainly the sequels like Pitch Perfect 2 (7/10) and Ted 2 (6/10) both of which were a big step down from the surprise excellence of their originals. Perhaps it was that nothing was expected of the first films and they were so vibrant and funny. Regardless they were cash ins.
I don’t have high expectations for 2016 on the whole. From the list for the first third or so there looks to be few highlights with more sequels and remakes to come. That said I can’t wait for Captain America: Civil War and Deadpool, while I suspect there will be at least one car crash with Batman vs Superman coming up. Hopefully there are some hidden gems out there.
See you at the movies!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Where do we go from here?
Yes, it's a classic line from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. We've reached a point where you can't turn around, move sideways or seemingly can't go forward.
Where do we go from here?
Stalling is very easy, there are a million ways to tread water and be unmoved.
I do that a lot.
So much has changed around me this year. I so much want to make some kind of change but I don't know where to start.
Where I live? Work? Interests? Lifestyle? Leisure?
I've clearly lost a bit of passion for some things I used to revel in. I lack focus, am easily distracted and don't seem to have enough desire to fix it up.
Where do I go? Where do I start?
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Getting real
Haven't been on here for quite a while but now is the time.
It's been a challenging period over the last six months or so for reasons which I may go into at another time.
What has happened though is that I have lost focus, lost sight of a lot of things and become caught up in bad habits.
One in particular can be very damaging. I have developed a worrying habit of playing poker machines that I am eager to curtail and for good.
I understand the reality of those machines - that they are designed for you to lose. You can have wins but ultimately you will lose.
Now I don't know why I'm doing this as I am not really in a position to go throwing away money. Who is? Even if I go to spend just half an hour there it can end up a couple and you just end up chasing your losses.
So I'm writing this as something of a reminder to myself that I need to get my act together and move away from this habit.
If you have any suggestions please feel free to leave a comment.
I very much dislike the way it feels when you lose. It seems simple to think if you don't like the way something makes you feel then stopping should be easy. Somehow it's not that simple.
Monday, December 29, 2014
The 2014 Raymo Awards
It's that time of the year again! Margaret and David may be gone but here's my take on 2014 in film.
I saw 33 films at the cinema this year (thanks as always to JAFFA and Reading Cinemas) and I have to say the quality was mighty high.
Of the 33, 12 films scored 8/10 or above (six over 9/10) and another 11 scored 7/10 or better.
There were a couple of stinking lows that I'll get to later but for me the highs far outweighed them.
So, here's the top 5 of 2014 according to yours truly....
1. Whiplash (10/10)
I knew this was going to be good but it still took me by surprise. The story of an aspiring jazz drummer (Miles Teller) and his combative relationship with his teacher, played brilliantly by JK Simmons. The music is outstanding, the acting (particularly Simmons) is first class, there's tension, humour and just a damn fine script. I reckon it was the first time I've ever been to a movie and actually leaned forward while watching. If I could give it more than 10 I'd think about it. A worthy 'best picture' for me.
2. Her (9/10)
Actually the first movie I saw in the year and I knew then it was going to be hard to beat by the end. Joaquin Phoenix produces a great turn as a writer who falls in love with the voice in his new computer operating system (yeah, that's right). It's quite a touching film and Scarlett Johannson is perfectly cast as the OSI voice. Possibly a bit hard to describe but it could be a peek into our future and I challenge you to watch it and not take something out of it.
3. Guardians Of The Galaxy (9/10)
Attention idiots! Who would have thought a movie about a half-human outlaw, a green killing machine, a way too literal muscle man, a tree and a racoon would be so awesome? Proving Marvel can't do anything wrong with their Avengers series, I can't believe how much fun this is. Backed by a great 70s/80s soundtrack, a very witty script and not taking itself seriously, Guardians is just a blast.
4. The Fault In Our Stars (9/10)
Pretty much every year there's one of these movies (e.g. Perks, Spectacular Now) that stands above the standard weepy teen/college rom-com. This one's about cancer sufferer Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and the relationship she strikes up with cancer survivor Gus (Ansel Elgort) after they meet at a support group. She's just trying to survive and he wants to live life (thumbing his nose at cancer by occasionally putting unlit cigarettes in his mouth). It just works. The characters are engaging (including some of the support ones) and you'll almost be going for the tissues, if you're that way inclined, at the end.
5. Gone Girl (9/10)
I must admit I got this one wrong. After watching the trailer, which I lamented seemed to give everything away, I was quite shocked with what unfolded (having not read the book of course). Another 'good' Ben Affleck film. When his wife (Rosamund Pike) disappears all the fingers are pointing at him but there's so much more to this one than the uninformed could ever expect. So many turns and shocking moments, I was enthralled in this one and it is a deserved top fiver.
