Sunday 3 November 2013

Update on things I'm liking...

I haven't blogged in months. My life seems quite different now I'm at university, I'm not doing the same things I was doing in the Summer. I'm home for the weekend, so I thought it was about time I updated with thingsssssss.


20/20 Experience part 2

Entire album = Love.


The Office

Since finishing It's Always Sunny, The Office is my latest Netflix addiction. I cry sometimes.


Jean-Ralphio


Argo (score)

I finally watched Argo.Yes it's amazing blah blah. I really like this track from the score:



Great Costumes

I wish I came up with this costume. You don't understand how much I love it.


Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka's family aced it, again:


I went to a superhero party with uni pals dressed as The Incredibles.


Lastly,

IT'S NOVEMBER?!

When did that happen?

Soon it will be:

Christmas.
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Wednesday 4 September 2013

I like these things at the moment.

  • The Way, Way Back
I was sold on this from the trailer, having an odd feeling I would like it. But I liked it even more than I thought I would and so it's jumped to the top of my favourite films of the year (Yes I've gone there.) Sam Rockwell is A++++++++++ and Steve Carell playing a horrible, awful step-father is a genius move. It's got such a wonderful script and the cast are delightful. Even though the story has pretty much been done a million times before, the film feels so fresh. If you're worried the funniest and most touching moments are in the trailer- trust me there is much more to be seen in full.

I laughed, I cried and I can't wait to see it again. (gifs)



  • This quote:
Your body is made of the same elements that lionesses are built from. Three quarters of you is the same kind of water that beats rocks to rubble, wears stones away. Your DNA translates into the same twenty amino acids that wolf genes code for. When you look in the mirror and feel weak, remember, the air you breathe in fuels forest fires capable of destroying everything they touch. On the days you feel ugly, remember: diamonds are only carbon. You are so much more. (x)


  • Real Techniques
I don't know how I've lived without a Real Techniques makeup brush. I'm no expert on make-up, but these things seem to be the best I've ever used (professional term). I only have the face brush which I use for my concealer or BB cream (because I like my freckles and foundtation hides them), so I'm most probably using it wrong but it still leaves me skin feeling really dewy and the product is properly worked into the skin.


Image



  • Mindy Kaling (still)
The Mindy Project is still running in the UK (the highlight of my Tuesdays), but at the moment I'm just really loving her tweets and Instagram. She's inspiring and I really, really want to be her.




  • This photograph of James Dean:

  • Yours Truly - Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande has the voice of an angel, making me so glad I bought her album. Her music has a very late 90s/early 00s vibe, which for me is quite nostalgic to the music I first started listening to, as well as being a good blend of pop and RnB. I can't stop listening to it.



Johansson was so determined to avoid looking like a movie star pretending to be a zookeeper running on empty and fueled only by her devotion to her motley assortment of big cats, zebras, and kangaroos that she refused to wear makeup for the film. A big deal for a female movie star, but it works, helping to anchor her performance in the details of actual manual labor—shoveling shit, feeding slabs of red meat to the lion and tigers—that we don’t see much of in American movies.




I still have yet to see We Bought A Zoo, but I like to be reminded just how wonderful a person Scarlett Johansson is. (gifs and link)

  • Denim Chicken
I'm known for randomly bursting out with laughter when I think about a funny moment in a show. The one I can't stop laughing at when I randomly think of it is Denim Chicken. If you don't watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia then I don't think seeing the clip will help you to understand how much I love it.




That pretty much sums up my life recently. Other than the fact I'm getting excited  and nervous about heading off to uni soon!
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Monday 26 August 2013

About Time (2013) - review

Running Time: 123 mins
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie, Joshua McGuire, Lydia Wilson
UK release date: 4th September 2013.

It's been a while since Richard Curtis directed a feature film. In the time he's taken off, he hasn't lost the sweet romanticised, everyday life narrative he's famous for. In fact, this time round he's gone just ever so slightly sci-fi with it.

Domhnall Gleeson is Tim, a 21 year old guy who can't wait to fall in love. On his birthday, he learns from his father (Bill Nighy) that all the men in his family are time travellers, so what better way for Tim to use his new found gift than to help his love life. Falling head over heels in love for Mary (Rachel McAdams), Tim begins to use his time travel simply to improve tiny mistakes he has made so that their moments feel perfect, however as life continues Tim’s caring nature takes control as he tries to change the way life has gone for others by travelling in time.

