Nothing much to report

So not much going on in my world at the moment (no news on the Washington move), but it felt like time to add another blog. So inspired but the visual bookcase and as I covered books there I’m gonna wax lyrical about my favourite films.

So here they are in no particular order

The Shawshank Redemption – the plot line sounds like a standard prison movie, possibly why it did so badly at the box-office. The real glory of this film is in the emotional sojourn. The main character’s refusal to be beaten down by life and circumstance along with his endurance through enormous trials is inspiring. There is an unusual relationship in the film – one of a deep and dare I say it loving friendship between two inmates. Now for those of you sniggering in the back, let me clarify that there is nothing homosexual in the relationship and without saying so in the film this is very clear. One of the amazing things about the film is that it doesn’t shy away from some of the more disturbing elements, but also doesn’t feel the need to show you all the details. I’m going to stop now as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it – if you’re in this group – rent, buy or borrow it now.

The Usual Suspects – a beautifully constructed and well paced ‘twist in the tail’ movie, but one you can watch again and again. The characters are all brilliant and unique, brimming with…well, character.

Pulp Fiction –The blended storylines shown out of order keep your mind trying to connect the dots and that’s clever but it’s the stylish slick gangsters and the razor sharp script that make it great. If you had to be a gangster you’d buy a black suit and tie, you’d want to go and collect something and ask the question ‘do you read the bible…’

Lord of the Rings (Peter Jackson’s) – Magnificently epic in scale and despite cutting huge chunks of the story (as any film that didn’t want to last four days would) managing to keep the overall story intact (at least in the extended version I have). Managing to capture the spirit of the books containing; darkness and grandeur, humour and sorrow. Huge armies, demons of the earth, mighty wizards, dead kings and elven lords –, I have to admit, no matter how geeky this makes me sound - I love it.

Love Actually – My favourite romantic comedy and not just for Keira Knightley. In the film we have un-requited love, love betrayed, un-expected love, childish love, bold declarations of love and quiet embarrassed declarations. All the stories are interesting and all have twists and turns