Britain's Got Talent 2012 - Week 6

It's week 6 and we are starting in London, what a surprise... Not. Our first act was an organ player called Graham, whose name is actually Michael, but he didn't know that until the age of 12. Quite frankly, Graham/Michael was a complete pillock. But he was so funny! He did a rendition of La Bamba which got the crowd on it's feet. The judges must of only put him through because he was funny. I wonder if he has a carer or something to help him with his day to day life...?

Our second act were The Jive Ages. A bunch of men dressed in bright yellow suits, all looking like bananas and singing a song from The Jungle Book... coincidence perhaps? We then saw a bunch of little school kids who go by the name of Nu Sxool. I was pleasantly surprised with this act! I'm sick of seeing dance acts but these guys actually offered something original and something visually attractive. It was then Be Minor. An amazing girl band who I saw when I was in the audience. Sadly, the didn't show the full audition as it was AMAZING! Hopefully they will do well and I really hope they make it to the final. Next up, 11 year old Molly - cue the 'aww' from the audience. A beautiful voice! But I somewhat think she's not old enough to go too far in the competition, I have doubts as to whether she will win and at a young age when they get voted out it's hard for them. But who knows, maybe I will be pleasantly surprised!

We then see Geisha, who I have already seen on two other shows - someone's desperate for fame! I'm surprised she got through, she was a complete idiot and quite frankly needs to be put down as soon as possible. After Geisha, plenty more weird acts who thankfully didn't get through and most certainly don't deserve to. We've moved to Birmingham and our first act is a magician managed to throw the cards at the judges, predict the wrong card and fail his audition. But then 9 year old Malaki saved the day! Such a powerful voice from such a small child who tugged at the hearts of everyone watching.  We were then left on a cliffhanger as he started to cry and we went to an ad break, Twitter erupted wanting to know what happened next. One cry and a restart and we were off again. He didn't really need to restart at all, he was obviously getting four yeses because he is an amazing singer for a young boy!

Next week it's the last batch of auditions and then we see who is through to the semi finals! 

Film: Beetlejuice

I'm going to keep this post short as I am really tired and it's hard writing these blogs and finding the time to do it! Anyhow, I will try not to give too much away for those who have not seen it...

Adam and Barbara are a normal couple...who happen to be dead. They have given their precious time to decorate the house and make it their own, but unfortunately a family is moving in, and not quietly. Adam and Barbara try to scare them out, but ends up becoming the main attraction to the money making family. They call upon Beetlejuice to help, but Beetlejuice has more in mind than just helping. - Source: IMDB

Beetlejuice is just one of them films that you watch and then have no idea why you bothered to watch it in the first place. It's somehow managed to earn itself a 'cult' status amongst its fans and I am still wondering why. I wrote plenty of notes down during this but I would like to keep this blog a blog that kids can read to so most of my notes can't be typed up due to the swearing (sorry). The acting in this film was good, until the supporting cast appeared. Michael Keaton (Beetlegeuse) seemed to give it all his effort in this film and so did Alex Baldwin (Adam) and Geena Davis (Barbara), but when it came to the rest of the cast there was no realism - not that the film was realistic in any way. The Gothic daughter, Lydia (Winona Ryder), deserved to be shot repeatedly for her awful acting and dreadful delivery of lines. I genuinely hoped they died at the beginning of the film so that it would finish, to then find out they did actually die and had ruined the film by making them ghosts (yes, I know that this is the whole point of the film!). 

I feel as though they were stuck for ideas when making this film as there was far to many stupid actions from the characters. Such as when they tried things like drawing a door, you would have to be pretty idiotic to do that rather than just simply calling for Beetlegeuse, which would then mean we get more of his comedy lines that made the film worth watching. Of course, this is a film so therefore it's fantasy land where everyone is a complete idiot.  Another thing I get all picky about in films is continuity errors. For those who do not know what these are, in basic terms they are what makes the film flow so it looks as natural as possible. This film is full of them! Most of these consist of things being put in one place and then after a different camera shot they have suddenly moved to somewhere else for no apparent reason. There are far too many to talk about so if you want to read them click here. One more thing I get really stressed about is the sets. Now I know Beetleguese's home is meant to be a model, but they could of spent a bit more money on making it look somewhat realistic. The set was moving far too much when an actor did something like digging mud, which happened to be some weird cardboard stuff and the fake sponge grass they had, which for another $300 they could have got some real turf.

