October in Cornwall

We were later than normal for our sixth year running at the NT property "Doyden" at Port Quinn as all September had been booked early. But we were lucky with great weather apart from one day.

The photo above is from our coast walk on the first day. We walk from the house towards Polzeath and end up at the Rumps. In the background is the tiny island of Mouls. We had lunch just above these rocks.

We had never been to St Ives as we thought it was too far. But it was only 50 minutes to Lelant Saltings where we found the park and train ride. This ten minute journey was absolutely beautiful as the train spectacularly hugs the coast high above some wonderful bays. St Ives was great, not too many people and photo opportunity at every turn.

Tuesday was wet so naturally it was bodyboarding time at Polzeath. We had expected it to have stopped raining by the afternoon, but it was still falling lightly when we donned our wetsuits and headed for the sea. There were only two other people in the water but the waves were superb.

Eventually we realised that it was much warmer in the sea than out and we were getting quite cold. So although we were freezing by the time we had changed, it had been worth it. The cafe by the beach stayed open for us to have a welcome mug of tea.

The next day it was back to being sunny and we spent the day at The Lost Gardens of Heligan. We had been twice before, but we always enjoy the visit.

We nearly always save Padstow for our last day. We parked at Rock where we had a walk along the sands of Daymer Bay. Then the ferry over to Padstow and a walk along the cliffs to look back at the estuary. And in a tee shirt in mid October. We have already booked for September next year.

Disturbia, The Brave One and The Kingdom

The post summer holiday films started with Disturbia. This was a very good thriller, much better than I had expected. A smart retake on Hitchcock's Rear Window with good dialogue, acting and direction.

I expected The Brave One to be a Jodie Foster "woman in peril" that she has already played in Panic Room and Flightplan. But this was a more intelligent movie which was only to be expected from Neil Jordan. Jodie was a far more interesting and deeper character than her previous roles and she played this one brilliantly.

What can I say about The Kingdom. I quite like action blockbusters and this was OK. But it was only saved by Chris Cooper who was head and shoulders above all the other actors. It looked good on the big screen and two hours passed quickly. But instantly forgettable.

Dexter

There are not many TV series from the USA that I watch. 24, the first season of Lost, Heroes and now Dexter. I have really enjoyed every episode, although I have always watched a recording so as to fast forward through the interminable adverts.

The dialogue was sharp and witty. Towards the end of the last episode, Dexters girlfriend cannot believe that his sister's boyfriend was a serial killer. Dexter replies "what are the odds".

Death Proof and YouTube

I have always been a sucker for a movie having a great song at the right time. In Death Proof , the stand out song for me ramps up the tension at the climax to the first half of the film. Hold Tight was released in 1966 by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick (Jungle Julia gets it wrong in the movie by calling him Mitch) and Titch. Searching on Google, I found a clip of the movie with the song on YouTube. And amongst the comments, someone says "best moment in the movie. I have never seen a more inspired combination of music and visuals". The writer is 18.

I missed he original title for Death Proof which shows for about a second in colour at the start of the film, before being superimposed by the new title in black and white. Again Google came to my rescue to confirm the original being "Quentin Tarrantino's Thunder Bolt". I was also interested in a mobile phone's ring tone which I had heard in Kill Bill. YouTube again provided the answer with a clip from the film. "Twisted Nerve" is the piece that Daryl Hannah whistles on her way to see a comatose Uma Thurman in hospital.

Staying on YouTube, I found a clip from the same film which contains "Whoo Hoo" by the 5,6,7,8's. Comments here pointed out the terrific steadicam sequences. One comment in particular suggested that the best steadicam sequence of all time was from Goodfellas, and once again YouTube has the clip of a single 2minute 34 seconds steadicam shot as the camera follows Ray Liotta and his new girlfriend through the back entrance of the Copacabana night club, through the bustling kitchens and into the dining room. All to the backing of "Then He Kissed Me" by the Crystals.

My favourite movie soundtrack is still Grosse Pointe Blank, soundtrack by Joe Strummer. I was knocked back in my seat at the closing credits to "Matador" by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (also on YouTube, but a different video).