Arthur Christmas

With christmas so soon, figured I would do a review of a christmas film to get into the spirit of things!

I've been to see Arthur Christmas twice now in the cinema because I found it definitely lifted my spirits and that I loved the film. I have always loved what Aardman creates and this is no exception!

The film starts with a letter written by a young girl to Santa about what she would like for christmas and how her friends don't believe that he's real. The letter is read and responded to by Arthur. The story then progressed to show Santa delivering all the presents while being assisted by Elves. After the mission is complete they realise that a child has been missed and has nothing to wake up to. Its only wen Arthur goes back to find who wanted the lost present, that he discovers it was from the young girl in the beginning. Arthur being the loveable character that he is, goes out of his way to deliver the present to her.

I think the storyline is very beautifully written, it has the 'hero' that is Arthur and shows how even as the son of Santa he still believes in the magic that is christmas! It all reflects the family time at christmas and brings together this animated family. The animation is truly seemless and very spectular! From the creation of Arthur, to the Elves and the funny flying animals in Africa.

If you have children they will absolutely love this, but it's definitely a family film. Also if your an adult still go, it is truly a special christmasy film!

Blogging

So it's taken me about a month to final blog again... With Christmas around the corner, I've been busy hand making cards and presents for people. It's been a busy month being back and forth Manchester, working, redecorating and trying to drop some weight. All of which has been surprisingly good at giving me more energy! It's quite incredible how much of my christmas shopping I've done online. I think because it's so accessible and the chances of getting what you want online compared to shops is higher. Plus the fact, some shops you just cannot move in for people, drives me bananas! 

With Christmas so close, I'm really looking forward to spending time with the family. I think that's the whole point of special holidays, its moments in those times of the year that are sometimes the funniest. Two years ago on boxing day, we'd bought a humming game and it kept us in stitches for hours, mainly because my dad sounded like Phil Jupitus (Never Mind the Buzzcocks). So following on from that we now have crackers with the humming game in. If you want some entertainment over christmas give it go...

Twilight Breaking Dawn

So they long awaited film has been released...

I loved Eclipse so I was hoping this would live up to the standard and even though there were a few cheesy parts to it, I thought it was very enjoyable! I always find the problem with adapting book to film is that its hard to live up to how readers can visualize what they read. I didn't really have the problem with the film except they could of done more with the wolf packs conversations with each other when their in formation. 

I thought they way they had chosen to set up the whole wedding was beautiful, it was how I pictured it when reading the book. But more than anything in that scene was how Billy Burke acted as Charlie was what I loved most about the scene, the awkward, funny but proud dad. The whole thing was shot absolutely beautifully, I've thought that about the whole saga but this one especially was. After the wedding and going on to the honeymoon, my honest opinion was some of it was very cheesy. Personally, they should of up the rating of the film to make it less so. I think it might of been just being surrounded by giggling teenagers who have no idea about relationships when watching the scene but it could of been a higher rating.

Later on in the film when Bella is having her bones broken by the baby, I honestly felt a bit sick from the sound. The showing I went to had adults that had taken their early teens to see it and all I could think when I left is they'll probably have nightmares from that as it was quite graphic. Admittedly it is has the dark side that the book had and the could of easily made even more so.

It was a very good translation from book to film, like the others were. Just now have to wait a year for the final installment of the series...

The Lion King

So they've just re-released it onto Blu-ray so of course the day it came out I bought it because I've been waiting to own it on dvd for a while now. 

The story is just as amazing and saddening as I remember it when I first watched it. From the beginning of the film with Simba's birth to the end where he takes his place as king at Pride Rock. It's such a beautiful and magically told story of family, love and tragedy.

The soundtrack to the film is brilliant, Elton John songs perfectly written and chosen for the story. The Circle of Life is perfectly suited when discussing animals and especially their living in such close quarters. It's one of those films where it's impossible not sing along and where you end up knowing all the words of the speeches. (Admittedly I still remember a lot of the words and I have no idea how!) The music for the film is incredible and it's odd how you never forget the voices of the actors. James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons have such distinctive voices that are suited perfectly to each of the characters they play. I think it's film that you appreciate with age, I think I love it more as an adult than I did as a child. But that might have something to do with my degree...

One thing I did think when I was watching is they seemed to have added more colour in to the film. I know remastered the film to make it look better but personally I would of loved as much just the way it was originally. But when you think that the film is from 1994, 17 years old, the standard of animation has dramatically changed to looking shiny, flawless and full of life. So I can understand them trying to show that they can make it modern and current in todays industry, not that people of all ages would love it any less.

