Metal Mummy

Normally, I’m not a fan of Sandra Bullock. I can’t say I’ve even remotely enjoyed her in many of her previous films, and even the ones I did were at a push. I’m not even sure what it is about her that I can’t quite get to grips with either. She’s a good actress; it may just be the films she has picked to be part of in the past that I’m not a fan of.

That being said, when I had the opportunity of reviewing the Blu Ray edition of “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”, I was a little dubious. It had her in it. But then, it also had Tom Hanks, who I think could easily be placed in the top 10 best actors of all time.

Nominated for the Best Picture award at the Oscars, Extremely Loud… has received plenty of critical acclaim. Based on a novel written shortly after the 9/11 attacks, it focuses on a little lad, Oskar Schell. His father, played by Tom Hanks, died in the 9/11 devestation and was much adored. Oskar suffers from what is believed to be Asperger’s and with the help of his dad, has always shone and wants to find answers following his dad’s death.

After finding a key hidden in a vase in his father’s closet, Oskar is determined to find out what the key is for in a last ditch attempt to regain the closeness he had with his dad during their fun expeditions and also for way of closure. Along the way, he meets various other characters, each with their own stories, as he battles his issues in order to complete what he has set out to do. Credit where its due to Sandra Bullock – she was bloody good in this, playing the part of Oskar’s mother. Although she isn’t a “main” character, the pivotal storyline is really touching.

I have to say that the friendship between Oskar and a mute lodger, played by Max von Sydow, was a really interesting part of the film – it fills the story with a little humour but you do wonder whether there are unanswered questions between this mute guy and Oskar’s family. That’s one problem with this film, but I guess it adds to it; there are a lot of unanswered questions.

Thomas Horn, who played Oskar, was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Such great talent from such a young actor – he played the role perfectly – a lost boy in search of answers and grieving the loss of his best friend, his father.

I’m not going to lie. I cried. I have been known to cry at Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Jeremy Kyle, so this alone isn’t a fact that will make you race out to watch this film. For someone who doesn’t really “do” heartfelt stories though, I enjoyed it very much. Very powerful. Just make sure you decide to watch it on a day where you don’t want lighthearted entertainment – that’s one thing this film ISN’T good at.

You can buy Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close now, for £15.99 on Triple Play.

Also in my little goodie box was a copy of The Blind Side – again, not normally something I would ordinarily watch, but James and I gave it a shot one evening and I was pleasantly surprised; particularly with Bullock’s acting prowess. No wonder she won an Oscar for it. Based on a true story, the film focuses on a homeless teen and a woman’s determination to settle him into “normal” life and to show his full potential as a sports star. It’s a really good film – especially if you’re up for an uplifting movie. It takes me a while to have one of those evenings, because I’m too into my horror and crime, but when the inclination arises, this film is perfect for it.

***We were given a copy of both the above titles for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. I really do cry at Jeremy Kyle. VERY occasionally.***

What with the wedding madness, I very nearly forgot to review this on the blog. Shame on me. However, amidst packing for the honeymoon and reading through Barcelona guide books, I managed to find a spare moment.

Galt Soundtracks is a fabulous little game for a rainy day. Priced at around £6, it won’t break the bank and will keep your little ones (and you) entertained.

The aim of the game is to recognise a multitude of familiar sounds. Complete with a CD, players need to match the sounds they hear with the colourful pictures on their game board. The first person to match all their pictures is the winner. Freyja has always had quite a long concentration span and with this game, she was no different. At 3 years old, she thoroughly enjoyed playing this game for the length of its duration – particularly enjoying the sound of the guitar (I’m adamant she will be a rocker when she gets bigger – she’ll grow out of her pink phase one day.)

Freyja really enjoyed this game and I can see it being used for many more times to come. Simple concept but fun for all the family. Nice one Galt!

You can purchase it from Top Toy Box with an RRP of £5.99 – cheaper than a lot of other retailers!

***We were given a copy of Galt Soundtracks for the purpose of this review. All opinions are our own. Freyja WILL grow out of her pink phase. One day.***

Me: You gonna give me a kiss Freyja?
Freyja: No. Daddy will give you a kiss when he gets home from work.
Me: So you’re not going to as well?
Freyja: No. Daddy will. WHEN HE GETS HOME FROM WORK.

Oh, OK then. It’s not like I gave birth to you or owt love.

My other half is a bit of a sucker for F&B’s. Regardless of what a meal out is in aid of (more often not it’s because we have a bit of spare cash at the end of the week), he’ll always opt for the New York Italian diner-style restaurant. I don’t really know what it is about the place that appeals to him but he loves it.

We’ve been a few times since Freyja came along and our meals have either been lovely or not so great. I think it must correlate with how busy it is, or how many hands there are on deck in the kitchens. It’s never been so bad that I wouldn’t return though, so when we were offered a £50 voucher to go and sample some of the new menu, we kindly accepted. We’re good like that, y’know.

One Saturday last month, during one of my not-often-enough days off, the three of us toddled down to our local F&B’s in Portsmouth to try and spend our voucher. Despite the restaurant being busy, we didn’t have to wait for a table and were shown to a booth. Freyja was given some colouring materials and a little puzzle book (a little old for her, but fine for her scrawl) and we were asked what drinks we would like, which were served fairly quickly.

For starters, we chose to have calamari and the button mushrooms. Both were served piping hot and extremely yummy. We chose, from the children’s menu, a pizza for freyja, which came at the same time as our starters. Considering she’s only 3, she managed to eat almost all of the pizza that was bigger than her head, so she must have enjoyed it.

For our main courses, we chose a full rack of BBQ ribs (regardless of what else is on the menu, James will ALWAYS opt for ribs) and a warm chicken salad. James’ only complaint about his ribs were if they were a full rack, they must have come from a pretty small pig (he’d eat is way through the BBQ ribs of a horse if he had the choice). Other than that, the meals were lovely. Our waiter checked on us once, so didn’t overdo it by asking us how things were every chance he had. Drinks were replenished as soon as they began to run low and the puddings were amazing.

Three course meals for both myself and James, plus a kids menu for Freyja, plus drinks and it still came to less than £50 – ruddy good value if you ask me.

Frankie & Bennys can be found all over the country and are well worth a visit. The only thing that ever annoys me about the place is when they dim the lights and sing Happy Birthday to whatever guest is celebrating it. Slightly annoying, but then that’s just grumpy me.

***Frankie & Bennys gave a complimentary £50 voucher for the purpose of this review. All opinions are our own. James really could eat the ribs of a horse. Or possible an elephant, even.***

Metal Mummy has a new competition for all of you lucky readers! High Street retailer Argos is generously giving away a Lego Friends Heartlake Vet Playset, worth £39.99.

Heartlake Vets has all the time in the world to dedicate to its animals – with a little help from Mia. All of the Heartlake City animals can be examined, have their temperatures checked, have ice packs applied and have their heartbeats checked, as well as getting x-rayed and weighed.

This is the chance to play vet – and most children, at some point, dream of becoming a vet when they grow up. Well, this is the perfect way to practice through the world of lego games – they can also treat the animals with medicine to get them back to perfect health – a happy ending for everyone!

Want more animal toys? Argos also stock Fisher Price Little People toys including the ‘Farm Playset’ and the ‘Noah’s Ark’ (with extra animals)

The winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received. The winner will be notified within 28 days of the closing date. The prize is as stated: no cash alternatives are available. This competition is open to UK entrants only.

To enter, all you have to do is comment below with what your favourite LEGO toy was (or is!). Please leave some form of contact detail as well, so that we know how to notify you if you are the winner!

Competition ends 23rd May 2012. Good luck!

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions