1) The Shawshank Redemption
There's a reason this film is so critically acclaimed, proven by it's spot as the top rated movie by IMBD with a well deserved user rating of 9.3 out of 10. Basically if you are yet to see this movie then do so immediately by any (legal) means possible.
Adapted from a Stephen King novel, the film tells the story of life in Shawshank prison, revolving around the view of banker Andy Dufresne who has been sentenced for life for the murder of his wife, despite his claims of innocence.
We follow Andy through good times and bad at Shawshank whilst also being introduced to other prisoners including fellow inmate and narrator of the film Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding. Played by Morgan Freeman there could not be a more perfect actor to narrate such a emotionally dramatic and overall amazing film.
2) Inception
Technically Inception should appear more than once on this list, for the simple reason that you will have to watch it over and over to completely understand every single occurrence in the film and what it means.
Luckily, Inception is another fantastic film and is well worth watching many more than one time.
The film bases its story around dreams. Set in a world where it is possible to infiltrate a targets dream, or subconscious, there are many possibilities for corporate thieves such as the films main character Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Along with a team of specialists, including Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Ellen Page) and Eames (Tom Hardy), Cobb is tasked with infiltrating a subconscious in order to commit inception, giving the target an idea in their dream which they will retain and stand by when they awake.
However this is seen as impossible and to even stand a chance the group must attempt something completely new, creating a dream inside a dream inside another dream.
I did tell you it would get confusing!
Add in the fact that Cobb has an untold past involving his dead wife Mal, and the fact that if anybody dies inside the dream they are banished to Limbo where they may never return, and you are watching a highly tense but unmissable sci-fi stunner.
3) The Dark Knight
Following Inception comes another Christopher Nolan film, the second in his Batman trilogy. Standing out, in my opinion, as the best Batman movie of all time is almost completely down to the performance of the late Heath Ledger as The Joker. Ledger perfectly captures the villains deranged and lunatic personality with his actions, monologues and catchphrases.
The plot to the film is clever, chilling and action packed as the eponymous Dark Knight must attempt to stop the Jokers mad but dangerous 'games' which he creates in order to mess with head and heart. With returning help from Commissioner Gordon, Lucius Fox and Alfred the Butler, played expertly by Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine respectively, Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne must put an end to The Joker by once again becoming the vigilante Batman,
Armed with amazing special effects, tremendous acting and one of the greatest opening scenes of all time, The Dark Knight is another must-see movie.
4) The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Ok so I may be cheating here, involving three films under one slot but to truly appreciate any singular film from Peter Jacksons trilogy you must see the entire story.
The franchise is set in Middle-Earth, a land inhabited by elves, dwarves, orcs, hobbits, men and more. A medieval land where disputes are handled by combat, good must overcome evil and where the dark lord Sauron intends to rule.
The story starts far from this however, in The Shire, where hobbit, Bilbo Baggins is celebrating his eleventy first birthday! However something unusual is in the air and when Bilbo disappears into thin air a series of events, spanning over ten hours of film, unfolds.
If you ask me this trilogy creates the ultimate fantasy franchise with its stunning visuals, amazing soundtrack and loveable characters (and Frodo!) The Battle of Helms Deep remains one of my favourite scenes in film ever and the films themselves are up there with the best.
5) Pulp Fiction
For some strange reason I had not seen Pulp Fiction until a fortnight ago when I decided this had to change. Another critically acclaimed film, recommended by so many had to be good right? So I loaded up Netflix and was not disappointed. Not only was Pulp Fiction 'good' it was outstanding! I found myself loving the characters, the story, the music, everything about it added up to create an essential to view film.
The film follows a range of characters, such as Vincent Vega, Jules Winnfield, Butch Coolidge, Mia Wallace and Winston Wolfe, played by big names including John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis and Uma Thurman, through a series of violent, dramatic and sometimes even funny events.
6) Guardians of the Galaxy
The most recently released film on this list, Guardians of the Galaxy is the best superhero movie since The Dark Knight and, in my opinion, is the best Marvel movie ever, rivalled closely by 2013's The Winter Soldier.
The thing that makes Guardians of the Galaxy so down to earth is its loveable characters.
First you have Peter Quill aka Starlord, played by Chris Pratt who is known for his comedic role of Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation. Pratt is hilarious and perfectly plays Starlord in a variety of ways, alternating from funny and playful to smart and serious in a matter of seconds.
Backed up by Bradley Cooper's super smart Rocket Raccoon, living plant Groot who speaks just three words (I am Groot), Drax who doesn't understand metaphors and finally Gamora, the bad guys daughter, the guardians team up to save the galaxy.
Saturday 4 October 2014
Tuesday 12 August 2014
A 2DS Experience - Is it worth it?
I've always been a fan of Nintendo since my first GameBoy over a decade ago which was followed by a GameCube, DS, Wii and in 2011 I picked up a 3DS on launch day. This new handheld console promised a big change in graphics and features as well as adopting a huge selling point of being able to play games in 3D.
The portable console did not disappoint and I was kept entertained for a long time with excellent games including Mario Kart 7 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. However around the end of 2012 I decided that there was no more games I was anticipating as I had in the past as Nintendo's focus began to pass on to the Wii U. It was at this point I decided to trade in the handheld.
Naturally, a short time later, there were continuous releases of games I craved; Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Luigi's Mansion, Pokemon X and Y, Fire Emblem Awakening and New Super Mario Bros 2 to name a few. Although at first I neglected my need for these games I recently decided that I had to get my hands on them, and in order to play them I needed myself another 3DS.
