Takk Fyrir Mig - Iceland and the Northern Lights

Recently, two very good girl friend's and I booked a holiday to Iceland with the aim to see the Northern Lights, something on all our "Before I'm 30..." bucket lists. Poor but still with the carpe diem sort of attitude I was so excited for the opportunity, even if it did make a huge dent in my tiny bank balance.

This trip deserves a full and lengthy blog because it is, without question, the best holiday and the most beautiful country I have ever visited.

Sunday 10th February 2013

Our trip began on a rainy Sunday evening. After an amusing confusion at the car park ticket barrier, we eventually made it Gatwick North Terminal and settled down with a pint. The flight was a late one, and despite the airport being nearly empty we still ending up running the length of the terminal to the plain. But once on the plain the panic was forgotten as we had acres of leg room, pillows, complimentary drinks and a full selection of films and television programmes.

Arriving in Iceland at midnight was not only chilly and tiring, but slightly manic. Firstly I had to battle a woman who had the same suitcase as mine. Same except for the fact hers had a bronze lock... and a massive rip in it, as I had breathed a sigh of relief when I realised it was not my case on the carousel just moments before.

Then our transfer was late, and my LORD do people not handle these situations well? There was pushing, shoving and probably biting somewhere along the line. People who had pushed their way on then refused to sit down because they had abandoned half their families outside of the bus, making it impossible for the driver to know how many seats were still free. Very frustrating, but climbing into a warm bed with a view of a corridor and what can only be described as half a pillow, was just luxurious by 3am.

Monday 11th February 2013

After very little sleep, but a nice shower and a large bready-eggy-cheesey-hammy breakfast, we set off for the day. It was of great surprise that our hotel actually looked out onto mountains - our corridor-view rooms had not done them justice. And my God are they beautiful mountains. As you wander along the harbour more mountains appearing, varying in shape and snow cover, but combined with the sun rise and the blue, still harbour water, it was calming and overwhelmingly gorgeous.

We wandered into town of Reykjavik and found that Icelandic houses are just... cute. Coloured wood-effect houses with white window frames and sloping roofs. Each one unique and adorable. However I think what stood out to us the most was how quiet Reykjavik is. Two thirds of Iceland's 320,000 population live there, but even that is only 20,000 more than the population of Southend-on-Sea, and has nothing on the 8 million people who live in the capital of England. I think Iceland's serenity just added to how beautiful it was.

We stopped at a Cafe which overlooked the Cathedral, an impressive building that you can see from almost anywhere in town. We had a pancake and a cup of hot chocolate and saw our first taste of  how lovely the people of Iceland are. Plus had free WiFi so we could plan our next movements.

Next was a hearty walk through some residential areas where people nail shoes to trees and grow plants out of them, to the Perlan viewing point. Also known fondly as "The Great Boob of Reykjavik" The Pearl can also be seen from anywhere in the city, and from its freezing balcony you can see the whole city, plus the beautiful landscape surrounding it. It was seriously breathtaking. One thing I love about many European cities is the fact they have these high points you can visit so you can see the entire city from one place - something I think parts of England sorely lack.

Downstairs we indulged in a little Icelandic history in the Saga museum. It was really fascinating and obviously an opportunity to pose with the waxworks made there.

Next stop was, of course, Iceland's Phallalogical Museum. Which is what you think it is. What was weirder than the thousands of animal penises in jars, however, was the slightly overweight man who ran this strange shop-size exhibit at the end of the high street, and how he casually brought out a large, wooden (wait for it) penis shaped box to put our money in and handed us "Catalogues" that explain what all the penises are. I'm not sure if he collected them all himself, but I wouldn't be surprised. It was an interesting exhibit, did you know pigs have curly penises? And did you know that Sperm Whale penises are terrifyingly large? Well now you do, thanks to the fact we've maintained very strong levels in immaturity in our 20s.

