By Jack Shanley

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a visually stunning and terrifying reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film. Eggers meticulously recreates the gothic atmosphere of the original film, immersing viewers in a world of shadows, decay, and dread.

The film follows Thomas Hutter (Nicolas Hoult), a young estate agent tasked with selling a remote Transylvanian castle to the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). Hutter’s journey into the heart of darkness unleashes a wave of terror upon his unsuspecting village, as Orlok’s insatiable hunger for blood spreads like a plague.

Bill Skarsgård delivers a truly great performance as Count Orlok. Showing a more romanticized portrayal of vampires, Skarsgård embodies Orlok as a creature of pure pestilence, his gaunt frame and piercing gaze radiating an aura of ancient evil. He is less a seductive predator and more a force of nature, an embodiment of death itself.

Eggers’ signature style is on full display, with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and a meticulous attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. The film’s sets, costumes, and even the way light falls across the screen are all beautifully crafted to evoke a sense of authenticity.

While the film’s pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow creep of the darkness to come, it can feel a little sluggish. I enjoyed it as much as the other adaptations, but do understand it not being for everyone, it’s essentially a film for a particular audience. The tension builds relentlessly, punctuated by moments of shocking violence and unsettling imagery.

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a masterful reimagining of a classic horror film. It is a visually stunning and terrifying experience that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is a testament to Eggers’ singular vision as a filmmaker, and a chilling reminder of the enduring power of classic horror.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Nosferatu’ (2024) and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 4 stars. You can watch it today at your local cinema. Director: Robert Eggers– Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Mystery– Run Time: 2h 12m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, take a little time out for some self-care this February, especially the hard-working Mammies. Being a Mam can be frazzling – especially this time of year with so many bugs and viruses knocking about and it’s not unusual for us to get run down because we’re so busy looking after everyone else. If you need an energy boost, plan some child-free ‘Me time’. Go see the new Bridget Jones movie with your girlfriends. Glam up for a date night (if you need a new dress, get 30% off with Code MAMS30 at www.mykindofdress.com). Or treat yourself to a pamper night at home…. light a scented candle, soak in relaxing Green Angel bath salts, moisturise with gorgeous mango Ziaja body mousse, then wrap up in snuggly pj’s to watch a movie with a tub of ice-cream! A little self-indulgence goes a long way!

Looking for clever Valentine’s gift idea for busy Mammies? How about some delicious coffee?! Life is too short to drink bad coffee which is why we love award winning Irish brand Artessa Coffee. They roast the most delicious beans – I personally love their Smooth and Lounge blends, while my hubby favours their Nina & Temptation blends. See https://artessa.ie/

Love cosy, comfy casual wear? Irish brand Human Collective have perfect transitional pieces for springtime. From slouchy jumpers to leggings to fleece lined hoodies. Perfect for women & men who like to be warm and comfy on the go. With a store in Stephens Green SC and online store https://wearehumancollective.com/ they have a brill range and great sale on atm!

As the daffodils start peeking through and days get longer, it’s a great time for a mini break. For kids midterm, Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is brilliant. Delicious food, spacious rooms, swimming pool and lots of activities, including walking trails, bike rentals and Skypark nearby. For couples, there are special Valentine’s packages available to romance things up! Carlingford is such a gorgeous spot to explore with quaint cafes, cute shops, the old castle ruins and you can hop on the Carlingford ferry too. See Four Seasons Carlingford special offers here https://www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/ word.

By Dave Kavanagh

When planning our family’s finances, one of the most important aspects is protecting against unexpected financial loss, yet many people often keep putting off making time to arrange it, (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality or a serious illness, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is, if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed, it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. I often get the response, “I don’t have time” and then in the same conversation find out which Netflix series they have just binged. Make the time. Review your cover requirements.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.

By Jack Shanley

David Fincher’s “Se7en” hits its 30-year anniversary this year and with it also coming back to cinemas in a stunning IMAX screening, its sure to be a fantastic cinematic experience. ‘Seven’ is a haunting exploration of morality, sin, and the depths of human depravity. This 1995 neo-noir thriller stars Brad Pitt as Detective David Mills, a hot-headed young cop, and Morgan Freeman as Detective William Somerset, a seasoned veteran on the brink of retirement. Together, they are tasked with hunting down a serial killer whose murders are inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins.

The film’s dark, gritty atmosphere is perfectly captured by Fincher’s meticulous direction and Andrew Howard’s stunning cinematography. The rain-soaked streets of a decaying city provide a bleak backdrop for the horrifying crimes committed by the killer, known only as John Doe. Kevin Spacey delivers a chilling performance as Doe, a man who believes he is punishing sinners and cleansing the world of their corruption.

“Se7en” is a masterclass in suspense, with each new discovery leading to even greater horror. The film’s pacing is deliberate, building tension and dread as the detectives delve deeper into the killer’s twisted mind. The climax is a gut-wrenching confrontation that leaves a lasting impact.