A few final things to wrap this up as I promised it would be short - I lied. The thing that got me, is that it is a 15 rated film but it took 45 minutes for someone to swear - and that happened to be 'f**k (sorry!). The claymation looked awful and didn't fit in with the film at all as it looked too tacky. And finally, the girl threatening to commit suicide was probably one of the most exciting parts of the film - I probably will regret saying that but sadly it's true.

Britain's Got Talent 2012 - Week 5

Our first act this weeks comes from London and it's 12 year old Lauren Thalia who has a GREAT voice! Of course she got through with each judge saying 'yes', but sadly I don't think she completely has what it takes to win the competition overall. 

Up next it's Cascade.  A French stunt team who wowed the judges with their martial art acrobatic routine. Naturally, show offs like this all need to take their shirts off for the ladies The stunt work was amazing and they sailed through to the next round with four yeses. We then meet the Lovable Rouges who are a singing trio singing a cover of Love Sick. All three were students and they were showing that teenagers do have a talent and that youth stereotypes mean nothing! With plenty of acts not getting through can someone bring it out of the bag? Well a comedy impressionist who works in a hospital sure did! One of the best female impressionists to ever appear on Britain's Got Talent, Marea Smithson impressed everyone. With impressions of Anne Robinson, Some people of Corrie (Sorry, I don't watch!) and Ann Widdecombe she powered her way through to the next round. Could this be the first impressionist to win the competition?

Lots and lots of dreadful acts waisting the judges times but we did see an awesome 12 year old playing the piano! But Ballroom and Latin dancers, Kai and Natalia, who naturally Simon enjoyed and clearly enjoyed putting them through giving Strictly Come Dancing the two fingers! Next, Karizma Krew, a dance act who didn't really offer us anything new that we haven't seen on Britain's Got Talent in the past. It's the sixth year of the show and there has been so many different dance acts, it's hard for acts to do something new and original. However, the Karizma Krew went through with Simon being the only judge to say no.

A bit of trivia for you, the Mo Better Band (pictured below) were actually stopped part way through their first attempt by Simon, until the judges and the audience convinced him to let them start again!

Sadly, it wasn't the best episode and I didn't see myself in the audience! :( But the judges as per usual were on top form! Alesha giggling away, Simon being Simon (no change), David being hilariously funny and Amanda being B-E-A-U-TIFUL!

Sorry!

Apologies for the lack of posting recently, been very busy recently so expect some more posts sooooon!

Next post will be tomorrow for episode 5 of Britain's Got Talent!

So here's a picture of a happy horse!

Britain's Got Talent 2012 - Week 4

It’s week four and we are starting the show with The Showbears or as David said, “the new One Direction.” Wow! Wasn’t that something different...? Five grown men (all very camp!) dressed in sequined sailor outfits singing. Then David decided he could be a member of the group and he fitted in perfectly! With a standing ovation from the audience, this act may just cut it well in the competition!

The next act was Face Team who wowed us by slam dunking their way through to the next stages of the competition with their unique take on acrobatics and basketball. We then visited Edinburgh next rather than Glasgow like normal to see if they can match up to Glasgow’s runner-up Susan Boyle. We’re greeted with Neil Lawson, who dressed in women’s clothes seemed to scare all of us. Congratulations to Scotland for showcasing talent we would rather be left at home! Only in Scotland can we get a bunch of guys dressed in morphsuits playing the bagpipes, which Simon likened to five jelly babies. Sorry Scotland, you haven’t got much talent to offer us. Fourteen year old Paige Turley proved us all wrong with the most beautiful rendition of ‘Skinny Love’ that I have ever heard, she showed that Scotland does have a small amount of talent and that young people have talent.

