tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22459276163685148782024-03-13T23:50:10.664-07:00The B-RollEntertainment & Lifestyle BlogAmie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-432079441840508502018-03-27T15:25:00.000-07:002018-03-27T15:25:10.931-07:00I’m Training for my First Half-Marathon: Part 2<br />
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Less than two weeks to go…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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I’ve hit a wall with running, not the one they talk about on
TV where you a half way through a race and you break through the invisible
bricks in a blaze of glory. No, over the last two weeks I have forgotten why I
ever wanted to run a half marathon in the first place. While I continue trying
to keep positive and remember that it will all be worth it (hopefully) when I
cross the finish line, I wanted to learn some things I’ve learnt about myself
and running over the last three months of training:<o:p></o:p></div>
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won’t look pretty </b>– I’m going to get the grossest one out of the way. Maybe
feet are already disgusting but constantly slamming your feet on the floor at
high speed will just make them worse, who would have guessed? To date I am one
toenail down but ask me again in two weeks and I may be another one lighter. Sandal
weather is going to be interesting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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thing for the to-do list</b> – The thing people always tell you about exercise
is that it is a great stress reliever, and it’s true, the rush of endorphins and
time to think are great for mental health. When I signed up for the
half-marathon I thought, ‘great I can run away the stress of, dissertation, job
applications, assignments, impending adulthood…’ but what I’ve discovered recently
is how time-consuming training is. Running no longer fits in with the rest of my
life meaning I have to schedule it in which has been a challenge recently with
so many other things going on. I now treat a run like the last thing on my
to-do list and after I can relax and let the exhaustion take hold. There is
nothing better than a post-run nights sleep. <o:p></o:p></div>
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poor will-power</b> – I admit it, I have weak will-power when It comes to
exercising. Recently my calves have felt strained and it’s made running painful
at times. Then my weak will power comes in as I walk for short intervals and
feel defeated even after covering nine miles. As much as I tell myself how much
I can do it and that I’ll feel great when it’s over – my head is also willing
me to stop. I now hope that the atmosphere and crowd of the race will keep my
legs moving and my weak-willed-self running. <o:p></o:p></div>
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going to feel fit?!</b> There is something strange about exercising a lot more than
ever while feeling tired and aching on the daily. My expectations of leaping
out of bed everyday with killer abs and physique to match have been severely unfulfilled.
On the bright side my leg muscles feel firm and I feel healthier overall,
needing to do regular exercise has massively upped my water uptake and I’m trying
to be conscious of what I eat before a run. Once I’ve finished running training
I’d really like to focus more attention on building up upper-body strength and
flexibility. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You’ll hear from me again after I’ve passed that blessed
13.1 mile mark. The final countdown (d-d-doo-doo) is now on, wish me luck! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-70896266211656787022018-03-08T11:23:00.000-08:002018-03-11T07:56:08.239-07:00International Women’s Day 2018: Recent Reads and Recommendations <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW162780268" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
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<span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><br /></span>
<span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Maybe you’ve been avoiding social media, televisions and the overall population since January 1</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW162780268" data-fontsize="11" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: super;">st</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> but 2018 is the Year of the Woman, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">i.e. the one-year anniversary of women over 30 g</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">etting</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> the vote in the UK. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Apparently,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> this month is also women’s history so it stands to reason that International Women’s Day 2018 is a big one, and I’m here for it. Still in need of some inspiration? Well it’s the perfect time to pick up a book or two from some first-class females. I’ve specifically chosen those that I’ve read </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">recently, one of which I’ve only just started but know it’s a perfect fit for this mini list. </span><span class="EOP SCXW162780268" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><br />
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW162780268" paraeid="{8d794db6-100c-43dd-8d42-205ce0fe8a6d}{174}" paraid="682019963" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Moxie – Jennifer Mathieu</span><span class="EOP SCXW162780268" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW162780268" paraeid="{c951c542-18e8-433f-9b4f-57c5f41b5e23}{139}" paraid="2067309129" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">'Moxie girls fight back!'</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">You may have heard of Moxie because it was featured in an incarnation of Zoella’s book club last year. Please don’t let that put you off, this story of a </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">16-year-old</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> taking on her sexist-dress-code-pushing and football-player-worshipping Texas high school is possibly the most inspiring </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">feminist</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> book I’ve read. The characters are so developed and the issues are explored in a mature and sensitive way so that’s it’s an addictive read for all ages. </span><span class="EOP SCXW162780268" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW162780268" paraeid="{8d794db6-100c-43dd-8d42-205ce0fe8a6d}{186}" paraid="2008889087" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Eat Sweat Play: How Sport Can Change Our Lives – Anna Kessel</span><span class="EOP SCXW162780268" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">I added Eat Sweat Play to my </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Christmas</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> list for some much-needed half-marathon training, turns out it was a lot more </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">than inspiration for my lazy self. In </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">fact,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> this book is a </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">break</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">down</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> of sexism in sport and the media. No, I have no aspirations of being a professional athlete or sportswoman but what this book did so </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">insightfully</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> was break down taboo's that are prevalent all over society. It is consistently</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">thought provoking</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> and as I consider it</span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> my first feminist non-fiction read, it has opened the door to a desire to read so many more. </span><span class="EOP SCXW162780268" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW162780268" paraeid="{8d794db6-100c-43dd-8d42-205ce0fe8a6d}{193}" paraid="750242444" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">The Power – Naomi Alderman</span><span class="EOP SCXW162780268" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW162780268" paraeid="{8d794db6-100c-43dd-8d42-205ce0fe8a6d}{199}" paraid="2022437566" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">This is the book that </span><span class="TextRun SCXW162780268" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">I’ve only just started, in fact I’ll admit that I’m only 70 pages through. If you liked the Handmaid’s Tale (book or amazing TV show) you will love The Power’s way of exploring gender relations through a dystopian setting. As part of our first ever ‘book club’ myself and my housemates are all trying to get through this book before the end of March, why not get a <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-WINNER-BAILEYS-WOMENS-FICTION/dp/0670919969/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520536919&sr=8-1&keywords=the+power" target="_blank">copy</a> and read along with us?</span><span class="EOP SCXW162780268" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW83174108" lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{be39db9c-722f-4158-a921-f46184dca0ce}{17}" paraid="503729223" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;" xml:lang="EN-GB">
<span class="TextRun SCXW83174108" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Want to know what's next on my reading </span><span class="TextRun SCXW83174108" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">list</span><span class="TextRun SCXW83174108" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-GB">? Follow me on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11280051-amie" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>!</span><span class="EOP SCXW83174108" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri_msfontservice" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-3384029134835523592018-02-15T13:46:00.001-08:002018-02-15T13:46:39.627-08:00I’m Training for My First Half-Marathon: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As of the Sunday the 28<sup>th</sup> of January I am in training
for the Sheffield Half Marathon which will take place on the 8<sup>th</sup> of
April. I’ve essentially paid £37 to run 13.1 miles up and down a big hill, you
can ask me why but I might have to get back to you on the answer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Before we get in to how the training is going let me take you on a
journey through my history with exercise and sport…<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I was in year 11 of secondary school I had phone call home
from my discouraged PE teacher after I refused to play basketball in favour of
sitting on the radiator and chatting. When I was 18, after my first university
term of eating my bodyweight in carbs, I decided to join a gym so bought a full
gym kit and running shoes. This didn’t end well after I couldn’t find the gym,
looked like an idiot and decided that this gym wasn’t for me. Next was my first
experience with running, I got up early on a Sunday morning, got straight in to
my running clothes and ran out of my front door with the aim of doing at least twenty
minutes cross-country. Fast-forward 3 minutes and I was walking, out of breath
and with a killer-stitch. Turns out I wasn’t particularly fit after leaving the
forced exercise of school behind and discovering the joys of alcohol and pasta
for every meal. My gym clothes finally got their day in the sun after I started
going to a nearby gym with my university flatmates… at least until I moved in
to new accommodation where the 20-minute walk to the gym put me off. 2 years
later, while on my placement year, I needed something to occupy my free time
around work so the <i>obvious solution </i>was
to take up swimming. (You may be able to guess where this is going) I bought a
swimming costume and goggles and headed to the pool. My overall thoughts on
swimming are as follows; it is bloody knackering, it’s boring and it feels like
everyone around you is so much better. I
swam a grand total of 5 lengths before getting out of the pool and sitting in
the changing rooms wondering why the hell I ever thought this was a good idea. I
was the definition of ‘all the gear and no idea’ or you may prefer ‘all the kit
and still shit’. And somehow from sitting almost naked in a grubby leisure
centre changing room wondering what the policy for returning a swimming costume
was, I decided to join a running club and complete the couch to 5k program. *drum
roll please* I actually did it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll be honest, after I completed the couch to 5k I didn’t become
the jolly running girl who ran a swift 5k before dawn. Rather, I lost interest
in the running club in favour of solo runs and since then my relationship with
running has been on and off. Then in September last year, in a hangover induced
stupor I agreed to the half marathon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finding the motivation to carry on comes from your head and not
your legs. I’ve learnt that I’m not someone who can jump out of bed and run but
if I’m sticking to training so that’s fine. Now I am in my third week of
‘official’ training and can now run 6 miles, aka I’m almost at the half way
point and the idea of running for two hours or more sends dread straight to my
soul. It’s well written that running is as much about physical endurance as it
is mental. Sometimes running is gruelling AF but knowing that once I’ve
completed a planned run gives me so much simple happiness and pride in myself. It’s
not all #fitspo and my-body-is-a-temple though, like yesterday when I couldn’t even
do 5k of hill training. I may whip up a green smoothie from time to time but I reward
myself with a bag of monster munch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So that’s it for now, I’ll be back with part two when I’m at the 10-mile
mark. Wish me luck! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VtcWQW5O7dINk63w8RyBQYOHwsoHp67EqRQfrwJRptGCwTL9hfOdAmpnn9HmK2937K1l6qks9eifyt7yzXQcXDUol5xeo_hWLeGrkpP19IuG6HHAIrrqeI2VJ33Bd5S7MLdTMnOqAoc/s1600/signature+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VtcWQW5O7dINk63w8RyBQYOHwsoHp67EqRQfrwJRptGCwTL9hfOdAmpnn9HmK2937K1l6qks9eifyt7yzXQcXDUol5xeo_hWLeGrkpP19IuG6HHAIrrqeI2VJ33Bd5S7MLdTMnOqAoc/s1600/signature+2.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-64597594084217493182016-10-23T10:22:00.000-07:002016-10-23T10:22:06.572-07:00RECENT WATCH: THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sgkapUQWNeluNIt8mTyhTYtsHmJUiHJNwBezfPbAi5c9ZHJ4UnUv7YWTQhiM2X6o2JzBFDUHivydLDCxyifRpS-61X0t69XxMUpJc4QcYlbU19WhTW_3KwEQqbeFfcSsSmqVeYo7i3M/s1600/girl+on+the+train+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sgkapUQWNeluNIt8mTyhTYtsHmJUiHJNwBezfPbAi5c9ZHJ4UnUv7YWTQhiM2X6o2JzBFDUHivydLDCxyifRpS-61X0t69XxMUpJc4QcYlbU19WhTW_3KwEQqbeFfcSsSmqVeYo7i3M/s1600/girl+on+the+train+1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Girl on the Train is a mystery thriller based on the bestselling
novel by Paula Hawkins. Rachel is an alcoholic divorcee who rides a commuter
train to the job she has been fired from for over a year, when a woman goes
missing she becomes entangled in the investigation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We follow Rachel on a continued downward spiral, she spends
her days drinking vodka like its water and gazing in to the windows of the
houses along the train track. She indulges in her obsession for a young couple
she thinks she knows as she watches every day. Emily Blunt is unsurprisingly
brilliant as Rachel, while reading Paula Hawkins novel I’ll admit I didn’t
picture anyone like Blunt but she won me over. The wonders of makeup have
transformed her in to someone that looks truly downtrodden and she plays Rachel
with the right balance of subtly and eccentricity to portray a character that
is deeply troubled but wishing to do the right thing. In fact I was happy with all of the casting choices;
I particularly liked Luke Evan’s as the unsettling Scott, the husband of the
missing Megan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What made the book stand out was how it developed in to a
layered story of voyeurism, alcoholism and desperation. For me, this is where
the film adaptation fell flat as it failed to reach the depths of its source
material. I really struggle with films that use narration as the main form of
storytelling. There was so much to pack in to the film to build tension and
emotion and the main vehicle of this seemed to be stirring monologues. This created
some really problematic pacing; the story seems to chug along with character
development before rushing to a conclusion with little build up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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While the novel is set in London the film has been moved to
New York in an attempt to make Blunt’s British Rachel even more of an outsider.
Call me picky but I really think that the setting should have remained the
same. Seeing the drama of your cavorting neighbours play out through their
windows seems far less likely on a property of two thousand square feet. There’s
something off putting by the glamour that surrounds the lives of many of our
New York set characters while the book described the behind-the-scenes chaos of
their home lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Girl on the Train fails to stand against its genre
predecessors but will hold up at the box office thanks to Emily Blunt’s
performance and is a faithful adaptation that sticks closely to its source.
