I really loved the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. Many say the writing is shocking, and note major plot holes, but they were easy to read thrillers and if an author can keep me entertained I consider that a success. (Whether or not they would get full marks from their english teacher.) If you didn’t enjoy those books you’re going to hate this one!

The Lost Symbol is over filled with chapters explaining the history and science surrounding the plot, making what could have been a great fast paced read into a clunky one. There was at least one entirely unnecessary chapter and probably 100 pages of superfluous description that could have been removed. This book will make a better movie because the extras will be stripped away. A new editor could put Dan Brown’s next book back on track.

The Lost Symbol starts with a note that all places, rituals, art, and sciences in the book are real. It seems that Dan really just wants to talk about symbology and science but has been forced to weave a fictional story around it. The science in the book is very interesting, just not something I want spoon fed to me when I’m already struggling to get through the super slow brain processes of a supposedly genius professor. I found myself figuring out the codes pages, if not chapters, before Robert Langdon which means he either sucks under pressure, or just plain sucks. There was one heart racing scene in the middle of the book, and it all goes downhill from there. The biggest let down was a lame la di da ending with no real acknowledgement of what the characters had been through.

The most fascinating part was finding out that The Boy’s boss dresses up in robes, drinks red wine out of a skull, and acts out the killing and rebirth of other Masons. Apparently the Masons are quite happy with how they’re portrayed in the book. It makes them look as dated, superstitious, and patriarchal as rumours have always lead people to believe.

2.5/5

PJ* goes back to his roots with the production of District 9 – a fantastic movie full of exploding aliens and humans.
The film is put together with a combination of documentary, security camera, and real time footage. It follows the story of Wikus, a human working for the MNU in Johannesburg, and seems to blatantly mimic the South African apartheid.

Do yourself a favour and don’t watch the trailers if you haven’t already seen them. I went in knowing nothing more than I was going to watch a movie about aliens living with humans, and I’m glad I didn’t know any more than that.

3.5/5

*Peter Jackson, everyone’s favourite Kiwi director/producer

O. M. G. The only other time I have laughed loudly throughout a movie and clapped was during Borat. Bruno offers more of Sacha Baron Cohen’s style and leaves you with sore stomach muscles. That is unless you are anywhere near homophobic.

The movie is quite short by today’s standards at only one and a half hours long, there are a lot of scenes that I’ve read about that weren’t in the movie. I would have loved a longer version, can never have enough hilarity.

Bruno really couldn’t have been filmed anywhere but America. I can’t imagine anywhere else that homophobia could incite such rage. Of course there are far more conservative countries, but they would never allow themselves to be pulled so deep into the story before being duped. You’ll also see the lengths people will go to for fame, and be reminded why you don’t watch day time talk shows.

I can see how this movie is love or hate, I can understand why people don’t like Sacha’s work even if they aren’t homophobic. I can even understand people loving Borat and hating Bruno. But if you love making fun of homophobes, and seeing people in awkward situations you may love this movie just as much as me. The laughter was raucous, people clapped at the screen, I feel smug just thinking about all the stupid people that think being gay is a sin. You’ve got to love Bruno, after all he is “the star of the biggest German-speaking show on television in every single German-speaking country. Except Germany.”

P.S The setting of the fight is real.

4.5/5

Gala Darling’s Love & Sequins #2 – A Smart Girl’s Guide to Business – Podcast

Lots of great stuff for people thinking about leaving, or too scared to leave their office jobs.
Otherwise just a reassurance that I’m on the right track. Nothing new really.

2.5/5

Dorothy returns to a devastated Oz.
With the help of the Wheelers, scary interchangeable head lady needs to warn the Nome King Dorothys back.
Very dark movie with crappy graphics.

2/5

French men must be intellectuals.
Too many big words to keep my attention so I didn’t get past the first chapter.
It was probably more of the same stuff anyway.

1/5

The Illuminati return to seek revenge on the Catholics.
If you’ve read the book you might be slightly disappointed, otherwise it should be fun.
The explosion is awesome.

2.5/5

A woman has an affair with a boy, he reads to her.
Later we find out she was a nazi guard.
She goes to jail, he keeps reading.

3/5

Two old guys on opposite ends of society’s scale meet on their deathbeds and make a list of things to do before they “kick the bucket”.
Sappy. Makes you think.

2.5/5

Two middle-aged guys still living at home are thrust together when their parents get married. They’re spoilt brats until they’re forced to grow up.
Lots funnier than it sounds!

3/5