The Afternoon Movie: The Flight of Dragons

 Does anyone else remember The Flight of Dragons? My sister and I used to watch this film all the time when we were very young. It's one of the best dragon related films and also just a great story. The animation isn't so beautiful like Studio Ghibli and isn't quite traditional like Disney but I just love the dragons.

Made in 1982, and released by Warner Brothers, the film was released on VHS the film has never been released in the UK on DVD and the US DVD cover is just hideous. The other posters are just as peculiar. The film is based on two sources, The Flight of Dragons by Peter Dickinson and The Dragon and the George by Gordon R. Dickson.

Back in 2012, there was talk of a life action version of the film, the project was cancelled the same team started work on something called, The Dragon Prince. No idea of this is still planned. I'm rather glad another version of the film wasn't made.

The story is set in medieval times, where magic is fading and science is beginning to take over. Carolinus, the green wizard, wants to create the last relam of magic before all his powers and his fellow wizard brothers' fade and to provide inspiration for mankind for all his inventions. But the evil red wizard, Ommadon (voiced by Vader himself, James Earl Jones) wants to destroy the world.

Carolinus is instructed by Antiquity to inspire a quest to journey to Ommadon's lands to capture his red crown, the source of all his power. Along with Gorebash and Smergol, Carolinus' dragons, a knight and later on an archer, a rebel dwarf and a resurrected wolf join the quest. But before the quest begins, a distant descendant of Peter, the dragon tamer is summoned from his time, our modern day, to join in the quest.

But after a tragedy and spell gone wrong, Peter (from modern day, also writer of the book, which is also a real book, I own it) end up inside Gorebash. Essentially Gorebash himself isn't in the film much as Peter takes over his body. So along the way the science of how dragons work is explained as Peter learns to live as a dragon. Science + Fantasy = a brilliant film from childhood.

I remember loving the dragons and actually being scared by the evil Ommadon and due the animation and how the characters are drawn, to a young audience I'm not surprised.

Filled with mythical, magical elements, the film plays out as a classic fantasy. There are duel, deaths and drama and a valuable lesson. Learn about science kids! I usually dislike movies with messages, but this is an exception, along with The Phantom Tollbooth, but that story is for another post.

April Watch List

I have been watching lots of TV this month. Lots of TV. Anyone in the UK, will know about how addictive Endeavour is and oh my that cliff hanger. I was absorbed and reminded of my reasons why I love Cornwall over the Easter Bank holiday with BBC version of Jamaica Inn. I was screaming over an particular episode of Th e Good Wife and have actually stopped watching it, temporarily, as I found out there will season 6 which I have mixed feelings over. Getting back in the groove with Marvel: Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. I'm still obsessed with American Horror Story, I still can't get over how quickly I watched all 3 seasons, in 4 days. I can't wait until the fourth series, especially as its been announced that it will take place in a carnival/freak show. Makes me think of one the best TV series ever made, Carnivale. Game of Thrones started up again so that had been taking over my mind. Fargo also started, I have it taped so I waiting for a free moment to enjoy that show. And I have basically been looking out for new shows to get obsessed about. Turn, Halt & Catch Fire are definitely on the list. But as for films, its been rather quiet. I have only been to the cinema twice. Very disappointing, but I think my choices were excellent.

1. The Double 

I loved this film so much when I saw it at the BFI Film Festival last year I had to see it on the big screen one more time. This time I couldn't get the soundtrack out of my head so of course I went and bought it. You can read my thoughts of the film here. 5/5

2. Oldboy

This is the remake. For other reasons stated in a previous post, I have not seen the original yet. After seeing this film, which just be renamed, Incest: The Movie, I think I do need to see the famed original. The first half the film played out well. A dirtbag advertising executive is a mess, he drinks, forgets his fatherly duties and ruins business meetings. Suddenly he's trapped in what appears to be a hotel room when in fact its a prison. He's is trapped for is trapped for 20 years, while being tortured with images of his daughter as she grows up thinking he murdered her mother. Suddenly he is released so he sets out looking for his daughter and the man responsible for his years of torture. That half was interesting, even the part where he starts to follow back who captured him but then when the villain explains his plan and past, the film drifts off. I lost interest and thought the reasons behind it all were a tad anti climactic and disgusting. It certainly wasn't great but it wasn't appalling either. Apart from seeing the original, I never want to see this film again for cinematic reasons and story reasons. 2/5