Or did I? After hunting around online for any offers or bargains I came across the 2DS. Upon it's release I had ultimately ignored this new device as I had no current interest in Nintendo, switching back to my old Playstation 3. However after some quick research I discovered this was perfect for me. The handeld is almost identical to the 3DS, excluding the obvious lack of 3D gameplay. However three years earlier I had found myself barely using this feature on the console I owned, therefore making the 2DS seem a bargain for a noticeable price difference.
I hurried myself to Game and purchased a console immediately, paying our £120 for the console along with a carry case and my choice of game. This was a bargain as I was able to pick up a much sought after game of mine, Pokemon Y which would have cost £35 separately along with a case valued at £10. And believe me, the console itself is worth so much more than the remaining £75 I paid. The graphics look great despite the lack of 3D and all the other features are carried over including Streetpass, Spotpass and Web Browsing.
I highly recomend this console for anybody who can afford it. It is a bargain, especially when compared to the prices of a 3DS and also the XL version which costs around double that of my console.
The portable console did not disappoint and I was kept entertained for a long time with excellent games including Mario Kart 7 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. However around the end of 2012 I decided that there was no more games I was anticipating as I had in the past as Nintendo's focus began to pass on to the Wii U. It was at this point I decided to trade in the handheld.
Naturally, a short time later, there were continuous releases of games I craved; Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Luigi's Mansion, Pokemon X and Y, Fire Emblem Awakening and New Super Mario Bros 2 to name a few. Although at first I neglected my need for these games I recently decided that I had to get my hands on them, and in order to play them I needed myself another 3DS.
Or did I? After hunting around online for any offers or bargains I came across the 2DS. Upon it's release I had ultimately ignored this new device as I had no current interest in Nintendo, switching back to my old Playstation 3. However after some quick research I discovered this was perfect for me. The handeld is almost identical to the 3DS, excluding the obvious lack of 3D gameplay. However three years earlier I had found myself barely using this feature on the console I owned, therefore making the 2DS seem a bargain for a noticeable price difference.
I hurried myself to Game and purchased a console immediately, paying our £120 for the console along with a carry case and my choice of game. This was a bargain as I was able to pick up a much sought after game of mine, Pokemon Y which would have cost £35 separately along with a case valued at £10. And believe me, the console itself is worth so much more than the remaining £75 I paid. The graphics look great despite the lack of 3D and all the other features are carried over including Streetpass, Spotpass and Web Browsing.
I highly recomend this console for anybody who can afford it. It is a bargain, especially when compared to the prices of a 3DS and also the XL version which costs around double that of my console.
Friday 18 July 2014
Hannibal Season 2 Finale Review - 'Mizumono'
Warning: This review contains spoilers!
This is the finale that any show should aim to produce but many are unable to. After only two seasons of the hit show we are given a season send off filled with betrayal, sadness and death as well as no idea which direction a third season will take the show.
The episode begins with focus, as usual, piled onto Will Graham (played once again superbly by Hugh Dancy) as he is simultaneously counselled by both Hannibal Lector and Jack Crawford. Each want his loyalty and each need to trust him when they attempt the murder of the other, yet Graham gives nothing away, keeping the same straight face through both interrogations.
It is at this point where you become uncertain which side Graham is on. Although we realise that The Graham / Lector relationship rekindle has only been a rouse, we have still seen Will's connection with the chesapeake ripper. Although the final outcome is far from certain, one thing that is all but inevitable is that somebody will be dead by the end of the season.
The remainder of the first half hour of the thirteenth episode in this season plays out by showing what both Lector and Crawford have done for Will, Lector planning to start a new life with him by burning his patient records while Crawford tries to justify why he let Graham do what he did. After being forced to take a work absence Jack then goes to Hannibal's alone...
It is now, in the final fifteen minutes of the episode that the events which have been set up throughout the season begin to fall into place. Crawford confronts Lector and the fight which was teased in the first episode of the season plays out again in context, leaving Crawford wounded by a shard of glass to his neck. It is at this point that Alanah Bloom arrives, hoping that she can convince Hannibal to stop. After refusing to leave and attempting to shoot her former lover she is forced to flee to an upstairs room.
It is at this moment when we are reunited with Abigail Hobbs. Swiftly she pushed Bloom through the upstairs window and a beautifully haunting slow motion scene plays out her fall and probably demise. Graham is next to arrive on scene but following the same steps as Bloom he too comes face to face with the presumed dead girl from his past. The distraction allows Hannibal to sneak behind Will and mortally wound him with a stab to the stomach. Bleeding out the last thing Will is forced to watch is Hannibal pulling Abigail close to him before slitting her throat, finishing what was not achieved by the girls father in the very first episode in the show.
This is the finale that any show should aim to produce but many are unable to. After only two seasons of the hit show we are given a season send off filled with betrayal, sadness and death as well as no idea which direction a third season will take the show.
The episode begins with focus, as usual, piled onto Will Graham (played once again superbly by Hugh Dancy) as he is simultaneously counselled by both Hannibal Lector and Jack Crawford. Each want his loyalty and each need to trust him when they attempt the murder of the other, yet Graham gives nothing away, keeping the same straight face through both interrogations.
