nathan bentley's personal playground...

It’s been 20 years since we last saw Harrison Ford crack a whip as Indiana Jones, and the Kindom of the Crystal Skull has been eagerly awaited since the announcement that we were due to get a fourth installment.

Sitting down in the packed Leicester Square Odeon with a bucket of popcorn and a diabetic coma inducing volume of Coke, I joined the ranks of those people who were eager to see if it would live up to the hype.

I won’t wax on about the scenes in the film because it’d ruin the fun (especially if you’re waiting to go yourself), but overall I’d say I appeared to come out the cinema with the same impression as the rest of the audience.

I didn’t hate it, but I certainly wasn’t blown away.

Still, it was markedly better than Temple of Doom. Wise cracking Ford keeps the pace steadily moving along, and at 65, performing some incredible stunts (I hope I’m able to do half of what he does when I’m his age…).  The slapstick comedy from the first two films creeps in - in parts a little too much, but overall it keeps in line with the franchise. Sticking safely to the tried and tested formula of young sidekick, slightly irate love interest and a team of organised baddies (nazis, indian tribes, etc), the film holds it together well until the ending where it becomes a little untied.

I won’t spoil the ending, as it’s worth a watch - just be prepared to be found wanting when you leave.

To leave you on a happy note, keep an eye out for the hidden references throughout the film:

• Harrison Ford saying “I have a bad feeling about this” - a line which is used once in each of the Starwars films
• During the hanger scene, look out for the crate that breaks open… containing the Ark from “raiders”
• Watch the reaction of the Moles as the rocket launches - flip to Starwars ep. 1, and you’ll see the Jawa’s do the same during the pod racing scene.

Found more?  Comment and I’ll add them.

After a weekend of drinking, celebrating and recovering from the United Kingdoms tragic fail at the Eurovision Song contest, I faced yet another day indoors when the heavens opened and didn’t stop.

Thankfully, after a bit of googling for stuff to do in London on a rainy day, I stumbled across a small and somewhat different museum dedicated to the products and branding of the past 100+ years. A quick cab and a shake of a wet umbrella later, we bundled into the aptly named “Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising” - an awesome collection of real product packaging spanning from 1890 to the present day.

What fascinated me was the evolution of the packaging and branding as the times changed - from the unique hand-crafted tins of the pre-war times, to the disposable, brightly coloured card packaging of the modern day.

Of course, the trip wasn’t entirely without a hint of nostalgia - as I passed from the 70’s to the 80’s, memories of “Fiendish Feet” yogurts and “Space Raiders” crisps were dredged up from my childhood, and I was transported to a world more innocent and full of luminous plastic…

For just over a fiver, and with a warm welcome from the owner (and collector of the products from the past 30 years), it’s well worth a visit.

Roughly six months ago I decided to buy my girlfriend an afternoon of tea, champagne and finger sandwiches from the gorgeous Tea Palace on Westbourne Grove. This weekend, I finally got to sample its delights!

After making our way towards Notting Hill, and pottering around the antiques stalls on Portobello road, we finally sat ourselves down at the Tea Palace, somewhat unsure of what to expect. After looking through the list of exciting and exotic teas from around the world, we made our selections of “1st Flush Thurbo 2008″ (Kate) and “Russian Caravan” (Me), and eagerly tucked into the tiny, yet filling selection of finger sandwiches, scones (with clotted cream and jam) and cakes. Whilst our teas were being carefully brewed to order, we enjoyed a chilled glass of pink champagne - definately the best way to enjoy a non-hungover Sunday afternoon.

After much swapping of cups, we decided that Kate enjoyed the Russian Caravan (smokey, similar to Lapsang Souchong) and I prefered the Thurbo (a light fruity Darjeeling). Needless to say, my love of tea was rekindled, and before leaving I purchased a tin of both the 2008 Thurbo and the Earl Grey with Blue flowers (refreshing, and pretty with the fragrant blue tips!).

If you’ve got an afternoon free, and want to try something a little different, I’d highly recommend a visit - just be sure to book in advance as it fills up quickly! Also, if you’re like me, I’d skip breakfast - the scones and cakes are incredibly rich and filling!