3. Calvary

The premise for this film was so simple and it is for this reason (and the cast) that I wanted to see this film. 'I'm going to kill you on Sunday Father'. A good priest is faced with this in confession in the opening scene. We, the audience don't know who the person is, we can only see Brendan Gleeson's face. We can't even recognise the voice of the person, which I liked. I was worried that throughout the film I'd be guessing who it was but the story is well thought out and leads you away from that opener, you become more invested in Gleeson's character. I have to say, the last third of the film is very moving. The scene between Father Lavelle and his suicidal daughter is son brilliantly acted, its understated and not dramatic, you feel sorry for both characters. This is the same feeling for the final scenes in the film, its not dramatic, its well played out and brilliant story. The mix of very black comedic moments mixed with tragic situations is just perfect.
4/5

By The Danube

Last day in Budapest was rather laid back. We packed up our suitcase and locked up the flat and all the doors for the last time.

We finally had a proper breakfast and after viewing the choices near by we went to the highly recommended (in guides) New York Cafe which happened to be conveniently across the street. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take any photos of the amazing interior, it felt like walking into a palace or, as I always, it was like walking onto a film set. The food matched the surroundings too. We each ordered, what we thought was, a simple poached eggs breakfast, but what we were given was a delightful looking meal. The eggs came in individual cups AND with salad, as well as our own little extras we picked to go with the eggs. The waiter was really nice too, after I explained about the dread nut allergy that always gets in the way, he brought me some special non nut bread, which was also gluten free! Heaven. Plus the coffee was delicious.

After breakfast we waddled down to the river, stuffed full of our first and sadly last breakfast in the city. We wondered around a market place where some sort of festival was happening before asking buying tickets for the 'simplest boat ride/tour with no lunch'. That is what we asked for and that is what we got, plus two free drinks.

We had plenty of time until the ride and walked along the Danube promenade, past the Parliament and next the the Shoes on the Danube Promenade memorial. The memorial was put in place for the 60 victims shot into the river by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944-1945.

On a happier note, the boat ride was relaxing, it felt right to look over the riverside before we left and it was great to see parts of that we hadn't see by foot. Although we travelled under one too many, I enjoyed it, unfortunately, my photos aren't that great.

We took a metro back to our area, couldn't face walking, my ankles had started to hurt, it got worse on the plane. We went back to the Book Cafe and it beautiful ceiling for some more coffee, this time a caramellowcino (or something along those lines) lunch and we shared a blueberry mousse. A perfect end to the trip.

We were lucky to get a lift back to the airport, which was rather smaller than expected. We thought how to spend the last forint (HUF), we didn't, then it was the very long walk to the gate. Just as we had arrived walking across the tarmac and along fenced off tunnels, so we left that way but not before were forced to wait in what could only be described as a warehouse for ages. The plane was also delayed, not helping my then swelling ankles. The warehouse was the place that in any other airport would be the departure lounge.

I was restless most of the way back and was seriously confused and irritated by all the children coming back from Grenoble who were collecting their luggage too. It was sort of good to be home. But after my day off it was back to work, then I wanted to be on holiday again.

Already planning the next trip in my head . . . .

Bathing in Coffee and Goulash (not literally)

Second in Budapest, not so warm waking up but our 40 minute walk to the city park soon warmed us up. We did debate taking transport to the baths, but to me it seemed complicated so, we walked. I was still knackered from the excess amount of walking the day before, so not only did the 40 minutes walk wake me up, it tired me out too.

We passed some more impressive statues, I actually wish I had some sort of guide to all the statues in the city, some of them were so beautiful, sounds cliches but they looked liked they had a story behind them. Or I'm going to make them up.

The Szechenyi Baths were magnificent. Look it up on the web, look at those photographs, that is what it actually looked like, except the main pool in the middle outside wasn't open, but otherwise, it was it was still really fun. It took a lot of convincing from my sister to buy a swimming costume and actually get into the pool. I love swimming but I have my own reasons for going for so long. Swimming pool changing rooms are disgusting, sorry, but they are. I despise them. That hideous experience aside, I loved the baths and did sit a while in the thermal pool too, although not too long, it got crowded. The outdoor pools were heated and I didn't want to leave but were were both getting sleepy and hungry.

