Trip to Dublin & Series: The Purge (Season 2, Episodes 1 - 3)

Now, our office got a bit antsy at the fact that so few of us had scheduled holidays. They had visions of us all demanding them at the same time, and leaving the office bereft. So they urged us to schedule them asap. Which I did - taking what I need for Christmas, I calculated I had four days per month. So what I've mainly done is to take four days from the last week of every month - making sure to include Mondays, with their atrocious early-morning meetings! So - this week was the first! I had four days off, woo-hoo.. and boy, was I looking forward to it. 

On Tuesday, I headed up to Dublin - leaving it till then because of that morning's Tesco delivery. I have a friend up there, you see, whom I'd promised to go for a meal with, her and her fiancé, before I went back to London. And I thought this would be an excellent opportunity! It wasn't until after I booked it that the government announced the resumption of indoor dining for the fully vaccinated, this very week! Well now, if that wasn't a sign.. With the car still banjaxed, and no word of when I could expect it to be fixed, I asked my cabbie friend to take me to the station. Which he did, arriving promptly - well, he doesn't have much business these days! Good to see him again, and we we had a great chat about films en-route.

I was to be glad I hadn't taken the car - the station now has a resident group of travellers, and I wouldn't have been happy, leaving it there overnight. As he let me off, he pointed out to me that I needed to have booked online (which I had) - the ticket machine at this station is for collection only, not purchase. At that, I had to input my reference number three times before it'd work - it was a relief when it did. But I'd left plenty of time, and still had time to wait. On board the train, I noticed that the windows had to be left open - not that everyone was following that rule. Just as well the weather was warm!

I have to give credit to the WiFi - on all the trains I used, it was much better than I remembered. However, alighting at Limerick Station, I had none at all while I waited for my connection, which was a while away - in the meantime, I perused the poster on display, with lots of interesting facts about Limerick:

I eventually discovered that sitting at the far end, I could get WiFi from the adjacent bus station - which was when I got reconnected, and was able to communicate my progress to my friend, who'd been checking. I had no idea what was wrong with my mobile internet, which wasn't working at all. Anyway, in due course I boarded the train to Limerick Junction, and then onto the InterCity to Dublin - no reservations, they just advise people to sit apart from people not in their groups. And I'd forgotten how nice these trains are! Actually, I think they've improved since I last travelled on them - happily, these windows don't open, so I wasn't forced to endure a breeze.

Staying in the Clayton, as usual - too far to walk from Heuston Station, and anyway I was meeting people and wanted to get there in reasonable time. I couldn't get a direct bus, so took the Luas tram - with my only other trip on public transport being the return journey, the balance remaining on my Leap card from last time I was here did me entirely for this trip! And you'd better make sure to have paid, with the small army of ticket inspectors that boarded with me. Unfortunately, with a choice of two destinations into town, I chose the wrong one - it is really annoying how few Luas stops have route maps. Anyway, they both go the same way - it's just that one stops earlier than I needed. So I ended up walking two stops further than I needed to - which would have been all right, except for the lashing rain that coincided with my trip, which make the smooth pavements too slippery for comfort. I was relieved to get to the hotel, at last.

I'd tried to check in online, but had assumed that I'd have to wait until that day to do it - when I tried though, I discovered that I should have done it prior to my arrival date. It wasn't made clear. Anyway, there was no problem checking in on the spot - she made sure to tell me what was different, giving me a list of Covid rules about wearing a mask in public areas, and prebooking breakfast and dinner - neither of which I was having there anyway. She also explained that my room wouldn't be serviced for the duration of my stay, unless I requested it - and if I did, I'd have to move my stuff out of the way, as they'd start by spritzing the room with disinfectant. If I wanted anything, however, I could request it and pick it up from reception - and room service, available 24-7, was bookable online and could also be picked up from reception. I also noted the advice by the lifts, to avoid travelling in the lift with people not in the same party. Which is handier, generally!

The cheapest room available when I booked was the Executive King, ooh-la-la! (which includes complementary chocolates). A box of five chocolates, it was. And the bed was king size. Otherwise, no better than a regular room. And the decor leaves something to be desired, with peeling paint on the window frame, and a bubbly finish on the varnish of the work table!

Having said that, I still like this hotel - the staff are unfailingly friendly, cleanliness is impeccable, and I slept like a log in that big bed - happy to spread out, which was cooler in the overheated room. Gorgeous pillow, too - and another happy side-effect of Covid, they've done away with unnecessary and fiddly throw cushions. I freshened up and let my friend know I'd arrived. Another quibble with the bathroom though - when I stay in a hotel, I'm used to having a magnifying mirror in the bathroom, attached to the wall by an extendable arm. I find it very handy. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have heard of them, here.

We'd booked Cafe Milano for that evening - we had a bit of a worry, with the government saying that Covid certs, proving full vaccination, would be required, and them not yet having received theirs. But it was finally confirmed that, in that case, HSE cards, received at vaccination centres, and including details of both vaccines, would be accepted, with photo ID. Anyway, they conscientiously phoned me as I was waiting for my companions, just to confirm the booking - he asked whether we had our certs, and I explained to him that two of us had HSE cards. Which he said would probably do.

The rain was clearing as we embarked on the short walk to the restaurant. My word though, it was worse than an airport, having to show ID and proof of vaccination. It was kind of easier for my companions, who had two physical items to show - I had to present my phone, get the code scanned, then dig for ID! When that was all done, I was asked to scan the QR code at the door, and enter my contact details. I never did get it to work, and gave up, anxious to get to my meal.

Lo and behold, another QR code at the table, which the waiter explained to us was instead of a printed menu, although they had those if we preferred. Unfortunately, I was the only one at the table who seemed to know what to do with it - and when I did get it working, I had to read the menu to the others. Now, we'd discussed getting a bottle of wine, so I started at that section - however, it only seemed to list small glasses! With this proving so difficult, my friend's fiancé suggested that we ask for printed menus - this was much easier. We could all decide simultaneously, and the wine was offered in a variety of measures - including full bottles. Yeah, dunno whether the QR menus are going to prove a hit.

