Today we took Kobe to Bramshill for a walk. I think this will make the third time - Lou found it a while ago and seems quite taken with the place. We walk in the conifer plantation, which apparently is rotationally felled and also a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also contains ponds, mud and puddles - all of which Kobe loves. The bath she required afterwards, no so much - and me even less…
Adrian’s rating: 7
First watched: 28th December 2008 (Cinema, VUE)
Adam Sandler toned down for a younger audience (its still rated PG though) keeps this fun for me, rather than grating. Still, not good enough to warrant membership in our collection.
More shopping today - a new deep fryer and a plethora of bits and bobs for Lou’s “office” - including a whiteboard and pin-up board.
Had lunch at The Courtyard in Wokingham. We have previously had cake and coffee here before, but not a meal. My latte and Lou’s hot chocolate were okay - better than the Ha Ha Bar & Grill yesterday. Lou had a problem with her mussels, so I ended up swapping with her my fettuccine bolognese (I thought the mussels were fine)
Lou and I thought we might head into Reading to see what the sales had to offer. While we did pick up some cookware and DVDs, for the most part the items we were interested in were not on sale.
Had lunch at one of my two favourite spots in Reading - the “Ha Ha Bar & Grill” (used to be called “Sante Fe”) Because Lou and I don’t tend to frequent the same location, I sometimes find it hard to remember what I do and don’t like in a place. So now I take notes on my iPhone and will forever know not to get the latte, that the hot chocolate is okay and the food is as good as ever (Lou had the steak sandwich, I had the cheese & bacon burger)
Oh, and it should be obvious by now that Wikipedia has an entry on almost everything!
Adrian’s rating: 7
First watched: 26th December 2008 (DVD, Blockbuster)
The only thing I remember of “Speed Racer” from my childhood is the theme tune. Unlike “Hancock“, the previews did not inspire confidence in the film - so Lou and I were not surprised when the general consensus seemed to be negative.
I was surprised that the film was actually quite fun. Once I had adjusted to the bright, colourful, psychadelic world the film is set in, I was able to enjoy the characters and over the top car races. Ok, this film won’t win any awards - and it is a far cry from the Wachowski Brothers‘ “The Matrix” - but I don’t think it is a total write-off. I can definately see, however, how it might be an aquired taste. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Adrian’s rating: 7
First watched: 26th December 2008 (DVD, Blockbuster)
Tilt: +1 Superhero
I remember the previews looking good for this (which is always a worry) but Lou and I did not end up seeing it in the cinema - I think due to lacklustre reviews. Anyway, the first half is actually a lot of fun but is let down in the second half after the “plot twist” - where the film seems to lose direction and purpose. Or, maybe the rapid u-turn from comedy to tragedy just threw me and I never quite recovered.
Adrian’s rating: 8
Last Watched: 26th December 2008 (DVD, owned)
Tilt: +1 Indiana Jones
The original Indiana Jones adventure and the second best in my opinion. I do enjoy the mix of Nazis, the occult, archaeology and adventure which are the central themes of the franchise. I haven’t watched Raiders for quite a while and this time through I noticed just how much the music contributes to the film.
As expected, Lou and I celebrated a quiet, reflective Christmas this year. Highlights of the day included:
I hope that your Christmas was also everything you wanted it to be - or more!
Adrian’s rating: 8
First watched: 25th December 2008 (TV)
Tilt: +1 Doctor Who
Another year, another Doctor Who Christmas special. This time it is the Cybermen’s turn to attempt to ruin a London Christmas - this time in 1851. Doesn’t disappoint.
Adrian’s rating: 10
First watched: TBA (VUE, Reading)
Last watched: 25th December 2008 (DVD, owned)
Tilt: +1 comic adaptation
I loved this in the cinema and a second viewing on DVD hasn’t reduced it at all. If there is one flaw, it is the somewhat unimaginative use of a bigger, badder (but less intelligent) version of the hero as the main villain. Still, it does leave plenty of room for the sequel - as always I hope they don’t stuff it up. Robert Downey Jr is usually hit and miss for me too - but this is a spot on hit.
Disclaimer: I have never read an Iron Man comic, and what vague childhood memories I have of Iron Man cartoons never instilled in me any sense of connection or awe with the hero - unlike the film.