The first meal of Iceland was a burger restaurant (locally sourced meat I hasten to add). Something I'd spotted earlier in the day, and oh my it was a good shout. A gigantic burger, fantastic service and only cost us £15! Whoever said Iceland was expensive lied horribly. Nom. Nom. Nom.

After a much deserved nap, we headed our on our Northern Lights excursion. The forecast was "Minimum" so we weren't particularly hopeful, even when the driver said the conditions were perfect to see them. Wrapped up warm, heading out to the National Park where there was less light pollution, we suddenly spotted a glow in the sky. The guide made the driver pull over and we saw a beautiful display at just 10.15pm - two hours earlier than the apparent optimum time. They were indescribably beautiful. On a backdrop of thousands of stars you could only dream of seeing in the UK, these green lights danced across the horizon line and off into the darkness. At that moment we also saw a shooting star and Claire received news that her brother's baby might be on the way - Couldn't have been a more exciting moment.

On arrival at the National Park the lights seemed to have drifted off a bit. The glow was very faint, but by this point it didn't matter to any of us if we saw them again because the displayed we'd just seen had been so dazzling. After a very freezing hour, and mostly failed attempt to take pictures, we heading back on the bus to go back to Reykjavik, feeling thoroughly satisfied with our trip.

(Picture by Rhiannon)

On the way back, the driver pulled over again because they spotted an orange-coloured glow just outside of Reykjavik and he wanted us to see the different colours. After five minutes we set back onto the coach, ready for a good night's sleep, when the arrive shouted us back onto the bus. Out of the nowhere, there was a huge light across the entire sky, white, green, purple and orange... It was just like you see postcards and pictures of and it was absolutely stunning. We couldn't have dreamed of having a better experience and we couldn't believe it was our first attempt to see them. My pictures aren't great so here's one by Aaron Buis, a lovely American guy (and new hero to Asian tourists world wide) would took some fantastically beautiful photos.

(Picture by Aaron Buis)

Tuesday 12th February 2013

Tuesday got off to a slower start as we attempted to catch up on a little sleep. In the afternoon we headed to the Blue Lagoon, a big natural out door sauna. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we couldn't wait for a relaxing afternoon.

We arrived and hired a towel and bathrobe, and donned the electronic bracelets you use to get drinks and lock your lockers. We then had to shower before entry, and of course leave our generic bathrobes outside, meaning they all got taken so we'd already played a fun game of swapsies which carried on through the afternoon. It was freezing outside, but once you were in the water you'd think you were in a tropical country because it was so warm. We took some photos and cashed in on our free drink, definitely the sort of life I want to live. Several hours later, after another drink and an algae facial, skin soft and wrinkly from the salt, we left feeling refreshed and relaxed. It was an amazing afternoon and like nothing else I've ever experienced, truly truly beautiful. 

The ride home was also an amazing experience as we drove through the most beautiful sun set.

We had planned to try some Icelandic cuisine that night, and after a long walk found the restaurant we had planned to go to was no longer serving puffin and shark, so we headed to an adorable, more expensive looking, restaurant we had passed on the way down; I think fate had a hand in this because it was one of the most interesting and beautiful meals I've ever had.

We opted for the tasting platter - which I think is very apologetic of the Icelandic, as lots of countries just expect you to eat an enjoy their food, whereas there they are happy for you just to taste.

Minke Whale: Tastes like the old plague-y, wooden smell they pump into old museums where they try to recreate life from 400 years ago. 1 Star.

Wind dried cod: Sawdust texture until mixed with butter, then generally very yummy. 4 Stars.

Puffin with cranberry compote: Not how we expected, less like chicken, more like fish with a sort of duck-like texture, but pretty damn nice. 3.5 stars.

