Icy Lake Norman Warm Friendly Faces

Gone Hiking: the details!

the whole group, both teams.

Gods incredible creation and me!

Gone Hiking . . .

4 Days in the mountains for Holy Cross' fall mens hike, should be a amazing as usual, please be praying for the 50 guys who are going and for my knee to hold up. I'll update this with all the details when i get back, more soon . . .

Spurs Revival!?

You may have noticed I have mentioned Spurs much this season, this is mainly no completely down to the awful start we had to the Premier League campaign - 2 points from 8 games. Thankfully that looks like that was then and what is now is a revolution of sorts. We drew 4-4 with Arsenal mid week (see Lennon getting mobbed below after his 93rd minute equaliser) and today we beat Liverpool 2-1! I have no idea how as they dominated for most fo the game but we just hung on in there and took our chances well Carragher helped too! Throw in a 2-0 win against Bolton and thats 7 points in 3 games - much more like it!
I am so happy we aquired the services of Harry 'Houdini' Redknapp and thankful the Ramos saga is over, now all we need is another striker, a ball wining midfield general and a less calamitous goalkeeper. Jermain Defoe, Phil Neville and Paul Robinson perhaps? All is forgiven Robbo! :)

Future Movie Preview

These are the films that I am most excited about that come out in the next 6 months.


1. The Road - The latest Cormac MacCarthy novel to be given the hollywood treatment, this is a set in an apocalyptic future where a father and son have a treacherous journey ahead of them.
Out: 2009

2. Valkyrie - Based on actual events surrounding the secret plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in World War II by German officers this looks incredible.
Out: December 26th 2008

3. The Green Zone - Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass (Bourne) re-team once more but this time in Iraq soon after American troops have captured Baghdad and use it as The Green Zone.
Out: Spring 2009

4. The Soloist - Robert Downey Jnr as an LA journalist discovers a musical genius on the streets in Jamie Foxx and they form a strong relationship - based on a true story.
Out: March 13th 2009

5. Quantum of Solace - new Bond movie - need I say more? Okay Daniel Craig is back to continue in his role as 007 exactly where Casino Royale left off.
Out: November 14th 2008

6. Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood is a disgruntled Korean War veteran who reluctantly helps out his Chinese neighbours with a local gang expect big things!
Out: December 19th 2008

7. Australia - sweeping romantic epic set just before World War II in the rugged Australian terrain where cattle barons dare to take over the land this English aristocrat has just inherited.
Out: November 26th 2008

8. Pride and Glory - Edward Norton and Colin Farrell play brothers in NYPD, one is looking to uncover corruption in the force the other is the man behind the corruption = fireworks!!
Out: Now

9. Appaloosa - Western in the same vein as The Unforgiven and Open Range. Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen come to clean up the town and fall for Renne Zellwegger.
Out: Now

10. Terminator: Salvation - sounds terrible but its got Christian Bale (Batman/The Dark Knight) in it so its gonna be ace. Its finally the future and John Connor needs to save us from Skynet!
Out: May 22nd 2009

