Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter!

 This is a great movie.  Unfortunately I missed it at the cinemas.

Based on the 2010 novel by Seth Grahame-Smith it was adapted to screen by Smith and Simon Kinberg.

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and produced by Tim Burton I expected it to be something different but great at the same time.  It far exceeded my expectations.  I may be biased because I am a lover of Vampire books and movies, but this movie is far better than some other Vampire movies recently seen.

Obviously, the story is about the 16th President of the United States; however in a light in which he has never been portrayed before.  None other than a Vampire Hunter!

I have to give credit to the author for even coming up with this unique and ingenious idea!

The story is about Abraham Lincoln, played by Benjamin Walker, and his early years and how he came to be a Vampire Hunter.  When he was a young boy, he worked as a rail splitter and was caught in an altercation with a man who was trying to hurt his best friend Will, played by Anthony Mackie, who happened to be a free African American.  His father stood up for them both which resulted in the loss of his job and eventually the death of his mother, by none other than the Vampires themselves.

From this point onwards Abraham's only goal in life was to avenge his mother's death.  Nine years later, following the death of his father, and while extremely drunk one night and hunting the man who killed his mother, he encounters Henry, played by Dominic Cooper.

Henry saves Abraham and teaches him to be a Vampire Hunter.

Henry also teaches Abraham that he cannot have friends or family in this life.  Abraham however disagrees and pursues a career as a lawyer, falls in love with Mary Todd, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead and eventually becomes the 16th President of the US.

There are some awesome action sequences during this movie, while at the same time there is a great storyline and it's not just about fighting and violence but there is a moral behind the man and the story as well.

I love this alternative story of the legend behind the man, husband and president, Abraham Lincoln.

I give this movie a 10 out of 10.

The book can be purchase from the Book Depository - follow this link.


http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius

Movie Review - The Life of Pi

This movie is based on Yann Martel's 2001 novel of the same name.

My friend read the book and thought it would be interesting to see the movie adaptation.

The story is about Pi, an Indian boy, whose family run the local zoo at the botanical gardens in India.  When economic and political times turn tough in India, his parents decide to sell all the animals and migrate to Canada for a better and safer life.  The family board a Japanese freight ship with the animals.  While out at sea, a cyclone is encountered and the ship sinks, with everyone on board, except Pi and a few additional "passengers".

This is where it starts to get interesting.  Because my friend read the book first, she told me that the book is very philosophical and religion based.  This translation was somewhat lost in the movie, even though the creators tried to emphasise the many different religions, eg Christian, Hindu & Islam, sampled by Pi during his lifetime.

The story is told by Pi, played by Suraj Sharma.  He tells the story as the only human survivor of the shipwreck and he explains his journey and how he survived the 227 days lost at sea with only a Bengal tiger, named Richard Parker, as his companion.

Generally, the movie was well directed, by Ang Lee, and I found the actors quite good.  However, I think the story itself was not movie worthy.  This is my opinion - sorry if I offended anyone.  My friend told me after the movie that the book is a lot more graphic than the movie and while the producers cut a lot of the gore out of the movie I was still surprised at some of the scenes and wondered how it managed to get a PG rating in Australia.

While the movie was initially quite slow to start, it was nevertheless an interesting story and I have to admit that I shed a few tears towards the end, especially when Richard Parker and Pi finally make proper land.

Other stars of the movie include Gerard Depardieu, who played the evil, rude french cook and Irrfan Khan, who played the older, post shipwreck survivor, Pi.

I had my 11 year old son with me and I think the concepts and ideas of the movie were a little bit too mature for him and some of the meaning went way over his head.

My friend and I had a thorough discussion about the ending.  I won't put up a spoiler here, but if anyone has seen it please let me know your thoughts?  Which story do you think is the true story?  Or rather which story do you prefer?

If you haven't seen it, you can go to Screen Rant for a thorough in depth discussion of the movie and the book.

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius

Upcoming events in Queensland

Free Guided Heritage Walk Tour

Maryborough, Fraser Coast Area

01 September 2011 - 31 December 2012

Come along and enjoy a free guided walking tour of the historical town of Maryborough. Dressed in period costume, their world famous city ambassador Mary Heritage, or another city ambassador will help you discover Maryborough's colourful past. Tours depart City Hall Monday to Saturday at 9.00 a.m. They are weather dependant.