Fermented Shark: Not even food. Just an experience. They give it to you in an airtight jar, presumably to keep back the smell, and recommend that you follow with a chaser of Brevinnin - an Icelandic Schnaps. We opted for a Rip-The-Plaster-Off sort of tactic - only to discover that it's so tough you can't easily get a fork into it. To begin with it actually didn't taste bad, if you could fight the awful rubbery texture - but then the burn begins. The sort of burn that I couldn't describe if I wanted to. The man on the next table asked if it was peppery or chili - but it was neither. So quickly went the shot as well, which made things worse but I suspect it killed a few taste buds which I am thankful for. 0 Stars for Taste, 5 Stars for uniqueness.

Main course was Catch of the day - Blue Ling with barley risotto in white wine sauce, which was just divine, and definitely got rid of the shark after taste. I am so glad I went with people who were willing to try to weird cuisine. It's all very "When in Rome" but I think its important to experience everything you can when you go to another country, and it's definitely a good story too!

Wednesday 13th February 2013

Another beautiful and early morning in my new favourite country, Reykjavik and time for the famous Golden Circle tour. This is a very age-friendly tour because you essentially sit on a bus and stare at the beautiful surroundings, getting out every so often to see more of the miracles that nature hath provided us.

We were a little late out of the bus station because we were on the longest bus in the fleet, so it has a little bit of trouble going down town, (yes, that is what she said). First stop was a massive greenhouse, definitely one of the duller parts of the day, but there were more plants in shoes, and it was kind of interesting to see how they make their own locally grown crops in such a harsh environment.

Next stop was the Gullfoss Waterfall - one of the most impressive things I've ever seen through streaming eyes and blue fingers. The wind was intense and I'm so glad I got some nice pictures because I couldn't bring myself to check. Following it up with a nice warm cuppa with a view of the mountains definitely made the experience worthwhile!

Stop number three was the Geysir park. Geysir is actually the name of the oldest, extinct Geysir in the park. The active one, Strokkur, (teehee) went off about every five minutes and was pretty impressive. I got this cool shot of it going off and the sign. I waited on bended knee in the freezing cold and battled some Japanese tourists who moved out of the way with about ten seconds to spare before the eruption. Lucky for them...

Followed up with some authentic Icelandic Meat Soup and posing in Viking wear and with old troll men definitely struck the balance between cultured&sensible and immature&amusing.

The Fourth and Final stop was in the National Park we were at for the Northern Lights, which is a pretty awesome geographical feat, as it is where the Eurasian and North American Tectonic plates meet... (well, are separating) so we walked from Europe to North America, as I understand it. And the views were incredible.

As designated Food Expert of the holiday, I had found a restaurant called the Hofnin (The Harbour) which was... On the Harbour. So, tired and weary, we set off through a beautiful pink, girly sunset to have our final meal.

And what a meal. I had Reindeer meatballs in a blue cheese sauce, and Claire and Rhiannon had some locally caught Arctic Char. YUM FEST.

Wanting to catch an early night, we headed back to the hotel at about 8.30 so we could get some Zeds before our 5am transfer to the airport. Glowing from our beautiful last evening on our beautiful holiday, Rhiannon (whose name in Latin means "Good at spotting stuff") noticed a glow in the sky... We couldn't quite believe it but there it was - The Motherhugging Northern Lights! At 8.30pm in the middle of Reykjavik. Words cannot describe how amazed we were, they performed a lovely little Goodbye Dance, then hung around for a while for us to get some extra amateur pictures.

Needless to say, Zeds were not caught after this due to feeling like children on Christmas Eve.

I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best holiday and the most beautiful country I've ever been to. It was an incredible few days and I saw things that were just too spectacular for words or pictures to justify it. We've decided we want to go Northern Lights hunting every few years, because quite frankly once is not enough!

Go to Iceland, go now!

Les Miserables - A Review

This shouldn't be a review for Les Mis the film, this should be a review for the No. 17 mascara I got for free when I spent over £5 in Boots for surviving the whole three hours.

Incredible is not the word for this film. I have seen the stage version once and listen to the soundtrack regularly. I find it emotional, compelling and beautifully written.

