Day of the Dead: Bloodline (2018) – Film Review

I was eager to see this film, when I saw it on offer on Netflix I am totally in love with anything within the Zombie genre. I had only just finished watching “Fear of the Walking Dead” Sadly it took just one minute to know how poor this film would be. Instantly the acting hits you (or rather the lack of it), Zombies bite into someone and they explode into a cloud of red and could run faster than Usain Bolt.

Each scene just became more disappointing than the last, the dreadful way it's filmed, the very shoddy cheap sets... and again with the acting... I just cannot begin to convey how appalling the acting is; the blood is there but does not make up for the rest of this mess.

That being said, the acting is still better than the script! This really is a one lose story with no subplots or outside influences that get you thinking, this is a 'mind in neutral' film as you just allow the very basic plot to play out in front of you.

The premise of the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world, is a bit different a kind of one-sided love story in a zombie-filled world. Former med student Zoe was attending Whittendale University and reluctant to attend a party at her University she is persuaded by a friend. Her patient Max is infatuated with her, at the party attacks her, and attempts to rape her. During the rape attempt, Max is attack by a Zombie and turned. Five years later, Zoe heads back to Whittendale to find some medication and Max is still wandering around as if a love struck cuddly puppy. Has Zoe and her companions fight off the zombies Max manages to get a lift under one of the vehicle back to the bunker where survivors are hiding out. Mayhem breaks out.

The Love Birds

It is worth noting that you need to rethink the Zombie rules with this film as they have turned the main, and pretty much only Zombie character into a more free thinking and stalker type (that talks!) and in doing so you forget this is meant to be a Zombie film based on the incredible 1985 masterpiece.

It's a very sad attempt and it seems it was made by people who have never seen a zombie film before. I guess the casting director should also write an open letter of apology for this cheap forgettable travesty. Guess what! After all that, I rather enjoy it because it was so bad.

My Rating

650 Word – The taboos of Yesteryear’s

I must confess, I would not want to be a teenager today – it was so very different when I was young way back in the early seventies a time of learning about boys and girls and other things. As I, when to the shop around the corner this morning for my Sunday papers I walked out to a boy and a girl making out up against the wall outside. I felt like shouting, “Get a room” but I decided eyes front they must have been around 12 or 13 years of age, I had no idea who they were.

They had disappeared on my return, saving me any embarrassment, were they gone because they felt the same.

Today Young people have so much freedom they can do pretty much what they like – out of the view of their parents as the taboos of yesteryear have all but gone. Our neighbour’s eyes were our parent’s eyes because everyone knew each other unlike today. This whole 'sex thing' has now been turned around but not everyone makes use of such liberties.

In my day making out in the public would never happen and it was near impossible to find somewhere with everyone out playing not stuck at home on games machines or social media. Sneaking into some random bush or some cubbyhole and if u were spied out comes the denial and in fact it would be more times than Peter denied Christ.

I remember early teens finding myself home alone and inviting a neighbourhood girl into the house maybe for a bit of snogging if I was lucky however, the next-door neighbours swooped to my door telling me she would tell my mum. So out goes the girl and later the neighbour told mum and I had a bollicking it was the last time I invited a girl into my parents’ house until my wife and I were courting many years later because she was the one. Other girlfriends just never made the grade to meet mum, sorry.

We were all so incredibly naive - the way our parents wanted us to be as they were in their days, they thought keeping us in ignorance would keep us out of trouble. In those far off days, kissing and cuddling were the standard elements of 'boy-girl' relationships - and very little more. Walking down the street holding hands was usually, a sign that you were 'courting' you were a couple. After the show outside my house today's anything goes free for all has put an end to that lovely romantic interlude.

There is just no anticipation any more today. In my day, it was about one girl you would chase until it was deem to be a waste of time and sooner or later you would move on to pastures new. Girls unlike boys had a reputation to keep too many boys you were considered a flirt.

If it was discovered that you had let a boy 'fondle you in a rather intimate way' ' - you were considered 'easy', and became very popular among boys. But if you had 'gone all the way' (shock, horror - no, really?) you were virtually ostracized in shock. While the boy was treated as some kind of hero. Once in the open the girl would deny it boys do like to brag while today, it is worn like a badge of honour with both.

I have never been the bragging kind as a kid I like to think I showed some respect it was not quantity for me remember most girls you mixed with were a friend, and mate.

Sex was not a subject discussed around the Ugarte dinner table and I was 14 years old before my one and only sex-ed class in school under the instruction of the catholic religion. I probably learnt more reading the letters page of the Playboy magazine.

Very simple - Off to Hull, must win

LAST NIGHT I just couldn’t watch the Fulham, Sunderland game I even planned to stay off social media so not to see any updates from the game but when I posted a blog, I caught sight of the score with unbeaten Fulham 1-0 down, and I refused to get excited, there was a long way to go.

I when straight back into dark mode keeping away from any further information so not to find the score until 9:45pm when I plan to seek it out. So dead on time I click on the BBC sports website and was unsurprised with the score 2-1, I was expecting a Fulham win anyway. Now Cardiff drop to third and are two points behind the Londoners.