I had garlic bread to start - seems to come with cheese by default now, and it was delicious! So long since I had it. They shared chicken wings to start - and offered me one, but I had plenty of garlic bread, and knew I didn't dare take more food! As for mains - I was a bit disappointed by the selection, which I'd thought would be wider - never mind, my friend and I had chicken pesto (with penne pasta), and her fiancé tried the new "BBQ Burnt Ends" pizza, in the Romano (thin) section. And everything was lovely (including the pizza, which I was persuaded into trying a slice of). By 'eck though, we stuffed ourselves - to the extent that I literally couldn't finish my dessert of chocolate fudge cake. I did manage the scoop of ice cream with it, though - should probably have gone for ice cream on its own. My friend had cheesecake. And we had a lovely time, and a good old chat - he was worried about there being a time limit, but I was able to reassure him that they've finally scrapped that. Hallelujah, some normality at last! They insisted on paying - well, I hate to argue. And so we had an early night.

On Wednesday, the plan was to shop - I needed clothes. My friend's fiancé had other plans, so it was just the two of us - and first, I suggested lunch (brunch for me, as I don't pay for hotel breakfasts separately). So I suggested Flanagan's, and we set off on foot - the rain had cleared, and it was sunny, if breezy.  We had a lovely walk along the quays:

(That's the famine memorial, where you can pay to have your name included on a plaque.) Anyway, braving quite strong winds that kept blowing things into our eyes, we made our way there - and were delighted to find that, not only did they have space for us, they don't even take reservations! And mercifully, they couldn't be bothered with QR menus - they had great fun trying to scan the code on my cert, though. Sensibly, they tended to all the ID business when we were seated at the table, and I wrote my contact details on the sheet provided.

I had soup to start, she had garlic bread - and it was so long since either of us had had these! My, they tasted good. For mains, I had a half roast chicken - just because it was so long since I'd had a relatively plain chicken dish - and she had a burger. Again, we were sated. Conscious that it was now late in the day, and had a booking that evening for The Good World Chinese Restaurant, I suggested we skip dessert. But it was all good, and we'd both be happy to return!

Our shopping trip was fruitful but exhausting - and when the blasted rain started again, we decided to make for the restaurant, despite being a bit early. With my damned phone still refusing to connect to the internet, I had to depend on her directions - but she got us there just fine. (When I checked later, it turned out that mobile data was switched off on my phone, for some reason.) And we were seated immediately - this time, she took my contact details herself. And let us sit before checking our ID. In all cases, only my contact details were requested - was that rule changed? There was to be a rule that you had to take everyone's details - which led to a lot of opposition from businesses. Perhaps they reversed it.

Anyway, neither of us was one bit hungry at this point. So I suggested we skip starters, and I ordered a Kung Po chicken - she had a chicken curry, and we both ordered fried rice, which came in a big bowl. And we had a bottle of wine - I suggested one of the "light and fruity", with us being so full. Sadly, neither meal got finished - she ate about half the curry, I couldn't even manage half of mine. The chicken was a bit chewy, and I really couldn't handle it - ate the cashew nuts, appreciated the lovely sauce, had some of the rice, and that was that. They were most understanding. We shared a mint trufito for dessert - that got eaten, all right!

She was kind enough to pay for a taxi back to the hotel, and we parted ways - she was busy next day, and couldn't meet me. Another early night for me, woke in plenty of time to check out next morning. Which I did, online. On the way back to Heuston, I passed Epic, the emigration museum - and it occurred to me that I could have spent some time there if I'd thought of it, nuts. At Heuston, I had time to kill, so I explored. And found some confusing signs:

(So.. where is one supposed to drink one's pint?) They also have plenty of material explaining the station name's origin, with a member of the Easter Rising:

Mainly, I sat near Insomnia Cafe, which had unlocked WiFi, and read my long-neglected book on Kindle. (It was hard enough to get seating, what with all the seats blocked off for Covid!) I thought I'd better get something to eat - but didn't fancy much, with all I'd eaten for the past two days. So I availed of the station's branch of Supermac's! Here, if you want to eat in, there's no problem - they have a large seating area at the back, and when they take your order, they give you a number for the table, and bring the order to you. And while I was there, sat directly in front of a large tv, I caught a replay of Ireland's gold-winning Olympic rowing race! Stirring stuff. As for my dinner - I had the cheeseburger meal. Which was fine - except the sauce was wrong! It was plain ketchup. :-( Ah well, it was decent.

And so I ultimately did my train journey in reverse. When I got to Limerick Junction, I got a nasty shock - when I last travelled through here, the InterCity trains in both directions stopped at the same platform, just across from the platform from the trains to/from Limerick. Now, however, the southbound InterCity trains - such as I was on - stop at another platform entirely.. and you have to cross one of those blasted high train bridges to get where you want to go. I nearly had a coronary, with all that unanticipated exercise. Came down panting so hard that a girl walking in front of me thought she was being stalked.. Anyway, we were 10 minutes late, but the connecting train had waited for us (what else was it going to do?!), and we got to Limerick five minutes late for the next train, but that had waited for us too. I messaged my cabbie friend that we were running five minutes late - and lo, he pulled up just as I left the platform!

Turned out that work meeting I was avoiding was cancelled anyway. And that manager that I predicted would forget I was on leave? Yep, he did! Ah, the joys of not being there. As for the car - I explained the situation to the cabbie, who kindly volunteered to push it into position so it was facing the gate. Which was good timing, because the mechanic finally came for it last night. Watch this space..

In the meantime, I've squeezed in a few episodes of Season 2 of The Purge, on Amazon Prime. This takes a different tack from Season 1, which was almost all action - Season 2 is more philosophical. Episode 1 shows us the purge from different points of view - we see an entertaining audition by the woman who provides the warning voice for the start of the purge: we follow a couple of college boys on a scavenger hunt on purge night, which doesn't turn out at all as planned: we see a bank robbery, by a gang who need the money for various good reasons: we see a couple under siege in their own home: and we enter the NFFA offices, focusing on a woman whose job it is to watch surveillance videos and make sure nobody's breaking the rules. While she's watching, though, she sees someone she knows, who's in trouble..

The rest of the series takes place in the days after the purge, examining its aftermath. One of those mild-mannered college boys develops a bloodlust after his purge night experiences, the bank robbers plan another heist, the man who was targeted in his home discovers there's a bounty on his head - the question is, who's funding it? and the woman who saw someone she knew on screen on purge night seeks to find the reason behind what happened to her: and in doing so, seems to bring several stories together. Like I say, there's always a new angle to The Purge.. still enjoying it!

Cultureseekers actually didn't have a quiz today - it's on Tuesday instead, which I can't make. Today, they seemed to be doing a guided walk instead. Which I couldn't make either. Ah well.. 

