Bites of Brogue

M:  Welcome back to Blog With a Brogue's double feature hump-day edition.

J: I have something to say.

M: By all means. Go ahead.

J: Literally, the only reason why I wanted to watch this next movie was because of David Tennant. I didn't care if his part lasted minutes. All I knew was that my beloved Dr. Who was in it, and I had to see it. That being said, I was terribly impressed.

M: As was I. 

Shut up you're beautiful.

J: I didn't know it was a remake, which may have helped honestly, having something older and original to go on. But everyone played their parts beautifully.

M: Yes, I tried not to flinch when they politely informed me at Liberty Hall that they "only had the remake."

J: The kid from Charlie Barker was funny. And TONI COLLETTE! I yelled that, both times I watched it, and I didn't know it. 

M: "Oh my god, you did!"

TONI COLLETTE!

J: I'd just like to point out that it took us two times to watch this movie. The first ended in drunken debauchery and a memorable shout-out to the pizza delivery boy. ("You night!") The second, far more successful, was hosted by B.A.S.S. member Liz Stuewe. She's really great. 

M: As was the movie itself. Why don't you give us a brief run down of the ol' plot.

J: Ye olde plot:  Charlie and Toni live in Las Vegas in a very suburban community. Colin Farrell moves in next door and it becomes apparent rather quickly that he is, in fact, a vampire. 

M: Dun dun dunnnnn....

McWho? McLovin! Vampire hunter. Look for it next fall.

J: With the help of an occult magician, aka Mr. Tennant plus eyeliner, Charlie proceeds to battle the vampires who have invaded his small community and save as many people as he can along the way. I was genuinely frightened at times. And David Tennant was brilliant. Obviously. In fact, he was the only one with a brogue, which gets this movie in on a technicality. Colin Farrell does have a brogue, but he hid it, and not very well in my opinion. 

M: And McLovin's in it. And he will apparently always be known as McLovin. 

J: He's part of an awesome subplot about nerdom versus conformity, which I appreciated wholeheartedly. 

M: Anything else you'd like to add?

J: Not kid-friendly. Rated R for a reason. But worth a watch all the same. It's available at Liberty Hall.

They totally didn't have it. Also, I'm wearing
fake hair right now. And copious eyeliner.

M:  They do not have the original. (Or at least, they did not at the time of rental.)

Pirate Radio, à la Brogue

M: Ahh... when's our anniversary again?

J: October 11!

M: Excellent.

J: That's right folks, our illustrious beginning will be marked with a wee celebration less than a month from today. We'll have many more details about possible merch and maybe even a giveaway. In the meantime, we'll continue to entertain you as only we can. With nonsensical posts about movies you'll never see.

M: And blog posts you'll never read. Comments you'll never leave... [trails off sadly]

J: Our movie tonight, Pirate Radio! To set the mood (because the wine hasn't kicked in) we're listening to the two-disc soundtrack on Spotify (sorry, Matt). Meredith...

M: Yes?

J: How do you feel about this movie?

M: If it weren't so very interesting and entertaining I would feel further saddened and cheated for having been born far too late.

J: I have to say, much of the music featured in this movie was familiar, though not well-known to me.

M: Said the girl who did not watch Full House.

J: [frowns]

M: Sorry. [laughs] No offense.

We're sorry about this. Just wanted to share the awkward. 
You're welcome.

J: No comment. Let's get back to the topic at hand. I really enjoyed listening to the music in its intended context, even if was through a movie.

M: [begins waving arms overhead in time to the music]

J: Ahem. So what seems like very popular music today actually had to fight to be heard. Can you tell us a bit about that as seen through the movie?

M: Yes I can! To be perfectly honest, I had no idea such was the case that... [pauses] [takes a sip] Let me just scratch that. I'm going to take it again from another angle [gestures wildly]. Are you typing all that?

J: [nods]

M: I'd heard talk of musicians from across the pond marveling at American radio and the music that wass so freely played over here while they toured the States. Before hearing about this movie, I had no idea that the state of popular music in England was so aggressively controlled, by people like Mr. Twat. His boss is played by Kenneth Branagh, who is fabulous. And almost unrecognizable, I thought.

The kid. That girl. Lady friend. Sort of.

J: Side note - actual name in the movie. Can't make this stuff up. Glad I don't have to. And yes, Mr. Branagh was excellent comic relief, which is not one of his usual roles. How about a brief synopsis?

M: Whew. Um. At the start of the film...

J: [sets glass down]

M: ...we meet a young man whose name I can't remember. He is sent by his mother to live with his uncle aboard the Pirate Radio ship. The ship, as we've hinted at previously, supplied the amazing pop music of the time to the people of England. The poor saps were otherwise denied the groovy tunes by the uptight powers-that-be.