Curtis also wrote the screenplay for About Time, so there’s no surprise that the character dialogue is exceptionally delightful and plausible at the same time. Not only that, but the character development and story progression is engaging, making it no trouble to follow along because it’s so easy to be captivated by the story. An extra feel good element about About Time is that it is very funny both in the sweet, everyday dialogue scenes and when Tim uses his time travelling for specific reasons. Bill Nighy is especially a joy in every one of his scenes.

Tim is an extremely likable, relatable leading man with an ever so charming allure about him and Gleeson is simply superb portraying him. Similarly, Rachel McAdams is charming and delightful, like always, and her chemistry and comedic timing with Gleeson is so matched that their relationship reflects the most adorable moments on screen. However, the winners of the film for best chemistry goes to Nighy and Gleeson as father and son, while it might not be the selling point for About Time, their relationship is undoubtedly the highlight.


Some of the secondary characters, Tim’s younger sister Kit-Kat in particular, are crafted as likable or at least interesting characters, so it’s a shame when their input to the darker points of the narrative feel wrapped up too quickly. But despite it being two hours long, About Time isn’t a long, draining drama and if it were to be any longer, or to explore more characters, it would lose its likability.

The heart touching messages of love, being a parent and spending time with family are poignant and will stay with you after watching About Time. These emotional themes are enough to get your heart aching as well as jumping for the love that’s on the screen. Richard Curtis has smashed the expectations people will have about this film; a likable leading man, charming love interest and lots of romance and meanings.

The word lovely seems a lazy way to describe About Time, but it really is the definition of lovely. It’s exquisitely beautiful in theme, a wonderful screenplay and characters that are so lovable, Richard Curtis’ story about a man who can travel in time feels very relatable.

4/5
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Thursday 22 August 2013

Planes (2013) review

This review first appeared on A113 Animation.

Planes is DisneyToon Studios’ first US theatrical release since Bambi II in 2006. The film follows crop duster, tractor plane Dusty, who dreams of being a racing plane in the high-flying air competition.


Within the clouds, Planes opens 'in the world of Cars' - as if to gently remind viewers 'this is not Cars' and the films are only connected by existing in the same universe - but it feels like the message is saying ‘if you thought this was a Cars sequel, you’re right to feel confused but you are wrong.’ This problematic detail will affect the older viewers, but, for little ones, it will be the sole reason for wanting to see Planes: it looks just like Cars. Furthermore, Brent Mustangburger, the race commentator from Cars 2, reprises his role, as well as a cameo appearance from a beloved Pixar name.

Maybe it's some sort of psychological effect, knowing Planes wasn't first intended for a theatrical release, but the film feels very much like a direct-to-DVD film. The story is actually very basic: an underdog farm plane, who dreams of racing in the big league, gets the chance and, well... so on. It's an average-length family film, which isn't a negative in any sense, if anything the film rarely feels slow. But the actual main event of the race begins within the first ten or fifteen minutes, and then the rest of the story is that race. The characters don't have a build-up or a history because they don't need one for the uncomplicated story; it’s simply about Dusty going from being a plane that isn’t built to compete in races, to living his dream.


The voice talent is quite a delight - considering this is one of Disney's lesser-known films of 2013, there are still some big-name stars there. The great Brad Garrett is Chug, Dusty’s buddy; and John Cleese as British Bulldog, though underused, is superb (a few British stereotypes are highlighted as a funny gag). The best character, and the one children will adore, is Mexican plane El Chupacabra, a passionate lover and flyer who Dusty becomes good pals with. Despite the characters not having any real characterization - in some cases being very 2D - they're not a fault with Planes.

The progression of the race engages the audience well; it’s not a little 10 lap race, but a race across the globe with nightly check-in points, so the entire race is Dusty’s story. Dusty slowly becomes more confident, El Chupacabra gets determined to woo Rochelle, and the film’s bad guy, Ripslinger, feels worried that Dusty may get in the way of his winning streak. It's pretty standard storytelling, but the development of the story is still entertaining for a while.


Another Cars similarity is the calm rock anthem style music played during races and over the credits, making it constantly feel like a feel-good movie- the good feeling just won’t last too long for the mind. The animation itself, though more or less exactly like Cars, is pretty and colourful, making it another Disney treat for the eyes. There are no experiments with the animation, but Planes plays it safe.

Planes isn’t something that is going to be a highlight of 2013 - neither is it going to be a memorable Disney film - but it works. There are likable characters, some very Disney-cutesty lines and jokes, and the 3D (mostly in the sky scenes) is bold, so it’s not something you should dismiss right away.

Of course, being Disney, Planes has a lot of heart but it doesn't elevate to the heights Dusty aims to go to. It’s worth getting around to watch, but it doesn't make for a must-see theatrical release but rather something you’d pick up cheap in a shop for a lazy afternoon.

