X-Factor mark II

Blakeborough

I know its probably overkill to write two posts in one day, but I really needed to rant about X Factor again. Having told a group of pretty dire and untalented yet mildly attractive youths that they would have to go home from boot camp, Louis Walsh 'suddenly' (note my cynicism ITV. Staged? Never.) decided that he wanted them all to have another chance and that they would have 24 hours to make themselves into a boy band and a girl band. I'm sure that Walsh's unusual insistance on a boy band which would no doubt end up under his expert tutiledge was just incidental.
When it came around to the auditions, it probably came as a surprise to no-one that both 'bands' were rather good, and seemed to have had considerably more preparation time than 24 hours. Of course they were voted as the best things since sliced bread and so went through.
I wonder whether the judges already know who the winner is going to be, as I notice that you see very little of the said person until the very last stages. Ooh, I do so love a conspiracy so I kind of hope so!
Oh, and Dannii? Don't try to be a bitch, it really doesn't wash when you have tears in your eyes during some of your more cutting remarks. We all know you're as cute and cuddly as your sister in real life *cough*

The Alan Titchmarsh Show

Blakeborough

Since having something of a life during the summer months I haven't really had much time for daytime television, specifically around the hours of 3pm. Having said that, I found myself with some time on my hands one afternoon last week. I was surprised to see that 'The Alan Titchmarsh Show' being advertised. "Not that guy that likes flowers and hangs out with the woman that doesn't wear a bra, surely?!" I thought to myself, but tuning in at the appropriate time the next day, it turned out that it was indeed "nobbut" Alan Titchmarsh, esteemed plant fancier. Now to me, Alan is grouped in the same category of 'celebrity' as Carol Vorderman or Natasha Kaplinsky; not as pointless as say Jodie Marsh, but not quite as important as Phil and Fern...or the Queen. Who'd have thought he could turn out to be a witty and pleasant chat show host; albeit inoffensive to the point of being ultra PC and a wee bit dull.
In the couple of shows I've seen, he's had some genuinely pretty famous guests (Petula Clark), a very informative debate about being able to specifiy withdrawal of life perpetuating treatment should you one day fall into a coma, and some lovely flowers scattered around the set I imagine have come from his garden at home. Unfortunately the debate was marred by that intolerable Carol Malone woman that works for the Sunday Mirror constantly calling Paul Ross, 'John'. You could see Alan dying to correct her, but being too damn polite to do so. God bless him.

X Factor

Blackett

So here we are at that time of the year again where the TV gods think that the general public of the U.K. are wanting to go into some sort of hibernation and not think about what they are watching and force upon us the wonderful world of reality television. I do realise that Big Brother has been with us this year for what feels like forever but as of today the other behemoth of made for a penny programming has returned. Yes X Factor is back. Now this post is not about the really obvious and blatantly tripe media hype that Louie Walsh has been trying to build up this week but the much talked about and controversial lowering of the age limit to the tender age of 14.

Now to me 16 sounds likes a proper age to enter this show, some one of this age in theory at least will have been in school for a good number of years and possibly have GCSE’s. They will also have suffered failure at some point and learned how to cope with it and gained emotional maturity. To put some one at the age of 14 infront of incredibly harsh judges edges on child cruelty and seems like wasting a year of a childs life. There is no way that schooling can continue with the busy schedule of appearing on this show and even if the child was to win looking at the current trend of people who have won only Will Young has been able to sustain his career due to the fact he writes his own songs and emotional maturity. Thoughts and opinions welcome.

Blakeborough

It reallly is a rather revealing testament to this programme that although we haven't blogged for what seems like an age, this manages to raise enough bile within us to make us sit down and form sentences.

I honestly thought that I cared so little about the X Factor that the lowering of the age range wouldn't bother me in the slightest as I would be one of the 2 million or so 'casual' viewers of the show. However, after the very first episode in the new series, I find that I have to agree with Blackett. Although there was some genuine talent that arose in the 14 year old category, I found myself wondering what harm would it have done the wee girl who was put through to wait another 2 years and then enter the competition. If anything she would have time to develop her already beautiful voice further and learn a little bit more about the cut throat world of music before she was completely destroyed by the experience at such a young age.