I have an appreciation for the way Disney deal with death, they manage to address the subject so cleverly. In the Lion King they deal with it by showing Simba running away and trying to hide from his guilt and pain. But then later on they show when they show him return to Pride Rock they reveal that the underlining message is just to face your fears and to 'remember who you are'.

If you haven't had chance to re-watch this film since you were young, I recommend you do. It's such a timeless and classic film, like all of the Disney's.

New Photo's

I finally got to go out and take some photo's on my day off! 

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole

I absolutely love animated films because of the detail that they capture and I have to admit this film doesn't disappoint! The creation of all the owls is amazing, each one is different to make each one individual. There is a scene where Gylfie is being trained to follow his instincts to help him glide through a storm. This for me was possibly the best thing about the film because each individual speck of water has been beautifully created and the smoothness of his wings is just incredible. I think how they make the baby fluffy owls, like Eglantine to look so soft is amazing!

Admittedly, the story wasn't the best but I think it is made up for that with the 'history' and stories of the battle of the guardians and the 'pure ones'. It plays on the idea of whether legendary stories are real or not, which I personally found cleverly written. The themes of the film are typical fairy tale where the good conquers evil. But at the end of the film the say that Kludd, Gylfie's evil owl brother, body was never found...This gives them scope to make a follow up.

I did find that when I was watching I couldn't help but try and place the voices because they all sounded like very familiar actors. Both me and mum were very wrong with our guesses!

One thing that I did love about the film is the soundtrack. I thought they music that chose to use suited the film perfectly! From the beautiful melodies for flying to the dominant music for whenever there are signs of danger. I always think that a soundtrack can either make or break a film if the sounds are chosen correctly, but they did a very good job.

It's a sunday afternoon film. It had some good sparks with some clever animation and effects. It's also definitely a film that children will love because of all the owls and how cute they look.

*Batteries Not Included

So this a old film that was a classic of its time and personally I still think is today! I rewatched it recently and fell back in love with it!

Its a story about an elderly couple who live in an old apartment block and a building company are trying to convict them and their fellow neighbours; one whose pregnant, another whose is an artist and one who used to be a boxer but not longer speaks. (he's my favourite because he reminds me a lot of lenny from of mice and men) They refuse to move out and one night the eldery married man wishes on a star for help. Well it turns out something was listening as little robots who love to fix things appear in their apartment.

These are possibly some of the cutest little robots! When they reproduce baby robots they are even cuter! For the time of its release this such a brilliantly produced film. Its so hard not to fall in love with the little robots, especially when work in the dinner and looks like a little walking burger!

With this film, eventhough its written so you will sympathise with the 'goodies' of the film, its hard not to want 'good' to conquer the 'evil'. Mainly because the elderly couple are so loveable and audience can imagine their own granparents in their shoes. Another reason is when one of the newly born little robots is born it dies...it does make an audience feel sad...But the boxer who never talks doesn't give up on him and brings the tiny robot back to life and encourages him to speak his first words of the film!

It is all round brilliantly family film! Definitely to be loved by all generations! If you haven't seen this film you definitely should!

Long time no blog

So I haven't blogged in nearly a month...It's been a crazy month. Between work and personal life things seem to have been a bit manic but their getting better which is a very good sign! In the last month I've managed to buy a huge pile of christmas and birthday presents (I'm already feeling the holiday spirit...minus knowing I have to work christmas day). I've been hand making lots of presents too, so once I give them to them soon, I'll be able to upload some pictures of what I've done feeling creative. I'm even handing making all my christmas cards this year too! Also I bought a game by EA that I can't play and am fuming! But finally all the good shows are coming back on; Glee, Desperate Housewives and my favourite, The Big Bang Theory! So I'm very happy!

I went up to manchester around two weeks ago and they'd started putting christmas lights up...We hadn't even had Halloween then! It's crazy! Seems like they are trying to start christmas very early this year! After having a glorious week of late summers, the rain and cold is finally setting it. With it getting dark earlier and we're winter clothing, I'm feeling very snuggled up all the time. I think winter has to be my favourite time of the year!

Bonfire night is two nights away and I'm feeling very excited! With it being my dad's birthday I made sure I had it booked off to spend the day with him. I'm taking him out for the day to a Whisky Distillery and then buying him a bottle to bring home! I've got two biodegradable lanterns for him to float of in to the night and sparklers. And in the tradition we'll stand outside all wrapped up watching the fireworks go off in our local area. (This might have something to do with why I love winter!)

I'm going to blog about Batteries not included within the next 36 hours. It might be a old film but it's definitely classic and I love it!

Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief

It's an adaptation of Rick Riordan book and the films directed by Chris Columbus, whose well known for directing Harry Potter. I've been meaning to watch this since it was released last year and I've finally got round to watching it after purchasing the DVD. I have to admit it's a very good film, full of action and CGI. 

From the beginning of the film, we get an insight in to Percy's life... before he finds out that he is a demi-god, the son of Poseidon. His life is in danger after being accused by Zeus of stealing his lightening bolt. While trying to prove his innocence he is attempting to save his mother whose been taken captive. He learns that his friend, Grover and teacher, Chiron are actually his protectors and have known all along. The shock on his face when he realizes that Grover is a satyr and Chiron a centaur, is highly entertaining. What baffles me is how Chiron manages to disguise his horse behind while in a wheelchair with blanket over his legs? Anneabeth who he original thinks hates her, goes along with Percy and Grover to help him. But it's obvious that both characters having feelings towards each other.

All the villains of the film, Hades, Medusa etc, look very entertaining with all the special effects to increase their 'scare'. I thoroughly enjoyed the young heroes taking on the older villains in order to stop a war amongst the Gods. As Poseidon knows his son innocence but with Zeus' rules he cannot prove it to him. I think how they've shown the difference between the Gods and Demi-Gods by using size is very clever!


I thought that when they were in the casino and the waitresses use cakes shaped like flowers, with drugs hidden in them to keep the group in there and forget about their mission. When Percy, as told by Poseidon, snaps out of it, they realize that they've been in there for 5 days... It was purposely done in order to try and bring on the war. But I thought it captured perfectly the power that places such as these have over people in order to keep them and get them to spend their money. 

Admittedly, I'm not entirely sure how accurate the Greek Mythology is and how the book comes alive from book into film. But I do think the overall standard of the film is high! I also think that Logan Lerman, Percy Jackson shows good acting skills for a young actor. He keeps the story line moving and enjoyable to watch. He's possibly a young actor to keep an eye out for.

It's a definitely enjoyable film for all the family, and the action will entertain all ages!

When I was younger...

When I was a little girl and people always asked what you wanted to be when you grow up there was always familiar answers like an Astronaut or a Cowboy. I always responded with the answer nurse... That was until I reached double figures of 10 and realized I disliked blood and any painful injuries! 

Then when you reach 16 and 18 these questions occur again because you've done GCSE's or A Level then you realize that your young and have no idea or when you do know, most people end up changing their minds... At this age I wanted to go in to acting or musical theatre.

Then you graduate and people ask the same again. What do you plan to do with the rest of your life... Truth be told I don't actually know! I regret giving up on musical theatre because I love it... But I have photography and a love for animals in my life. If I didn't have that in my life. Truthfully...I'd be completely lost. If someone knows of any jobs that involve all three let me know! But the truth is you don't know have to know what you want to do. Just find something that makes you happy and something that you love.

The saddest part of being young and naive to being all grown up is realizing that it's hard to follow your dreams. I haven't lost the madness and random inspirations you get from being a child... I guess that's a good thing if I want to one day work for my dream company, Pixar. 

When your a child, you spend 5 minutes with someone and their instantly your best friends. But once you grow up and make your true friends for life and you don't live down the road from them or see them everyday, you really miss them. If I win the lottery, that's the first thing I would fix! 

At the age of 16, even at 18,19, I never truly understood the meaning of Carpe Diem. Seize the day. But at 21, I completely understand. If we don't cherish some moments in our life, we can move on and never be effected by them. But there are definitely people and places that will always live with you. They'll even crack you up in the middle of the day when you think of funny ones. Because if we don't appreciate the special moments or people, the world would be a miserable place.

You don't know what you've got until it's gone... This might be true. But! That doesn't mean we don't have the power to change it!

Learn to love, be strong and smile. Live your dreams. And if you start getting hysterics for no reason, just remember it's the best form of medicine.

Toy Story 3

I remember when I was a lot younger seeing the first Toy Story and falling in love with the film. The relationship between Woody and Buzz just captured the rivalry to jealous then friendship relationship. Also the romantic relationship of Buzz and Bo Peep I always thought was very sweet!  

Then when they released the second film and introduced Jessie and Bullseye, I fell in love with this film slightly more than the first. Partly because I absolutely love Bullseye and how only his eye and occasional noises that he makes reflects all of his emotions. I think it's something quite special! 

Obviously when I look at the films now, I have a deeper appreciation for them and I adore the creative ideas and different inspirations that go into the building of the story lines.

