I'm a wee bit busy these days....

I know I haven't blogged for a while. But I have been so busy recently. I have been in the US of A for 8 days now.
My flight was 10 and a half hours long. And there was very little for me to eat on the plane as I am gluten intolerant. Luckily I had a Tupperware tub full of dried goji berries, dates, apricots and mulberries. And I'll admit that yes I had a small bag of Thornton's chocolates, which I needed after saying 'goodbye' to my family; I will admit that I didn't eat them until after I'd been on the plane for around 6 hours though! That was when I got super hungry.
I also ate a tiny tub of ice cream and an even tinier tub of fruit salad, and two mini packs of cassava chips. I landed and I was half starved, had to drag myself through customs, which took over an hour and then had to remove my two rather heavy suitcases from the carousel, which was embarrassing to say the least, I'm all leg strength.
So to see a friendly face was so nice and comforting, and he carried my heavier suitcase and my backpack for me. I had a gluten free, or 'protein style' In'N'Out dinner, first ever, as I have never been stateside, but I was way to tired to recall what it tasted like other than, it was 'good'.

I was so tired, fell right asleep at midnight, US time, and woke up naturally at about half eight. Had a quick breakfast and was dropped off ready to go to Disneyland, also for the first time ever. I was excited chick!! You do not know how many times I have seen Disneyland advertised on the telly. I have always wanted to go. And a lovely family took me! They were amazing, they knew all the best rides, and looked after me so well, it was such fun!
I went on Space Mountain, It's a small world, Indiana Jones (okay, I went on that twice!), the Haunted Mansion, the Buzz Lightyear ride, the Peter Pan ride, and so many other rides too! I also saw the fireworks, the carnival and Fantasmic! Aaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!! 
And to top it off, Disneyland had a whole list of things that were gluten free! So I had a small gluten free pizza! The first pizza I've had in probably two years!!! It was such a treat.
Oh and did I mention, I met Mickey Mouse, Tinker Bell and my favourite Disney princess, Sleeping Beauty? I also spied Merida and Tatiana through the crowds, and waved at Cinderella!

We didn't leave Disneyland till midnight so I was super exhausted the next day, which was a Friday. We just chilled, which was cool, I had to go through my email, 56 emails! Woweee!

Then on Friday, I moved back to my friend's house and we went shopping, I got some things for college, and we met some people, I was pretty tired, so I cannot for the life of me remember any names. After that we went to church, my friend played piano that week, it was amazing! I also wandered around Wholefoods for about an hour and a half, did I mention how much I love Wholefood stores???

We attempted to watch a movie on Saturday night, John Carter, a real action film. And um, yeah, we um, kinda, um, fell asleep. One minute there's an intense battle raging and the next someone is nudging me saying, 'I think it's bedtime'. So I was in bed asleep by half ten on Saturday night.

Sunday was a blast. Back to my friend's church at about quarter to eight, yep, I've been getting up really early since I got here, and I just hung out in the back. We had breakfast at Wholefoods, man, I love that store! Then we went to Urban Outfitters, that is where the cool kids hang.

Then back for lunch, and we watched the Mummy Returns, then National Treasure, and most of us fell asleep, myself included. Which made it the perfect time to pack some towels and head to the beach! Bonfires on the beach, and lots of people! Yay!
But did I mention we managed to go to the wrong beach, and only realised after we bought a parking ticket??? Eeeeeek! So we had to turn around and go back. Luckily we were able to use the ticket at the correct beach, where my friend's church were actually meeting.

So after a few hours on the beach I went and stayed with some other friends, who were also so lovely to me; actually everyone has been lovely since I landed, but the three families whose homes I actually stayed in have been amazing and I love them all to bits!

We made a quick run to Wholefoods, and picked up lots of yummy, yet healthy snacks, including gluten AND dairy AND soy free cookie dough ice cream!! It was made with coconut milk instead of soy or dairy products. And let me tell you, I will no longer miss Ben and Jerries'; never thought I'd say that.

While eating delicious ice cream, we watched X-men 2, then BAM! I fell asleep, AGAIN! So bed, ready to be up again at six, because it was Bible college move in day!!!!! So exciting!

And that's all I have time for right now. I have some more sermons to listen to, and I want another banana, and I need some water and I just want to go to bed really.

The Dark Knight Rises

I actually saw this movie on the 20th of July, release day! As a dedicated Batman fan I couldn't wait any longer. I mean we have waited since 2008 for this film. I had greatly anticipated this movie for four years. Yep, since 2008, I have been speculating about the final chapter of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy.

I was thirteen years old when Batman Begins was released and I remember vividly watching it at the cinema with my Dad. I think it was probably the first proper super hero film I'd seen. Yes, I'd seen cartoon superheroes, and I'd seen some rubbish, low budget Batman film, with horrific costumes and even more dire acting.
But this was the first well constructed, well acted, big budget superhero film. At the time, I didn't appreciate the film. However having viewed it several times over the years I can see just how good this film is.