It is at this point where you become uncertain which side Graham is on. Although we realise that The Graham / Lector relationship rekindle has only been a rouse, we have still seen Will's connection with the chesapeake ripper. Although the final outcome is far from certain, one thing that is all but inevitable is that somebody will be dead by the end of the season.
The remainder of the first half hour of the thirteenth episode in this season plays out by showing what both Lector and Crawford have done for Will, Lector planning to start a new life with him by burning his patient records while Crawford tries to justify why he let Graham do what he did. After being forced to take a work absence Jack then goes to Hannibal's alone...
It is now, in the final fifteen minutes of the episode that the events which have been set up throughout the season begin to fall into place. Crawford confronts Lector and the fight which was teased in the first episode of the season plays out again in context, leaving Crawford wounded by a shard of glass to his neck. It is at this point that Alanah Bloom arrives, hoping that she can convince Hannibal to stop. After refusing to leave and attempting to shoot her former lover she is forced to flee to an upstairs room.
It is at this moment when we are reunited with Abigail Hobbs. Swiftly she pushed Bloom through the upstairs window and a beautifully haunting slow motion scene plays out her fall and probably demise. Graham is next to arrive on scene but following the same steps as Bloom he too comes face to face with the presumed dead girl from his past. The distraction allows Hannibal to sneak behind Will and mortally wound him with a stab to the stomach. Bleeding out the last thing Will is forced to watch is Hannibal pulling Abigail close to him before slitting her throat, finishing what was not achieved by the girls father in the very first episode in the show.
Monday 16 June 2014
X-Men: Days of Future Past - Movie Review
Another First Class film as the X-Men return!
The first three X-Men films are subject to a lot of controversy, with the majority of the devoted fans feeling let down by the film adaptations of the comic book heroes. However 2011's prequel, X-Men: First Class symbolised a vital shift in the franchise's big screen style.
X-Men: Days of Future Past, as suggested by the name, contains time travel. This means that the film is not only set in the distant future where mutants are hunted down by giant robot sentinels, but also in the past, shortly after the events of First Class.
The film grasps all attention from the start as we are introduced to a mixture of notorious and lesser known mutants including Kitty Pride, Iceman and Colossus as well as Warpath and Blink. After being attacked by a menacing group of Sentinels, the group are forced into an action-packed fight in which a range of powers are shown. Despite just being introduced to the characters it is still saddening to watch each one slowly and brutally murdered by the looming robot creations. But this sadness turns to confusion as we are re-introduced to some of the most notorious characters from the comics including Professor X, Wolverine and Magneto. Suddenly the other mutants have risen from the dead. It turns out that Kitty Pride now has the power to send Bishop back in time to warn the group of the potential attack. This gives them time to move out and continue to survive.
It is revealed that the cause of the sentinels introduction was back in 1973. Mystique, played by the returning Jennifer Lawrence, killed Bolivar Trask, the mastermind behind the Sentinel Programme before being captured and tortured for her DNA. This gave the Sentinels new adaptation powers before they are introduced after the danger of mutants is realised. In the future it is believed that if Trask was not killed then his ideas would never have been implemented.
And so it is down to Wolverine to save the day. It's a well known fact that Hugh Jackman plays the perfect Wolverine and this is once again apparent in the 2014 blockbuster. Backed up by a young Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, played respectively by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, he must find a way to stop Mystique and save the lives of mutants all over the world.
The first three X-Men films are subject to a lot of controversy, with the majority of the devoted fans feeling let down by the film adaptations of the comic book heroes. However 2011's prequel, X-Men: First Class symbolised a vital shift in the franchise's big screen style.
X-Men: Days of Future Past, as suggested by the name, contains time travel. This means that the film is not only set in the distant future where mutants are hunted down by giant robot sentinels, but also in the past, shortly after the events of First Class.
The film grasps all attention from the start as we are introduced to a mixture of notorious and lesser known mutants including Kitty Pride, Iceman and Colossus as well as Warpath and Blink. After being attacked by a menacing group of Sentinels, the group are forced into an action-packed fight in which a range of powers are shown. Despite just being introduced to the characters it is still saddening to watch each one slowly and brutally murdered by the looming robot creations. But this sadness turns to confusion as we are re-introduced to some of the most notorious characters from the comics including Professor X, Wolverine and Magneto. Suddenly the other mutants have risen from the dead. It turns out that Kitty Pride now has the power to send Bishop back in time to warn the group of the potential attack. This gives them time to move out and continue to survive.
It is revealed that the cause of the sentinels introduction was back in 1973. Mystique, played by the returning Jennifer Lawrence, killed Bolivar Trask, the mastermind behind the Sentinel Programme before being captured and tortured for her DNA. This gave the Sentinels new adaptation powers before they are introduced after the danger of mutants is realised. In the future it is believed that if Trask was not killed then his ideas would never have been implemented.
And so it is down to Wolverine to save the day. It's a well known fact that Hugh Jackman plays the perfect Wolverine and this is once again apparent in the 2014 blockbuster. Backed up by a young Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, played respectively by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, he must find a way to stop Mystique and save the lives of mutants all over the world.
Tuesday 8 April 2014
Noah Film Review - Film Of God Or A Damp Let-down?
The Verdict - 2.5 Stars
If I only had two letters to describe Noah I would tell you that this biblical tale was OK. In fact if I was to describe my opinion on Noah in a novel I would struggle to extend on OK. This is because the film lacks depth in certain areas whilst skipping over huge periods of time. For example in one scene Noah finalises his decision to build his notorious ark, then suddenly it's 80% complete, son Shem is making out with adopted daughter Ila and Russell Crowe has shaved his head!