While the film’s violence and disturbing subject matter may not be for everyone, “Se7en” is a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It is a timeless exploration of the darkness that lurks within humanity, and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Seven’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 4 and a ½ stars. You can watch it today at selected cinemas throughout January or rent it off YouTube for €3.99. Director: David Fincher – Rating: R – Genre: Crime/Horror– Run Time: 2h 10m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

It’s January.…often considered the most miserable month of the year but how about enjoying the quiet that January brings and making the most of the calm after the busy and often stressful festive season? Instead of feeling blue about all the fun being over, try to enjoy January. Movie nights snuggled up with a hot chocolate. A brisk walk in the fresh air. Soaking in a relaxing bath. Reading that book you’ve been wanting to get stuck into but haven’t had the time. There is a lot of joy to be found in doing nothing and having time to relax and chill out.

January is not all doom and gloom…. especially for those in love! Christmas and New Year are times when many couples get engaged and weddings excitement begins. One of the biggest expenses is often The Dress!! But we know an amazing store called Devotion Dresses, upstairs from My Kind of Dress, at Unit 1, Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin that has a whole floor dedicated to wedding dresses - which start at an affordable €600. Downstairs you can get bridesmaids, wedding guest and mother of the bride dresses and upstairs, bridal! Follow them on Instagram at devotion_dressesireland and book an appointment at dublin@devotionweddingdresses.com There are some absolutely stunning dresses there and it’s great to buy local, it makes life so much easier for fittings etc. We had a family wedding where the dress was bought in Newry and it was a slog having to traipse up there for fittings and collection. It added extra cost and time, so we really think, shopping local is the way to go! Having been in Devotion Dresses for a look, we can definitely recommend them! The staff are super nice too., which makes a huge difference.
If you are one of the lucky ones going Skiing, Dare2B has a cool pop-up shop in Kildare Village for all things ski wear. They have a huge sale online too, so you can nab really snuggly clothing at knocked down prices. Even for everyday fleeces, we love their range!

Whatever your January looks like, remember, it’s only a few weeks and we can get through it! Be kind to yourself and try to do little nice things as much as you can and soon enough, the daffodils will be popping up for Spring!

By Dave Kavanagh

It’s a new year, a time when many people embark on making some positive changes or improvements in their lives. The most recognisable of these is the ‘losing weight/getting healthier” one. To give people more of an incentive to maintain what they start, it’s worth noting that if done properly, losing weight can have the added bonus of leaving you with more money at the end of each month. So how does that work?? Well, by “doing it properly” I refer to NOT going on a diet, or buying products with magic properties that will make the weight just fall off. Instead, making small, sustainable lifestyle changes. It can be adding some exercise in week 1, drinking more water (and less alcohol/sugar laden drinks) in week 2, reducing portion sizes in week 3, substituting things like chips for wholegrain rice or pasta in week 4, breaking the association of biscuits/cakes whenever you have a coffee or tea in week 5, etc., etc. Doing it this way, makes it sustainable and when weight is dropped slower over a longer period of time, it is far more likely to be kept off. So how does that help my finances?

When I analyse people’s spending budgets, it’s clear that takeaways, alcohol, sweets, cakes biscuits etc. pop up quite frequently. If you keep track of the savings when you cut down on many of these things, it’s easy to see how much you can save. One person I was helping used to enjoy her “treat” of a chocolate eclair most days. When she accepted that she felt bad after eating it and conceded that it was not helping her goal to lose weight, I suggested it was more of a punishment than a treat. I proposed that she put the money into a jar each day and when there was enough, to treat herself to a back massage, which can positively reinforce the good changes someone has made. Make the right choices, one day at a time.

Malahide Historical Society has recently unearthed wonderful images of ‘Hogan’s Top Shop’ Hogan’s grocers, wine and spirits merchants stood for many years on Main Street at what is now Malahide Credit Union premises. Locals called it Hogan’s Top-Shop to distinguish it from Hogan’s Bottom-Shop, their other premises on New Street (now Fowler’s pub).

Two of these three fascinating images have just recently come to light showing deliveries in the early 1900s. The truck is a Guinness lorry outside the premises circa 1910. (photo courtesy of Richard McAllister)

The third image, also from about 1910, shows a cart with the name ‘Bewley & Draper, Ink Makers’. This was a business owned by a branch of the famous Bewley coffee family which imported chemical and ink supplies as well as, unusually, mineral waters. It is likely the cart was being used to deliver not ink but mineral waters to Hogan’s as indicated by the crates on the footpath under the awning into which a worker appears to be peering.

Thanks to Malahide Historical Society.

Hard to believe its December once again. When I was struggling through my tender years Christmases seemed further apart, less hassle and more local. No shopping online or visiting European Christmas markets for us. Months in advance the neighbourhood shops would open their Christmas club; enabling their customers to lodge a few bob every week so that when the time came they had saved enough to cover the extra cost. Our highlight of the season was a trip to the annual sale of work in the local hall, where ladies (who looked ancient to me) wearing hats, and adorned by broaches and string of pearls necklaces, sold homemade jam, sponge cakes and willow pattern delph, whilst exchanging the latest goings on in the parish. Men sometimes fresh from the pub sold bags of potatoes and operated the Wheel of Fortune.