This film blew me away.

I didn't really have much to say post film. I feel that Nolan delivered. Those years of waiting were worth it for such a closing film.

Casting, soundtrack, storyline, themes, script, everything came together, something that rarely happens in films.

First off, Christian Bale reprised his role as Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Batman himself.
For me, Bale will always be Batman. Forget George Clooney and any future representations of Batman, Bale nailed it, no one will ever be as good a Bale. He expresses all the emotions you would expect Bruce Wayne to have.

Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle.
I have to be honest, I don't really like Hathaway. I find her irritating and I had my doubts about her. However I feel that she laid all those doubts to rest, she did a stunning job. She plays a character possibly as complex as Bruce Wayne. Someone who feels the need to dress up and hide their identity. However unlike Wayne she is a masked villain as opposed to a masked vigilante. There are similarities and contrasts between Kyle and Wayne.

Tom Hardy plays the true baddie in this film, a terrorist named Bane, who draws Batman out of his Batcave by threatening Gotham City. I love Tom Hardy! I think he's fantastic! I loved him in Inception, another Nolan film also starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard and Michael Cane. I loved the idea behind Bane as  a villain. At first glance he appears to be a black and white baddie, no complexity whatsoever. However he is a character with a story and Nolan weaves a masterpiece here, but I shall say no more as I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.

Good old Gary Oldman returns as Comissioner Gordon. Again, a seemingly straight forward character at first glance, but of course this is not fact. I love the steady and sane element that Gordon brings to the film. He is desperate to do that right thing. He is torn between duty and what he believes to be right.

I don't think I've seen Levitt in a film I didn't like. He is so versatile. And I loved his role in this film. There are contrasts and similarities portrayed between Officer Blake and Wayne throughout the film. Like Wayne Blake is an orphan. But unlike Wayne, Blake is not a millionaire and was raised in a boys home. Blake is driven and determined. He has similar characteristics to Wayne's. The way that Blake and Wayne focus their anger and emotion is contrasted continuously. But that is all I shall say for now, you must see the film to learn more.

And last, but by no means least,
                                           Michael Cane returns as the lovely Alfred Pennyworth.

I adore Michael Cane. Maybe because I'm British, and are there any Brits who don't love this guy??? Alfred Pennyworth is employed as a butler, but he's so much more than that. He's a Father, Uncle, friend, nurse, supporter and worrier all rolled into one. His primary concern is to see that Wayne is happy, safe and in control of his anger and guilt.

I'll start by saying that this film is intense. And long. At 165 minutes long it is a definite bum-number! But don't let that put you off, if you've survived the previous films you will be absolutely fine with this. To be truly honest I didn't even notice the time, I was completely engrossed; it does not drag. But you may wish to stock up on snacks and drinks and find a nice cushion.
It is a full 165 minutes of action, dialogue, twists and turns. It is non-stop and I felt exhausted afterwards as if I'd been running around Gotham myself.
The storyline is not straight forward, but then, you can't really expect something simple from the director of Inception!
I don't want to give too much away with regards to the story, however I will say that both Bruce Wayne and Batman face their past, their fears, and their future. Wayne is forced to choose and make decisions. There is danger and risk around every corner.

The relationships in this installment are twisty, turny. No-one is what they seem, everyone has secrets, but who can you trust?
The relationship between Wayne and Kyle is curious. Wayne realises how easy he has it compared to Kyle and Blake. All three of them had a rough childhood. However character, and circumstances dictated the paths they chose.
Loyalties, and motives are all put under scrutiny, and relationships are tested to the edge.

The music score is incredible, Hans Zimmer delivered yet again. The Batman soundtracks have been phenomenal. The soundtrack really adds to the tension and emotion of the film. You are completely unaware of it, yet at the same time conscious of it, and appreciative. The cinematography and music go hand in hand.

Costumes, well, they're mostly black or uniforms. The whole film is fairly dark in colour and slightly drab in that sense however this is Gothan not a Victorian ball. The wardrobe fits the film.

Props; the Batmobile, need I say more! And Batman of course gets some new toys in this film, including a plane.

So really in essence, this film is amazing, go see it now!!

What did you guys think of it?

The Midsummer Station - preview thoughts

The one minute long previews for the tracks of the new Owl City album, The Midsummer Station were released yesterday. And of course as a huge fan of all things Adam Young and Owl City I was very excited for a small taste of the anticipated album.

One small hitch stood in my way, I do not have Itunes, so no access to the tracks. But, 24 hours later and I was able to hear all the preview tracks thanks to tumblr and youtube.

