Every now and again, an unexplainable force possesses me to create a blog to share with an uncaring world my thoughts and opinions. Days later, I realize it’s a waste of my time, and give up. To those who cared to read, if you care about me that much, hit me up on MySpace (www.myspace.com/richjwise) and we’ll do something smashing.
Peace and love.
Due to time constraints, I’ve decided to write these quick reviews. If you take anything I say seriously, you’re a git.
Bruno: Not Sacha Baron Cohen’s greatest work (see Borat) but funny nonetheless. Bruno, the immensely camp homosexual fashion designer from Austria, moves to Hollywood to seek fame through multiple outlets: his own TV program, Films, charity work, etc. The movie doesn’t flow as consistently s Borat did, it felt as if the majority of it were individual sketches just tacked onto one another. In other words, the continuity was shit-house. Will make Americans realize how stupid some of their country-men are, and will make the Western would realize how stupid Americans in general are. Due to the camp nature of the film (gay references, including a DIY Meatspin), this movie isn’t for the homophobic or the overly religious.
7/10
Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince: Three things I disliked about this movie:
- A great majority of the book was omitted from the film (i.e Dumbledore’s funeral)
- Some scenes from the film didn’t take place in the book at all.
- To. Fucking. Long.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I can’t stay focused on an overly long film at the cinema unless it’s nothing short of brilliant (see Gran Torino). The movie, whilst entertaining, was very drawn-out and had very few action or dramatic sequences. The plot development was average, and to those who see the film without reading the book, they’d have been completely confused by the end of it. Oh yeah, and Ron’s still lame.
6/10
Apollo 13: An absolutely brilliant film. To me personally, everything Tom Hanks stars in seems to earn a place in my heart (Catch Me If You Can, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, etc.) and Apollo 13 was no exception. Based on the true story of the Lunar Mission Apollo 13 in 1971, the film tells the story of how the three Astronauts (Captain Jim Lovell played by Hanks) sustained damage in the craft during their trip to the Moon and had to abort the mission in order to have even the remote possibility of returning to Earth ever, let alone alive.
I’ve always been a space buff, the concept of space exploration amaze and inspire me (you’ll understand why within the next few blogs!), but this movie hits that nail of inspiration right on its head. Apollo 13 had the potential to be the first disaster in space for the American Space program, but, through the hard work and expertise of both the Astronauts and the people at Mission Control on Earth, the three Astronauts returned alive and well.
With brilliant special effects and the realism of the entire film, Apollo 13 is not only an inspirational film, but a kick-ass one at that.
8.5/10
If you approached your average Joe in the street, chances are, that no matter how broad or narrow their taste in music may be, they’ll have a select few songs set aside in their heart for when they’re behind the wheel, or handlebars for that matter. These select few songs will boost the confidence, or even boost the aggression, but they all have one thing in common; They glorify and make the concept of driving a thing of utter beauty and undeniable grace. The next few blogs will be my very own countdown of my favorite “driving songs”.
Let’s get cracking, shall we?
Of all the driving songs, this one has perhaps one of the most peculiar histories behind it. Let’s roll back to the clock to 1971, Armstrong had taken that fateful step onto the Moon, the UK were glued to their Television sets which now proudly broadcasted in color and somewhere in a cramped tour bus a bumbling reporter asked one of the biggest rock-acts in history the simple question; How do you write your songs? Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, in an attempt to answer this question, pulled out an acoustic guitar, and began strumming a basic riff consisting of a single G, whilst Ian Gillan improvised vocals over it. The song was refined, and later that night in Portsmouth, this very song written in the back of a tour bus was performed to thousands of screaming fans.
Nearly 40 years and a dozen cover versions later, the song remains a smash-hit, still remaining a staple live song. The song itself is about the passion for speed, racing past the police, taunting them to pursuit you along the endless stretches of bitumen, and if the lyrics don’t do anything for you, the spine-tingling solos mashed out on the Hammond organ will.
Next blog: The Greatest Driving Soung countdown continues, plus, I’ll be reviewing Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Bruno – video style!
This is a quick and easy to understand step-by-step guide to manipulating the ability to gain experience by “tending” to your Neighbour’s/Friend’s farms. Thanks to YouTube for providing a source to upload the video. You can find me on YouTube as SatanicMushrooms.
More guides coming soon!
Sooty 1990 – 2009
It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog. On Tuesday, June 2nd 2009, my dear, child-hood cat Sooty finally passed away, having been euthanised following kidney failure.
I look in family photo albums and see myself as a toddler, surrounded by kitten’s – Sooty’s kittens. I see photos of myself growing over the years, and I catch glimpses of her when she’s snuck into the frame during the shot. I remember when I was 14, she became sick, and the Vet said she may have to be put to sleep. I remember crying myself to sleep that night, for I was uncertain what tomorrow would bring. But now she’s finally at peace, 19 years is an awfully long time for a cat, especially one who was so beautiful and loving.
I saw despair in your eyes
The last time we said goodbye
You left me cold and broken
I was tearful, not a word was spoken
A gaping hole in my heart I feel
The pain of loss it’ll never heal.
Why did you have to leave?
Why did you have to go?
Why did you have to leave?So this is my farewell to you my friend,
Just know I still loved you at the end.
Not just that but through life beyond,
I’ll be with you soon, I won’t be long.
Goodnight, goodbye, my four-legged friend
Know that I still loved you, ‘til the bitter end.
Rest In Peace, my friend.
xx
sup fuckers?
Tasmanian tour has been completed, had a true rock & roll experience driving up and working the Launnie show – even if it was for a doof-doof artist. Hobart bump-out, given the amount of gear, was completed in 2h 20m, only 10 minutes behind Melbourne’s! Launceston show held a few difficulties – the Albert Hall, a ghetto building if there ever was one, has NO loading bay for trucks, therefore everything had to be lifted up to stage height, and when the stage was a good 2m high and some of the gear inc. cases weighed in excess of 100kg, it proved to be a complete shit. Additionally, during the show, the balcony began to buckle due to the amount of underage girls jumping up and down in synch to The Scientists of Modern Music – a kick ass local act.
Despite the difficulties, the half-useless loaders, and the fact that we didn’t shower or sleep for two days, I fucking loved it.
catch you cats on the flip.
Managed to snag a few minutes of spare time, so here I am. The Presets show promises to be f–king massive. Fo any audiophiles or lighting dipshits, here’s some quick specs. Full, brand fuckin’ new D&B Q Line Array. My god is it sexy. Full J12, D8 combo. From memory, at least 20+ Macc 2000 (or 1200s, I forget, though, considering I was mounting the fucking things all morning I should know by now)
Apologies for lack of pictures, I’ve not had the chance.
Stay true, catch you cunts soon.
Starting tomorow, I’ll be working for two consecutive days as The Presets arive in Tasmania to play two shows at either end of the state. I’ll be working on the set-up/pack up for both shows, as well as having an Access All Areas pass. As of Saturday night at 10pm, I’ll not have a chance to sleep again until I arrive back in Hobart on Monday morning at around 6-7am.
Pics to come, as well as a report on the shows.