Playing his part however, Crowe is superb. His portrayal of anger, sadness and ultimate relief when his plan comes together is expertly shown through magnificent acting. Noah is backed up by loyal and devoted wife Naameh, played by Jennifer Connelly, sons Shem, Ham and Japheth and the supposed baron young girl Ila, played by Harry Potter star Emma Watson.
It is the addition of Ila which allows this film to actually be a film. First she shows the kindness in the hearts of Noah and family when they discover her, stabbed and left to die. Yet even when chased by the evil Tubal-Cain, as well as a bunch of evildoers who are never formally introduced and are therefore insignificant, Noah still risks his life to scoop up the small girl and carry her to safety.
Ila also brings love to the film. First off as a love interest to Shem, whose children she goes onto mother, Ila is able to become a symbol for humanity, convincing her now crazed guardian that the creator wants human life to continue.
The love between Shem and Ila also emphasises the lack of love for middle son Ham. Banned from taking a wife beyond the apocalypse by his father Ham is deemed to spend his days alone. However it seems as though this was just added to the story in order to give the film any action at all. Ham's new-found hatred of his father tempts him to keeping Cain alive on the ark long enough for him to an anti-climactic 2 minute fight with the main man himself.
Overall the film is not great and lacks basic action, suspense and a real storyline other than that of the original. However the acting, especially that of Crowe and Watson, make it a film you can sit through but with a lack of enjoyable scenes it ultimately sinks.
If I only had two letters to describe Noah I would tell you that this biblical tale was OK. In fact if I was to describe my opinion on Noah in a novel I would struggle to extend on OK. This is because the film lacks depth in certain areas whilst skipping over huge periods of time. For example in one scene Noah finalises his decision to build his notorious ark, then suddenly it's 80% complete, son Shem is making out with adopted daughter Ila and Russell Crowe has shaved his head!
Playing his part however, Crowe is superb. His portrayal of anger, sadness and ultimate relief when his plan comes together is expertly shown through magnificent acting. Noah is backed up by loyal and devoted wife Naameh, played by Jennifer Connelly, sons Shem, Ham and Japheth and the supposed baron young girl Ila, played by Harry Potter star Emma Watson.
It is the addition of Ila which allows this film to actually be a film. First she shows the kindness in the hearts of Noah and family when they discover her, stabbed and left to die. Yet even when chased by the evil Tubal-Cain, as well as a bunch of evildoers who are never formally introduced and are therefore insignificant, Noah still risks his life to scoop up the small girl and carry her to safety.
Ila also brings love to the film. First off as a love interest to Shem, whose children she goes onto mother, Ila is able to become a symbol for humanity, convincing her now crazed guardian that the creator wants human life to continue.
The love between Shem and Ila also emphasises the lack of love for middle son Ham. Banned from taking a wife beyond the apocalypse by his father Ham is deemed to spend his days alone. However it seems as though this was just added to the story in order to give the film any action at all. Ham's new-found hatred of his father tempts him to keeping Cain alive on the ark long enough for him to an anti-climactic 2 minute fight with the main man himself.
Overall the film is not great and lacks basic action, suspense and a real storyline other than that of the original. However the acting, especially that of Crowe and Watson, make it a film you can sit through but with a lack of enjoyable scenes it ultimately sinks.
Friday 4 April 2014
A History of Halifax Town
A.F.C Halifax town were formed on 24 th May 1911 and even then they played at their current ground, the shay. They started playing in the midland league before being founder members of the football league third division north in 1921 and remained in that division until 1958 when the league was renamed the football league third division. However the club struggled both on the pitch and off it and after big financial problems the club was relegated in 1963.
The clubs fortunes turned around in 1967 when the club was managed by Alan Ball Sr. He helped the club gain promotion back to the football league third division in 1969 but left shortly after. Even so the success continued and in 1971 the club finished one place away from promotion. However, it wasn’t to last too long and the club were once again relegated in 1976. Even so, many of the clubs supporters would say that 1967 – 1971 were the ‘glory days’ for A.F.C Halifax Town.
The club had little success in getting promoted once again, instead creeping around the bottom of the table. Many say that without the goals of Steve Norris were what helped the club survive but in 1992 he left the club and Halifax were relegated once again, this time to the football conference.
The club didn’t find life in the conference easy; they finished several seasons’ just places away from relegation and were facing many financial problems. However the club took a turn for the better when George Mulhall was appointed manager near the end of the 1996-97 season. He managed to make sure the club avoided relegation once again and the following season he bought the right players needed to form a title winning team! That year, A.F.C Halifax town were named champions of the Conference and striker, Geoff Horsfield, was top scorer in the league with 30 goals.
However, just before the 1998-99 season started George Mulhall left the club for unknown reasons! Also, Geoff Horsfield, star striker for the shaymen, only played 10 games before being sold to Fulham. Even so, the club made a strong start to the season and were pushing for a place in the play-offs. However this ended with a mid-table finish and it only got worse in the following years. After somehow staying in the division for 4 years, the club were relegated once again to the conference.
