Trick Or Treat? - 31 Oct 08 21.57pm

Halloween has come back once again.

There seemed to be alot of trick or treaters about tonight - much more than usual. I was in the house by myself until about 6pm and the doorbell was going every 5 freakin' minutes.

In all honesty though, it was quite nice. I liked greeting the excited little kids at the door, all dressed up, and giving them the old "oooh very scary!" routine - then letting them plunge their sticky hands into the bowl of goodies that we prepared. It maked me feel good to be a part of it. As corny as it sounds, their little smiles make me feel warm inside, like im doing a good thing.

It's occured to me that a year or two ago, I probably would have wound down the blinds, hidden away and ignored the knocks and the ringing of the bell, just to avoid having to go through the forced, awkard process of communicating with strangers.

Such a teenager-ish way to behave. I can see that now, and it makes me realise that I must be growing up.

Dead Man's Shoes - 31 Oct 08 19.32pm

I have just watched Shane Meadow's amazing film Dead Man's Shoes for the second time in 24 hours.

I am convinced it possible the greatest film I have ever seen. Paddy Considine and Shane Meadows are an unstoppable force when working together.

I'm so pleased when I see films of this standard made by british directors - There's not many great british film makers now days, but Meadows is definately at the top of the pack.

If you havent seen any of his films, I would definately recommend them - The best in my opinion being Dead Man's Shoes closely followed by A Room For Romeo Brass (both have Paddy Considine as a central character).

Good stuff.