Film: Mary, Queen of Scots

Tonight, there was something interesting on tv - would you believe, I'd never seen Mary, Queen of Scots! The title role is taken by Saoirse Ronan, Elizabeth I is played by Margot Robbie. It's slated for its historical inaccuracies - it seemed they claim that Mary was trying to depose Elizabeth, which I've never heard, although enough plots were raised in her name (Mary was Elizabeth's closest relative and heir, a Catholic, and the focus of many Catholic plots against the Protestant Elizabeth). And David Tennant is unrecognisable as the firebrand preacher, John Knox (complete with profoundly - and historically accurate - big beard), who's against both queens on the basis that they're women. But particularly Mary, as a Catholic.

Not to mention that, in real life, Mary probably didn't have the pronounced Scottish accent she adopts here; having taken the throne as a baby, she was raised in France from the age of 5, for her own safety - Scottish nobles were notorious through history for killing royals so they could take the throne themselves - and stayed there until she was 18 (France would have been a natural choice, as her mother was French). So I'm guessing she had a touch of French about her, although I guess that would have made the story a tad more complicated. Finally, she definitely never met Elizabeth, despite begging her for years for an audience. A review I've just read describes their meeting as a spellbinding encounter, though. Ah hell, I couldn't miss it, now could I?!

Having now watched it at last, I can say that the suggestion of Mary raising an army against Elizabeth, which never happened in real life, never happened in the film either, despite being suggested in both the trailer and the tv guide. However, the accent is unrealistically Scottish (although she does speak French as well), and the meeting between the queens still never happened. There's also a side-story about Mary's second husband, Lord Darnley, having been involved in a gay relationship with her private secretary, with whose murder he was later involved. First I've heard of it - I thought that he thought that she was having an affair! I did actually like the brutal treatment of this event, which I thought was probably quite realistic. There are complaints that we don't get enough of a look at her third husband - well, there's a lot else to cram in. She had a busy few years, there.

I really liked it, actually. The helplessness of Mary's situation, opposed by her entire council and unused to practical rule, struck me as quite realistic. The look and feel work really well, switching rapidly between both courts, comparing both queens - and the Scottish scenery is stunning, as ever. Elizabeth was apparently devastated upon hearing of Mary's death, so some upset earlier is appropriate - however, I disliked the tone of the film, which suggested that Elizabeth saw in Mary something she lacked - a husband and child - and duly went to pieces around the time that Mary announced her pregnancy. Rather a trite dismissal of the woman, dont'cha think?

Hey-ho, if I'm at a loose end tomorrow, there's Season 2 of The Purge, on Amazon Prime. Rumoured to be better than Season 1 - well, I loved that one, so it'll be interesting to see!

Now, our office got a bit antsy at the fact that so few of us had scheduled holidays. They had visions of us all demanding them at the same time, and leaving the office bereft. So they urged us to schedule them asap. Which I did - taking what I need for Christmas, I calculated I had four days per month. So what I've mainly done is to take four days from the last week of every month - making sure to include Mondays, with their atrocious early-morning meetings! So - here comes the first! I have the next four days off, woo-hoo.. and boy, am I looking forward to that lie-in tomorrow. And there's one manager in particular that I bet has forgotten - if he ever noticed - that I'm not there. I bet they'll look for me in the meeting - just wait n see..

On Tuesday, I'm heading up to Dublin - leaving it till then because of that morning's Tesco delivery. I have a friend up there, you see, whom I'd promised to go for a meal with, her and her fiancé, before I went back to London. And I thought this would be an excellent opportunity! It wasn't until after I booked it that the government announced the resumption of indoor dining for the fully vaccinated, this very week! Well now, if that isn't a sign.. With the car still banjaxed, and no word of when I can expect it to be fixed, I've asked my cabbie friend to take me to the station. Staying in the Clayton, as usual - cheapest available was the Executive King, ooh-la-la! (I believe that includes complementary chocolates.) And we've booked Cafe Milano for that evening - we had a bit of a worry, with the government saying that Covid certs, proving full vaccination, would be required, and them not yet having received theirs. But it was finally confirmed that, in that case, HSE cards, received at vaccination centres, and including details of both vaccines, would be accepted, with photo ID.

Oh man, it's gonna be so good to get away.. and to stay in a nice hotel.. and to eat in a restaurant..

On Wednesday, we plan to shop - we might also get to the cinema - and tomorrow, I must try to book The Good World Chinese Restaurant for that day; they weren't answering the phone last week, and don't have online booking. They don't have outdoor dining, so were closed all during the lockdown.

And I'll come back on Thursday, ready for a (hopefully) nice easy day of work on Friday!

Series: The Purge (Season 1, Episode 10)

I still have more of The Purge to see on Amazon.. and when there was a gap in programming, that's just what I did. This one turned out, finally, to be the last episode of the season! In which things come to an end, pretty much. Some things are resolved satisfactorily, some less so - but I have to say, what a season! Twists and turns, terrific writing, suspense.. Roll on Season 2, also available..

Tonight, there is something interesting on tv - would you believe, I've never seen Mary, Queen of Scots! The title role is taken by Saoirse Ronan, Elizabeth I is played by Margot Robbie. It's slated for its historical inaccuracies - it seems they claim that Mary was trying to depose Elizabeth, which I've never heard, although enough plots were raised in her name (Mary was Elizabeth's closest relative and heir, a Catholic, and the focus of many Catholic plots against the Protestant Elizabeth).

Not to mention that, in real life, Mary probably didn't have the pronounced Scottish accent she adopts here; having taken the throne as a baby, she was raised in France from the age of 5, for her own safety - Scottish nobles were notorious through history for killing royals so they could take the throne themselves - and stayed there until she was 18 (France would have been a natural choice, as her mother was French). So I'm guessing she had a touch of French about her, although I guess that would have made the story a tad more complicated. Finally, she definitely never met Elizabeth, despite begging her for years for an audience. A review I've just read describes their meeting as a spellbinding encounter, though. Ah hell, I couldn't miss it, now could I?!

Series: The Purge (Season 1, Episode 9)

I still have more of The Purge to see on Amazon.. and I was dying to see the outcome of the latest twist! Which I did, yesterday - I ended up being a bit busy to blog though, and was tired last night.

Well, well, well. The twist makes sense - and leads to another surprising development, when one of the major characters gets axed. And by the end, we have yet another desperate situation to be resolved, amid seemingly impossible odds. But you know - the entire story makes sense, it's very cleverly written, and I have never seen so many twists and turns and shocking conclusions. Definitely keeping me hooked! And there's at least one more episode in this season - and, I suspect, more than that..