Film Review: Body of Lies

Man it seems the war in the Middle East has become the focus of many films like Vietnam did for hollywood in the 80's. There have been so many films on Iraq but then its not that weird really. At first they seemed to be victorious, then confusing, usually dealing with the aftermath and delusions of the troops involved when they returned home. Finally they seem to concentrate on the possible and most likely truth that the war will never end. Body of Lies seems to fit in the latter catergory due to the fact, that like in real life we can't shake the world like that 80's classic toy 'Etch-a-sketch' clearing all the mess, so we can start all over again.
I often feel like the future is hopeless for civilisation - the war in Iraq/terrorism/Islamic fundamentalists among many things that underline the evil that is in the world, including you and me. That might offend you, chucking you in the same group of evildoers as mentioned before but we are all sinners in a fallen world and are all in need of a savior.
The reason I got all serious is because this is serious and even though i went to watch this film for entertainment its hard to fully switch off as horrific things are happening right now in the name of God, country and freedom. And as i sat there in a packed theatre i couldn't help but see all the mess that is in the world.
The film is based on current events and follows the actions of two CIA operatives, one stateside (Russell Crowe - who is very rotund and intimidating) and one in Jordan for the most part (Leonardo DiCaprio - in a role similar to his one in Blood Diamond and The Departed). They are trying to take down a key man in a terrorist ring and so DiCaprio is dropped into a world of deception and suspicion that doesn't let up until the credits roll. This is an intense film and you have no idea how it will end due to the dis-honesty, false truth and lack of trust in every relationship. Crowe plays a man determined to end the war and to take the credit from the comfort of his own arm chair. He is an incredibly focused, arrogant and power hungry man who lives on the phone. His family only have a half a man at most, they are not his priority and DiCaprio's marriage is on the rocks back home too, both men have sacrificed their families for their jobs. How often do we see that in life here too?
Ridley Scott directs the action (and even gets in a few laughs) to the usual high standard that we have come to expect after; Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven, American Gangtser, Gladiator and Bladerunner.
A mix between; Syriana, Michael Clayton and The Kingdom but not as engrossing as In the Valley of Elah. (3.5/5)

Heaven on Earth!

Here a few moments of a spectacular sunset that i had the pleasure of capturing one evening this week as i was heading home. As you can imagine I got home later than I had anticipated due to me marvelling at God's incredible creation the sky as the sunset.
The truth is these photos are poor in comparison to seeing it first hand, you can never grasp it as it is in real life.
I was simply thankful for the opportunity to delight in the beauty of it all, enjoy.

EMPIRE's Top 500 Movies Of All Time!

My favourite movie magazine EMPIRE has just held a poll for people to vote for their top 10 films of all time and then compiled the top 500. Click on http://www.empireonline.com/500/ to check out each and every entry voted for. It’s an interesting list that will confuse, delight and annoy you all in one go, but well worth checking out none the less.
Where are your top 10 films in the list?

My Top Ten Films of all time that I voted for are:

1. Good Will Hunting - 433
2. The Goonies - 378
3. Ferris Buellers Day Off - 88
4. Aliens - 30
5. Gone Baby Gone - Didn't make top 500
6. Finding Forrester - Didn't make top 500
7. Goodbye Mr. Chips - Didn't make top 500
8. It’s a Wonderful Life - 195
9. Hot Fuzz - 374
10. Die Hard - 29

Cool Weather and Gas Prices

AHHHHH it feels so good out! Less than two weeks ago the weather was in the mid 80’s now it is in the low 70’s and its so wonderful. Don’t get me wrong I love the sunshine and we still have it but the heat especially June-August is pretty unbearable at times. Especially for an Englishman who is not used to 95-100 degree weather every day for 3 months! :)
We have been on hurricane watch a number of times in the last month which has been pretty worrying but thankfully nothing has hit us other than some high wind and a lot of rainfall.

Unfortunately something that has been a pain is the price of petrol or gas as they say here in the USA. Again I know its far cheaper here than back home but the prices have jumped around so much recently. In the height of summer it was almost $4 per gallon then thankfully it went down to about $3.40 but then it jumped right back up to $3.90! It seems to be coming down again but we seem to be duped by the oil men so they can make an extra buck. Scary thing is here without gas everything would cease to be as its all reliant on oil!

Music Review: Metallica - Death Magnetic

It’s been 5 years since St Anger and all that came with that problematic album. I personally really enjoyed it even though it was heavily criticized but I have only owned two albums St Anger and the Black album so maybe I don’t anything. The documentary ‘Some Kind of Monster’ made when recording St Anger in 2002 is phenomenal revealing the same force and intensity in each member that has characterized their music over the past 25+ years. You should watch it even if you don’t like their music you find it a fascinating look into the lives of troubled men. So what has become of the band that finally healed after years of internalized anger, drug and alcohol addictions, fear and selfishness?
It would seem that they have continued in the same vein but returned to an earlier sound but with a maturity that comes across the complex thrashing riffs and hefty drum beats. As with St Anger the songs are lengthy but varied as they grow and build. There is even room for an almost 10min instrumental track!
I am still trying to get the theme of the record but the cover art of a grave outline makes me think that they are putting to death something – maybe the past, personal or together. ‘The End of the Line’ is so fantastic it builds and builds until it can’t be held anymore and is unleashed with vicious power and guile. Check it out! (4/5)