  

A final hop back to London and we are graced with United We Stand. A semi-unique dance act that wowed the judges and the audience with their moves but can they compete with the other dance acts in the competition? The best act of the evening was Strictly Wheels who proved that even if you're in a wheelchair, you can still dance. A slow dance to start off which made the act seem boring until the music kicked in and we were subjected to one of the best acts so far. They will definitely go far in the competition and the future definitely holds lots for them! 

Cult - SM:TV Live

As part of the cult posts I'm going to be making, the first 'cult' show I will be blogging about is 'SM:TV Live'.

SM:TV Live (Saturday Morning TV Live) was one of ITV's most popular Saturday morning shows of all time starting at 9.25AM every Saturday. Each show was filled to the brim with comedy sketches, competitions and games, cartoons and other popular CITV shows and celebrities.

The most remembered SM:TV sketch was the long running 'Friends' parody, Chums.  Most of the episodes opened with a take on the popular phrase “is filmed in front of a live studio audience” for example “Chums if filmed in front of a bright studio audience. ” Regular happenings of Chums included the studio guest(s) knocking the door and becoming a new housemate or a friend incorporated into the storyline, the sketch also included Dec and Cats secret love, every week the two would almost kiss but be interrupted by Ant or one of the guests. Episodes ended with a 'freeze frame' for which the voice over man would say his lines and the cast would generally try to keep a straight face. Some of the most famous sketches of Chums included the band aid parody which is a parody of his biker grove character when Ant discovered he could not blink (his biker grove character went blind after a paint balling incident).

 Below is the infamous 'Ant Aid' sketch where a host of then celebrities sing for Ant.

 

Other popular sketches included the Pokéfight, a spoof of popular show 'Pokémon' which at the time was in it's height of popularity and shown on the show. It consisted of Ant and Dec dressed as Ash and Misty, they would have a Pokémon battle but using their own 'Pokémon'. “Fartbeat” and “Fart-attack” both of which were parodies of Heartbeat and Art Attack, they each revolved around jokes about breaking wind. Another popular sketch was Dec Says/The Secret of My Success where a letter was sent in by a "viewer" and Dec could always somehow relate to it, which then lead to Ant having a flashback where everything was "very different..." It would then be a story where Dec was shown to be a schoolboy and Cat having a stronger Birmingham accent playing 'Cat the dog'.

Another well remembered section of SM:TV Live was 'Wonkey Donkey'. During this section viewers rang in to guess what the “catchphrase was” being show on screen (see below). Dec was often seen shouting "IT'S GOT TO RHYME!!" at the screen as well as getting angry shouting at the child and/or their family in the background.

SM:TV Live was one of the most popular Saturday morning shows because of it's three level humour that kids, teens and adults could all find funny, including it's innuendos which you would never get away with on kids TV nowadays! It's legacy will always be remembered by teenagers and adults and has earned itself a cult status.

Britain's Got Talent 2012 - Week 3

This week we're beginning the search in London! Our first act seems to be a bunch of OAPs (The Zimmers) who all have forgotten there places, "move down Dave, stand there!" They begin with a horrible rendition of "What The World Needs Now Is Love". But then out of nowhere, they start to take their coats off to which they look like we're about to see some wrinkly stripping... But no! They only start rapping! With all four judges putting them through, could 'The Zimmers' be the next big thing in the music industry?

Back from the break and we are now in Birmingham where we are graced with 'Four Corners'. A great dance troupe which consists of one girl and about 15 boys - lucky them! They blew the judges away, especially the girl for Simon, and were put through by all four judges.  Seemingly Birmingham  was on fire with plenty of acts going through but was someone going to spoil it? Richard Bolongi was the man to do so. A tone deaf guy who's ex-girlfriend didn't know why he wrote a song for her. Perhaps she knew he couldn't sing? He seemed to be a desperate Ne-Yo wannabe who was desperate to progress in the competition. Thankfully not.