2/5
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Wednesday 17 July 2013

This just can't be summer love...

I'm high on summer right now.

*
As all us Brits know, the weather is absolutely glorious and sunshine always makes everyone happier. I'm possibly the happiest I've been in a while and there are many reasons why.

At the moment I am interning, doing something I adore and waking up every morning looking forward to going to work. I'm commuting 2 hours each day and working for another 8 and I couldn't enjoy it more. I only have 2 and a half weeks left and I'm going to be so sad to leave, but feel so lucky to have spent some of my summer doing something I love at a company who are ever so kind to me.

One of my dreams of seeing Justin Timerlake perform live has come true, and I still feel like I'm in a dream-like state, after attending Wireless last Friday. He sang, performed and made my heart melt. I haven't ever thought about having favourite singers before, but if I had to choose it would always be JT. Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z owning Suit and Tie will be something I hope to never, ever forget.

(I didn't take pictures or videos, but Youtube is good for that)

This weather feels nice. I don't know if it's the fact I've finished college, but I don't dread choosing outfits to wear because I don't care how other people see me in them. I feel confident. I think the work experience at my internship is a big part of that. I wouldn't say I'm at a place with my body image that I want to be, but I'm content with it for now. I won't ever be stick thin skinny, I won't have longer legs, but I'm ok with this.

I have a new favourite TV show. Every time I finish something I adore (Arrested Development season 4 in this case). I was on the hunt for a new TV obsession and I've found it. Albeit, I'm late like always, but I'm onto the It's Always Sunny In Phillidelphia hype. I haven't watched a comedy TV show where I cry actual tears in a long while. As much as I liked the return of Arrested Development, the only times I laughed out loud were the Gob episodes. It's Always Sunny has me cracking up every single episode. Of course my favourites are Charlie Day (I laughed so much at the video below. It will be hard to see the funny side if you don't watch Sunny), but I actually have a soft spot for all the characters. They're arrogant, loud and a bit unpleasant but, trust me, it's fab.


Reading is always on my list of things to do in the summer because college seems to take away any free time I have to do any reading, especially when studying English and having to read books for the course. On my commutes, I have plenty of time to read and I take full advantage of this even if I'm having to stand up and read. Within my first week I got through 'Billy and Me' (by Giovanna Fletcher) and 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?' by my inspirational woman of the moment, Miss Mindy Kaling. I must have looked like a bit of a crazy book lady on the train, laughing away to myself at Kaling's fabulous, hilarious life. I've just finished Tess of D'Urbervilles, which I had been meaning to get round to for years and I'm glad I finally did it. It's heartbreaking, completely devastating and kind of depressing, but marvellous at the same time. I'm almost finished my fourth book of my commute, 'Before I Go To Sleep' by S. J. Watson. At first I found it kind of predictable and some things were a little unrealistic as a book written in first person, but I'm nearing the end and I've never read such a heart racing thriller novel before. I love twists!


I could write more about the little things that make me happy right now, but I know they'd get boring. My summer was going to be me sleeping in late, reading all of the books I wanted, watching everything on Netflix, blogging more and every now and then popping out for some sunshine, but my internship came around pretty quick after my final exams. It's meant I'm constantly busy, but I love it. I haven't felt this grown up or this happy in a while.

*

* The gorgeous Before Sunrise gif and image have nothing to do with this post, it's just nice to look. I still haven't seen Before Midnight yet, so don't get me started. My heart longs for it.
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Tuesday 2 July 2013

Gabrielle Aplin - Panic Cord

I'm that person who loves a song so much I play it continuously for two weeks. Then I get sick of it and hate it for about four months. It's my usual affair with great music.

This is my current favourite:

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Monday 24 June 2013

Now You See Me (2013)

Running Time: 115 mins
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson, Mélanie Laurent, Dave Franco, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman.
UK release date: 3rd July 2013.

Though it's not on the same 'wow' level as one of the summer blockbuster's that are being dealt out over the next few months (especially as it's four weeks since it's US release), Now You See Me is an attention-grabbing film to keep you, at least a little, interested throughout the development of tricks and illusions.

Review: Starting off from seeing each magician in their own environment finds us with Danny Atlas, the classic illusionist, Henley Reeves the woman in the water tank, Jack Wilder the lock picker and Merritt McKinney the hypnotist. These magicians are obviously talented, something a mysterious benefactor notices and leads them to form together. One year later, as the Four Horsemen, the group perform a huge magic act to a massive audience in Las Vegas, where they teleport a man from the audience to steal money from a bank...in Paris.