For more information please check out the following:

Phone:

07 4190 5742

Email:

tourism@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

Web:

www.visitfrasercoast.com/destinations/maryborough/ 

A Conversation with the Past

Toowoomba, Toowoomba Area

18 May 2012 - 30 June 2013

Be a curator for a day! Share your thoughts and opinions and write your own captions for the images in Cobb+Co Museum's new photographic exhibition, A conversation with the pastA conversation with the past is the second exhibition from Queensland Museum's collection of glass plate negatives by former Ipswich coach-builder A. E. (Bert) Roberts.

The Queensland Museum holds more than 1000 glass plate negatives and prints taken by Bert Roberts and the A Conversation from the Past exhibition will feature more than 40 photographs from this amazing collection.

The images in the exhibition range from historic events such as a visit to Ipswich by the then Prime Minister Sir George Reid to more ordinary activities like a young child playing their piano.

Thanks to Toowoomba Regional Council, entry is free to all residents of the Toowoomba Region.

For more information please check:Phone:07 4659 4900

Email:

inquiries@cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au

Web:

www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au 

Free Outdoor Movies

Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast Area

12 October - 28 December 2012

Upcoming movie:

Friday 28 December - The Muppets
Should inclement weather prevail, movies will be shown in The Village Theatre.
For full details and session guide please go to their website.

For more information contact:

Phone:

07 5577 6500

Email:

events@sanctuarycove.com

Web:

sanctuarycove.com/events 

Ipswich Art Gallery Presents: Rescue

Ipswich City, Ipswich Area

03 November 2012 - 28 January 2013

How would you react in a high-pressure scenario with people's lives at stake? Rescue puts you in charge as you discover what it's like to be involved in land, sea and air rescues. Take control of a full-size helicopter simulator to get a bird's eye view of a rescue scene and use infrared cameras to look for heat signals. Navigate a jet ski around obstacles in a simulated environment as you search for a swimmer washed out to sea. Experience what it's like to find your way through a smoke-filled room. Explore the science and technology behind real-life rescue scenarios with interactive exhibits that will teach you about medicine, search techniques, radio communication, rescue supplies and equipment such as the Jaws of Life.

Ipswich Art Gallery is the only venue along the east coast of Australia to stage Rescue before it tours overseas.

For further details please contact:

Phone:

07 3810 7222

Email:

info@ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au

Web:

www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/ 

Mon Repos Turtle Season

Bargara, Bundaberg Area

10 November 2012 - 31 March 2013

Bundaberg and North Burnett Tourism is pleased to announce that the Turtle season is in full swing at Mon Repos Conservation Park, and if you are planning a trip up Bundaberg way then this is one experience you should definitely not miss out on. The main turtles that lay their lay their eggs are Loggerheads, but there are the occasional Flat back and Green ones as well.

Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the Eastern Australian mainland and has the most significant Loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific region. The best time to view nesting turtles is from November to January and turtle hatchlings can be seen from January to March.

Further information can be received from:

Phone:

07 4153 8888

Web:

www.bookbundabergregion.com.au/tours.asp 

Group Patchwork Retreat at Aloomba Lavender Farm

Stanthorpe, Southern Downs Area

30 July - 31 December 2012

Enjoy a Group Patchwork Retreat at Aloomba Lavender for groups of six to eight friends.
Enjoy some personal time away from home and the daily chores while creating some fabric memories and sharing hints and tips with like minded ladies, at Aloomba Lavender farm, Bed and Breakfast, coffee and gift shop. Limited quantities of patchwork fat quarters are available for purchase.

More information available at:

Phone:

07 4686 1191

Email:

info@aloombalavender.com.au

Web:

aloombalavender.com.au 

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius

Movie Review - Skyfall!

I went to the movies last night with a friend and saw Skyfall the latest instalment in the James Bond movies.

I think both of us thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  I personally enjoyed it because it had a little bit more depth to it then some of the other more recent ones.

Without giving too much away - in this instalment James Bond actually looks like he dies at the very beginning of the movie while fighting with the villain on top of an express train trying to retrieve a computer chip which names all the MI6 agents around the world.  Bond fails to retrieve the disk when he falls off the train and into water and the disk and names on the disk are revealed, which contributes to a number of undercover MI6 agents' deaths.  Upon hearing this news Bond resurfaces in some third world looking country as a drunk womanising gambler - in other words his usual self.

Unfortunately, the movie doesn't cover exactly how he survives his fall off the train bridge down several hundred meters into icy cold water and then an equally tall waterfall, but needless to say he does.  The movie also doesn't show where he got shot, because for those who remember this, he was initially shot by the bad guy in the shoulder and the movie keeps showing how this wound aches, but makes no reference to the wound which propels him off the train and into the water????