Music Review - Chris Tomlin - Hello Love

Not sure what the name is all about as I downloaded this rather than bought the cd! But I have always liked Chris Tomlin’s style of praise and worship; especially live on the Passion compilations like ‘God of this City’. A few of the songs from that live cd are here in ‘Sing, Sing, sing’ and ‘God of this City’ as well as many new ones. My personal favourites are ‘My Beloved’ which is so beautiful and ‘God Almighty’ which has a great orchestral vibe. A fantastic collection of music that will raise Jesus’ name on high where it belongs! (4.5/5)

Music Review - Chemical Brothers - Brotherhood

It’s a amazing that after over 15 years the Chemical Brothers still sound as fresh, hard hitting and downright brilliant as they ever did. This compilation double cd of their best tunes is a great testament to the fact. Yeah you may have most of these tracks from previous albums including the previous compilation from 2003 ‘Singles 93-03’ but it’s the second disc that is the real treasure. The Brotherhood has something that has never been fully available before the ‘Electronic Battle Weapon’ tracks 1-10. These larger than life mixes are where most of the tracks by Tom and Ed have been created. So as you listen to them (in order, back to back is my advice for best results) you will recognize certain songs but maybe not as you know them. This is the closest to a full live mix you will get and its well worth saving the extra few quid for. Not only will you have made a fine purchase you will also be the proud owner of some top notch electro-breakbeat that will get everyone dancing! Disc 1 (4/5) Disc 2 (5/5)

Film Review: Burn After Reading

Urgh!!! After the monster smash of No Country for Old Men I thought I would enjoy the next Coen Brothers movie that looked like a comedy in the same vein as The Big Lebowski. Unfortunately it ended up being more Intolerable Cruelty but not as bad, thank goodness man I hated that film.
I know this wasn’t going to be a run of the mill comic caper. Who else writes a film about an ex-CIA agents memoirs falling into the hands of two dimwits who work at a local gym. However nothing is that simple in a Coen film as the story takes ludicrous turns into a chaotic interweaving finale.
There are a few great moments and lines but the constant f-bombing starts to grind pretty quick, as does all the adultery (I hate 95% of films with either drug use or adultery in) and then there’s the ‘special hand made chair’ that George Clooney’s character shows Frances McDormand. Not a great first date movie that’s all I’ll say!
Not what I was expecting but entertaining in chunks. (2.5/5)

What a summer!

Man what a summer it has been, you have read about Camp Bonnie Doone, my trip back to England and then Will and Helen’s wedding. But after that came a lot of hard work as Will and I prepared for fall semester at Holy Cross.
This was the first time that we had to create and plan the whole year out or semester to start with since JB had left – which was a scary exciting prospect completely new to us!
Thankfully God is merciful and spoke to us both and we are well on our way now almost a month in. At Storm (11-14’s youth gathering) on Sunday afternoon we are looking at how to ‘KEEP IT REAL!’ in our relationship with Jesus, using David and the book of Psalms as the example of how to do that honestly. Its going great so far, Praise God!

There is an awful lot of admin work in youth ministry that people aren’t aware of and for the last 3 weeks of August and the first week of September that’s all Will and I seemed to do. If it wasn’t emails to parents it was designing brochures for the fall or updating the website or postcards and phone calls to students, parents, leaders and volunteers. We updated; student phone lists, addresses and emails, 4 notice boards, student registers, labels, snack and dinner lists for parents, LifeGroups etc etc. My A4 list of To Do’s has lasted me a month – just 3 or 4 things left! :) At first it seemed too high a hill to climb but step by step we are ascending. It’s a lot easier to keep the ball rolling than to start it off we have found out!!

