The Dark Knight Rises

Eight years on, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy. (iMBD)

FINALLY, the moment I had been waiting for arrived. Following the announcement of the sequel shortly after the release of the huge and successful 'The Dark Knight' back in 2008, Bale and Nolan return for 2012's hugely anticipated 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

'The Dark Knight Rises' had a lot of pressure in my eyes. Being a huge Batman fan myself, its hard to say that the film wasn't under the pressure due to the commercial success of 'The Dark Knight' and the fact that 'The Avengers' did so well when released this year. Though I thought 'The Avengers' did so well, I can honestly say that 'The Dark Knight Rises' IS a hell of a lot better! (and that's not me being biased). To me, all Marvel films are 'family friendly' and aimed at a specific younger audience which also allows the older audiences to bring out the kid inside them. It goes without saying that they're made through the fun and 'cheesey' lines that makes them so good! With DC, there isn't any restrictions to what they can do with these films (my point being is that Stan Lee has a lot of say in the Marvel films that are made). Christopher Nolan has took the comic book hero Batman and made a trilogy that can only be described as possibly the greatest trilogy ever made.

I have to take my hat off to Nolan, he and brother Jonathon have clearly thought this film out. The film being 2 hours and 45 mins isnt even considered a negotive. To be honest, I wish it had been 3 hours + long. The vision that Nolan has shown to us over the course of these 3 films, is a reflect of how heroes can exist even when everything seems lost. When you hear or read about Batman, you instantly think of another film about some guy going round defeating enemies and yet even though this guy does so, he's also a symbol for people to believe in and that its not just 1 man who can be this symbol.

Bale's performance in the film is terrific. I was really impressed with how he made Wayne and Batman this broken man who had to rise from the shadows and become The Dark Knight. Back in 2008's 'The Dark Knight', Bale was over shadowed by the incredible performance of Heath Ledger as The Joker. Now, with The Joker out of the equation in this film (and thats not me saying its good that Ledger isnt here now to be in the film) Bale steps up to the mark and prooves to audiences he's still the great actor he is. I could write a pragraph about each individual actor/actress in the film. Tom Hardy's portrayel as the terrorist Bane was just immaculate. There had been a lot of talk revolving around Bane's voice. As you will have seen, Hardy has a big ass mask strapped ever so tightly to his face which therefore affected the hearing of his voice. Wasn't my concern at all. I watched the first 8 mins of the film when it was shown and I could hear roughly what he said, but I knew Nolan would do something. Nolan has his head screwed on properly. Why would he risk the biggest film he's ever made being criticised over something so small like Bane's voice? Nevertheless, Hardy's muscle tone was increased and Batman had an enemy that could inflict as much damage to him as Batman to criminals.

The most surprising part for me was Hathaway's performance as Catwoman. I'm not that big on Hathaway and when she was announced, I didn't know what to think. To be fair, I shouldn't have doubted it as I did the same when Ledger was announced as The Joker and look how that turned out. Hathaway was a great addition to the film and the people who I've seen it with have all said the same about her performance. The entire cast was incredible; Gordon-Levitt, Caine, Freeman, Oldman and Cotillard. Each character had a big significance to the film, some bigger than others *cough cough*.

Unfortunately, the film was shadowed with its own darkness with the tragedy of the shootings in Denver, Colorado in America. My thoughts go out to the famalies effected by them.

'The Dark Knight Rises' is easily my film of 2012. Nolan has been fantastic in making these films. He's created a Batman that no one could ever dream of creating. Rumours have it that Warner Bros. are considering a reboot not long in the future and all I have to say is good luck with that. They can take a new direction with this and I'll support it all the way but Nolan's trilogy will always be seen as THE Batman.

"You'd be crazy to miss it" - Heat

The Amazing Spiderman

Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner. (IMBd)

First there was Spiderman, then a second and then a third. Granted, the first film directed by Sam Raimi was a hit. It made kids love Spiderman however; I always detested Toby Maguire as Peter Parker. Now, in 2012, Marc Webb brings us The Amazing Spiderman and it is truly amazing. With the reboot originally planned to be a 4^th instalment, I’m so happy that it was re-drafted and rebooted. The Amazing Spiderman has literally remade the face of Spiderman.