Although this could be its downfall as the film hears like an audio book with
questionable pacing.</div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-73471306754116235252016-08-02T12:27:00.000-07:002016-08-02T12:27:07.487-07:00JULY WATCHLIST<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I watch a lot of films, big shocker there I know… Between
re-watching my favourites and binge watching TV shows I try to watch plenty of
films I haven’t seen before, there are way too many great films out there to not
do the metaphorical legwork. I only tend to review films that are currently at
the cinema and give little attention to the wonderful gems I have finally
feasted my eyes on. So, I had an idea for a new series of monthly or sometimes
bi-monthly posts. A monthly ‘watchlist’ will be a rundown of films that I have
watched for the first time in the month that has passed, for a first I will
also be rating each film out of 5. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This month I have caught up on a few newer releases that I’d
hoped to see in the cinema but I really want to use these posts as an excuse
for some film-education. There is an embarrassingly high amount of classic
cinema that I haven’t yet seen and that needs to change. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm93Ys-s-o2B-r7PlTa3_klWyRm8hmZL3cY9hpZlVaoYCFpm4as4bsJulgb0gKyWhKhyIkHLu6zh6Z4C_JlW142cRdMJZQTqFddIFNZPeK4WJ1q0EFPgjIvNVnJj7gMWJdUC50TrV6Hc/s1600/me+before+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm93Ys-s-o2B-r7PlTa3_klWyRm8hmZL3cY9hpZlVaoYCFpm4as4bsJulgb0gKyWhKhyIkHLu6zh6Z4C_JlW142cRdMJZQTqFddIFNZPeK4WJ1q0EFPgjIvNVnJj7gMWJdUC50TrV6Hc/s1600/me+before+you.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: the-indie-pendent.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Me Before You (2016)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I read Jojo Moyes’ novel over a year before the film release
and as much as I enjoyed it, I couldn’t help feeling it was over-rated. So the
hype surrounding the film was no surprise and I was dubious. With Moyes herself
at the helm of the script this is a faithful adaptation, drawing well from the
source material but standing as its own product. I was neutral about Sam
Claflin’s performance as <i>Will Traynor </i>but
I thought Emilia Clarke was perfect casting. Her portrayal was exactly how I had
imagined when reading the clumsy but equally ballsy <i>Louisa Clark</i>. The ending
also packed the serious emotional punch that I’d hoped for. <b>4/5</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iJCH3swJ5dPJVriufF8Q1CfdiaVsVSbfQpHiKj1_-LI4Oa8WekQR6PjztYz-bjVqUrkGxg7va5XJNMLdHJszXpDpOhUpBcrVRxb_J44WXWjFUG_FIIyRn3KWSNt2eiyUCKK9NJ2teUk/s1600/sing+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iJCH3swJ5dPJVriufF8Q1CfdiaVsVSbfQpHiKj1_-LI4Oa8WekQR6PjztYz-bjVqUrkGxg7va5XJNMLdHJszXpDpOhUpBcrVRxb_J44WXWjFUG_FIIyRn3KWSNt2eiyUCKK9NJ2teUk/s1600/sing+street.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: pulseradio.fm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Sing Street (2016)</b></div>
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A boy growing up in 1980’s Dublin starts a band to impress
the mysterious girl he likes. The band in question turns out to be a bunch of
unlikely heroes who make great music. Sing Street was by far the best film I saw
in July and could easily be one of my favourites of the year. I couldn’t wait
to recommend it to people and the brilliant soundtrack has been on repeat for
me since the first viewing. Like John Carney’s other ‘musicals’, Sing Street
balances both sides of the emotion spectrum to produce a film with bags of
singing and historically relevant drama. It’s a love letter to 80’s pop-culture
with nostalgia my 90s-born-self got wrapped up in. <b>5/5</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: collider.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>The Last Five Years
(2014)</b></div>
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The Last Five Years is a musical drama that follows <i>Cathy, </i>a struggling actress and novelist
<i>Jamie, </i>chronicling the unravelling of
their love affair over a five year period. I’m going to be blunt; the music was
the only thing I liked. The timeline of the story is an absolute mess. The order
of events is so confusing that I didn’t care about any of the characters. The whole
film feels more like a series of mismatched music videos than a complete, meaningful
story. <b>1/5</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWgeA5EdwnAOQHrbkQyOqOep_l1pgwhkHhj2wxq9NQFhOITnOmkwf5Y3-2eUxLFOnzLD_ClRIqfoF25W3v7k9TbuE8MyFgepS_gE_C1FpU5GXKX-I3DMNxCm96xTtKnCXleH_bqfW_js/s1600/me+and+earl+and+the+dying+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWgeA5EdwnAOQHrbkQyOqOep_l1pgwhkHhj2wxq9NQFhOITnOmkwf5Y3-2eUxLFOnzLD_ClRIqfoF25W3v7k9TbuE8MyFgepS_gE_C1FpU5GXKX-I3DMNxCm96xTtKnCXleH_bqfW_js/s1600/me+and+earl+and+the+dying+girl.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: buzzhub.wordpress.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Me and Earl and the
Dying Girl (2015)</b></div>
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Greg likes to be invisible; he enjoys being anonymous and
making films with his ‘co-worker’ <i>Earl </i>until
his mother forces him to befriend <i>Rachel,
</i>a girl recently diagnosed with Leukaemia. This film is a tour de force in
how to make a story of friendship without clichés and stereotypes. While the whole
film revolves around Greg, every character is layered and interesting. That combined
with the way the film is shot, including moments of Claymation and shots of
Greg and Earl’s own films, makes for a grounded drama dealing with sensitive
subject matter. <b>4.5/5</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-44131239603057698492016-07-28T11:59:00.001-07:002016-07-28T11:59:16.334-07:00COMIC-CON 2016: 5 MUST-SEE TRAILERS<div class="MsoNormal">
Another comic-con means a serious amount of new trailers and
news about some of the most exciting upcoming releases. I have watched every trailer
that was released over the four day of this year’s comic-con in San Diego; here
are the five that you must watch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Suicide Squad (Final Trailer)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e5v63uZbFl0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e5v63uZbFl0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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The trailers for Suicide Squad have been some perfects
examples in film marketing, perfectly matching the music, demonstrating the overall
feel and not giving too much away, they have definitely hooked me in. While
there have been so many trailers for Suicide Squad this one has basically
sealed the deal about how much I can’t wait for this film to hit cinemas in August.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Justice League</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fIHH5-HVS9o/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fIHH5-HVS9o?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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The biggest thing with this trailer is that it seems to
demonstrate that the filmmakers behind the current DC cinematic universe are
listening to the fans. The tone looks to be lightening and the standout of this
trailer was the first glimpse of Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash.</div>
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<b>Wonder Woman</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/w7xdGWk9BV4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w7xdGWk9BV4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Yes there is a lot of DC in this list, I just love DC characters okay? Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman was one of the best things about the
divisive ‘Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice’ and like the first footage of
Justice League, the first glimpse of the Wonder Woman feature film seems to be
taking itself less seriously and giving the fans what they want. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Snowden</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/saswpVbvqdM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/saswpVbvqdM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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This is the second trailer for Oliver Stone’s Edward Snowden
biopic. The story of Edward Snowden is one of the most important stories in
recent history and brought up issues that are continually discussed today. If
you want some light research before seeing the film coming in September I’d
really recommend the Oscar winning documentary ‘Citizenfour’.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>King Arthur: Legend of the Sword</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6rbPTQIdjmY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6rbPTQIdjmY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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I had seen there was going to be a new film about King Arthur
but I really wasn’t interested until this trailer. The story has been told many
times in many different adaptations but an a historical epic with Guy Ritchie’s
signature style? Count me in.</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-5679875304344961362016-07-25T12:11:00.002-07:002016-07-25T12:14:51.359-07:00RECENT WATCH: GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmllQrtiKc1Yewq-MyAmhVbt0fJNUwRwKS-5MhCeOziQhig371pWwvQwVI2Els-0ql3x9OK-J4oyRmP1fJ0ua0v-aTMN6TL0bc-6MedUb5xKsT7vuAS0GKoJvPhIwY51QQvGyDQQtk0I/s1600/ghostbusters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmllQrtiKc1Yewq-MyAmhVbt0fJNUwRwKS-5MhCeOziQhig371pWwvQwVI2Els-0ql3x9OK-J4oyRmP1fJ0ua0v-aTMN6TL0bc-6MedUb5xKsT7vuAS0GKoJvPhIwY51QQvGyDQQtk0I/s1600/ghostbusters.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three paranormal enthusiasts and a subway worker team up to
fight ghosts after a series of other-worldly forces threaten New York. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t even attempt to review this film without
acknowledging the amount of negativity surrounding this film. I said in a
previous post that I was set on seeing this film no matter what and I stuck to
that, seeing it as soon as I had the chance. I wanted to really like this film
and when you want to really like something you can get a case of tunnel vision
but I couldn’t avoid the negative reviews that appeared on the day of the films
cinema release. I don’t agree with the amount of hate this film is
drowning in, but it’s true that this film is severely flawed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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First let’s talk about what I actually liked; the four main
cast members were great. Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy have such great
chemistry and comedic timing together. While I wasn’t as aware of Kate McKinnon
and Leslie Jones pre-Ghostbusters I really liked their performances. Kate
McKinnnon’s wacky antics as inventor, ‘Jillian Holtzmann’ take a moment to get
used but eventually she has a certain charm. Understandably the CGI has
massively improved which quite simply means the ghosts look better. Although,
care has been taken to not lose the retro charm of the story and it isn’t lost in
technological advances. Green slime and floating bodies remain. The iconic
theme tune is back but there are multiple remixes that added a modern feel, my
favourite version is by ‘Fall Out Boy’ and ‘Missy Elliott’ which played on the
first assembling of the Ghostbusters in uniform. That whole sequence was
probably my favourite part of the entire film. The action sequences are also well
choreographed and up to a certain point the final battle makes for a satisfying
conclusion. (More on this later)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN8CqXMnJUmFNMl9xK7HyY68KRQDufN0bxSgyU8uW7P8a_hlOYSEQfUEyS71tDjba-xtaOGPphJVLeLPcxLK8uIzDc2m8j6drVFB_7KNyR7h7OgfhhSo5QLyCy-HKAR95vdkQsfcYUzo/s1600/ghostbusters+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN8CqXMnJUmFNMl9xK7HyY68KRQDufN0bxSgyU8uW7P8a_hlOYSEQfUEyS71tDjba-xtaOGPphJVLeLPcxLK8uIzDc2m8j6drVFB_7KNyR7h7OgfhhSo5QLyCy-HKAR95vdkQsfcYUzo/s1600/ghostbusters+3.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Now I have to talk about the things I did not like. First of
all, I did not find Ghostbusters funny. More than anything Ghostbusters should
be a comedy but apart from some well-timed pop-culture references and a little
acute self-awareness the ‘jokes’ fell flat. This was a big disappointment after
the many literal laugh-out-loud moments of Paul Feig’s other comedies, most
notably ‘The Heat’ and ‘Spy’. The male representations are horrendous. Every man
in this film is either evil or a total idiot. It annoys me so much that a film
that attempts to break new ground with a female led action/comedy would do so
by just flipping a stereotype dynamic. There is no need to stereotype to that
scale, to attempt comedy in this way is cheap and quite frankly lazy. While the
original film was male led, the female characters were worthy and developed.
Sigourney Weaver's ‘Dana Barrett’ was one of the most memorable parts of the original
for me. The constant appearance of stereotypes created an alarming anti-man
tone that reached its cataclysm in the final act. A certain part of the
concluding battle is currently doing the rounds on the internet for all the
wrong reasons. With the risk of spoilers all I will say is that the conclusion
revolves around something that I can only guess was intended as a joke but
ended up being a cheap and messy conclusion that you’d expect in a bad Adam
Sandler movie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEuysIyvtPE-Ab6jjcRZN3AyU6saP8GKF0-UGFafiqWy32oSlNjK4G-xBRlXDiodh2LXswkVnc60EOSUis2dRabRmJ5U0zxMcq-175EtJpqlEZqqXz-Zr3cOgCfW_5wAZWerAx5kmDgI/s1600/ghostbusters+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEuysIyvtPE-Ab6jjcRZN3AyU6saP8GKF0-UGFafiqWy32oSlNjK4G-xBRlXDiodh2LXswkVnc60EOSUis2dRabRmJ5U0zxMcq-175EtJpqlEZqqXz-Zr3cOgCfW_5wAZWerAx5kmDgI/s1600/ghostbusters+2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw the original Ghostbusters for the first time in full
last October at a drive-in. While I enjoyed it, it is not a favourite and I have
no loyalty to it. However, even I couldn’t help but closely compare the 1984
original to the 2016 reboot. The original is an iconic product of cinema of the
time and more importantly; has stood the test of time. Scratch the surface of
this reboot and there’s nothing new to boast about. The film also seems to be
afraid to stand on its own, it’s a reboot but with a ridiculous amount of clumsy
cameos and nods to the Bill Murray led original.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It wasn’t until I sat down and really thought about this
film that I really questioned why it had to be Ghostbusters in the first place.
