Creeps up and tucks you in

Despicable Me (released 9/10/10)
****

A cutesy, super-villain extravaganza with explosions galore, this film has it all. In the aftermath of Pixar's Toy Story 3, Universal Films and Illumination Entertainment get together, with comedy geniuses such as Steve Carell (Gru), Jason Segal (Vector), Russell Brand (Dr. Nefario), and Julie Andrews (Gru's mum) who is making her next animated appearance since Shrek 2.

We follow evil inventor come super-thief Gru, as he trundles simply through life with a freeze gun. When news comes in that the Great Pyramid in Egypt has been stolen, Gru is outraged to discover that someone is possibly a better super-villain that he is. In light of this, he goes to the bank to get money to fund his next, bigger than big steal. He is not alone though. His minions, creative, yet nonsensical yellow cheesy puffs almost always save the day, and Dr. Nefario who's old age begs him forgiveness for his evilness. He resembles a future Russell Brand, a master of looking like a mad professor.

The film grasps at a level deeper than what we see. I cannot help but feel it does this to be on par with the Toy Storys, who have appealed to the old and young because of their ability to touch on subjects such as growing up, old-age and separation. However, Despicable Me is more an adult story of lost childhood, but tentatively pulls the heart strings of all generations. The large explosions and impossible missions make it a cross between The Incredibles and Up but never reaching that height of a deeper reality. In all a good film for both parents and children, and even students whom might empathise more with the minions. Gru's change of heart might leave you feeling a little icky but his harmless evil is still there, making it the best of both action and sentimentality.

A Passion in a Madman's Head

Shutter Island (released 12/03/10)
Here's just a short review on the film I only saw recently.

A passion in a madman’s head, like the storm that engulfs the island provides the theme for yet another stunning film by Scorsese. DiCaprio’s boyish features are furrowed as he takes the lead role in this psychological drama of inspired direction. The plot torments its protagonist like it slowly torments its audience with signs that something is not quite as it seems, finally resulting in a twist of disturbing realisation. In what we believe is the story of an escaped prisoner, Scorsese violently hits us with repeated visions of bloody, murderous war, a sight that could only mildly prepare us for what is to be revealed in the last half hour of this film. Richter’s original music captures the sorrow and devoted determination of Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) to forget his past. This is a film with the message that love can lead us to delusion: love will drive us mad.

Can running combat dementia?

We are all aware that running can help us lose weight, improve our cardiovascular system and lower cholesterol, but it can also have a positive effect on our mental and social well-being too. According to TheRunningBug which lists the top 10 benefits of running, it also improves our mood and gives us opportunities to meet other like-minded runners.

I have started running as a way to pass time over the summer, but what I noticed as I approach my 40 minute boredom mark on the running machine was that I was feeling content. This time I had taken my mum with me who has recently become a fully-paid member of Horfield Leisure Centre. Before hand, I regret to say I may have been in a foul mood with her, mainly due to this boredom, partly due to her driving abilities. Nevertheless I was not in a talking mood. After we left and made our way out to the car, I felt back to my chatty self and slightly regretful for being moody, though I didn't let her drive home.

On TheRunningBug the is a link to an article on the snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan and why does running relieve depression? Ronnie O'Sullivan runs everyday, clocking up 50 miles a week. He admits he was on prozac when he won his first title but now running has become his therapy. Professor Lewis Wolpert, 78, too says that running has helped defeat his acute depression. "The standard story is that vigorous exercise increase the levels of endorphins in the brain and this gives one a sense of well-being, it also raises the heart rate which is good for us," says Mr Wolpert.

Depression may double dementia

Depression and dementia share the same symptoms

The World Cup

There is a lot of football on TV at the moment, this is what I feel. The rather tense match between the host country's best hope, Ghana, and Uruguay, left me feeling a little less sentimental about the whole thing, it would have been nice for the team and the African supporters to have at least seen their country go through to the semis or final, purely for the reason that it was THEIR country and they should get a place by default. But unfortunately it doesn't work like that and you cannot deliberately change the outcome of the game, unless you are in China. "Come on on Ghana", I say, my new adoptive country even if they lose.

Watching this match with my mother summed up the attitude I think many people have about the world cup, this is what she had to say. As our conjoint support of Ghana was silently expressed, she shouts, "come on you big girls blouse with your head band" - about a Uruguayan player. Uruguay then score and she goes, "YES". Confused, I ask, "But I thought you were supporting Ghana with me, plus you just suggested they were 'girls'". Pause. "You just like goals don't you?", to which she replies, "yes". Enough said.