J: And there were shenanigans aplenty, yes?

Shenanigans.

M: Indeed!

J: The cast of characters worked brilliantly together.

M: But the true star... I think... was the music. Is that hokey enough? But really it's true.

J: It's perfect. Would you like to comment on the brogues?

M: Oddly enough, I found myself most attached to Philip Seymour Hoffman as the only American representative on the ship. But! [points] I loved all of their various radio voices.

J: Ooh, good point! [no pun intended]

Mr. Hoffman, doin' his thang.

M: It made me long for the times when, I can only assume, radio DJs actually mattered.

J: I was also impressed by the respect they garnered in the general populace.

M: [waves arms again]

J: Seeing as how we've double-blogging tonight, I'm thinking we should wrap it up.

M: That's what she said.




J: I sure as hell hope so. Stay safe out there kids, and until next time... [looks pointedly at Meredith]

M: [stutters awkwardly] Look both ways before crossing the street. Seriously. Is that it?

Brogues in Black

M: So, the Woman in Black... How was she?

J: She's terrifying! Ed Hardy -- is that his name?

M: As in the guy that's in the movie?

J: No, as in the guy that's in Anchorman! I can't believe you missed that...

M: Well, maybe if you'd said Ed Harkin...

J: I got the initials right. But really, as for the movie, I jumped a lot. It was pretty scary.

M: Indeed. What did you think of Mr. Harry Potter's foray into non-Potter-ness?

Honestly, nothing more
 frightening than creepy children.

J: I'd heard not-so-good things, so I admit my expectations were low. However, I really was pleasantly surprised. Not a trace of Harry emerged. He was thoroughly believable as a grieving father, and I have no complaints about his acting skills. Quite the contrary....

M: Brilliant. Though a professed scary-movie hater, I was quite taken with this fim. How would you say it compares to others of its genre? (That's the wine talking...)

J: I'm a recent convert to the scary-movie church, and this one was brilliant, in my opinion. Very little gore, but a lot of suspense, and a significant psychological element, which for me is scarier than any fake blood I've ever seen. Very classic in its execution and very satisfying in its conclusion.

I'm here, Daniel!

M: Ow-oww! I need some more wine...

J: You know, it really was a pretty simple movie.

M:  That it was. It made great use of its scenery...

J: Its monochromatic palate...

M: Yes!

J:  The Woman In Black,  it was nearly black and white.

M: Quite true.

And I'm there. Just kidding! It's her! Watch out!

J: And the brogues were the least of our worries.

M: Yes, how did you find the brogues?

J: They were satisfying!

M: Can I saw "ow-oww" again? Too much? Too much.

J: It's Daniel Radcliffe, so, never.

This guy was in the movie too. The end.

M: Ok, anything else you care to add to our post here, Jenna Ann?

J: Only that if you're enjoying an evening at home alone, this is an excellent way to--

M: Scare the pee out of yourself?

J: Ha! I was gonna say, "Pass the time!" So, I'd recommend it. Let's leave it at that.

M: And so we did....

Brogue in a Box

M:  Ok, in all honesty, we've watched more than one movie that we presently need to blog about. However, we're feeling a little lazy...and wine-y. Thus, here is a video of cats being jerks. And "speaking" with brogues.  Cheers!

M: We suck...

Wibbly-Wobbly Timey-Wimey Broguey-Woguey

J: Okay. It's time. I'm ready. (I think.) I have just finished watching all six seasons (and numerous specials) of the new "Dr. Who," and my god, I think I'm in love. Not just with David Tennant (10 is my favorite Doctor so far, but 11 is definitely giving him a run for his money), but with the whole show. I've been converted, heart and soul, into a Whovian. This is all thanks to my dear friend Lesley (who also introduced me to Tumblr, incidentally), and to her I will be forever grateful.

The 9th Doctor.
Or as I like to say, "Meh."

10. Love of my life even though he's married with
the most beautiful baby you've ever seen.

Let's just start with the basic premise. The Doctor is a Time Lord, the last of his kind, and he travels through the space-time vortex in a spaceship disguised as a blue police box. He is capable of regeneration upon death (hence 10th, 11th, etc.) and often takes a companion with him on his almost-always perilous journeys. The show technically started decades ago, but was revamped in 2005 for a modern generation, and oh, my, am I besotted. As the recent bit is all I've seen, this post will only cover Doctors 9-11.

Number 11. Bowties are cool. Also, I look like Mick Cottin.