Well, that leaves Captain America: The Winter Soldier as just outside the top five. I tossed up between it and Guardians as the better Marvel movie and I have to say one isn't necessarily better than the other. I think Guardians just surprised me more. Cap lived up to expectation.
Honourable mentions: In hindsight Nightcrawler (8.5/10) should have got a 9 but I have to go with what I rated it. A super and chilling performance from Jake Gyllenhaal as a paparazzi-style cameraman who really pushes the envelope for a paycheck; Dallas Buyers Club (8.5/10) produced two spectacularly deserved Oscar winning performances and an outstanding film; Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (8.5/10) was easily the best film I've seen with an ape as the lead character.
Surprise of the year: The Double (7.5/10) is another I'd rate higher in hindsight, it gets better the more you think about it. Jesse Eisenberg takes a gritty turn as an overlooked government worker whose world is turned upside down when a lookalike, who is much more successful and liked, comes on board. Directed by Richard Ayoade (Moss from the IT Crowd) it may not be for everyone but it is something quite different and thought provoking.
Flop of the year 1: Biblical epics. Yep, that's you Noah (4/10) and Exodus: Gods and Kings (3/10). How can they get stories like these so wrong. Rock angels helped Noah build the Ark! We had Batman and a bunch of drag queen Egyptians fight over freeing the slaves. Please!
Flop of the year 2: Wolf Creek 2 (2.5/10). I can't let this go without saying how crap this sequel was. Hello, suspense! Really just an awful film. And having the bad guy sing classic Australian songs to his victim wasn't amusing, and was probably the scariest thing about it.
The film I wanted to like more: The Maze Runner (7.5/10). This could have been a much better movie than it was had they not simply used it to set up the trilogy. Brilliant concept, a somewhat futuristic take on Lord Of The Flies, with a good cast of up and comers and while I did like it I just wanted more than what we got.
Letdowns: Muppets Most Wanted (6/10) - the Muppets aren't dark characters, it just didn't work; Bad Neighbours (6/10) - just about all the good bits were in the trailer; Interstellar (6/10) - if you've seen it you'll know why.
What will 2015 hold? It looks like a ripping year and I'll be busy in the next six weeks or so with so many promising films (and one nostalgic sequel) coming out. Then we have Avengers 2, Fast & Furious 7, Star Wars 7 and a heap of other anticipated sequels.
See you at the movies!
I saw 33 films at the cinema this year (thanks as always to JAFFA and Reading Cinemas) and I have to say the quality was mighty high.
Of the 33, 12 films scored 8/10 or above (six over 9/10) and another 11 scored 7/10 or better.
There were a couple of stinking lows that I'll get to later but for me the highs far outweighed them.
So, here's the top 5 of 2014 according to yours truly....
1. Whiplash (10/10)
I knew this was going to be good but it still took me by surprise. The story of an aspiring jazz drummer (Miles Teller) and his combative relationship with his teacher, played brilliantly by JK Simmons. The music is outstanding, the acting (particularly Simmons) is first class, there's tension, humour and just a damn fine script. I reckon it was the first time I've ever been to a movie and actually leaned forward while watching. If I could give it more than 10 I'd think about it. A worthy 'best picture' for me.
2. Her (9/10)
Actually the first movie I saw in the year and I knew then it was going to be hard to beat by the end. Joaquin Phoenix produces a great turn as a writer who falls in love with the voice in his new computer operating system (yeah, that's right). It's quite a touching film and Scarlett Johannson is perfectly cast as the OSI voice. Possibly a bit hard to describe but it could be a peek into our future and I challenge you to watch it and not take something out of it.
3. Guardians Of The Galaxy (9/10)
Attention idiots! Who would have thought a movie about a half-human outlaw, a green killing machine, a way too literal muscle man, a tree and a racoon would be so awesome? Proving Marvel can't do anything wrong with their Avengers series, I can't believe how much fun this is. Backed by a great 70s/80s soundtrack, a very witty script and not taking itself seriously, Guardians is just a blast.
4. The Fault In Our Stars (9/10)
Pretty much every year there's one of these movies (e.g. Perks, Spectacular Now) that stands above the standard weepy teen/college rom-com. This one's about cancer sufferer Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and the relationship she strikes up with cancer survivor Gus (Ansel Elgort) after they meet at a support group. She's just trying to survive and he wants to live life (thumbing his nose at cancer by occasionally putting unlit cigarettes in his mouth). It just works. The characters are engaging (including some of the support ones) and you'll almost be going for the tissues, if you're that way inclined, at the end.
5. Gone Girl (9/10)
I must admit I got this one wrong. After watching the trailer, which I lamented seemed to give everything away, I was quite shocked with what unfolded (having not read the book of course). Another 'good' Ben Affleck film. When his wife (Rosamund Pike) disappears all the fingers are pointing at him but there's so much more to this one than the uninformed could ever expect. So many turns and shocking moments, I was enthralled in this one and it is a deserved top fiver.
