Movies

On Sunday I went with JJ to watch ‘Prometheus 3D’ in the cinema. JJ’s a big fun of the Alien(s) series, the first ones. How many are they supposed to be? 6? Including the Alien vs Predators? Anyway, he’s been looking forward to the movie, counting the days, the same way I used to do for the ‘Lord of the Rings’ sequels. The first reviews were really good and the emerged pictures intriguing. So, with high expectations, I bought a huge (diet) cola and some salty (always) popcorn, I went to watch it holding my 3D glasses.

The movie started really good. The photography, direction and casting are immaculate. The main actors are really good, especially the main protagonist. It’s the girl from the Swedish ‘girl with the dragon tattoo’. There’s something about her that I really like. Up to middle, the mystery surrounding the Prometheus’ expedition builds really well. The excitement of exploring the unknown environment built in very well and I couldn’t help but feel interested and involved.

However, the plot and action go downhill through there. I don’t want to give you any spoilers, but I am going to say that I was left a bit disappointed. Twists in the plot are predictable, characters are making really bad judgement calls and things are exaggerated beyond comprehension. JJ liked how Prometheus is linked to the first ‘Alien’ movie. I’m going to remember the nice visual effects of Prometheus but the story at the end was a bit lukewarm to say the least.

What I also wanted to comment was the trailer of the movie: ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’! Why was this make? Who thought of the concept of this movie? Why Abraham Lincoln? The movie’s probably based on a graphic novel or comic book.

You are probably going to hate me for saying this but I despise the movies where the American President is idolised and presented as a hero, a guy that gives these longs speeches on virtue, value and honour or behaves with heroic valour and saves the day! From the top of my head, the examples I’ll give you are ‘Air Force One’ and ‘Independence Day’. I know that from the names only I should expect this kind of things, but look at real life! Take for example George Bush junior. Can you imagine him saving anything?

Jubilee weekend

So, last week when the whole world's eyes were on London and the Queen's celebrations, we decided with JJ to rent a car and simply leave. It was the first time we had so many days off together in 2012 and we decided to have a road trip! We do love to take a car and simply drive to places. Also, we knew that watching the celebrations on the television would probably be better. The following pictures describe what we did.

 

Our first stop was the New Forest Wildlife Park. That picture's from the butterfly area.

Otters are so cute... 

The first time I saw a wallaby 

Lovely stickers... Can you see the 'sushi' comment on the bottom? 

Having breakfast in Bournemouth (not fish and chips) 

Playing cricket by the sea in a cold grey day...  

tempted to jump in 

Torquay: the English Riviera...  

We couldn't not have proper English tea with scones, a very camp lemon cake and everything else in old china that day!

Torquay beach when the tide is high 

Increasing my cholesterol tenfold in a Texan restaurant! Amazing food and cocktails... 

Poster in a pub. The picture's a bit blurry. Don't ask me if I had a drink earlier

Thatcher's Rock 

We had amazing time driving around the South West coast of England. I don't regret not staying in London to see the flotilla and the other celebrations live. We managed to see most of it on the television anyway. There are so many nice places to visit and see in the UK. 

Getting ready for the Jubilee weekend

 Apart from the Olympics, there’s another reason for the British to celebrate this year! The Queen celebrates 60 years of reigning, her Diamond Jubilee! 60 years? Imagine that! According to the omnipotent Wikipedia she was born in 1926 and her coronation took place in June the 2nd 1953 following the death of her father, George VI the previous year! She was so young when she became a Queen, only 27! She’s the second longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom after Victoria. If she keeps this up, and I believe that she will, for a couple more years, she’ll beat Victoria no doubt!

So, London and I assume the rest of the country and maybe parts of the Commonwealth (?) are getting dresses in red, white and blue with Union Jack decorations everywhere. The formal celebrations started earlier this year with the Queen controversially hosting all monarchs of the world, the most exclusive member’s club ever, in a formal luncheon in Buckingham Palace. Various other formal events took place earlier this year.

Lego Queen at the Hamleys

However, this weekend is the public’s turn to celebrate. Normally we have a bank holiday the last Monday of May, however, this was transferred to this Monday and due to the Jubilee, we got Tuesday the 5th as well! So, we have a 4-day long weekend ahead of us! Hooray! During this weekend, there’s a massive boat parade on Sunday on the Thames with the Queen also on a boat waving at the crowds. There are numerous street parties organised around the country and a massive concert with popular names (Kylie, Robbie, Tom Jones, Elton John etc) singing in front of the Buckingham Palace for some lucky ones who received a ticket through a ballot.

1953 - Coronation day

I can’t say I’m a royalist. I grew up in a country that turned its back to Monarchy and told the former King Constantine to simply pack his bags and leave, a decade before I was even born. However, I give them credit when needed. I love getting extra days off work. Last year we had the Royal wedding, this year we have the Jubilee! What’s not to like? To me, they are like posh celebrities. They do cost lots of money to the tax payers but act as proper tourist attractions! PS. Harry’s turned up to be very good looking.

Queen picture from the Silver Jubilee celebration (1977)

The Queen lives a very fascinating life, or at least used to when she was younger. She’s travelled all over the world and must have met the most numerous people than anyone alive from country leaders to artists to everyone! I wouldn’t like to be in her shoes though. She’s constantly under scrutiny, on the spotlight and having to cover up and be reliable for the whole family’s scandals and dirty stories. It also must not be very easy trying to keep some balances. Imagine that she had to deal with Churchill at a very young age or Thatcher later on. There are so many conspiracy theories around her, with the death of Diana being the most famous one.

Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend! See you soon.