Writing Excerpts - Film, game and sport equipment review

Ex 4 - This sample is from a review of ‘El Orphanato,’ a Spanish-language 2007 supernatural horror film.

‘The concept of the El Orfanato--the relationship between a mother and child and how it changes in the face of supernatural phenomena--is familiar. The two cinematic elephants in the room are The Sixth Sense and The Others, films considered by film critics to be templates for well-executed horror stories that rely on atmospherics and psychology rather than cheap scares or too much CGI. While elements of the film certainly feel derivative-- such as a creepy house, loneliness and children's games given a sinister twist-- the acting, pacing and absolutely beautiful photography help distract from that feeling of familiarity. Though the film feels derivative, it is the kind of derivative that is perfectly, wonderfully effective, and that Hollywood could certainly use more of.'


Ex 5 - From a review of the Playstation 2 Game, Shadow of the Colossus

‘Shadow of the Colossus is game for anyone that’s ever felt the shadow of an unidentifiable dread looming over them, cast by a shape darkening the sky and requiring your head tilt back in order to take in the enormity of it. You play Wander, a boy alone in a mythical peninsula but for the occasional wheeling eagle overhead and your faithful horse Aggro. In order to achieve your goal--resurrecting a young girl whose body lies in an immense temple at the center of this world- you must find and defeat sixteen Colossi-- giant monsters whose hairy bodies are comprised of earth and architectural pieces. Wander must scale the creatures' bodies and find their weak spot, then kill them and release their stored power. While they will not attack you in most cases, some will attempt to dislodge you by bucking and rearing, during which Wander can only hang on and hope not to be flung to the ground. The soundtrack would be overly familiar with its arrangements of string and percussion if it were not for the presence of exotic instruments like the Irish bouzouki and bodhran. The loneliness of the empty land, the hollow echoing of the soundtrack and the misty silence of Wander's surroundings lead the player to feel a strange sense of foreboding, lead you to feel almost as if you are trespassing, and the defeats of the Colossi begin to feel sacriligious--as if you were hunting gods who had abandoned their kingdoms in order to pursue a simple, mortal existence.'


Ex 6 - From a review concerning the use of kettlebells, a new exercise tool.

‘Kettlebells have recently become a popular form of exercise for those bored with their regular gym routines. A kettlebell resembles a cannonball with a handle, comes in various weight increments from 12 all the way up to 70 lbs, and is used in a variety of motions to build strength and cardio simultaneously. All that is needed for a workout is a kettlebell or two of the appropriate weight (start out low to perfect technique) and an open area, preferably with a clean,level floor. The first exercise, and the basis for many other moves, is the kettlebell two-handed swing. More advanced activities involve the one-handed swing, the clean and press, the dragon walk, the bear walk, halos, and ab crunches with the 'bell as a counterweight held between the knees. Free video Tutorials showing the correct form can be found on Youtube, and many blogs and websites are devoted to the practice of this burgeoning exercise trend. A kettlebell is to be taken seriously though, as misuse can cause joint strain, damaged tendons and ligaments, exhaustion and in some cases even broken bones.’