Tag: Entertainment

Saltburn – Wow!

As a film lover, I like to pride myself on being fairly eclectic. I have certain genres of movies that I love but also like to try different types of films now and again. In fact, I often relish small independent films or movies in foreign languages.

Saltburn caught me by surprise.

I think I first heard about this film randomly on a podcast and then slowly, it crept into my life. First, the BBC radio presenters kept talking about it; then my friends were telling me I had to check this quirky project out, so we could discuss its highlights. I was assured it was nothing but “quirky.”

What’s Unique?

This unique story of a university lad who made friends with an aristocrat’s son is definitely an eye-opener. Starting slowly and easing the viewer in, the script then takes us on a whirlwind adventure involving parties, fantasy, curiosity, and moments of complete insanity.

Although it isn’t a horror, there were moments that I wanted to cover my eyes.

Starring Barry Keoghan (from Dunkirk) as Oliver and Jacob Elordi (The Kissing Booth) as Felix, this roller coaster of a screenplay was thrilling. With beautiful scenes and incredibly awkward moments, Emerald Fennell directed a stellar cast. Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant played Felix’s welcoming but archaic parents, and Carey Mulligan had a short segment as aptly named ‘Poor Dear Pamela.’

With groundbreaking scenes of sexual weirdness, this film is not for the faint-hearted.

Final Thoughts

This movie has gotten a lot of attention lately on social media because of some controversial scenes. The storyline is unpredictable and interesting, and the acting is brilliant.

The screen is shaped like a 1990s TV with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio rather than the usual rectangular movie cinema frame. This touch adds something — which again, enhances its appeal.

I totally recommend watching Saltburn, which is currently available on Amazon Prime. Its runtime is 2 hours and 11 minutes and will easily maintain most people’s interest.

Have you seen Saltburn and discovered its peculiarities yourself yet?

Check out my review of Wonka – The Movie and please consider following my blog for similar future content.

Smorgasbord Funnies 2024 – Hosts Sally Cronin and Debby Gies – Dieting Tips and Getting the Message across

Check out these funny cartoons and jokes from wonderful Smorgasbord.

Firstly, some funnies foraged from the web from Debby Gies – D.G. Writes is where you will find an archive full of wonderful posts across several …

Smorgasbord Funnies 2024 – Hosts Sally Cronin and Debby Gies – Dieting Tips and Getting the Message across

Is Christmas Too Commercial?

Sometimes I wonder why Christmas is still so very popular. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love the festive vibe. It is great finding an excuse to get together with friends and family and share a laugh (or a drink).

But fewer people are religious these days.

In the UK Census of 2021, only 46 percent of citizens said they were Christian, and many of these were loosely so (not actually actively doing anything about it). 37 percent said they belonged to no religion at all.

Yet Christmas stays significant and hugely popular.

I just hope it is for the right reasons.

Are We Obsessed With Presents?

For me, Christmas is a tradition. A wonderful winter time tradition. Sadly the wintry aspect has fizzled away, as we rarely get snow in England these days and certainly not during the Christmas break.

But when I speak to my students, Christmas is mainly about presents; Being given nice presents.

When I dig down and ask about why they celebrate Christmas, present receiving is the main reason. This is fair enough for children but many adults are the same.

I recently asked five different friends why they celebrate Christmas and they all said it is about the present giving. They were busy fulfilling shopping lists and worrying about getting those particular gifts that were expensive and difficult to get hold of.

To add to this, many of the people I spoke to who said they were Christian knew very little about Christianity.

One of the reasons several people gave was that they were Christened when they were a baby.

They had never been to a church since, other than for weddings and funerals.

Anyway, you must get what I am saying by now.

Christmas is about consumerism first and foremost. That is the reality of modern Britain.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with that but I just wish I could rekindle the festive spirit and get people to care more about being charitable and sharing experiences with people at Christmas time.

And Finally

At Christmas time retail industries make their most profit. They often hike up prices to make the most of the consumerism associated with Christmas.

Whether this is a good or bad thing, you can be the judge. It certainly seems to have moved away from community spirit and celebrating Jesus’ birth and more towards, ‘How big will my present be?’

What are your thoughts on this matter?

Has Christmas become mainly about buying presents and greedy recipients?

For a recent article of mine, check out Wonka – A movie review. Also consider following my blog for similar future content.