Tonight, there is something interesting on tv - would you believe, I've never seen Mary, Queen of Scots! The title role is taken by Saoirse Ronan, Elizabeth I is played by Margot Robbie. It's slated for its historical inaccuracies - it seems they claim that Mary was trying to depose Elizabeth, which I've never heard, although enough plots were raised in her name (Mary was Elizabeth's closest relative and heir, a Catholic, and the focus of many Catholic plots against the Protestant Elizabeth).

Not to mention that, in real life, Mary probably didn't have the pronounced Scottish accent she adopts here; having taken the throne as a baby, she was raised in France from the age of 5, for her own safety - Scottish nobles were notorious through history for killing royals so they could take the throne themselves - and stayed there until she was 18 (France would have been a natural choice, as her mother was French). So I'm guessing she had a touch of French about her, although I guess that would have made the story a tad more complicated. Finally, she definitely never met Elizabeth, despite begging her for years for an audience. A review I've just read describes their meeting as a spellbinding encounter, though. Ah hell, I couldn't miss it, now could I?!

Film: True Crime

One of tonight's many tv movies was one I don't think I'd seen before - True Crime has Clint Eastwood as an over-the-hill reporter, who is sent to do a human interest story on a prisoner (Isaiah Washington), who's on death row for murder. And suitably repentant, and looking forward to meeting Jesus. Which seems to be enough to set off Clint's alarm bells - he figures there's something not right about this. But if he's to prove this, he has to move fast - the execution is imminent. LisaGay Hamilton plays the prisoner's wife, Bernard Hill plays the warden.

You know Clint is right. He's always right. And he'll get the guy off. It's suitably touching (with a little daughter n all) to hold my attention, and the reprises of the crime are interesting, as we gradually piece together what happened. There's also a cracking finish, at Christmas, with a gorgeous accompanying soundtrack. So yes, quite a passable way to spend an evening..

For tomorrow.. Cultureseekers have another quiz, but it's on UK politics. So I'm skipping it. And there isn't any point in looking up what's on in the cinema, as the car is still banjaxed. Turns out it's not actually the gearbox (phew), it's a connecting cable that snapped. But they have to order it from Suzuki.. I'm still waiting to hear. Meantime, I still have more of The Purge to see on Amazon.. and I am dying to see the outcome of the latest twist!

Sunday does have something interesting on tv - would you believe, I've never seen Mary, Queen of Scots! The title role is taken by Saoirse Ronan, Elizabeth I is played by Margot Robbie. It's slated for its historical inaccuracies - it seems they claim that Mary was trying to depose Elizabeth, which I've never heard, although enough plots were raised in her name (Mary was Elizabeth's closest relative and heir, a Catholic, and the focus of many Catholic plots against the Protestant Elizabeth).

Not to mention that, in real life, Mary probably didn't have the pronounced Scottish accent she adopts here; having taken the throne as a baby, she was raised in France from the age of 5, for her own safety - Scottish nobles were notorious through history for killing royals so they could take the throne themselves - and stayed there until she was 18 (France would have been a natural choice, as her mother was French). So I'm guessing she had a touch of French about her, although I guess that would have made the story a tad more complicated. Finally, she definitely never met Elizabeth, despite begging her for years for an audience. A review I've just read describes their meeting as a spellbinding encounter, though. Ah hell, I couldn't miss it, now could I?!

Series: The Purge (Episodes 6 - 8) & Films: The Forever Purge & The Secret Scripture

Well, I had a look at cinema listings for the weekend - and wouldn't you know it, the Arc cinema in Ennis has a matinee - of The Forever Purge! (Only showing in the evening in Limerick.)  Decided to head to that on Sunday - free parking on Sundays, dontcha know. Nobody'd booked by the time I left, so I thought I'd rock up on the day and buy a ticket, given that they have a booking fee.. I kept an eye on it. 

In preparation, if you like, I started to watch the series The Purge on Amazon Prime. Online reviews say it's not as good as the second series (also available) - I have to say, if the second is better, I'm really looking forward to it. I'd thought I was coming to the end of Season 1 - apparently not, although you'd be forgiven for thinking so, given that almost all the stories are by now resolved. Except.. this series has more twists and turns than anything I'd previously seen, and as I trawl through episode after episode, they keep spewing out more! Episode 8, in particular, has left me gasping to find out what happens next. These people are really having an eventful night. And there's still more in Season 1..

So, off I headed to the cinema on Sunday, in good time. I'd wondered whether the glorious weather had tempted people to the beach - sure enough, there was plenty of space in the car park this time. I found a space in relative shade, and when it was time, off I went - not getting lost this time! I see the cinema's hand sanitiser had been filled. Bought my ticket at the concession desk, and was dying for an ice cream, so was grateful that they had some left - I had a choc ice.

She remarked to me that I had the place to myself.. nearly forgot to ask me where I wanted to sit. Why is it they always ask "front or back"? I like the middle.. anyway, off I went, ticket and choc ice in hand. This is in Screen 7 - which is in the building across the lane, reached by a corridor in the cinema that runs through a porch over the lane. Found the screen, took my seat, and removed my mask to eat my rapidly melting choc ice. All the doors had been left open, and it was decently cool in there - lovely. Much nicer than baking outside. I finished just before lights down - and given that nobody else was there, I left the mask off. V nice indeed.

I love the Purge idea - don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating it, but it's such a handy hook to hang ideologies on. The Amazon series explores many associated ideas - and The Forever Purge has another; what do you do if, after time is up, people just keep purging? We follow the story of a Mexican couple who've paid to be smuggled to the States. She, in particular, is a fan of the American dream - although at the moment, she's working in an abbatoir. He's working on a ranch - the owner is a lovely bloke, but his son isn't massively keen on mixing with the Mexicans, and there's one overtly racist worker who's a constant thorn in his side.

Come Purge Night, the Mexicans join other poor folks in an armed compound for the night, and the rich white folks roll down their steel barriers and settle in too. And on this night, not much bad happens - that we see. No, for once, this film concerns itself with the following morning - when the sirens have gone to signal the end of Purge, but there are still people in scary masks, terrorising the locals - whose reaction is shock that they're not following the rules! Cue some shocking deaths, and locals rapidly arming themselves - this is Texas, so that's quite doable. Travelling any distance is best done in some kind of large vehicle, preferably bulletproof - we see the same thing in the Purge series, where people use a variety of large vehicles to get around. Again, easily done in America.