Oh, Rose Tyler. You get to kiss 
David Tennant and I totally hate you for it.
No seriously, stop smirking.

Characters, then. The Doctor is silly, caring, protective, loyal, compassionate, humorous, and - above all - British. With the exception of David Tennant (swoon) who is, of course, Scottish, though you wouldn't know it from his beautiful accent. The first Doctor of the modern series, Christopher Eccleston, was not my particular favorite, but I suspect that a reviewing might raise my opinion of him. David Tennant, Doctor Who Extraordinaire, takes over for Seasons 2-4, and finally Matt Smith has brought us to the present with Seasons 5, 6 and 7 (which is about to start!!!). I adore David Tennant for so many reasons, but probably mostly for his excellent hair, wardrobe, and facial expressions. You just sort of implicitly trust the man and believe that no matter what happens, he'll probably sort it out before long. Matt Smith, as previously stated, has grown on me immensely. A much sweeter Doctor than Tennant, he has some similarly impressive goofy chops and never fails to come through in a pinch (I suspect this has more to do with the writing than the acting, but nevertheless...).

I don't like you either, Martha.

Ms. Donna Noble. Earth girl.
Platonic friend and therefore 
tolerable.

Our first companion is Rose Tyler, a spunky, blonde, passionate young woman who always seems to know just want to say to make a scene work. Often seen in the company of Mickey, her sometimes-boyfriend, Rose takes us through Seasons 1, 2, and makes guest appearances in 3 and 4. Martha Jones shows up next, and she's easily my least favorite. She's a bit of a simpering mess too much of the time, though she definitely comes through in the end. Then Donna Noble, who is downright fantastic as the last companion of the 10th Doctor. Clever, confident, snarky, and just altogether a pleasure to watch. Dear friend Lesley has also shared with me some comedy skits that David Tennant and Catherine Tate did outside of the show, and their comedic chemistry is undeniable. At the start of Season 5 we get our first glimpse of the newest (and current) companion, (cue trumpet fanfare) Amelia Pond! She and boyfriend/fiance/husband Rory are probably my very favorite companions so far. She's red-headed, super sassy and Scottish, and Rory is just darling (and devoted and brave, sigh). The team they make with the 11th Doctor is unparalleled, in my opinion, and I just think the show has only improved since it came out back in 2005.

The ever-adorable Ponds.

There are a few foes that appear repeatedly throughout the show, most notably the Daleks, the Cybermen, and the Weeping Angels. The episode entitled "Don't Blink" (first appearance of the Angels) has reached an iconic status, at least in the Tumblr world (as has much of Dr. Who anything). However, the Doctor refuses in almost every single instance to carry a weapon, relying instead on a sonic screwdriver. The special effects aren't really worth mentioning, but the makeup is really pretty impressive at times, and there have only been a handful of episodes where I was disappointed in the way it turned out, aesthetically or otherwise. Not only that, but this really is a family-friendly show. In the same vein as truly good young adult fiction (and, say, Star Trek), the stories manage to convey a sense of universality and maturity without relying on explicit anything. I'd share more, but that would be, you know, "Spoilers!"

Don't blink.

Also known as a Dalek. Exterminate!

As I'm sure you can guess, I absolutely adore all the British-speak in the show. Accents vary depending on region, nationality, etc., but never fail to please. I'm still impressed at David Tennant's ability to mask his Scottish accent so thoroughly, but if Hugh Laurie can manage to sound that American for "House", I'm sure David Tennant can pull off British without a thought.

Shut up I can post as many as I want.
 Is that velour you're wearing, David?

Oh, to be forever immersed in an imagination-rich BBC show about time and space travel with beautiful men wearing suits and Converse sneakers or bowties. Even though it makes me cry on the regular, I will never, ever stop loving Dr. Who.

Brownies, Beer & Brogue

J: So, it's been awhile.

M: As usual. We're sorry?

J: Question mark?

M: What's more fun than blogging? Chimes. That's gonna be hard to explain.

J: My clock just chimed. That's all. So do we have a point to this post?

M: We do. Today we're going to blog (blague) about a fine piece of Irish cinema starring every Irish actor of whom you may have heard. That makes the em-phass-is seem way wrong, but I can't end a sentence with 'of.'

J: I was very pleasantly surprised by this movie, not the least of which because Colin Farrell finally plays a character true to his nature. The movie's called Intermission and it's witty and funny, sweet...

M: And Irish. Just throwing that in... [trails off into giggles] Choose yer chime!

Classy.

J: Yes. Definitely Irish. Also dramatic, suspenseful, and surprising in turn.

M: This is the worst blog post ever. Terrible.