In the middle of all this activity with Nxt Gen Ministries I have met someone quite wonderful and her name is Katie (see pic below when we visited JB, Melissa and Hannah Bennett at Seabrook Island). She and I have known each other for a year through playing footie together on the Holy Terrors team. She is a High School Spanish teacher, beautiful, very encouraging, kind and thoughtful – most importantly she loves Jesus and a huge blessing to me. She is a wonderful surprise from God. :)

Film Review: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Not much to say about this one, other than it wasn’t Star Wars as we know it. It was fun and visually pretty impressive but the plot was as simple as could be and you just didn’t care about any of it – as distant from WALL-e in that regard as you can get. I kind of lost interest when I knew the best scenes had passed and waited for it to end.
I know this was really intended for under 10’s but they could have made it so much more exciting and less ‘prequel cheesy’ – the lines are laughable and often annoying.
This in hindsight was a waste of money especially knowing that was a jumped up pilot for the forthcoming weekly show on Cartoon Network of the same name. (2/5)

Film Review: Tropic Thunder

This may look like the common dumb comedy that is forced upon us but you would be wrong to think that. This has more to say than the usual fare of teen sex comedies that seems to bombard us relentlessly. This has smarts and also is fearless in mocking Hollywood and its award seeking actors that it’s almost painful.
So let me lay down the plot. This is a war movie but Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jnr don’t know it as they are actors, making this a comedy!
As mentioned before the film and its stars poke fun at those in the industry who play roles to get awards like people with mental disabilities – which has caused a lot of negative feedback. This could also be said for Downey Jnr playing a black man, both seem very offensive but that’s not the point – they are revealing what others do to gain fame and fortune. Stiller and Downey Jnr do this in a way that is over the top but with hilarious results.
Jack Black gets better later on laugh wise but he doesn’t offer as much as his brothers in arms. In fact on a whole I was expecting more jokes but the bunch that are there are at times gut bustingly funny. Look out for the opening scenes in the ‘real jungle’ with the director played by Steve Coogan and the bridge scene at the end – unexpected and brilliant! Yeah it was short on back to back jokes, yeah Tom Cruise was awful but as a whole it was a joy. Just think Platoon vs. Zoolander! (3.5/5)

The Premier League starts tomorrow!!!!

So it has come down to this, tomorrow it all kicks off and I for one am really excited (as are the millions worldwide no doubt) about this new season. Yeah Keano has gone and Berbatov is probably on his way too but what a squad Spurs has this season, we have bought in over 43m pounds worth of quality like David Bentley (above) and I'm ready to see us start better than last season.
Check out all the In's and Out's with regard to players and clubs here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7492070.stm

COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!!!!

Music Review: UNKLE: End Titles . . . Stories For Film

UNKLE one of my favourite groups who I have followed since ‘97 have been messing around with music scores, movie themes and dialogue for a few years now culminating in ‘Edit Music for a Film’ (2005), ‘War Stories’ (2007) and the new ‘X-Files Theme’ (2008). But with ‘End Titles . . . Stories for Film’ UNKLE have produced a full score for an unmade film, basically its music inspired by film scores.
This is a strong album when played altogether as intended but there a few tracks that stick out that have that special ingredient that make me sit up and take notice. They are: ‘Chemical’ (feat Josh Homme - Queens of the Stone Age), ‘Trouble in Paradise’ (which is a brilliant variation of Beethovens 9th Symphony), my favourite ‘Heaven’ (feat Gavin Clarke) and the haunting ‘The Piano Echoes’.
This is a very chilled piece and one that will linger long after it ends. (4/5)

Film Review: Step Brothers

This is a comedy (obviously) about two 40 year old men who still live at home with their single parents – who then move in together. Of course this is a ridiculous movie – (it’s got Will Ferrell in it) but it also R-rated so unfortunately expect constant 4-letter abuse. As another reviewer stated, if the idea of two 40 year old men fighting each other with a bike and baseball bat doesn’t make you laugh then you have walked into the wrong movie – basically don’t go see it.
But if you can filter the bad language and other unnecessary comments out then you will find yourself watching a film with a lot of heart, morals and family values – all be it very loosely! There are many pieces of comedy gold in Step Brothers but they do beat the great idea of adults acting like little brat kids to death at times so don’t expect too much. (3/5)

Weddings Aplenty!!