Apart from a few jump scares near the beginning - I hate those, they're cheap - I really liked this. So, it seems this anarchy is nationwide, the NFFA has called out the National Guard nationwide to deal with "Forever Purgers", and the country is going to hell in a handbasket. A Native American is interviewed on television, uttering dire predictions about how the white man's hate will destroy his civilisation. In due course, as our central characters are figuring out their next move, they hear that Mexico and Canada are opening their borders to refugees for six hours - and then closing them indefinitely. So it becomes a race for survival - to the Mexican border.

This, of course, isn't the first film to portray Americans as refugees to Mexico etc. Always a fun idea - and particularly when one of the characters fleeing there isn't sure how he actually feels about Mexicans. So it's now a pacy action film - and it's done really well, with epic shots of the Mexican border at El Paso, lines of cars trying to cross. I also love how that Native American ends up being the one to show the way. Plenty of overt politics here, then - but as I say, you can hang lots of politics around the idea of the Purge, which is why it endures so well.

Well satisfied, I headed off - and decided that, if I wanted a Chinese, it made no sense to bring a takeaway all the way from Ennis when there's one in Tulla! A shorter distance to travel meant the food would be hotter. So, I headed off. And wouldn't you know it - as I drove out of town, the car started to play up whenever I slowed for one of the many small roundabouts. I figured that something was wrong with the gears - anyway, there wasn't much traffic, and once I got out of town, I could change into higher gears, and the car was fine! It troubled me, though - but on the way, I figured that, if there was a problem with the lower gears, I could get around it by pointing the car down the large hill in Tulla, to aid with starting off. So that's what I did, parking directly opposite An Teach China.

I checked the menu on the window, then went straight in and ordered - not a long wait, but long enough for me to be reminded that they have those lovely, frozen chocolate desserts here. I was, in fact, standing right beside a picture of one. So I ordered one of those too - paid in cash because their cash machine is broken (fine, I have far too much cash these days anyway! not using it up), took my purchase and headed off in the car. Which was just fine - until I got to the junction with the main road, and had to stop for a car travelling on it. Jeepers, could I get the car to move again.. just as well there was no other traffic. I eventually managed to force it into first, and get up enough speed to change to third - awful stench from the engine before I changed, but it was fine to get me home. I was a bit nervous about slowing to turn into the yard, but managed it. I've rung the garage, and they're coming in the morning - dunno what time, so I'd better get to bed!

The meal was lovely - but as usual, too much. I didn't eat the dessert until this evening, and it was gorgeous - and we're still making our way through the prawn crackers! which are staying fresh, so far.

That night's tv movie was The Secret Scripture, in which Vanessa Redgrave plays an inconvenient, doddery old lady in a mental hospital that's being converted to a hotel. Adrian Dunbar plays the particularly unpleasant director of the institution, who throws all her stuff in a skip to persuade her to go - however, a sympathetic young doctor (Eric Bana) and nurse manage to salvage it. He says he'll take responsibility, and inside her bible they find a diary! So they piece together her story, which is then told in flashback - her younger self is played by Rooney Mara.

Hers is a story of a more repressive Ireland - which is, honestly, quite depressing, if rather compelling. I will say this, though - the twist that is required to complete it is one of the more unbelievable I've seen. Still, it's touching, and quite watchable.

For Saturday.. Cultureseekers will have another quiz, though the topic isn't announced yet. And there isn't any point in looking up what's on in the cinema, as I'm not sure I'll have any way of getting there! Meantime, I still have plenty of The Purge to see on Amazon..

Film: Capote

One of tonight's tv films was Capote, based on the true story of Truman Capote, and starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, who got an Oscar for it. Catherine Keener appears as fellow author Harper Lee, who was a good friend. And as it happens, I'd never seen it - and with precious little else on, I determined to watch it.

It was tricky though - my mother insists on watching the news, which was late tonight (making way for yet another Harry Potter film), so that cut into it. And then the cat needed playing with. And my mother had this urgent desire to boil the kettle - a lot of the film is soft-spoken, so that doesn't really help. But I managed to catch most of it.

The film concentrates on his writing of In Cold Blood, based on a multiple murder - we see how he interviews one of the killers, on death row. Seymour Hoffman basically won the Oscar for an apparently perfect portrayal of the writer, both in voice and mannerisms, and doubtless motivation. It's certainly flawless, from what I can tell. However, it doesn't help to make the film more enjoyable. I found it slow, honestly - but then, I'd have done better if I hadn't had so many distractions, and been in the company of someone who had zero interest in it, except to keep asking how much longer was left in it.. Still, unless you have a particular interest in the subject matter, I can't really recommend it.

Well, I had a look at cinema listings for the weekend - and wouldn't you know it, the Arc cinema in Ennis has a matinee - of The Forever Purge! (Only showing in the evening in Limerick.)  Will probably head to that tomorrow - free parking on Sundays, dontcha know. Nobody's booked yet, so I might rock up on the day and buy a ticket, given that they have a booking fee.. I'll keep an eye on it. And I'm thinking a Chinese takeaway might be nice - I always liked Jade Cottage, but I'm not sure whether they offer outside dining. It should be a gorgeous day.. we'll see.

Series: The Purge (Season 1, Episodes 2 - 5) & Quiz: Connections in UK Culture / History

Well, I had a look at cinema listings for the weekend - and wouldn't you know it, the Arc cinema in Ennis has a matinee - of The Forever Purge! (Only showing in the evening in Limerick.)  Will probably head to that tomorrow - free parking on Sundays, dontcha know. Well, I mentioned as much to my boss during the week - and wouldn't you know it, she reminded me that there's a series on Amazon Prime called The Purge! So I've now managed to squeeze in five episodes.

An online review said it's not as good as the second series (which, I'm glad to say, is also available), but I am impressed. As the episodes continue, we switch from one character's story to another around the city - and as each takes twists and turns, we delve into the soul of each character. Via a whole gallery of imaginative rogues! They really go to town on this festival, and roaming the streets in a variety of heavy-duty vehicles, you'll find all sorts, with all kinds of aims - not to mention some games that are laid on, carnival-style, and a spectacle specifically for the delectation of the NFFA (New Founding Fathers of America), whose swish party is a feature of the night. This is an ingenious expansion of the world of the films, where they explore the idea of ambulances being off-limits, and some gangs of vigilantes whose job is to rescue victims. I really dunno how anyone gets to work the next day - everyone seems to be out!