The acting talent in this film could have been used on new characters that
broke gender norms but told a story in its own right. If all we need to create
something new is to swap the genders of characters then screenwriters can put
down their pens for the next 100 years. It’s about time that we are seeing new
roles for women in film but by simply stepping to the shoes of a much beloved
film, Ghostbusters was set up for a fall. With other all-female remakes in the
pipe line, including an all-female ‘Ocean’s Eleven’; I worry Ghostbusters will
leave a bitter taste.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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I had high hopes for Ghostbusters but it has fallen short of
expectations. While undeserving of the lynch mob that is after it at the moment, CGI advances and acting talent couldn’t save it from a poor script and the
risks of remaking an 80’s classic. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD4gdHfTtFVqF4_Pd-pgpdmyDmF9PB0STE6uzMEfhJYmt1H3_Rlx_bsEx32ORDDkvLIqyE3_3rpgPpI8r0i5hwlTCOGGQ4sIWCopG49DaMZlgSxv6LUA8hYKd_sqa-aj4DXK8jSi-mmQ/s1600/signature+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD4gdHfTtFVqF4_Pd-pgpdmyDmF9PB0STE6uzMEfhJYmt1H3_Rlx_bsEx32ORDDkvLIqyE3_3rpgPpI8r0i5hwlTCOGGQ4sIWCopG49DaMZlgSxv6LUA8hYKd_sqa-aj4DXK8jSi-mmQ/s1600/signature+2.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-58583843929573103492016-07-18T14:15:00.001-07:002016-07-18T14:15:57.608-07:00RECENT READS #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZZYktuv7AelAmwZn1djDPAw5ewzSrGoZqiPDPjiErBzyGdttgimM7jQ9IK-JCgBArPboDWjILIvG4H7UmmVt3-BWsJtOwCjHMoBsm0gvwqs1VxWHyNxjlPcihrqRBGZkSyLh-4OUsFM/s1600/brooklyn+ugly+love+and+heaven.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZZYktuv7AelAmwZn1djDPAw5ewzSrGoZqiPDPjiErBzyGdttgimM7jQ9IK-JCgBArPboDWjILIvG4H7UmmVt3-BWsJtOwCjHMoBsm0gvwqs1VxWHyNxjlPcihrqRBGZkSyLh-4OUsFM/s1600/brooklyn+ugly+love+and+heaven.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ugly Love</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Colleen Hoover<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Ugly Love is a ‘New Adult’ novel that follows Tate after she
moves to San Francisco and meets her neighbour, Miles Archer. Before I read
this I was in a long reading slump, I hadn’t finished a book for months and
anything that I read just wasn’t interesting me. New adult is my favourite
genre to reach for when no other books are keeping my attention. They’re fast
paced and addictive and Ugly Love was no exception. While the main element of
the story is a romance there was enough grit and mystery to make me want to
keep reading and I finished it within days. Out of the handful of similar books
I have read this is quite possibly my favourite, the characters were likeable
and realistic and I really enjoyed the writing style of Colleen Hoover. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
3.5/5<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Five People You
Meet in Heaven<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Mitch Albom<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. The story
is quite self-explanatory, we follow Eddie, an 83 year old man who is killed in
the first chapter and arrives in heaven to meet five people. Each person has
been affected by some part of Eddie’s life and has something to teach him. It was
the writing of this book that made me love it so much, it’s only a short 208
pages but its crafted in a way that there are moments where you have to stop
reading and actually think about what is written on the page. It’s fair to
think that a book with ‘heaven’ in the title might stray in to the realm of preachy
or pretentious but it really isn’t, Mitch Albom presents his message and it’s
up to you to interpret. This book is also home to one my favourite book quotes…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>“No life is a waste”
the Blue Man said. “The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking that
we are alone”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
5/5</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0r4JzwWrMRMSPgjtzrzNFYNZ-b8L1eqPRXb0kl_KxsYKFa-K163ohv5CyRKNQ1F4eA41WqTjiU127Z9CNxPJ7CXApqROEZ4NJWKVZb6PGvlYmex0HesG0USCHJa-ovzB_fWeeOwmyTU/s1600/heaven+dedication.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0r4JzwWrMRMSPgjtzrzNFYNZ-b8L1eqPRXb0kl_KxsYKFa-K163ohv5CyRKNQ1F4eA41WqTjiU127Z9CNxPJ7CXApqROEZ4NJWKVZb6PGvlYmex0HesG0USCHJa-ovzB_fWeeOwmyTU/s1600/heaven+dedication.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dedication from The Five People You Meet in Heaven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Brooklyn</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Colm Toibin<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Brooklyn was a complete impulse purchase; I only picked it
up in Waterstones after seeing the film trailer. Brooklyn is the story of Eilis
who moves to New York because she is unable to find work in Ireland. After
being on my shelf for months I picked up Brooklyn wanting something romantic
and slightly fluffy but the seemingly simple story ended up being an interesting
fish-out-of-water story that talks about what home means and first love and
growing up. When I had finished reading the book I couldn’t wait to watch the
film. It was a really faithful adaptation and I loved Saoirse Ronan as Eilis,
perfect casting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
4.5/5<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If you want to see what else I'm reading you can follow me on Good Reads <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11280051-amie" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCdYq9shFkZe3LZuvwPpsmJ5QwP-7Qnm6uV1nE-Em1-xTC8fcEkdRIwBUA56CCYKY68k4fmrQMJSudCITOwlgYDQgUXwpEJ1NhS97hszKfLfTSSKIITPRS6IELaG6fuBwoxFHgJrRUFc/s1600/signature+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCdYq9shFkZe3LZuvwPpsmJ5QwP-7Qnm6uV1nE-Em1-xTC8fcEkdRIwBUA56CCYKY68k4fmrQMJSudCITOwlgYDQgUXwpEJ1NhS97hszKfLfTSSKIITPRS6IELaG6fuBwoxFHgJrRUFc/s1600/signature+2.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-91830321013887301192016-07-11T12:11:00.001-07:002016-07-11T12:11:19.064-07:00MY ANTICIPATED FILM RELEASES: JULY 2016<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So far this summer is shaping up to be a great one at the
cinema; let’s see what July has to offer...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiKCyJQaVELkLxFS3WRBERsogMMiPjsu_ltrw6Y5m4eIW6cvArr0qR6fJSMlHKL6o6rmHQ4n0MMsAOENVt3utWmJgriyzljLu65dsfbcVVeqMOs1TdEWX58cQsNEmLnMQHd5ypfS5pcA/s1600/ghostbusters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiKCyJQaVELkLxFS3WRBERsogMMiPjsu_ltrw6Y5m4eIW6cvArr0qR6fJSMlHKL6o6rmHQ4n0MMsAOENVt3utWmJgriyzljLu65dsfbcVVeqMOs1TdEWX58cQsNEmLnMQHd5ypfS5pcA/s1600/ghostbusters.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb,com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ghostbusters <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>UK Release Date:
11/07/16<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The film that had the most disliked trailer ever on YouTube
and really divided people. Like many I wasn’t a fan of the first trailer, I
found it sloppy and it made me worried about the future of this film. This will
be the first of a handful of films that are being reinvented with a cast of all
female protagonists; it feels like there is a lot riding on the quality of
Ghostbusters. The second trailer and newer promotional material are so much
better than the first glimpse but really I was always going to want to see this
film. I trust Paul Feig, Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig to make a genuinely
funny and exciting adventure comedy. I hope people remember that this is more a
reinvention and not just a remake.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3ugHP-yZXw" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpMN9iCR-wU5JAVlvW7whcp3QOKFjFRU7wADkawedUHCyCyIRcla2MFfjpdXD3ET4mGVwISEtxzhd3XrAPGeqTjAv2JUefP7MwqgMnauNRUWYYD3kHnQJ3EvYmsrfPzo7NP7gziUgZfs/s1600/jason+bourne.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpMN9iCR-wU5JAVlvW7whcp3QOKFjFRU7wADkawedUHCyCyIRcla2MFfjpdXD3ET4mGVwISEtxzhd3XrAPGeqTjAv2JUefP7MwqgMnauNRUWYYD3kHnQJ3EvYmsrfPzo7NP7gziUgZfs/s1600/jason+bourne.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jason Bourne<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>UK Release Date:
29/07/16<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matt Damon is back as Jason Bourne and Paul Greengrass is
back as Bourne Director. Action Thriller may not be the genre that I reach for
the most but I am very excited about this new Bourne instalment. It took me a
long time to get to but I really enjoyed The Bourne Ultimatum and now I’m
eagerly anticipating this new Bourne as Matt Damon is back in arguably the role
he is best known for. Jason Bourne now remembers who he truly is and is trying
to uncover hidden truths about his past. Julia Stiles is also back, new cast members
include Tommy Lee Jones and Alicia Vikander. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v71ce1Dqqns" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Honourable mention: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj7ty6sViiU" target="_blank">The Legend of Tarzan</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ0Bey4YUGI" target="_blank">The BFG</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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What has been your favourite film of the summer so far?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZkteV-AJjNeQ0VHkqOl0kqECG710cSsljWSjPT_zNgBwkZqEZ2JbeK9tenE6WZbK8nMHVU3f9ORAbAVquY9F6-ykw3XUgOdrFIHZpEOIxxP1NpK5bxvI5JI8oVVX6kRpj0If2ZyDM-g/s1600/signature+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZkteV-AJjNeQ0VHkqOl0kqECG710cSsljWSjPT_zNgBwkZqEZ2JbeK9tenE6WZbK8nMHVU3f9ORAbAVquY9F6-ykw3XUgOdrFIHZpEOIxxP1NpK5bxvI5JI8oVVX6kRpj0If2ZyDM-g/s1600/signature+2.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-30877072276002071372016-07-07T12:28:00.003-07:002016-07-11T12:12:36.101-07:00THIS PAST MONTH: JUNE 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1vxKrb_nR8DutIlTelQMwHSNbsAXXd0oUMrrtabfZQriQiK-KPvYYN04-JzXq6B00tlHFX2hl1PgBtNcHZLesazSarTrg3OGmXgAyOdVNd8O7BY2td0EFIy_C-WtQZEq07QmQOhXJVY/s1600/Moving+out_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1vxKrb_nR8DutIlTelQMwHSNbsAXXd0oUMrrtabfZQriQiK-KPvYYN04-JzXq6B00tlHFX2hl1PgBtNcHZLesazSarTrg3OGmXgAyOdVNd8O7BY2td0EFIy_C-WtQZEq07QmQOhXJVY/s1600/Moving+out_Fotor.jpg" /></a></div>
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Goodbye student house, you won’t be missed. That’s right;
the time finally came for me to leave the house I lived in throughout my second
year of university. Let’s take a trip back to the 12<sup>th</sup> of July 2015,
or more specifically a post titled “This Past Week #2 Mojitos Please”. In this
post I said “I already love my new house”, well it’s safe to say that the
novelty wore off as I couldn’t wait to see the back of the house I once loved. I
could talk for hours about how much some landlords take advantage of students
and how much my housemates and I were dissatisfied with our house for multiple
reasons but I will spare you. Although,
to look to the positives for the first half of the year I was very happy living
where I was, there was definitely issues but I knew I was more suited to living
in a student house than in halls of residence. Even if it did mean that I couldn’t
leave home at 8:55 and be in a lecture at 9:00. However by the end of the year I was
completely sick of feeling like I was being ripped off, messed about by the
letting agents and more than ready to move. At least the only way is up for my
next student house. If you want to read my advice on student house-hunting, you
can read a post <a href="http://amielouiseblair.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/student-house-hunting-my-advice_22.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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At the beginning of the month I went back to Sheffield for
my first placement, a short placement at a Sheffield theatre producing a
promotional video. I really enjoyed my time working with the theatre, the
people I worked with were really lovely and I love working with video.