Well, that leaves Captain America: The Winter Soldier as just outside the top five. I tossed up between it and Guardians as the better Marvel movie and I have to say one isn't necessarily better than the other. I think Guardians just surprised me more. Cap lived up to expectation.
Honourable mentions: In hindsight Nightcrawler (8.5/10) should have got a 9 but I have to go with what I rated it. A super and chilling performance from Jake Gyllenhaal as a paparazzi-style cameraman who really pushes the envelope for a paycheck; Dallas Buyers Club (8.5/10) produced two spectacularly deserved Oscar winning performances and an outstanding film; Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (8.5/10) was easily the best film I've seen with an ape as the lead character.
Surprise of the year: The Double (7.5/10) is another I'd rate higher in hindsight, it gets better the more you think about it. Jesse Eisenberg takes a gritty turn as an overlooked government worker whose world is turned upside down when a lookalike, who is much more successful and liked, comes on board. Directed by Richard Ayoade (Moss from the IT Crowd) it may not be for everyone but it is something quite different and thought provoking.
Flop of the year 1: Biblical epics. Yep, that's you Noah (4/10) and Exodus: Gods and Kings (3/10). How can they get stories like these so wrong. Rock angels helped Noah build the Ark! We had Batman and a bunch of drag queen Egyptians fight over freeing the slaves. Please!
Flop of the year 2: Wolf Creek 2 (2.5/10). I can't let this go without saying how crap this sequel was. Hello, suspense! Really just an awful film. And having the bad guy sing classic Australian songs to his victim wasn't amusing, and was probably the scariest thing about it.
The film I wanted to like more: The Maze Runner (7.5/10). This could have been a much better movie than it was had they not simply used it to set up the trilogy. Brilliant concept, a somewhat futuristic take on Lord Of The Flies, with a good cast of up and comers and while I did like it I just wanted more than what we got.
Letdowns: Muppets Most Wanted (6/10) - the Muppets aren't dark characters, it just didn't work; Bad Neighbours (6/10) - just about all the good bits were in the trailer; Interstellar (6/10) - if you've seen it you'll know why.
What will 2015 hold? It looks like a ripping year and I'll be busy in the next six weeks or so with so many promising films (and one nostalgic sequel) coming out. Then we have Avengers 2, Fast & Furious 7, Star Wars 7 and a heap of other anticipated sequels.
See you at the movies!
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Craig
Every now and then you meet someone that has a huge impact on your life.
You know that idea that people are around for a reason or a season etc etc?
Well, earlier, I was reminded of a friend whose name is Craig and to be honest I have no idea what he's up to now.
We fell out of contact a few years ago now, I guess it was, and I guess it is just one of those things that happens. In a way I always knew he was a 'season' friend, I always felt like he lived a life that was well above mine as he comes from an affluent background.
But for a good couple of years we were great friends and his friendship was one that was very valuable at a very tough time.
I won't go into the details of why.
I always enjoyed the times when we'd catch up over in the eastern suburbs, where he lived at the time, and we'd have dinner or go for a walk at Bondi beach and the conversation was significant. Craig's advice was priceless to me at the time and I took great encouragement in the friendship that we built up.
If we weren't able to catch up in a week we'd have these great conversations on the phone and, for a while, I really did miss them.
In a way he's a little responsible for the position I'm in now, in a very good way.
I'm sure he'd be married by now, unless his work life is as demanding as it used to be, and he could be anywhere from Sydney, the Gold Coast or overseas. I really don't know.
I also don't really mind.
That might sound bad but we have both moved on.
I hope life is good for you Craig. Cheers.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
The Fault In Our Stars
I must admit I didn't know a lot about it until I saw the preview and upon seeing it I thought it looked good but not engaging, warm, funny and emotional.
It's of course based on the book, which I have not read so didn't have any attachment to it.
We meet Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley) as she daydreams about a 'normal life' without the constant presence of the cancer she is basically letting run its course.
In an effort to get her to live her life a little, Hazel's mum sends her off to a support group where other young people discuss their own battles, and victories, with cancer.
One of those is Gus (Ansel Elgort) who proclaims that since he has beaten cancer, which claimed one leg, he's going to be remembered for something great. He carries with him, somewhat ironically, an unlit cigarette as a symbol of his victory.
Along for the ride is Gus's friend Isaac (Nat Wolff), who is going blind but has fallen hard for a girl who would eventually break up with him because she couldn't stand the thought of him going blind.
The plot is your somewhat typical teenage love story (that's really generalising) but what stands this out is the stunning performances from and chemistry between the two leads. I hadn't heard of Ansel Elgort before but he's the star of this show, make no mistake.
I was simply fixated on the story and the twists and turns in the lives of the two leads, plus Isaac who has a couple of very funny scenes regarding his break-up, and while I'm sure there were holes I didn't really notice them.