So August went wedding crazy for me as I was at 2 weddings in 8 days in 2 continents!!

Both were brilliant as all four people involved know and love Jesus so each wedding was a real worshipful celebration – plus they were close friends of mine.

First up was Ben and Sarah’s in Marlow, Buckinghamshire (see above) on August 2 and then it was Will and Helen’s in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina (see below) on August 9.

I have known Ben for most of my life through River Church and Sarah since they had dated 6 years before. Will is my good friend and colleague at Church of the Holy Cross and Helen I have known since they had dated 1 ½ years before.

As you can see Sarah and Helen looked beautiful and both weddings were wonderful and unique it was a pleasure to be involved in both.

Summer Days in the UK!

Man I can’t believe the week I came home ended up being the only real week of sunshine all summer in England, how amazing is that – maybe I brought some SC sunshine with me!

As expected, the first couple (Monday and Tuesday) of days while people were still at work and unaware of my arrival was pretty chilled (plus add jetlag/tiredness to the mix). That’s where I just hung at home with Mum, rested, chatted, drank tea and ate bacon sarnies with hp sauce!!! After that it got busier with prep for Ben and Sarah’s wedding and seeing family and friends after their big day.

The second night back home I got to go round Andy and Lina Read’s with Simon, Marky, Stocky and lots of other friends for dinner which was top. Then I visited River Church’s Children’s Holiday week Wednesday morning which was great for seeing a whole ton of friends and ex-students all in one place. – as well as play some footie!

Thursday Si, Stocky and I helped Ben and Sarah get the barn in Hurley ready for the reception on Saturday before going out for drinks and a meal together. Si and then went back to Chiswick in London town to hang out. In the morning Si took me to the High Street Brasserie for a top notch English breakfast, we sat outside and watched the world go by – one of my fave moments of the whole trip.

Friday we did some more wedding prep before going out for a curry with all the boys (Ben, Stocky, Myles, Si, Dave and Keefy) and then we all went back and stayed at Myles’ and played some Wii.

Saturday was the big day and we all looked pretty good in our suits, I was honoured to be one of Ben’s ushers and help Si out as Best Man. It was a beautiful day with sunshine and a wonderful reception where I got to see lots of friends like; Janey and Mike, Ali and Emily, Tom, Dan and Annie, James and Annie, Keef and Caz, Micky, Vix and Rich, Chris and Gem, Myles and Hannah, Dave and Chloe, Stocky and Si.

Come Sunday I was a little tired but really excited about seeing my sister (Sarah), brother-in-law (Adam), nephews (James and Ben), Dad and step-mum (Lesley) after church. We all met at my sisters house and had a bbq, I played footie with my 10 year old nephew Ben and then we all came inside and caught up which was ace. Mum and I stayed over so I got to see the boys for longer, unfortunately Dad and Lesley had to go earlier but it was lovely to see them both. Adam took me for a spin in his new Porsche 911 and it was incredible such power and control a real piece of mechanical genius that.

Sadly on Monday Mum had to leave which was sad, knowing I wouldn’t see my family for months but I was cheered up by going to Tim and Michele Cawte’s for a typically awesome meal – it had been a few years and yet it was still as top banana as ever! Mum, Stocky, Micky, Marky and Ruth as well as the Hayward’s joined the Cawte clan and we had such fun!

Tuesday I met Keefy for breakfast and then stocky took me to Heathrow and in a flash I was back in Charleston, SC, USA – it was almost like it hadn’t happened. That’s where photos are ace – I miss you all and thank God for blessing me with such great family and friends. Big love JK

All change at the Lane!