Because we see how they come together to form the Four Horsemen, it appears they're the ones to be rooting for; but when FBI Agent Dylan Rhodes (Ruffalo) is called to investigate their illegal magic tricks, are the magicians the good guys or bad? It's clever and it's this that works best for Now You See Me. Sure, Eisenberg's character is extremely arrogant, while there is a cause for sympathetic concern when Rhodes is 'beaten up' by one of their magic acts, but none of the characters are portrayed as being right or wrong. They're all equally important as main characters.


Now You See Me moves quickly, mirroring the intensity of trying so hard to be one step ahead of the story. The film's opening lines, 'the more you look, the less you see' clearly warn not to look too closely, but the mere mention to not try and work it out makes it all the more tempting. There are more parallels to the act of magic, not just the story trying to distract audiences from the truth. As if to mock big, fancy shows, the Now You See Me score is huge and extravagant, but it works. During the times when the magicians are performing, the music is over the top- like the act of a magic trick.

The popular cast are probably the element to reel in an audience for Now You See Me. It's a big array of well known acting talent from the previously mentioned Jesse Eisenberg and Mark Ruffalo to Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and the simply wonderful Mélanie Laurent, as well as the rest of the four horsemen, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco. Ruffalo really is the star of the show, always nailing every line he delivers with either the comedy value or the sincerity of a man desperate to uncover the truth. It's sometimes distracting seeing so many big names in one scene, but they all bounce off each other well. That is when the script isn't getting in the way.


There are many funny, laugh out loud moments in Now You See Me (one big moment which is so perfectly timed, it's the highlight) but at times the script is laughable when it's not meaning to be. The story is intriguing and it moves at an exhilarating pace, but lines in the dialogue try to stand out and subsequently fall as boring, unimaginative add-ons.

It's hard not to compare Now You See Me with Christoper Nolan's The Prestige, a film about two rival magicians. The only real link is in theme of magic, everything else is extremely different, however they both have an impacting ending. The delivery of the ending for Now You See Me feels flat and rushed; it could have been much more spine tingling if executed right with better timing and delivery of 'it', but nonetheless it's very, very good.



Now You See Me is innocent fun. If you look too closely you can see, or rather hear, the flaws, but at the end of the day it's entertaining and despite the ending being flat I bet you didn't see that coming!


3/5
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Sunday 16 June 2013

When Hugh Laurie made me cry

I'm emotional. That is something you learn about me quite quickly.

I've cried whilst reading a book, watching a TV show or film, even when listening to a song. It's not even sad stuff, quite often it's for happy things. However in this story, I cried because I was heartbroken. It's also the story about one of my earliest ever memories: my first cinema trip.

It was Christmas in a huge, dark room, and it was a family trip to the cinema to see 101 Dalmatians (the 'real' people one). My little 3 year old hands had melted chocolate on them as I ate my packet of malteasers, watching the story I knew so well but with actual Dalmatian puppies. Apparently, I was completely engrossed. I believe my love for cinema started early.

The 1996 101 Dalmatians is very much the same as the 1961, just live-action, so you'd think I wouldn't be surprised with what happens to the puppies. I was not ready for my heart to be broken so young.

The next thing from this memory I recall is stepping out of the dark room and into bright, burning lights as my Dad gave me a reassuring tap on my back, telling me everything was ok. My parents had no other option but to take me out of the screen, preventing a lot of angry parents complaining about the brat who wouldn't shut up (if only all parents thought this way). It's this part of the experience I remember so well; screaming and sobbing for these puppies who had been kidnapped by two mean, old men. I vividly  remember crying so much that my throat hurt. 

I don't know how long it took me to calm down, but I finished watching the film and I fell in love with this new way of watching films. It wasn't until my 4th or 5th re-watch of Stuart Little as a kid, that I realised Stuart's kind, loving father was the same man who made me cry.

Hugh Laurie.

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Wednesday 8 May 2013

Being part of a film.

If, like me, you follow media organisations on Twitter and keep up to date with film news then you would have heard by now of Zach Braff's Kickstarter campaign to fund his next directorial 'Wish I Was Here'. With the success of the Veronica Mars gang Kickstarting over $5,702,153 of their $2,000,000 goal, Braff was inspired to finance his next film from generous donations. Braff too has achieved over his goal and he still has 14 days to go.

If you're interested, watch the video instead of me trying to explain it.


To simplify the point - Zach Braff wants money so he doesn't have to go the big guys who can control the way the film is made. He wants final cut.