Andrew Garfield has an exceptional performance as Peter Parker, capturing everything that he is in the comics, you listening Mr. Maguire? Garfield’s performance has left me astounded as to how well he actually was. Not saying that Garfield is a poor actor, he’s been in some good movies, and some, well, questionable ones (The Social Network). The Amazing Spiderman not only has a great story but a great villain. It just all felt right and that Webb has really worked at this. Rhys Ifans plays the terrific Dr. Curt Conners who was briefly touched upon in Spiderman 2 and 3. This time, Conners is the centre of attention; his history with Peter’s father and the fact that he transforms into a huge lizard being on the top spot in this film. Garfield and Ifys play off one another and just always seem to have a connection throughout, whether it’s a chat or attacking each other.

My main concern with The Amazing Spiderman was the use of CGI. From the trailers, it looked as if a lot of this film was relying on special effects and that was a worry. However, it’s not! This was a huge sigh of relief. There is use of some great camera angles and action shots. The 3D as well isn’t a gimmick. Having seen the film in IMAX 3D, I can’t have a say on what just 3D version of the film is like. In IMAX however, it was bloody marvellous.

It’s been said that The Amazing Spiderman is the ‘right film at the wrong time’ with The Avengers stealing the box office and the fact that The Dark Knight Rises is just round the corner (a film that I honestly will cry and pre-ejaculate to) has seemed to overshadow this terrific fun fest film. I still think that The Amazing Spiderman has the capability of pushing aside the competition. It is a strong and great film for the family! Sequels are already planned and set for 2014. Maguire step over, Garfield has just put the mask on and done something you couldn’t ever dream of doing!

Linkin Park - Living Things

Track Listing:

1). Lost In The Echo
2). In My Remains
3). Burn It Down
4). Lies Greed Misery
5). I’ll Be Gone
6). Castle Of Glass
7). Victimized
8). Roads Untraveled
9). Skin To Bone
10). Until It Breaks
11). Tinfoil
12). Powerless

Linkin Park return with an impressive 5^th studio album that has been said to be the best since the debut Hybrid Theory in 2000. Though, It doesn’t seem long ago that Linkin Park were releasing ‘A Thousand Suns’, an album that would change the face of Linkin Park and many fans. Living Things provides another direction for Linkin Park. When first hearing the record, I couldn’t help but think that they had literally sat down, pulled out Hybrid Theory and just listened and analysed it. ‘Lost In The Echo’ was a starting point. The point being that this is STILL Linkin Park. A Thousand Suns seemed to take something from Linkin Park, I personally thought it was a mighty album that deserved more praise. Not many bands would have the balls to do what Linkin Park did. With ‘Lost In The Echo’ having the classic LP riffs and Bennington’s screaming, it is a fitting introduction to the album. ‘In My Remains’ is a lovely follower. Harmonies from Shinoda and Bennington bring in that Minutes to Midnight feel before leading us into first single ‘Burn It Down’. The catchy introduction which is essentially Linkin Park steers the song into a great headbobber.

Living Things has received mixed reviews which seem to be leading fans into a sense that Linkin Park aren’t the band they once were. I have an eye for anything, and as much as I love a band I can always express what I think works and what doesn’t. Living Things is brilliant in my eyes. As I’ve said, the album takes you back 12 years to Hybrid Theory but at the same time brings you back to 2012 wheer music has developed. My personal favourite ‘Lies Greed Misery’ has it all. It’s as sexy as Rooney Mara’s pierced nipples in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. ‘I’ll Be Gone’ and ‘Castle of Glass’ both include terrific vocals from Bennington with additional vocals from Shinoda who seems to have done a lot with this record. Being co-producer alongside Rick Rubin, Shinoda is a great visionary who can see when something is right or wrong. What can I say about ‘Victimized’? Even if you have no desire of listening to the record, this 1:46 track won’t take much of your time. If you like a little of LP then go listen. Shinoda starts the sing with a nice verse before Bennington shrieks down the mic ‘VICTIMIZED NEVER AGAIN VICTIMIZED’. An outstanding track that deserves a lot of praise.

