Arts and Culture

The Dark Knight Rises – Initial Thoughts

The Dark Knight Rises – Initial Thoughts

I had just turned sixteen when I watched Batman Begins in the cinema. I liked Batman, and had read a few of the comics, my first ever “serious” comic being The Dark Knight Returns (so that left an impression), but I wasn’t a fan per se. But it’s thanks to Christopher Nolan that I grew more and more invested in the Batman mythos and character. THIS was a Batman I was completely fascinated by. Now, four years on since The Dark Knight hit the big screen, we come full circle to the final film installment of Nolan’s Batman series. I had to see it on the opening night, regardless of whether I had work the next day, I just HAD to be there.

And what a way to say goodbye (as it were)!

I’ve been a good kid and not paid too much attention to all the teasers and trailers and interviews and reviews, so I was still quite in the dark about the film’s progress and story of the movie when I went into the cinema (but that’s not to say I didn’t meet some Tumblr spoilage). This is a film with such an extensive level of expectation and hype that it’s simply impossible to please everyone, so the less you know, the less disappointed you will be. And that proved to work in my favour, as I loved just about every minute of The Dark Knight Rises, give or take a few issues, but that was a given.

I probably will write a full review after I see it for a second time next week, as it’s just one of those movies that warrants multiple viewings, but I thought I’d jot down my initial thoughts here. And open up a forum for anyone who’s seen it and would like to chat about it!

So please don’t read on if you’ve not seen it. SPOILERS ABOUND. 

Soundtrack Review: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries – Music from the Television Series (2012)

Soundtrack Review: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries – Music from the Television Series (2012)

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is one of the most lavish and endearing costume dramas on Australian television, and it’s been a delight to look forward to a new episode every Friday night (only three left now—sad face anyone?), considering I hardly stay committed to watching live TV. It owes its popularity to a strong cast with great chemistry, slightly absurd but charming murder plots with a touch of Christie grandeur, meticulous set and costume designs and that quintessential Australian-ness. 1920s Melbourne has never looked classier.

And then there is the fabulous music.

Illustration Friday: Swamp, Return

Illustration Friday: Swamp, Return

Have been so busy of late I’ve not had time to do any illustrations, but I whipped these up quite quickly: This week’s prompt: Return. I have a library books overdue so it’s been on my mind a lot … Last week’s prompt: Swamp. This drawing pretty much correlates with the above too! Or my [...]

Your Mission is to Watch Danger 5!

Your Mission is to Watch Danger 5!

Australian comedy is at its most unrecognisable yet most unique in the fantastic show that is Danger 5, a six episode action comedy screening on SBS. I happened upon it after reading an article about the show in the Green Guide, and once I saw it was by the guys who did the YouTube sensation, [...]

Illustration Friday: Shades

Illustration Friday: Shades

Strangely enough it occurred to me after I drew this that I could have done something really perverse with the word shades (I guess THAT infamous fanfic is prevalent in many minds these days) but I think the shades of bygone fashions are infinitely more interesting… wouldn’t you agree?

Mad Men Party: Day One: Nostalgia and Design

Mad Men Party: Day One: Nostalgia and Design

I am one of the many, many fans who are more than eagerly awaiting the fifth season premiere of Mad Men, which begins airing on AMC in the States on March 25. It’s been nearly a year and a half since season four ended, and we are simply salivating for more.

So on a wild whim, for the next six days I am celebrating the new season premiere by having a Mad Men party. All are invited, wild conversations encouraged, and drink drink drink till your liver collapses! OK, so it’s a virtual party, and I don’t recommend binge drinking, but it’s all about the vibe. I’ll be covering bits and pieces of interest, including design, music, cocktails, book reviews, viral randomness and a season four catch up for the forgetful—it has been a very long time, after all.

Illustration Friday: Yield

Illustration Friday: Yield

Alas, I broke my 9 (10?) week Illustration Friday streak simply for not having enough time last week (I will get to it this week though)—it was absolutely horrendous, trying to appease three clients’ deadlines. So, despite feeling so exhausted I had to do something non-work related. Maybe my strong desire to behead certain demons, [...]

Illustration Friday: Capable

Illustration Friday: Capable

I probably do have a bit of a hand fetish, but it’s not hard to understand why hands are so compelling, than say feet (eww)—what delicacy, what violence, what tenderness, what motions human hands are capable of. It’s fascinating. For me, I like watching people work with their hands, especially crafts. My mum’s a fine [...]