I'd rank this up there with a couple of similar films over the past couple of years, the likes of Perks Of Being A Wallflower and The Spectactular Now (which Woodley is also in) and if you need a ranking I'd say in between the two. (I did give Perks a 10).
Sure to be one of the top five at the end of the year and, be warned, if you tend to cry in movies then you're going to need the hanky.
A 9 out of 10 and an absolute (heartbreaking) delight.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Reset & recap
So it's been quite a while between posts and I guess I lost a bit of interest.
I think it is good for me to continue to share things on this blog so I've decided to reboot and will make an effort to be fairly regular.
Habits can be harder to form than you'd think but writing this blog is a good habit and hopefully it will encourage me to pick up other good habits. Feel free to interact.
Here's a quick recap of the films I've seen this year minus the latest one which will gets its own review.
Her - 9/10. Amazingly original.
The Wolf Of Wall Street - 8/10. Enjoyable, though over the top, even for someone not a fan of Leo.
Last Vegas - 7/10. Hangover for seniors. Good fun.
12 Years A Slave - 8/10. Hard work but rewarding.
Dallas Buyers Club - 8.5/10. Oscar worthy performances.
Wolf Creek 2 - 2.5/10. Unnecessary, cheesy, sequel.
Noah - 4/10. Good effects, poor overall.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 9/10. True to form.
The Lego Movie - 6/10. Fun but over rated.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - 6.5/10. Wasted talents on unnecesary reboot.
Transcendence - 7/10. Very interesting but not exceptional.
Muppets Most Wanted - 6/10. Fun as usual but lacked something.
Bad Neighbours - 6/10. Crude, had its moments, but disappointing.
The Grand Hotel Budapest - 6/10. Too clever for its own good.
The Double - 7/5/10. Bold, exceptional performance, original.
X Men: Days of Future Past - 7.5/10. Worthy addition to series.
Maleficent - 7/10. Brilliant performance, dark, compelling.
I think it is good for me to continue to share things on this blog so I've decided to reboot and will make an effort to be fairly regular.
Habits can be harder to form than you'd think but writing this blog is a good habit and hopefully it will encourage me to pick up other good habits. Feel free to interact.
Here's a quick recap of the films I've seen this year minus the latest one which will gets its own review.
Her - 9/10. Amazingly original.
The Wolf Of Wall Street - 8/10. Enjoyable, though over the top, even for someone not a fan of Leo.
Last Vegas - 7/10. Hangover for seniors. Good fun.
12 Years A Slave - 8/10. Hard work but rewarding.
Dallas Buyers Club - 8.5/10. Oscar worthy performances.
Wolf Creek 2 - 2.5/10. Unnecessary, cheesy, sequel.
Noah - 4/10. Good effects, poor overall.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 9/10. True to form.
The Lego Movie - 6/10. Fun but over rated.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - 6.5/10. Wasted talents on unnecesary reboot.
Transcendence - 7/10. Very interesting but not exceptional.
Muppets Most Wanted - 6/10. Fun as usual but lacked something.
Bad Neighbours - 6/10. Crude, had its moments, but disappointing.
The Grand Hotel Budapest - 6/10. Too clever for its own good.
The Double - 7/5/10. Bold, exceptional performance, original.
X Men: Days of Future Past - 7.5/10. Worthy addition to series.
Maleficent - 7/10. Brilliant performance, dark, compelling.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Making a change
It's not a matter of just want, or even need. I must change.
To put it very broadly, I'm 39 shortly and I'm not particularly happy with things.
Being a bit more specific, though, I need a whole change of attitude, of outlook and of shape.
It was actually last night when I looked at myself that it occurred to me that I'm not getting any younger and I'm starting to look it.
I've met a few people along the way, around my age and even a little older, who seem to have it right and I have to admit to a certain amount of envy and - to put it a weird way - desire.
And let's face it, sometimes I don't feel desirable.
There are no fountains of youth, I know that. But by looking after myself more I am certain I can turn some things around. It's not about age, by the way.
So the most immediate thing I can do is to make sure I am getting a decent amount of exercise every day. Be it simply by walking to the train station instead of driving or getting to the gym more (though that has proven tricky at times as I tend to keep getting an injury which stops me from going thus adding to the problem) it is a must.
I have done it before as well, eating a bit less and more of the good things plus consistent exercise and I should see results semi-quickly.
So that's one part.
I must have a different attitude when it comes to a number of things. Given I work in a largely negative atmosphere it is easy to let that slip under your skin.
It's hard to keep my mouth shut when I, quite regularly, encounter incompetence or just apathy. That too can get the better of you.
I've become a little reckless - or at least careless - in other more intimate areas and that's an issue at times. And I wonder what will happen when I fix the first problem - will it actually cause this one to snowball.