As with everything, Braff's Kickstarter has been met with some controversy. People slamming the fact Braff has his own money from being the star of the hit show Scrubs, or how Kickstarter should be used to fund independent filmmakers who do not have opportunities like Braff.

I completely understand why people might feel angry or annoyed at Braff. Before Veronica Mars' achievement, Kickstarter was used for independent filmmakers. Also, unlike the people behind Veronica Mars, Braff has been offered finance for the film.

At the end of the day everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the simple fact is - you do not have to fund Wish I Was Here if you do not want to.


I'm not massive a Scrubs fan, but I did love Garden State. I've always found Zach Braff interesting and have been fascinated that he is constantly engaging with his fans. He too is a film buff, so I know he's making this with a passion. With this in mind, I had a look into the campaign.

After having a few minutes to think, I donated $10 (£7). It's nothing really. Without my donation, Braff still has over his target, but that's not the point. The point is that I am part of this film. I am helping make Braff's dream into a reality. Braff has said on numerous occasions that he is making this film for fans. It's quite revolutionary to think that, as a fan, I am paying just a few pounds of my own money for a film to be made that I actually want to see.

Many people are saying that lots of other Kickstarter campaigns have 'better' rewards for donations, but slowly and surely Braff is adding more rewards such as new locations for screenings because his fans are asking for them. I'm very happy with my reward of recieving a PDF of the script once the film has been released as well as production diary videos and email updates. I've already received 18 emails from Braff on how the early stages of the film are going, and I'm looking forward to receiving video diaries once filming begins.

Braff has recently been interviewed by Kickstarter and he responded to negativity around it.

'It's a club. And it's a club of like-minded people who are interested in the same thing. If you hate Zach Braff, if you hate me and Garden State and think that it was horrible- this isn't the club for you. If you like Scrubs and Garden State and the things I've done, and like movies like I make, this might be a really fun, cool thing for you to be part of.'

I'm sure even this video will get a lot of comments from people who don't agree with this at all, but Braff is being honest and to the point.

I'm glad to be a part of this club, I'm looking forward to watching Wish I Was Here and knowing that my $10 did something for the film. It might be used to fund filming in LA, it might be used to fund costume, it might be used to help take the film to Sundance, it might even be used to pay Natalie Portman (eep).

From someone who is paying their own money, never mind how small, I'm happy to be a part of this. It's a film I want to see and I'm helping make it.

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Wednesday 1 May 2013

A113 Animation

A while back, I discovered this cool website called a113animation.com which, as you may guess, is an animation site. It looks at animation, not just Disney and Pixar, but DreamWorks, Aardman, Blue Sky, Sony and much more. It's the very best for finding out the latest news, reviews, interviews and images.

The creator of the site, William, is a very passionate film and animation fan; the quality of the website shows real dedication and a love for the art. For weeks I have been going back to the site to find out latest news and read opinions from the authors. As a film and Disney fan myself, I think it's great.


http://www.a113animation.com/

I am proud to say I am A113 Animation's live-action Disney correspondent, basically meaning I get to post about Marvel, Star Wars and other live-action news. Brilliant, right?

With exams coming up, I might not be updating it religiously for a while, but I will be trying my best to bring the very best news to the site. Then, in the summer, I can officially make it my priority.

I'm very grateful A113 Animation chose me. I have already posted a few things already, so go and check it out!
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Friday 12 April 2013

My TV adventures (aka my new obsessions)

source
If you have never cried at a TV character’s death and spent half-an-hour mourning the loss before watching the next episode, you’re not watching TV right (or you are one of the lucky ones whose TV shows don’t have tragic moments.)

Whereas I can watch pretty much any type of film, I used to be very fussy when it came to TV genres. After breaking out of my Disney shell (and even then I watched stuff I was a bit young for- Boy Meets World, Teen Angel, Smart Guy etc…), I went straight for funny stuff. IT Crowd, Spaced, The Office and Friends were pretty much all I watched or was interested in. If it made me laugh, I liked it but if it meant I had to think a lot or involved too much drama, then I would usually turn it off.

Then I turned 15 and everything TV changed. The Internet exposed me to the wonderful thing called series or seasons, a TV show with a development within the story, episodes that make up a longer narrative.
During the summer after my GCSEs, I did something I never ever do; I downloaded the entire Arrested Development seasons onto my computer and stayed up between 9-2am watching dozens (DOZENS) of episodes a night. I was hooked. I had never found something like this. I was eager to watch the next one so much that on a few occasions I would stay up til 5, spend the afternoon in bed and continue where I left off the next night. x x x

Since then I’ve got through Firefly, How I Met Your Mother, Sherlock, Girls, Modern Family, Community (I have yet to complete this- damn UK broadcasting) and the love of my life right now; Game of Thrones.

