Rambles about the wonderful world of wrestling.
To say that Ghostbusters has had pressure placed on its shoulders is a bit of an understatement. If it fails it sadly gives a particular sub-section of the internet all the more reason to spill their bile-filled views. While it would be harsh to blame Paul Feig for that if it were to happen, it is hard not to root for this most reviled of films.
For a young kid just discovering alternative music and trying to find a spot in the world The Hardy Boyz and Team Xtreme was a big part of my first foray into wrestling. It was Paul Heyman’s SmackDown that I watched every week, and it was that technical wrestling that fascinated me, but it was Jeff Hardy leaping off things that made sure I went from a fan to a fan for life. They were the epitome of cool in my mind and everything that a young fan wanted from their heroes.
We can all claim maturity, but it doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone loves a good fight. It’s why UFC is worth $4 billion, and Brock Lesnar is a motherfucking hero. It’s also why watching two bands bicker will also be entertaining. Whether it’s Guns ‘N’ Roses and Nirvana or Slipknot and Mushroomhead seeing two groups trade barbed comments through the media (or as is the case now, social media) is just fun.
‘Have you seen Toy Story? Well, imagine that, but with pets!’ You can only assume that was the elevator pitch for The Secret Life of Pets a film that follows what your family friend gets up to when you’re not at home and includes elements of all three Toy Story films.
Living in a shed at the bottom of her mum’s garden 29-year-old Anna has given up on life. The relatively recent passing of her twin brother has sent her spiralling over her edge, and she splits her time between working at a local activities centre for kids and making funny videos reflecting on existence starring her thumbs. That is until eight-year-old Clint comes into the picture, a remarkable kid whose mum is dying from cancer.
Duncan Jones’ Warcraft: The Beginning has been saved from flop status by its success in Russia and China and because of that has been deemed the most successful video game adaptation of all time. However, if you are going by reviews and its performance in countries like America, it is hard to see it as anything but a failure. The consensus has at best been meh and at worst been downright hateful.
The Edinburgh International Film Festival is over for another year and while I didn’t get to go to quite as many films as I would have liked – I am but a poor person after all – I did get along to a handful. One of those I have already talked about (the rather poor Kids In Love) but rather than do individual reviews of the rest I have decided to go for the quick-fire approach. So here’s my thoughts on five films I had the pleasure of watching.
Earlier this year I decided to take a plunge. For years now I have been hearing tales of the brilliance of From Software’s games and why if you don’t play them you can’t understand gaming. Yet, before this, my one attempt to get into the series failed miserably. I spent an afternoon with Demon Souls and bounced off it in every way possible. My main issue was a complete lack of patience. I didn’t have the head for standing back with my shield raised and waiting for my opportunity to strike, and it hurt me, which is where Bloodborne comes into things.
It’s hard to watch Kids in Love and not want to punch nearly every single character in it in the face.  Chris Foggin’s debut picture is teen wish fulfilment at its worst and has about as much depth as a puddle after a brief spring shower.
The way mentally challenged people are depicted on film is a mixed bag. For every great example, there are tens of horrible ones and entering any film that uses those issues as a central tenant is always a bit nerve wrecking. Thankfully, you can relax when sitting down to enjoy Chicken.
Ramblings About Wrestling 