I usually love the transfer period as its exciting about the new players that you hope might come to play for your team but I have mixed feelings so far. Today Robbie Keane left for Liverpool which was devastating but at a healthy £20.3m pretty amazing really, he is class though.
We have bought some exciting new talent in Luka Modric £16.5m, Heurelho Gomes £10m and Giovani dos Santos £8.6m (see below). But we have a few spots that need replacing, personally I would be delighted with David Bentley from Blackburn Rovers, David Villa from valencia and/or Andrei Arshavin of Zenit St Petersburg.

So far we have sold/loaned out or lost:
Robbie Keane - Liverpool £20.3m
Paul Robinson - Blackburn Rovers £3.5m
Pascal Chimbonda - Sunderland £?
Teemo Tainio - Sunderland £?
Anthony Gardner - Hull on loan

And in the next day or so Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul could be on the way to Sunderland - lets just hope we keep Dimitar Berbatov and the rest before the season starts!

Blighty here I come!

My flights have been booked and I am coming home from Monday 28th (around 10pm) until Tuesday 5th August can't wait to see everyone!

I'm going to be an uncle again!!

My brother Jason and his girlfriend Kelly are having a baby girl in November and that means I will be an Uncle again, how exciting is that!! Hopefully I will get to them both when i fly home next week.

Coming home . . . for a bit!

Thats right I am heading back to England in the next week for Benny and Sarahs wedding (see pic below) and to see as many of you as I can in a week, that impossible yet wonderful game!
I will be staying at my Mum's as usual in Marlow and will roughly be there from July 28/29th - August 4/5th. Please email me at myboyswickedsmart@hotmail.com if you would like either of my numbers or more info. I look forward to catching up soon! :)

Film Review: The Dark Knight [Redux]

Oh my days I have been so excited about this film for so long. I loved Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins and through my Bro's enthusiasm enjoyed reading Batman comics/graphic novels for some time and we all know The Joker is Batman's arch nemesis. The fact that Heath Ledger didn't live to see his disturbing portrayal on the big screen only heightened the interest in what many have been saying is the movie/blockbuster of the summer.
So rather than waiting to see the film at a normal time, a bunch of crazy friends and i went to see the midnight showing on the Thursday night.
It was dark and brooding but chaotic, unsettling and messy too. The Joker was psychotically brillant and the huge cast did a great job (other than Maggie Gyllenhaal how can you replace Katie Holmes, i mean please :) but even though the story was given room to breathe and we saw Batman as a mortal i.e. vulnerable it still felt like too much for one film.
I would like to watch it again soon so I can get a better feel for this 'Empire Strikes Back' version of Batman. I know some of you might be reading this and be saying this is what Batman is really all about and I would agree but somehow I was confused beyond what I should have been.
There is no doubt in my mind that Nolan has done a terrific job and has taken Batman to new heights and that in time i will recognise this for the masterpiece that it is. But right now i have some questions and need them answering . . . guess what i'll be doing this weekend! :) (5/5)
[Redux] Review
I have now seen The Dark Knight again and I enjoyed it even more as i could see characters develop and take in the incredible detail without losing the big picture so to speak. On a second viewing I felt less confused and actually relaxed and let the chaos unfold without all the questions i had before about the who's and why's. In short this was far more satisfying the second time, yes there is still alot going on but "its all part of the plan!"
I mentioned before that Batman is more real more vulnerable in this feature but i actually think he has also become more 'super' in his plight to rid Gotham City of its evil crooks. Its very interesting that we get behind this guy if you think about it, especially how he becomes judge, jury and excecutioner basically controlling the world and bringing his own justice like a God. Do we all secretly or not so secretly wish we were able to do the same - i know i would love to drive that car and beat up all the baddies. But doesn't that fly in the face of the Gospel? Batman is definitely no Christ figure. However one of the themes of the film really stands out that Jesus does represent, that of self sacrifice that is seen; on the boats, by Harvey and Rachel, by Gordon and his family and by Batman at the end.
I didn't really even mention before how cool this film is. The Joker has all the best lines and mannerisms especially in meeting all the mob bosses and crashing Harvey Dent's fundraiser. All the action scenes were fantastic too including a draw dropping chase scene that will surprise and make you yelp with delight like a 7 year old - the Batpod er hello. . . amazing!!
So in conclusion I would have to say this is the nearest Batman to the graphic Novels I have read i.e. dark and full of great stories and character arcs that you would not expect. Therefore this is the best Batman film to date and has made me hope for even better next time!