Now if you’re reading this and know me personally you know that Game of Thrones has practically taken over my life. It may seem sad but, to those who watch it, it’s normal behaviour. I have never got this much into a show that is still being broadcast. I have to wait for new episodes now, which feels like torture, yet it makes the reward greater. I have expectations and excitement to gain which can be shattered easily.

Being a fan of a TV is one thing while being an emotionally involved fan of a TV show is another. It could be seen as being in a ‘fandom’, but I don’t like that term it sounds far too obsessive. At this moment in my life, all I want to talk about Game of Thrones. Not because I’m obsessed with it and living in a world away from reality, but because I like to hear what other people’s opinions are on characters and storylines, or hearing whether or not people actually like the show.

Game of Thrones seems confusing, however if you watch it, it's surprisingly easy to understand. I’ve been trying to explain characters to my sister, but until she eventually decides to watch it she won’t understand. There are dozens(!) of characters, with multiple different stories going on nevertheless it’s easy to follow, easy to understand characters and very easy to become addicted.
 







 


One day I’ll blog in more detail about why I love Game of Thrones, but for now I didn’t want to spoil it for others instead just blog about my TV tastes. If you haven't seen it, give the first episode a try (UK- Sky Demand) and if you like it you'll want to watch the rest. I believe that soon everyone will watch Game of Thrones, and you don’t want to be the one left out. 

Anyway, I am hoping to find more TV to watch once my exams are over. What do you all recommend? Here is a list of my top favourite TV shows so you can get a jist of what I like:
  • Arrested Development
  • Firefly
  • Game of Thrones
  • How I Met Your Mother
  • Modern Family
  • Spaced
I hope to watch Freaks and Geeks, Veronica Mars and the new season of Arrested Development come the end of June. Any other recommendations to add to the list?

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Tuesday 26 March 2013

8 reasons you should see Trance


Danny Boyle's 'Trance' is out in UK cinemas tomorrow (27th March). I saw it last night and have been collecting my thoughts on it through the day. Here are eight reasons I think you should see it.


1. I can guarantee, unless you’re super clever, you won’t guess how it’s going to end.

2. The film leads you down roads you weren’t expecting to take. Like, you think you’re going down this dark alley then into the countryside, but Mr Boyle actually takes you underground, through a river, up a mountain and then you only really get back onto level ground once the titles start rolling.

3. Just when you’re sure you’re following what’s going on in the film, something changes your confidence. Then the pace of cuts, music and atmosphere speeds up and your heart rate matches it. I like that about films.

4. It has the usual Danny Boyle dark humour with complex, fascinating storytelling. You know it's worth it. 

5. The opening sequence is perfectly intriguing and interesting; you’re thrown into the film straight away and already asking questions.

6. There have been a lot of stylish, gorgeous looking films out recently and Trance might just be the nicest one to look at.

7. It’s only 101 minutes. Compared to the majority of rubbish out today, Danny Boyle doesn’t need the duration of over two hours to tell a captivating story.

8. James McAvoy stares into your soul, has his top off in a few scenes and at one point, reveals his bum.



After thinking about it for hours, I decided I really enjoyed Trance. I haven't had my emotions toyed with this much by a film in a while.

4/5




Trance is out in UK cinemas 27th March.

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Monday 18 March 2013

I have been a bad blogger

For a while now, I haven't found anything interesting to blog about. I've seen new films, but there are only so many film reviews published online and mine aren't exactly the ones people seek.

Blogging, to me, is something I feel I need to do. Being fairly good at using the Internet and up to date(ish) with media, blogging (aka pouring my life out online) seems like something I should be doing, but who is it really for?

I am so grateful for the amount of views I have received on this blog and I think I aim to entertain people or provide interesting things to read, but blogging feels personal. Therapeutic in a way, as well as a place to help develop my writing and gain confidence.

I like this style of blogging I'm doing; writing away whilst listening to Justin Timberlake's sweet sounds, sitting in my pyjama's - I just can't find inspirational topics.

So, instead of just writing whilst I ponder ideas, I thought I would share some words I found on another blogging site. At the moment I'm not feeling down, but I think everyone, even the happiest of people, like reading things to make them smile.

Everyone who terrifies you is sixty-five percent water.
And everyone you love is made of stardust, and I know sometimes
you cannot even breathe deeply, and
the night sky is no home, and
you have cried yourself to sleep enough times
that you are down to your last two percent, but

nothing is infinite,
not even loss.