After we had decided to get the metro back and we had washed our hair and things, we wondered down the main street that felt so familiar to us, we both felt like we had been in the city longer than a day and half. We had been recommended a particular cafe by someone and as it turned it was the same cafe that I myself was really keen to visit. The Book Cafe - Lotz Terem is located in a 19th Century building that used to be a department store, now a modern book shop, similar to Waterstones (to me anyway). The cafe is up an escalator and has a magnificent mirrored ballroom with a beautifully painted ceiling by Karoly Lotz.

We enjoyed some more delicious cake and oh my the Irish coffees we had were amazing. I finally had the coffee in Budapest. At first I was afraid that I wouldn't get any cake, I had to ask about nuts/peanuts in the cakes and the waitress said they can't guarantee no nuts, but I chose a blueberry mousse to be safe, it was so good we shared one the next day, but thats another post.

Later on in the evening we went back towards the Great Market Hall to sample some traditional goulash at For Sale, a bar/pub/restaurant. First impression was, wow, look at all that paper pinned to the wall, second was fear. On every table there was a gigantic bowl of monkey nuts. There nuts on the floor too, nuts falling from the tables upstairs, just everywhere. Avoiding them, my sister and I sat in the window and enjoyed some more Hungarian beer and of course we had the goulash. It was super nice.

The notes that covered the walls of the bar were all written by people who had visited, so many from around the globe. We also left a note. I hope it's still there.

After a few more drinks, we made our way back to our part of town, but we instead of packing for the next day, we went to an amazing bar/club. For the life of me, I can't remember what it was called. It wasn't far from the first bar we went to on the first night. It was like walking into a bazaar. There were several places to go. There was a bar just for cocktails, people were smoking shisha in one part, smoking outside in the terrance area while watching a movie on a projector that was on the second floor. We had one drink there then ate some really good pizza, mine was ham and apple, sounds weird but tasted so good.

A day of baths, coffee, cake, beer and goulash.

From Pest to Buda

I can't remember the last time I flew from Gatwick but my gad, it was a trek and a half from the station. Every time I thought we were there, my sister said, 'you know, we are still in the train station'. For me it was long. I have been too used to just getting trains when travelling or just a car ride to Heathrow. Anyway, when we finally got to the airport, I was getting excited.

Slightly uncomfortable in the plane, small cramped seats are great, even though the journey was 2 hours. We were picked up from the airport in Budapest by the guy whose flat we were staying in. We were ever so grateful, especially as the airport turned out to be quite while away from the city.

The flat was perfect. It had everything we needed and was situated in a district that had most of the places we had been recommended. Our flat was in a sort of complex, our front door was actually a shop on the first floor and then we had several other doors to get through to our flat on the second floor. My sister became the key master for the trip.

Since we arrived in the late afternoon, we didn't have much time to explore the city. Usually we arrive at the accommodation early in the morning and look round but this time we were at a disadvantage. We ventured along the main road near to the flat, bought a few provisions then a little later went out looking for a drink. Not far from where were were in (can't spell or pronounce area) we walked along a road filled with bars, clubs and cafes. El Rapido, a little bar underneath a burrito shop. Two guys were performing some blue grass music, complete with harmonica (and sang all in English). We enjoyed some Hungarian beer, Arany Aszok, two half litres each, which we worked out as roughly £1.50 a glass, super cheap and super delicious.  After the beer, my sister sampled a burrito, of course.

The next day we planned to start our early, we didn't. We had a small breakfast and set out for one of the oldest coffee houses in Budapest, The Gerbeaud Cafe. Luckily our waiter spoke excellent English and we order some coffee and ice cream sundaes. Both were amazing, as you can see.