Each character's story advances mightily through the episodes, and in unexpected directions. Still got me hooked - just the one episode left in this season, I guess. I wonder whether the same characters are carried through to the next season.. those who survive, of course..

In the meantime, I squeezed in Cultureseekers' quiz earlier today - Connections in UK Culture / History! Given a series of words or phrases, say what the connection is, or what the next in the series should be. I didn't win - nor come close to it - but I did ok.

And as I say, I'll probably go to The Forever Purge tomorrow. Nobody's booked yet, so I might rock up on the day and buy a ticket, given that they have a booking fee.. I'll keep an eye on it. And I'm thinking a Chinese takeaway might be nice - I always liked Jade Cottage, but I'm not sure whether they offer outside dining. It should be a gorgeous day.. we'll see.

Series: The Purge (Season 1, Episode 1)

Well, I had a look at cinema listings for the weekend - and wouldn't you know it, the Arc cinema in Ennis has a matinee - of The Forever Purge! (Only showing in the evening in Limerick.)  Will probably head to that on Sunday - free parking that day, dontcha know. Well, I mentioned as much to my boss today - and wouldn't you know it, she reminded me that there's a series on Amazon Prime called The Purge! So, in a quiet moment, I checked it out..

Aw, I love it. An online review said it's not as good as the second series (which, I'm glad to say, is also available), but I was impressed with the first episode, most of which is spent in the suspense prior to "commencement" - the beginning of the annual Purge night, during which all crime is legal from 7pm to 7am. All weapons up to "Class 4" are allowed (in real life, at least, this includes grenades and rocket launchers). 

So basically, the wealthier hole up in safety, while those without the wherewithal are forced to buy as much weaponry as they can afford (and there's a run on it), and defend themselves and their family and property as best they can. Hospitals and high-ranking government officials are exempt. In this episode, we follow three stories. One is of a businesswoman, working that night with her colleagues on an important deal, in a secure building - they've all signed agreements not to engage in purging. But she's up to something. Another centres on a young, upwardly mobile couple, invited to a NFFA (New Founding Fathers of America) party - they're politically very important, holding power, and having instigated the purge - and the husband is hoping to sign a major deal at the party. The NFFA hold one every Purge Night, which lasts for the duration. Finally, a young man with a bulletproof vest and weapons is unwisely driving around the seedier parts of town, looking for someone.

I love it. So glad to have found another good series! And I love the suspense, as everyone rushes to get to safety before zero hour, and everyone you pass is carrying weapons, or boarding up their property.. Dying to get to the next episode, to see how the stories started in the first episode pan out.

So - Cultureseekers' quiz on Saturday is Connections in UK Culture / History! Given a series of pictures, say what the connection is, or what the next in the series should be. Not sure I'll do well, but I'll have a go.

And as I say, probably The Forever Purge on Sunday. Nobody's booked yet, so I might rock up on the day and buy a ticket, given that they have a booking fee.. I'll keep an eye on it.

Film: The Father & St. Patrick's Festival: The Hill of Uisneach Tour & 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour

With no more films on in Limerick that I could make and that I was interested in, I checked what was on in Ennis, for yesterday - and lo, The Father is on there, also in the afternoon. This is one that did really well in the Oscars: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, who plays the title role of a man developing dementia (the theme of the weekend, evidently), and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Olivia Coleman, who plays his daughter. Also nominated for best picture, best film editing, and best production design. Sounded worth seeing - again, I was the first person to have booked, and this time they blocked out six seats around me! I'll say something for social distancing - it'll make it a lot less annoying to be in the cinema when others in the audience are eating popcorn! Four more seats were booked by the time I left, with all seats immediately around them blocked. More expensive than Saturday's, and with a booking fee, but hey..

I set off with a little time to spare - but what with slow-moving traffic and trouble parking, I didn't have any to spare at all! As I say, this cinema has no parking adjacent - I headed for the Abbey Street car park, which is the closest. Really summery vibe there, with all the outside tables, people sat eating and drinking at them - of course, this is because they're not yet allowed inside. Plus, it meant the car park was packed! I was really lucky to get a space - someone pulled out just as I was doing a circuit of the car park and about to give up. Then I got lost on the way to the cinema - and had to navigate some serious roadworks on Parnell Street, where the cinema is. They seem to be doing a complete excavation. I finally reached the cinema just at showing time!

A hand sanitiser in the lobby turned out to be empty. I'd never been in here before, so had to figure out that the business end of the cinema was upstairs - there is also a lift. At the top, the one-way system - roped off - took me past the concession stands, where I wasn't going to stop, except that the girl behind the counter asked whether I'd prebooked. Eh, yes. So she asked what my booking number was, and she'd print off my ticket (ironically, although Saturday's QR code didn't come through but this showing's did, they don't have scanners here). So I got a physical ticket, which the guy at the ticket desk tore, and in I went.

An ad for Top Gun: Maverick entertained me - again ironically, I saw something about the original film recently. In this sequel, Tom Cruise is still a US Navy fighter pilot - amazingly successful, but enough of a, well, maverick not to have been promoted. Otherwise, I guess it's more of the same. I loved the original - might well check this one out (it's not due till next winter).

And so to the feature. Another film about dementia, but so different - this is much more of a puzzle, filmed, as it is, from the old man's point of view! So we get to know his daughter - then suddenly, in one scene, another woman entirely seems to assume the role, and we're as confused as he is! She's married to Rufus Sewell - or maybe not. She spends one scene explaining to her father how important it is for her to go to Paris to live with the man she loves - and in another scene, looks completely perplexed when he mentions the same.

It's obviously a representation of his own confusion, and how he gets facts and times mixed up. But it turns into a helluva conundrum, as he keeps leaving his bedroom to find people he doesn't know - and it's a real test for the audience as well, trying to keep the story straight, until we get a kind of conclusion at the end. And it is a sad ending - but this is in no way as much a weepie as Supernova. A tour de force by the ever-charismatic Anthony Hopkins, with the able support of Olivia Colman, looking suitably bewildered as her father comes out with ever-stranger statements.

Afterwards, I did have it in mind to check out Supermac's. Now, that's somewhere I really hadn't been in ages - in fact, I don't think I'd been since I moved to London! (It's not in the UK.) Jeez, but I used to love their cheeseburgers. I moseyed down Parnell Street, which has always had a selection of restaurants - and still does. Again, most had outside seating, most of that under marquees. I decided fairly quickly, though, that I wasn't in the mood for anything major. And I was really, really curious about those cheeseburgers. So I looked up where Supermac's was, and made my way there. Again, a one-way system - and in the short queue, I checked that yes, they still do cheeseburgers. So I ordered one, and waited in the waiting area on the other side. It wasn't long - I took it away with me, ate it on the way back to the car: and DING DING DING! Yes, after all these years, that sauce is as great as ever.. and they do give you plenty of it; it got everywhere.