Probably a risk worth taking because health is important and it should go double for me. It's funny that during a period of a few years not too long ago I was not once concerned about weight increases and was focused on making sure I wasn't losing it (long story, genuine reasons).
I must ensure gambling isn't hampering my lifestyle. I very much enjoy a flutter and I know that one side of it is very much in control. Another side has proven problematic at times but someone said something last night that hit home a bit for me and, as much as I do enjoy the odd machine play (especially when you win) life would be a lot healthier if it can go.
My outlook isn't always great. Sometimes I feel like things go around in circles and while consistency is excellent it can also hold you back. There have been several consistencies in the last decade or so and I often wonder what might happen if one or two changed. Not that I've instigated any, though.
I know I can be better, have more vitality and enjoy myself.
This was the first step.
The second step happens tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
The 2013 Raymo awards
Another year at the movies is done and dusted and this year I saw a slightly below average 33 films at the cinema (thanks Reading and the JAFFA club).
Overall I think the quality was a little below average as well - I had 13 score an 8/10 or more (no 10s this years) and another seven score 7/10 or more - but it did pick up towards the end. I also had a frighteningly lowest ever score awarded in 2013.
So here's the top 5 of 2013:
1. Trance (9/10)
With not a huge expectation this film blew me away. Starring James McAvoy as Simon, an art dealer, who has misplaced a stolen painting after suffering a blow to the head in the process of stealing it. He is forced to undergo hypnotherapy by his cohorts and therapist Elizabeth (an excellent Rosario Dawson) becomes entangled in the mess. You have to really pay attention and, having now seen it twice, I'm still not sure you can pick what's going on even when you know. I left the cinema a little exhilarated after seeing this and since then has been the benchmark for the year.
2. The Spectacular Now (9/10)
Not a major release, I came across this one a little by chance but I'm glad I did. It helped that it's a little in the vein of last year's top film The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and, like Perks, has an engaging lead actor. I'd never heard of Miles Teller before but he played teenager Sutter Keely who parties his way through life always intoxicated and taking little responsibility - and he was mesmerising. The morning after one of his benders he meets Amiee (Shailene Woodley), the 'nice girl' who nobody really knows or likes, and his world is rocked. Also like Perks this doesn't sound awesome as a summary but it is all in the charm of the actors and the characters. Loved it.
3. Prisoners (9/10)
It was great to see Hugh Jackman not playing a superhero and if Prisoners is any guide he should play less of them and more 'real people'. Jackman is Keller Dover, a small town father whose world is shaken when his daughter Anna and her friend Joy are abducted. Frustrated by what he sees as the assigned detective (Jake Gyllenhaal) not doing his job Keller takes it upon himself to find the missing children. He drags Joy's father Franklin (Terrence Howard) into it when the police fail to detain the prime suspect, a mentally disabled man Alex (Paul Dano) and the lengths he goes to reach scary heights. This was a gripping film, much better than the trailer made it look, and even at over two and a half hours it didn't feel too long. That's the sign of a very good movie.
4. Rush (9/10)
Yes it is a car racing movie but one that completely surprised me. Though it looked good in the trailer the story of the rivalry between 1970s Formula 1 drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruel) was riveting. I must admit I wasn't aware of the story behind it so that contributed to the pleasant surprise and it is definitely not all about car racing - there's a human tale here about how far you would go to win. Hemsworth was pretty good but Bruel was awesome as Lauda, a man so bent on being the best he almost kills himself. The racing scenes are superb and, given it is a Ron Howard film, you wouldn't expect less. A must see if you haven't already.
5. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (8.5/10)
A sequel that was better than the original. While I found the book a little hard to get into the movie is much more engaging, though still a little slow to kick off. Now that they are winners of the Hunger Games, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) become targets of the Capital. Their rebellion in forcing the Capital to declare them winners by not killing themselves as seen an uprising brewing in the Districts and it is something President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is hell bent on controlling. A new game maker (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) is brought in and all the living winners of the games are thrown back into the arena in an effort to kill off their 'species'. Now I have to read Mockingjay, the final book, in preparation for the next film which, frustratingly, has been cut in half. Thanks Harry Potter and Twilight!
Honourable mentions: Lincoln, Gravity, Fast & Furious 6 (who would have thought the franchise could get better!), Star Trek Into Darkness, Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise did a good job even though he looks nothing like Reacher)!
Surprise of the year: We're The Millers. Totally inappropriate but very, very funny and I loved the bloopers at the end as well (particularly the Friends one).
Flop of the year: Only God Forgives. Setting a new low with a 1/10 (largely out of sympathy for Ryan Gosling who I quite like) I can't believe how bad this was. I almost walked out but suffered through to the end. Can't believe the same team behind the awesome Drive could make something so boring.