After stuffing our faces with delicious sweet things, we walked it off by making our way to the river. We had amazing sunny hot weather and the Danube River looked so beautiful in the sun. We tried our best to avoid all the people trying to coask tourists on their tour buses and out run a heard of of other tourists across the Chain Bridge, said to be the best bridge on the river. We were making our way to Buda, the side of the city that had the Buda castle or as we later found out, the castle district. Feeling lazy in the hot sun and being turned away when trying to walk up the hill, I convinced my sister to take a ride up in the funicular. It was a short ride but i was very excited, then terrified of the heigh at the top.

We both noticed that there were endless statues everywhere in the city, whether it was Buda or Pest. There was a particular statue of what I eventually concluded was an eagle near to the gates of the gigantic beautiful building on the hill top. We also got to witness the changing of the guard of the building opposite, an added bonus to the trip up that hill.

We admired the view for a long while at the top, it was amazing and dare I say it, breathtaking. I pestered my sister to go inside what we still thought the castle was, but it had Hungarian Art Gallery outside. We asked a very helpful woman inside about the castle and she told us that the castle no longer existed and hadn't for many years. Fantastic. She looked quite sad that we asked about the castle Labyrinth instead of seeing the art, although I would have liked to have a look around.

We walked past a few more amazing statues and up the hill and around the streets. We found a small sign that simply said 'Labyrinth' but in Hungarian and a few feet along, a doorway with steps leading down into a dark cave like area. It was very dark down there. On the walls, there were various well lit photographs of the labyrinth and a description of the place. We went in, my sister intrigued, me, already terrified. I was right to be. The tunnel were dark, barely any light except when we came across the next scene from the opera that was being depicted with wax models, costumes and opera music. After a while the opera stopped and was replaced with history and darker tunnels. At  one point on the maps provided in the walls, there was no indication as to where we were. We stumbled on until we could hear opera music again and followed it. We went through a slighting flooded area, dripping ceiling until we found a room with a project of another opera and a few chairs, then we (I) dashed outside and climbed the steps to freedom.

After being terrified, we were still exhausted. We walked back down the hill to the bridge and walked towards food. In fact we decided to walk to the Great Market Hall along the river, mostly because we didn't see any point getting a tram and because we thought it wouldn't be that far. Roughly 30 minutes later we reached the market, an impressive hall, an indoor food market, and I was starving by this point. I gobbled down something and my sister had some delicious looking mini scones.

There were also a lot of stalls selling chilli related food products, as well as various ways to buy chilli. I didn't know this but the Hungarian chilli is their speciality, as well as their goulash dish.

After walking for felt like months, we gave in and got a tram and metro train back to our flat, where I literally collapsed and fell asleep.

I wasn't too tired to go out for dinner and drinks though. Later we ventured back out to a restaurant that had been recommended to us. Menza, decorated in 70's patterns and next to the 'tourist trap' area. We edged past all the dire bars and restaurants, including a Hooters filled with men shouting, and made it to safety and damn fine food. I enjoyed a cocktails and we both had wine. It was relaxing and I liked the fact the place was close to our flat. I think best part of that meal was definitely the beetroot risotto.

Although a very tiring day of walking and eating, it was a great first full day in the city.

#trip #holiday #citybreak #budapest #Hungary #coffee #cake #Menza

March Watch List

Not as many films in this month's list, I can explain. Netflix has come back in to my life, along with it, so many films I don't own but wanted to see again. I have also been trying to catch up with all the TV shows I watch. I still need to watch the rest of True Detective and there was great series coming to an end, plus I became obsessed with American Horror Story, still am. After this month, I'll be right back on films.

1. The Grand Budapest Hotel

It's a sensation. Wes Anderson's films have never been in the cinema this long with this much praise. Also I don't think I've known one of his films to have been seen by this many people, it's very exciting.
My review and Secret Cinema visit. 5/5

2. The Lego Movie

Well we all know that this was a huge hit and I think its because of two reasons. One, everyone enjoys a happy film that feels positive and second, lego is a toy, we were all children once. Lego is awesome, just like the song says, everything is awesome. It feels like a run of the mill film, nobody Emmet, goes about his daily life when suddenly he may be 'the one' all the master builders have been searching for. Loved it from start to finish and the twist at the end was unexpected and well done. If children watched this, I hope they got the message, be creative. 4/5