Of course the producers of the X Factor are only going to show the particularly good or bad auditions, but I hate to think of all the mediocre sprogs who entered the show with a song in their heart and left disappointed and undermined. Those are the ones I really feel sorry for. Average children who were once told they could sing, never really offend anyone, but just aren't anything special musically. How many children went home with their parents after being told that they gave a 'not bad' audition, but will never even appear for a brief moment on the programme they so worship.

And whilst I'm on the subject of parents, I find that the lowering of the age limit only gives those pushy 'showbiz mums' the chance to force their little darling into a life of fame at an earlier age than ever. Personally if I was an organiser of the X Factor I'd have a screening process for any of these parents. I find that they live their failed lives through their innocent and hardworking children tantamount to abuse.

So as I wander from the point, I'll end this post.

Doctor Who episode 3- 'Gridlock'

WARNING: Spoilers.



Blakeborough

I'm sure a time is going to come where our faithful two and a half readers will be sick of us reviewing each episode of Doctor Who; but this is a weekly evening of joy for us, and somewhat of a communal event these days, so you'll just have to put up with it.

Anyway. This week's episode, somewhat built up by the stunning teaser we were privy to last week and the worry that the football would delay 'Gridlock' by a week, means that I had high expectations for the Doctor and Martha's third outing this series.
Now, some people may have noticed that I like to rant, and can usually find a large amount of fault with most things, but I have to say that on this occasion, and of course in my opinion, 'Gridlock' was flawless. This was a far darker and emotional episode than we are usually treated to; set in a Blade Runner esque New New York on New Earth, long after our current planet's demise. Whereas the CGI and the set pieces were really impressive for a television series, at one point taking on a widescreen rolling cinematic shot that wouldn't seem out of place in the latest Sci-fi opus, the main thing that made me sit stock still in my chair was the acting.
Freema Agyeman is proving herself over and over again to be the perfect choice for the new Doctor's assistant, at one point actually making me sob just from a welled up look on her face.

I don't want to go on too long, but obviously most Who fans will have been watching this episode for the return of The Face of Boe and ex sister of plentitude Novice Hame. I actually wept as Boe gave his life for the people of New Earth hinting that Novice Hame becomes the new ruler of Earth. And yes, The Face of Boe did impart his long awaited secret to the Doctor. Gallifrey is gone, but "Timelord, you are not alone." Even writing it I have a little shiver of delight.

I personally cannot wait for next week...because it's time for the return of the Daleks!!!!
I may have let a little excitement wee out.

Fast Foods

Blackett

So advertising bans are spreading. What will this mean to print media. The death of advertising of junk food during childrens programmes has already sucked away funding of citv so that it has reduced its childrens programming down to 5hours a week, which leaves the BBC to rain supreme which is ok for now but the effects of this has the possiblility of making CBBC lazy and lothargic as there is no competition so no drive to make things better.

What could this mean for print media though. First of all it means the death of free sweets on magazines. The extnesion of the ban also means no more celebrity endorsement of products meaning crap toys in happy meals. And some childrens magazines/comics are bound to crash and burn on the 1st of July when this ban comes into effect. Hopefully this will mean children will eat more healthy, but I think it has the possibility of deamonising junk food the way that alcohol and smoking is therefor making it 'cool' and more children will eat it in secret.

A solution to the porblem of fat children will not only be found in advertising bans but in educating children and parents on what is healthy and even how to cook.

for more information on the on coming ban please click here.