Chris Wilder was appointed manager to try and revive the club and started his career for Halifax with a solid 8 th in the league. After a few more years of mid-table finishes, the shaymen made a strong push for promotion in 2005-06 when they achieved a place in the play-offs. After an exciting 5-4 aggregate win against Grays Athletic over 2 legs, the shaymen had to play Hereford in the final at the Walkers stadium in Leicester. Goals from Lewis Killeen and John Grant put the club ahead but Hereford stole the victory in extra time to win 3-2.
In May 2008 it was revealed that Halifax were in debt £2 million and despite appealing it was decided that the club was to be shut down. However the supporters trust managed to get the club (now named F.C Halifax Town) a place in the Northern premier league division north one. The newly formed team started strongly and victories included a 7-1 win against Salford city in September. However, despite an 8 match unbeaten streak, the shaymen ended the season badly and only managed to finish in 8 th place. However in the 2009-08, now under the management of current manager Neil Aspin, the club won the title. Key victories included a 3-0 win against Colwyn bay (who finished 4 th) in the first match of the season, 5-0 away against Curzon Athletic (who finished 3 rd) and a 4-0 home win against Lancaster City (who finished 2 nd) in front of 3152 fans.
In the Evo-Stick premier league the club signed 9 new players! That year the club got promoted yet again ending with a 2-0 away win at Retford United. The largest attendance ever in that league since 1970 was recorded when 4023 went to the shay to watch Halifax play FC united of Manchester on New Year’s Day. Another highlight of the season was James Dean becoming the first player to score 50 goals for the team after playing only 69 games for FC Halifax.
In the Conference North the club got off to a poor start with some big losses early on in the season, however a great FA cup run was under way with town reaching the 4th round, a home tie against Charlton Athletic which would be shown live on ITV1. Despite a 4-0 loss FC Halifax were able to show off their talent and potential to a watching audience. This seemed to boost confidence in the league and a 10 game unbeaten streak followed, putting Halifax in a play off position at the end of the season. In the semi-final Halifax faced Gainsborough Trinity and managed a 2-2 draw away from home. However the home tie ended in a 1-0 loss and Halifax were condemned to another season in the Conference North.
The next season was just as successful, if not more as Halifax were able to gain another play-off position after an amazing season. After dispatching of Guisley in the semi-final the shaymen were set to face Brackley at the Walkers Stadium. A huge Lee Gregory goal in the 75th minute was able to put the team back in the conference!
The clubs fortunes turned around in 1967 when the club was managed by Alan Ball Sr. He helped the club gain promotion back to the football league third division in 1969 but left shortly after. Even so the success continued and in 1971 the club finished one place away from promotion. However, it wasn’t to last too long and the club were once again relegated in 1976. Even so, many of the clubs supporters would say that 1967 – 1971 were the ‘glory days’ for A.F.C Halifax Town.
The club had little success in getting promoted once again, instead creeping around the bottom of the table. Many say that without the goals of Steve Norris were what helped the club survive but in 1992 he left the club and Halifax were relegated once again, this time to the football conference.
The club didn’t find life in the conference easy; they finished several seasons’ just places away from relegation and were facing many financial problems. However the club took a turn for the better when George Mulhall was appointed manager near the end of the 1996-97 season. He managed to make sure the club avoided relegation once again and the following season he bought the right players needed to form a title winning team! That year, A.F.C Halifax town were named champions of the Conference and striker, Geoff Horsfield, was top scorer in the league with 30 goals.
However, just before the 1998-99 season started George Mulhall left the club for unknown reasons! Also, Geoff Horsfield, star striker for the shaymen, only played 10 games before being sold to Fulham. Even so, the club made a strong start to the season and were pushing for a place in the play-offs. However this ended with a mid-table finish and it only got worse in the following years. After somehow staying in the division for 4 years, the club were relegated once again to the conference.
Chris Wilder was appointed manager to try and revive the club and started his career for Halifax with a solid 8 th in the league. After a few more years of mid-table finishes, the shaymen made a strong push for promotion in 2005-06 when they achieved a place in the play-offs. After an exciting 5-4 aggregate win against Grays Athletic over 2 legs, the shaymen had to play Hereford in the final at the Walkers stadium in Leicester. Goals from Lewis Killeen and John Grant put the club ahead but Hereford stole the victory in extra time to win 3-2.
In May 2008 it was revealed that Halifax were in debt £2 million and despite appealing it was decided that the club was to be shut down. However the supporters trust managed to get the club (now named F.C Halifax Town) a place in the Northern premier league division north one. The newly formed team started strongly and victories included a 7-1 win against Salford city in September. However, despite an 8 match unbeaten streak, the shaymen ended the season badly and only managed to finish in 8 th place. However in the 2009-08, now under the management of current manager Neil Aspin, the club won the title. Key victories included a 3-0 win against Colwyn bay (who finished 4 th) in the first match of the season, 5-0 away against Curzon Athletic (who finished 3 rd) and a 4-0 home win against Lancaster City (who finished 2 nd) in front of 3152 fans.
In the Evo-Stick premier league the club signed 9 new players! That year the club got promoted yet again ending with a 2-0 away win at Retford United. The largest attendance ever in that league since 1970 was recorded when 4023 went to the shay to watch Halifax play FC united of Manchester on New Year’s Day. Another highlight of the season was James Dean becoming the first player to score 50 goals for the team after playing only 69 games for FC Halifax.