So the pressure is back on boss Warnock and his squad for the Hull City trip they must win if they don’t Fulham go into the driving seat for the final automatic promotion place. Cardiff must win the final two games and we are promoted it sound simple but in the Championship, nothing is easy. I personally hate the play-offs and I hope we don’t go there. I saw a few, “don’t worry if we lose” we are still in the race for second on social media you won’t see me talking like that.

The final games for next Sunday below

Birmingham v Fulham

Cardiff City v Reading

Millwall v Aston Villa

The games involving Cardiff and Fulham could well be televised the EFL and Sky Sports in the past have waited to see how the promotion relegation situation plays out before choosing which games to feature for the end of the season games. Another guarantee the Cardiff City stadium will be jumping next Sunday.

However, there is a matter of a game today and a fair old trek to Hull for the Cardiff travelling fans whom no doubt will give the team there rousing support. Cardiff go into this game off the back of the 3-1 defeat at Derby while Hull played out an astonishing 5-5 draw at Bristol City. Hull only have pride to play for on the other hand everyone knows what is at stake for the Welshman.

On the team front both Aron Gunnarsson and Callum Paterson are expected to be fit for the game later. Craig Bryson missed the Derby game due to him being on loan from Derby so couldn’t play against his parent club. Marko Grujic and Kenneth Zohore could get the call. On the other hand, does Warnock have any surprises for the fans? Welsh defender Jazz Richards has returned to full training following a long-term ankle problem could feature.

Palm Swings (2017) - Film Review - Adult Content

r

While looking for a film to fill an hour or two I came across “Palm Swings” (2017), which I never heard of so I thought I would give it a go it was described as a Comedy/ Drama/Romance when it should have been described a Sex/Drama with no comedy. I don’t tend to miss many films but I have a feeling this may have gone straight to DVD release.

It was about the “lifestyle”, swinging to the uninitiated! I read an interesting fact a while ago you probably see a swinger every day, only you don't see them. Chances are that your neighbour, an associate at work, or even a family member is a swinger. I can’t see it myself in the UK but the swinging capital of the world is the good old USA.

Back to the film, it was full of clichés and within five minutes or less; I guess the story line right down to the ending. Palm Swings stars Sugar Lyn Beard and Jackson Davis as a young married couple who move to the desert town of Palm Springs, never expecting things will get quite so hot but for the weather.

Mark and Allison pre-swinging

Indeed, they’ve barely unpacked and their flirtatiously friendly new neighbour – Claire– comes a calling at the door. That evening Alison notes some strange behaviour at Claire’s house and with camera has a looksee through her neighbour’s window and catches them in a foursome but unbeknown to Allison she is spotted by Claire. It is obvious she’s interested in the goings-on with her neighbour and can’t stop looking at the pictures on her camera. Next day, Allison is invited on a shopping trip with her neighbour, Claire and a bit of touchy, feely in the changing room gives her some food for thought.

The two set up a Saturday date night where Claire’s husband just comes straight out declaration to Mark “Claire would love to, using the F word, you”. Explanations are given and Alison and Mark are soon put on the right track about their new neighbours. On leaving, they go back to Claire’s and a threesome gets under away.

At a swinger’s weekend things start to go wrong after the old key game but not car keys but motel room keys .Mark was playing keen and up for a swap while Allison keeps asking if he was sure, the key goes in the bowl.

Yet when things begin to get steamy and they party, it is philosophy professor, Mark against expectations, who gets cold feet on ends up talking to his key date, while photographer Allison enthusiastically takes the plunge after dumping her date who dresses up as a cat. She joins Claire in a foursome.

Mark, Allison and Claire Threesome

Their marriage is put to the ultimate test and after her night with Lance, Allison becomes infatuated with him leading to sly nookie on the side has she pushes for more swinging opportunities. At home, Allison and Marks sex life is drying up, and they are barely talking and they decide to go to another party. At the party they pare off with Lance and his wife and watching her having sex and how much Allison is enjoying herself very loudly becomes uncomfortable this while Mark is having sex with Lance’s beautiful wife Rachel.

All of a sudden, he pushes Rachel away who frustratedly lets slip about Allison, Lance, and their extra activity.

As he, push pass Allison she jumped up mid orgasm chasing him declaring her undying love to him but he dumps her. Claire fixes up a meeting of all places another swingers event and Mark turns up with a drop dead gorgeous student who seem not to be too happy to be at a Swingers party, joke she couldn’t wait to drop her knickers, poor Mark.

Rachel and Lance left wanted

Break up, separation but Allison loves Mark and is willing to give up the lifestyle to win him back but she was the one who took it to far beyond marriage. What do you thing happen next. Happy conclusion or just an ending of their marriage. It was a bit of an ok watch many fit ladies around and boob shots but I have seen better story lines and acting.

I discussed the whole lifestyle, swinging scenario with the wife before the kids would she consider the whole idea, she was quick to say never, and I would never comprehend sharing the wife with anyone I am just to jealous ‘cough’ Scarlett Johansson .