Blakeborough

Well, what can you say really? Yet again the government has decided that we're not allowed to do something. I totally agree with Blackett about the demonising effect that this will have upon junk food; kids will eat these types of food in secret, and whereas that doesn't sound as bad as them smoking behind the bike sheds and sticking needles in their arms, anything that is done without the knowledge of their parents, particularly whilst they are young can only be bad in my book.
Now, I'm a great one for the phrase 'moderation', and although it does seem to be the watch word of beauticians, dieticians and any other kind of 'ician' around, I really do think that diet when considered properly and things enjoyed within reason is fine.
I personally always had sweets on the magazines I bought-or were bought for me- when I was teeny, as did the vast majority of people that I know, but I really cannot think of anyone I know that I would describe as having a serious health affecting weight problem. Again, I really agree with B, that parents have a responsibility to watch what their children are eating. Now, some people are going to argue that you can't watch what your child eats at school etc, and I am totally with you, but surely making junk food a 'forbidden fruit' is only going to make things worse.
I'm not a parent, but I'm assured by my own Mother that its hard enough trying to persuade children that drugs, drink and sex are bad things (at least until a proper age for the last two) but adding another thing that a parent has to worry about as a 'danger' just seems silly to me.


There are always going to be overweight people, but you cannot solve the current problem of mass obesity by a country-wide limitation on all things lardy. No. If people want to lose weight, because they feel unattractive, or they're unhealthy or for whatever reason, they will. Kids do not like fruit and vegetables as a rule, but if parents allow sweets and chocolate as a part of a otherwise balanced diet, then surely they must be setting a decent example? Banning things does not work. Especially from children. I know, I still am one.

Debt companies

Blackett

I was having my nosy through media guardian today and found it funny that finaly the debt companies and their highly irritating adverts are being put under the spot light. This amuses me as it was the debt adverts and the cheapness of them that caused this blog to be created. Ban them, ban them all........except what would entertain me during adverts?

Doctor when?

Blackett

The BBC seem to have thought that football is more important than Doctor Who. If you have not heard this weeks episode of the doctor may be postponed by one week if the 'match' on Saturday goes into extra time and instead the episode Rose will be shown. Was the red button not put there for a reason, during times like this should the red button not be used and the football thrown over there or possibly put the Doctor on BBC2. Im annoyed by this not only becasue it means my weekly dose of Mr Smith and Miss Jones will have to wait a week but also a whole load of scheduling has to be moved around, such as Doctor Who on BBC3 and Confidential has to be moved, issues of Radio Times have to be re-edited and the various Doctor Who magazines have to change their publishing date by another week, this has already happened once this season (the series was meant to start the week befor it did) so why should it happen again. BOOOO.

Elmo

Blackett

There is very little I can say on this other than. I WANT ONE. I forget how lucky the children of this world are that it is perfectly acceptable for them to watch cute little animals be adorable and cute. I love you Elmo.

Titanic 2

Blakeborough

Its been a while since I first saw this, and I'd forgotten how well made and convincing this fake trailer is. So many people to this day say to me that Titanic 2 was an actual possibility, and I think that just goes to show how excellent this is.
Makes me laugh every time. My favourite bit has to be when Jack is searching Google for Rose.

Blackett

This is amazing. I had never seen it befor. I looved the crack pot ideas that floated about after Titanic was such a big hit. I think my favourite was the sci-fi romp where Titanic was brought back by aliens and involved some sort of floating about in space. If only it had happened.

Interweb

Blakeborough

Now, I'm never one to speak ill of the internet, and specifically email, but of late I've began to notice that for me it's becoming somewhat like that spinster aunt that keeps turning up on a Thursday. I mean, you love her, and you know that she's very clever and inciteful and occasionally has something genuinely funny to say, but sometimes you really do wish that Mr Handsofftheinternet.org from next door would take her out for a nice meal and a bottle of wine and make her loosen up a little before she snuffs it altogether.
By this point you're probably wondering what the beejesus am I going on about, but I'll explain. Much like my fabled (and fictional) lonely aunt, I feel an obligation to the internet. I need to contact her at least once a day just to check she hasn't turned on the gas and shut all the windows, but when I do, I'm assaulted by a barrage of guilt- usually by way of my inbox- from people I'm barely related to, someone I saw once in Sainsbury's and a rather sad overweight man (who shall remain nameless) who took a shine to me at work. I don't reply to these people, yet they keep coming back, and although I do feel bad for quitely shunning them (much as I feel bad for putting auntie dear in the back yard with the lights off and the curtains shut) I really don't know who the majority of them are or why they are contacting me.
"What a bitter old moo." I'm sure you're thinking; "At least people are contacting you. Don't be so bloody ungrateful." Well I'm sorry. Of course it's nice to feel wanted, but I'm sure you too have also experienced similar guilt for not reacting to a message from someone who seems to know who you are, whereas you wouldn't know them from Adam.