Movies I wanted to like more: The Place Beyond The Pines had everything going for it cast and story wise but it just didn't quite gel; American Hustle was really hyped and it did have some very good bits but felt very long and again didn't quite come together for mine.
Other thoughts: Man Of Steel came close to ruining Superman and the fact they are doing a Vs Batman movie next (and dragging Wonder Woman into it as well) isn't encouraging for either franchise. Hansel & Gretel was awful as well and Disney is doing its best to damage the Pixar name by releasing pedestrian movies like Monsters University and Planes (they weren't bad just not up to standard).
So that's it. What will 2014 hold? Looking forward to Captain America's next outing and I'm sure there will be some surprises along the way.
See you at the movies!
Overall I think the quality was a little below average as well - I had 13 score an 8/10 or more (no 10s this years) and another seven score 7/10 or more - but it did pick up towards the end. I also had a frighteningly lowest ever score awarded in 2013.
So here's the top 5 of 2013:
1. Trance (9/10)
With not a huge expectation this film blew me away. Starring James McAvoy as Simon, an art dealer, who has misplaced a stolen painting after suffering a blow to the head in the process of stealing it. He is forced to undergo hypnotherapy by his cohorts and therapist Elizabeth (an excellent Rosario Dawson) becomes entangled in the mess. You have to really pay attention and, having now seen it twice, I'm still not sure you can pick what's going on even when you know. I left the cinema a little exhilarated after seeing this and since then has been the benchmark for the year.
2. The Spectacular Now (9/10)
Not a major release, I came across this one a little by chance but I'm glad I did. It helped that it's a little in the vein of last year's top film The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and, like Perks, has an engaging lead actor. I'd never heard of Miles Teller before but he played teenager Sutter Keely who parties his way through life always intoxicated and taking little responsibility - and he was mesmerising. The morning after one of his benders he meets Amiee (Shailene Woodley), the 'nice girl' who nobody really knows or likes, and his world is rocked. Also like Perks this doesn't sound awesome as a summary but it is all in the charm of the actors and the characters. Loved it.
3. Prisoners (9/10)
It was great to see Hugh Jackman not playing a superhero and if Prisoners is any guide he should play less of them and more 'real people'. Jackman is Keller Dover, a small town father whose world is shaken when his daughter Anna and her friend Joy are abducted. Frustrated by what he sees as the assigned detective (Jake Gyllenhaal) not doing his job Keller takes it upon himself to find the missing children. He drags Joy's father Franklin (Terrence Howard) into it when the police fail to detain the prime suspect, a mentally disabled man Alex (Paul Dano) and the lengths he goes to reach scary heights. This was a gripping film, much better than the trailer made it look, and even at over two and a half hours it didn't feel too long. That's the sign of a very good movie.
4. Rush (9/10)
Yes it is a car racing movie but one that completely surprised me. Though it looked good in the trailer the story of the rivalry between 1970s Formula 1 drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruel) was riveting. I must admit I wasn't aware of the story behind it so that contributed to the pleasant surprise and it is definitely not all about car racing - there's a human tale here about how far you would go to win. Hemsworth was pretty good but Bruel was awesome as Lauda, a man so bent on being the best he almost kills himself. The racing scenes are superb and, given it is a Ron Howard film, you wouldn't expect less. A must see if you haven't already.
5. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (8.5/10)
A sequel that was better than the original. While I found the book a little hard to get into the movie is much more engaging, though still a little slow to kick off. Now that they are winners of the Hunger Games, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) become targets of the Capital. Their rebellion in forcing the Capital to declare them winners by not killing themselves as seen an uprising brewing in the Districts and it is something President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is hell bent on controlling. A new game maker (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) is brought in and all the living winners of the games are thrown back into the arena in an effort to kill off their 'species'. Now I have to read Mockingjay, the final book, in preparation for the next film which, frustratingly, has been cut in half. Thanks Harry Potter and Twilight!
Honourable mentions: Lincoln, Gravity, Fast & Furious 6 (who would have thought the franchise could get better!), Star Trek Into Darkness, Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise did a good job even though he looks nothing like Reacher)!
Surprise of the year: We're The Millers. Totally inappropriate but very, very funny and I loved the bloopers at the end as well (particularly the Friends one).
Flop of the year: Only God Forgives. Setting a new low with a 1/10 (largely out of sympathy for Ryan Gosling who I quite like) I can't believe how bad this was. I almost walked out but suffered through to the end. Can't believe the same team behind the awesome Drive could make something so boring.
Movies I wanted to like more: The Place Beyond The Pines had everything going for it cast and story wise but it just didn't quite gel; American Hustle was really hyped and it did have some very good bits but felt very long and again didn't quite come together for mine.
Other thoughts: Man Of Steel came close to ruining Superman and the fact they are doing a Vs Batman movie next (and dragging Wonder Woman into it as well) isn't encouraging for either franchise. Hansel & Gretel was awful as well and Disney is doing its best to damage the Pixar name by releasing pedestrian movies like Monsters University and Planes (they weren't bad just not up to standard).