Although, working on a video project solo was quite intimidating. I have only
ever worked on video projects with a group or with Lucy and it’s actually a big
task to do everything alone. It was a strange moment when people much older or experienced
were asking me for direction. I really enjoyed the process of editing the footage;
the aim for the finished product was something completely new to me so I learnt
a lot of new editing techniques. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8loTTjcPrzoZHYjbWM5AH5IL7KTJ9_EoCa5rrXljp85whMqwdM5cSOunMDXZFsOqBykkDE5fH2XeS4JsvgtqmMTlI1lKPiifwn1Y_5BixDLQpDeEgXkv7_kZCL5WrM3M0YDp0grws6fQ/s1600/the+wiz_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8loTTjcPrzoZHYjbWM5AH5IL7KTJ9_EoCa5rrXljp85whMqwdM5cSOunMDXZFsOqBykkDE5fH2XeS4JsvgtqmMTlI1lKPiifwn1Y_5BixDLQpDeEgXkv7_kZCL5WrM3M0YDp0grws6fQ/s1600/the+wiz_Fotor.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on a video project for a community theatre</td></tr>
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I was living in my student house without the usual seven housemates
and it was strange at times. It mostly meant that I was doubly cautious about
locking everything at night and could lie on the sofa all day without judgement
but it proved lonely at times. Spending so much time on my own was something I hadn’t
given much thought to. Since I was little I have always been able to entertain
myself and I wasn’t worried about the time I’d have around working around my
placement. Although I had not anticipated that I would have SO MUCH free time. Because
I was working on my own project I only needed to be at the theatre once or
twice a week, often for just a few hours each time. That meant a lot of time to
fill on my own. I read somewhere once that you should know how to spend time
alone otherwise you will never know if you seek company out of choice or out of
loneliness. (Hey, pinterest can be very wise.) Having no choice but to go it
alone seems to be a part of growing up. I was basically living on my own with
only one or two friends close by, I could either sit inside waiting for them to
be free and maxing out my amazon prime free trial or get out and mingle with
civilisation. There was something strangely wonderful about wandering around a
city I’ve lived in for two years but out of term time and knowing nobody. And of
course it made the time spent with friends even better. I met up with friends
to have the last student night out for a while (*sobs*) before we all move away
to do grown up stuff. I also visited my friend Kate in York for a much needed
catch-up after not seeing her for almost a year. In my last couple of weeks
living in Sheffield one of my housemates was back at the house and it was
really nice to spend time with her and not feel so alone in the house. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSOETtBiKtXtAhtPn2cJTrnarx0Bv5K_RrH5lin9A0jTTj6iXjaPl7kCeDco0CCA_f_JnJtWwdpU2wYUkqXLy2xCxYYaja8fU7TEP-BnfxpmyoGQlRL1X6JEsIos4Isf2eo3VHvG-SvE/s1600/pancakes+in+york_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSOETtBiKtXtAhtPn2cJTrnarx0Bv5K_RrH5lin9A0jTTj6iXjaPl7kCeDco0CCA_f_JnJtWwdpU2wYUkqXLy2xCxYYaja8fU7TEP-BnfxpmyoGQlRL1X6JEsIos4Isf2eo3VHvG-SvE/s1600/pancakes+in+york_Fotor.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancakes at 'Brew and Brownie' in York</td></tr>
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My TV show of the month was definitely Outlander. My love
for this show is no secret but I’d fallen drastically behind on it after I
found the first episode of the second season very confusing. However I am so
happy I could catch up because this season may even be better than the first. I’ve
said it before and I’ll say it again, if you haven’t already, go watch
Outlander. I have also loved reading recently, after being in a Bronze-Horseman-induced
reading slump (would not recommend) I managed to love reading again, look out
for the long overdue ‘Recent Reads #2’ coming very soon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s about it for my June, have a great July!<o:p></o:p><br />
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-56013581185481805092016-07-03T14:49:00.000-07:002016-07-11T12:13:16.623-07:00ANOTHER 3 TV SHOWS TO BINGE WATCH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmNtEGRmdkvoGLqXzOmtHRT_CIWar46eZ9bEeLm8XsvKb6i4ARyG5JgL5gtJX7io52AWGwBfVyTCl0BnHSHi3CJWh_W6MDXWRtSFPOwqYmLBHzBl-Xq4HJIyJhR7q6iTyJaEMNkRTS3E/s1600/Netflix+and+tea+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmNtEGRmdkvoGLqXzOmtHRT_CIWar46eZ9bEeLm8XsvKb6i4ARyG5JgL5gtJX7io52AWGwBfVyTCl0BnHSHi3CJWh_W6MDXWRtSFPOwqYmLBHzBl-Xq4HJIyJhR7q6iTyJaEMNkRTS3E/s1600/Netflix+and+tea+2.JPG" /></a></div>
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So many amazing TV shows, so little time. This is the second
list I’ve made of some of my favourite TV shows that are completely
binge-worthy. So don’t get bored when the British summer deals us all too many
rainy days and give some a try. This is less Netflix and chill, more Netflix
and tea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Out of the handful of Netflix Original Series’ that I’ve
watched, Kimmy Schmidt stands firmly as my favourite. This comedy follows
Kimmy after she is rescued from a doomsday cult and decides to start over in
New York City. While Kimmy has spent 15 years underground and has a lot of
catching up to do this is more than just a fish-out-of-water story. It's
pop-culture references and supporting characters make this show full of laughs
and heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0AcWVcP9XpClyX0A9gA6UvVUV5zDQDO-FunOpndwzJuRdrP0hEFgPsAT5r3nErkcMeHhQIFy1DbDdKPDrb0HjBNVzasOB_QD7xNaRQJ_Mu-BmmfeBfSxGz7v2Pz_NcXlZNtmBfQgK-4/s1600/netflix+and+tea+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0AcWVcP9XpClyX0A9gA6UvVUV5zDQDO-FunOpndwzJuRdrP0hEFgPsAT5r3nErkcMeHhQIFy1DbDdKPDrb0HjBNVzasOB_QD7xNaRQJ_Mu-BmmfeBfSxGz7v2Pz_NcXlZNtmBfQgK-4/s1600/netflix+and+tea+1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<b>Penny Dreadful</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Penny Dreadful is a gothic horror drama set in Victorian
London. While following original characters including Vanessa Ives, Malcolm
Murray and Ethan Chandler the show also includes some of the most beloved
characters from gothic literature including Dorian Gray, Victor Frankenstein
and Dracula. Although it has now come to
the end of its three season run, the show managed to get better with each
season. Managing to be bizarre and spooky but never going for obvious shock
factor, I wish there was plans for a fourth season. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Orphan Black</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The plot of Orphan Black is very complex so is probably the one
on the list that I would most say is best binge-watched. Sarah Manning is
pulled in to a dangerous conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of someone who
looks identical to her. This sci-fi series is compelling and exciting and
Tatiana Maslany is deservant of so much credit as she carries the show by
playing multiple characters per episode. New episodes are available weekly on
Netflix.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What is your favourite show to binge on?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IvdkB_uN_sgpU8DdNRpFUJ7DhzYC7XDHd1mR9lZHYf6r5VDqM0pepbAiuDrbz3w0op2lrTvRTIeR80861IQ2LosHAID_ZrKD1yAAQ7pAqMe4lp5nCn742lIY1stevOV0i0ELKYa4GAw/s1600/signature+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IvdkB_uN_sgpU8DdNRpFUJ7DhzYC7XDHd1mR9lZHYf6r5VDqM0pepbAiuDrbz3w0op2lrTvRTIeR80861IQ2LosHAID_ZrKD1yAAQ7pAqMe4lp5nCn742lIY1stevOV0i0ELKYa4GAw/s1600/signature+2.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-15072635682622586842016-06-10T07:03:00.000-07:002016-07-11T12:13:37.629-07:00RECENT WATCH: THE NICE GUYS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EqQbEgP9E0ZoOQ9EnIDdkyfdDDZ1c0dzuaEVZu7kFZErqQgnl8efynItQpFUzRsOOuM6-vGA5UnsDjdPrQ4FCzI0FhRRQcu59ao63tSiVHd1NDhA0J7AC2N6cYCdp9xDcMEP8jsEtLQ/s1600/The+Nice+Guys+still+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EqQbEgP9E0ZoOQ9EnIDdkyfdDDZ1c0dzuaEVZu7kFZErqQgnl8efynItQpFUzRsOOuM6-vGA5UnsDjdPrQ4FCzI0FhRRQcu59ao63tSiVHd1NDhA0J7AC2N6cYCdp9xDcMEP8jsEtLQ/s1600/The+Nice+Guys+still+3.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Set in 1970’s Los Angeles, Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe
star as two private investigators who, after discovering links between
suspicious cases, begin looking in to the apparent suicide of a fading porn
star. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ryan Gosling plays ‘Holland March’, a licensed private eye
while Russell Crowe’s ‘Jackson Healy’ is much more of an enforcer, the man you
call to scare of the person that is following you. Through different events the
two cross paths and realise that they separate cases they’ve been hired for are
linked. The two characters have different personalities, different backgrounds,
different issues, but together are a cool, stylish and hilarious team. <i>The Nice Guys </i>is action packed but at
its heart it is driven by the layered characters. We aren’t just shown two
obviously mismatched characters a ’la Rush Hour because on the surface ‘Mr
March’ and ‘Jackson Healy’ aren’t so different. It’s throughout the plot that
past events and underlying baggage is revealed, displaying to the audience why
the two make a mismatched but brilliant team. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArug1QGvqm6FDBGye2NXT6s36oTUqLwAaYqRU5s3lVQmlVXqQyp7l_GEyYwpiOEMigrbEhNlK7-HYMmGY38LfwA97m2NC3a6mJQJIY_ywz51nr6ek5xUhR4zp9gZ3vg-7L2aHeejnIfU/s1600/The+Nice+Guys+still+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArug1QGvqm6FDBGye2NXT6s36oTUqLwAaYqRU5s3lVQmlVXqQyp7l_GEyYwpiOEMigrbEhNlK7-HYMmGY38LfwA97m2NC3a6mJQJIY_ywz51nr6ek5xUhR4zp9gZ3vg-7L2aHeejnIfU/s1600/The+Nice+Guys+still+2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I love Ryan Gosling in comedy, ‘Mr March’ seems made for him
as he shows of his perfect comedic timing. Its also refreshing to see Russell
Crowe in a role like this, making a detour from the dramatic roles we’ve seen
previously. While he may not be the main source of comic relief out of the two <i>nice guys, </i>he shines in the moments
where he has some fun flexing his comedy muscles. Another stand out was
Angourie Rice’s ‘Holly March’. Holland March’s thirteen year old daughter, she
is a key player in the plot. It can be risky to throw a young character into
such an adult setting but Holly is wise, quick-witted and relevant enough to be
a truly useful element in the story.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJanoI3ZGKaN_NQMIyF41IYtD-T8fJ6OsN1xM7tIVJ_Zinhs36KWXCK5xhKXL30VZPdQmmG9AIgFY0UvppmxUSe6eMMfPZftP81N53rjHwPyAJx7pPL2jNLIiR1XPn7rW9AN4m-0dCwGU/s1600/The+Nice+Guys+still+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJanoI3ZGKaN_NQMIyF41IYtD-T8fJ6OsN1xM7tIVJ_Zinhs36KWXCK5xhKXL30VZPdQmmG9AIgFY0UvppmxUSe6eMMfPZftP81N53rjHwPyAJx7pPL2jNLIiR1XPn7rW9AN4m-0dCwGU/s1600/The+Nice+Guys+still+1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Image Source: imdb.com</span></td></tr>
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While the titular Nice Guys are the main selling point, the
intriguing crime and mystery components should not be overlooked. They are
rich, developed with conspiracy, clues and an equally cool ‘bad guy’ in the
form of Matt Bomer’s ‘John Boy’. The writing and direction of Shane Black is
smart and genuinely funny. It avoids predictable jokes and cheap punches.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Nice Guys is a 70’s throwback that is bursting with originality.
From the writing, performances and fully realised setting, it is deserving of a
lot of attention this month. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-56105849747707751292016-06-06T10:43:00.002-07:002016-07-07T10:10:13.350-07:00MY ANTICIPATED FILM RELEASES: JUNE 2016<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For the first time in a while I am very excited about the
summer line-up at the cinema. Here are my top two picks for June. While
much-anticipated ‘The Nice Guys’ is not mentioned on this list. As I write this
I have actually already seen this comedy come mystery come crime thriller, so
look out for a review coming soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwjWjXVupQnDgDdqdODvD-YzUx3PRnxOQz_NAq0RXUu7inPlN0dQunNdAv3UPVDAkJ8VDepC6tB0qoL8tOc_26GkwQcr_zxKm6B9KbqbxyJzN7gGnqb5ILgP0ylrxy4HFWv3PluXpys0/s1600/Me+Before+You+still.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwjWjXVupQnDgDdqdODvD-YzUx3PRnxOQz_NAq0RXUu7inPlN0dQunNdAv3UPVDAkJ8VDepC6tB0qoL8tOc_26GkwQcr_zxKm6B9KbqbxyJzN7gGnqb5ILgP0ylrxy4HFWv3PluXpys0/s1600/Me+Before+You+still.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
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<b>Me Before You</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>UK Release Date:
03/06/16<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Based on Jojo Moyes’ best-selling novel, <i>Me Before You </i>is the story of Louisa
Clark, A small-town girl who accepts a job as a carer to a recently-paralysed
man, Will Traynor. I read the novel at the beginning of 2015 and absolutely
loved it and in general I really love Moyes’ writing, however when I saw the
first trailer I wasn’t at all excited by this adaptation. To me the first trailer
revealed way too much of the plot and didn’t reflect the source material in the way I had imagined.
