What do you get if you cross a comic book inspired film with male fantasies? Sucker Punch.
I knew nothing about this film upon sitting in my cinema seat with a small box of popcorn (£4.70 - bloody extortionate). I'd vaguely seen a trailer for the movie but, to be honest, I don't have a clue about what it showed. So when offered a ticket I thought 'why not?'.
I like most films. They don't have to be intellectual, they don't have to have the greatest story, they don't even have to make sense. But when a film falters on all accounts I take exception to losing almost 2 hours of my life. I absolutely loved the opening 5 minutes. The way you were introduced to the story through almost monochromatic scenes highlighted by an Annie Lennox great. The battle between the protective older sibling, Baby Doll (Emily Browing) and the abusive stepfather. The tragic outcome. At this point I'm still entertained. Even when the lead character is introduced to the runnings of the mental asylum I'm still convinced that the film has potential.
Then act 2. We have jumped from an asylum to a less than reputable club (high-class brothel). At this point I fear that the costume budget was cut due to the credit crunch because bras, basques, pants and heels were the attire of the ladies. There was also the suggestion of dancing (the gyrating kind as opposed to ballroom) but thankfully the director, Zack Snyder, spared us from the awkwardness. I was now thoroughly confused as to what this film was about and hoped that I'd catch up soon. My suspicion that the film was based on a comic book game based soft porno was backed up by the next plot/scene change. As we delve into yet another of Baby Doll's worlds, we find her uncovering her quest and battling samurai monsters. Amazingly, in this reality her outfit has become smaller. The sexy schoolgirl look is unmistakable.
The movie flip flops between different worlds as Baby Doll, now joined by her 'colleagues', dance and fight their way through the remaining scenes. It is evident that the Zack took inspiration from other films such as Charlie's Angels, Inception and The Matrix, but sadly this film feels as if it was put together by randomly putting ideas together in any order. By the second half of the film I'd found that my mind was no longer on the plot and had wandered to thinking about what other film Jena Malone (Rocket) had been in. Jena was by far the best actor in this moving becuase she delivered her lines pretty much convincingly. I'm glad to say that by the end of the film I felt satisfied because I had worked out that she had played the young Ellie (Jodie Foster) in Contact. My work was done, and thankfully so was the film.
This is definitely not one to take the girlfriend to unless the girlfriend also likes videogames and scantily clad women. Even then I wouldn't bother because there are far better films out there.
After an interesting debate on Facebook, I got to thinking what are the motivations for people to put on their trainers and run.
For the seasoned runner it could be to beat the personal best or the inability to sit still and watch an hour of soaps. For those less accustomed to physical exertion the decision to 'run' for more than 30 seconds is slightly harder to explain. Running for the bus is usually the limit for most but you occasionally find this same breed pounding the pavements and gasping for air at least once a year. What is this magical force, I hear you ask, that propels them from their usual habitat of the sofa? The answer: a good cause.You only have to take the London Marathon as an example to prove my point. Tens of thousands apply every year for the opportunity to run over 26 miles around London. All in the name of charity. Such is its popularity that many find themselves without a place, relegating them to cheering others on. I myself applied for the 2011 London Marathon and was disappointed when I didn't get a spot. Cancer Research UK's Race for Life has grown in popularity over the years with over 300 races being run in 2011. The fact that it is a 5km race means that participants of all abilities can give it a good go. They have the opportunity to say I care, I remember, I survived.I've run Race for Life three times and I am always overwhelmed by the huge amount of support from runners, volunteers and the like. When you know how much survivors of cancer and those who have lost someone to cancer appreciate the work of cancer research charities it makes the slight aches worth it.As well as running I also volunteer as these events. You really get to see the camaraderie and support; the sense of accomplishment; and the emotion of the day. With so many things to be mad, angry and depressed about, a bunch of women getting together to show their support for a good cause truly lifts the spirits.So my conclusion is that losing weight and getting into those smaller sized jeans just can't compete against doing something for others.
Update
I will be volunteering at the following Race for Life events in London, so I'll be there cheering and clapping participants on. Why don't you sign up to run or join me in volunteering. It's a great day out.
Before Janathon had begun, I'd convinced myseld that all the good work done in January would carry through to February. Well, good intentions and all that. February has seen the level of activity akin to the majority of the months in 2010. Sporadic and lacklustre. But I am trying.
Quality not quantity
With only a few days left in the month, I have only managed 4 runs. Somewhat pathetic, I know, but at least one of those was an impressive (for me) 6.17 mile run and I only walked for a small portion. Annoyingly, I discovered that my brain diverts most of its capacity to keeping my legs moving and my lungs working during a run, and as a result I slightly miscalculated how far 10km is in miles. 6.17 miles I ran. I needed to do just over 6.2 miles. So I didn't beat my 10k PB, but I would have if I'd run to the shop rather than stopping at the pub. (N.B. I didn't actually go into the pub - mainly because I didn't have any cash). I completed 6.17miles in under 59 minutes. My 5k time had also dropped by an impressive 2 minuites. A few more runs like this combined with intervals and I should be on my way to better running.
Is it all in the kit?
I tried to work out what had changed about my running to result in such an improvement. Other than more running that is. I've decided (rightly or wrongly) that it is the kit. Long gone are the days of running in cotton t-shirts and suffocatingly inappropriate tracksuit bottoms. 'They' say that all you need to run is a t-shirt and shorts. Obviously, 'they' haven't seen my thighs. Shorts were replaced by a knee length variation. Add to this a lovely light-weight, breathale running top from Nike (courtesy of the Nike+ human race) and I was ready to go. Or so I thought. I had the clothes but it took me a while to realise that maybe I didn't have the proper footwear. After further thought I realsied that I'd had one of my pairs of trainers for over 7 years. Definitely time for some newbies. So now I have some brand new Asics and some Asics running socks. The cumulative result was my sub-60 6.17 miles. It is probably partly psychological but I do feel pretty good whilst running.
