Where To Find Fantastic Beasts? Lacock In Wiltshire, Apparently…

It’s been quite some time since I last blogged on a filming location. The last that comes to mind is New York, but up until today I suppose I’ve somewhat underestimated Wiltshire. After originally planning to visit London for the day where we were going to undertake a 9 ¾ km walk from Paddington Station to, well, Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station and back, as part of the "Medal Mad" challenges, with Sian not feeling too well we instead decided to follow the curious rumours of fantastic beasts out in the country, with the aid of our very own Marauder’s Map – aka the "SatNav.”

Fantasy Land

Here's another short story from a much earlier assignment. I also submitted this one to Take A Break: Fiction Feast, a monthly magazine that includes a collection of short stories from various writers.

Flash Movie Reviews: The Hitman's Bodyguard, The Emoji Movie And Annabelle: Creation

The Hitman's Bodyguard

When “triple-A” bodyguard Michael Bryce is assigned with escorting Darius Kincade – the most dangerous criminal alive – to a hearing in the Hague that will see the con testify against mass murderer Vladislav Dukhovich, chaos ensues. Reynolds and Jackson do what they do best and play themselves, while Salma Hayek is on top form as Darius' psychotic, potty-mouthed lover. Still, there’s plenty of chuckle-worthy violence and action to keep you happy until next year’s Deadpool sequel. But with a distinct lack of much-needed bromance, just don’t expect Nick Fury to show up alongside the merc with a mouth. 

The Dinosaur Thief

I promised you more fiction, so here is "The Dinosaur Thief", a very short story I submitted for an earlier assignment. It's one I'm more proud of than most of the flash fiction I've produced. Perhaps that's because it involved some of the most rigorous editing I can remember so that I could meet the word count set within the assignment, without losing the essence of the story. But while it's a concept I was keen to develop into a larger story, sometimes all you need is a snapshot of that story, and that's exactly what flash fiction is all about.

Whole New Worlds

Since I started blogging back in March, I’ve talked about my adventures around the world as well as the many film locations I visited, and I’ve probably spent just as much time talking about films with my reviews. But recently I promised I’d start blogging more about my writing projects. After all, that’s what Curious Rookie is all about. Talking about everything that inspires me from adventures to films seems almost pointless if I’m not talking about the very thing they inspire.

To Be Human Again

In my last post I promised that I'd start sharing with you my writing projects. But today I thought I would literally share one of them with you - as a way of saying thanks for following and reading my blog over the past few months. Like Beast, I'm coming out of the shadows... 

Reach For The Sky: How Disney Inspires Me To Aim Higher With My Writing

It’s no mystery to you that I love writing. The fact that I blog speaks for itself. And in my post on Disney LA some months back now, I did touch briefly on how its magic helps bolster my creativity, too. But why does it inspire me so much, and how? And how can it help do the same for you - assuming of course you love writing, too. I’ve come to realise that I’ve not spent an awful lot of time talking to you about my writing and my projects in this blog, but now it’s time for a change. It’s time I shared my learnings with you, and also gave a little insight as to what inspires me.

Never Grow Up: Why Disneyland Is Better For Adults Than It Is For Kids

It wasn’t so long ago that I last talked about my love for Disney, having visited Disneyland LA during my three-month trip, and all. But after suffering from the post-trip blues (sniff) – which we’re still very much suffering from - Sian and I typically decided to visit our favourite place in the world, Disneyland Paris, along with our friend, Ben. 

Flash Reviews: Baby Driver, Cars 3, Dunkirk And 47 Metres Down

Baby Driver

Baby is a getaway driver who relies on his collection of retro tracks to do his job – or at least in style. But when his latest task goes horribly wrong, he must figure out a way of hitting the road with his waitress love-interest and starting anew before his violent teammates figure out what he’s up to. With plenty of groove, solid storytelling and charm in its engine, Baby Driver is the most stylistic and soulful wheel-based flick since 2011’s Drive, and with an opening chase so wonderfully-choreographed, you’ll realise it’s not all about being fast and furious.

The House Definitely Doesn't Win...

The comedy movie. It's a tough nut to crack. Hell, it's probably easier to scare the audience than it is to make them laugh, and even that is no easy feat. And of course there have been countless comedies that have failed miserably in this way. But never - at least not that I can recall - have I ever seen one that is as groundbreakingly-unfunny as Will Ferrell's latest.