Now, I’m on board with this film; Jojo Moyes is behind the screenplay, new glimpses
show a faithful adaptation with a really great cast and most importantly the
message of the book is present throughout. While it may break my heart, I’m
very excited to see <i>Me Before You. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4pEn72mPeM" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
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<b>Finding Dory</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>UK Release Date:
18/06/16<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Finding Dory </i>looks
completely adorable, it’s a blast from the past, thirteen years after the huge
success of ‘Finding Nemo’. Fun fact: the first DVD I ever owned was Finding
Nemo… Pixar has a lot riding on this as they haven't had the best track record
with sequels recently but I’m sure this tale of everyone’s favourite forgetful
Blue Tang will change that record for the better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JNLwlcPBPI" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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What film are you most excited for this summer?</div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-84167689641627061832016-06-01T10:17:00.000-07:002016-07-07T10:10:50.214-07:00THIS PAST MONTH: MAY 2016 + NEW NAME?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4u-wyKfZp5XdHaS1Dwrh3e_txle9Ug22KiI-a1GOEPsRbLzEMWquQvxhwdearPTA6CxVTYLeNkJYh5IcWj8VD5y9cwDcIgkaSrDInifZgWEhtC371WE2MUccP6K0117Hqt1eJdEkDj4/s1600/me+and+tilly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4u-wyKfZp5XdHaS1Dwrh3e_txle9Ug22KiI-a1GOEPsRbLzEMWquQvxhwdearPTA6CxVTYLeNkJYh5IcWj8VD5y9cwDcIgkaSrDInifZgWEhtC371WE2MUccP6K0117Hqt1eJdEkDj4/s1600/me+and+tilly.jpg" /></a></div>
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Something is different around here… That’s right; there’s
been a name change. I have never been happy with my blog being called ‘Amie’s
Space’, I never wanted to have my first name in my title and I also never felt
like the title really resembled what the content for my blog was. I have wanted
to change it for a while but it has taken me almost a year to think of
something I wanted to change it to. I wanted a title that allowed me to write
film and entertainment content but allowed room for me to write some more
personal and lifestyle related posts. Last week I finally decided on a new
name. For those wondering, a contemporary ‘B-Roll’ describes supplemental or secondary
footage that helps tell a story, sometimes this includes behind the scenes and
unedited footage. Obviously having a film related term fits perfectly when I post
film related content. But this title leaves room for posts, such as this one, that
are more personal, posts that are unedited and tell you more about me, the
person behind the blog. So welcome to 'The B-Roll' I hope you like what you find. <o:p></o:p></div>
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May was the month where I fully finished my second year of
university, all assignments were handed in and much celebration ensued. I also
spent a week at home at the end of the month, heading home to dog-sit while my
Mam and Dad were on holiday. Going home to see my family and friends from home
was a welcome break. One of my favourite parts of May was my week of blogging
every day. I finally got my blogging mojo back! I don’t mind admitting how much
of a slacker I’ve been with my blog for the majority of this year, I’ve
struggled to find the incentive to blog around university but setting myself
the simple challenge of posting every day really helped me to come up with new
ideas and stick to a schedule no matter what my other commitments were. I covered
a few topics including my second year of <a href="http://amielouiseblair.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/my-second-year-as-pr-media-student.html" target="_blank">PR and Media</a> and <a href="http://amielouiseblair.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/the-good-bad-and-opinionated-my.html" target="_blank">film reviewing</a>. I also
reviewed X-Men: Apocalypse, you can read it <a href="http://amielouiseblair.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/recent-watch-x-men-apocalypse.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I’m going to try my best to
keep posts coming while I have a lot of free time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of free time, I have caught up on a lot of my
favourite shows. I have particularly loved ‘The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ and ‘Penny
Dreadful’. These two shows couldn’t be
more different but they are the two that I loved the most in May. Kimmy Schmidt
is a quirky and hilarious comedy written by Tina Fey and Penny Dreadful is a
Victoria set Gothic Horror Drama featuring some of the most iconic of Gothic
literature characters including Victor Frankenstein and Dorian Gray. I’m currently
working on another list of my favourite binge-worthy TV shows; look out for a
post coming soon.</div>
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So what does June look like? Marking the beginning of my
placement year, I will be working on a project with a Sheffield based theatre.
The project is mainly video based and I’m excited to start. I will be producing
a short promotional film similar to ones I’ve worked on before with my friend Lucy.
This will actually be the first time I film and edit the video independently
which will be a little strange. I will also be moving out of my student house
at the end of the month, honestly I can’t wait. Flash back to last July and I
proclaimed how much I loved my new house but the novelty wore off fast once
university started. Now I’m more than ready to leave this house and the
unreliable letting agents behind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What are your plans for June?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-30965607340267586382016-05-26T11:57:00.002-07:002016-07-07T10:11:19.521-07:00CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2016: TOP PICKS<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #444444;">How I wish I could go to Cannes Film
Festival, last week when the festival was in full swing I was so envious of the
attendees at the glamorous event. Although I envy anyone getting sun right now,
someone seriously needs to tell the North East England weather that it’s May.
Anyway back to the festival. Between fashion, supermodels and charity galas
there are some exciting previews of upcoming film releases.</span> While we
mere mortals will have to wait for cinema releases, I took a look at the films
shown at Cannes this year and picked out two that sparked my interest. You can
see the full official selection <a href="http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/selection/competition-1" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6Aeffu3j13JCS5Pgh2Ejutek2pMuqpY6QA3fB7cgeoTlRhMQjcda5Gn-p9S_GW-SaLEtZ3drIlrXllxbsrL3XP9i3TjIlsyH4VKBWKfGZbsEyeeikSsxXRe6u7NhvWN1wnzWrj_Vsq0/s1600/The+Nice+Guys.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6Aeffu3j13JCS5Pgh2Ejutek2pMuqpY6QA3fB7cgeoTlRhMQjcda5Gn-p9S_GW-SaLEtZ3drIlrXllxbsrL3XP9i3TjIlsyH4VKBWKfGZbsEyeeikSsxXRe6u7NhvWN1wnzWrj_Vsq0/s1600/The+Nice+Guys.png" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444;">The Nice Guys<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #444444;">In this neo-noir mystery come buddy-cop-comedy, Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling star as a pair of mismatched private eyes
who are investigating the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970’s LA.
The Nice Guys is directed by ‘Iron Man 3’ director (and writer of 'Lethal
Weapon'), Shane Black. The real pull of this mystery/comedy/crime film is the
outlandish plot, quirky tone and 70’s setting. It will be released in the UK on
the 3<sup>rd</sup> of June.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #444444;">Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxW4LZCYfvs" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WfKiLgsvBwg051XDkVhXqQlfkBBiUkbo9MmgmuKX8LsVODXa1RGb0tM2WYAoKNz_O3KtmFOO4hKOlZMjN8jd3OBsS0iB-Wg3EyT_76gtIf_NT6p2Fs1O1Vz4xKGUDcih1kDN87MC2mc/s1600/Loving.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WfKiLgsvBwg051XDkVhXqQlfkBBiUkbo9MmgmuKX8LsVODXa1RGb0tM2WYAoKNz_O3KtmFOO4hKOlZMjN8jd3OBsS0iB-Wg3EyT_76gtIf_NT6p2Fs1O1Vz4xKGUDcih1kDN87MC2mc/s1600/Loving.png" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444;">Loving <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #444444;">Loving appeared in the official
selection and was nominated for the prestigious Palm d’Or (the highest accolade
awarded at Cannes). It is a true story about Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial
couple in 1958 Virginia who were sentenced to prison for getting married. It
stars Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga, directed by Jeff Nichols. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #444444;">Watch a clip <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5GANKIjiuk" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-44875099348379734352016-05-20T13:50:00.001-07:002016-05-20T13:50:12.939-07:00RECENT WATCH: X-MEN: APOCALYPSE<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNrOTk5AQ1FBR85B0ZDcYFgECtFzG-x_-_0gDVNiesxkFvIykWJABXvBug-_2mLtaKgujIrOpNCHlMZTrs3Y1pNuh8GaaLKZ0fbnXO9Kp2CFnwvdgqiQob6zl51HdfnxaIdw4h_pGTpk/s1600/x-men+apocalypse+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNrOTk5AQ1FBR85B0ZDcYFgECtFzG-x_-_0gDVNiesxkFvIykWJABXvBug-_2mLtaKgujIrOpNCHlMZTrs3Y1pNuh8GaaLKZ0fbnXO9Kp2CFnwvdgqiQob6zl51HdfnxaIdw4h_pGTpk/s1600/x-men+apocalypse+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: comingsoon.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As the first ever mutant re-emerges to extinguish modern
civilisation, the X-Men must unite to defeat him and his followers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The plot of this film takes place ten years after the events
of Days of Future Past, at first such a large gap in the timeline surprised me
but it worked really well. There was just the right amount of references back
without letting past events get in the way of the present. This film is very
ambitious and attempts to both establish beloved X-Men characters and ‘check-in’
with key players. The film manages to pull this off very smoothly; I
specifically enjoyed the parts Jean Grey and Scott Summers aka ‘Cyclops’
played. Cyclops, a character I never paid much attention to in previous films,
really got a chance to shine with a developed personality and layered
character. The younger takes on ‘Storm’, ‘Nightcrawler’ and ‘Angel’ were also
great. A problem often encountered by X-Men films is how to fit in so many
powers within a story. The plot of this film manages to really make use of the
powers of characters and the wide ranges of characters are naturally
incorporated throughout. Again, Quicksilver was an absolute highlight of this
film. Completely topping that show stealing sequence from ‘Days of Future Past’
and becoming a key player in the mutant team, dishing out comic relief and
emotional investment in equal measure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHrfrgQiL3Oy9O-2SGmGXBtyO5vmTFn2pfzXdjSj4v5nUenBq9cTTwTqsHBv2OBmTFqanUWn2G41tWvNvzHAmgFzgJofZVuK-plLRQBTX7twpqawoFTyo9GgH26w0L91YraEiVOlQTfw/s1600/x-men+apocalypse+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHrfrgQiL3Oy9O-2SGmGXBtyO5vmTFn2pfzXdjSj4v5nUenBq9cTTwTqsHBv2OBmTFqanUWn2G41tWvNvzHAmgFzgJofZVuK-plLRQBTX7twpqawoFTyo9GgH26w0L91YraEiVOlQTfw/s1600/x-men+apocalypse+4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: chss.gmu.edu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The final third of this movie is probably the most action
heavy of any previous X-Men film. The epic scale action is so well
choreographed and thanks to the continued focus on character and emotion, is
constantly interesting. However X-Men Apocalypse is not a perfect film, because
of the scale and number of characters, old and new, the plot requires a long
set up that left the first third feeling very long. But don’t tune out or judge
Apocalypse prematurely because the set up completely pays off by the end and
the plot comes together in a satisfying conclusion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrctgskPVa6sZ9ZNrK3fDfXylkqtLpYi6OizBYDoLAyKeKAmKOdPXZEejF3WBmuCSvI_ua_ZoCwkgkkHW2eVmCPMCQ0Jc_zjHHLLyWJl6mjiBUivDPyyNq5oJlqd2nG_Ne48_6GronzE/s1600/x-men+apocalypse+3.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrctgskPVa6sZ9ZNrK3fDfXylkqtLpYi6OizBYDoLAyKeKAmKOdPXZEejF3WBmuCSvI_ua_ZoCwkgkkHW2eVmCPMCQ0Jc_zjHHLLyWJl6mjiBUivDPyyNq5oJlqd2nG_Ne48_6GronzE/s1600/x-men+apocalypse+3.jpe" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: comicbookmovie.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Besides slight nit-picking with set up my only other problem
with this X-Men was ‘Apocalypse’ himself. This mutant is thousands of years
old, worshipped as a god and long believed to be the most powerful. It’s always
interesting to see a villain that is a real test for the titular heroes but
more than anything ‘Apocalypse’ needed development before, as an audience member,
I really cared about his motives. It’s at this point that I can’t help but look
at past villains for comparison. The greatest antagonist in the X-Men universe
is ‘Magneto’. It’s the crucial mix of villainy and reasoning that makes an entertaining
villain. While the look, sound and power of Apocalypse was menacing, I could
never get on board with his character or understand his motives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8fchFQOP03cvF2ck2JrYxlo2-9pnvVc36GLC2npJq1FpMh8hA-Kru1HSH2mt1EtxHpchuexm_CZs9a7Oky4rEDjpP2pBxZT3u7f_zgem_TMdrJQPrd-rDgKOYJwDv2zZQ4wUm4nehyphenhyphenM/s1600/x-men+apocalypse+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8fchFQOP03cvF2ck2JrYxlo2-9pnvVc36GLC2npJq1FpMh8hA-Kru1HSH2mt1EtxHpchuexm_CZs9a7Oky4rEDjpP2pBxZT3u7f_zgem_TMdrJQPrd-rDgKOYJwDv2zZQ4wUm4nehyphenhyphenM/s1600/x-men+apocalypse+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: comicbookmovie.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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X-Men: Apocalypse is another excellent X-Men instalment by
Bryan Singer. Somehow it manages to feel fresh in a franchise of already six
films. The faithful re-imaginings of much loved characters work in a plot that
may take some lengthy set up but the pay-off is worth the wait. I’m looking
forward to watching it again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-5706927784605807602016-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:002016-05-19T11:51:25.243-07:00MY SECOND YEAR AS A PR & MEDIA STUDENT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4WA0YelNM1unW3F1z16Hu97MVLHRjlWfVvEuHesxLhPH3Kz1Vgy3KClBQpPzEmZgIoxmhfTmJeJUfM66Ni_r_13lL_bRsSr3lXnSO8W0GoEybytZOb21t34j0FmnDBBwdouv2RIbNeo/s1600/library+time+square_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4WA0YelNM1unW3F1z16Hu97MVLHRjlWfVvEuHesxLhPH3Kz1Vgy3KClBQpPzEmZgIoxmhfTmJeJUfM66Ni_r_13lL_bRsSr3lXnSO8W0GoEybytZOb21t34j0FmnDBBwdouv2RIbNeo/s1600/library+time+square_Fotor.jpg" /></a></div>
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Another year of university over, time is going way too fast.