But after seeing the film I realise that I did not fully understand the show. What seeing it on the screen gives is not only a sense of the the scenery and space the story takes place over, but the intricacies and nuances of the lyrics and emotions that even a front row audience member would miss out on. Seeing the characters faces in 20ft of high definition is not only pleasing when Hugh Jackman or Eddie Redmayne take centre stage, but it means you see, hear and feel every syllable of what they are singing, and this is what makes the story come alive. Now I can see the true change that Jean Valjean went through, his ability to forgive over and over again, his fear when Javert turns up time and time again - Javert's confusion as he is faced with someone so forgiving when he, himself, is driven crazy by a grudge from one prisoner so many years before. How quickly Fantine's life is ruined and how cruelly she is treated for simply wanting to look after her child. How outnumbered the men at the barricade were but how united and brave they were.

All performances were fantastic. The critics have genuinely been too harsh on Russell Crowe. He gave a compelling performance, and no he clearly has not had the same singing training as others, he lacked support and parts of Javert's songs are too high for his range but he did a cracking job, and Stars was just beautiful. Amanda Seyfried is slightly annoying, but Cosette is an awful character. All musicals need a dumb blonde who just floats through life on beautiful soprano tunes. No darling, it is not appropriate to talk about how lucky Marius is to have you forever when ALL HIS FRIENDS HAVE JUST DIED. But this isn't her fault. The one bit of emotion Cosette does express, when Jean Valjean dies was really convincing and did make me empathise with her a lot, so well done Amanda.

Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter were also fantastic, light relief in what could have been a three hour sob fest, definitely brilliant casting there.

I don't think there's much need to speak about Anne Hathaway or Hugh Jackman. Minus strange Scottish/Irish twinges to his voice at the beginning, Hugh Jackman was incredible throughout, and so was Anne Hathaway. Singing I dreamed a dream that close up was incredible. You've heard the song a million times but in a straight shot just with her on screen, even Susan Boyle would struggle to suprise an audience more.

Samantha Barks, whoever she is, is also absolutely stunning and gave a brilliant performance as Eponine. Little Fall of Rain is probably the most emotional song in the show and it did not fail to deliver. I just wish Cosette had died so Marius and Eponine could live happily ever after.

So back to the mascara. I had a little wobble in I Dreamed a Dream, when Cosette asked Jean Valjean if he would be Papa, but the real mascara challenge came from One Day More. Admittedly the song, and the fact lots of people are singing lots of things at the same time makes me excited and emotional anyway, but my gosh I was not expecting that. The cut away shots between each character means you can really appreciate everything that's happening at once, and it reducing me to a bubbling pile of snot and tears. From this point on I couldn't breathe through nose for fear of the noise my tears would make. My chin was wobbling, tears streaming down my front. I haven't cried that much in a film since Green Mile, and that's saying something. Red and Black, Gavroche's death  and Empty Chairs at Empty Tables rendered me pretty much useless, but as I left my make up was still full in tact. Well Done No.17, I shall be buying again.

The finale was just epic. In all honestly it could have finished with Eddie Redmayne and Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, but as it does, it plodded on just that little bit further, and for good reason. As Jean Valjean and Fantine's ghosts look out over the city of Paris where thousands of people sing Red and Black one last time, I had shivers down my spine and just the sheer volume of the singing was what made me cry.

Overall, I think the continuous shots, the close ups and the live singing are what made this film incredible. Even the weak parts are anything but and I really think they have done the stage version proud, and given new, deeper meaning to so many parts of the story.

Ten billion stars. Would see again.

Good morning, 2013

And what a beautiful morning it is.


2012 has been a whirlwind of a year. I somehow managed to balance three paid jobs, two voluntary positions, rehearsals and the final year of my degree through the first half. And I came out with a 2.1. Since September I've been working for a wonderful Digital Rights company (don't worry, I didn't know what it was four months ago and I'm only partly sure now...).

