Thursday, 26 February 2009

My Bloody Valentine- film review


Like many 21st Century horror films, My Bloody Valentine 3D is packed with blood, guts and the odd bimbo. Having little faith in modern day horror films, I was willing to give this re-make a chance. Although I squirmed at the gory death scenes, it disappointed with its dire acting and an unspeakable storyline.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the film is the directors, Patrick Lussier’s incompetence to make use of the films potential. As a result, I feel that too much focus was put on the 3D effects. Unfortunately, this means that without the effects, My Bloody Valentine would be dull and laughable for all the wrong reasons.

Picture taken from Google Image Ten years ago, Tom Hanniger caused an accident in the coal mines of a town called Harmony. The accident caused the death of five miners and the only survivor, Harry Warden to be in a coma. One year later, on Valentine’s Day, Harry wakes up and in a bid for revenge goes on a killing spree with a pick axe, murdering the hospital staff and a bunch of teenagers partying at the derelict mine. He is eventually caught and killed himself, or is he?

Among the teenagers at the party, the only survivors are Tom (Jensen Ackles), Sarah (Jaime King), Axel (Kerr Smith), and Irene (Betsy Rue). Despite Tom fleeing Harmony, he finds himself having to come back 10 years later because of his ownership of the mines. He comes back to find his ex girlfriend, Sarah and Axel are married (with a few complications) and Irene is now the town hussy (hence the bimbo). After years of peace, Harmony finds the miner’s mask wearing killer is back to finish what he started, particularly focusing on Tom, Sarah, Axel and Irene.

The film can seem quite predictable, but this cheesy slasher film doesn’t reveal its twist until right at the very end of the film, and compared to the rest of the storyline, it is quite a good one. Despite all the negativity, this film has sold out on most showings. But when the viewer has pick axes and boobs flying at them every two seconds, it is easy to understand why. If you are looking for the typical gory, tacky horror film with the bonus 3D effects, go ahead and watch it. If you’re looking for quality and originality, I advise you save your money.




Starring: Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, Kerr Smith, Betsy Rue
Director: Patrick Lussier


Laura Newton

Aagrah - Not your average Indian


Come dine with Aagrah, when it comes for a night off let Yorkshires splendid Indian restaurant spoil you with a variety of authentic curries, from meat to a fresh collection of seafood and vegetarian. All cooked to your desired taste.

Hidden under away in Sheffield’s Leopold Square, the sound of instrumental Indian music lures me to the finest restaurant in town.

The Aagrah chain consists of 11 restaurants based around South Yorkshire. These restaurants are desired to offer cuisine and hospitality to all their customers.

This fine beautiful restaurant holds 200 people and is few steps beneath the Italian restaurant Platillos. The dining room has a large chequerboard floor with massive brown columns rising here and there like giant chess pieces.

The waiters wore traditional salwar kameez an Indian outfit, embroidered with white and gold thread detail. This set an awe eccentric vibe with the music and candle lit lighting which set the scenery of being in India.

A fine authentic collection of ocean fresh fish, from cod to haddock and seabass all marinated in delicious warm Indian spices. Cocktail and tiger prawns are displayed on ice for you to pick out and have the chef make it however you wish. Whether that’s grilled or deep fried in crispy batter, served with a wedge of lemon and fresh salad.

My diner’s starter was not only mouth watering but very satisfying. The king prawn tikka (£5.95) marinated in yoghurt and vinegar with delicate herbs and spices. These gigantic prawns are cooked on charcoal to give that smoky barbecue taste.

For the vegetarian selection the panner tikka for starters at (£3.90) is a very popular dish that you can’t go wrong with. Panner is a type of Indian cottage cheese marinated in mouth watering hot ‘n’ sour spices and then flamed grilled, severed with green spring salad.

For those chicken lovers the kashmiri dishes are full of flavour, vegetables and aroma. Murgh Saag (7.95) made with chicken and spring leaf spinach tenderly cooked with ginger, garlic, bay leaves and cinnamon juice.

The Goan Machli (tilapia – fresh water fish) is a personal favourite of mine and is cooked to perfection at (£9.90). This exquisite dish is made with coconut milk, fresh garden mint and blends of oriental spices which leaves a pleasant sweet and fresh taste in your mouth.

You can enjoy these fine curries with soft puffy naan (£2.30). They are cooked on a hot tawa (pan) with a touch of onion seeds with melted butter spread all over.

For sweets, we have pleasant ras malai, milky dumplings in flavoured milk, both were £3.25.

Our bill with one glass of orange juice and a JD coke, came to £45 a bit more than your average Indian but then Aagrah is not your average Indian.

The service was excellent and the quick although we did have to ask a few times for a jug of water. But other than that I will definitely be visiting Aagrah again.

Leopold Square, Sheffield. Tel : 0114 2 79 5577. Website: www.aagrah.netOpen Mon–Wed 5.30 –11.30pm,Thurs–Sat noon – midnight, Sun 4.30-10.30pm. Credit cards. Disabled access and toilets. Ethnic music. Street parking.My star ratings (out of five):Food 5Atmosphere 5Service 5Value 4Indian restaurant category