On May 6<sup>th</sup> I submitted my final assignment of my second year of my
PR and Media course. As I’m taking a placement year, I won’t be in formal
university until autumn of 2017. I guess it’s time to dip my toe in to the
grown up world but first let’s look back at my second year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s a lot of talk about how much harder second year is
than the first. It tends to go along the lines of ‘it’s all downhill from here’
or ‘it’s not a jump, it’s a bloody leap of faith’… I was prepared for a tougher
year but for me it was in things happening alongside my degree where I felt the
pinch. In terms of work and assignments I didn’t feel too differently about the
difficulty. While I only needed 40% to pass my first year I was never the
person who was happy to scrape by on the minimum so working so hard on
assignments this year wasn’t such a shock. The fun doesn’t end with first year
either; I’d say the common ability of a student to balance eight hour library
stints and nights out only improves…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m talked about it so much but a source of stress
throughout my second year was searching for placements. As much as placement
searching was tough it was the perfect opportunity to work on employability and
really focus on how to sell myself to employers. I am in no position to give
advice on finding placements but something I will say is to take advantage of
university careers advisers and events. I met with the department’s careers
adviser a few times to finely tune my CV and Cover Letter and now I’m more
confident when sending it to organisations. Things I’ve worked on through my
second year have also made me so much prouder of my CV, I actually feel like I
have gained experience that you so desperately need for PR and Media
industries. And opportunities come from unexpected places. For example, my
friend and I made a promo video and improved the social media profiles of a
singing group after we were approached on the street by the group’s leader
while recording vox pops. This led us to begin setting up our own production
company. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Something that is equal parts scary and exciting from this
year is how much I now lean towards the Media side of my degree. My course
isn’t a joint honours, it’s a Public Relations course with some media modules
that provide knowledge that would aid PR practices. This year I was allowed to
choose some modules and the two that I chose were media focussed. I now
consider myself much more of a Media student with PR rather than a PR student
with Media. I have absolutely loved studying TV news and working with cameras
and editing, something I once avoided (I really don’t why). I still enjoy PR
and will get practical experience in it very soon but across my two years I
have enjoyed media modules more and achieved higher grades.</div>
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When I handed in my finished my second year I felt very
nostalgic, I’ve had another good year at university. Not to say that the year
was all smooth sailing; living in a student house presented many challenges
(*resists urge to rant about wheelie bins and messy housemates*), building
employability has a way of both building and destroying confidence and I was
poorly a lot. That aside, this year still managed to be pretty great.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWszIesHLR8GL50mP4T506_MCNIaJdifiQGJ8xV_sziZ9E-xr75fX49CLVg3V7c3i5ZyVSdvB2QjMaQ6nd1pM_TBgC2u2XlsBEoABMEqQ3M98-iC_2Hyr0hFNWXw7y4SxVLzox5IqrVOc/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWszIesHLR8GL50mP4T506_MCNIaJdifiQGJ8xV_sziZ9E-xr75fX49CLVg3V7c3i5ZyVSdvB2QjMaQ6nd1pM_TBgC2u2XlsBEoABMEqQ3M98-iC_2Hyr0hFNWXw7y4SxVLzox5IqrVOc/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-60533695352773269942016-05-18T12:07:00.000-07:002016-05-18T12:07:46.289-07:00THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE OPINIONATED: MY STRUGGLES WITH WRITING REVIEWS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Lxai5CmiB05NWxo-XHkV8rDDnHK511XqchKwZXs8rE3bSNQBmLiwhhSfV1Qy0aP2z4RDuZj_A63zzfYuku0WmX8aN4tJiY4OJzFqYv_NTznPlasFYR_W9oiJcBQVCbBCCh8LgsoNQD8/s1600/review+struggles+1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Lxai5CmiB05NWxo-XHkV8rDDnHK511XqchKwZXs8rE3bSNQBmLiwhhSfV1Qy0aP2z4RDuZj_A63zzfYuku0WmX8aN4tJiY4OJzFqYv_NTznPlasFYR_W9oiJcBQVCbBCCh8LgsoNQD8/s1600/review+struggles+1_Fotor.jpg" /></a></div>
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Reviews or my ‘Recent Watch’ posts are posts that I often
struggle to write. From the beginning I knew I wanted to review films on this
little space and have so far posted nine full film reviews. I’ll admit that the
good old saying about practice making perfect does seem to be true, I feel more
confident posting my honest thoughts and the writing process isn’t as tough as
it once was, but there are three specific thoughts that go through my head when
I talk about a recent watch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>What do I actually think?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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There are good films, bad films and some that are just plain
‘meh’. Unfortunately you can’t write a review of just ‘it was meh’. It is
easier to write a review when you know exactly whether you liked it or not, it’s
those that fall in the middle that are tough. Picking apart what you liked and what
you didn’t about a film you’ve seen once has its challenges and opinions have
to be justified. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsQkdh4N8ESjE5yZbUmGTvFu7-0FacSbmtgoCDP13ixt5YAyzA-H3Wdddp7nXrLIpq3wiBdKG0yU49XoumyASHZv8icC5ecZzocUW1G6m5X6UAA4SoUwkoZHfWsATb8rDlsTOf6_f0HU/s1600/review+struggles+2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsQkdh4N8ESjE5yZbUmGTvFu7-0FacSbmtgoCDP13ixt5YAyzA-H3Wdddp7nXrLIpq3wiBdKG0yU49XoumyASHZv8icC5ecZzocUW1G6m5X6UAA4SoUwkoZHfWsATb8rDlsTOf6_f0HU/s1600/review+struggles+2_Fotor.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i>How do I write that?</i></b></div>
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So I know what I think, now how do I write that? How do I get
my clearly get my opinion across and be entertaining? My process of writing
blog posts, and specifically reviews, includes a lot of scribbling in various
notebooks. I open a page and word-vomit everything I want to cover and as I write
I use it as a check list. I aim to strike a balance between writing with
personality but professionally. I don’t want reviews to sound like a sterile media
essay. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Does it matter?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Probably the biggest struggle I have is when I begin to
wonder whether anyone actually cares about what I think. There are countless
reviewers of everything on and off the internet, does my opinion really matter?
I combat this by reminding myself how much I enjoy creating content for my blog
and that I care what goes on it. The beauty of the internet is that there’s
room for everyone, here is a home for creativity and opinion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-43951492459112003362016-05-17T10:14:00.001-07:002016-05-17T10:14:21.781-07:00MY ANTICIPATED FILM RELEASES: MAY 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH66DOKAAVA87S6ld91I1FlBBqqpN6MVWFo7eaCWth-plKKwa0fO0_iy2PxMbuv9nOjT1FcfYsKuWQ92xTCnJ0ep61_jIK0oSefNDmNFRo3epvygLv9WOevIUlENN7gXYEVawdFzVWY8/s1600/whiskey+tango+foxtrot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH66DOKAAVA87S6ld91I1FlBBqqpN6MVWFo7eaCWth-plKKwa0fO0_iy2PxMbuv9nOjT1FcfYsKuWQ92xTCnJ0ep61_jIK0oSefNDmNFRo3epvygLv9WOevIUlENN7gXYEVawdFzVWY8/s1600/whiskey+tango+foxtrot.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
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<b>Whiskey Tango Foxtrot</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>UK Release Date: 13/05/16</i></div>
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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is based on the true story of Kim
Barker (Baker in the film), a journalist who reported on the war in Afghanistan
for three years. It stars Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman and Billy-Bob
Thornton. A story about a journalist’s time reporting in a war zone isn’t the most
obvious sell as a comedy. But, if I’m going to get excited about a comedy, Tina
Fey as lead is a big help. My hopes for this fish-out-of-water story are that
it will strike a balance between humour and heart. Luckily, the trailers so far
have kept my hopes high.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V8V6-VjnWw" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Kfhnb0h3uxnt48n7EresK5LDueJTPBog2aoeVDMypoEfW5kcSgAS_YXlWW2YtEB-z0gSKJj5IaWj9A1UWp4V4v4nGF3RTspXlGOMDfxmRHn3tWmXXnr1GZ-N8IMRrGq8xz9AvTKWU3E/s1600/x-men+apocalypse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Kfhnb0h3uxnt48n7EresK5LDueJTPBog2aoeVDMypoEfW5kcSgAS_YXlWW2YtEB-z0gSKJj5IaWj9A1UWp4V4v4nGF3RTspXlGOMDfxmRHn3tWmXXnr1GZ-N8IMRrGq8xz9AvTKWU3E/s1600/x-men+apocalypse.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>X-Men: Apocalypse</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>UK Release Date: 18/05.16</i></div>
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The X-Men are my favourite characters in the Marvel Universe. From the slightly dated ‘X-Men’ from 2000 to ‘Days of Future Past’ in 2014, quite simply, I just love X-Men films. X-Men: Apocalypse sets to up the ante of previous instalments, new cast members and new imaginings of beloved characters mixing with the usual players to face-off against a colossal scale villain. It’s a film I’ve been anticipating for a long time and can’t wait to see. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jer8XjMrUB4" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Honourable Mentions: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5WWdno6HXM" target="_blank">Bad Neighbours 2</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bKjhqvbHs8" target="_blank">I Saw The Light</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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What has caught your eye this month?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3L_fhWyzVpGXVlwfU81Vkwk4L4xh0f9hvCkhuEnkHsvDSjNFPH_nnbmwdzawgqrSZFivrSVWhejIMVKUcCIVfnLi8mVUn2dHxfRUpQC-3Jr16BuR3N5AgHlImb8YwDAWIDncvy_irjU/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3L_fhWyzVpGXVlwfU81Vkwk4L4xh0f9hvCkhuEnkHsvDSjNFPH_nnbmwdzawgqrSZFivrSVWhejIMVKUcCIVfnLi8mVUn2dHxfRUpQC-3Jr16BuR3N5AgHlImb8YwDAWIDncvy_irjU/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-79246793991819206002016-05-16T14:42:00.000-07:002016-05-16T14:42:50.614-07:00THIS PAST MONTH: APRIL 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ja0DEYYkaA1EcbRrrdwwvPYQZQTCPv88RvSEUDKMa26txKzsELgvftPLEx05JYwHHCMBJxTB_J3WHuGzt-kjY-2NlgGrPR3_ND_j8Yj9Af8UTxvYmP06A5XXXpnbQbLcXNcMtULdWYU/s1600/library+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ja0DEYYkaA1EcbRrrdwwvPYQZQTCPv88RvSEUDKMa26txKzsELgvftPLEx05JYwHHCMBJxTB_J3WHuGzt-kjY-2NlgGrPR3_ND_j8Yj9Af8UTxvYmP06A5XXXpnbQbLcXNcMtULdWYU/s1600/library+time.JPG" /></a></div>
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I’ve been racking my brains to think of what I did in April
for about ten minutes now. If I’m honest it'a a bit of a blur of the
university library, deadlines and squeezing in as much fun before the academic year
ends. April was a busy month, lecture and seminars may have finished for
another year but the work was only just beginning as I became no stranger to
ten hour stints in the library. I write this now with free time aplenty, well
until I start my work placements (more on this next month), I’ve handed in all
of my assignments for almost a year and a half I will not be at university
which is kind of scary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQKo2kMVEoKvJTkAcrDaEQMdJ6iDWZbyQ5KItR6vYG4T7kJtBSH28q7bjaVDpt1AeC9f2eEivQmTpzJdA8VBjBN0s6bAHgmSiVmaZiXzlqCVgaYl0MadPFIFkm7twAmKes0G0BvttB9c/s1600/dog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQKo2kMVEoKvJTkAcrDaEQMdJ6iDWZbyQ5KItR6vYG4T7kJtBSH28q7bjaVDpt1AeC9f2eEivQmTpzJdA8VBjBN0s6bAHgmSiVmaZiXzlqCVgaYl0MadPFIFkm7twAmKes0G0BvttB9c/s1600/dog.JPG" /></a></div>
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At the beginning of April I worked on my project for a
module on TV news. The task was to put together a short news package on a story
from the South Yorkshire region. I chose to film and interview a dog
owner who had won an obedience title at Crufts, also delivering a piece to
camera while holding the award winning pooch. Note to self: you’re already
shaky in front of the camera, a small dog licking your face while you try and
say a line does not help. Co-star aside,
I’m very proud of the finished TV package and I’m happy for any opportunity to build on my camera and editing skills. <o:p></o:p></div>
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April definitely wasn’t all work and no play. The wonderful
thing about the impending placement year and not knowing when I’ll see friends
again is the splendid excuse it provides for fitting in nights out between
essay writing. You’ve got to take advantage of the time you have and all that.