My Rating

Must see TV - Week beginning Sat 28 April 2018

Another slow week ahead for TV recommendations, Saturday and Sunday again is like a ghost town for new TV but it’s looking better for the weekdays. The TV highlight of this week was easy the return of Westworld and for next week the one and only Deadliest Catch is back on the TV and from some early looks at what is coming up. We are going to be entertained and I am looking forward Netflix new offering.

Monday – Channel 4 - Tricks of the Restaurant Trade 8:30pm ***New Series***

The return of the programme that offers an inside guide to eating out, providing insights, investigations, and campaigns to improve viewers' dining experience. In the first edition, Simon Rimmer finds out about Starbucks' research and development programme and meets the people who decide what its customers will be eating and drinking in the future. A woman and her son test whether phone apps can speed up service, and reporter Adam Pearson hits the high street with the latest trend in bottled water.

Tuesday – History Channel – Deadliest Catch 9pm ***New Series***

Its back one of my favourite TV reality shows in the hostile waters of the Bering Sea in the search of crab. Sig rejects Jake's partnership offer, sparking an intense feud between the pair. Northwestern’s captain Sig Hansen is white-hot angry at his former protégé and partner Jake Anderson who is now skippering his own boat the Saga.

Jake is in Sig’s prime fishing ground and that is making our heart attack survivor’s blood pressure go through the roof, and he blames Captain Keith Colburn for tipping off Jake.

Josh Harris is back working hard to prove himself as captain of his father's boat.

Tuesday – Pick – Slasher 10pm ***New Series***

I was late into the first series and had to play catch up but I was soon watching the full horror show. It returns to all its gloriously gory horror, is set in the remote Canadian winter wilderness and tells the story of a group of former summer camp counsellors who are forced to return to the isolated campground to retrieve evidence of a crime they committed in their youth.

Wednesday – BBC 2 – Love in the Countryside 9pm ***New Series***

Sara Cox goes back to her farming roots and sets up a dating service as she meets eight singletons living in the countryside as they begin their journey to find love. All eight participants have created online dating profiles, in the hope of meeting someone of a rural, show-paced life. Tonight 52-year-old Pete and 32-year-old farmer Christine begin their quest to find the perfect partner I wish them good luck in their quest.

Wednesday – Channel 5 – Rich House, Poor House: The Big Surprise 9pm ***New Series***

I was outraged when this show was muted although there have been dickheads I was won over mainly by the people from the Poor House. Colin and Lizzy Whiting, who find themselves in the wealthiest 10 percent of Britain, swap their five-bedroom house near Newquay to spend a week living in a two-bed property where the Timmins family live. The Timmins on the other hand, are among the poorest 10 percent in the country, and survive on a tenth of the weekly budget of the Withings. There have been spoilers in the press so I know what happens but I will still be watching.

Wednesday – Dave – Taskmaster 9pm ***New Series***

A new series of the comedy challenge kicks off, Greg Davies sets more stupefying tasks to a group of comedians with Alex Home assisting as his right-hand man. Wheelbarrow stunts and lemon towers anyone? Set to take part are Alice Levine, Asim Chaudhry, Liza Tarbuck, Russell Howard, and Tim Vine brilliantly bewildering tasks? It should be a good watch just for the very funny Greg Davies.

Wednesday - More4 – Building the Dream 9pm ***New Series***

I love a build show and in particular self-builds there is something very romantic about doing such a build. The tighter the budget the more I like it most have to up their budget or live in a bombsite still waiting for an end. Finding somewhere to build is never easy like this offering where presenter Charlie Luxton meets self-building duo Caroline and Chris in south London, who hope to build an urban marvel on a very tight plot.

Thursday – BBC 1 – Britain’s Best Home Cook 8pm ***New Series***

A competition in which 10 home cooks move into a shared house and compete in a series of challenges designed to demonstrate their flair, skill, and creativity to become the best home cook. For their first two challenges, the cooks have 90 minutes to prepare the ultimate burger followed by an improvised dish using one key ingredient.

The weakest cooks will face an elimination round to decide whom leaves the BBC are still looking for a hit to replace the Great British Bake off.

Friday – Netflix – The Rain ***New Series***

I am really excited by the sounds of this new series not your usual Scandi-noir. Following on from the success of its German sci-fi drama Dark, Netflix seems to be ploughing a similar furrow with The Rain. Both feature a young cast, a gloomy atmosphere, and forbidding woods. But whereas Dark’s premise involved time travel and a cross-generational mystery, The Rain is set to be a dystopian survival thriller.

The world as we know it has ended. Six years after a brutal virus carried by the rain wiped out almost all humans in Scandinavia, two Danish siblings emerge from the safety of their bunker to find all remnants of civilisation gone. Soon they join a group of young survivors and together set out on a danger-filled quest through abandoned Scandinavia, searching for any sign of life.

