Shauna Graham
Bio
Hi there!
I'm a creative writer/ journalist who wants to focus on the arts in this little part of cyber space. I'm a classic movie buff, gamer and reader in my spare time; so I feel I could really add a more unique tomboy perspective here.
Stories (6/0)
'Devil May Cry 5': The Tale of the Sons of Sparda Series Draws to a Dramatic Close
Originally set to be another Resident Evil game in the early 2000s, Devil May Cry has since become one of Capcom's most beloved, stylish, and sleek action-adventure titles to ever grace our screens. Although gone are the days of the "Dante" being the sole red-clad devil hunter to take on the relentless demonic hordes; that would provide endless entertainment for my fellow gamers out there. At the Legendary Devil Hunter's side are "Nero," which makes his long-awaited return, alongside mysterious new-comer "V;" to take on the fight for "Red Grave City" against the Nefarious Usurper "Urizen." This demon, who's responsible for the most recent demonic invasion at the heart of the city, sits atop a throne, awaiting all heroes to make their final stand against him. Normally, a fight of these epic proportions would take place at the ending of our story, but we're introduced to Urizen's awe-inspiring power at the beginning in a fight we are encouraged to lose. It sets the the stage well for an all-or-nothing battle against the plant-like Demi-God later on.
By Shauna Graham5 years ago in Gamers
'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' at the Lyric Theatre Belfast
A night to remember... That sums up exactly the feeling you'd leave with. If you had been a member of the audience at a showing of Sweeney Todd at the Lyric theatre, Belfast. Perhaps the best known work of Stephen Sondheim's collective canon, the tale of Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street tells the tale of a young man by the name of Benjamin Barker, wrongly imprisoned for 15 years in Australia on a false charge. He returns not as Barker but Todd, with murderous intent against the one individual who robbed him of his happy life with his wife and child. It's his bitter anger and resentment that threatens to consume all of London, as anyone who visits his barber shop, never returns in the same condition. A stellar cast of actors with incredible talent breathed new gruesome and gory life into this rendition of the dark gothic opera—with its superb mix of heart-breaking tragedy, dark humour, and the comically off-balance dynamic between the twisted and tortured Sweeney Todd (Steven Page), and optimistic, bright and breezy Mrs. Lovett (Julie Mullins who simply stole the show). Between these two devilish pair comes a tale of a city so divided, that both the rich and poor are literally devouring each other, with the help of Todd's Tonsorial parlour and Mrs. Lovett's delicious meat-filled pies. Ultimately, Todd's newfound blood lust springs from the desire to slit one coveted throat of the gentry who stole everything from him. Enter the savage Judge Turpin (Mark O' Regan) who previous to the events of the play has robbed Todd of his former life, wife and child. This dark interpretation of a tyrannical judge revered in high society, and abusive of his authoritative position, resonates with a modern audience even today. This portrayal of Turpin is only given light relief by his onstage counterpart Beadle Bamford (Richard Coxon); who despite his comical quest is as corrupt and twisted as the judge himself.
By Shauna Graham5 years ago in Horror
'Broken Path:' Riveting Action/Revenge Thriller from Power Rangers' Director Koichi Sakamoto
Ok, first of all, I would be a bit 'apprehensive' myself about the former Power Rangers director, Koichi Sakamoto, directing this martial arts epic from the off-start. However, as we're introduced to Johnny Yong Bosch (as seen above) portraying a former Yakuza assassin known as 'Jack Ellis/Hiroki' trying to escape from his own tortured past of crime and murder, we are guaranteed from the off-set a performance which is both compelling and incredible to watch. Therefore, I felt compelled to put to print, my feelings on the 2008 action/thriller Broken Path which hasn't received a lot of commercial attention or critical review to my surprise; but is one satisfying kick-ass movie, which will keep you entertained to the very bitter end.
By Shauna Graham5 years ago in Geeks
'Bird Box:' Possibly One of the Best Post-Apocalyptic Thrillers Since 'A Quiet Place'
Bird Box is a Netflix original movie that premiered on December 21, 2018 and is a sci-fi apocalyptic thriller that will invite you into a chaotic world from the offset. Masterfully lead by hailed Danish director Susanne Bier (The Night Manager) and penned by famed script writer Eric Heisserer (Arrival). Firstly, we're met with Mallory Hayes, the main protagonist/survivor played by Sandra Bullock, who stares at the camera almost daring you to look away as she delivers a stark warning about obeying her authority absolutely without question, to two adorable little five-year-olds who travel with her. They are both named 'boy' and 'girl' to give you a hint that society has long since broken down, even to the point where names are obsolete, and a luxury for a world that was before.
By Shauna Graham5 years ago in Horror
'Killing Eve': Two Women. Two Sides of the Same Coin. Both Caught up in Something Much Bigger
A TV series, written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, that approaches femininity in an entirely refreshing way that tantalises the tastebuds for more; if you just dare yourself to dive into episode 1 available on the BBC iPlayer. You'll be met with a mysterious woman sitting in an ice-cream parlour in Vienna; being stared at by a snotty little child across the way. From the very beginning you can tell this woman is different, as she attempts to smile at the child, being met with a dirty look. She already has established herself as not having the maternal gene; that a woman is just supposed to innately have. She charms the girl by mimicking the male shop attendant's reactions; only to throw her ice-cream all over her before leaving. This impulsive, childish, and carefree nature is alluring yet disturbing; when set in a woman that rebels against commonplace femininity and common gender associations. In fact, this killer often uses her femininity as a weapon against her prey; who don't even see her coming due to being labelled just another pretty woman in a crowd. In that crowd though hides the assassin, Villanelle (Jodie Comer, Star of the Show), who is a hired gun by a sinister organisation called "the twelve," that like our assassin, hides in the shadows waiting to strike against powerful and famous VIPS all over the world. Maybe she's tired of the cycle of death she delivers perfectly over and over, never getting tired of the sick and twisted pleasure she gets from watching her targets' last dying breath. However, Villanelle slowly comes to the realisation that she needs a new challenge.
By Shauna Graham5 years ago in Geeks
Why 'Kill Bill Vol. 1' Is the Best Western Montage of Kung Fu, Anime, and Action Movies to Date
Kill Bill (just Vol. 1 in this article) has to be the best homage to classic kung-fu, anime, and action movies that has been produced from one of the greats, Quentin Tarantino, that has created a pop culture mish mash of Western and Eastern influences in one movie franchise. The list of movie references are insurmountable in both of these volumes. However, the most glaring reference of all would be Uma Thurman's "the Bride" donning Bruce Lee's Game of Death ensemble to take on "O-Ren Ishii's Crazy Eighty-Eight" personal army. As far as revenge thrill rides go, this really does take you on quite an adventure; as the project is the combination of a creative crescendo, that once was the duo of Thurman and Tarantino.
By Shauna Graham6 years ago in Geeks