Back to London and we are greeted with an amazing rendition of 'Purple Rain' by Chelsea. She was a bag of nerves but she really pulled it out the bag. But will her nerves stop her from reaching the finals? Time will tell. Plenty of great David and Simon banter to keep us entertained whilst we see acts that Simon sadly keeps interrupting. But David knows what's funny and he keeps on giving us the best moments of the series - Simon won't be happy!

Back again to be exposed to what seems to be the worst musical theatre group and the worst 'rock star' ever. However, Zipparah Tafari brings some entertainment with a song about loosing your keys and your phone... "Have you ever been in that situation where you've lost your keys and your mobile phone?" A massive crowd pleaser but where are his keys and where is his phone?! Our next act was Pudsey and Ashley, a dog and human dance act. They danced to a remixed version of 'The Flintstones' theme tune and wasn't it great?! Most definitely the best dog act to grace our screens on Britain's Got Talent and Simon agrees!

Could this possibly be our winner?

The Simpsons - Have we had enough?

Now a lot of my blog followers and readers are probably old enough to remember when The Simpsons was broadcast on the BBC. From 1996 to the early noughties most of us were subjected to the show on BBC 2 at 6pm. It was one of the BBC's most popular shows and it pulled around 3.4 million viewers an episode. But the BBC's contract ran out in 2006 when in 2002 Channel 4 and Channel 5 were both biding against each other to take the show and air it on their channels. Of course, Channel 4 won the bidding war  and they are currently airing the show at 6pm weekdays and at a different time on the weekends. But have we had enough of The Simpsons?

As of me writing this blog, there has been 503 episodes broadcast and 23 seasons created. But surely there is a limit to how much we can enjoy? I'm someone who as a child did not have access to Sky at home so the one episode a night on BBC 2 was perfect for me as I was young and found it funny. But now it seems that we can be subjected to The Simpsons every day. 

As a child I found The Simpsons hilariously funny as the immature humour matched my immature humour, but the appeal is lost to me now and I can't understand why it still appeals to people above the age of 16. Admittedly, I do put it on in the background or watch it when there is simply nothing else to watch on TV, but I simply do not find it funny. Perhaps the introduction of shows like 'Family Guy' and 'American Dad' have helped the downfall to the Simpsons due to the show's adult humour fitting with my age. The shows both feature jokes orientated around somewhat taboo subjects such as race and sexuality which The Simpsons only tend to touch upon rather than having full storylines on them. Humour develops as you get older and mine definitely has changed. I like comedians such as Jimmy Carr who breaks boundaries by telling jokes that we wouldn't dare to think of saying in front of total strangers. But The Simpsons is very different to this.

In my opinion, The Simpsons should be taken off the air before it is too late. Take 'Friends' for example, this was repeated time after time on Channel 4 and E4 and we all got sick and tired of seeing it on the EPG's. If channels want people to continue to enjoy then this show need to stop being produced and also needs to stop airing every day. Hopefully Fox will see that this show can't go on forever and that perhaps sooner or later, the more episodes they bringing out, the less funny it will be.

Sooty

Right, I'm sitting here and it's now Thursday morning. If it hadn't been for a post on Facebook, I wouldn't be writing this now. I liked a Facebook group called 'Sooty Sweep and Soo' to show my like for a puppet that I grew up with, seems a bit stupid I know but I am proud to say I watched Sooty as a child!

Apparently there has been a new series of Sooty and I've done a bit of research to find out that this is true! Now I grew up watching Matthew Corbett with his variation 'Sooty and Co.' Most Sooty fans who were born in the 90's (as I was) grew up with this show. We were then given 'Sooty Heights' which Richard Cadell took Sooty off Matthew's hands so to speak. Richard now apparently owns the rights Sooty and has made a new series for children of this current decade to enjoy.