In the Conference North the club got off to a poor start with some big losses early on in the season, however a great FA cup run was under way with town reaching the 4th round, a home tie against Charlton Athletic which would be shown live on ITV1. Despite a 4-0 loss FC Halifax were able to show off their talent and potential to a watching audience. This seemed to boost confidence in the league and a 10 game unbeaten streak followed, putting Halifax in a play off position at the end of the season. In the semi-final Halifax faced Gainsborough Trinity and managed a 2-2 draw away from home. However the home tie ended in a 1-0 loss and Halifax were condemned to another season in the Conference North.
The next season was just as successful, if not more as Halifax were able to gain another play-off position after an amazing season. After dispatching of Guisley in the semi-final the shaymen were set to face Brackley at the Walkers Stadium. A huge Lee Gregory goal in the 75th minute was able to put the team back in the conference!
Friday 21 March 2014
Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Loving this series!
Ever since Brooklyn Nine-Nine aired on E4 here in England I've been stuck to the screen waiting for the next episode to come out. The show started off amazingly hilarious and seems to be just getting better. Each week you think that it's peak has been reached yet the following Thursday you're caught off guard by a new round of laughs and action brought to the table.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is set around the 99th precinct of the New York Police Department in Brooklyn, a department which coincidently is home to a range of kooky and unique characters.
Taking the lead is Andy Samberg who is famed for his role in Saturday Night Live as well as his comedy YouTube sensation band The Lonely Island. Obviously comedy is his speciality and in this starring role he does not disappoint. Playing Detective Jake Peralta, a laid back cop who somehow always gets the job done spectacularly, Samberg is able to portray his character through a range of slapstick comedy, puns and offensive jokes.
He is backed up by the precincts new Chief Of Department, Ray Holt, played expertly by Andre Braugher. This role is needed to be approached completely seriously and Braugher is perfect for this, with his constant straight face and his inability to laugh the chief plays the perfect counterpart to the relaxed Peralta.
Backing up these two are a variety of outstanding performances, including Charles Boyle, the clumsy, bumbling detective, the anger fueled Rosa Diaz and the stereotypical good two shoes that is Amy Santiago. Together this cast creates endless possibilities and directions for the show to go in, leaving the potential for plenty more seasons, all of which I will be more than happy to watch over and over.
All in all this show is a must see for any fans of similar comedies, for instance How I Met Your Mother and Scrubs and will be competing for me personally to become my most anticipated show each week.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is set around the 99th precinct of the New York Police Department in Brooklyn, a department which coincidently is home to a range of kooky and unique characters.
Taking the lead is Andy Samberg who is famed for his role in Saturday Night Live as well as his comedy YouTube sensation band The Lonely Island. Obviously comedy is his speciality and in this starring role he does not disappoint. Playing Detective Jake Peralta, a laid back cop who somehow always gets the job done spectacularly, Samberg is able to portray his character through a range of slapstick comedy, puns and offensive jokes.
He is backed up by the precincts new Chief Of Department, Ray Holt, played expertly by Andre Braugher. This role is needed to be approached completely seriously and Braugher is perfect for this, with his constant straight face and his inability to laugh the chief plays the perfect counterpart to the relaxed Peralta.
Backing up these two are a variety of outstanding performances, including Charles Boyle, the clumsy, bumbling detective, the anger fueled Rosa Diaz and the stereotypical good two shoes that is Amy Santiago. Together this cast creates endless possibilities and directions for the show to go in, leaving the potential for plenty more seasons, all of which I will be more than happy to watch over and over.
All in all this show is a must see for any fans of similar comedies, for instance How I Met Your Mother and Scrubs and will be competing for me personally to become my most anticipated show each week.
Wednesday 12 March 2014
Non-Stop Review
Liam Neeson is at his finest in Non-Stop, a mid-air tension packed blockbuster filled with surprises down every aisle.
Neeson plays his role of Bill Marks, US air marshal, perfectly through his portrayal of anger, suspicion and sympathy. When Marks boards a six hour flight from America to London he is unaware that it will be the most eventful flight of his life and minutes after take off he is threatened by a series of texts promising the death of one person on the plane every twenty minutes unless a one hundred and fifty million dollars is wired into the assailants bank account. However a series of plot twists soon follow and Marks is left with a lack of time and ideas of how to find the mystery threat to his career, country and life.
Throughout we also learn of Marks' personal problems, a seemingly never-ending list including but not limited to alcohol and cigarette addiction as well as the loss of his family, helping you connect and root for his character throughout.
The greatest element of the film though is how it will keep you guessing right to the very end. I personally love any film like this and constantly hazard my own guesses (almost every single one wrong) from the beginning of the film to the second it is concluded.
The range of characters helps add to this as each, coincidently, has the qualities to make them a potential suspect. Will it be the brutal NYPD cop, the cliqued Asian doctor or the sneaky redhead who is lucky enough to grab the seat next to Neeson? Well you'll have to go and see it yourself to find out I'm afraid. Trust me it's definitely worth a watch.
Final Judgement - 8.5/10 a highly enjoyable tension and action packed movie which will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Neeson plays his role of Bill Marks, US air marshal, perfectly through his portrayal of anger, suspicion and sympathy. When Marks boards a six hour flight from America to London he is unaware that it will be the most eventful flight of his life and minutes after take off he is threatened by a series of texts promising the death of one person on the plane every twenty minutes unless a one hundred and fifty million dollars is wired into the assailants bank account. However a series of plot twists soon follow and Marks is left with a lack of time and ideas of how to find the mystery threat to his career, country and life.