The Christmas play and school concert brought stardom to some and a lesser role to others. Unable to see the blackboard due to need of glasses, and doing daily battle with a cocktail of neurodiversity that wasn’t recognised back then, I was considered not to be the sharpest pencil in the case, and so I was allotted the not so prestigious role of stage curtain puller. What could possibly go wrong? Surly it would be alright on the night. Well not quite; just as a man who say himself the local Pavarotti, struck the first note of his second number I accidently brought the curtain down, inadvertently turning his polished performance into a comedy act.

In the 60s a light aircraft (maybe a weather plane?) flew over Swords and the surrounding area at night. My mother informed me that the pilot was none other than the man from the north pole himself “keeping an eye out”, so I had better “behave myself”. Thankfully, the spy plane failed to spot anything untoward and I woke up on Christmas mornings to find nice presents including a tricycle, a farm set and a fire engine. The sock I hung on the end of the bed contained a bar of chocolate and an orange that somehow always tasted much nicer than ordinary oranges. But a low inevitably follows a high and on Stephens Day tradition dictated that my mother, father and I (an only child) HAD to visit our relatives. Oh, how I longed to be at home playing with my newly acquired toys, as they took turns giving a detailed description of their health issues, ranging from chronic heartburn to back pain and dry eyes. Having well and truly exhausted their medical records they moved on to their second chosen subject – end of the world predictions. Good old Spot, their playful dog who had not been infected with the malaise of his humans, just about made the day bearable. The years have flown, the relatives are long gone and this Christmas I shall be the one munching on the indigestion tablets.

By Jack Shanley

The Penguin series kicked off back in September but as it ended last month, I felt why not do a review of a series as appose to a movie for a change. The series for me from start to finish was absolutely fantastic. It slowly unfolded into an edge of your seat gangster series with an extraordinary set of characters. One of our own in Colin Farrell reprised his role as the titular character, delivering a tour-de-force performance that is both menacing and captivating. His transformation into the Penguin is nothing short of remarkable, with his physical appearance and mannerisms perfectly capturing the essence of the character. The supporting cast, including Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone and Rhenzy Feliz as a young Edward Nygma, also deliver very strong performances.

The series excels in its dark and atmospheric tone, immersing viewers in the seedy underbelly of Gotham City. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the city’s bleak beauty and the characters’ descent into darkness. The writing is sharp and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers hooked. The make-up and costume design is also spectacular with a wonderful score by the great Mick Giacchino.
However, “The Penguin” is not without its flaws. Some will argue the pacing can be uneven at times, with some episodes feeling slower than others, whereas I feel the first couple of episodes are just setting the tone before it kicks off into a big ball of chaos. Additionally, the series can be quite violent and disturbing, which may not be suitable for all viewers.In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘The Penguin’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 4 stars. You can watch it today on Sky Atlantic. Creator: Lauren LeFranc– Rating: 15 – Genre: Drama/Crime – Run Time: 55 min per episode. Language: English, Italian. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

While the children wish for snow and Santa, parents work frantically behind the scenes to make Christmas happen!

For the day itself, Dunnes Stores has a fantastic range of home and cookware to help prep and serve dinner. The Nevin Maguire collection has charcuterie and cheese boards, roasting tins and knives to slice that turkey perfectly! Check out Dunnes selection of Sheridan cheeses – delicious with crackers, chutney and grapes.

Cooking a big family dinner? Nisbets Moore St Mall, Ilac SC is brilliant. Crockery, glasses, food warmers and our favourite tableware item, the Lazy Susan! These clever turntables allow the gravy boat and condiments to be easily shared around the table. Much better than someone (i.e. kids & teens!) chucking things across the table!

When decorating the table for Christmas, Tipperary Crystal have beautiful glasses, place mats and cutlery.
Brooke & Shoals candles and diffusers smell incredible, creating Christmas vibes with their festive scents.
For gifting, we like to keep things Irish! Hampers & Co have hampers to suit everyone and they start at only €14. Nyrah beauty have divine mini skincare sets for only €25 and their hat box sets are really eye catching.

National Concert Hall gift vouchers are a wonderful present. They have fantastic shows and the acoustic are amazing.

SoSu have gorgeous make-up, brush, Dripping Gold tan and Bahama Skin gift sets. Check their website for great offers!

Cocoa Brown has beautiful gift sets, including a cracker with tan and a mitt inside. This could go on the dinner table as an extra surprise!

Ziaja skincare gift sets for babies, kids, women and men are available in Dunnes, Tesco and Chemist Warehouse are lovely and affordable.

On Black Friday, we picked up great value Secret Santa gifts in Town Centre Pharmacy, Dealz & Card Factory in Drogheda Town Centre. So many things for under a tenner! Arc Cinema have gift vouchers offers, buy 2 x €25 gift cards for only €40!

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant is great for get-togethers this festive season. Amazing food, and their flavoured Margaritas are yummy!

One Dame Lane Irish jewellery store make gorgeous pieces, ideal for gifting.

The Lark Panto, Cinderella, is on from 5th December, so still time to book tickets!