And it is in this way that my dubious analogy- which at first I wasn't sure would work- comes together at last. I appreciate the attention of my metaphorical aunt, I love the feeling that in some small way I'm popular for at least three minutes of the day, but I really wish that someone who could fully appreciate the charms of anonymous emails would take her off my hands.

Having said all this, if she did stop visiting and suddenly became offline, I'd miss the hours and hours a week we spend together looking at jokes, doing work, watching porn and generally interacting with the outside world by proxy. I sometimes wonder whether the seemingly natural addiction/obligation to the internet worries anyone else...or if in fact it's just me.

Sunshine

Blackett

I had the privilege to see this film last night and it has been a long time since I was so glued to the screen by such a beautiful film.

As you can see from the trailer the story is about the sun dying and a group of specially trained scientists have decided that it would be a really good idea to dander up there and try and stoke up the fire again with a huge bomb. Of course all does not go to plan because that would make a very boring film and the crew is soon left fighting for their lives whilst trying to save the human race.

Im finding it really difficult to talk about this film with out mentioning the ending which I cant as in true Danny Boyle style about an hour before the end the film completely changes pace and the story changes into a whole new direction. It has been mentioned by some reviewers that the ending is much in the style of Donnie Darko and is hard to understand, personally i didnt have a problem with it and found it both beautiful and moving.

I've mentioned that the film is beautiful three times now but it is not a case of style over substance. Most of the film seems like a love letter to Alien with the action being on board the space ship whith brief glimpses of what is outside, which includes an amazing shot of Mercury travelling past the Sun which is unlike anything I have seen on film, not only because of how it looks but becasue of the actor's reactions. The acting is superb and you truly end up caring about every character , well that is except for Chris Evans who plays typical I'm an ass Chris Evans but even he pulls through by the end of the film. And when difficult decisions have to be made you really feel for every memeber of the crew. I didnt expect to cry during this film but because of the superb acting and the story I found myself welling up on more than one occasion.

However on the down side (I feel as though i hould have down side because i could gush about this film for so long) there are a number of points that distracted away from the film such as a couple of convenient extra mechanical bits and bobs which made a rather big plot point slightly more convenient and the camera work at the end was a little confusing but was clearly a stylistic choice and it does serve the purpose intended, however its still a little confusing. Finally this film is pure sci-fi which means people will hate it which is only a bad point because i loved it so much i feel every one should adore it equally.

New Who

Blakeborough

I had to get in there first. We've (the B and M and I) have just finished watching the first episode of the new series of Doctor Who. New aliens, new storylines and most importantly, new lady. The lovely Freema Agyeman is the Doctor's soon to be new assistant Martha Jones in the TARDIS and the world of intergalactic travels and adventures. As much as I loved Billie (because we want to) as Rose Tyler, I'm thinking that this new one can have a special place in the Sci-Fi portion of my heart.
ANYWAY...the new and much hyped episode was a mere half hour away, and despite an attempt to play the dire Who boardgame, it all came around suitably quickly enough. It's very rare that you get complete silence during a television programme these days, especially from me, but this time I was entirely absorbed. I bloody loved it. The costumes, the quirky one-liners and a brand new darker feel to the plot (I've certainly been put off old ladies bearing straws) all add up to a fantastic start to the series, and I shall be watching every single week to see how it progresses.
I suppose I should let the other two have a say...