Throughout we also learn of Marks' personal problems, a seemingly never-ending list including but not limited to alcohol and cigarette addiction as well as the loss of his family, helping you connect and root for his character throughout.
The greatest element of the film though is how it will keep you guessing right to the very end. I personally love any film like this and constantly hazard my own guesses (almost every single one wrong) from the beginning of the film to the second it is concluded.
The range of characters helps add to this as each, coincidently, has the qualities to make them a potential suspect. Will it be the brutal NYPD cop, the cliqued Asian doctor or the sneaky redhead who is lucky enough to grab the seat next to Neeson? Well you'll have to go and see it yourself to find out I'm afraid. Trust me it's definitely worth a watch.
Final Judgement - 8.5/10 a highly enjoyable tension and action packed movie which will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Friday 14 February 2014
AWARE - Giving an extra hand
Recently I have been given the opportunity to help a group of children and teenagers simply by giving a few days of my life. These children are just like me or you except from they have been diagnosed with autism. Autism is a lifelong disability which affects they way in which a person communicates and is able to relate to those around them. Autism includes symptoms such as speech difficulties, lack of eye contact and no fear of danger. These difficulties with everyday social interaction and the ability to form friendships is due to their limited capacity to understand the emotional expression of others. Therefore it is greatly appreciated both by the children and their parents and guardians when volunteers like myself offer to spend some time either with a group of autistic children or even spending one on one time with a particular child. I know of this appreciation because my younger brother, Conor, has been diagnosed with ASD and attends this group once a week and loves it. Sometimes it is better for children like Conor to have a couple of hours every week where they can spend time with friends and helpers taking part in a range of activities including sports, puzzles and games.
Personally as a volunteer I have been involved in a range of events which both I, and the children involved have enjoyed. The first is the simple weekly gathering of children which I frequently attend along with Conor and our parents. As well as this though there are a range of other activities available for those who want to attend such as play schemes which any child can attend. These usually take place during school holidays and give volunteers such as myself a chance to spend one on one time with a child. Here us volunteers are encouraged to talk to the children and watch over them and join in with what they want to spend time doing.
Finally there is the monthly trip club which unfortunately often clashes with my Saturday job leaving me unable to attend. However on the occasions when the trip club falls on a Sunday I am more than willing to help out. These events involve taking children out to activities such as the cinema, ice skating and a range of eateries. The previous trip club which I was able to attend was highly enjoyable as a group of about fifteen children with five or six supervisors went to Leeds, first calling at the Red Hot World Buffet before going to watch the latest Disney film, Frozen, at the cinema. These events give the children and us volunteers a chance to get out of the house and have fun while being able to socialise and get to know each other.
Personally as a volunteer I have been involved in a range of events which both I, and the children involved have enjoyed. The first is the simple weekly gathering of children which I frequently attend along with Conor and our parents. As well as this though there are a range of other activities available for those who want to attend such as play schemes which any child can attend. These usually take place during school holidays and give volunteers such as myself a chance to spend one on one time with a child. Here us volunteers are encouraged to talk to the children and watch over them and join in with what they want to spend time doing.
Finally there is the monthly trip club which unfortunately often clashes with my Saturday job leaving me unable to attend. However on the occasions when the trip club falls on a Sunday I am more than willing to help out. These events involve taking children out to activities such as the cinema, ice skating and a range of eateries. The previous trip club which I was able to attend was highly enjoyable as a group of about fifteen children with five or six supervisors went to Leeds, first calling at the Red Hot World Buffet before going to watch the latest Disney film, Frozen, at the cinema. These events give the children and us volunteers a chance to get out of the house and have fun while being able to socialise and get to know each other.
Friday 7 February 2014
A Trip to London
It was 5:40 on a dark and damp Monday morning when I left my house and started my short journey to school. The journey that followed however was a longer one as the coach waiting outside was ready to carry my history class to London, a trip that would take us around the capital of the country giving us sights to see, photos to capture and fun to be had. The 6 hour trip that followed did not include any of this but it was necessary and time passed about as fast as can be expected on a cold and cramped coach. This all changed though as we passed through into central London and the landmarks began to flood our vision. The Eye, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square all flew past as we reached our destination; the perhaps slightly less exciting Science Museum. Although interesting at times the museum was not the most notorious building in London and the two hours we spent there were not the best I have experienced in my life. However morale remained high as we piled back onto our coach and set off to the four star Thistle Hotel. Storming into the high class hotel and feeling out of place felt great as we grabbed our key cards and explored our living quarters for the next two nights. The rooms for two, although small, were extremely impressive with comfortable beds smothered in various pillows and cushions as well as a en-suite bathroom and a handful of other fantastic features. Following a quick shower and change of clothes we were off again as we began a ten minute walk to our eatery of choice...Nandos! Although not the classiest place to eat sometimes a good, filling meal is what you need, especially after a long busy day. The food was fantastic as always, in my own opinion as a Nandos fanatic but the highlight of the night was yet to come. Setting out again on full stomachs we soon reached the West End. That's right, we were going to see a show. The decision fell onto The Bodyguard and my fellow students and I gathered above the stage ready to watch but not sure what to expect. The show was much more entertaining, nail-biting and hilarious than I could have ever imagined and I'm not ashamed to say I loved almost every minute of it.