So that's it. What will 2014 hold? Looking forward to Captain America's next outing and I'm sure there will be some surprises along the way.
See you at the movies!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
A new me in 2014
We all make meaningless resolutions around New Year's and I sincerely hope that this doesn't fall into that category.
Things are going to change for me in 2014.
I am making a concerted effort to live a healthier lifestyle, not just physically but overall.
I have set a goal of losing 5kg by my birthday, which is three months away, and I think that is an achievable goal. Ideally that number should be closer to 10 but I want to be realistic given the trepidation I have had about weight loss in recent years (and that is a completely different story).
So somewhere between those two numbers would be great, it would make me feel a bit more comfortable and give me encouragement.
To do this I must commit to the gym. I don't for a second think that I could become what society sees as 'buff' but the only way is up, really.
To make this change I must take a different approach to food and exercise.
Eat less, move more. It is a simple philosophy. I don't think I need to eat too much less, though, it is more what I am eating. So I am changing what I eat, ditching snacks like biscuits, and making fruit my friend.
To be realistic I will allow myself the occasional indulgence, such as dinner with the guys once a week.
It's not because I am closing on 40, which isn't next year by the way, but I do realise that as you get older you need to look after yourself more.
I also vow to enjoy myself, instead of feeling bad when I do things I perceive as bad for me. I know that it is fun, and I enjoy it for the most part.
No empty promises here, this is something that has to happen.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, December 05, 2013
I'm bad at commitment
I've been looking back at what I've written here previously and I've concluded that I'm bad when it comes to committing to things.
It's almost ironic, for reasons that I know but am not going to put out there into the world.
Old habits die hard. Amen.
I thought I was going along nicely and then I allow one or two little slip ups to occur and I just flip back into the problem I was trying to beat. I will beat it, make no mistake.
I've seen clearly enough what it can do to a person to know I won't let it happen to me. At the same time that knowledge should have been enough to help more significantlly to this point.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Simplify
I know it must sound like I'm all talk and no action.
While there may be an element of truth to that, some of the tasks I have set seem to be easier said than done, I do have a genuine desire to change.
I think the best way to change is to simplify life.
Exactly how life became so complicated I'm not entirely certain, but moving to a simpler life seems logical.
Key to this is deciding on what are distractions, particularly unhelpful ones, that are complicating things, making me feel bad or like I've made an avoidable mistake.
From what I can gather there are a few activities that I must look at.
One is a distraction that I should be avoiding, no question. Another distraction comes to mind but I'm not sure at this stage whether it is something I enjoy or not.
Trying to simplify life also involves simplifying your attitude and doing things on a basic level.
For example, I need to exercise more. It's something I have said for a while but every now and then I have to stop going to the gym because I do some kind of injury.
Instead of trying to be this buff adonis that you often see at the gym (which I'm not really trying to do given where I am starting from but it is hard not to notice - they are the ones looking at themselves in the mirror all the time. I don't blame them though, I probably would too!) I have to concentrate on going and exercising and improvement will come.
I don't think being an adonis is realistic but improving my fitness is.
Step one - go to the gym and exercise.
(I have something of a magpie phobia so that stops me from being outdoorsy in spring - not completely but enough to prevent long walks outside).
I've come across a few people this year who describe themselves as living a 'simple life' and I admire that. They seem fairly content with where they are at and that lifestyle seems very attractive,
I hope it is as easy as it sounds. I'm not suggesting that I will wake up tomorrow with a brand new attitude and lifestyle but I think I can start.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, September 08, 2013
It's all about choice
During my weekend away it occurred to me that I quite often make poor choices.
And having given it a little thought I have decided that I might have stumbled upon the meaning of life.
It has nothing to do with higher powers, not that I don't believe there is one, making contributions or good deeds, being a 'better person' or anything like that.
It's all about choice.
Now I know it is not a very well thought out argument and it is sure to be easily dismissed. But think about it.
Everything we do comes down to what we choose.
It's a little like one of those 'choose your own adventure' books you used to read as a kid. You reach a point in the story then you have to make a choice and that choice then leads in a certain direction and set of consequences.
Do you believe in fate or destiny? You should, because you are largely in control of that.
I don't buy the 'Sliding Doors' example so much because that allows too many 'what ifs' to come into the equation.
As I said I have developed a habit of making some poor choices. I know they are poor choices because of the way I feel afterwards. When you learn a lesson it is quite often done the hard way, come at some cost.
So given that I am responsible for my choices, and that means you are responsible for yours, then I only have myself to blame.
I concede it is a short sighted argument in some ways but it also makes a bit of sense. If I choose to gamble I should accept that I could lose, if I lose and choose to gamble more.....you get the idea.
