Avatar - The Review

When the trailer for Avatar hit the screens, it wasn't a film that I wanted to go and see. Firstly, my previous experiences of 3D has been disappointing and secondly, it just didn't seem to be appealing.

I have had mixed responses in relation to the film aswell, with some saying it's fantastic, while others are saying it was pants. Both were looking at it from different views; graphics and storyline.

Chris and I bit the bullet and went to watch it...on the IMAX screen!!!

Before starting on the film, just want to mention one specific cinema-goer, A guy came in sat next to Chris and then moved before the film started...to behind us.

A couple of times through the the film he kicked the back of my seat, although I am not sure it was meant to be on purpose. Then he started to snore half way through the performance...loudly!!! The guys that were sat next to him woke him up twice to tell him to stop snoring. And if he weren't snoring or kicking the seat he was rustling his Tesco back for snacks (I thought you weren't allowed to bring you own snacks into the cinema?). At the end if the film, he did come across as a bit of a simpleton, so although he was a extremely annoying at times it can be forgiven.

Now for the film: I aint going to bore you with explaining the synopsis of the film. If you are really interested in know the storyline, then check IMDb (Note it contains spoilers).

When you think of 3D, you automatically think of those ghastly red and blue glasses that do a small 3D effect, but it's main change they caused was the colour of the picture. Them were the days eh?

Well haven't times changed since I remember 3D glasses. When entering the room, I was handed a pair of glasses that covered a third of my face. Although the best thing was that it didn't change the colour of the picture.

In relation to the 3D-ness, it was okay. It does add a little depth to the film, just like the old ones did. It was probably a little better than what I remember. Well it was *cough* years ago.

Now this is the first film that I have seen in the cinema so this type of 3D could have been around for a while, but if it has, then I have a nasty feeling that the red and blue grasses may be given out with the DVD/Blue-ray.

As for the graphics; I was informed that they were brilliant and I wasn't lied to. The mixture of real with fantasy was scarily seamless. You couldn't help but wonder how much of it was actually real. Probably not a lot of it.

What it oozed in graphics was sadly lost with storyline. From the people who gave the film a bad review, blamed it on the storyline and I can kind of see where they were coming from. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it wasn't exactly worth an Oscar either. Well not for Best Picture, although it should for Best Visual Effects.

Avatar was definitely worth being the film that I broke my IMAX virginity with. I am not a big movie goer, but I am looking for things to go and watch at the cinema and preferably in the IMAX. Well, there is Alice in Wonderland coming out soon.

Rating:

Lady Gaga Concert - The Review

I have to be honest, when Lady Gaga first appeared on the scene, I wasn't overly keen because I thought she was over-played. But, as time has gone on, you can't help but sucked in by her eccentricity.

With Lady Gaga, you expect to have a show put on....and boy, didn't she put one on. This wasn't like any other concert I have seen. It was like a hybrid of a concert slash theatre production.

The first support act was Semi Precious Weapons, or as I kept on calling them Semi Hardon. To be honest they wouldn't be a group I would go listen to, but it was still strangely entertaining to watch. They are just as mad as Lady Gaga so it's obvious there is history between them.

The other support act was something I was looking forward to seeing as I quite like them aswell; Alphabeat. And they were good, I can't help but smile at Anders SG who looks like he ate all the blue smarties and was getting rid of the excess energy while on stage. Saying that, I enjoyed their performance and have added their album to my wish list when it is released in March.

There was a little break before the Gaga embraced the stage, but it was worth it. From beginning to end the show was amaaazing!!!

The show was broken into 4 acts, City, Subway, Forest and Monster Ball with plenty of costume changes and all the great songs that appear on both Fame and Monster.

There are a number of songs that need to have a special mention purely because they are amazing.

Firstly, one of my favourite songs 'Beautiful, Dirty, Rich'. It wasn't the stage that made this special...just that I love the tune. And that's enough for it to get a mention.

The burning piano used while Lady Gaga sang Speechless was mind blowing. Another great emotional tune sang with perfection.

Alejandro is another of my favourite tunes and deserves a mention, just because I can.

The final act is the one that deserves a full mention, with Gaga reaching her Monster Ball, it has to be fitting that a Monster appears on stage. The Sea Monster which looks like a hybrid of a piranha and octopus fittingly came on to Paparazzi, which was lost on the BBC reporter who said:

It wasn't entirely clear why this was happening, or what relevance it had to the song. But it must have seemed like a good idea to someone (presumably not the tour accountant).

Firstly taken into account the theme is a Monster Ball, what would a party be without the actual monster. Secondly, I don't think it was a coincidence for the song choice either. The impression that I got from the whole bit was that the monster was the paparazzi. Not that difficult really!!!

The final song of the show got the whole stadium chanting along. Bad Romance is one of those songs that you can't help sing along to, even though it is over-played and in effect waring on me. Though I still can't help but listen to it on the album.

