All time, top five...

Favourite Films. This is a little bit more tricky as the list tends to change a bit. My list as of right now however, is the following - again not in any specific order.

The Matrix (1999)

This just simply is the best film ever, no question for me. I saw this for the first time on Christmas Day in 1999 and on VHS of all things, but boy did it resonate with me even then. Groundbreaking camera work and a kind of cyber-punk feel that Im yet to see done as well. I am now on my 25th viewing of the film and a Christmas day screening is a no brainer for my family even now. While the general consensus toward the second and third films is somewhat hateful, I quite enjoyed them. Having said that, had they left it at the first film, I wouldn't have minded.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Again, a film that really hit me when I first saw it. This one has a little bit of a mixed audience of lovers and haters, but I am most certainly the former. An awesome non-linear story combined with a great cast and a great script makes this an all round awesome film. If you haven't seen it, make it happen!

Evil Dead II (1987)

Here's another one that I saw for the first time on VHS (as you should see it!). To say I'm obsessed with the whole Evil Dead / Army of Darkness franchise would definitely be an understatement, it is THAT AWESOME. Whilst the first film in 1982 redefined a lot of what it means and takes to make a horror film, the updated sequel / remake five years later just tops it for me. It's funny, scary, weird and everything you could want in one go. Sam Raimi is undoubtedly one of masters of contemporary horror and I know for a fact I will never tire of this film... without doubt, one to show the kids!

American History X (1998)

I don't really need to say that much about this for if you have seen it, you will probably know why it is in my top five. It hit me pretty hard the first time I saw it, and its driving theme will definitely open any audience's eyes. Ed Norton's performance is world class, as is the general script, but wow... what an ending.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Whilst it's a tricky one for me, this is the best film adaption of a Stephen King text. If you want a perfect film, this is pretty much it. Surprisingly, it kinda flopped in theatres when it came out, but has (like all good things) garnered quite a following in the years since; consistently making 'the best films of all time' lists. Tim Robbins is so, so good here - WATCH IT NOW (even if you have already seen it).

So that's it. Like I said, the list can change which is why I like to keep the time tested films there. My next top five entry will more than likely be TV shows be we shall see!

Jonty x

All time, top five...

High Fidelity is not only a great book, it's a great film too - something I normally only like to attribute to Stephen King texts*. What resonates so well with me from the Nick Hornby book (and indeed the film adaptation) is the consistent categorisation of everything, and I do mean everything, into personal all time top fives. I don't know, but there's something very satisfying and very simple about putting one's favourite albums or films or anything of worth into a top five caboodle.

Perhaps my next few posts on here will detail a few of my more important top fives (believe me, I have a fair few)? For now, I'll post one that I have recently updated this week and that is my all time, top five favourite cheeseburgers. Bear in mind, that with my top fives, number one is never better than number five; they're all good and that is why they are in the list. Drumroll please...

Number one:
GBK (Gourmet Burger Kitchen) - This is a chain of up market burger eateries in the UK actually started by a New Zealand chef and boy is it tasty. The entry into my top five here however, is their very basic but insanely delicious cheeseburger. Plenty of mayo, awesomely fresh romaine lettuce, a good slab of cheddar that isn't too sharp, and the best Aberdeen Angus beef patty you've ever tasted.

Number two:
In-n-Out Burger - I first tried this California exclusive** back at the beginning of 2009 when I studied abroad in Sacramento, and even though I knew what to expect then, wow what a burger! I've finally nailed my perfect order though--taking account of all those hidden augmentations you can make--to a 4x4, no onions, extra lettuce and extra spread. Perfect. Evidently, this is not your typical fast food burger joint by any stretch of the imagination! Everything is freshly prepared, in fact, one of the main reasons the place hasn't expanded is because a location HAS to be within a day's drive of their meat processing plant! That is quality you can definitely taste!

Number three:
Rubicon Brewing Company, Sacramento CA - I know, not a burger place specifically but this local microbrewery in Sacramento CA actually serves one of the best burgers I've ever had! Again, super fresh ingredients and nothing crazy. A great American tasting*** all beef patty with fresh tomatoes, onions and a huge wedge of romaine lettuce! A very recent, but very welcome addition to my all time top five!

Number four:
The Old Studio Coffee House, Witney UK - Again, not a burger joint per se but the best bad burger you've ever had! A favourite at my old job for both me and my colleagues, make sure you order it with cheese, lettuce and mayonnaise! So bad it's awesome.

Number five: Jose's Fish Bar, Witney UK - Another home town favourite, this typical chip shop burger comes complete with a no fuss thin patty that, rather unusually for such burgers, covers the entire surface area of the bottom bun! It's greasy and messy but oh so good! I make sure to order mine with lettuce and fried onions and of course, the mayo!

So that's it! My all time top five favourite burgers. The list my change as you might expect, but for now these are the best five burgers available in my life!

* - Stephen King actually has the most book to film adaptations of any author ever and as a result they're not all great! So there is an element of sarcasm in this sentence which I don't think will translate. I think for it to make sense, you really need to see the film Maximum Overdrive, then it will make sense. Yes.


** - Whilst I've stated California exclusive, I am indeed aware that In-n-Out has locations in Nevada, Utah and Arizona.


*** - Yes, American beef does taste different and sometimes, depending on what you're eating, there really isn't an alternative.

The omnipresent flip flops

Omnipresent is perhaps the wrong word. Ubiquitous ... also doesn't quite cut it. I'd like to say that my Picnic Sport (contender for best brand name ever?) flip flops have been everywhere with me and when I come to think of it, they actually have, for almost half my life. I got these bad boys when I was eleven, holidaying in the Biscay region of Northern Spain. You will now undoubtedly be thinking, 'wow, you had big feet for an eleven year-old' and I will agree, yes, I did. But don't let that detract from the awesomeness of these stylish, molded-to-my-foot-shape beauties, they have literally been on every holiday and traveling expedition since then. Which includes, and is not limited to everywhere from Thailand to Vegas to Kenya.

I am understandably very reluctant to part with them. In fact, at the request of both my family and girlfriend (and come to think of it, my girlfriend's family), I have been asked to 'upgrade' the Picnic Sport's on countless occasions yet, thankfully, they remain.

Jonty x

American Psycho

...is a pretty intense book. I am sure there are many of you who have seen the film adaptation of this Bret Easton Ellis book, and rather paradoxically, I urge you to simultaneously stay away and also pick up the original text. Although I haven't finished the book yet (I'm about three quarters of the way through), it is in equal measure both graphically shocking and interesting. For those of you who haven't read, or know very little about the book, it focusses on the life of Wall Street 'yuppie' Patrick Bateman (played in the film version by Christian Bale, pictured above) as he indulges in psychotic, murderous rampages when he is not at the day job. He becomes seemingly more unhinged and blood thirsty as the book progresses and I can only imagine how all his crazy antics will pan out - I am definitely up for seeing what will happen though. Is that wrong?

Anyway, if you want a book that will both shock and grab you, have a look at American Psycho. I actually read that in New Zealand and Australia, it is illegal to sell the book to anyone under 18 and it actually comes shrink wrapped in store! All the more reason to check it out!

As a side note, if you want some awesome music to listen to, I am currently spinning Saves The Day's 'Stay What You Are' album - it undoubtedly rocks.

Jonty x