In the middle of the month I also spent a day in London. My friend Lucy had a job
interview so I tagged along for some whistle-stop sight-seeing once the
interview was over. Travelling there and back in the same day may have meant
that we only had six hours in the capital but we managed to pack in Oxford Street,
Carnaby Street, Westminster, Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JVYoR32hW4489Mk9swwR-X1-TbA5zyZz7b8bqzaO-3IEKwO8Vvn5gsoskID0F10qeUAPMWc4MAOqDCRDSMuyt4XiyAoZ15PPDEHY_3PMgCb22-hET1n5F-oGGPi5OTfDCQvKp984Bjc/s1600/buckingham+palac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JVYoR32hW4489Mk9swwR-X1-TbA5zyZz7b8bqzaO-3IEKwO8Vvn5gsoskID0F10qeUAPMWc4MAOqDCRDSMuyt4XiyAoZ15PPDEHY_3PMgCb22-hET1n5F-oGGPi5OTfDCQvKp984Bjc/s1600/buckingham+palac.jpg" /></a></div>
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To make up for the terrible blogging month that was April I
am attempting to post every day this week, so look out for new posts daily!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope you’re having a great May!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-90141162679999120842016-04-17T13:35:00.000-07:002016-04-17T13:35:11.577-07:00THIS PAST MONTH: MARCH 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzwqxWlGzu2EVQbg6RCRaPtXId_I2g8rvH5g1dcMv0xyH3dvCtqdYhA6tzmkF3jX1I3jZCShBhNi7Hk5hCGeE-y7YNUas8cANtu9urzIa7keuIrub15H4FDsx7Ejx8CdH9D1FmcjuedE/s1600/ally+pally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzwqxWlGzu2EVQbg6RCRaPtXId_I2g8rvH5g1dcMv0xyH3dvCtqdYhA6tzmkF3jX1I3jZCShBhNi7Hk5hCGeE-y7YNUas8cANtu9urzIa7keuIrub15H4FDsx7Ejx8CdH9D1FmcjuedE/s1600/ally+pally.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ally Pally Springfest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Looking back at what I did in March reminds me of what a
great month it was. I hope you enjoy my highlights…</div>
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<o:p></o:p>I handed in my first assignment of semester 2. Saying I submitted
my first assignment of semester in March feels very strange. I honestly feel
like I’ve constantly had work to do since returning to university after Christmas.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>‘What have you been
doing then?’ </i> You may ask. Well, let’s
talk about my favourite topic – placements! I’m finally making progress
(hooray). For the sandwich year of my degree I need a minimum of 24 weeks of
work placement to pass the year. According to my calculations I only have four
weeks left to find to secure my placement year credit. It is such a weight off
of my shoulders. Placement hunting is so much harder than I ever could have
thought. To the point where I have to stop myself thinking about it in the
evening or I’ll be awake all night worrying. But opportunities come from
unexpected places. The hard work has paid off and it’s finally falling in to
place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jCMA8GywUpf2SpLYrqBTJsNgL053XpGIgsUU6rjCYojPaP3SU4zaNwZP3OqWPZhZIPAMvNXOprP0pceoz4U_B-4liq2a9j30XIs_BO7-Fcyh6ne1e8l2lRa5DK_WpyUuU8wliA-AmdM/s1600/peaks+weekend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jCMA8GywUpf2SpLYrqBTJsNgL053XpGIgsUU6rjCYojPaP3SU4zaNwZP3OqWPZhZIPAMvNXOprP0pceoz4U_B-4liq2a9j30XIs_BO7-Fcyh6ne1e8l2lRa5DK_WpyUuU8wliA-AmdM/s1600/peaks+weekend.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad, Sister and I walking in the Peak District</td></tr>
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At the beginning of March I went to the Peak District with
my family. We stayed in a converted barn near Bakewell. It was a really lovely
weekend; eating lots of tasty food, enjoying time away from my usual city surroundings
and generally seeing my family after not seeing them for months. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRNZDYXahj8mpu7OOJWf5ZM1gs_CZd288gMaAo737g2-o47p_elvUQLpdh1UoXe3k_9TKQB2KZWRv19Avg-XahKF8zE1ow6o2uZ7p8tjTJ1il80-4qiNd5-yuNEP_Q8p8NVdMxyqXRaI/s1600/tilly+in+cottage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRNZDYXahj8mpu7OOJWf5ZM1gs_CZd288gMaAo737g2-o47p_elvUQLpdh1UoXe3k_9TKQB2KZWRv19Avg-XahKF8zE1ow6o2uZ7p8tjTJ1il80-4qiNd5-yuNEP_Q8p8NVdMxyqXRaI/s1600/tilly+in+cottage.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilly in the converted barn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another highlight from last month was Springfest at
Alexandra Palace, a huge German beer festival on Good Friday. 2016 has been the
year that I have discovered a love for Bierkellers and steins. Seriously, the
Bierkeller in Sheffield is so much fun. The beer festival was such a fun
day/night, lots of beer consumed and shapes thrown over an eight hour period
made for some sore heads the next day. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZF3XcOhbSqk6TrWPykrc4vQx_Tg_9jqUdkNjQkRQQyAV7kl_Ox4IkpUb36sWU8EpHD5OTc0IfL4QKJ3RDcKtviZ1qFBfkkH4-wk9ZjN62amfYKObUi0sug_uFYKgahVKuQM2Ej7_1l98/s1600/view+from+ally+pally.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZF3XcOhbSqk6TrWPykrc4vQx_Tg_9jqUdkNjQkRQQyAV7kl_Ox4IkpUb36sWU8EpHD5OTc0IfL4QKJ3RDcKtviZ1qFBfkkH4-wk9ZjN62amfYKObUi0sug_uFYKgahVKuQM2Ej7_1l98/s1600/view+from+ally+pally.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Alexandra Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Travelling home to Newcastle for Easter break
and travelling back from my friend Lucy’s house after the festival meant that I
spent quite a lot of time alone on long train journeys. Is it weird that I actually
really like travelling alone on the train? Yes, the form of public can be
stressful at times and I’m no stranger to dragging heavy luggage along
platforms but the actual journey is a chance to just sit and relax by yourself.
I usually read on train journeys but in March I dipped my toe in to the
mysterious world of podcasts. I have become absolutely hooked on ‘Serial’. One
of the most popular podcast series, it’s a real crime tale where the narrator
explains everything that happened and what her investigations have uncovered.
Fans of Netflix’s ‘Making a Murderer’ should definitely give it a try. I was
sceptical about how I’d like the format of a podcast but Sarah Koenig’s
narration is so engaging I was quickly engrossed in the complex story. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of Making a Murderer, I have finally watched the
series. I was late to the party but my Mam and I watched it over Easter and it
is so worth the hype! I’m not sure if I really need to recommend it since
everyone seemed to watch it before me but if you still haven’t watched it, you
should give it a try. Another Netflix pick that I got addicted to in March is 'Jane
the Virgin'. Man this show is so addictive, it somehow manages to be hilarious,
serious and romantic all in one. I love it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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How’s your April going?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4V4rUhWOl26es9Rq027VS0D0Cg-sTfocpOqzG3wlO1JNJ5P7jAgKgtew2mHLxcBmDhw0in_4Aesgj1fxdSeSK1VeI0Htlof6EkqgfMuyerPugr3tb7njLXKTiT_4NZqxfCLxcxQGIwc/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-11490501651049328532016-04-03T06:18:00.000-07:002016-04-03T06:18:13.297-07:00RECENT WATCH: BATMAN V SUPERMAN - DAWN OF JUSTICE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6dHz2zyXxQZ2LbJqXAS-Jg1f0Uer6hFckLOiman_gVOk4UzOnGuhB4OCFyGdRW_oDp9mhXTRqkz-TY4r4qBFpN3s47pl8BR0UOVu9CPgNK4MQZrSDcufEqYRGI1SetXELtaZmTzk8CY/s1600/B+v+S+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6dHz2zyXxQZ2LbJqXAS-Jg1f0Uer6hFckLOiman_gVOk4UzOnGuhB4OCFyGdRW_oDp9mhXTRqkz-TY4r4qBFpN3s47pl8BR0UOVu9CPgNK4MQZrSDcufEqYRGI1SetXELtaZmTzk8CY/s1600/B+v+S+3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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During the aftermath of Superman’s destruction of metropolis
the world debates what kind of hero they need. Batman takes on the Man of Steel
amidst fears that he cannot be trusted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The DC cinematic universe continues with another dark and
serious superhero film that deals with vengeance, power and even politics. Zack Snyder does not stray from the gritty
tone that he set out in the much contested Man of Steel. Picking up where the plot
left off, we see the fallout. This key plot point within the superhero
feud was presented in early trailers and works well in establishing a point of
view and source of anger for Batman.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Powering through all the negativity surrounding his casting,
Ben Affleck pulls off a pretty impressive Batman. A character so established in
cinema, specifically in the last decade, it’s refreshing to see a new take.
Henry Cavill also gets a chance to really flex his muscles as Superman in this
new instalment (literally and metaphorically). While she is a secondary
character in this Justice League set up, Wonder Woman appears very promising,
brilliantly shedding any 70’s cheesiness or female superhero prejudices. We get
a sneak peak in to her powers and back story which made me excited for the
story of Diana Prince to hit screens next year.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF2ZuNpydPdHHcwqEY6R1vtfueQcJS8WQf3TFhlrZwokkdOXlNJdbVvF7UZE9sJv-cmAPGDWSu1tBICH8kuml_5LCY8CGhIWdgCz82wsUp8e8n64OGuQrmfeFPknQeZPbj9Zp8onaais/s1600/BvS+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF2ZuNpydPdHHcwqEY6R1vtfueQcJS8WQf3TFhlrZwokkdOXlNJdbVvF7UZE9sJv-cmAPGDWSu1tBICH8kuml_5LCY8CGhIWdgCz82wsUp8e8n64OGuQrmfeFPknQeZPbj9Zp8onaais/s1600/BvS+1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I enjoyed Jesse Eisenberg as
Lex Luthor. While sometimes slipping in to some kind of Mark Zuckerberg meets
Heath Ledger’s ‘Joker’, he made an interesting villain. He brought a balanced
mix of unhinged and intelligent that worked with some of the best and most
quotable lines from the film. Dawn of Justice is beautifully shot with stunning
visuals, complimented with a sprinkling of Zack Snyder’s signature colouring
and slow-mo. Anyone familiar with the opening credits of Snyder’s
Watchmen (2009) will know that Zack Snyder demonstrates some of his best film
making in the opening credits. I absolutely loved the opening credits of Dawn
of Justice. The credits explore the Batman origin story in a way that embraces
that the audience are generally familiar with this story.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a whole, the film was enjoyable; it had all of the
important parts that I hoped for in a film that pits Batman against Superman.