Film Review: Wall-E

For some reason I waited almost a month before going to see this, mainly due to not being sure if it would live up to the hype of past feature length Pixar movies.
Boy was I wrong to wait or to not trust those animation genuises - this was a delight one of those rare times you just smile from ear to ear and feel good inside.
What a gift to make something that you connect with and care about. I mean I watch alot of movies and so much of the time I feel detached and couldn't care less about the characters and they are usually played by actors. But this is animation and yet I want this little robot to find love/a friend, to not get hurt or be left behind, i want him to survive . . . and so on. Thats amazing and thats what makes Pixar so unique and talented in my opinion.
There are some interesting Christian undertones that may come from Andrew Stanton who is a Christian and wrote this as well as Finding Nemo. There are also some political and social insights some more obvious than others that will make some people think and who knows maybe change.
This is a wonderful film, crammed full of incredible detail and little touches that make this heads and shoulders above most other films out there. Go see this movie and get caught up in Wall-E's world you won't forget it. (5/5)

Film Review: Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Okay so I am not a fan of the first Hellboy film but the sequel was directed by the same guy who did Pans Lanbrynth which was quite simply a work of art with a underlying Gospel theme. So after seeing the trailer on TV for like the 50th time I had to see HB 2. But I was left wanting so much more, yeah it looked amazing and it had a pretty good story but it never really got up to full speed leaving me unsatisfied like i had just driven a beautiful ferrari but could only use the first 2 gears.
Memorable characters but disappointing action and ending left me wishing I had waited for this on DVD. (3/5)

Camp Bonnie Doone '08

What an incredible week we had at Camp Bonnie Doone at the end of June. In the end we took 70 students and 14 leaders to the wonderful rustic piece of heaven which we made home for a week. Not even power cuts which meant no light, electricity or AC and no water so no showers, water to drink and no toilet use on the first night deterred us!!
We played: kickball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, basketball, kayaked and rode bikes. We also did art and crafts, had the H2O and Wacky Olympics, a talent show, hunted the leaders, swam in the pool, played board games, EMPIRES and Apples to Apples and much more.
But best of all we learned about Jesus' parables in the Bible, we worshipped God every day, had quiet times, prayed daily and grew as a community.
Highlights include seeing students crying and praying over each other as they stood together with fellow students who had lost a parent and have other troubles. Also hearing that students laid prostrate in awe of Gods love for them in worship and hearing one of my boys tell me through tears pouring down his face "that I just can't believe Jesus died for me, I'm a mess up I do what i want all the time yet He chose to die for, thats amazing that he loves me that much". How can you beat that! Praise God for leading Will and I through the week, it definitely wasn't us :) Please be praying for our students to remember what they learned and experienced that week and that ultimately they choose to follow Jesus Christ for the rest of their lives, thank you.

Film Review: Hancock

Another Box office smash for Will Smith over the July 4th weekend but was Hancock the film any good? Well at times it was especially the first half where we saw Will Smith at his comedic best as Hancock the superhero with a drinking problem, wise cracking and baddie bashing aplenty. This only worked against itself as the film quickly dipped into left field wondering "is this a serious piece of cinema? Er NO it can't be just a few minutes ago we saw a drunk Will Smith through a kid into space!!"
But if its meant to be a fun action flick why has the whole movie changed and the story gotten completely ridiculous and well crap??? At only a miserly 1hr and 25 mins Hancock felt rushed, poorly written and ultimately a film that had two very different threads that never got ironed out before filming so became a huge gigantic mess which made no sense.
Will Smith is the only redeeming feature in this easily forgotten film, Charize Theron however stunningly gorgeous is misled and comes across poorly, Jason Bateman plays himself but has his moments. Will Smith continues to be better than the films he stars, someone please give him something of quality that he can trully revel in. (2.5/5)

Off to Camp Boonie Doone!