I'll tell you this though, all those people eating and drinking outside left an impression on me. I don't think it'll be too long before I'm eating out properly. As to eating indoors - it'll first be available to those with digital covid certificates, available to the fully vaccinated, and those who can prove they've recovered from Covid. Watch this space - still waiting for mine. Mind you, driving back, caught in a downpour as I was, I was glad I hadn't eaten at that one restaurant that had uncovered tables and chairs outside..

Last night, I had work to do for an early morning meeting - so no time to blog. Nor during the day, it was so insanely busy! This afternoon, with a gap in what was on tv (which I tend to have on in the background), I turned to the St. Patrick's Festival website again, for something quick to watch. Next up was The Hill of Uisneach Tour, in which we are led around a sacred Neolithic site in the centre of Ireland, as we are instructed. Packed with legend and superstition, it's interesting - yes though, that large statue he passes is contemporary.

More interesting yet to me, though, was the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour - an atmospheric tour around relevant sites in Dublin, with lots of anecdotes that I hadn't heard. A most welcome distraction from all the **** I had to put up with at work.

For Saturday, well, Cultureseekers will have another quiz, but it hasn't been announced yet. Or there's the St. Patrick's Festival website..

St. Patrick's Festival: Ballad Tours Dublin

With no more films on in Limerick that I could make and that I was interested in, I checked what was on in Ennis, for today - and lo, The Father is on there, also in the afternoon. This is one that did really well in the Oscars: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, who plays the title role of a man developing dementia (the theme of the weekend, evidently), and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Olivia Coleman, who plays his daughter. Also nominated for best picture, best film editing, and best production design. Sounds worth seeing - again, I was the first person to have booked, and this time they've blocked out six seats around me! I'll say something for social distancing - it'll make it a lot less annoying to be in the cinema when others in the audience are eating popcorn! I see four more seats are booked now, with all seats immediately around them blocked. More expensive than yesterday's, and with a booking fee, but hey..

Anyway, with nothing booked for the rest of this afternoon, I haven't left yet. And with nothing really on telly, I turned to the St. Patrick's Festival website again, for something quick to watch. Next up was Ballad Tours Dublin - in which a young chap leads us to various historic sites around Dublin, providing inspiration for some historic ballads.

It's quite atmospheric, some nice shots of Dublin, and he's a decent singer. But he's not on his own. No, he's accompanied by a couple of papier maché characters - a seagull with a strong Dublin accent, and later, Humpty Dumpty. Perhaps he felt lonely. Well, if you can get over the running commentary from this pair, it's a decent watch.

I'll head in soon - happily, town parking is free on Sundays. Might check out Supermac's after the film. Now, that's somewhere I really haven't been in ages - in fact, I don't think I've been since I moved to London! (It's not in the UK.) Jeez, but I used to love their cheeseburgers.. I'll see how I feel.

Quiz: Driving in the UK! & Film: Supernova

Well, the day started with Cultureseekers and another quiz - this time, it was Driving in the UK! I figured I mightn't know everything, but I have driven in the UK a few times, so I said I'd have a go.

10 unusual roadsigns to start, and the general consensus was that this was the hardest section. First up was possibly the most curious:

(No, not an exploding car - this was Do Not Carry Explosives). The sign for Beware - Otters confused one person, who thought that didn't look much like an otter. I got most of these, though.

There were some multiple choice, which I was doing pretty well at until the questions turned to the number of vehicles in the UK, and the number of purely electric cars - I overestimated in the first case, and underestimated in the second. Other interesting questions included - what do you call a crossing where both horses and pedestrians can cross the road? Well, I have to say, I'd never heard of a Pegasus crossing, but it's a great name.

I was worried at the thought of having to guess where license plates are from - until I realised he was talking about international ones, so all you had to do was know the country code! (which greatly surprised one person on the call, who hadn't realised that different countries can be identified from the license plates. For heaven's sake.) And here's an interesting fact - the first speeding ticket (although there was some dispute about the year) was apparently issued in 1905. Can you guess what speed they were doing? That was the question - the answer: 45mph. Which was a lot faster than most people would have thought.

As usual, an interesting and well-designed quiz.

Well, yesterday marked two weeks since my second vaccine dose, which means I'm as safe as can be to get out and about. So - I did! With Irish theatres still closed, I checked the cinema listings in Limerick (there's one closer to me, in Ennis, but there's no parking near it, so Limerick is handier). Unfortunately, my evenings are still tied up watching tv with my mother - else there are a few horror films I could have gone for. Instead, I booked for Supernova at the Omniplex - I'd just be in nice time to get there after the quiz. Colin Firth accompanies his partner, Stanley Tucci, who's been diagnosed with dementia, on a road trip to relive old memories, while Stanley still can. D' you know, when I booked it, I was the first to book - and nobody else had booked yet, the last I looked. :-) So I think the fact that they blocked five seats around me is neither here nor there..

This was the first thing I went to, in person, since 18 March last year. Which was also a film.

So, after the quiz I did my various chores, and hurried off - had to stop at the recycling centre on the way, and start with a visit to the chemist for something for my mother when I got there: figured I'd better go before the film, as they might be closed after. There were a few parking spaces free in front of the cinema, anyhow - and I see they've introduced a one-way system throughout the shopping centre, marked off with cones and tape, with gaps to cross so you can enter a shop, or just change direction. It was also sad to see that a few businesses have closed, since I was last there.

I did my business and got to the cinema just at film time. Had a spanking new mask for the occasion, which I bought yesterday - lighter and more comfortable than the type I have been wearing. Figured I'd need it, if I intended wearing it for the duration. So - hand sanitisers in the foyer, and a booking system for concessions, so you have to prebook and collect. Much like Argos. He scanned my ticket - luckily, I'd taken a screenshot straight after booking; as it happened, the confirmation email I got was missing the QR code image. And it's just as well he told me where the screen was, it's so long since I was there..

Well, I found my seat without difficulty - it was just near the door. Before the ads started, we were (well, I, the only person there, was) fed informational messages on a loop, including that when it was time to leave, we should do so by row, starting with those closest to the exit. Ok then.. and to sit in our assigned seat. Given that they mentioned the thorough cleaning that the cinemas would get after each showing, I can see why. Just as the ads started, someone else did arrive - and sat up near the back, on the other side.