As we awoke for our first and only full day in the city it was apparent that tiredness was a problem. However a hearty breakfast dismissed this early start and we were soon ready to set out to our next destination, the Houses of Parliament. After a quick security check we were inside the magnificent building. A short tour followed and we saw many parts of the legendary structure including both the chambers of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Additionally we went on to meet the labour MP of my local town Halifax, Linda Riordan. This meeting was interesting as well as informative and we were given the opportunity to find out about our own town, future plans and how to get into the world of politics. After this came the sightseeing! Buckingham Palace was the first to be checked off and was followed by a range of venues from Covent Gardens to Tower Bridge. It was truly a great feeling to see all these amazing features of a magnificent city. A quick return to the hotel left us an hour to get ready for our next night out. A smarter outfit was advised for this night as we were booked to eat at the five star Strand Hotel! Although it was a great experience I would honestly say I preferred the Nandos! They should sponsor me...
Waking up on our final morning was a sad moment as the realisation that by that night we'd be back home set in. However it was not over yet as the coach stopped to let us out at Oxford Street where hours of shopping would take place. Four hours and plenty purchases later we were done though and the time had flown by. The mood on the coach home was sad but we had all had an amazing time visiting the magical city that is London.
As we awoke for our first and only full day in the city it was apparent that tiredness was a problem. However a hearty breakfast dismissed this early start and we were soon ready to set out to our next destination, the Houses of Parliament. After a quick security check we were inside the magnificent building. A short tour followed and we saw many parts of the legendary structure including both the chambers of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Additionally we went on to meet the labour MP of my local town Halifax, Linda Riordan. This meeting was interesting as well as informative and we were given the opportunity to find out about our own town, future plans and how to get into the world of politics. After this came the sightseeing! Buckingham Palace was the first to be checked off and was followed by a range of venues from Covent Gardens to Tower Bridge. It was truly a great feeling to see all these amazing features of a magnificent city. A quick return to the hotel left us an hour to get ready for our next night out. A smarter outfit was advised for this night as we were booked to eat at the five star Strand Hotel! Although it was a great experience I would honestly say I preferred the Nandos! They should sponsor me...
Waking up on our final morning was a sad moment as the realisation that by that night we'd be back home set in. However it was not over yet as the coach stopped to let us out at Oxford Street where hours of shopping would take place. Four hours and plenty purchases later we were done though and the time had flown by. The mood on the coach home was sad but we had all had an amazing time visiting the magical city that is London.
Saturday 25 January 2014
My favourite comedy films of all time
Comedy, in my opinion, is one of the greatest TV and film genres out there. Whilst providing non-stop laughs and having you falling off your chair in hysterics, a comedy also has the ability to tell an emotional and tense story filled with action, romance and drama.
One comedy film which I adore is Stepbrothers. This hilarious 106 minutes of side-splitting laughter will have you rolling on the floor all the way through. Will Ferrell plays 39 year old Brennan Huff, a 'not completely there' adult who provides plenty of slapstick comedy throughout. His on star screen, 40 year old Dale Doback, played by John C. Reilly is an almost exact replica of Brennan, yet once their parents marry they must all move into the same house and the two new stepbrothers do not get on. However after realising their similarities the two immature middle aged men become best friends and what follows is a film full of fun, friendship and fits of laughter.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story is an example of another comedy film with characters that you can easilly relate to and get extremely attached to. Vince Vaughn plays Peter La Fleur, a man who is just your average guy, made apparent by the name of the gym he owns, Average Joe's. After the gym starts crumbling financially La Fleur must organise a team of misfits from his gym to enter a dodgeball tournament with a huge cash prize for the winners. Standing in his way though is White Goodman. This pumped-up rival gym owner is brought to life by Ben Stiller in what is perhaps his most hilarious role yet.
My final recommendation comes in the form of Superbad and its loveable protagonists Seth, Evan and Fogell, Aka Mclovin played by Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse respectably. After promising to buy all the alcohol for a party using a fake ID the trio go through an eventful night full of misadventures making this a highly rated movie in the comedy genre. Story wise the film may lack depth yet for a film full of crude jokes, slapstick events and hilarious consequences you can't go wrong with Superbad.
One comedy film which I adore is Stepbrothers. This hilarious 106 minutes of side-splitting laughter will have you rolling on the floor all the way through. Will Ferrell plays 39 year old Brennan Huff, a 'not completely there' adult who provides plenty of slapstick comedy throughout. His on star screen, 40 year old Dale Doback, played by John C. Reilly is an almost exact replica of Brennan, yet once their parents marry they must all move into the same house and the two new stepbrothers do not get on. However after realising their similarities the two immature middle aged men become best friends and what follows is a film full of fun, friendship and fits of laughter.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story is an example of another comedy film with characters that you can easilly relate to and get extremely attached to. Vince Vaughn plays Peter La Fleur, a man who is just your average guy, made apparent by the name of the gym he owns, Average Joe's. After the gym starts crumbling financially La Fleur must organise a team of misfits from his gym to enter a dodgeball tournament with a huge cash prize for the winners. Standing in his way though is White Goodman. This pumped-up rival gym owner is brought to life by Ben Stiller in what is perhaps his most hilarious role yet.
My final recommendation comes in the form of Superbad and its loveable protagonists Seth, Evan and Fogell, Aka Mclovin played by Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse respectably. After promising to buy all the alcohol for a party using a fake ID the trio go through an eventful night full of misadventures making this a highly rated movie in the comedy genre. Story wise the film may lack depth yet for a film full of crude jokes, slapstick events and hilarious consequences you can't go wrong with Superbad.
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