Overall the show was fantastico and a must for any Little Monster, to which I am happy to attach that label to. However, there are few small issues that

The costume breaks seemed long at times. Although her costumes were not as elaborate as her usual get up, changing from one leotard to another does take time. And although the wait does tend to be worth it, it can become a little tedious when it starts to happen after nearly every song. And I couldn't help but watch the hole in her tights grow as the night performed.

There also appeared to be a few technical problems, although nothing serious. Part of the stage didn't light up and the chandelier screens appeared to be out of sync slightly. But nothing to really complain about. Problems happen and the show was still brill.

And there was one thing that really pissed me off, and nothing that Lady Gaga could prevent. The gits behind me spilt a drink which went all over my coat and ruined the Lady Gaga programme (alas I don't have one now).

I would definitely go and see Lady Gaga again, and urge anyone who gets the chance to do so.

Rating:

Website(s) of the Month

The interweb is a huge place and not everyone can get around the millions of sites that are out there. So I thought I would share the ones that I come across that I use on a regular basis or found quite entertaining.

For February, I am going to tackle a couple of websites that fall under one category...Bad Taste Bears

1. The Bears Nuts (www.thebearsnuts.com)
This is probably the best reference website available for Bad Taste Bears. And I may be a little biased as I am a moderator of the website, but compare this to the official website and you will notice that this has more content. For example...a history of all bears produced!!!


2. Bad Taste Bears (www.badtastebears.com)
This is the official website where you can buy Bad Taste Bears. If I am honest, the site is not as good as it used to be. After being promised that things were due to be done, I have gave up waiting. Saying that, it's still a good site.


3. Chocolate Starfish (www.chocolatestarfish.com)
This is one of the Bad Taste Bears' creators websites. This site is more the 'adult' site (as you can probably tell by the website address) and contains the Art Club where you can get original artwork from the creator...mainly Bad Taste Bears.


4. Peter Underhill (www.peterunderhill.com)
This is the other website from the BTB creator, which is aimed more for the 'angelic' fan. As well as BTBs Pete has his fingers in many pies, including children's books (written and illustrated). This site was aimed more for kids who may come across his website...well you wouldn't want your children seeing a bear flashing his widgy now, would you?

The website also has a link to Pete's own blog, which gives you an insight to his ongoings in the world outside Bad Taste Bears.


5. OddBlog (www.oddcolimited.blogspot.com)
This is OddCo, the creator of Bad Taste Bears, official blog. As well as Bad Taste Bears, it also provide sneak peeks at their other ranges, including Bogies, Weenicons and their newest ranges: Popmash, Teeny Demons and Rubber Garden.

Unlimited My Arse

You have all seen the adverts from phone and broadband companies where they are offering you unlimited this or that. But is it really unlimited?

While I was making comparisons for a new mobile phone, I was being informed that I can get unlimited texts or unlimited data download. Yet looking at the small print, I learnt that sometimes the word unlimited doesn't necessary mean the best deal.

For example, Vodafone advertised with a cap of 1GB on Internet browsing, while Orange and O2 advertise as unlimited. You would automatically think that the latter companies are offering the better deal. However, when you look at the small print it states that there is a limit to 750MB under the fair usage policy, so in effect it isn't unlimited and they are offering the worst deal.

Now 'unlimited' has been round for a while in these type of adverts, but does this necessary mean that it is acceptable?

Accordingly to Vodafone it is. In relation to fair usage policy for text messages they stated on a forum:

The text usage is not limited, as we do not prevent you from using more that the fair usage policy. You would not be automatically charged for going over this amount.

If we do determine that you are exceeding this amount on a regular basis and thus abusing the fair usage policy then we would contact you regarding this before any action is taken or additional charges are applied.

The fair usage policy would be the same for other services and other companies.

On the other hand, you could argue, that those who exceed the limit on a regular basis are being penalised because they are not getting the unlimited service they were advertised.

As the dictionary states:

un⋅lim⋅it⋅ed
–adjective
1. not limited; unrestricted; unconfined: unlimited trade.
2. boundless; infinite; vast: the unlimited skies.
3. without any qualification or exception; unconditional.

Let's get something straight, I am not against the Fair Usage Policy. Infact, I think it's extremely wise that companies do provide a limit. However I am against the use of the word 'unlimited' to promote a service when it isn't.

Why do companies not advertise the 'Fair Usage Policy' amount in the section it is related to instead of the word 'unlimited'? That way all customers are clear what they are actually signing up to. They can still apply fair usage for those that exceed the limit occasionally.

The reason being is greed. In my opinion, they want people to exceed the amount so they can charge them. They know a lot of people will not read the terms and conditions and be aware of the limits, and once they have signed the contract and outside the cooling off period you are stuck for the agreed period of time. Plus, advertising the true limits shows that the deal you are being sucked into is just not as good as you think.

I have a feeling that nothing will be done, but I have made a complaint to ASA due to the word 'unlimited' being used when there is a limit. I know I am not the only person to make a complaint about this as I was informed when I queried about it. Maybe one day, they may actually act upon it.