OMG It felt so good to be back!! The only thing was, it was a bit weird to have to wear a mask throughout. But anyway. The ads were pretty forgettable, given that they were for films I have no interest in. But the feature film.. firstly, it's set in jawdroppingly beautiful scenery - researching afterwards, I discovered it was shot in the Lake District. Wow, I really must get up there, one day.

This is a beautiful story - and as someone said online, a masterclass in acting. The two leads occupy the screen for almost all the film, and two more engaging characters you could hardly hope to meet - I'd love to be invited on holiday with them. But dementia is a terrible, debilitating disease - and so sad, as it robs loved ones of the person they used to know. Apparently, they were originally cast the other way around, but during initial readings, decided it'd work better this way. I think they were right - I can hardly imagine the roles reversed. And watching Colin's character come slowly to the realisation of how bad things are getting for the man he loves is absolutely tragic. (It's really awkward, by the way, to get weepy when you're wearing both glasses and a mask. Which I kept having to remove when I got teary.) So, so highly recommended..

I thought I might take advantage of its proximity to a KFC, while I was there. But you know what, when it came to it, I just didn't feel like it - waited to eat till I got back instead.

As I say, that was the only film I could make and that I was interested in - I'm steering clear of the summer blockbusters, from lack of interest. But then, it occurred to me that I could check what was on in Ennis, for tomorrow - and lo, The Father is on there, also in the afternoon. This is one that did really well in the Oscars: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, who plays the title role of a man developing dementia (the theme of the weekend, evidently), and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Olivia Coleman, who plays his daughter. Also nominated for best picture, best film editing, and best production design. Sounds worth seeing - again, I was the first person to have booked, and this time they've blocked out six seats around me! I'll say something for social distancing - it'll make it a lot less annoying to be in the cinema when others in the audience are eating popcorn! I see a couple more seats are booked now - not too far from me, but again, with all seats immediately around them blocked, we should all be ok. More expensive than today's, and with a booking fee, but hey..

Might check out Supermac's in Ennis, tomorrow. Now, that's somewhere I really haven't been in ages - in fact, I don't think I've been since I moved to London! (It's not in the UK.) Jeez, but I used to love their cheeseburgers.. I'll see how I feel.

Film: Evil Eye

Wow, tv was terrible tonight. Well, it was all films, and I'd either seen them, or didn't want to. So when I finally escaped up to bed, it was straight to Amazon Prime, to trawl through in search of a horror film again. Working off my list, the first one I came across that was actually available was Evil Eye, an Indian film (in English) about a woman, a big believer in horoscopes, who comes to fear that her daughter's oh-so-perfect new boyfriend is actually the reincarnation of the man with whom she was in an abusive relationship before her daughter's birth, and who nearly killed her.

The film list promised me twists and turns, and one of the scariest movies available. Wow - who paid them to say that?! There are a couple of scary scenes near the end, but by no stretch of the imagination is this a scary film. Having said that, it's interesting, the characters are appealing, and I stuck with it to the end. It's also got an empowering message about women standing up for themselves. Watch it as a cautionary tale about control freaks - but don't go into it expecting a horror film..

Well, tomorrow, Cultureseekers are back with another quiz - this time, it's Driving in the UK! I mightn't know everything, but I have driven in the UK a few times, so I'll have a go.

And you know what? Today marks two weeks since my second vaccine dose, which means I'm as safe as can be to get out and about. So - I am! With Irish theatres still closed, I checked the cinema listings in Limerick (there's one closer to me, in Ennis, but there's no parking near it, so Limerick is handier). Unfortunately, my evenings are still tied up watching tv with my mother - else there are a few horror films I could have gone for. Instead, I've booked for Supernova at the Omniplex - I'll just be in nice time to get there after the quiz. Colin Firth accompanies his partner, Stanley Tucci, who's been diagnosed with dementia, on a road trip to relive old memories, while Stanley still can. D' you know, when I booked it, I was the first to book - and nobody else has booked yet. :-) So I think the fact that they blocked five seats around me is neither here nor there..

This is the first thing I'll have been to, in person, since 18 March last year. Which was also a film.

I might take advantage of its proximity to a KFC, while I'm there. Lordy, the last time I was at a KFC was the 13 January last year.. Granted, it'll have to be a takeaway, but for KFC that's fine.

As I say, that was the only film I could make and that I was interested in - I'm steering clear of the summer blockbusters, from lack of interest. But then, it occurred to me that I could check what was on in Ennis, for Sunday - and lo, The Father is on there, also in the afternoon. This is one that did really well in the Oscars: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, who plays the title role of a man developing dementia, and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Olivia Coleman, who plays his daughter. Also nominated for best picture, best film editing, and best production design. Sounds worth seeing - again, I'm the only person to have booked, and this time they've blocked out six seats around me! I'll say something for social distancing - it'll make it a lot less annoying to be in the cinema when others in the audience are eating popcorn!

Hmm.. might check out Supermac's in Ennis, on Sunday. Now, that's somewhere I really haven't been in ages - in fact, I don't think I've been since I moved to London! (It's not in the UK.) Jeez, but I used to love their cheeseburgers..

Film: When a Stranger Calls (1979)

Well, it's not that there wasn't anything on tv tonight, but what there was was underwhelming. I wasn't tired enough to go to sleep yet. And I really wanted to check out what other horror films were on Amazon Prime. So I had a trawl through. One thing I do NOT recommend is just looking through the "horror" category - there's just too much there. I ended up going back to the online lists that have done the sorting for me.

And what I found there was When a Stranger Calls (1979). This starts with a horror trope so classic that it's become an urban legend - a young, female babysitter, alone in the house with the kids, keeps getting these freaky phone calls, telling her to check on the kids (who are asleep upstairs). Unnerved, she finally calls the police, who tell her that they'll put a trace on the phone the next time he calls - when they call her back, they tell her.. that the calls are being made from INSIDE THE HOUSE!

This film has the caller as a lunatic, who's locked away in a mental institution, then does a Michael Myers and escapes, returning to plague the young girl he wanted to kill before. There's an underwhelming chase sequence in the middle, but the film is incredibly strong at beginning and end, as the killer hides in the shadows, whispering threats, and you don't know where the danger is coming from. Truly terrifying - by the end, I wanted to hide myself..

For Saturday, the St. Patrick's Festival website will still be there, if required..