The general gist of the movie; however is that M is the target of the bad guy, who is hell bent on revenge.  I am not going to reveal who and why as this would give away the exciting parts of the movie.  Following a ministerial hearing, Bond is sent out by M to find the villain and stop him.

The focus in this movie is very much on doing things the good old fashioned way and how the modern and new ways are not always the best ways.

This movie is about M, her history and the impact of her decisions and her strange, almost mother/son relationship with Bond.

Daniel Craig portrays Bond very well.

I think this movie has just the right amount of action, unlike Casino Royale, which I felt was just way too much action and not enough depth to the story.

The Bond series was originally created by Ian Fleming in 1964.  The entire collection of books can be purchased from the Book Depository.

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius

Movie Review - The Shining

I seem to be going through a phase at the moment and craving to watch scary movies.  I've heard lots of people tell me that 'The Shining' is a very scary movie.  I've avoided it so far, because I haven't been a fan of scary movies, but now because of my phase, I've decided to give it a try.

For anyone, who hasn't seen this movie please read on and for those who have seen this film also read on and see if you agree with my verdict.

The Shining is a 1980 psychological horror film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick, co-written with novelist Diane Johnson, and starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers, and Danny Lloyd. The film is based on the Stephen King novel The Shining. A writer, Jack Torrance played by Jack Nicholson, takes a job as an off-season caretaker at an isolated hotel. His young son possesses psychic abilities and is able to see things from the past and future, such as the ghosts who inhabit the hotel. Soon after settling in, the family is trapped in the hotel by a snowstorm, and Jack gradually becomes influenced by a supernatural presence; he descends into madness and attempts to murder his wife and son.

The movie runs for a total of 144 minutes, and I'm sorry if you're a fan, but it has been the longest 144 minutes of my life, which unfortunately I will never ever get back!

I know it was made in 1980 and to be fair it is not a bad movie for the era it was made in, but I don't believe it is scary for a minute.  I've seen scarier even when I wasn't going through my scary movie phase.  The scariest part of this movie was the terrible sound effects and the bad acting by all the main actors.  The music is bad enough to send anyone into a psychotic killing frenzy!

The fact that Jack Torrance is played by Jack Nicholson is also a factor contributing to my dislike of this movie.  Again I'm sorry for this, but I cannot stand Jack Nicholson, so to sit through 144 minutes of him is scary enough on its own.  I tried to imagine the star role being played by someone I liked more and even then the movie didn't get more appealing.

I've heard that the original book written by Stephen King is much better than the movie, so that may be an option for me to read it and be the judge, but to be honest I am now somewhat put off even reading the story.

Again, I'm sorry but this movie is a definite thumbs down for me.

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius

Recognise this?

I requested feedback yesterday on my writing.  Nobody's responded...which leads me to think 3 things:

1. My comment buttons don't work;
2. My writing is soooo bad that it doesn't deserve any feedback; or 
3. You desperately want to leave feedback, but are trapped under something heavy and can't get to the computer.

Ha, ha, ha...

Does anyone recognise which movie that's from?

It's not an exact quote but you get the picture, right?

Here's a clue.

Let me know...

If you still don't know click here for the answer.

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius

Memory Lane - Gabriel

Does anyone remember the movie "Gabriel"?

Gabriel is a 2007 movie about the fight for control of purgatory.  Archangels Amatiel, Sammael, Michael, Asmodeus, Raphael and Uriel have all tried and failed to bring the light back to purgatory.  It is now up to Gabriel, the last of the archangels, to win the fight against the dark.  Archangel Gabriel was played by Welsh born Australian actor Andy Whitfield.  Andy has appeared in several Australian television series, such as Opening Up, All Saints, The Strip, Packed to the Rafters, and McLeod's Daughters.  He also starred in the 2010 television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which was filmed in New Zealand.

The movie, Gabriel, was directed by Shane Abbess, who is also known for other works such as Source Code 2011, Gabriel: Sins of the Father which is due for release in 2013 and TV series - Event Zero.

Gabriel received mixed reviews upon its opening in 2007; however grossed $AU656,000 in its opening week.

Unfortunately, in September 2011 Andy lost his battle with cancer and passed away.

The sequel Gabriel: Sins of the Father is about fallen archangel, Gabriel's, son who is forced to fight an evil bigger than anyone has seen before.

