Destined For Greatness

Seth Rollins. The future has arrived, and boy are we lucky to be living through it. Rollins has been on an incredible run since the decision was made to turn him heel, and split him from his former Shield brethren. Even before that, his high-flying spots were becoming a regular flash point of any 6-man tag The Shield were involved in.

Its surprising to think that back when rumours were surfacing of an incoming heel turn, that we were all assuming Dean Ambrose or even Roman Reigns would get the turn. Not Seth. Even more surprising; most people thought Seth would be the one lost in the shuffle after a Shield split, with Reigns getting a babyface push and Ambrose turning heel. It seems that the opposite happened. Sure, Reigns has had the babyface push, but Rollins gained the coveted spot as understudy to HHH in The Authority. Rollins grabbed the so called "brass ring", and has been simply amazing as a member of The Authority, and as a true heat magnet as a heel. He's been the most hated and WWE's most wanted for the best part of 8 or so months. However, Rollins golden moments have come, without doubt, during his feud with Dean Amborse.  A rivalry that was both personal, and entertaining; the likes of which WWE only has every few years (think HHH-HBK and Cena-Edge). The fans responded in kind, and the feud was probably the hottest of 2014.

Rollins laying Dean out with cinder-blocks is considered one of the best RAW moments of recent years (rightly or wrongly). The feud culminated with a Hell in a Cell match, which was another landmark moment as the duo headlined a PPV over WWE mainstays John Cena and Randy Orton. The future had arrived.

Moving on, and Seth was part of Team Authority that battled Team Cena at Survivor Series, and he would then battle Cena again in a Tables match at Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Stairs (why WWE? Stairs? Really?), and be involved in a hugely impressive triple threat match for the championship with Cena and Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. Back to Survivor Series and Rollins was the sole remaining memeber of Team Auhtority before Sting made his WWE debut, ending The Authority's reign.

Ziggler and Rollins kept us happy over the holiday period

The final members of either team in that match were Rollins, and Dolph Ziggler (who after this match was the hottest guy on the roster for the next month). Rollins and Ziggler never faced each other on a PPV, but their rivalry through December and January provided us with great segments and even greater matches.

After this, Rollins got The Authority back into power after holding WWE Hall of Famer Edge basically hostage. A true moment of great heel work, and a RAW moment that will live in the memory for a long time.

Of course, 2015 has started well to say the least. Mr Money in the Bank is now the Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Champion, cashing in during the Lesnar-Reigns title match at Wrestlemania (the first man to do so!). A popular decision to say the least, the future is now bright with such a young talent at the top. WWE has built themselves a star, and when the face turn eventually comes, Seth will take off in an even bigger way. It will be interesting to see how he fares down the line, especially with future feuds against current and future stars such as Bray Wyatt, Finn Balor, Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns and more. Maybe down the line we will also see feuds on a larger stage with HHH, Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler.

Oh, and I cant wrap this up without dropping this little gem here for you all...

The Grandest Stage

This years Wrestlemania could go in a variety of directions, which is unusual for the WWE. It seems likely that either Roman Reigns or Daniel Bryan will walk out of the Royal Rumble as the number 1 contender, but there are a large variety of factors that could play out before the biggest stage of them all.

Firstly, it is rumoured that Brock Lesnar will leave for UFC, possibly as soon as the after the Rumble. If this is the case, WWE could choose to have Reigns win the Rumble, and Rollins win the title setting up a Shield triple threat or simply Reigns vs Rollins. This article will work on the assumption that Lesnar will be around to have one last match at 'Mania. Which in my opinion, means that the WWE will have Daniel Bryan win the Rumble, and face Lesnar.

We are also going to work on the assumption that The Undertaker will not make this years event (some rumours say he will face Bray Wyatt, others say he will work one last match against Sting, next year). Given all of this, I have tried to come up with a match card that will accommodate a lot of factors, as the upper card is jam packed with superstars who are vying for the same spots - Bryan, Cena, Rollins, Reigns, Ambrose, HHH, Sting, Ziggler and Wyatt. As well as Sheamus who is due back soon, and Randy Orton after his break filming his new movie.

Its going to be a big moment when Sting first wrestles for WWE

The card that I have come up with was incredibly hard to do, and undoubtedly there are some matches that wont happen... For example if Reigns does not win the Rumble, it was very hard to find a match to put him in. Dean Ambrose was another hard choice, if there is no Shield triple threat (as outlined before), Ambrose may miss out on a marquee match despite being incredibly over.