Blackett

I dont know what I can add becasue I agree with everything Claire said. Looking forawrd to the many repeats so I can nerd over little bits and peices. Martha did seem to make me forget good ol Rose who I did love but I think I might love Martha even more as she does seem to think alot more and as questions and also point out that the doctors space ship is made of wood, which i always wondered why no one seemed to have pointed this out befor.


The references to Saxon have already started with a poster in the back ground during the final scens and Martha names him earlier on in the episode. I am really looking forward to next week and Martha getting a proper outing in the TARDIS and a travel through time. Finally I want to say I think that the music has improved, not that I havent been a fan but I felt that was a difference in todays episode which seemed to mesh better.

Homophobic films

Blackett

Films like this make me feel a little sick. How they manage to get funding and why A list stars decide that it would be a great idea to be in it is a mistery to me. But what can be done, people do need to learn that gays are for making fun of.

Blakeborough

I have to say that so far I'm not offended by this film. I do wonder how much of my annoyance is swayed by the fact that the sham marriage is for the sake of childrens welfare, but as yet the main thing that puts me off it is that it's yet another Adam Sandler film. Since Happy Gilmore, nothing that he has done has made any sort of impression on me...and its a shame cos he can do this kind of comedy really well when he tries. I don't know that the plot relies entirely on taking the piss of the gay community, rather than later on making an issue of the prejudice the two guys face being a gay married couple.

We'll see I suppose, but I really won't be paying to go and watch this.

Sonic, Mario and Potter oh my

Blackett

There are no words to describe how excited i was yesterday with these two bits of news. First of all the Harry Potter covers are released. Just as I was start to deal with the buzz of this as i wasn't expecting the covers to be shown for another two months the second load of news came through that made me wonder if I am in some of waking dream, or through some sort of good luck fairy, genie magic i have been transported onto "Jim'll fix it" and my one dream (except for creating my own monster in my pocket) has been brought to life, yes the day has come that Sonic the Hedgehog and all those from Morbius (or Earth depending on which game you play) and all those of the Mushroom Kingdom will be coming together.
But first lets get nerdy about Harry Potter.

Im not one to rant about the covers of books and what I think they change, im more for picking at the images in the vain hope that they will tell me a little bit about what is going to happen in the story. The American cover (the bottom more bown one) is a first for America, with a wrap around cover, with Voldermort not being seen until you actually open up the book. A number of things i think are interesting here, first of all Harry and Voldermort dont seem to be fighting each other instead they seem to be attacking something to the right of the cover, They also appear to be in some sort of theatre, as the curtains are obvious to see this is making me wonder if this is some sort of death room, other than the one in the ministry of magic, which it cant be as we can see the sky.

Now argue with me if you think that im wrong but is that or is that not the same peice of jewellry that is described in Grimmauld Place? Are we thinking a horcrux has been sitting under the Orders nose but no one realised. Then there is the UK edition which has so much going on. It looks like Ron will be fighting with more than magic this time, sword in hand. Many a coin floating around so it looks as though Gringotts will be of importance then there is Harry's animagus just standing there. But intrestingly there is a weird cirlce thing on the back cover which I have no idea what it is.

Im so excited about this book and a little sad that its going to be the last one. The covers are looking good and im thinking that if they are releasing the covers this early there are going to be alot more qoutes and parts of the book going to be released. Rol on July 21st.

Then there is the Mario and Sonic news. When i first heard the news I did have a little wee in my seat. But im starting to feel more and more dissapointed about it. Its lovely and great they are finally going to be in a game, but from the description of what these mascots will be up to it sounds like this is going to be a gloriffied wii sports, which means more mini-games for the wii. Obviously I will be purchasing both versions, for the DS and the Wii but I dont have high hopes and due to my Nintendo purist tendencys I'm going to feel a bit sick when i see that a Mario game is going to be published by Sega in Europe in America. But its my problem I will deal with it.