I personally am a big fan of Gabriel and intend to also watch its sequel when it is released in 2013.  What did everyone else think of this movie?  Let me know, I'd love to hear!


http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius

Halloween Events in Australia

This post is going to provide information about upcoming events, functions and gigs with a Halloween theme.

I know the post is meant to feature Zombie events; however I figured that being Halloween you can always dress up as a Zombie - so it ties in neatly together.  By the way, these events are from all over Australia.

Event 1 - Perth

Halloween Dress Up Party @ Villa

The Villa Nightclub on Stirling Street, Perth will be hosting a Halloween Party. This popular Halloween Party has become an annual event with decorations, best costume giveaways and a great line-up of local and international DJs playing all your favourite tunes.

This year the Halloween Party at Villa Nightclub will feature Swanky Tunes and plenty of local talent. Dress up in your most ghoulish or craziest costume and join in the fun on Wednesday 31st October, 2012, starting at 10pm.

Tickets start at $20.00 per person and available through Moshtix.

Event 2 - Perth

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Event Cinema's in Morley and Innaloo will have a special screening of the classic horror movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Wednesday 31st October, 2012 and Friday 2nd November, 2012. 

Tickets are $20.00 each and this price includes a medium popcorn. 

Event 3 - Perth

Brothers Grimm Halloween Party

Wolf Lane, just off Murray Street in Perth is holding the Brothers Grimm Halloween Party on Wednesday 31st October, 2012 from 6pm. Get dressed up in your favourite costume and scare yourself senseless.

Tickets are $39.00 per person and this price includes canapés and a Halloween cocktail on arrival. 

Tickets can be booked through Iwannaticket.

Event 4 - Perth

Halloween at Pancho's

Pancho's Mexican Villa Restaurant in East Victoria Park is having a Halloween night special. Dress up in costume and receive a free beer or frozen cocktail on arrival.

Pancho's is also offering $5.00 Nachos, Corona's and Frozen Cocktails with any main meal.

Event 5 - Perth - kid friendly

Halloween Party at Chipmunks

Chipmunks Playland and Cafe in Port Kennedy will be hosting a Halloween Party on Wednesday 31st October, 2012 for children up to the age of eleven years old.

This fun, safe event will run from 6pm till 9pm. There will be lots of spooky games and activities and a prize for the best costume. Food and coffee will be a available from the cafe during the night.

Tickets are $10.00 each.

Event 6 - Brisbane

Halloween mischief in Bulimba

Hubble bubble, toil and trouble, there's some mischief afoot this Halloween in Bulimba. If your little ghouls and gremlins love the idea of Trick or Treat but you're not so keen on walking the streets knocking on strangers doors, Hocus Pocus in the Park could be just the trick for your tots.

Event 7 - Brisbane

The Hi-Fi (West End) will host its inaugural Creepshow Halloween Festival on Friday, November 2. Live bands, burlesque performers, and DJs will haunt the Hi-Fi well past the witching hour. Tickets cost $20. 

Event 8 - Brisbane

Eat, drink, and be scary on board a Kookaburra River Queen. This creepy cruise on the Brisbane River includes a seafood and carvery buffet dinner with live entertainment. The boat departs the Eagle Street Pier at 7:30pm on Friday, November 2, 2012. Tickets cost $39.50 for a child, $79 for an adult, or $197.50 for a family. 

Event 9 - Australia wide

Frankenweenie opens in Australian cinemas on October 25. Directed by Tim Burton, famous for his dark and quirky-themed movies such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie tells the tale of a boy named Victor who brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life.

Event 10 - Sydney

Dracula, creepy cocktails and Transylvanian treats

Escape the irritating, screeching children that loiter around the streets on October 31st like the mischievous little horrors they are and head to the Gazebo Wine Garden for a spooky and very adult Halloween.

The bar will be decked out like Dracula's lair - think coffins, candelabras and creepy cocktails (but definitely no crucifixes), and most importantly costumes; don't be an (un)dead bore and dress up.

Tickets are $60 and include entry, food and drinks.

Event 11 - Melbourne

Dress ups and candy can't be beat

Halloween is one of my favourite holidays. I think this is partly because I had an American upbringing, but also because when you are a kid and celebrating this holiday you get to dress up and get candy: a great combination.

Halloween is slowly becoming more popular in Australia. In Melbourne this year I spotted a few Halloween signs in grocery stores and shops. The first sign I spotted was for a free chocolate soft serve and I immediately wondered what the catch was. You have to dress up in your Halloween costume and go to Cacao Green to receive a free small serve. So, it does pay to get dressed up for this holiday, the free goodies are already beginning.