Friday – Channel 4 – Friday Night Dinner 10pm ***New Series***

Return of the comedy following the eccentric British Jewish family Goodman family focusing on their regular dinner experience each Friday night. There are strong elements of farce throughout Neighbour Jim is spotted in a restaurant dating a woman with the world’s most annoying laugh.

In the show’s fifth season Mum and Dad get a hot tub, much to the horror of Adam and Jonny, Adam accidentally sets his car on fire, which was handy; Jonny will not stop prank-calling Adam. Dad becomes obsessed with his old, terrifying ventriloquist dummy, Mum organises her own, terrible surprise party, Horrible Grandma comes back for more horribleness – and the family have dinner.

Friday – Channel 4 – High & Dry 10:30pm ***New Series***

Paradise turns to hell in this castaway comedy following a group of misfits as they struggle to survive on a remote desert island.

Having crash landed in a tropical paradise, narcissistic flight attendant, Brett Sullivan, puts himself in charge of the palm-fringed island, which is bad news for the castaways in High & Dry as they soon learn they are stranded with the world’s worst human being. Brett and four others – straight talking Harriet, zombie obsessed Arnab, cautious family man Douglas, and sheltered Susan – are forced to do whatever it takes to survive.

Me and Sausage Rolls

Wall’s Pastry has launched Sausage Thins and Wall’s half ‘n’ half, in a move designed to tap into the “growing demand for healthier food on-the-go”. The half ’n’ half is made with 50% wholemeal and 50% White flour, wow, I won’t be running around the shop to buy some but the thins sounds different. I hope to review them when I can acquire my favourite snack I love a Sausage roll.

Actually I bought some Wall’s Sausage rolls earlier while out shopping on a whim just for something to review having not done a food review in a while. Wall’s Sausage Thins will be a pack of five 70 calories sausage rolls that are thinner than traditional types. Thins is a newest thing in the shop mainly biscuits like Mcvities Thins Milk Chocolate Biscuits.

Wall’s says the product does not feature any red traffic light signs on the pack, so will “appeal to those who don’t consume sausage rolls, or consume them infrequently, due to health concerns.

You buy a sausage roll knowing it is unhealthy, naughty, and in the right setting erotic it’s a pleasure you what to feel well I do it’s not like I by them every day. I have to explain “erotic” its simple I would rather see a beautiful model type eating a sausage roll than smoking. They are a treat like the pack of four hearty Wall’s sausage rolls I bought this morning in Tesco where they are on offer.

First a review of today’s purchase. I have said before I am not a fan of mass-produced sausage rolls I prefer to hunt down small independent bakers or butchers who make their own. I never use the microwave I always use the oven a crispy pastry ad’s extra to the experience if u microwave it becomes all greasy and soft/spongy not an appetising look.

Short and stubby seems to be the way sausage rolls are going these days the ones I bought were the shorty type and as they came out of the oven the smell and how they looked was spot on but how would they taste. In fact for a mass- produced product these were not bad the pastry was good the benefits of the oven. Hot or cold there kept their flavour I would gave the thumbs up to the cold over the hot.

The pork filling was ok has well which was a major tick still way off Pettigrew Bakeries which I have mentioned before even at the price of £2.50 for one the best in Cardiff until I find one better which I can’t see happen any time soon.

Top Movies That Actually Flopped At The Cinema But I Rated Them

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

The film wasn’t an outright box-office bomb, but it did fail to live up to expectations commercially. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star and the fusion of action and sci-fi is surprisingly clever for a genre movie.

It proved more popular when it left the cinema screen and later appearing on movie channels. Groundhog Day in a Sci-fi setting where aliens have conquered most of Europe. The Brits are about to undertake D-day with American Cruise on hand to save the day it impressed critics enough to warrant a sequel (due for release in the next year or two) and I cannot wait.

Grindhouse (2007)

The double feature that is Grindhouse is an odd beast I just saw “Planet Terror” one of the double feature on the Horror channel a few months back screened as an extended version. I found it very enjoy it but it sunk at the box-office maybe because of the double feature release.

The movie are spectacular examples of what "bloody horror“, intense thriller" and "tongue-in-cheek comedy" really are. Along with an excellent cast. You really get to appreciate all the girls and their great personalities, and find the movie more enticing and fun with every second. I would love to see it on the big screen one day.

Blade Runner (1982)

If you were, to take a look at the ratings today on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes you would see ratings of 8.2/10 and 90% respectively. But Blade Runner wasn’t always revered the way it is now. Even after Ridley Scott brought us The Duellists and Alien, he still could not turn a profit. The summer of 1982 was called the “Summer of Sci-fi” with big releases such as E.T. and The Thing and drop in Star Trek: Wrath of Khan you could see the problem.

Chuck in Mad Max: Road Warrior and Tron coming out that summer, and that sounds like a list for another day. But even in such a crowded month, it’s hard to understand how a Harrison Ford-led film of this calibre didn’t flourish. My love of Sci-fi meant I saw all the above films and rated Blade Runner on a par with my favourite The Thing.

Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

It’s not every day that the movie theatre becomes home to John Wayne meets Stephen King. That is exactly what happened in “Cowboys and Aliens” and when I saw it in my TV schedule, I was intrigued. It was in and out of our local cinema like a flash of lightening and failed around the world.

With stars like Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, and Olivia Wilde “Cowboys and Aliens” was a not-so-typical western mixed with a science fiction overtone.

The general premise of the movie is that the three, who meet under unusual circumstances, go through the desert to find and kill aliens who have been terrorizing the people and have threatened to take over. With slanted humour, action, and the best of both world for fans of both genres many people who saw the film reported enjoying it. But the only thing terrorizing directors and producers after this movie was released was the scary numbers at the box office.

John Carter (2012)

When it comes to a Disney film for a more adult audience one comes out of the woodwork. “John Carter”, never a disappointment. While Disney can offer the audience films that are easy to follow, fun to watch, and full of great characters, “John Carter” left many scratching their heads. The people who seemed to really enjoy the film were those who had read the book on which it was based and already made up a core fan base.

However, since most people decided to stay away from the cinema it explains why it was such a flop. It took a reported $108 million hammering at the cinema and had a short run due to lack of interest. The film’s based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ book A Princess of Mars”. The movie could not be criticize over the lack of quality design, film locations they were lush, and I found the acting sound. I was not scratching my head at the end because I enjoyed the film.

Derby resident Noah as predicted a great flood

Another one of those must win games how many of these games have we endured this season as Cardiff hit the road to Derby for the second time after the last game ended up postponed due to the lack of snow. Yes, Derby where a flake of snow can get a game called off even when Cardiff fans can travel from Cardiff to Derby with little trouble.

The story of our last visit to Derby was well chronicled by Cardiff boss Neil Warnock and the media has counter accusations flew back and forth. I have my idea and it is so simple. Injury hit and seeing the chance to get the game called off Derby took it with open hands, end of story.

The game tonight should be a heated affair and if there’s any justice Cardiff should walk away from the game with three points banked. The last mention about the postponement. At the end of the win over Nottingham Forest in his after match interview Warnock was asked about tonight’s game giving a classic reply,

“Game on now Neil, Derby on Tuesday”, Warnock hitting back “Weather permitting....” classic

The game should be another tense evening Derby are on the edge of a play-off place and a win for Cardiff can consolidate their position in the second automatic promotion spot. The game is live on Sky Sports Football or the Cardiff City channel we have had so many games televised recently. This must have been a late add-on to Sky’s Sports the postponed game was also due to be televised but I only knew this game was on the box when it was announced before the Forest game.

Cardiff go into the game off the back of two hard fought wins while Derby have suffer three defeats in a row. Cardiff will jump four points ahead of third place Fulham if they win they will need to win one of the last two games for promotion or match Fulham’s results who also have two games left. A win later and again on Saturday against Hull would see the Welshman promoted to the Premier League for the second time, exciting times.

Well someone as to be excited with Neil Warnock playing it cool as he tries to keep everyone’s nerves under control. He as reported the players are chilled about the remaining games I not sure about that some are bound to be feeling some pressure.

On Friday night Fulham face a home fixture againstrelegated Sunderland whose desponded fans making to long trip to London. Not holding out much hope for a Sunderland win. While Aston Villa still with a longshot, outside chance of an automatic promotion place play Cardiff’s opponents Derby.

Cardiff boss Warnock has no new injury worries, while defender Jazz Richards is reported to be available for the first time since January but Warnock played down his fitness for the game tonight. The big question being will Warnock make any change from the squad on duty against Nottingham Forest Saturday, as the pundits seem to believe the team played poorly? Could that be a catalyst for change?

April 24th Derby County (away) selected for Sky Sports coverage kick-off 7:45pm

April 28th Hull City (away)

May 6th Reading (home)

Weather Update ###

It’s raining in Derby and local resident Noah as predicted a great flood

Handsworth Revolution In my book the best album ever – British Reggae

Back in 1977, I was listening to my favourite radio show John Peel Session, the place for anyone with musical taste the place to tune into for the best new upcoming sounds and bands but this night it was the turn of a British reggae band Steel Pulse. I was blown away with the voice of lead singer David Hinds and the overall sound of the band. Four tracks played and rare for me I rated them all.

Now I knew who they were it was a case of waiting for them to announce a release date for a single or album so I kept my eye on upcoming releases in Sounds music paper. Their first release after the Peel Session was off their new record label Island Records and the track "Ku Klux Klan", a tilt at the evils of racism, powerful stuff. I rushed to Spillers Records; renowned for being the first record shop in the world to acquire a copy of the single, but I became seduced by the shiny 12” record. It didn’t chart well just missing a top 30 spot but they were never a chart-defined band.

Five months later, their debut album “Handsworth Revolution” hit the shops and I was there buying a copy. The album was critically acclaim in the music press. There was definitely a British edge to the sound on the album, different to the reggae coming out of Jamaica and listening to Steel Pulse open the door to more British reggae. The album reached #9 on the British charts ten days after its release. The album contained strong spiritual themes linked to Rastafarians becoming more common in reggae lyrics acquiring the name roots reggae.