Today I leave for Walterboro about an hour away from Charleston for a week away with our students at Camp Bonnie Doone. Its going to be a wonderful week as we grow together in our faith and friendships in and aorund the beautiful surroundings of Bonnie Doone.
We are teaching from Jesus' parables and I am expecting God to do amazing things with our 70+ students, please be praying for me and the incredible team of leaders who are volunteering their summer to serve and for students to have a blast, thank you so much.
I'll report back in a week or so :)
Pictures from 2007: Top - the stunning oak trees and fields, Middle - students team for Kickball and Below - the wondeful green swimming pool being put to use!

Wasps win the Guiness Premiership Final!!

London Wasps at a packed Twickenham beat their fierce rivals Leicester Tigers 26-16 to claim the Guiness Premiership Final and what a game which saw Lawrence Dallaglio finish his incredible career on a high. Oggy oggy oggy WASPS! WASPS! WASPS!! :)

The Bennetts move out to Camp St Christopher

Thats right the Bennetts have moved out to Camp St Christopher on Seabrook Island and as you can see they are pretty settled already! Its been really great to go and spend a couple of afternoons and evenings when time has allowed - they are now an hour away from the Isle of Palms where I live. Jonathan is the Director of Student Ministries out there and he has been very busy ever since he started back in February.
Hannah continues to be the most adorable, gorgeous and hilarious girl in the world and she gives me lots of hugs and gets very excited ("Uncle Jonny!!") when i visit which is awesome.
I do miss them being just around the corner but know that God is at work here so I trust him and we will get more time together after the summer. Please do pray for Jonathan, Melissa and Hannah as they continue to get adjusted out there and bring glory to God at Camp.

Classic Music Review: Cream Live 2: James Lavelle

My best friend Simon came to visit me earlier this year and while he visited I told him about this album and how influential it was for me and how rare it is - I had been looking for 12 years without success. Si confidently said he would get hold of it and incredibly he did get hold of a fantastic copy in mint condition and now i have it through the miracle of the postal system!
This is one of the most acclomplished mixes of its time and it really stands out next to the 2 discs of house music mixed by Nick Warren and Paul Oakenfold that complete this 3 disc set.
It was so special because it was rare and the tracks were even more rare; UNKLE-Spinners and the Clubbed to Death - Clubbed to Death II tracks weren't released on anything else at the time.
It is just so cool the way it flows through an incredible array of beats, basslines and styles that you will be bobbing your head in no time!
Artists include; Air, Photek, Unkle, Dr.Octogan, DJ Shadow (of course) and Peshay to name but a few.
Interesting fact . . . James Lavelle the brainchild behind Mo Wax Records (where Shadow, DJ Krush, Unkle, Blackalicious, South, Liquid Liquid, Money Mark and Dr Octogan first got their chance to shine) didn't DJ this mix. I was once told it was DJ Shadow himself who was there, James just stood by and choose the tunes. However more recently it would seem from many websites that it was in fact The Psychonauts who put this piece of unique music together.
If you can get a copy then do so as this is one of the finest mixes of instrumental hiphop you will ever hear and at 43 mins its worth the price. (5/5) Thank you Si for this musical gem!

Classic Film Review: Goodbye Mr Chips

There is something so simple yet so incredibly charming about this film that I would have to say its one of my absolute favourites of all time.
If you have never heard of this timeless piece of classic cinema go out and rent it immediately. I'm certainly not alone in my admiration of this picture, Robert Donat won an oscar in 1939 for the role pipping Clark Gable from 'Gone with the Wind' in the process.
The film centers on Mr Chipping a teacher at a boys boarding school rich with tradition, starting with his first semester and through his whole life. The highlight or even real start comes when Mr Chipping meets a beautiful young lady in the mountains of Austria while on his summer holidays. They fall in love, marry and he is never the same again.
How his attitude to the boys, teaching and life changes so dramatically that you can't help but be touched by the story of redemption, love and regret.
In the same vein as 'Its a wonderful Life' you would have to be made of stone to not enjoy this! :) (5/5)