So, this card will work on the following assumptions:
1. Brock Lesnar is going to be around until Wrestlemania
2. The Undertaker will not be at Wrestlemania

The Card:

PRE SHOW:

Tag Team Titles: Cesaro/Kidd vs The Ascencion vs The Usos vs Gold & Stardust

Lumerjack Match: Bad News Barrett vs Rusev 
Just to get people onto the card in some fashion, and the match could be good. Was not sure what to do with either, as there is no room on the card.

MAIN SHOW (IN ORDER):

Dolph Ziggler vs Bray Wyatt

Im starting off with my favourite superstar, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler has had a huge end to 2014 and start to 2015. After Survivor Series he has been on an insane roll, and there has been suggestions that he could be a surprise Royal Rumble winner. As much as I (and a lot of others!) would love that, realistically it wont happen. It could also be suggested that Ziggler could have faced HHH had Sting not been around (a hint for later!) as Ziggler has been at the forefront of the fight against The Authortiy. 

Bray Wyatt is still mesmerising 

Bray Wyatt meanwhile has been meandering around a little bit. His feud with Dean Ambrose was a good feud with great moments and matches, but he may find himself with little to do again at Wrestlemania (especially assuming there is no Undertaker).

This match is fresh and it could also be the best match on the card. Similar to Bryan-Wyatt at 2014's Royal Rumble, these two should have a great deal of in-ring chemistry and be able to tear the house down if given the time. A possible storyline could be Bray using how Ziggler has been kept down to tempt him over to a "dark side", simimlar to his feuds with Cena and Bryan. He could also use Zigglers' recent "fired" sotryline and the fact that The Authority is back in power depsite Zigglers' best efforrs. It would make a great opener.

Star prediction - ****

Winner predition - Dolph Ziggler

The Miz vs Damien Sandow/Mizdow

This match is an uncertain one, due to a few factors. Will The Miz and Mizdow have split by then or perhaps the split could come at Wrestlemania itself. Either way this match is heading our way soon, especially with how over Mizdow has gotten himself. He has turned a rotten gimmick into gold.

Star prediction - **

Winner  - Mizdow

Seth Rollins vs Randy Orton

What a year Seth Rollins has had

A match that has probably been penciled in by the WWE, Seth Rollins vs Randy Orton has been on the cards for a while after Ortons' falling out with The Authority (who kayfabe took Orton out) and strong disliking toward Rollins. Orton is due back well before 'Mania (perhaps to stop Rollins cashing in at the Rumble?) and the past story has been set for this match as previously mentioned. Rollins has had an incredible breakthrough year, and a match with Randy Orton on the biggest stage of them all would go a long way to cementing his place at the top of WWE. The match has also been called for by many fans, and would likely be as good as the aforementioned Ziggler-Wyatt match, if not better. 

Star prediction - ****

Winner  - Randy Orton

Ortons RKO outta nowhere to Rollins

Big Show & Luke Harper  vs Ryback & Erick Rowan

Your standard filler, "get these guys on the card", tag match.

Star prediction - *1/2

Winners - Ryback & Erick Rowan

Dean Ambrose vs Sheamus - No Holds Barred 

The Lunatic Fringe

Im going to be totally honest here and say i dont not know what to do with these two, so i put them together in what would be a good filler feud (and a good match) for both before they move on to (hopefully for Ambrose) better things. Sheamus has been rumoured to return as a heel, so it would fit the heel-face dymanic, as well as being an entertaining, full out brawl in the middle of the card.

Star prediction - ***

Winner - Dean Ambrose

Fella

John Cena vs Roman Reigns

  A passing of the torch esque match, if not quite that. I couldn't figure out what to do with Reigns, and a match with Cena could make sense (although the story could be a cliche). This keeps Reigns from a main event which he may not be ready for, whilst keeping him well and truly in the upper card. It is also a big enough match for John Cena.

Star Prediction - ***

Winner - Roman Reigns

NXT Showcase: Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn

As the title says, a match showcasing the extraordinary talent NXT has to offer. The WWE are investing more and more in NXT everyday, and its interest and populairty are rising. What better way then to showcase NXT, than to have its champion compete in what would be a great match on the biggest stage of them all?