Without going off on one, the rest of the album seems to calm down and musically is terrific. ‘Roads Untravelled’ is a lovely addition before the incredibly catchy ‘Skin to Bone’. My least favourite track ‘Until It Breaks’ still has me thinking to myself after every listen. The song starts oddly and continues until about half way when the song picks up. I love the ending to the song but cant see why the song couldn’t have started the same as the end. The final track ‘Powerless’ (which features in the latest Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter movie) is a wonderful way to end. Gives the sense that there is still more to come from Linkin Park. ‘Powerless’ is just a typical and terrific Linkin Park track. Starts off slow before ending triumphantly.

Living Things is a great addition to Linkin Park’s discography. I’ll always love LP’s earlier material but what they’ve given us now is more produced and generic. It’s a great listen and a huge step for music in general. Living Things provides the Linkin Park fans everything they’ve ever done within 40 mins.

Blink 182 - Live at the Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield

Blink 182
PLUS Twin Atlantic and The All American Rejects

SETLIST:

Feeling This
Up All Night
The Rock Show
What’s My Age Again?
Down
I Miss You
Wishing Well
Dumpweed
Always
Violence
After Midnight
First Date
Hearts All Gone
Man Overboard
Ghost On The Dancefloor
All The Small Things
Josie

ENCORE #1
Reckless Abandon (Acoustic)
All Of This (Acoustic)

ENCORE #2
Can A Drummer Get Some (Travis Barker Drum Solo)
Carousel
Dammit
Family Reunion

Yes that’s right, all of the above was included in Blink 182’s setlist at the Motorpoint Arena during Blink’s incredible European tour this year. Having postponed the tour from last July to this June, fans in 2011 were bitterly disappointed, so much that I saw tickets on ebay going for a huge price. I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed with the push back of the tour, though Blink had their reasons. Neighborhoods wasn’t finished, it’s as simple as that. The wait was most definitely worth it!

With support from Twin Atlantic and The All American Rejects, the night was already promising for a terrific display. Twin Atlantic were first to hit the stage, infront of a semi full crowd who actually could be bothered to get there on time (this is Sheffield after all) they had it all to do. Kick starting their 7 track setlist with ‘Edit Me’, the crowd began to bounce with the upbeat feel  that it has. Other crowd pleases were ‘Make A Beast Of Myself’ and the finale track ‘Free’ which were both exceptional. ‘Yes, I Was Drunk’ (TA’s next single) was probably my most favourite of the set. The slower and more headbobbing track was a track I wasn’t so keen on the ‘Free’ album, though after their display, my opinion was changed. Great performance from the Scott’s.

The All American Rejects followed in great style. Getting the crowd pumping with ‘Dirty Little Secret’ which of course, went down a treat. AAR weren’t as good as I was expecting but I can’t take anything away from them, I own a couple of their records and they are easy listening. Unfortunately, I have yet to hear their latest record but playing new single ‘Kids In The Street’ was the only track of the set I was unfamiliar with. ‘Move Along’, ‘Swing Swing’ and ‘It Ends Tonight’ were all great additions and had echoes of chorus’ from the crowd now growing with every minute passing to Blinks entrance. With great interaction to the crowd and general chit chat with security guards and live team, AAR were exceptional and a brilliant choice for main support acts.

Then came the moment that every 14+ year old in the crowd had been waiting for. The lights went down, and the crowd stared at the curtain in the way of those 3 magical people behind it. The curtain dropped as the first drum beat of ‘Feeling This’ struck revealing a happy faced Mark Hoppus, a stern faced Tom Delonge and the incredible Travis Barker. The crowd couldn’t have reacted aby better. The first 5 songs were crazy as kids were flying everywhere especially to the dark ‘Up All Night’. My only concern was how young the crowd around me actually was. It was unbelievable how young these kids were. This emphasises the impact a band such as Blink 182 has had on the world. Inspiring other bands as well as what they have given the fans. Favourite track on Neighborhoods ‘Wishing Well’ went down a treat but it was ‘Dumpweed’ that made my night. All-time favourite Blink track echoed through the arena as yet again the mosh pits opened and people began to gain self-inflicted wounds. Crowd pleaser ‘All The Small Things’ was obviously a treat, Delonge bringing out his younger mischievous self when changing the lyrics “watching, waiting, mastur-bating”, just beautiful. Having seen Angels & Airwaves earlier this year, I’ve been impressed with Delonges singing lately having seen and heard that his vocal skills weren’t exactly ‘great’. Hoppus and Delonge’s friendship is clearly as stronger than ever. No one can even distinguish a time when these 3 people were at locker heads. Blink was back and better than ever!