The Lovely Bones

Blakeborough

As the sole literature bod amongst us, I thought it was probably about time that I included a review of one of my favourite media mediums.

'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold tells the story of 14 year old Susie Salmon raped and murdered by her next door neighbour from this protagonists own perspective in Heaven. Having read this book when it was first published a few moons ago, I felt that giving it a second read would be a good thing to do seeing as though it didn't provoke much of a reaction in me whilst giving it a first go on various trains to and from Leicester.
I certainly didn't expect to react in quite a violently melancholy way to it though! This book is terrifically written, unsettling and completely unputdownable whilst never faiing to make me weep like a baby at each sitting. In my opinion this is always a test for me of a good novel. Since I first read Robin Jarvis' 'The Woven Path' where the soul of a WW2 pilot inexplicably trapped in the inanimate body of a teddy bear given to him by his long dead sweetheart is plunged back in time to prevent her grisly death, I have never had such an emotional reaction to fictional characters.

Although at times 'The Lovely Bones' fails to progress the narrative with as much fluidity as I would hope, by the next page, or at least the next chapter the fictional universe is back on track. There are a few moment within the story that I did think were slightly unnecessary, i.e Susie's brief 'fall' to Earth, or entirely irritating- the ending.
Obviously I didn't pay enough attention to this book the first time, but this most recent reading had me actually caring about each character and rushing back to read it, even when something good was on telly! However, I have a gripe. And that, is the ending. If you choose to read this book, you will, like me want to see swift and painful justice be handed out to the killer of Susie, but he elludes capture and instead is doled out his 'justice' in the form of an accident. An icicle to the heart. Nice.
If I'd stopped reading about 20 pages before the end, in fact, at the end of the penultimate chapter, I'd have absolutely no complaints. As such, I just felt a little bit annoyed.


Still...it's definitely worth a read and will definitely raise some interesting thoughts about life after death and the possibility(ies) of heaven.

Blackett

I agree with you here Claire. I loved this book, lots of smiles and crying and then anger. If you read this book your emotions will be flung from one extreme to the next with each turn of the page. Sadly one of these emotions is frustration one of the most interesting characters in the story was criminally under developed, Ruana Singh although portrayed as a mystery and best kept that way it would have been nice to have seen more of her than of her annoying sun and his "I see dead people" friend. They might have worked in another book or even as an extension of this one but in this story Ray and Ruth only serve to distract away from more interesting events.

As mentioned the end of this book makes me very sad, Susie coming back to earth and then wasting the time rather than using to help her family was out of character and made no sense because she can do everything in heaven that she could on earth. it kind of made me think i had missed something in the story but apparently not it is just a random moment. A more interesting ending George Harvey was needed. Death by ice not only implied that Susie some how managed to do it ( because she talks about killing with an icicle being the most perfect murder weapon) but it also seems so cheap for a book that is for the most part amazingly written and a joy to read. I would recommend this book but warn against the ending.

Doctor Who (Trailer 2)

Blackett

And this is the new trailer, bed wettingly good. Role on a new companion. Mucho things to look forward to in this series. The whoniverse is starting to fill my television fantasy needs. I really hope this goes darker with the doctor and that the Daleks remain a highlight of the series and dont do a Borg on us and can be outran, destroyed, bargained with by any middle aged woman who happens to dander across the delta quadrent.

Buffy Season 8

The day came on thursday, Buffy returned form the grave.......again......sort of. The highly anticipated (by me and Claire) first issue arrived on our shores. The life and soul of Buffy and almost every thing loved about Buffy is present in an amazingly written (what else would we expect from Mr Whedon) beautifuly drawn comic. I say almost because a few things were missing but thats only because im greedy. Our favourite ginger haired wiccan is only referenced but not seen, but clearly thats going to be part of a bigger with the re introduction of a Sunnydale survivor. Im really interested to see if the Buffy franchise is going to "feel" the same in this much more epic form of story telling. The buffy gang are no longer a close core gang and there actions are not centralised to the library or magic shop also Buffy seems to have gained a whole load of money with helecopters, command centre and laser guns a go go and with thousands of slayers will this take away from the feeling that Buffy was actually in danger all alone in the world and would scrammble for increasingly desperate measures to get rid of the evil in Sunnydale.