Star Prediction - ****

Winner - Sami Zayn

Sting vs HHH

The match that is the most likely to actually happen of all these listed. HHH vs Sting has been on the cards since Sting interfered in the Survivor Series main event, costing HHH and The Auhtority their power. The Auhtority has since regained power thanks to Seth Rollins, and HHH has verbally insulted Sting weekly. Look out for a Sting appearence soon to build up for this match of two all time greats.

Star Prediction - *** (it will be a spectacle more than a good match)

Winner - Sting

Sting in the WWE, Finally

Divas Title: Paige vs Nattie

The story writes itself, Paige and Nattie have been forming/teasing some kind of an alliance, and they will ineviatbly turn on each other. 

Winner - Paige

WWE Title: Daniel Bryan vs Brock Lesnar

David vs Goliath, a true underdog match. Also, this could possibly be the best Wrestlemania main event that was for the title for quite some time. Both Lesnar and Bryan are incredible in ring, and Paul Heyman can help sell this matchup on the mic. 

Star Prediction - ****1/2

Winner - Daniel Bryan


However, after the match, Lesnar should flip, and destroy Daniel Bryan. This would Bring out Seth Rollins to cash in his money in the bank contract, to become the new champion.

Cash In - Seth Rollins vs Daniel Bryan

Seth capitalises on a downed Bryan to win his first Undisputed title. 

So, this was the card for Wrestlemania, as I'd book it. A 10 match card, with some people missing out (Rusev, for example) on the main card. Some great matches, legendary matches and moments that could go down in history. Seth Rollins leaves as Champion.

After 'Mania, there are possibilities for feuds arising out of this card:
1. Rollins-Bryan for the title, with Orton in the mix too after beating Rollins
2. Cena and Reigns do another PPV, after which Reigns can feud with Rollins for the title

I hope if you read this far you enjoyed my opinion on what WWE should do for Wrestlemania!

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rusty_JDM

By Jamie Mitchell

The 15 Best Live Bands I've Seen

Ranking your live experiences can be a hard task. Do you put musical talent over pure live experience and adrenaline filled fun? Or do you become biased towards your favourite bands? 




The following countdown of the 15 best live bands/artists I have seen, as of mid-March 2014, judges it on all factors, not just musical talent. I have seen over 45 bands in total and a list of bands who were close and missed out/big names that didn't make the cut include: Dizzee Rascal, My Chemical Romance, You Me At Six, Bastille, Editors, All Time Low, Pulp and Two Door Cinema Club

The List

15. Stereophonics

Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2013, Main Stage)

One of Britains biggest bands, the welsh rockers disappointed when I saw them at T in the Park 2013 and its perhaps a good sign that despite the poor performance they still had the crowd singing along and their hits had some impact. Lead singer Kelly Jones whiskey-like vocal were still a treat to hear, one of the best voices in British music no doubt. 

14. Kaiser Chiefs

Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)

Kaiser Chiefs are an interesting band. They had previously been at the top of the bill at many festivals, but have since fallen down the line up, that does not mean however that they don't know how to put on a show. This gig is perhaps the one I have had the most outright fun at; from the insane Kaiser Chief fan behind me at the front of the crowd, or the sheer joy from the T in the Park audience as the sun peaked out from behind the clouds, the performance and atmosphere was amazing.  

13. Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds

Number of times seen: 1 ( Edinburgh Castle, 2012)

A set packed with Oasis hits along with his new material, the High Flying Birds gig at Edinburgh Castle was epic. Huge singalongs, a great atmosphere and a brilliant performance from the superior Gallagher brother set the stage for a truly memorable night. 

12. Queen + Paul Rodgers 

Number of times seen: 1 (SECC, 2008)

This was my first gig, and yes, I am that lucky. No Freddie Mercury doesn't necessarily mean no show; this was huge. Hit packed with the performance of a band of Queens stature to boot, it was simply - amazing. 

11. The Black Keys

Number of times seen: 1 (SECC, 2012)

The fabulous American band played a tour of unusually large venues for them in 2012, whilst the crowd were generally awful, the band put on a good show, and the hits eventually got the audience in the mood. The likes of "Gold on the Ceiling" and "Lonely Boy" among the best moments. 

