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MOVIE OF THE WEEK: DEADPOOL
We bring sad-making news. Zoolander 2 is a bit terrible. And although we got carried away, mentioning it three times in last week's issue, we have to remember that our job is to recommend you movies and, alas, having seen it, we do not recommend it. It feels like they wrote it in a week, during their spare time, while watching something else. And watching something else is, sadly, exactly what you should do. More worth your time is Deadpool, a would-be subversive superhero flick that isn’t nearly as clever as it thinks it is, but raises more than enough belly laughs. Ryan Reynolds stars as the eponymous ‘merc with a mouth’ who embarks on the usual quest for vengeance after being left disfigured. The twist is, he’s aware he’s in a superhero movie, and there are gags-a-plenty about the genre’s conventions – but oddly, none on the pretty familiar story at its core. Still, Reynolds was born to play this character, and if the occasional gag falls flat, no matter – you’re never more than seconds away from a dozen more. Times & trailer
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Venue: Amantia, 9-10 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS; website
Choice: Pulpo a la Gallega (£8.95) Chooser: Owner
A full year after it opened, we were tempted back to Amantia by balloon glasses full of specialist gin (and tonic), together with busy plates of paella. And while both were most pleasing, it was the 'while you wait' tapas that owner, Marta, recommended that had us making holiday plans with an ardent focus on Galicia - the place where octopus go to live, and then fairly promptly die. With velvety, porous meat the slippery little octy-legged beauties carry flavour like a parched camel carries water, taking on deep, smoky paprika hues - and - thanks to an on form kitchen, reaching the table with the right amount of bite and not a hint of chewiness. In terms of portion size, Amantia are as generous as they can be for the price. Though they barely break even on the dish, Marta is adamant that she won't reduce the serving. Probably best try it before she changes her mind. Menu
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ONE LOCATION,
218 TRAMPOLINES
Jump Nation is the proud owner of some of the biggest trampoline centres in Europe. It's Midlands edition opens on Saturday and as well as including 218 trampolines, has a half pipe and the ability for you to play souped-up dodgeball. Here's how it will probably look. Hurl yourself against everything but the ceiling for £8.95 or bounce your way to fitness through a group class.
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BLOODY MARYS.
LOTS OF THEM.
In Brum's ongoing game of brunch top trumps, Bar Opus has played a humdinger of a card. Get bottomless Bloody Marys every Saturday from 10am complete with Chase vodka, Pip's Hot Sauce, lava salt and rosemary - as well as some of the more usual suspects. Bar manager, Sam Cross, takes the day-saver of a tipple at an 8/10 on the fiery scale and is all about robust flavours - like the rosemary. Get infinite quantities of the red giant for £12.50. Saturday menu.
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FLOATING MEDITATION: SOCKS NOT INCLUDED
Get some office-winning Monday morning chat with a dose of floating meditation, which kicks off its 2016 term this Sunday. Under the guidance of CircusMash, swaddle yourself in an aerial hammock and let Under the Bodhi Tree take care of the meditative portion of proceedings. There'll be candles - and - we're guessing, the kind of relaxation you're unlikely to have experienced since reaching adulthood. From £10 per session. More.
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