You are made of the sea and the stars, and one day
you are going to find yourself again.  

Maybe I'm not looking deep enough, but maybe I'll 'find' myself again in blogging.



Have you got any happy quotes or passages that inspire you? Or do you have any tips for finding inspiration, or ideas about what I could blog about?

Thanks for reading and have a nice day.

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Sunday 24 February 2013

85th Academy Awards


Today's the big day! The night the stars and the creators of the movies come together to see who will be walking away (driven to their luxury hotel) with a little, golden Oscar and the academy award title.

And this year, I might even watch it live (if I find a way). I'm usually asleep, being in the UK, so I catch up on the gossip the next day, but this year I’m willing to sacrifice sleep to watch the ceremony.

A few years ago I had seen most of the big contenders, however this year I'm a falling a bit behind. Therefore instead of doing just predictions, because quite often I disagree with the winners (see the 2011 Best Director ‘incident’) I'm going to do a little ‘what I want to win’ and ‘what I think will win’ blog post.

So we're up to date, here is the tiny list of nominated films which I have actually seen.
Brave, Django Unchained, Hitchcock, Les Misérables, Life of Pi, Mirror Mirror, Moonrise Kingdom, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, Skyfall, The Avengers, Wreck-It Ralph, Zero Dark Thirty.
As you can see, not an awful lot of the big ones to develop an unbiased opinion on the nominees. Regardless, I want to blog about it so here are my wants and predictions.

Best Picture (Amour, Argo, Beasts Of The Southern Wild, Django Unchained, Les Misérables, Lincoln, Life Of Pi, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty)

Want: I’d love Zero Dark Thirty to win as I think I enjoyed it most out of what I’ve seen.
Prediction: Argo has got it in the bag.

Best Director (Michael Haneke – Amour, Ang Lee - Life of Pi, David O Russell - Silver Linings Playbook, Steven Spielberg – Lincoln, Benh Zeitlin - Beasts of the Southern Wild)

Want: I’ve only seen Life of Pi, which I think Ang Lee would be a worthy winner.
Prediction: I have a feeling Spielberg will get it.

Although I'd love Ben Affleck to defy the odds with the loophole

Best Actor (Daniel Day Lewis – Lincoln, Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook, Hugh Jackman - Les Miserables, Joaquin Phoenix - The Master, Denzel Washington – Flight)

Want: I’m still gutted I haven’t seen Lincoln, but I still want Daniel Day-Lewis to win from word of mouth and his BAFTA speech.
Prediction: Daniel Day-Lewis

Actress (Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty, Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook, Emmanuelle Riva – Amour, Quvenzhane Wallis - Beasts of the Southern Wild, Naomi Watts - The Impossible)

Want: Jessica Chastian
Prediction: Emmanuelle Riva

Supporting Actor (Alan Arkin – Argo, Robert De Niro - Silver Linings Playbook, Tommy Lee Jones – Lincoln, Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained, Philip Seymour Hoffman - The Master)

Want: Christoph Waltz (for all the awards)
Prediction: Christoph Waltz

Supporting Actress (Amy Adams - The Master, Sally Field – Lincoln, Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables, Helen Hunt - The Sessions, Jacki Weaver - Silver Linings Playbook)

Want: Anne Hathaway
Prediction: Anne Hathaway

Original Screenplay (Amour - Michael Haneke, Django Unchained - Quentin Tarantino, Flight - John Gatins, Moonrise Kingdom - Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola, Zero Dark Thirty - Mark Boal)

Want: I'm still quite upset that Moonrise wasn't considered for more nominations, so I'd love to see Anderson and Coppola get this one. Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola - Moonrise Kingdom
Prediction: Quentin Tarantino - Django Unchained

Adapted Screenplay (Argo - Chris Terrio, Beasts Of The Southern Wild - Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin, Life Of Pi - David Magee, Lincoln - Tony Kushner, Silver Linings Playbook - David O Russell)

Want: The book that seemed impossible to adapt, Life of Pi.
Prediction: Silver Linings Playbook

Best Animated film (Brave, Frankenweenie, Paranorman, Pirates! Band of Misfits (UK title: Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists), Wreck-it Ralph)

Prediction: Brave
Want: So surprised by how much heart and magic was in Wreck-It Ralph, so I'd love it to win.

Best Foreign film (Amour, No, War witch, A Royal Affair, Kon-Tiki)

Want: Amour
Prediction: Amour

Best Original Score (Anna Karenina - Dario Marianelli, Argo - Alexandre Desplat, Life Of Pi - Mychael Danna, Lincoln - John Williams, Skyfall - Thomas Newman.)