10. Foo Fighters 
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2011, Main Stage)

Foo Fighters headlined T in the Park 2011, and boy was it a good show. Dave Grohl and the rest pulled out a massive set to the delight of the T faithful on the Sunday night, leaving us all that much more in awe of the band than we were already.

9. Weezer
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2011, Main Stage)

In 2011, T in the Park was home to the unparalleled charisma of Rivers Cuomo and Weezer. Just after a hail storm (in July, just wow.) Weezer cheered T up with songs such as "Beverly Hills", "Buddy Holly" and even covering Radiohead along the way. Donning a T in the Park poncho rain coat like a cape, he engaged with the crowd like nothing I'd seen previously. Memorable doesn't do it justice. 

8. The 1975

Number of times seen: 3 (Emirates Stadium & T in the Park 2013, O2 Newcastle, 2014)

The new boys on the British music scene, the utterly incredible and incomparable 1975 have had a debut year to remember. They supported Muse on their stadium tour and embarked upon a large tour themselves which sold out in minutes. Tickets were like gold-dust, I know this first hand as I paid £50 for mine! Lead vocalist Matt Healy has a voice that is as fresh and emotionally charged as anything out there, and their live shows are awesome.

7. Elbow

Number of times seen: 1 (Leeds Festival, Main Stage 2011)

The ever reliable Elbow put on a great performance at a rain soaked Leeds festival in 2011. Taking the stage before Muse, Elbow proved the best warm-up for a band I have seen, as the sun set in Leeds the anticipation for Muse was wonderfully built by Guy Garvey and co, as they brought out all their live prowess to the delight of a rapturous Leeds crowd. We were muddy, soaked and drained... but we simply didn't care!

6. 30 Seconds to Mars
Number of times seen: 2 (Metro Radio Arena 2010, The Hydro 2013)

Whatever you think of Jared Leto & co, they know how to delight a crowd. They also have the type of songs that a band needs to get a crowd going. The first time I saw them, the gig in hindsight was poor. The second time, a different story. 30 Seconds nailed it at The Hydro in 2013, rarely do I lose my voice after gigs, I did that night. 

5. Florence + The Machine
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)

The haunting vocals of Florence Welch left a mark on me after seeing her at T 2012. I was about 3 meters from the front that day, and her voice was just amazing. There is nothing like her around. I was blown away. She brought her A game that night, and what a night it was. I even saw members in the audience cry tears of joy. That's how good she was. 

4. Snow Patrol

Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)

Before seeing Snow Patrol, I knew I'd have fun and it would be good.. I just never realised how good. There were moans when the announcement was made that Snow Patrol would headline one day at T, they weren't moaning after it. Snow Patrol killed it on the Friday night. Few things in live music touch the moment when the crowd echoes back the lyrics to "Run", truly an amazing moment. 

3. Arctic Monkeys
Number of times seen: 1 (Metro Radio Arena, 2013)

On the back of an epic and buzz-creating Glastonbury performance, I bought myself tickets for the upcoming Arctic Monkeys tour. It was worth it. Despite Alex Turners self-obsessed American wannabe drivel, Arctic Monkeys gave a performance for the ages. It converted me into the fan of them I am today, and I cannot wait to see them again. One of the best bands of their generation. 

2. The Killers
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2013, Main Stage)

A special, special night. The atmosphere on that main stage on Sunday at T 2013 was incredible. The Killers have a particularly special relationship with the T in the Park crowd, and that showed. A huge set comprising of hits and material from their latest album, the crowd ate it all up. The atmosphere has placed this gig so far up the list, nothing has touched it for me. A truly special night, capped off my the energy and delight of Brandon Flowers, as he declared Scotland the bands second home. 

1. Muse
Number of times seen: 4 (Leeds festival 2011, SECC 2012, Emirates and Etihad Stadiums 2013)

Britain's grandest band, Muse are generally thought of as the best live band around. That title may be under dispute, but what cant be disputed is their place at number 1 on this list. They have a huge back catalogue of hits and songs that will be remembered for years, they can provide a live show that will leave you standing in awe, and in Matt Bellamy they have a vocalist that will leave you standing and wondering how such a man can do those things. At times, Muse can be accused of going too over the top. But generally, they are just the one of the biggest bands in the world, playing massive and epic shows to loving and adoring audiences all oiver the world. How many bands can do a stadium tour and fill as many stadiums as Muse do? You could count it on one hand. 

