mother!

Jenifer Lawrence plays the loving wife to Javier Bardem’s older poet who’s suffering from writer’s block. While Lawrence works hard at turning their very remote home into an idyllic setting, or a “paradise” if you will, a mysterious stranger (Ed Harris) turns up at their door, followed closely by his wife (Michelle Pfeiffer), both of whom Bardem’s seemingly-oblivious character welcomes with open arms - despite his wife’s understandable protests. But as more guests inexplicably begin to swarm Lawrence’s home, the film descends into brutal and unforgiving chaos that is as arresting as it is repellent. 

Why Snowdonia Is Our Very Own British Columbia

After greedily spending three months travelling the world this year on our honeymoon, where we explored the real Middle-Earth that is the mighty New Zealand, the beautifully-rugged islands of Hawai’i, and the rich mountainous landscape of the Canadian Rockies, naturally there was an element of worry that, upon returning to the UK, all of that epic scenery would render our home country’s great outdoors underwhelming, even if Snowdonia has always been one of our favourite places in the country. Honest!

IT Review

These days even the word “remake” is enough to make one’s eyes roll, especially when it comes to horror. But the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel IT comes 27 long years after the original TV miniseries that starred Tim Curry as the iconic Pennywise (and to those familiar with the clown's lore, the fact that it’s been 27 years might just be enough to put the willies up you). And Andy Muschietti’s IT isn’t necessarily just a remake of the terrifying terrestrial telling, either – it’s the first cinematic representation of King's monster novel.

That Strange Falling Sensation

The cold winds tore through her soft, golden hair as she drifted beneath the night sky; gliding elegantly, like a bird, while she admired the billions of stars on the dark purple canvas. Hundreds of feet below, the brilliance of space was reflected in the ocean. Another dark mass equal in mystery and wonder, she thought. The power was exhilarating, coursing through her veins like electricity. She had never felt so alive before, yet the countdown that was her heartbeat had already ended.

"Ghostbusters Academy" Teaser

I've been promising you an update on my Ghostbusters project for some time now, so here it is - the official blurb to my very own fanfiction concept! It's a story that has so far been two years in the making. It's not complete yet, but you can expect it to emerge from the shadows in the coming months. 

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.