Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Mutant Mayhem - Film Review

 

Hi Folks

Haven't posted as much as I'd hoped, but will rectify that soon.

Took my daughter to see the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film a couple of weeks back.

It is a new take on the Turtles origin story and shows the Turtles younger and new to their skills.  It has the Turtles and Splinter (voiced by Jackie Chan) accidentally mutated by ooze.  They want to be accepted and take on a crime gang which are led by Superfly (Ice Cube) who was mutated just before the Turtles.

Overall - a fun, new take on the origin of the Turtles and the other mutants. For once it doesn't involve Shredder and the Foot Clan.  Although there is a post credit scene about Shredder, who will probably be in the sequel.  The animation style is quite unique and fresh although near the end when a lot of things happened, it seemed messy and hard to see what was going on.  There was a funny scene with Splinter teaching the Turtles martial arts using old Jackie Chan films and a few chuckles here and there.

Bels Score  9.5/10

My Score    8.5/10

York, Waterstones and Book Hauls!

Hello Earthlings.

Thought I'd share some photos of my recent trip to York. Whereby I visited my favourite Waterstones, and bought some more books to sit on my shelves waiting to be read. Plus I had a delicious cake and coffee.

I found an old independent book shop in York which I hadn't seen before, so had a good look around.  It was huge.

I also visited Huddersfield Waterstones this week and purchased Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne.  It's took me a while to find a copy that isn't bent or damaged slightly as I'm anal about my books.

Off to read now.  

Neil x

Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning PT.1 - Film Review

 

Hi film fans

Went to the cinema for the first time in ages and saw the newest and penultimate Mission Impossible.  A series that keeps getting better in each installment.

I think this is my favourite of the franchise so far as the story is different to the last few, where they had to diffuse bombs in the last few seconds.

This film shows the dangers of AI when a Russian super computer learns for itself and has the spy community and world governments tricked and against each other.

The spies are in a race to get a master key so they can control the AI.

Tom Cruise is excellent again as Ethan Hunt, performing mad stunts. With Simon Pegg excellent as Benji, his guy in the chair and the gorgeous Hayley Atwell introduced as the thief Grace.  The rest of the supporting cast are fantastic too.

Overall - so far my favourite of the franchise and can't wait to find out how the story finishes in part 2.  The Stunts and action are great again, although a couple of chases went on too long.  The acting is spot on again.

Score    9/10

August 2023 Update

Greetings geeks!

Welcome to my August update.  Although going by the photo above and the weather it feels like November.  Where's the heat wave?

July Roundup -

July was a busy and productive month for me.

Firstly after an absence of 4 years I returned to the great city of Derby and to Edge-lit 9.  It was great to see old writing friends and meet new faces, as well as learn more about writing and the lives of authors.

I went to some interesting panels and talks including one by a League of Gentlemen writer, Jeremy Dyson.  Plus I got some more books to add to my TBR pile.

I also went to Scarborough for the day. A place I hadn't been since I was little with Dad.

I also had a week off in July and took my daughter to an even greater city - York.  I love York, which has my favourite Waterstones - so far!  More on that York trip and book haul soon.

Lastly whilst off I managed to build a new book case for my ever expanding books and TBR pile!

August Upcoming!

Firstly I need to get into my reading and writing zones - helped by my Edge-lit experience and trip to York.

It has taken me too long to read Ruin which is a great book.  So some changes need to happen in my life - some in the next couple of months.

Secondly I need to get into my writing.  I'm also looking into freelance writing as a side gig, but leading to full time if it works out!

I need to get healthy and think of myself, this includes working out at home on a new treadmill I have, swimming and walking more. 

Also I need to improve my diet and cut out sugar. As the bad tooth I have has forced me to book the dreaded dentist!!

Lastly will be treating my Mum as it's her 80th this August.

Expect more blog posts and content soon. 

Hope you all have a fantastic August.

Neil x