Sherlock Holmes

Went to see the new 'Sherlock Holmes' film today. Overall - it was pretty good!

I'm no expert on Arthur Conan Doyle's novels abot Sherlock Holmes, but I can safely say that director, Guy Ritchie, has definitely Hollywoodised the character. But, this didn't take away from the film - I think having the young rogue as the hero brings more life to the film.

Robert Downey Jr plays him very well, as he does most people he plays. Go and see this film because of his performance...that's all you'll need. Jude Law is Sherlock's sidekick, Dr Watson - and instead of being the geek friend that I always thought he was...Watson is actually the main ass-kicker in this film, both mentally and physically - and even though Jude Law can annoy, he was very good in this, and I applaud him for his efforts.

The girl in the film was played by Rachel McAdams. Famous for 'The Notebook'. I loved that film, and in this new film, she plays fiesty, seductive Irene Adler...and she kicks ass in this too! She has positively shown that she can do stunt work - and do it well. Well done Rachel.

The beginning of the film sees Holmes and Watson in their last case together. The film progresses when Holmes is given a case to solve regarding Lord Blackwood - the main villain of the film. He has killed 5 people, and has threatened to kill three more - however, he's in prison and he has just been hung (and Watson has confirmed him dead) - how is he alive and killing people? Blackwood has a huge plan to take over the House of Lords by threatening them with a lethal poison...if they don't agree to be led by him, they die. Holmes and Watson need to stop him! This is a general paraphrased storyline...there's a lot of comedy and action involved...some tense, thrilling, amazing, endearing moments - and each adds up to bring you 'Sherlock Holmes'.

Guy Ritchie has a definite style - that he continues in this film. I'm not sure exactly what it is...but you know it has the Ritchie involved! There is a fight scene which reminds me a lot like 'Snatch' - (*ding* Guy Ritchie) - and the way it was ultra slowmo and Holmes narrates over it exactly what his next action is, adds to the charm of the character. You know that what is about to happen isn't just a spontaneous outburst of fighting, but each punch has been carefully placed to cause most harm depending on the enemy...Holmes is a very smart man, and this is shown very well.

The cinematography is great - I'd like to see it nominated at the Oscars. Very well shot...and Guy Ritchie has proved himself yet again. His previous film, 'RocknRolla' is very different to this film...and Ritchie was brave to try such a big known character with his style...but it worked really well. Some could argue otherwise, but this is my blog, so there.

The ending is marvellous - because when it's getting late and you start to think about bedtime - you could get lost. But the film explains it all at the end...and how each illusion was done and why, and leaves room for the next film...oh yes, Lord Blackwood was merely a puppet to the grand master who we are introduced to, but never go deeper...but, the sequel awaits us!

Ritchie has given himself a big job as he left 'RocknRolla' with definite view of a sequel...and now this film with a sequel. Personally, I can't wait for both - he's been great this past few years...and I hope it continues!

It's Christmas!

Wow, what a long wait it's been.

It's been an incredible 2009 in many ways, and if 2009 is anything to judge by, then we're going to have a great 2010. Maybe it's just me. I've been blessed with regards to where I'm living term time. I love my friends, my church, my course - and I can't be more thankful to God for them!

However, I'm now back home and had some real good thoughts! It was my church's carol service tonight, and it's great to be reminded of Jesus' birth - our Saviour. We sing these carols, but often sing it with a drone...like we have *got* to sing these songs, but surely we should read the words and think that we *get* to sing these songs!

'Sing, choirs of angels,

Sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God

In the highest:

Oh, come, let us adore him,

Oh, come, let us adore him,

Oh, come, let us adore him,

Christ the Lord.'

Let us adore him!! We should be singing this with pride in our Maker and Redeemer - not just complain because the musical accompaniment just isn't up to scratch compared to last year's carol service.

And the song 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' - please read it properly the next time you sing it. It's wonderful.

'Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth'

This is the reason Jesus was born - for us. We are the ones who can have eternal life, we can be raised to be seated with Christ and have that second birth!

Another thing I was doing today was watching 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe' with Andrew and Cathy. It's remarkable how many parallels can be made between the story and Jesus' life and character.

The main point I shall raise is about Aslan. Aslan shows true emotion - anger, fear, sadness, joy, happiness...all of which Jesus experienced. Jesus was no robotic emotionless man...he was a real man with real feelings, just the same as the ones we experience from day to day.

Aslan laid down his life for Edmund - and was humilated - he had his mane cut off (his dignity), he was tied up, and all sorts of demons surrounded him when he was killed by the White Witch (the one who thought she was in charge).

Jesus laid down his life for us. He was humilated - he had his dignity stripped from him by being beaten, flogged and had his beard pulled out, and not only was he surrounded by the Roman soldiers, family, friends and citizens, but Jesus was also surrounded by demons when he was crucified by the the people (the ones who think are in charge of their own lives).

See the similarity? and that is just one scene from the film. Jesus was born and died for us - so that we could have a perfect relationship with God.

After Aslan dies, he is resurrected - he defeats death. He explains to Lucy and Susan...

' If the Witch knew the true meaning of sacrifice, she might have interpreted the deep magic differently. That when a willing victim who has committed no treachery, is killed in a traitor's stead, the stone table will crack, and even death itself would turn backwards.'

and after the battle is won at the end, Aslan says...

'It is finished.'

Andrew and I looked at each other when he said this as we both knew that it was exactly what Jesus had said.

'When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.' John 19:30

Jesus sacrificed himself, he is the lamb to the slaughter...and he was innocent, was perfect - and took our sins, and died in our place. But, Jesus conquered death - for death couldn't hold him! Aslan is resurrected, and he shows he is in control by roaring loudly. Jesus beat death, he was in control of everything - even during his execution - he is the lion!

Let us adore him...for his birth and life led to our restored relationship with God...let us adore him tomorrow with hearts and minds in complete and utter thankfulness for he is so worthy of praise!

Things To Do Before I'm 30

We were discussing this in our flat today...and I remembered back to 'A Walk to Remember' where her things to do included

- seeing a specific comet
- being in two places at once
- getting a tattoo
- getting married where her parents were married

These are very interesting things to do...and not too expensive (apart from the wedding one!).

I would like to be more creative - but these are some of the things on my list (some are for my own personal list)

- witness snow on Christmas day
- learn to play an interesting instrument (not just your run of the mill mainstream ones!)
- work in Romania
- pass my degree
- buy a replica sword from The Lord of the Rings
- climb Ben Nevis
- take a shower under a waterfall

Ok...so not that imaginative...but they are in the realms of reality - they could all happen potentially!

So...anyone fancy a trip up Ben Nevis with me after we graduate - who knows maybe go on Christmas Day and see if some snow falls? And have a random instrument and sword with us on our expedition that might find us hiking through the Amazon rainforest where we can shower under a waterfall and eventually we'll hike to Romania and work there until I make a new list?

Let me know.

Christmas

Don't you just love Christmas?

I do.

Decorated the flat today...it looks very festive...and oh, it just brings joy to my heart. Bought lights, a tree, inflatable Santa, a snowman, streamers, candycanes and ohh...how I love it so! Feel free to visit Santa's grotto anytime...

I'm being minimalist with this blog as it's late...but advent calendars...aren't they wonderful? You only get one per year...this is my 19th one...these aren't like meals, no my friend, these are wonderful rare events! And unlike having *three* meals a day...no no...you only get to open *one* window a day...how much suspense can a small thing cause?? A lot.

Right...I'm gonna post this and then work on another blog post now...hope you've enjoyed my quick post!