Fight scenes are well choreographed and have scale that is bold without
becoming overly cartoonish and boring. Characters are developed and well
portrayed and in the end several plot lines merge together. However this film
is far from flawless and as much as I anticipated this film I have to admit to
myself that it wasn’t as great as I wanted it to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiANKdiXgQNq_3BurkPT8Xsyo_-D8lsk3Hr_q6REkRCSJng1urpFb3cJg5OYXRhF39IwdaLZ0AFXj8aXi_HcgAza-ZD9L0CfHN7EWN-X6Ppwpxo2xX-hcGas8CGVDjnSlGBFXNO8iDWA/s1600/BvS+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiANKdiXgQNq_3BurkPT8Xsyo_-D8lsk3Hr_q6REkRCSJng1urpFb3cJg5OYXRhF39IwdaLZ0AFXj8aXi_HcgAza-ZD9L0CfHN7EWN-X6Ppwpxo2xX-hcGas8CGVDjnSlGBFXNO8iDWA/s1600/BvS+2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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People love to hate on Man of Steel because of its dark
(you could say joyless) tone. While I didn’t rush to watch Man of Steel a
second time I refused to jump on the bandwagon of complaint. I won’t sit here
and moan about how these films should be light and fun. I think Zack Snyder
should be applauded for going through with his vision of the DC universe and
making films that stand out within a flooded genre. However, I can’t help thinking
that within the two and half hour run time the film would have benefited from
a moment of hope, almost to allow the audience a chance to catch their breath
amongst so much darkness. The film spends a lot of time exploring whether power
can be innocent and whether someone from another world really is a hero. Getting
so wrapped up in theological debate sometimes got in the way of the real plot
and to me was the main thing that sucked the fun out of the first half of the
film. The film didn’t learn from the mistake of Man of Steel; there is so much
destruction. Considering the first half of the film revolves around the aftermath
of Superman v Zod and the anger the public feels over the ruined city it seems
odd that this plot would be as destructive. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The film is also incredibly overcrowded. After all the film
attempts to set up at least four principle characters and a whole franchise,
overcrowding was to be expected. But with so much going on the actual plot felt
lacking. Again, visionary director, Zack Snyder gets a little lost in style
over substance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is definitely worth
seeing. Don’t be put off by the dark tone but take cues from the extended title
and expect an ambitious film that is ultimately setting up a Justice League
franchise. Ben Affleck works brilliantly as a reinvention of the Dark Knight
and a look in to upcoming releases is exciting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUu3PCFL9hTjqHsX0Spk_Gt8n8g7OxdIumhT09CscuuiL0radoiJ87lDHrWqjyLB6qoFgmvqq18kzU0kvx1qAy_YpANhawntdcVtt1lTJf3XW0gwOV8XSMSXrXEUxm2zh_pLzxyNLyEI/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUu3PCFL9hTjqHsX0Spk_Gt8n8g7OxdIumhT09CscuuiL0radoiJ87lDHrWqjyLB6qoFgmvqq18kzU0kvx1qAy_YpANhawntdcVtt1lTJf3XW0gwOV8XSMSXrXEUxm2zh_pLzxyNLyEI/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-79710485407725348112016-03-22T02:00:00.000-07:002016-03-22T02:00:26.732-07:00RECENT WATCH: 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzQCHSdQndFweWaFCHmK396EUFYSSjZQLeCJIz7iY56kkZFrlgYtiaDE1aVfEkCkaMwy996WZTTQXl36Lfx5Wnp3Pa8OhT89TbJHz9j5QW08r_OKCMoNAsgy0m-oyqlqH5v7W1blTZkk/s1600/10+Cloverfield+Lane+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzQCHSdQndFweWaFCHmK396EUFYSSjZQLeCJIz7iY56kkZFrlgYtiaDE1aVfEkCkaMwy996WZTTQXl36Lfx5Wnp3Pa8OhT89TbJHz9j5QW08r_OKCMoNAsgy0m-oyqlqH5v7W1blTZkk/s1600/10+Cloverfield+Lane+1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After a car accident, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead)
awakes chained to a bed in an underground bunker. She meets two men who claim
the air outside is toxic after a widespread chemical attack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like Cloverfield (2008), 10 Cloverfield Lane was filmed low
budget and in secret. The marketing was fittingly secretive so it was the
trailer for this film that really hooked me. I think it’s wrong to call 10
Cloverfield Lane a sequel. I have called it so up to now but it’s really more of
a stand-alone thriller in the Cloverfield setting. The tagline “monsters come
in many forms” was something I kept in mind when I was watching the film. This meant
that I wasn’t disappointed when I wasn’t met with the monster movie that some
might be expecting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDumQevHILF5IfrfyB233eCwjRZPjKX1M-pRhk0a-iav06AaHMdkO4_JEEDguFN5v2IKnPfkXfpV9gKnUHyNtrepnhOsLmZF0prhPC11pXfUwES3AjBfx8uRmMU5oAEsJYKnQexMLA5E/s1600/10+Cloverfield+Lane+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDumQevHILF5IfrfyB233eCwjRZPjKX1M-pRhk0a-iav06AaHMdkO4_JEEDguFN5v2IKnPfkXfpV9gKnUHyNtrepnhOsLmZF0prhPC11pXfUwES3AjBfx8uRmMU5oAEsJYKnQexMLA5E/s1600/10+Cloverfield+Lane+2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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10 Cloverfield Lane is a brilliantly crafted psychological
thriller that makes you feel as claustrophobic and uneasy as the characters. It
is tense and shock packed from the beginning to end but never predictable. Quite
the opposite – the plot manages to get inside your head. You know that John
Goodman’s ‘Howard’ is uncomfortably controlling and you fear him for his erratic
behaviour and violent temper, but any prior knowledge of the Cloverfield premise
is screaming at you to stay inside. Although it is a long time since I have
seen the original Cloverfield which meant that I was unfamiliar with the
specifics of the world outside the bunker. This weirdly benefited my
experience as a viewer who wasn’t sure who to believe.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0rNNjxoe4lRPPi5YFNLW6LGgPBp05k60NwELiL2DhtI588vNNdum_A5SjGKpYoGGXK5Qnecp_JGPuf5E_rxiEnX9ODQ1-wfzeuQ3tm9ozwHwvSxTevSBxARZTFByJuvSM0cM-CDIzX8/s1600/10+Cloverfield+Lane+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0rNNjxoe4lRPPi5YFNLW6LGgPBp05k60NwELiL2DhtI588vNNdum_A5SjGKpYoGGXK5Qnecp_JGPuf5E_rxiEnX9ODQ1-wfzeuQ3tm9ozwHwvSxTevSBxARZTFByJuvSM0cM-CDIzX8/s1600/10+Cloverfield+Lane+3.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s ‘Michelle’ is the perfect thriller
protagonist. You want to root for her because her actions are so smart. Like the
audience can also do, she picks up on the subtle but critical information to
plan her escape. However, John Goodman steals the show. Flipping between
fatherly and terrifying with ease. Shining in this antagonist role, his performance
is truly unsettling for all the right reasons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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10 Cloverfield Lane’s exploration of monsters in human form
makes an edge of your seat thriller that I loved and would definitely recommend.
</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOOr7ekf8Q5zSqX7QPK189r3_gsOO5qlO3COoi4yTjGAu5I-Kq1QCUGlQgErWspHd9hTZVJ8BQgN_uqxUQ36aiCEj1-EyR-TN36PzH_HZOyuotPskoBa9cP_-FKvGWWV1Van8UxrVU6E/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOOr7ekf8Q5zSqX7QPK189r3_gsOO5qlO3COoi4yTjGAu5I-Kq1QCUGlQgErWspHd9hTZVJ8BQgN_uqxUQ36aiCEj1-EyR-TN36PzH_HZOyuotPskoBa9cP_-FKvGWWV1Van8UxrVU6E/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-18439238278698293902016-03-20T11:24:00.000-07:002016-03-20T11:24:30.547-07:003 TRAILER TROPES I HATE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJQHjYVgWmZJaG00gNtaYdNj21JNIeJxEBSWJcDG-TJK3cQ2pkCPFALfkVHA1IrL85OON29U6lX6uLkNUAgwAAyphaIBCU9kBOVTkYYD-bK5f44GISZj7iYHjLehV0iMqT-BAzofo8Dg/s1600/trailer+tropes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJQHjYVgWmZJaG00gNtaYdNj21JNIeJxEBSWJcDG-TJK3cQ2pkCPFALfkVHA1IrL85OON29U6lX6uLkNUAgwAAyphaIBCU9kBOVTkYYD-bK5f44GISZj7iYHjLehV0iMqT-BAzofo8Dg/s1600/trailer+tropes.jpg" /></a></div>
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A trailer is the first glimpse in to a new release. It’s an
opportunity for a studio to advertise the plot, tone and cast of a film. Often,
this is the moment an audience first decides whether they are going to be
heading to the cinema or not. Call me sad if you will but I like a good
trailer, something that is well put together with fitting music and tells me
what to expect in the feature is going to get my interest. That said, there are
three things that I find especially grating in these two minute glimpses in to
future releases:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Trailer Man Voice</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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You know the one, the overly excited voice that
patronisingly explains the plot of a film. We don’t hear of him as much these
days, Hooray!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>They’re in it. That is all.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Star power is an obvious angle for marketing, the Tom
Hanks’, Leonardo Dicaprio’s and Jennifer Lawrence’s of the world have a certain
box office pull for sure but stop making trailers that just remind me how great
they are. A film is so much more than its cast and a trailer should be too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Here’s the whole movie</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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And finally, this annoys me so much. Why do studios shoot
themselves in the foot by showing the whole plot of a film in its promotional
material? From first, second and third trailers, teasers, featurettes and the
release of ‘first ten minutes’ in some cases, do studios forget they are trying
to get ticket money out of the audience? The worst part, there are so many
offenders. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nerd rant
over. Happy Sunday!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi2yg1qI2rGBwUXzrt-GwusnbwLNicCca8sQ50frjj8paYYtarzH98fhY8lG2sOrW09HXwyUOa5V4jBveUmu4OV0EaDrC09roOGTEMKrPYR6PlMg43L5j9f4iU-lvNTW1mF4oh-dgipM/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi2yg1qI2rGBwUXzrt-GwusnbwLNicCca8sQ50frjj8paYYtarzH98fhY8lG2sOrW09HXwyUOa5V4jBveUmu4OV0EaDrC09roOGTEMKrPYR6PlMg43L5j9f4iU-lvNTW1mF4oh-dgipM/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245927616368514878.post-77273945789083392032016-03-13T13:30:00.001-07:002016-03-13T13:31:52.072-07:00THIS PAST MONTH: FEBRUARY 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2016 has had a serious lack of ‘This Past Week’ posts. You know
the ones, a quick rundown of my week that goes up on a Sunday. But let’s face
it, towards the end of last year I was doing well if I got the post up by
Wednesday. Towards the end of January I decided that I did not want to continue
my Sunday summary style posts. The reason being that I really struggle to write
them, at first I loved it but as I wrote more, the enjoyment was dwindling. More
often than not, my week doesn’t contain all that many things to write about. There
are only so many posts I can write about nights out and roast dinner cravings. I also want my blog to have more of a film and
media focus and when I restrict myself to writing a personal post every week I don’t
have as much time as I’d like to write film related content. Instead of posting
about what I’ve been up to at the end of every week I’ve decided to write a
post at the end of every month running through the important stuff from the
last 30/31 days. So here we go, starting a new series of monthly posts. I hope
you enjoy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H6JJylA89Wq6P1oHuaORHR474Z9c1Hm2TKjUpQmJnZRBdfHps8lap_gOBwMXchsE6_HPoOlMhiy-1vKm2Z8-F-4kdi2_LY7I57S0D6_zi9t7IftvDcLgIYYiy_qY9bay9hmO-saWoEY/s1600/sheffield+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H6JJylA89Wq6P1oHuaORHR474Z9c1Hm2TKjUpQmJnZRBdfHps8lap_gOBwMXchsE6_HPoOlMhiy-1vKm2Z8-F-4kdi2_LY7I57S0D6_zi9t7IftvDcLgIYYiy_qY9bay9hmO-saWoEY/s1600/sheffield+view.JPG" /></a></div>
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February was the month that University properly started
again, it might officially start in mid-January but it’s in February when the
module introductions stop and you remember that you actually have to do some
work at University. One of the biggest things I am working on is an ongoing
placement search. Next year I will be leaving the safety of campus for a year
in industry and I never anticipated the search would be so hard. It’s well
known that finding a job is a job within itself and the same should be said
about looking for placements. The idea of having a year out of university to
get industry experience is very exciting and I can’t wait until I have it
sorted. I know a few people who have given up on finding a placement after
small amounts of searching but I will not give up. It’s tough and stressful now
but I’m determined to find the placements to fill the sandwich year of my
degree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-k82Oh7MuYhYqL65htJBOiFabQvHKExd_lyFqmbboAvY7ygJaJlTCTvEDbPoYk0JjNd-H8S9z6wSZFbGPEGhIIsvHAONVkLwIj4_raHefJ5QhShzcTMNzKhDwLZmqDIbbNgpdxk6_Tk/s1600/blue+sky+singing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-k82Oh7MuYhYqL65htJBOiFabQvHKExd_lyFqmbboAvY7ygJaJlTCTvEDbPoYk0JjNd-H8S9z6wSZFbGPEGhIIsvHAONVkLwIj4_raHefJ5QhShzcTMNzKhDwLZmqDIbbNgpdxk6_Tk/s1600/blue+sky+singing.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">At the beginning of February something quite crazy happened.
While out recording vox pops for a TV News module my friend and I were
approached by a lady who asked us what we were filming. We explained that we
were media students and we were filming for our coursework, she then asked if
we would like to come to her choir group to film for them. The next week we
filmed the singing and over the course of the rest of the month, edited together
the footage to create a promotional video package. From this I unveil ‘BG
Productions’, a company name that we have created, with which we will be doing
freelance video production.</span></div>
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What does BG stand for you may ask… it comes from my second
name which is Blair and the G to my B is my friend Lucy Gilbert who I mention on
here all the time. You can also read her blog <a href="https://wheniwasawaitress.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. On the very last day of
February we filmed a band in Leeds, a particularly gruelling 12 hour studio
shoot but the end product is going to be great. As you can imagine we are both
very excited about the prospect of having our own small production company, we’re
currently working on an online portfolio which will be found <a href="https://bgproductionsmedia.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFUayJCH7fCY2-fyIBf5xePhiHr31tP42V1CY616Hx4n6gAFl0G6SQ5L5zB6J301rkwJ40FcSFINdCK_8A3hAOIadfOw0bRSgaQ04rafT2xuO_NJJoaT-S8oVkMB71FC0DA1ptzmntaU/s1600/matt+drums.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFUayJCH7fCY2-fyIBf5xePhiHr31tP42V1CY616Hx4n6gAFl0G6SQ5L5zB6J301rkwJ40FcSFINdCK_8A3hAOIadfOw0bRSgaQ04rafT2xuO_NJJoaT-S8oVkMB71FC0DA1ptzmntaU/s1600/matt+drums.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Finally, I have loved how much good TV there is at the
moment. The early months of the year are the perfect time to binge on much
loved shows or try something new. Not only have TV shows come back for new
seasons or after mid-season breaks (Suits, Girls, New Girl) but I have found
new additions to my watch list. Over a weekend I caught up on the first season of
BBC’s Happy Valley, it’s some seriously gripping stuff and I really need to
watch more of series two.</span></div>
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What was a highlight of your February?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi2yg1qI2rGBwUXzrt-GwusnbwLNicCca8sQ50frjj8paYYtarzH98fhY8lG2sOrW09HXwyUOa5V4jBveUmu4OV0EaDrC09roOGTEMKrPYR6PlMg43L5j9f4iU-lvNTW1mF4oh-dgipM/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi2yg1qI2rGBwUXzrt-GwusnbwLNicCca8sQ50frjj8paYYtarzH98fhY8lG2sOrW09HXwyUOa5V4jBveUmu4OV0EaDrC09roOGTEMKrPYR6PlMg43L5j9f4iU-lvNTW1mF4oh-dgipM/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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Amie Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00870659031572737825noreply@blogger.com0