This trick-or-treat event will run from 3 pm to 5.30 pm. 

Event 12 - Melbourne

Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour – There are a few different ghost tours in Melbourne and I can't personally recommend any of them as yet (although joining one of them is on the ever lengthening To Do List). However, the Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour has featured on several reputable TV shows (think Postcards, Coxy's Big Break etc) so I figure it must be pretty good. Don your finest zombie outfit and join a two-hour walking tour led by Haunted Bookshop founder and Haunted Australia TV presenter, Drew Sinton. Tours begin at 8.30 pm on Saturdays at The Haunted Bookshop, 15 McKillop Street, Melbourne CBD and cost $20.

Event 13 - Melbourne

Old Melbourne Gaol – One of Melbourne's top tourist attractions, the Old Melbourne Gaol incorporates Melbourne's oldest prison, historic Magistrate's Court and former Police City Watch House. Located in Russell Street, it has seen the highs and lows of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840's. Melbourne Gaol witnessed 133 hangings in total and the site was home to dangerous criminals, petty offenders, the homeless and even the mentally ill. There are various different experiences on offer but the Night Tours (there are several different types) would definitely be the most fitting if you're after the macabre and mysterious. Check the website for prices, ticket types and opening hours.

Event 14 - Melbourne

Halloween Night Tour: Melbourne General Cemetery – Now this one truly is macabre. Melbourne General Cemetery runs educational night tours based on historical figures with memorials in the cemetery, with the money made going to cemetery maintenance projects. On Halloween night (October 31st just in case you didn't know) there are special Halloween Night Tours in operation leaving every 15 minutes. Unfortunately these are all now fully booked for Halloween 2012 but remember it for next year for some serious spooking, or you can always go along at a different time and hear the tales of Frederick Baker, the famous Princess Theatre Ghost, Sir Redmond Barry, the judge who sentenced Ned Kelly to death, and ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills. More information can be found here.

Event 15 - Sydney

Notre Dame Halloween End of Semester Party

So it's coming to that time of the year yet again when essays are frantically being written, final touches are put on presentations and exams are frighteningly close.

It's the end of another semester in a year that has absolutely flown by!

So if you're looking for a party to kill all those nerves and anxiety before exams, don't look anywhere else but the end of semester Halloween Party at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney!

The event itself, to be held on Monday October 31st, will start from 3pm and continue til late. Perhaps the greatest thing about this uni party is the fact that everyone from anywhere is invited and tickets are the same cost for everyone.

Tickets themselves are wristbands and will be $15 for alcohol or over 18 tickets, whilst there are also $8 tickets on sale for non-drinkers and under 18's.

And yes, I know what you're thinking. What do I get for $15 that makes this party so unique from the rest?

Well here it is.

Your ticket will give you entry into a cordoned off courtyard which will feature slushy machines, alcohol, the Red Bull car, a barbecue, food stalls, carnival games, house DJ's, Triple J Unearthed indie rockers Castlecomer, an exclusive photographer and in the spirit of the day, face-painters!

There is one catch though.

Once you get into the courtyard, everything is FREE!

The event will begin at 3pm on campus and then carry on to the Abercrombie bar right next door from 6pm til late.

The above events are all scheduled for Wednesday, 31 October 2012 - or the following weekend, so hurry and get your tickets!

Event 16 - Sydney

Circo Loco Halloween at The Greenwood Hotel

On the 29th of October the European flavour and character will be replicated at the Greenwood Hotel, Sydney's premier outdoor venue. Bringing top of the line techno and house to Circo Loco, the night will be defined by locals such as Matt Aubusson and Robbie Low.

WHEN & WHERE:29th October - The Greenwood Hotel

HOW MUCH?1st Release - $40 BF
Moshtix.com.au

For more information please see here.

PASSED EVENT!

The following event has passed; however take note of the event organiser's details for next year!

The Apocalypse Undead Festival, in conjunction with The Brisbane Zombie Walk, is a fundraising event for the Brain Foundation of Australia. Held on Sunday, October 21 at Victoria Park in Spring Hill, this festival promises to be the biggest zombie party in the world. Mayhem includes live music, make up booths, market stalls, movies, and more. Gates open at 10am while the walk itself begins at 3pm. 

                                                                    Zombie Walk

*There are other events around Australia so please check your local newspaper or Google it!