The complete track listing for this album runs as follows;

1. Dream And Disasters
2.Shooting Star
3. Gold
4. Dementia (feat. Mark Hoppus)
5. I'm Coming After You
6. Speed Of Love
7. Good Time
8. Embers
9. Silhouette
10. Metropolis
11. Take It All Away
12. Bombshell Blonde

Tracks 2, 3, 4, 7 and 11 have already been released as either singles or on the 'Shooting Star EP'

Track 1, Dreams and Disasters

I have to admit, I like this tune a lot. It is happy, up beat, a great tune to dance around to. The lyrics are optimistic and encouraging. The lyrics are about looking for the silver lining always and striving on through the ups and downs of life. I love the chorus which runs 'follow the light through the dreams and disasters'. It's about being strong and not letting things get you down. I can't wait to experience this one at a live concert.

Track 5, I'm Coming After You 

I love this track! It's just so fun and in a way slightly odd. There is far more of a pop vibe in this track then most of Owl City's earlier work. And I can see why fans wouldn't like this track. But I think it is beautiful in strange kind of way. The lyrics conjure an almost comical image of a guy chasing and girl, tracking her down, trying to find her, he's chasing after her. Listen out for Adam's impersonation of a police car, and the way he says 'yeah' 45 seconds into the track, adorable yet funny. Even though it is a funny song, it can be taken seriously too. It has a balance of strangeness and charm.

'You've got the right to remain right here with me, I'm on your tail in a hot pursuit; Love is a high speed chase racing down the street. Woo,  woo, woo! I'm coming after you'

Track 6, Speed Of Love
Another brilliant dance tune. Very pop influenced. The lyric matter is very much in line with older Owl City work though.

'You were so hard to find, with oh so many clouds across my summer sky. You, my constellation prize, yeah every single star sparkling in your eyes'

Track 8, Embers
 This track sticks in my mind more than the rest for some reason, I love the lyrics. They're so uplifting. Just like 'Dreams and Disasters' it has a message of continuing on in life even when things get hard. These lyrics are more focused on not letting yourself get depressed and give up, but to keep fighting, to keep the embers alive, and not let the fire die out.
It is less of a dance tune compared to the rest, I'd probably say it is more rock influenced.

'And you'll find there'll be mornings when the ashes and embers are cold, but you'll fight with a passion and you'll never stop because you know, yeah, you know it gets better and your story is yet to be told'

Track 9, Silhouette
This track is very much reminiscent of 'Ocean Eyes' and the track 'Lonely Lullaby. It is mostly piano based, and so Adam's vocals take far more of a central role compared to some of the other tracks. It is a melancholy song I must admit, however it is so beautiful, and everyone can relate to the lyrics. Everyone has regrets they'd rather forget, and everyone had made mistakes they'd rather not be reminded of. I just love the  lyrics below; no matter who you are, you can nod your head and agree. This is I think my own personal favourite out of all the preview tracks. I feel that this is a very personal track from Adam too. I have to say I adore this track, and I feel that it reveals the hearts of many.

'I'm sick of the past I can't erase, a jumble of footprints in hasty steps I can't retrace, the mountain of things I still regret, is a vile reminder that I would rather just forget, the fire I began is burning me alive'.

Track 10, Metropolis 
Taking a leap back into pop after Silhouette is Metropolis. Although this particular track is far more subdued in comparison to the other pop tracks in this album. I found this track sweet and endearing, and the chorus is very upbeat. But I fell in love with it a little bit like he fell in love with Metropolis!

'A thousand miles feels like a million years, like hundreds of postcards that say 'I wish you were here'

Track 12, Bombshell Blonde
I have never heard a track like this from Owl City before ever. It is strange and quirky. And very comical! I love it! I think every album that isn't supposed to be taken seriously and is just a bit of fun, and I feel that is what this is. What's not to love about it?!
You get the feeling that perhaps as a boy Adam harboured that dream of being James Bond even if just for a day. But then, what little boy doesn't want to be a cool secret agent???
Just get a load of some of the lyrics;

'Her love is a dug laced with ecstasy, and her charm is spiked with a spell, a hot mess in a dress gets the best of me, she's ice cold but she's making melt'. 

In conclusion, this album is far different to any of it's predecessors.  But different isn't necessarily bad. If every album were the same we would soon get pretty bored. This album really changes things up a bit, and demonstrates a side of the artist that wasn't visible before. Whereas the previous albums are all be laced with optimism, this one is far more about taking control and going for it, and not letting anything hold you back. The tempos of the previous albums are slower and more laid back. This album is more jumpy and holds more dance tunes, which doesn't necessarily mean that the lyrics have lost any depth, the depth in the words are still there, but the packaging is different.
The songs themselves show an artist who is happy and enjoying life to the full.

I can see how some fans are disappointed in these tracks, however I feel it is unfair to the artist to insist that they never experiment with other styles and branch out. Artists would be so boring and one-dimensional if they only ever wrote the same old, same old.

But how about you, what are your thought???