The Greatest Formula One Drivers; Post Schumacher

2014 see's the end of an era: No more V8 engines, no more Mark Webber and no more Felipe Massa at Ferrari. What better time than now, to do a driver ranking article?

A lot of thought and work has gone into this list, and putting it into the order it is, was hard. No doubt some of you will disagree, but this list is spot on (at least in my opinion) and gives all the drivers in it their due credit.

THE LIST

10. Nico Rosberg

Titles: 0
Wins: 3
Podiums: 11
Poles: 4
Fastest Laps: 4


The son of former world champion Keke Rosberg, Nico debuted for Williams in 2006 and soon gained a reputation of a future world champion. While success was hard to come by at Williams, his move to Mercedes gained him 3 wins, and in a newly competitive Merceds car in 2013 he showed his speed, matching and beating new team mate Lewis Hamilton regularly. 2014 could well be the season Rosberg, and Mercedes live up to the promise.



9. Rubens Barrichello

Titles: 0

Wins: 11
Podiums: 68
Poles: 14
Fastest Laps: 17

The lovable Brazilian holds an F1 record for the most Grand Prix's at 326 (322 starts). He was most prominently Michael Schumacher's team mate at Ferrari during the dominant years, even finishing runner-up to him. 2009 saw him at Brawn reviving his career with Jenson Button before retiring in 2011.










8. Robert Kubica

Titles: 0
Wins: 1
Podiums: 12
Poles: 1
Fastest Laps:1

A hard choice. Whether to put Kubica above or below Rubens Barrichello, but one made on talent. Kubica had a staggering amount of talent and promise, arguably even more than Sebastian Vettel, however a life threatening accident caused Kubica to cut his F1 career short, and there is no doubt in anyones mind that the super-quick polish driver would have gone on one day to become world champion. Cut down in his prime.






7. Felipe Massa

Titles: 0
Wins: 11
Podiums: 36
Poles: 15
Fastest Laps: 14

Another lovable Brazilian, upon his first F1 season, Massa developed a reputation for being fast and erratic (Grosjean anyone?). He would go on to drive with Ferrari and challenge for the world championship in 2008, losing out to Lewis Hamilton at the last corner, in an F1 moment that will live forever. At the 2009 Hungarian GP Massa suffered a career and life threatening injury, and would not return until 2010. Massa partnered 3 of the greatest F1 drivers of them all; Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso; and Kimi Raikkonen. A very capable deputy indeed.





6. Jenson Button

Titles: 1
Wins: 14
Podiums: 49
Poles: 8
Fastest Laps: 8

The ever smiling Brit who debuted in 2000, many thought Buttons first win would never come, but it did; at the Hungaroring in 2006. 2009 was without doubt Buttons greatest year, as from the ashes of Honda, Brawn F1 took advantage of the technological changes thrust upon F1 and scored Jenson his first and so far only world title, despite a struggling car in the second half of the season. Known for his smooth and silky styles, Button notably excels in changing conditions. Button has just completed 2013 in an extremely poor McLaren car, will we ever see the Button of old again?






5. Mark Webber

Titles: 0
Wins: 9
Podiums: 42
Poles: 13
Fastest Laps: 19

Not bad for a number 2 driver. Dogged by perennial bad luck,  the man who should have won the 2010 world championship had he not crashed out in the Korean GP (greatest driver to never win the world title? Maybe not, but the debate is open), his farewell in Brazil shows how great Mr Webber is; called "the darling of the F1 paddock by Eddie Jordan", receiving a touching farewell pre-race by his Red Bull mechanics, fighting his way through the field with some excellent overtakes and finishing second, all before doing his cool down lap without a helmet in true Mark Webber style. Such a farewell had not been seen since Schumcaher left in 2006, and even then, there was not as rapturous celebrations. His team mate Sebastian Vettel (graciously after the Multi-21 events) and Red Bull celebrated with him after the race, allowing Mark to be interviewed first and bringing an Aussie flag onto the podium, before a team celebration in his honour atop the podium. Part of one of the most successful team partnerships ever, his no nonsense style and opinions will be missed, but who will ever forget his pass on his long time friend Fernando Alonso at Eau Rouge?