I would say the album was the best I had ever owned and the only time I could say hand on heart every track was great. When you buy an album you expect a few duds on their but not on “Handsworth Revolution” they are all brilliant.

Track listing

1. "Handsworth Revolution"

2. "Bad Man"

3. "Soldiers"

4. "Sound Check"

5. "Prodigal Son"

6. "Ku Klux Klan"

7. "Prediction"

Tracks like “Ku Klux Klan”, all complement one another. “Handsworth Revolution” reflected race relations in Britain were in crisis. The National Front was gathering power, immigrants lived in fear of violence, and the black and white youth united under the banner Rock against Racism. If there was a weak link to the album I would pick “Bad Man” if you talking commercially.

If I had one out and out favourite “Soldiers” would run, a close second in words I believe telling the story of the rape of Africa by the Europeans and every nation under the sun seeing the continent as easy pickings. This short segment of the song about sums it up,

We got our spears

We got our shields

But their guns were greater

Prepare for a slaughter

I love the song “Sound Check”; classic and so underrated the same can be said about “Prodigal Son” underrated no way this is Steel Pulse at their best and a great vehicle for David Hinds voice. What reggae band can’t have a salute to the herb and “Macka Splaff” is the anthem part of been a Rastafarian Feeling high, high, high.

The next track “Prediction” send shivers down my spine when I first heard it on the Peel Session, perfection from the opening cord to the last. But you have to remember you are normally listening to the raw state on Peel and once in the studio and produced its refined before its release. I was totally blown away with the opening Spanish Guitar intro on the album moving it beyond perfection.

650 Words – That diet

If you remember back late last year, I was excited about my no pressure diet and was over the moon with the result of my will power. I was staying away from the scales but when I was in the mood I was impressed with the weight lost having set no goal.

I was worried with Christmas approaching it was always a killer for me but I went into last Christmas determined not to revert to my old self and stuff my face. So I jumped on the scales a couple of days before Christmas Day and then in the New Year took to the scales for sentencing I thought I may have been a touch naughty. I was more than surprised when I lost weight, me losing weight over Christmas is unheard of not a great loss but thought to myself I could have crack the secret of dieting.

That January I was more than happy but towards the end of the month something must have happen which I have no idea what but I slipped off course. Even after a weigh-in and a weight rise, I put it down to a blip, stupid bastard, and a blip I put in the drawer.

I should have seen the old Pete emerging! My inability to walk passed a packet of chicken crisps around the local shop and my fetish for cold Burton pasties emerging from an occasional treat to daily what was I thinking. Before passing judgement on me this battle is now over 40 years old, a battle I never won. I can put my finger on when and why it all began. In 1978, I have what you could call a self-prescribe break down later confirmed by the doctor whose only contribution to the discussion was to ‘man up’ very helpful.

My state of depression became entwined with food and eating so if a bout of depression hits me I headed straight to the trough with my plate piled high with cheap processed food.

It was down to being unemployed, jobless, and lack of a job while all my friends just seem to walk into work. It got to the point I became paranoid and after a trip to sign on one Thursday morning I returned home and there was no one to hang around with as everyone was working. So I retreated to my bedroom and avoiding friends for almost a year. During that time, I formed a love hate relationship with food using it as some kind of comfit if I was feeling depressed. Plates of chips after mid-night was a treat with trips to the fish shop sometimes twice a day and trips to the local sandwich shops and Mum was still feeding me.

When I emerged from my state of exile unlike materialising like a butterfly into the sunlight, I emerged like a fatter bastard with enough problems to fill a book. I was chronically depressed (official now) with a food problem and with the job of trying to reconnecting to my friends.

After leaving my bedroom prison, I was still eating but not as much, I was lucky I couldn’t drive and my only means of getting around was my bike. I was not the same Peter coming out into the world I had issues, I was still unemployed and while living very much on my own I devolved a hate of crowded places one of my main problems today but that is a whole other story. I was finding it difficult reconnecting with my friends while I had taken a step or two backwards they had move forward. I was also annoyed by the fact know one seemed to have  missed me has  know one run up to me asking, “Where have you been”.  It was then when I realised during my self-imposed exile no one called at the house seeking me out, why.

Cardiff City fighting all the way - Come on Millwall

It as to be said I so want Millwall to beat Fulham tonight and they are one of my least favourite teams. It is a seventies/eighties thing! But the reason for my support is a win for them could help my team Cardiff City towards automatic promotion if Cardiff win their game tomorrow.

Talking about the game the Cardiff boss said, “There’s not a good film on, so I’ll be watching tonight! The kick off times are getting quite ludicrous. I watch Friday night games on the magical Sky Go while we’re away but don’t necessarily watch every game, but it’s a cracking game tonight, as they all are now. I don’t know how it will go. Fulham have got the quality but Millwall are very resolved, a good group, very similar to our lads, they’ve punched above their weight and they’re enjoying it.”