I'm pretty sure that the next 12 months aren't going to give me achievements anywhere near the stature or pride of a 2.1 degree or permanent employment, but even 13 hours into the year I know it's going to be fabulous!

Highlights will definitely be:

- Meeting Mary Kate and Ashley
- Seeing Phantom of the Opera
- Going to Iceland to see the Northern Lights
- Performing at the Cliffs Pavilion
- Directing my first show

I think I'm in denial about turning 23, I feel like I'm turning more and more adult each year, which is terrifying. Even Sam has a job where he has to wear a suit now. What happened there?

I hope next year brings myself and everyone I know happiness. As for myself, I'm just going to try and be a better person, to make more time and generally be in less of a rush.

I'm not angry, just disappointed.

I have a series of gripes with certain celebrity personalities. Some of which I vocalise on Twitter, some only in my head; some I write blogs about or use as inspiration for coursework. I tend to get unnecessarily het up over certain things, and I'm fully aware my comments make no difference to the world, society or the individuals that they pertain to. But I like to share it anyway.

For the last week and a half I have felt an overwhelming sense of sadness. I rarely feel sad. If I do it's for a very short amount of time, before I manage to wretch out some sort of positive side of the situation and I carry on with life.

Right now I just feel sad and let down by a selection of people who, whilst have never particularly been heroes or even of much interest to me; other than their title as "household names".

Firstly, we have those people, celebrities and politicians, who think it is okay to hide from the tax system. I have a lot of respect for Jon Richardson who quite plainly said "David Cameron gets criticised every day for having to fire doctors and nurses because there's not enough money in the pot. And one of the reasons there's not enough money in the pot is not everyone pays his taxes.". NB. This is not a political blog, the use of this quote doesn't mean I'm ignoring bad decisions or making any sort of political comment whatsoever. I just think it was a well put argument and I'm glad that he chose to have a go at Jimmy Carr and all the other tax evaders instead of just making it light hearted. If you disagree, take it out with Jon Richardson, not me.

What gives you the right to do this? Is it "just because you can get away with it"? Because that isn't an excuse, or there'd be a lot of serial killers and shop lifters walking free. Being famous, rich, or powerful does not give you the right to steal from your country and you are not above the law. How do you think the "little people" are feeling when half their wages are being taken, and you have more than enough to live off but you just store yours elsewhere for shits and giggles? Not cool.

Secondly, Rihanna. I literally can't even get into this. Back with Chris Brown? You absolute dickhead. I feel sorry for you and your fans you're setting a horrendous example to. It's just wrong. I've watched enough documentaries at work recently where families and victims of rape, assault or kidnappings have turned their experience into a foundation, a charity or even a law in some cases; and these people are nobodies without the money or the press links to make a difference, but Goddamnit they try.

Thirdly, Lance Armstrong: Inspirational cancer-over thrower, athlete, general good guy. Serial doper. Excellent, thanks Lance. All those people you have inspired to overcome weakness, to be a winner and to succeed - it's all based on lies. I realise nothing has necessarily been proved, and he's dropped the trial "because he's tired" of the battle, but that doesn't mean he's innocent. For crying out loud, your inspiration was even used in Dodgeball to get Peter to rejoin the team - that's how much of a well known story yours is, but it was all based on lies. Now it doesn't really matter how many tour de France's you won, or how many types of cancer you overcame you lied to us and that will always weigh more on our hearts than what you did achieve. 

When you're famous your life is like a soap opera. No it isn't controlled and planned by script writers, but at some point the truth will out. Nobody swaps a baby at birth, murders someone or steals from their family company without people finding out. You only can if you are a nobody, because no one is looking at you every day and no one gives enough of a shit to dig up your past. I'm not saying they shouldn't, but they won't.