Encores are always a thrill, especially when Hoppus and Delonge enter the centre of the arena with acoustic guitars to play 2 tracks that essentially just made the night fantastic. Over the course of the tour, Blink have been playing different tracks (previous nights have included ‘Wasting Time’ and ‘Going Away to College’). In Sheffield, we were treated to ‘Reckless Abandon’ and ‘All of This’ (first time being played since 2004). Barker awaited on stage before hitting the kit for his incredible drum solo. How anyone can say he is not gifted is beyond me. The man is a musical genius, the way his arms move seems impossible. The solo was just beyond belief. If Barker did a solo tour I’d pay anything to go after this display. Hoppus and Delonge re-entered the stage for old classics ‘Carousel’ and ‘Dammit’ before confetti exploded and fell all around filling the arena. Delonge then kept the party going with ‘Family Reunion’. A “shit piss fuck cunt cock sucker mother fucker tits fart turd and twat” was all that was needed to top the night!

Blink’s display was incredible. The support couldn’t have been better and the night was fantastic. They have made the wait for the tour so much worth it. “Blink 182 life. For life”

Prometheus

A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. (iMBD)

First it was going to be a sequel to the brilliant 'Alien' film in which director Ridley Scott scared the shit out of a hell of a lot of people. Then, it changed to a prequel but not a prequel... confused? Simply, Prometheus is a prequel to 'Alien' but not a direct prequel. Same universe, different direction. Scott returns to the genre that started it all for him in this brilliant sci-fi that couldn't be any more sci-fi if it tried.

Prometheus centres on a team who go searching for our creators. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' star Noomi Rapace takes centre stage for her second english film. Her performance is quite brilliant and believable at the same time. It's rare to see someone so believable in these types of films. Sigourney Weaver is probably the only other person I can think to compare her to ironically. Though the film essentially has no 'action' as I've heard some people say, it's still far from boring. Impressive performances from Rapace and the incredible Michael Fassbender bring the film up highly. Fassbender's character 'David', an android in which are very familiar with the 'Alien' franchise. Prometheus is a great and intriguing film that provides the thrills, the sci-fi and of course a great story. However, my only criticism of the film was that everything that 'Alien' had was missed in Prometheus. The suspense was never there, I was never at the edge of my seat trying to see what was coming next. The scares were small and the build ups didn't lead me into a fasle sense of security. On the other hand, the score for the film was magnificent. True sci-fi music was on at hand and viewing the film in IMAX blew you away. At times you felt you were too much in the film.

Though Prometheus succeeded in pleasing most fans, I was left a little disappointed until the final sequence where I literally smiled ear to ear. Prometheus is the ultimate film for scientologists. A good attempt from Mr. Scott and from what I'm hearing of a sequel, it can't be too long before the unanswered questions of the first film will be resolved.

Avengers Assemble

Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans to form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army. (IMBD)

"There was an idea"... and what an idea it was. The Avengers has surely got to go down as the best Marvel film ever brought to us since the first Spider-Man movie. We have waited since the first mention of The Avengers assembling way back in 2008 when Iron Man hit the screens. Finally, in 2012, five years later, comic book fans, you're average beef cake with the hot girlfriend, and every other human being witnessed the start of something much more than a comic book film.