4. Lewis Hamilton

Titles: 1
Wins: 22
Podiums: 54
Poles: 31
Fastest Laps: 13

The talented Brit has speed that on its day, can beat anyone. Debuting in 2007 and missing out on the title by 1 point. Hamilton would redeem himself a year later, winning the title at the last corner of the final race. Since then he has never been able to find that magic, and left his boyhood team McLaren for Mercedes at the end of 2012, in what turned out to be an inspired move; McLaren had a poor 2013 whilst Mercedes were the best of the rest behind Red Bull.







3. Kimi Raikkonen

Titles: 1
Wins: 20
Podiums: 77
Poles: 16
Fastest Laps: 39

Simply put: on his day, the fastest driver in F1. In the right mood, no one can stop Kimi Raikkonen. The 2007 world champion (by 1 point) has had an illustrious career, from Sauber to McLaren (where he scored an emotional first win), to Ferrari for his world title, and then to Lotus-Renault after a sabbatical 2 years from the sport pursuing other ventures. Famous for his no nonsense style off the track, Raikkonen will always speak his mind, and is the highest earning F1 driver.




2. Fernando Alonso

Titles: 2
Wins: 32
Podiums: 95
Poles: 22
Fastest Laps: 21

Up until the end of 2013, many regarded him as greater than Sebastian Vettel, and many still do. However, you cannot deny Fernando Alonso's speed. Out performing his awful Ferrari car for years and still managing to finish runner-up in 2012 and 2013 (he should have probably won the 2012 title). Despite the unquestionable determination and pure speed, Alonso is far from perfect - witness an explosive season on and off the track at McLaren in 2007. 2014 will see him line up along side Raikkonen in one of the sports greatest ever teams, will we see Ferrari return to the too once more?

NUMBER ONE IS......

1. Sebastian Vettel

Titles: 4

Wins: 39

Podiums: 62

Poles: 45

Fastest Laps: 22

World Champion for four years running (the youngest to do that, and the youngest world champion ever!), who can stop Sebastian Vettel? His pace was clear even in his first full season; winning for Torro Rosso in the wet at the Italian GP, Vettel would go on to greatness and has now possibly fully surpassed the man at number 2 on this list. Supremely talented and given the best car, Vettel has destroyed all in his path on his way to greatness. However, it has not been without controversy, after the Multi-21 scandal Vettel was booed for most of the remaining 2013 season and is constantly criticised by pundits and fans alike for his unsportmanship behaviour and lack of respect during and occasionally after the scandal. Despite this, Vettel has dominated and silenced his critics with devastating performces. He also went some way to repairing the damage done by Multi-21, allowing his departing team mate, and fierce Multi-21 victim, Mark Webber to take the plaudits at the Australians F1 farewell. Vettel will head into the unknown that is 2014, confident of retaining his title, but wary that the changes may equal out the field. Has this year determined his true greatness? Will next year determine his true legacy? Or will we need to see him win with another team?

Thor: The Dark World Review

The sequel to Thor and set after the Avengers, this action heavy film is catered for 13-23 year olds.

In short, what you need to know before the film, is that Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is from the kingdom of Asgard, has a magical hammer, and is in love with an Earth-born scientist called Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). Thor’s father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) is king of Asgard and his evil adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is in prison for doing all manner of naughty things to New York.

Visually stunning, the film (which none of is set in America, a nice change), is a mix of drama and some nice comedic moments from the likes of Stellan Skarsgard, especially the as the plot revolves around an elf trying to destroy the universe. Chris Hemsworth as the the titular and lead character is, well, as can be expected from this kind of role. Nothing special, but by no means bad. Some of Natalie Portman's scenes share a passing resemblance to her scenes from Star Wars, in a reserved performance. The stage however belongs to the fantastic Tom Hiddleston, as Loki, his scene stealing prowess is up their with the enigmatic and encapsulating performance by Gary Oldman in 1994s "Leon".

Not being a huge fan of Marvel, i was dreading this a little, but, it wasn't as feared, despite Hiddleston carrying the film in parts. Better than than first film, it is definitly more for fans of Marvel, but its visual sights and action will provide an entertaining advert for some.

7/10 

Revolution: Season 1 Review - A house divided against itself cannot stand

"I'm a patriot, Rachel". Who else saw that coming? Not me for sure. Season 1 of Revolution ended with a bang as the now not so evil Randall Flynn set about blowing the east coast of America into a million pieces. So, If I'm following this right... and I'd like to think I am, this means he wasn't actually a villain (despite all the psycho-babble he would come out with). Plot twist or what?!

The real question for season 2 will ultimately be which side will Miles and co take. It wasn't exactly clear given, they probably don't know about the US colony in Cuba yet. Also, I quite like the about-face in Monroe's character. I'd like him and Miles to team up at some point next season, it would be good viewing and the storyline between them in the last episode was engaging on many levels. Nora dying left the way clear for Miles/Rachel to be a focus, and Neville switching sides yet again was no surprise, but given how amazingly well acted by Giancarlo Esposito, Neville is... this can only be good.

What of Texas and other nations which we have yet to see? We surely will get to see them in their full glory?
Whatever happens, the excitement for season 2 could not be higher.

Spoilers for Season 2, including big plot reveals: http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/07/20/revolution-season-2-trailer/

Muse Emirates Stadium Review

Flaming chimneys, a giant light bulb, a make-shift fake power station, oh, and a 10 foot robot. Muse aren't known for doing things by halves, and tonight is no different. The second of a 2 night residency at Arsenals Emirates Stadium had the promise to be the best gig of their enitre stadium tour. It was far from a let down.

Muse had chosen The 1975, who were really good, and Dizzee Rascal to support them. Here's the thing... many Muse fans did not like the choice of support, but I have to say, Dizzee far exceeded expectations.

  It's not every day you see your favourite band play, so my excitement for this gig was unparalleled. Muse had already played a bombastic set at Covetrys Ricoh arena, pulling out more than a few surprise songs along the way. Muse are a band for whom "second night syndrome" is common, so the crowd were buzzing with anticipation.

A part of The 2nd Laws dubstep homage "Unsustainable" opened things, before a band made bomb exploded at the end of the B-stage walkway. Things kicked off properly with "Supremacy" complete with fire spouting pyro from the aforementioned chimneys. Sounding as huge as ever, the 3 members of the Devon 3 piece can create a staggering amount of commotion considering they only have 3 (4 when live) members. Following up with the chart assaulting, Hendrix-via NYC nightclub, guitar driven "Supermassive Black Hole" before "Panic Station", tonight is already a hit with most fans singing word for word.

"Map of the Problematique" is as great as it ever was, truly a phenomenal live song, followed by the ever raucous and unhinged crowd pleasing "Hysteria". I forgot just how much fun that song is live! "Animals" features a banker throwing fake bank notes over the crowd and "Knights of Cydonia", well, it is what it is. The jewel in the Muse crown. You could feel the ground shake.

Next, I finally got the hear "Sunburn" from their debut album Showbiz. Sounding as meaty as ever, it is still arguably their best piano song. So, what would we get between the 2 piano songs? Dead Star was a massive treat for Coventry and the previous night... we weren't let down either. The intro to Absolutions album centre-piece "Butterflies & Hurricanes" always send chills down any Muse fans spine for the next 5 minutes. Muse at their very best, a great rock track with a piano solo in the middle. Only Muse. "Feeling Good" is wheeled out of whatever retirement home Muse should leave it in and "Follow Me", "Liquid State" and "Madness" are all brought out from the newest album. "Time is Running Out" which is preceded by "House of the Rising Sun" is as crowd pleasing as ever, before the main set ending sexy-thrash that is "Stockholm Syndrome".

Returning for a slowed down section of "Unintended" (with a stunning light backdrop, seen partially below), "Blackout" (with light bulb and acrobat), "Guiding Light" and "Undisclosed Desires", in which Matt walks the barrier and shakes hands with the fans! (A friend of mine finally got to shake his and Doms hand!), is actually not a bad section, especially if you are lucky enough to get on the barrier.

The second encore begins with a reprisal of "Unsustainabe" complete with Charles the robot, before the wailing, almost warning of things to come, air-raid siren intro of Muse' most recognisable song "Plug in Baby". The 2001 hit is still their most loved song for the majority of the audience and provides a huge moment in the set. Next is "Survival" complete with flames and triangular visuals worthy of a gig closing song (why they do not end with this is beyond me). Another break so Matt can change his clothes is taken before returning during "Isolated System" before an uplifting version of "Uprising" that has us all elated. Ending with "Starlight" which can be considered an odd choice, Muse have played to a crowd who are there simply to enjoy and be a part of one the greatest bands of modern times.

A great gig, with excellent energy, a loud crowd and an excellent set.