J: Give us a brief plot synopsis for everyone who may actually read this and decide they want to see the movie.

M: It's a film of many overlapping stories, but mostly centers around a man named John (Cillian Murphy) and his "intermission" of a relationship.

J: Ohhhhhhh! I totally get it now. [laughs]

M: [stares blankly] [blinks]

J: Sorry. Do go on...

M: John, deciding to randomly assert his independence and have an "intermission" of sorts from his girlfriend, starts a chain of events that...

REDRUM!!

J: [rasps] That ends in murder! Collin Farrell plays your typical thug/bad guy and Moaning Myrtle from Harry Potter plays a girl with a moustache but she's actually really cute. Her name is Shirley Henderson.

M: She looks like a Shirley.

J: In any case, there are scenes in a bar, on a bus, in shops, on the street, and even out in the countryside.

M: And a supermarket.

J: Okay, just warning you, someone barfs in a supermarket. Watch out for that. I think my favorite character was John's friend.

Oscar and John go clubbin'. 

M: Oscar?

J: His name is David Wilmot. He's so endearing.

M: And gingery.

J: He's a big ginger. Who was your favorite character?

Mask of unknown gentleman (x3).

M: I'd say it's really a toss-up. The film is literally full of good characters. I want to say it's the highest grossing Irish film... [looks it up]

J: According to Wikipedia, it was the "Best Irish Film" of 2003 according to the Irish Film and Television Awards.

M: Good stats. Stat.

J: Indeed. A good movie, too, and one we recommend. Easier to understand than The Guard, but still chock full of delicious Irish brogue. Only a couple moments of questionable comprehension.

M: Story of my life.

Fin

Football in Brogueland!

Euro 2012 logo
(shamelessly "borrowed")

J: Welcome back to Blog with a Brogue! I'd like to say our long absence has been fruitful and productive, but the truth is, we've just been so distracted by the [then upcoming] Euros, we couldn't manage to get to a computer! For those of you wondering, the Euros are a massive football (soccer) tournament just for European national teams held every four years, opposite the World Cup. It's hosted by the Union des Associations Européennes de Football, or UEFA for short (there's a little French brogue for ya). We've just reached the end of the Group stages and are moving on to the Knockout phase, which consists of both the quarter-finals and the semi-finals. Meredith, who are you rooting for this season? Also, what's going on?

M: Like many heartbroken Irish fans, I was cheering for the team in green, the Republic of Ireland.

J: I detect sadness. Also past tense. Tell me more.

M: After a valiant and apparently exhausting effort to qualify for the tournament, the Irish had a very disappointing start against Croatia, which was followed by a crushing 4-0 defeat from the defending world champs, España.

J: I'm so sorry for your loss. Is there not anyone left to cheer for? BWAB wants to know.

M: I'm so glad you asked. I'm not sure what I called the team... King George's Men?

J: Georgie's Boys?

M: [laughs hysterically] No. Captain Gerrard and His Men had a dazzling comeback [last Friday] against the Swedes.

J: Hurrah! Thank god for good 'ole England!

M: Jolly old England.

Tommy Smyth.

J: So I watched the Ireland-Croatia game, and the finish not withstanding, I think my favorite part was the Irish announcer.

M: The little bald guy? I'm trying to think of his name.

J: Best Irish/leprechaun accent EVER.

M: He's a gem. Such spirit!

J: Who has been your favorite character in the Euros so far?

M: In all of the Euros? The whole wide Euros?!

J: All of them.

 

Mr. Doyle, in his Wolves kit.

M: God. So many. Well. There's Kevin Doyle. He's beautiful, and then there's Stevie G., who's also beautiful AND talented AND a great leader. And then there's the German goalkeeper who looks like my brother from the right angle. And THEN there's Fernando Torres, who has the largest hips of any man I've seen.

Sr. Torres y las caderas.

J: What?!

M: He's just so peculiar looking. But damn if he can't put the ball in the net. That's about it. Matt would be appalled...

J: And that's why he's not here.

M: ...This is all I've got out of the Euros: 'That guy's hot' and 'that guy's really cute'... But, really, in truth, I do adore soccer with many fibers of my being. Some people will just blindly say 'with every fiber of my being,' but I do have other loves. Soccer just happens to be a very large one.

J: [nods appreciatively] Well said. Any notable brogue-ing?

M: I'd certainly have to tip my hat to Ian Drake and Steve McManaman for their colorful brogue-filled commentary throughout the tournament.

J: Okay. Excellent. Good job.

M: Yaaaaay!

J: Up next: Dr. Who!

M: Dr. What!?

J: The Doctor... is in...