Millwall need the win to help cement a place in the play-offs with only two places left with five teams chasing the remaining places.

“Fulham have got the quality but Millwall are very resolved, a good group, very similar to our lads, they’ve punched above their weight and they’re enjoying it.” Said Warnock.

Cardiff have a late, late televised game (7:45pm) against Nottingham Forest I think the kick-off time may affect the crowd if it was earlier I think it would have been a sell-out. The weather could help. Has I have explained before a win for Cardiff and a defeat for Fulham could leave them a game away from that so important automatic promotion spot. Forth place Aston Villa have a weekend trip to Ipswich who are mid table with nothing to win or lose but pride.

Back in November, Cardiff beat tomorrow’s visitors 2-0 at the City Ground Stadium with goals from Hoilett and Ward and the win saw Cardiff remain second in the League table behind Wolves, spooky. On Forest last ten visits to Cardiff they have only won once and three of the games ended all square with six defeats history suggest there could be points for Cardiff. The Welshman just edge form over the last five games and the bookies are backing Cardiff.

Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba is likely to be fit after a groin injury as the Bluebirds look to strengthen their case for automatic promotion.

Midfielder Joe Ralls is in contention having missed eight games with a hamstring problem boss Neil Warnock said at his pre-match conference that Ralls had trained all week but whether it’s too early for him Warnock doesn’t know. Jazz Richards is training according to the Cardiff boss and could soon be in contention

Cardiff are without Nottingham Forest loanees Armand Traore and Jamie Ward, while Forest are unable to field Cardiff loan midfielder Lee Tomlin. Reports suggest the Cardiff boss could well make a few changes to the match day squad that beat Norwich 2-0 last weekend.

April 21st Nottingham Forest (home) selected for Sky Sports coverage note kick-off Saturday 7:45pm

April 24th Derby County (away)

April 28th Hull City (away)

May 6th Reading (home)

When asked does the Premier League feel any closer Warnock said, “When I’m bored and I have five minutes I click onto the fan forums. I wish I could just reply but just as well that I can’t! The fans have just got to come and support us, whatever the numbers are. I never thought I’d see a game kick off at 7:45pm on a Saturday night so I don’t blame people if they don’t come. But the fans have been instrumental in how well we’ve done.”

I believe Cardiff boss Neil Warnock is Father Christmas and will give us a delayed Christmas present! I do believe.

Must see TV - Week beginning Sat 21 April 2018

Another quiet week for new stuff in the TV schedule but there is some new programming later this month and in May. I enjoyed the return of the Fear of the Walking Dead this week and I got the crossover from The Walking Dead right it was Morgan and for someone sick of killing he was back on form.

Next week’s highlight is the return of Westworld on Sky Atlantic. It feels like forever since the first season, which I was unsure about, but by the third episode, I was enthralled, still not as good as the film though.

Saturday - Sky Sports Main Event – Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest 7:30pm ***New***

More Cardiff City on Sky … since the New Year it seems the Welshman have been monopolizing Sky Sports with the number of games televised this season. Depending on tonights fixture with Millwall playing Fulham the Cardiff fans will have everything crossable crossed for a Millwall victory making the Cardiff game even more important fixture if they win.

Sunday – BBC 1 - The Woman in White 9pm ***New Series***

Adaptation of Wilkie Collins' novel, starring Ben Hardy as a teacher who has a startling encounter on Hampstead Heath with a woman who has escaped from a lunatic asylum. He later takes up a position as a drawing master in Cumbria, but as he falls in love with one of his pupils, he discovers a connection between her family and the strange woman's troubled past. With Charles Dance and Jessie Buckley.

Monday - Sky Atlantic – Westworld 9pm ***New Series***

The sci-fi drama inspired by Michael Crichton's 1973 film about a futuristic theme park populated by artificial beings returns for a second series after a long wait.

Series 2 opens with a flashback. Head of programming Bernard (Jeffrey Wright) confronts rancher’s-daughter robot Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood): “I’m frightened of what you might become, what path you might take.” And that’s where we are now, with human guests fleeing the newly enlightened AIs. It’ll be interesting to see whether Westworld returns to more philosophical musings (the musical ironies have survived, with Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer accompanying scenes of slaughter), but for now Dolores and bordello madam Maeve (Thandie Newton) have worked it all out – and it’s terrifying.

Monday – Channel 5 – Fergie Vs Wenger 10pm ***New***

A look into the feud between former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose rivalry dominated the landscape of English football from the mid-1990s. Many big football names contribute: Paul Scholes, Andrew Cole, Martin Keown, John Motson, and Steve McLaren... But they’re all kept safely away from each other. Because despite the passage of time, it’s clear that a few bruises still haven’t healed. “I didn’t like any of their players. Because it was United,” says Lee Dixon.

Tuesday – BBC 1 – The Split 9pm ***New Series***

The title could say it all something will be splitting in this BBC drama. Starring Nicola Walker as Hannah Stern a leading divorce lawyer who finds business taking a personal turn when she leaves the family firm for a rival outfit. Unexpectedly she finally comes face to face with her dad who walked out on the family 30 years ago.

