The Kill Room

My wife picked this film for us to watch at home while we are recovering from COVID. I loved it. Compared to the other films I have watched, this was like a breath of fresh air for my brain.  

This will not be for everyone, in fact, I doubt that most will like it.  If you liked American Fiction, you will probably like this.  Both have a twisted sense of humour, though here the laughs are a lot more bleak at times.  I will admit that I do not understand modern art. I like what I consider beauty, but there is a lot of art that I have no hope of appreciating. This film both pokes fun at and also explains art. The Guardian did not like it, but I suspect that the person reviewing it is able to see beyond what I can visualise when looking at contemporary art. 

When it comes to family, my son is still plague free and the rest of us are improving. I am not sure I will be able to work tomorrow, but if I can, even if it is from home, I will.  

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

How to lose a guy in 10 days starts off bad with the names of the characters and the passion of one to do meaningful work (well why not apply for another job and why did you apply for this one in the first place). But I will admit, grudgingly, it gets better. It has a generic format, both being office workers in the city.  A lot of the film is predictable but I will admit to being wrong about when they got together. When it comes to the end, it was not the plot ending I thought. But it is a generic one common to many similar films. 

When it comes to family my son had his induction day. The build up to it was a bit stressful for him. That and him trying to avoid us to stop getting COVID from us.  He is hoping that he has avoided it. I hope he is right. I started the day not feeling too bad, but have ended it feeling worse. Both my wife and daughter are on the road to recovery. We actually think our dog, Leia, has been ill as well. Yesterday she was not as active as normal. Today she has been better, but again is not back to her usual self.

Alien Resurrection

I am not sure where I would rate this film compared to the rest of the franchise. Certainly not in the top three.  I would describe this as not as good as Aliens, though in the same genre of horror and science fiction as that film. No matter what my mood is, it is better than the Alien vs Predator films, but those two are terrible. 

From a science fiction purist, I do not like the way that Ripley was aided by genetic memories which were never mentioned in previous films. There is no explanation as to why it took two hundred years to try to clone her. And some of the accuracy when it comes to shooting is inconsistent, being amazing in one scene and not so when fighting an Alien.  Would I go out of my way to watch this again? No.  But I might watch it if I came across it when channel surfing.

When it comes to family, my son is hiding in his room as he tries to avoid catching COVID. I have got it now and feel bad. From what has happened with my wife and daughter, it will get worse, but while both are still ill, they are improving. Fingers crossed that he is fine for his Sixth Form induction tomorrow. 

Alien 3

At the time it was made, this was the worst of the Alien films, but those which have come since, in my view are worse.  

It lacked in special effects, but basically I think that this was a good film. Despite its detractors, I think that it was directed well, with decent characters and an acceptable plot. I am glad I watched it again, but I doubt I would watch it any more times. 

Family wise, by wife and daughter are still unwell, but both appear to be on the mend. Sadly, I am not 100%, but I am hoping that I get better tonight. 

I feel sorry for Aston Villa

Arsenal were lucky to beat Aston Villa.  Last season they did the double over us.  They could have made it three wins in a row but they missed a great chance. The second chance was kept out by an amazing save.  

I have had discussions about who is the best in goal for Arsenal. I think I lost that debate yesterday. 

Luck is important in football, but a team cannot rely on it throughout the entire season. 

Aliens

For many years, I have considered this to be the second best in the franchise. So far, that view stands. 

I can only think of two major issues. One is the approach to Acheron (LV-426). In the original the setting was lit in a more realistic manner. In this film, there was what appeared to be a nebula in the background and the ship was lit more as a result.  The other issue was when the face-hugger as destroyed as no acid came out.

The film did meet the odd stereotype, but kept the suspense up until the alien is encountered. A down side of watching this on streaming is that some good bits have been cut out, but despite that, this was worth watching again. 

The house of plague

We have the plague again. My daughter, when in Spain stayed in a hostel with someone with COVID. Now she and my wife are unwell. My daughter has tested negative to COVID, but my wife has tested positive. My son is now isolating himself in the bedroom. While I have felt a bit unwell, I do not know if that is my mind playing tricks on me.

We all were healthy enough to go out for a lunch to celebrate results which we all enjoyed. In addition to being proud of our children, we are also proud of the way my son helped one of his friends on Thursday. His friend had not got a grade to study at the Sixth Form College, so he rang them and sorted things out for him.

Anyway, now my son and I are hoping we stay well. At least it is a long weekend…