-Pete

In this modern adaptation of Richard Matheson’s novel of the same name we see Will Smith play virologist Robert Neville who it seems is the last human alive after some sort of viral brake out of a man made virus. Living in a post-apocalytic New York City his day is regiment during the day and by night he locks down where he lives and sleeps in fear of the mutant victims of the plague. He lives there still because it’s “Ground-Zero” and the best place for him to work on a cure.

Directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine) this is a movie I had look forward too since I saw its first teaser trailer. I’m a fan of Will Smith, it seems even when the movie he’s in is awful he some how makes it bearable to watch, Wild Wild West being case in point. The premise and story of the movie is one that quite nicely unfolds as you watch the movie in a series of flashbacks and recorded news programs. In these we see where it all started, an idea of what went wrong and then in current time where it stands. Although this is a tried and test method of story telling it works well and suits the movie. Smith brings and delivers some light hearted asides and along with his trusted canine companion it seems Neville is quietly but diligently working towards a cure. However things aren’t that simple. Years living on his own is slowly driving him to a psychological breakdown, even with his attempts (shop dummies dressed up and treated as real) to somehow inject interaction into his life, these are slowly becoming ineffectual.

Now for the first time in a while I had actually read a review of this movie before I saw so had a view of someone else mildly influencing mine. However, on the many of the points that review picked out I disagreed on. I won’t pick out point by point but the main was the “mutant” humans. The review said the were too otherworldly or alien like but to me there were still human just no hair and lots more strength and a lust for anything with meat attached. I found the directing of the movie competent if nothing special and the acting from Smith being one of his best.

It’s is a very good movie and one to watch if you can it’s worth the admission ticket and isn’t overly long or too short to not tell the story properly. The other nice things about it is that it is clever enough in parts that you engage the brain but has enough no-brainer action to keep one entertained.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I guess though the main thing of 2007 was the fact that I graduated from University which was officially certified in November. Catrin and I also celebrated our first full year of marriage with a fun party for all and chances are we’ll do the same next year. I saw my first NFL and NHL game at two great venues and less to say I hope I’m able to do something similar this year and Catrin turned 25.

As for the not so good points I don’t really want to go back over, they’ve happened and a partially document here but I can’t see much reason pointing them out. So what does 2008 hold? First and foremost it’s my 25th birthday this year (although it’s a while till that’ll happen) and Catrin and I will be heading to Iceland in the summer. Not to mention the fact that I have a half-marathon to run as well. Then there are those things that you don’t plan for and just happen. What those things will be, well that’s why life is so exciting I guess. As for resolutions, well I hope to lose weight as well as get fitter but that’s what most people list for resolutions.

So here’s to 2008 and a happy new year to you all!

Out of life, United won today although unfortunately Arsenal did too which still leaves them top of the league. It certainly does seem that the league is going to be more widely contested this season which’ll be nice. I still hope United win of course but I do like seeing it contested.

Perhaps, with New Year on the way, I should make it a resolution to at least blog fortnightly just at least to keep those who may read this blog (does anyone? I mean actually read it here, on my site?) up-to-date. I mean I’m training for a half-marathon next year so that would be quite interesting to chronicle. Still just thought I’d let people know I’m still here.

Life in general is going pretty well despite the odd worry but then they’re nothing more that what everyone else probably worries about. It gets me down and recently it’s got me down more than it usually does. The other thing that keeps bugging me lately is I have this feeling that things are just passing me by. I don’t know if they are or why I have this feeling but even as I sit here now I just thinking I could or should be doing something more. Fact is I probably could, I even started writing my part of a story I’m doing with Legionary, hopefully I’ll write more soon. Cat is doing well in her job though right now she’s worrying and stressing about her dancing exam which is approaching far too quickly! Our holiday to Iceland is booked for next year, just a case now of saving the money and damn it’s expensive but there you go, what in this life isn’t?! Still it’ll be worth it and I really can’t wait to go. On another life note, my birthday is approaching again, I tell you it must be improving its ninja skills as it really did sneak up on me this year.

One cool thing though that happened recently was my attendance, along with my good friend Carl, to the NHL ice hockey game in London. The atmosphere and venue (The O2) were superb and the game wasn’t half-bad either. It’s certainly got me buzzing and really excited now about attending the NFL London game for which the tickets turned up the other week. I also managed to get my hands on the Halo 3 Legendary Edition. It’s a seriously cool special edition and, in my opinion, worth it.

Sports wise it’s an up and down start for my teams. The Steelers are doing well in the NFL with their defence really looking the business this season. United have only just started to get in to gear and as far as the Penguins go; such a stark contrast to last season. I won’t mention anything about the Pirates’ baseball season as, apart from the odd surprise win there’s nothing to talk about.

So there you go, 3 months zipped up.

Took the car in for it’s service today and the funny thing was when I returned the courtesy car back only to be told that they shouldn’t have let me have one as I wasn’t insured! Still their fault not mine but it was quite a nice car, ‘07 Honda Jazz Sport. Fun little run around and quite pokey which was nice. The Westbury United game I went to see was ok, a little lackluster but entertaining none-the-less. First half was boring with Westbury probably edging it with a very strong finish. Second half Longwell Green, the opponents on the day, took the lead through quite a nice header however Westbury equalized with the goal of the game. The ball was played through and on the half-volley neatly lobbed over the keeper. Then it was just another stalemate of chances leading to full-time. Still it’s always nice to get a point at the start of a season.

This evening was spent at a BBQ over at a friends which was nice. Good food, good company and well it’s a lovely evening and it was great to spend it outdoors. So now I’m home looking forward to the first Match of the Day of the season and it should be a cracker. In closing one of my friends got engaged this past week, a long time coming, but it’s still cool and exciting news.

The migration took longer than I though, mainly down to an incorrect authorization code provided by my previous hosts. However, on second attempt a new auth code was issued which was correct and, well, we’re here now and that’s what counts. Back to bringing you all up to date I now have a job, a full drivers license and a car! So lets tackle everything in that order.

The job is working as a 1st line support technician at a medium size firm in nearby Wickwar. It’s interesting and although isn’t as autonomous as my old job was I’m happy with it. It’s like your average call centre job in that your role is quite defined however there’s no scripts, no targets (to a point) and you can visit some of the users. Sure there are some in other countries but I’m supporting the companies users and not millions of users like I would be if I worked for a big international company. The job was dependant on me getting my drivers license and fortunately for me I passed first time with only 4 minors, a fact which I’m quite chuffed about. So finally thanks to getting a job and having a full license I bought myself a car; an 04 reg Toyota Corolla VVT-I. It’s nice and shiny and hell it’s my first car and I’m damn proud!

So I’m a week, just over, into my new job and it’s going well. The office politics I’m still learning, I thought I had the jist of it a couple days ago but my assumptions and thoughts are seemingly a little off. However I’d like to think I’m fitting in well and that I’m proving my worth as it were. Anyway, it’s getting a little late and I’m tired as it is, so there’s an update and now that fluffles has migrated, posts will start up again.

Edit: Decided the stick it on the front page for all to see!

The thing is I need to decide soon as things aren’t easy right now. Cati is stressing over the money and the problems it’s causing and this is where the problem lies. At the moment I’m effectively living off Cati and that’s unfair to her and it has never sat well with me. Problem is, which road do I take?