3. 300: Rise of an Empire

Loved 300 when it first came onto the screens, there was none of this 3D crap to ruin the action. I was sceptical about this sequel/prequel/another story another day follow up and even more sceptical when I saw the cast AND the focus of the story. The film is based on Frank Miller's follow up graphic novel, Xerxes, which I though the film would focus on more but the film belongs to two people; Artemisia, commander of the Persian Navy, played by Eva Green and Themistocles, general for the Athenian army, played by little known (over here anyway) actor, Sullivan Stapleton. These two make the film but the latter of the two lacked screen presence. He wasn't helped by the faceless actors who played his soldiers. Eva Green was excellent, I never say this, but she was actually very good, I have a lot more respect for her now. The action sequences were brilliant (in 2D) and the story wove quite well between the story of 300 and the battles that continued on screen. It didn't make sense to call the film '300' colon 'Rise of an Empire'. The Spartan 300 didn't really feature enough to take the title. Overall, not the best film, but far better than I expected. 3/5

4. Veronica Mars

The biggest Kickstarter projects ever made, it made $2 million in 10 hours, most of the donations came from fans. The now, cult hit TV show ran for three seasons and didn't really have a proper ending, the fans wanted more and I'm so glad they did. I started watching the TV show in the morning over the summer between first and second year of Uni, when they were on E4. I literally had no money to my name and spent the mornings watching Veronica Mars and making up my own exercise routines. To be fair, I got hooked. I missed a couple episodes in season 3 because the storyline wasn't as interesting but I liked the characters and I'm a sucker for a detective story. The film is basically a whole season rolled neatly into one film. Nearly all the whole gang is back, some make small appearances, some have bigger roles than they did in the TV show. It doesn't matter, you're thrown back into Neptune and the water is warm. 4/5

5. Short Term 12 

I had heard so much festival buzz about this film, it had a short release here, barely any talk outside the festival film sphere, in the end I rented it from itunes. At it's core, it is a very sad and difficult film to watch. Brie Larson has been getting praise for her role, which I found quite predictable but she was very good as a social worker at a short term foster home who herself has a damaging past which she hasn't ever got over. I'm happy to say there is light at the end of the dim tunnel, its well acted and it feels like there is hope somewhere for everyone. 3/5

6. Labour Day

Based on a book, it had that feel to it. Kate Winslet has always been one of my favourite actresses and this film is an excellent reason why. Apart from the fact that she recently appeared in Movie 43 and will appear in Divergent, most of Kate's films have all been dramatic and not so commercial. This film falls under that category. Winslet played a broken hearted single mother, the story is told from the point of view of her teenage son who takes care of her. During their monthly trip to the supermarket, an injured man asks for help. He is an escaped prisoner. Throughout the film, they become a family and though the films takes place over 4 days, it doesn't feel like that. In that short space of time, you can feel all three of the main characters mature. It should feel like the film is sorrowful but its actually is uplifting, especially near to the end. 3/5

7. Captain America: The Winter Solider

What I liked about Captain America was that it didn't feel like a superhero film, it was a war film with a special twist. Now that Cap is out of the ice and has fought aliens, in this film, he's back to fighting men, men with evil plots. There is a hell of a lot more action in this stepping stone to Avengers sequel, many things get blown up and secrets are uncovered. The film is less war more spy related, especially as Black Widow takes on more than a supporting role. Iron Man deals with terrorists, Thor deals with other off worlds threats, Hulk, well Hulk does nothing at the moment, and Cap, well he's the SHEILD connection. Along with the action, new superheroes are introduced to the screen, Falcon and to be honest it great to have on board, even though his involvement felt a tad too convenient. To me, this didn't feel like a huge set up for Age of Ultron, it felt like a stand alone issue involving an old friend, who you know will be back to haunt you and I'm guessing later stand by your side. The main villain was a bit of a disappointment and this is only because you see it coming a mile off, even in the trailer and I am not talking about the identity of the Winter Soldier. The after credits segment was exciting, a glimpse of things to come is always intriguing, although my friend was convinced they would change the storyline for two key characters in Marvel. 4/5

Can't wait for the next instalment from Marvel and I'm kind of glad that its far away from Earth and all about aliens. Bring on Guardians of the Galaxy!