Which leads me nicely to let down number four. Sir Jimmy Savile. Now I don't know what to make of these claims. I don't know why no one investigated the rumours or why it took until he died for any of these many, many women to come forward. But at the same time I'm not arrogant enough to try and get inside the mind of a terrified 12 year old girl who lived in a time when sex wasn't spoken about, rape wasn't necessarily taken seriously; so probably didn't understand what had happened to her.
Just like Lance; all the good you've done for charity, all the children you helped on your television programme, all of this means nothing now this has come out. And you're not even alive to face the music.
I have a world of respect for his family, who have moved and destroyed his headstone in order to retain the sanctity of the graveyard. I can't even begin to imagine how they feel right now, I would imagine they are heartbroken, and this won't just go away.



I don't envy people who live in the public eye. It's a lot of pressure and of course, no one expects people to be perfect. In fact all four of these cases differ in their level of severity and the people they've affected, but each of them, with a little thought and reasoning, could have been prevented by the individuals, or those around them. I think what makes me even sadder is the facade around so many of them. Jimmy Carr mocking the politicians for the expenses scandal, Rihanna saying she'd never go back to him, years of legacy from Lance, and the memorials and sadness all over the country when Savile passed away. It's all bullshit and lies, which I hate anyway; but the worst part is you can't even confront them about it. You set yourself to love and respect people and they just let you down and there's nothing you can do about it.

I'm not angry. Just disappointed. 

5 Reasons why Nicholas Cage should be my boyfriend

1. THE FILMS! OH GOD THE FILMS!

Every film that Nick Cage is in is fantastic in its own ridiculous way. The storylines sound like they were concocted in a meth lab and the dialogue generally sounds like the combination of a five year old and a tourettes sufferer. The characters are terrible, the women are degraded and the unthinkable always happens. Even in good quality films, such as Kick Ass or The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Nick Cage gives it his personal ReNicholas stamp to make assure you it will not disappoint.

2. When he loses his shit.

Whatever the film, whatever the storyline, Nick Cage will do what he does best - Go bat shit crazy. I probably have inflicted this video on you before, but if I haven't, prepare for the best 4 minutes 14 seconds of your life. This man has so much soul. I also own most of the films these extracts come from and I can assure that, in context, the outbursts make... absolutely no sense whatsoever.




3. Lines that you can only get away in a film starring him.

I am a film buff and a literary snob, and I am not afraid to admit it. Film and television with terribly dialogue, books that are written terribly make me die inside. But Nick Cage could be Christian Grey and I would read that damn book and watch the film on a loop over and over again. Dear Movie Gods - PLEASE cast Nicholas Cage as Christian Grey. It would be the best decision you ever made.

"You see this here femur? It belonged to your daughter"
"Two Roger's don't make a right"
"What's in the bag? A shark or something?"
"HAGGIS"
"How in the name if Zeus's butt hole did you get out of your cell?!"
"FUCKING HANGERS"
"Have you ever been dragged the pavement until your PISSED BLOOD"
"HOW'D IT GET BURNED, HOW'D IT GET BURNED, HOW'D IT GET BURNED?!?!?!?!"
"I never derobe before opening fire."

I could go on.

4. The way you can measure the greatest of one of his film on the awfulness of his wig.

Don't believe me? Check out pictures of his films, the more terrible the wig, the more terrible frigging awesome the film.

5. Dying like no man can.

Whether it's by a chip fryer to the face, or as a sacrifice to the honey Gods. This man dies in style. And he won't die quietly. What's more, he doesn't always stay dead, and his return is majestic and fantastic. SOMETIMES he's already dead. Is there anything he can't do?!

Batman - A review

*S-s-s-s-s-spoiler Alert*
Do not read if you haven't watch the film yet. If you do you only have yourself to blame.

