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?
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)
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.
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.
Running Time: 157 mins Directed by: Tom Hooper Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks
There are some films that are destined to make it huge at the box office, even while it’s still in production. Unsurprisingly, Les Misérables made £2.3M in its opening day in the UK on Friday, being the biggest opening day for a musical. I was one of those tickets and I’m glad to have been.
Review: Victor Hugo’s novel has been adapted to film many times before, and then the novel was adapted to a musical. But Tom Hooper’s adaption of the musical is something new. Live singing (no sound editing), extravagant action and phenomenal acting all in one.
Above anything else, Les Misérables is an actor piece; the entire structure is kept together because of the outstanding acting from a ray of perfectly fitting actors. Anne Hathaway’s brutally heart-breaking but enchanting performance as Fantine is entirely worthy of an Oscar, as she steals the film within the first half an hour. Hugh Jackman’s passion and assertiveness as Jean Valjean follows throughout the whole film, so that every moment on screen is a delight to watch because it’s striking. In fairness, everyone is a delight but the eye opener of the film is Samantha Barks who, in her debut film role, shines. Being one of the only stars of the film to reprise her role from the stage show, it’s clear why she was chosen as her voice and mannerisms as Éponine are charming and graceful.
Visually it’s breath-taking, proving that a film production wouldn’t have worked 10 or 20 years ago, because it would have failed to capture the beautiful buildings and cruel, dirty reality of 19th century Paris. There are more than enough awkward angles and unnecessary pans, but with the focus of Eddie Redmayne’s tears as he passionately sings Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, the good points outweigh Hooper’s excessive use of canted shots.
This is a real musical, with minimal speaking dialogue and everything proclaimed through song, something films do not do enough of now. It’s effective, gloriously adding delicacy to the harsh themes of Les Mis, while the live singing from each character captivates the exact overwhelming feeling watching a musical does. After each number there is a burning desire to stand up and clap, to compliment the actor’s for their fine performances despite the fact it’s not live.
Even with the long duration, plus song after song, the pace of Les Miserables is fast and action packed, with something always to admire about the screen whether it’s the gorgeous voices or visuals. Not only does it come with heart-breaking tragedies, but there is action, romance and the odd bit of comedy (from Bonham Carter and Baron Cohen who give the film a lively boost), so when the final credits appear and the urge comes to clap like a live show, the realisation hits that it has been one big, emotional journey.
Les Misérables is stunning, captivating and beautiful. To find a real flaw is impossible. 4.5/5
I could review Pitch Perfect, but as it came out a few months ago in America (even on DVD), and has been out for a few weeks in the UK, I don't see the point when you could read these reviews which I wholeheartedly agree with- 1 and 2.
If anyone is interested though, I'd give it a 4/5 because it is delightful, funny and I was smiling the whole way through it. Silly and adorable in one with some catchy songs and stand out performances.
With the help of tumblr, here are some GIFs to help explain how much I enjoyed certain aspects of the film.
4. No one had previously told me about The Breakfast Club references, so my heart kind of melted at the end. Let's hope more people see The Breakfast Club after this!
At first I had a list of about 24 films I was excited about seeing this year, but then narrowed it down to ten to create a blog post. In no particular order, here are ten films I'm very much looking forward to this year.
This Is 40
I liked Knocked Up don't get me wrong, but Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd's characters are the most entertaining thing about the film. I have been excited to see This Is 40 since I heard about the production.
Django Unchained
I am finally old enough to LEGALLY see a Tarantino film in the cinema- woo! And what better one to be my first than Django.
The Great Gatsby
Baz Luhrmannand The Great Gatbsy seem like they were made for each other.Vibrant, colourful and stunning with perfect casting all the way through. I'll eat my arm if this sucks.
Les Misérables
Disappointingly I don't know much about Les Mis. I know of it, of course (you'd be surprised who doesn't), but I don't know what to really expect other than death, love and lots of singing. I don't know if my heart will handle it, but I can't wait to find out.
Anyone who knows me knows I've been waiting for Hailee Steinfeld's next film since about five minutes after I saw True Grit. Romeo and Juliet is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays (for the drama, actually) and I love the style of this adaptation. It looks very traditional like the Franco Zeffirelli 1968 one which I adore.
The World's End
Edgar Wright. Simon Pegg. Nick Frost. Martin Freeman. Paddy Considine. End of the The Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy. Woo.
Monsters University
Seeing Monsters inc. 3D last year reignited my love for Sully and Mike. Pixar will not disappoint.
Kick-Ass 2
Loved Kick-Ass, and the sequel is greatly needed in my life.
Star Trek Into Darkness
Back in 2009 I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed Star Trek, having not seen previous Trek films. There's something J.J. Abrams does that gets to me, and the trailer for Into Darkness gave me a few goosebumps which can only be promising.
This Is The End
Seth Rogen, James Franco and Jay Baruchel have a special place in my
film heart. This Is The End looks silly, stupid and hilarious. Love the
idea of them playing themselves.
I'll be lying if I said I wasn't one of those people who declares that I'm going to 'get fit' in the new year or 'stop eating chocolate' - I'm always that person.
But this year, inspired by other bloggers and tweeters, I thought I would compose a small list of things I hope to achieve or do this year, both little and big.
- Read more books than I did in 2012 (starting with the pile on book shelf!).
- See another film at the BFI IMAX, London.
- Become good at baking at least one dinner meal and one sweet treat.
- Get fitter by exercising more.
- Do my absolute best in my A Level exams by revising lots.
- Have a Batman Trilogy Blu Ray day.
- Drive to Wales.
- Walk my dog more.
- See more cinema releases and review more.
- Watch the new season of Arrested Development and laugh until I cry.
In the next few weeks I might add a few more goals I hope to achieve if I think of them.
Have you got any good goals or resolutions for the year?