If you have yet to see Avengers Assemble (please note, I will just call it The Avengers, as it should be called in my eyes) then need to worry about spoilers. The Avengers brings out the best in what the latest Marvel films lacked. There is spirit in the film, and the action is enough to make a geek have a wet dream over for the next few years. The main character I was concerened about was the Hulk. In previous films, the Hulk hasn't exactly been, well, brilliant. The less said about HULK the better. Edward Norton's interpritation in The Incredible Hulk however, was a little bit better but am I the only one that thought 'how can such a huge green monster come from that scrwany guy?'. Mark Ruffalo took the stage to take on the part of Bana and in all honest, he did an incredble job (like the pun there?). It feels that the Hulk actually has some ground to base on with Ruffalo's terrific performance. Performances from Robert Downey JR, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans all worked together beautifully. It's as if God himself had made these actors work together and display pure talent in front of our eyes.. maybe not God, thats a bit too far, perhaps somone like... Morgan Freeman? He's the closest thing we've got to a God. The whole concept of The Avengers is remarkable.

The story goes with Thor's evil brother Loki bargains with a charcater named The Other. In exchange for retrieving the Tesseract, a powerful energy source of unknown potential, the Other promises Loki Chitauri army with which he can subjugate the Earth. S.H.I.E.L.D. bring together the greatest hero's we have in defense of the Earth. The Avengers is full of brilliant one liners that leave you in hysterics even after the film has finished.

Having seen The Avengers five times now (three times in IMAX, once in 3D and 2D, just saying) it is going to take something big for The Avengers to not be named movie of the year. This worries me a little as I am a huge Batman fan and later this year The Dark Knight Rises will be hitting the screens. In all seriousness, if you haven't seen The Avengers, you heven't lived. It's that simple.

Charlie Simpson - The Pilgrimage Tour 2012 (live in Sheffield)

Charlie Simpson PLUS
Sam Beeton & The People The Poet

SETLIST
Parachutes
Suburbs
Thorns
I Need a Friend tonight
Down Down Down
Sundown
Cemetery
If I Hide, Will You Come Looking?
Hold On
All At Once
If I Lose It
Farmer & His Gun
ENCORE
Barricades of Heaven
Riverbanks

A stunning performance from the Fightstar frontman shows yet again the incredible talent that Simpson holds. Performing at a sold out Sheffield O2 Acadamy had a good effect on the show displayed before me.
First supporting act Sam Beeton was a lively character who had it all do, first on infront of a crowd eager to see Simpson. Beaeon's performance was a good display of young talent, interacting with the crowd in between songs and highlighting the warmth in himself. His latest single 'Under the Fence' was a pleasant listen which seemed to be his whole set. It was all pleasant and 'easy listening' if you will. But I have to give Beeton credit as he had a tough job to do and he did warm the crowd up for next the next act. The People The Poet started sharply and the frontman (who I dont know the name of) reminded me of a deeper Caleb Followill from Kings of Leon. Their performance was good and got the crowd pumping and prepared for Charlie Simpson.
Then came the moment that everyone was waiting for, the pumping intro to 'Parachutes' kicked and then the sheer screams from the crowd set sail giving a good opener for Simpson. His debut album 'Young Pilgrim' has been out for a good 7 months and so the crowd delivered great vocals in songs such as 'Down Down Down'. It was great to see the reaction from Simpson as it was smiles all round when the crowd sung back at him 'the nights are so long without you...' and then the echoe of harmonies all round the Acadamy. The biggest surprise of the night was the slight change to the setlist where Simpson played the track 'If I Hide, Will You Come Looking?' from his debut EP 'When We Were Lions' rather than 'Lost'. I was looking forward to seeing 'Lost' beeing played but I was also happy with the slight change. Not many people in the crowd knew the song, but appreciated it none the less. 'All at Once' was another shining song that got the crowd pumping as the incredible drum beat intro suggested that maybe people should find a partner to dance with. For me, the encore was the best part of the night (not because it was the end). Simpson's cover of Jackson Brown's 'Barricades of Heaven' features on his latest EP for 'Farmer & His Gun' and so for him to play this was a nice treat. The song was a lovely feature in his set. Then the finale; 'Riverbanks' which proved to be a great song on the last tour did so again as Simpson and the band go full swing into the outro as drums are pounded, guitars are shredded and heads banging. The ending to this track is always a terrific display of post-rock that Simpson brings in from his Fightstar background.
The Pilgrimage Tour is still in full swing and my advise to anyone is, if you havent got a ticket, make sure you damn well get one!