Definitely an amazing film. No dull parts. Really interesting use of sound and music too; particularly with the kid singing at the football match. Amazing special effects, and so glad they didn't bother with 3D because there is genuinely no need in a film like this. The story/FX balance was just right, and I salute the film for this. A lot of people have said it isn't as good as the previous Batman film, and opinion with which, with the distinct lack of Heath Ledger, I am inclined to agree. It had a lot more story than the first one, which was good in its own right. I think that you can view this film as its own product,  like with the new Charlie and the Chocolate factory - it is different to the first one, and it only becomes bad, or poor, through comparison, which is not necessarily fair.

I do think it needed a bit more... something. A lot of it was very generic action movie stuff, which yep, it builds tension, there's a few twists to throw you off course but it wasn't quite special enough owing to the effort that has gone into this movie's production. I also found a lot of it was reminiscent of its surroundings. We have the riots of the poor against the rich, there are terrorists, and the scene in the football stadium I'm sure would be eerily too close to home for those poor people in that cinema in Denver (although obviously there is no link there). Then we have the Chilean minors in the buried police officers; and there was something very Mrs. Weasley about the come back of the Commissioner ("That's my city you bitch, BOOM"). The ending was also a remake of the latest Sherlock Holmes.

It also need a lot more Batman. I don't know who else feels the same, but I feel utterly mis-sold by the title of the film. High points for me were some amazing performances from Mr. Can-do-no-wrong Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Caine. Anne Hathaway definitely came out of her shell too and her nemesis/lover dynamic with Bruce worked really well. Brucey himself though; what a self indulgent little shit. I'm sorry but all this moody angst was just not what I wanted from the hero of this movie. I appreciate that he's resurrecting an old and dead part of himself but he really could have done it with less of a fuss. And yes, you should have sacrificed yourself, but you should be the selfless hero and you just weren't and that makes me sad.

The ending however was amazing. I was too slow to click that JGL would be Robin, but couldn't think of anyone better for the role.

I will end this review with a small rant about Marion Cotillard. Yes I appreciate that this is your second, or perhaps even third or fourth language, but woman, PLEASE, enunciate! I also appreciate that for 99% of the film your role was to be pointless, naked and flouncy but that is no excuse for mulching through words like "necessary" and whatever else you said that I simply couldn't catch. Luckily most of it was pointless so it didn't take much from the overall impact of the film. I've even seen you in other films where you display the ability to speak. All I can imagine is she was told to mumble while her character was being deceptive so when she reveals her true identity as the villain you think "Ah that explains her lack of communication then".
Same goes from Tom Hardy. Tone down on the echo boys, it was very difficult to understand him and he was far too posh to have been lived in a hole in the ground and to possess monstrous strength.

Overall, 4 stars. Bravo.

Ted - A Review

I saw Ted yesterday and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Usually things like this are super hyped up and everyone tells me how hilarious it is, so I don't find it funny as a result.

Luckily for the producers of Ted, fat children being punched in the face and inappropriate jokes about hookers and poo do actually crack me up. However it did fall into the awkward category with scenes that lasted way longer than necessary, but less so than Borat or Bridesmaids so I wouldn't hold it against the film as a whole.

The whole film was well put together, the old British guy voice over making it seem like a Christmas story set the tone just right for the rest of the film. Plus before the bear became Peter Griffin it was super cute. I have mixed feelings about Mila Kunis. Mostly because she looked way too pristine for a film like this, making her seem more like a Megan Fox wannabe, when Kunis is actually a reasonably talented actress (Also had no idea she did the voice for Meg in Family Guy until just now...). Her ridiculous make up having just got out the shower and when she had woken up, combined with her stroppy attitude to Ted made her a really unlikeable character which she's really not supposed to be. You should be able to sympathise with her that her boyfriend was obsessed with his Teddy Bear; but she came across so tarty I just felt she was being unreasonable.

I did enjoy Mark Wahlberg, mostly his very slight Boston accent. It made him better looking because he was a bit more rough around the edges than what you would expect from your average movie star/Mila Kunis's boyfriend type of person.

Overall the film made me laugh out loud, it made me cry and I would definitely watch it again. I give it 3.5 stars.