Just some of my thoughts, im going to stick with it till the end any way. It has me hooked and I believe what ever Joss is given actual control over will turn to gold.


Blakeborough

Having now read it for the seventh time I feel I can fully comment on what is promising to be a highly entertaining and possibly seat wetting 8th season of Buffy. I entirely agree with Blackett's thoughts so far, but I'm a little bit concerned that the new army of hi-tech slayerettes is going to hinder the story lines a little. Laser guns and helicopters kind of says 'demon annihilation' to me, and I just wonder what Whedon has planned that could take on this formidable new scooby gang. Also, why are they in Scotland? Ooh err.

Anyway... I just needed to take a second to have another look at the expected cover for issue 3:


Sigh. Nothing can be right in the world until I'm finding out about more of Willow's antics.

Two Worlds...

Morgan

Love it - but not as cool as the.. you wanna come with me series 1 adverts. more later when i'm not at work!

Blakeborough

I bloody well love it. I had small tingles throughout my being when I saw this first. David Tennant on a platter please.

Skins...

Morgan

Starting to like it. Boo.


Blakeborough

I just don't know who you are any more. A Skins boy smiled at me today at Uni. I'm hip.

Blackett

Oh no it has become a sad day. Thought i was starting to like it to but then watched the O.C. and remembered what a script is, i think the people on skins should be reminded of this and a series of controversial images, naked people and durg references does not good television make. Although i am looking forward to when ITV do its own version with c list celebrities actually no wait thats what channel 4 have done. And there is the news that its going to come back for a second series! I wonder what it will try and do next to try and get commented upon in the media, my wish list for second series of skins is alot of plastic surgery i want boys becoming girl, black people becoming chinese and the south park inspired, man becoming dolphin.

De Montfort University TV Advert

Blakeborough

It had to go up eventually. I do like the style of the advert, what with the PlayMobile esque people and all, but I really worry that DMU feels the need for a tv advert. We already have enough of a reputation as a 'mickey-mouse' university that lets anyone in, I kinda think we could have done without the gimicky-ness. However it does reflect how laid back the uni is, and the Campus Centre you see in the background of the final shot really does look that futuristic.
I'd be interested to see how many people who study at DMU saw the advert before they made their choices.

Also, on a side note at the request of several different people, the SwiftCover.com will be reviewed once we can get a hold of the brand new version with the chicken using a computer.
I don't know about anyone else, but these adverts scare the beejesus out of me. More to come.

SKINS!!!!

Blakeborough
Did you watch it? Because if not, you can no longer consider yourself hip and happening. Unfortunately, I did watch it, and if this is what being cool is all about, then colour me loser for I want no part of it. After all the hype, I was kind of expecting to really enjoy it, despite the cringeworthy trailers and bafflingly pointless MySpace page. Alas, it's shocking. Kudos Channel 4 for your expensive and invasive advertising that graces every television break and bus-stop in Leicester, I'm sure it was well worth it. My biggest gripe, other than the horribly stereotyped characters (rich one, depressed one, virgin one, black one) was the complete lack of a plot. Somehow it began with that kid from About a Boy watching some woman with a horrible ass get naked, and ended with a stolen car being driven into a canal. I literally wanted to poke my own eyes out with a sharp object, but felt that I should give it a chance seeing as though my media lecturers have been academically frigging themselves over it. That I was thoroughly unimpressed I’m sure is an unpopular view, and we all know that I'll probably manage to sit through it again this week under duress from the lack of Celebrity Big Brother.