Want: Lincoln - John Williams
Prediction: Lincoln - John Williams

Best Original Song (Before My Time (Chasing Ice), Everybody Needs A Best Friend (Ted), Pi's lullaby (Life Of Pi), Skyfall (Skyfall), Suddenly (Les Miserables)

Want: Skyfall
Prediction: Skyfall

I'm sure everyone disagrees with me, so I'd love to hear other predictions or choices for winners. Let me know!

I get so giddy at the thought of all these wonderful people being in one room. Say what you will about the awards being pretentious and wrong, they are so glamorous. Despite not seeing a lot of contenders, I am excited for the show, mostly because of who is performing and hosting.

I hope the fact that Seth MacFarlane is hosting means he just sings a lot.

Will you be watching the Oscars tonight?

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Thursday 14 February 2013

Things

I like writing posts about things happening in my life or are interesting me recently. I enjoyed writing my post last August which was similar. I have felt the need to write, so here is one of those lists.


The Perks of Being a Wallflower Blu Ray

The week Perks first came out in cinemas was a busy week for me with school trips, a trip to London, a birthday and a party, so I had no time to see it. I've been patient and I finally saw it on Monday in stunning Blu. As a HUGE fan of the book, I completely adore the film. A great screenplay and the perfect cast. There are a few parts from the book I thought would still be important, but all round it's wonderful. The delicate themes are handled very well and I think it's a marvellous adaptation. Ezra Miller is fantastic and Logan Lerman really did a fine job playing such an special, complex character. Incredible job Stephen Chbosky. x


The lipstick worn by Scarlett Johansson in Hitchcock
I saw Hitchcock last week and I really quite enjoyed it. It's short, simple and very entertaining. I think it's generating a few bad reviews because people expected it to be an awardy type film, but it's not very serious, long and doesn't take it's self too serious. I found it a very pleasant watch compared to the all of the long durations of Oscar films I've seen recently. I was really fascinated by the lipstick Scarlett Johansson wore as Janet Leigh, because with the vibrant colour of the film the colour was gorgeous. I don't wear lipstick a lot, but I'm looking for a good dupe of either of the below colours.



Warm Bodies book and film
A few years ago I was told I HAD to read Warm Bodies and it's always been on my list, so before the film I wanted to read it. I think it's quite great, very intriguing and it has a bit of humour here and there. It's not as funny as the trailer for the film made it out to be, but I have giggled to myself a few times

I then saw the film on Wednesday and I reallllly enjoyed it. There are parts left out of the book, but it still works as a teen comedy whereas the book isn't strictly for teenagers. The settings and visuals in the film are exactly how I pictured it in the book and I think it's a pretty good adaptation. Nicholas Hoult is a very hot zombie.


The Les Mis Soundtrack
It's been a month, but I'm still thinking about how passionate and wonderful Les Misérables was. I listen to the soundtrack a few times a week and I the other snowy week I watched the 25th Anniversary edition. You could say I'm a converted Les Mis fan.


Game of Thrones
This has been my no.1 thing in the last three weeks. I'm addicted. I completed season one (thanks to my cousin for letting me borrowing the Blu Rays) within two-ish weeks. I've always known I'd kind of like it, but I am completely and utterly in love with the whole premise. At first it just seems like a fictional historical drama, but there is this whole other fantasy side to it and it's driven by so many characters. Just after the first episode I was hooked and had to watch the next one. If I didn't have so much coursework I probably would have finished the whole season in two days. I've cried, screamed, hated and loved whilst watching it and my whole mind has been on a roller-coaster. I'd recommend it for everyone.
Trailer for season 1.
Award Season
Two years ago I had seen the majority of the nominated films for award season, but this year I've been slacking. However I still get completely taken in by this time of year and so overwhelmed by award ceremonies. The BAFTAs were the other night and they were grand, setting me up for the big day in less than two weeks. The Oscars! I'm exited to see Seth Macfarlene hosting, I  so hope he sings.














Writing more
I want to write more. I'm not sure what, but I need to start writing down what's going through my head and writing more on my blog. I have a few ideas for blogs, so hopefully I'll get them down soon.

Girls
Sadly I don't have Sky Atlantic, but I know someone who not only has it but also watches Girls, so each week I can catch up with season 2. Each episode is getting better and better so I'm scared that soon I'll be disappointed because seriously, how can something KEEP getting better and better?!


St. Ives face scrub
This stuff is glorious. I swear.

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