When planning, a diary comes in useful
After the post-Janathon lunch, I signed up for the Bupa 10,000 on May 30th. Bank Holiday Monday. Nothing else to do. It'll be a good goal. Problem: A week later I realised that I had forgotten one thing. Take That. I'm off to see Take That at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Tuesday 31 May, and we had planned to make a few days of it by travelling up on Monday. I had completely forgotten this so now I'm going to be having a very busy Monday. Even more incentive to run a fast time.
The plan:
Of course, I could decide not to run the Bupa 10,000 but where is the fun in that. I like a challenge - as long as there is a reward of alcohol.
To end my Jananthon experience, I ran home from work. The first time in 2011. Next time, however, I will remember to warm up and stretch properly.
3.44 miles in 37mins 07secs. Not really a sprint finish but who cares. I complete Janathon.
To mark the occasion I out together a little montage. Well seeing as I didn't have any footage of people running, I just some of my photos and a random selection of profile pictures. Don't be offended if I didn't pick you, I used Janathors who happened to be tweeting at the time.
Well don to everyone who took pat. Whether you ran, jogged, swam, rode, skipped, walked or Zumba'd. Hope to see some of you for the meet up on Feb 12th. If not maybe we'll cross paths during Juneathon.
Soundtrack for Janathon Day 30 post. "The Final Countdown" by Europe. It had to be done.
This song always remind me of a primary school disco. All standing around in a circle dancing, skipping and jumping to this song in our lunch break. Good times. The 80s rock. That reminds me. Must add to my iPod. Not sure it will help with my speed, but it will definitely entertain me on a run.
I've been away visiting friends this weekend so my final week of Janathon has been a bit lame. No records broken. No final burst of speed. Well, there's always tomorrow. Tonight I only managed 15 minutes on the lateral thigh trainer whilst catching up on bobsleigh. I did do a little bit running. About 50 metres to get to the train. Not epic and Ussain Bolt wouldn't be scared by it, but there were stairs. And I was carrying luggage.
Tomorrow. Running home from work? We'll see.
Do you remember the Milkyway advert circa 1989. The one that they brought back a few years ago with slightly updated lyrics. This is the point where I'd usually embed a YouTube video but not possible at the moment.
What is she rattling on about and where is this going I hear you ask. Well, my friends' received a belated Christmas present which was a little racing track of the scalextric kind. After some rebuilding of the track it was time for the race. First to complete 9 laps. Even with unscheduled pit stops (the car coming off the track) I still managed to win. See, women ate better drivers. I can't say many calories were used up by the workout my forefinget got but it was fun.
Janathon day 29 was a 0.92 mile walk with the dog. It also included a stop at the outdoor gym in the park. 20 seconds on the elliptical trainer. Job done.
Has Janathon almost finished. I'm bloody shattered. Even though I love Janathon to bits, you can have to much of a good thing. I'm warn out and looking forward to a few lazy days. February will see me keeping up the exercise, but not quite at the rate of January. In comparison to some I've hardly broke a sweat, but going from exercising once or twice a week to every day is a big step.
Today (Day 27) was a short Zumba workout. I was too tired to run. Also, after two V&T's a run really wasn't on the cards. Maybe a short run tomorrow or a 20-minute Zumba workout. Off to see friends this weekend so I'll be rocking up with running gear in tow. There is a park close to their house so that'll do for Saturday morning. Must remember to pack my SportBand. If not, the RunKeeper app will be the back up plan.
Tomorrow is weigh-in day (moved forward due to being away on Saturday). What is my prediction? 1lb loss.Tthat would've been 2lb but I've just eaten a chinese.
Til tomorrow peeps.
This evening was my weekly Zumba class (run by the lovely Maria - www.zumba4london.com). After a long day at work Zumbais the perfect way to get rid of the stresses and strains. As last week, the class was full. Let me correct that - it was heaving. Going from an average of 20 people in the class before Christmas, to around 45 since it's return in January. And this week - men!! As usual, Maria worked us hard and the sweat was pouring off me just 5 mins into the class. All went well and, despite at times not being able to see what the routine was supposed to be, I was glad that I'd made the effort to go.
Our class was due to finish at 7.30pm but by 7.25 The Choir, who had the hall booked after us, were starting to get a little anxious. By 7.29pm I started to be harassed by The Choir because our time slot was nearly up. (Note to self - don't stand at the back of class, especially near the end) We were on our last song so would only be another few minutes, and I told them so (politely). As the seconds (please note seconds not minutes) ticked on they became more irate and kept on nagging me. 7.32pm and The Choir had had enough. In storms bearded pensioner straight through the middle of flailing arms and legs and switches off the music. I personally think that he was very brave trying that move because most of the class are uncoordinated at best and he could easily have walked into a punch or kick.
I understand that their booking was at 7.30 but they need to take their grievance up with the manager and stop harassing the poor sweaty people. Not only did they complain about us leaving the hall late, they complained about us not leaving the premises straight away. They complained about the hall being hot and smelly, which is an inevitable side effect of 45 people jumping and shaking for an hour. I'm not narked at the complaining because they did have a point. I'm narked at their rudeness and lack of respect for us who also pay to be in that hall. I used to say that the younger generation don't respect their elders. I can now say that some of the older generation feel as if they have the god-given right to do what they want when they want and have little respect for other hard working people. This was round 1. Hopefully the management of the hall will sort out the booking issues, so we don't have punches thrown next week. It would definitely be a different cross training exercise.
Rant over. Time for a bubble bath.