It goes with all sorts of things, who you choose to associate with, what job you choose, who you choose to love, who you choose to sleep with, what you choose to believe, how you choose to live, what you choose to do with your time, what you choose to do with your money, etc.
For me, I have to start making choices conducive to a better life.
It means I have to commit to making sensible decisions about things like gambling, to ensure my lifestyle is healthy and limit the distractions from the responsibilities I have.
To have fun too.
I don't think it's about finding whatever you see as happiness. That's a flowery, somewhat indescribable, aim that never seems achievable.
I think if you can be content with the choices you make then you're on the right track.
After all, isn't that what Dr Brown said at the end of the Back To The Future trilogy? 'Your future isn't written yet, no ones is. The future is what you make of it, so make yours a good one'.....
Surely that is the meaning of life, right?
Monday, August 12, 2013
Generation i - surprise CD of 2013
I must admit that I had never entertained the thought that there could be a new album by 1927 given it has been 21 years since the last one.
But a few days ago I bought Generation i and I've hardly been able to put it down.
For those overseas who may not know what I'm talking about, 1927 is an Australian band that were massive in the late 1980s largely due to the debut album called ...ish.
They released three albums - ...ish in 1988, The Other Side a couple of years later and a self-titled album in 1992.
I was 13 when ...ish came out and it was one of those albums you could listen to the whole way through and not skip any songs. 'That's When I Think Of You', 'If I Could', 'Compulsory Hero' and 'You'll Never Know' were the hits and they are still great songs today IMO.
The second album is pretty good as well, the title track 'The Other Side' remains my favourite 1927 song and it also has some special meaning attached to it. I remember a mate of mine in high school telling me a story about how that song reminds him of a girlfriend he had who passed away a few years later.
The third release wasn't as remarkable and only has a couple of memorable songs and that's probably a good part of the reason why the band essentially parted ways.
I recall seeing 1927 in a pub in Sydney in about 1999 or so and they kind of disappeared after that until about 2008 when a 20th anniversary tour of the ...ish album happened. Then they supported Roxette in concert and formed part of what was my ultimate high school concert given they were my two favourite bands during school.
Back to Generation i.
As a fan I was always going to buy it but I didn't really have high expectations given I hadn't really heard anything new for 20 years.
On first listen it was strange but a good experience and I had the feeling it would be a 'grower' It certainly is. I haven't stopped listening to it either in the car on the ipod/ipad.
A sign of a quality album is the number of songs you transfer onto other devices and I moved eight of the 11 songs straight over, with another to come when I get around to removing it from the CD player in the car.
The stand out is definitely 'The Story Never Ends' but I'm very much liking 'City Talks', 'Nobody Knows', 'Fright Of Your Life' and 'Where You Are'.
The shame of this album is that it is likely to be largely ignored because of the amount of crap music out there that seems to be popular and clogging the airways. Hopefully some radio picks it up.
If you aren't familiar with 1927 then YouTube is your friend. If you look up any of the songs I mentioned earlier then you won't be disappointed.
Given the surprise nature of Generation i I wouldn't mind if they don't record another album, it is almost as good as ...ish I reckon.
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
What do I want?
So what do I want?
It is a question that has been on my mind for a while now and I don't seem to be any closer to coming up with an answer.
In the past couple of years not a lot has changed. Same job, same home, same activities. Not that any of these things are bad by any means. Some stability is a very good thing.
I don't necessarily crave change but am opening up more and more to the idea that it is a good thing. Maybe Sheryl Crow is onto something - 'A Change Would Do You Good'?
If that is the case then what do I change?
My outlook varies from time to time. There are periods where I just want everything to be different, though I can't forget that there are areas in life that need consistency.
There are times when I wonder what I'm doing. Am I mixing with the right people?
A friend of mine observed a while back that I tend to gravitate towards things that are bad for me, as if I want to punish myself for something. How much truth is in that?
I know there are occasions when I have felt very much like beating myself up. Usually it is following a personal mistake of some kind.
Recently I watched the movie 'Shame' again because I felt like being kicked in the guts. And if you have seen the film in question you will know why it succeeds in achieving that goal.
I'd really like to go back and enlighten the me of 10 years ago about the direction I am heading at that time. How much different could things be?
I realise it isn't overly productive to think like that, if any of us could go back in time I'm sure it wouldn't just be to give ourselves advice. I know I would definitely be looking to profit from it.
There's a line, or a song I guess you would say, from the Buffy TV series - 'where do we go from here?'. At the moment there are a few paths in front of me.
The straight & narrow would be appropriate for one of them. Rolling the dice sounds right for another. The garden of good & evil could well be a third.
In 10 years time where would I like to be? Married? Children? It is hard to see that far ahead and I can say I'm not often focused on those things.
I seem to be just going along day by day and there's nothing wrong with that except I seem to end up in the same place.
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