The Lego Ninjago Movie

The Lego franchise has exploded in recent years much like an angry kid putting his foot through the Ghostbusters Fire Station after finding that a single brick is missing. The evidence is everywhere, from countless video games including the hugely-popular Lego Dimensions to the very reason behind this review.

Grabbing The Terror Dog By The Horns

If you’ve made it this far through my blog, it’s quite obvious I’m a huge geek. Even more obvious is the fact that I’m a lifelong Ghostbusters fan – especially after my recent post where I shared with you the blurb for my very own fanfiction novel. But what does Ghostbusters have to do with my love for writing? It was some time in the very early nineties, I think – I must have been six or seven – when my mum bought me a tie-in novel for the first movie. I loved it, and it was this that led me into reading, but also into writing fanfiction as a hobby.

Flash Reviews: Kingsman - The Golden Circle, American Assassin & Flatliners

Here are my latest flash film reviews which you may have also heard on Swindon 105.5 last week, having been asked to become their weekly film critic! Don’t worry if you missed it as I’ll keep you updated with upcoming slots through the Curious Rookie Facebook page, and will even share with you the audio files when and where possible – but only if you’re curious…

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.