It is not just work that could split her marriage is in trouble as an old flame re-enters her life.

Thursday – Netflix – Happy 8am ***New Series***

The show follows a former police officer called Nick Sax, who chooses to become a hitman. Sax goes from job to job, taking down his hits while knocking back a bottle and living an aimless life.

But all of that changes one day when he nearly dies while on the job and he wakes up to find he can now interact with a blue unicorn called Happy. The flying unicorn reveals that he’s the imaginary friend of schoolgirl Hailey Hansen (Bryce Lorenzo), who happens to be the daughter of Sax’s ex-wife Amanda Hansen (Medina Senghore).

All is far from well when Happy enlists Sax to help save Hailey, who’s been kidnapped by Very Bad Santa (Joseph D. Reitman). It soon becomes a race against time for Sax to find Hailey before she befalls a fate worse than death at the hands of the sadistic maniac.

Who gains 50 pounds for a film Role - Charlize Theron but is it right

Sometimes I read an article in the press that makes me mad as the mad hatter and I ask myself why! I think Charlize Theron is a fine actress and one of the most beautiful woman in film but for her latest film, she has taken one for the sake of her art by drastically changing her image (see picture).

For her new film released next month “Tully “ she gained 50 pounds for the film role has an overweight and overwhelmed mother however the press are claiming Theron became depressed after gaining the weight for the film an later losing it. Not the first time actors and actresses have gone to such lengths for their art. When the part was offer to her, she knew gaining weight would be part of the role and thought no problem.

My point she was chosen for the role based on her star status I also have a problem with faking disabilities in films. Why can’t the producers find an appropriate actor like the many overweight actresses finding it hard to get a job let alone a starring role or working as a waitress. I wouldn’t never go to watch a star led film I go to see films that interest me.

She revealed after embarking on a fatty diet left her feeling depressed with the new lifestyle, which saw her gorging on cups of cold macaroni and cheese at 2am. Theron had about three and a half months to gain weight for the film but It took about a year and a half to lose. It’s not the first time she has made such a transformation before in the film Monster (2003) where Theron gained 30 pounds.

She's a great actress, but why get her to put on so much weight at the expense of her health instead of someone who's already there? Actresses complain there are too few roles out there but here in my book you have someone taking a job from another actress who could have all the attributes without having to gain the weight but hasn’t the star status for the film makers.

The thing is … I kind of like the 50 pounds heavier Charlize oh Peter stop it!

650 Words - Blog Post on Films/Cinema

What makes the difference between a good movie, a bad movie, and a great movie?

First, I have to say I am not a fan of sitting in a cinema with others I prefer to sit in the comfit of my own home and could be why after just over 30 years of marriage I took the wife on a movie date a few years ago for the first time. If we do go, I insist on an afternoon screening and not during school holidays, it is normally quieter, and once we were the only people in the cinema but for a courting couple at the back seemingly not that interested in the film.

I can rattle off a ton of good movies I have seen at the cinema over the years I have not seen many bad because I just would not go unless it was any good. I was a slave to film reviews, as I grew older in particular Barry Norman he was my god. If he gave, the thumbs up you knew you were going to be entertained. To find out how to make a great movie, let us first look at what makes a bad movie bad, and a good movie good. First, it is not down to money take “Revolution” starring Al Pacino up for the title as one of the worst films of all time in my book.

Someone out there must think “Revolution” is a masterpiece I re-watched it the other day and have not changed my mind. So why is a movie rubbish? In my opinion, it is a combination of the following four things: Plot Holes 1. Obvious Clichés 2. Bad Acting 3. Film Endings 4. and “Revolution” as all four in spades.

Good movies, on the other hand, manage to take a fresh idea and make it interesting enough that you want to hang on and see where the ride is going to end. The plot might not be complex or characters might not be super compelling, but they are empathetic enough that you want them to win or lose. Either way, you are invested in the film like the film “Just Charlie” I reviewed only a few days ago.

A good movie tells a complete story and by the end credits, the journey completed and you are happy with the outcome. There might be a few problems with the script but overall, the journey was worth it. Not blowing any minds, but not a complete waste of time.

Finally, there are those movies you need to have in your list of great films. A film telling you an interesting story but also are executed perfectly. A great film! I give you “Brief Encounter” a beautifully acted film a classic if you have not seen it I say ‘go forth and watch it’ I only wish I had seen it on a big screen in a cinema. These films tend to come from the single mind of a film amateur because they are so unique and fresh they could have possibly come from a think tank. A great movie has audiences spellbound with each scene and each actor’s performance within that scene. These films win awards.

The reason for this blog is I am off to the cinema early next week to see “The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society” a bit of a strange title for a film and where I have an inkling about the film I have swerved all reviews. Something I will also be giving a swerve at the cinema the food concessions overpriced and oh yes did I say overpriced maybe you’re smart and ate before you went to the cinema in the first place and you still have some of your life savings left. You could take your own eats into the cinema cough, cough we do as the wife plans ahead.