Now to start with, I was a bit skeptical as to whether or not it would be successful but as far as I can make out, it is! The premise of the show is that it's now set on a holiday park and has all the usual mischief and mayhem that we all knew and loved. Of course, the show is not funny any more and this is because I am of course too old for the childish humour (and maybe because I only watched two episodes on YouTube). However, one episode named 'Chocco Chimp' features a cameo that was desperately needed. The Sooty legend Matthew Corbett makes an appearance playing the part of something I didn't care about because I was shocked that it was him! He's looking older now with his grey hair and he's also put on a bit of weight, but he is still the same old Matthew that we know and love. It's a pity that he didn't want Sooty and that he didn't make a new series himself as in all honesty, he was a thousand times better than Richard is.

I would say if you have younger sibling or relatives, this show is perfect for them. It features some old Sooty routines and is like the Sooty that we grew up with, just modified due to times moving on considerably. But if you are a teenager/adult that still likes Sooty (sadly that is not me) then I suggest you go to YouTube and watch some old school Sooty!

Here's a screenshot of Matthew's cameo and the what the 'gang' looks like now.

In the last famous words of Harry, Matthew and Richard...
"Bye bye everybody, bye bye"

Britain's Got Talent 2012 - Week 2

This week we started in Blackpool. Blackpool is supposedly the home of variety entertainment and we are yet to see this on Britain’s Got Talent. The show started with a whole plethora of dreadful acts, such as the girl playing a recorder whilst her Dalmatian clearly howled in terror at her dreadful playing – the inspiration behind the act is still unknown. But then, xylophone player Ashley Elliott graced the stage and blew me away! Not only was he a brilliant player, he actually made the xylophone seem like a pretty cool instrument to play.

We then moved to Birmingham which I managed to spot myself in the audience! I am one step closer to being famous! But anyway, our first act was Beatrix Von Bourbon who offered us an interesting act to say the least. Kids, I hope you covered your eyes because this was a little bit naughty! Of course Simon was going to say yes to this semi-nude lady but I wonder what she’s got to offer next... The Mend was the next act Birmingham had to offer us. Admittedly when I was in the audience I looked out this group and didn’t expect much from them but a badly sung rap song, however they proved me wrong big time and I hope they go far in the competition.

Back to London again this week where Carmen Electra is back filling in for the lovely Amanda. We are introduced to what they dubbed themselves as ‘an older little mix’, DeJa Vu. The less said about them is probably better. Next up, it’s the Twist & Pulse Dance Company who, formed by 2010’s runner up act Twist & Pulse, blew us away! Quintessentially they have what it takes to win the competition but could we have repercussions of what happened to Twist & Pulse back in 2010? Only time will tell.

A quick jump back Blackpool where we are blown away by 19 year old Ryan O'Shaughnessy who does a beautiful song that he wrote himself. If he does not make it to the at least the semi-finals, if not the final, then what hope does Britain have left?!

A little round up of the judges as I have said far too much about the acts for which I can only apologise for! David Walliams was of course on top form as per usual providing the best witty lines – such as "If you don't take your coat off, you're not going to feel the benefit when you go outside." Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon were both beautiful as they usually are and Simon Cowell was simply Simon and that’s all you can ever really say about him. What a great show we had and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series holds for us!!

Seeing as I spotted myself on this episode I thought it might be nice for you to have a gander at me and my friend Ollie sitting in the audience of the show in Birmingham. I must warn you this is a candid image and neither of us knew it was taken... until later on that evening!

Welcome!

Hello!

My name is John and I am an avid watcher of Television and a sucker for social media. So I have combined the two of these together and have created a blog all about television. I'm basically going to write about anything I watch on TV and then hopefully someone will read these, enjoy them and then offer me a job writing for them... I wish!

 My first post is about to follow and is the main reason why I have created this blog, so I shall explain very briefly why. I follow someone on Twitter who is currently writing a blog for Britain's Got Talent. So I read it and they said for people to send in 'what they thought' of the show and it will be posted alongside said celebrities review. So I wrote a review in hope of getting it published on their website and my work being seen and enjoyed by others. But they haven't posted anyone's reviews of the show so I felt as though I wasted my life. Hence why this blog exists.

Stay tuned!

John x