Blackett

Cant agree more, the advertising campaign for this wonderful piece of drama seems to invaded every orifice of my life. Well done channel 4 for trying a new approach to advertising a show (360 advertising I think is the buzz word for this blanket advertising style) and it did work and sparked genuine interest from some of my friends but must say it did make me want to burn off my own skin so I would no longer be associated in any way to the programme.

Gears of War Xbox 360

Blakeborough
Love this advert. Yes, 'Mad World' is overused, but it makes nice change to have a decent cinematic advert for a game rather than 30 seconds of promotion from a 'celebrity'. John Terry, you are guilty of this.

Blackett

I really enjoy this advert. Its a rare game advert where you actually get a feel for the story rather than "this is how pretty the game is!" or trying to make a game controversial in some way so no advertising needs to be done because the tabloids have done it for you (Rockstar this is of course you.) What I really like about this advert is the ending of it, I found myself wanting to learn more and find out what happens next, I cant think of another game advert that has made me think that way before, I think future games should take a leaf out of this book well done Epic Games.

Toys 'R' Us

Blakeborough

I'm sorry, I know its an oldie, but it had to go in. There's a giraffe on the checkout! It was never so much the advert itself that I loved, it was the song. I used to have Disney 'Robin Hood' taped from ITV, and this advert was on before it started. Ahh, nostalgia.

Blackett

The only problem that I with this advert is that it is no longer on t.v. I used to think that I was the blonde child. Although looking at this advert now I'm noticing that it seems to be promoting slave labour in children and forcing them to work all night, also why is every one white. Oh the joy of adverts when they did not have to be pc.

Chanel no.5

Morgan
Are you having a laugh. Boo. It's perfume Baz, not Moulin Rouge.

Blackett
I love this advert. Baz uses elements of the red curtain trilogy to show how extravagent, beautiful and elegant channel is. Ok the story is similair to Moulin Rouge but thats beacuse it's the archetypal love story of people falling in love from two different walks of life and in a couple of minutes you cant tell a whole new story and people be conected to the characters so that is why its like mini moulin rouge. I love this advert, and I love you Baz.

Blakeborough
Sorry Blackett, you're outnumbered on this one. The only reason that Baz made this advert was due to the large wad of cash he was offered to try and rejuvinate Chanel No 5's failing sales. No moral highground here, I'd have jumped at it like Vanessa to a cake. Unfortunately huge production cost does not make a good advert. Case in point...ugly Citroen bubble car.

Blackett
Im not saying that he didn't make it for a bundle of cash, it was well reported the disgustingly large amount of money that Nicole got paid for being in it. But there is no denying that the advert looks fabulous and no matter how twee the story may be its an amazing piece of cinematography and a perfect example of how to make even the shortest film look glamorous.

Blakeborough
Quite right, there is no denying that the advert is in a league of its own visuals-wise. However, I can't help but cringe throughout, knowing that Ms Kidman is taking it entirely seriously.
Come on Baz, you're an amazing director...did you really need to go down the Moulin Rouge route so soon after?
Alas, I fear that there is no end in sight for this debate.

Orange Animals Big Idea 60 second

JUST TELL ME HOW MANY BLOODY MINUTES I GET!!!

well after that, I do actually like the look of these adverts but OH MY GOD, the names of the tariffs only make sense when they're explained. RARRRR , Orange, we love you but really just tell us.

Motorola KRAZR

Blackett

There is very little I have to say about this advert, but it does offend, not only my eyes but my ears as as well. The song is a basic twaddle which attempts to make the phone sound fun, but really how much fun can a phone be unless its placed on vibrate. This advert confuses me with the images that it uses, the sight of a man with what seem to be dislocated arms does not make me want to run out and purchase this wonderful and extremely shiny piece of technology. That is all.

Blakeborough
I don't get it. So the phone is shiny? Like a mirror? And that's the only new feature?
I categorically hate Motorola phones with a passion. Every other phone on the planet has a very similar and simple layout. But oh no, not those kooky cats Motorola. 4,7,*, enter and # later and I still haven't managed to answer a call.