Around 13 years later Pixar announced that they were going to release a final Toy Story... Then 14 years after the release of the first film, they released the third. Before I went to see the film in the cinema, I was apprehensive incase it didn't live up to the previous films. But once I watched it, I felt it completed the relationship between Andy, Woody and the rest of the gang.

The main story line is about Woody and the guys ending up in daycare after Jessie and everyone else thinks that Andy wanted to throw them away before he heads of to college,even-though Woody tries to convince them otherwise. The way it's written ties in all the character emotions of them attempting to escape then the dangers and the outcome. They have a brilliant ability to tie in the roller-coaster of emotions throughout the film. 

After years of waiting Buzz finally admits that he finds Jessie beautiful, even if it did take for him to go in to spanish mode. I honestly felt like cheering! I am just sad that Bo Peep wasn't there with Woody at the end, I think that's the only think that could of improved the film.

During the final film, I absolute love the colouring in the film, it's so bright and colourful which makes the film seem full of life! Especially when the toys get taken in to Sunnyside daycare, the array of colours of all the individual toys in there is spectacular! When the elephant sneezes when they are getting a tour of the daycare, the stuffing that flies up is very cleverly done! The lighting and colour reflect mood and charactering, like when the younger group of children come in to play with the toys, the lightening goes very clinical looking, white and bright. It plays on the idea that the toys are in danger because of the forceful playing ways of the young children.

No matter how many times I watch the film, it still makes me feel emotional because to me the point in the plot where they believe that they are going to die and are all sat down on rubble holding-hands moving towards the fire is truly heartbreaking. This is the point, as an audience, you can see that they are ready to embrace death all together is so sad. But personally, isn't the height of emotion for me. For me it's the end, when Andy gives all of his toys, reluctantly including Woody, to Bonnie. Then as he drives off to college he says "thanks" to his toys who've been there all of his life. Once Woody responds with "so long partner", my emotions are shot. Even at the age of 21, it makes me feel like a child giving up something you don't want to.

At the end of the film, the sequence during the titles, Jessie and Buzz dancing to you've got a friend in spanish finishes of the film on a high note and provides light entertainment after the previous serious scene.

One thing I do love about this film, is that Pixar asked the original boy who played Andy to voice in the final one. I think this adds some depth to the film because it shows the really want to keep the film as close to the original as possible. I don't think they could of achieved as greater films if they didn't think about voice overs and how important they are. I don't think there is anyone who would argue against how Tom Hank's brings Woody to life! He incapsulates the character of Woody and brings out his emotions. He isn't just the only one, the whole acting cast they choose all have this ability. It's a true skill!

You could be young, old or anywhere in the middle but this is definitely and end to a trilogy that people should watch!

Today...

So today I took my sister to the bus stop in newport to see her off on her adventure to climb Killimanjaro! For a fair few months now she's been raising money for our local hospice St Anne's that looked after our grandad and auntie before they died of cancer. Although I was very young when they died, I know understand how much work, looking after and support they provide for those ill and their families. In a fair few months she's raised nearly a thousand pounds (including the gift aid)! I'm so unbelievably proud of her and all she's done!

When I saw her off today, I welled up with tears because I know what she's doing is an amazing once in a lifetime chance to do this. I know how hard she's worked and trained in order to be fit and ready to do the climb so I felt so proud seeing her off and I'll be the same when I go with my dad to collect her from the airport. I really hope she enjoys and loves every second she's climbing! Me and Tom put the Bare Necessities on her Ipod to cheer her up if she's having a bad day. But I'm sure with Steven Fry reading Harry Potter, she'll be happy!

I think family is the most important thing in the world and they should be appreciated and loved. Family feud's pull families apart but knowing that even though families argue they'll always be a deep love, even if people won't admit it. Love, Respect and Family, they are things that within every culture, religion and in everyones heart.

To quote E E Cummings:

I carry your heart with me. I carry it in my heart. I am never without it. Anywhere I go, you go, my dear. And whatever is done by only me... is your doing, my darling. I fear no fate... for you are my fate, my sweet. I want no world, for, beautiful... you are my world, my true. Here is the deepest secret no one knows. Here is the root of the root... and the bud of the bud... and the sky of the sky of a tree called life... which grows higher than the soul can hope... or mind can hide. It is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart. I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart. 

Tron Legacy

Before I watched this film, I'd never seen the original and wasn't feeling excited for watching the film because the trailer's didn't really appeal to me or advertise the film in the best way. But to be honest after sitting down and watching it in Blu-Ray I actually really enjoyed it!


The CGI and all the special effects in the film is quite special. They way they've build up the grid that they race on, the fighting flying platforms and the creation of the audience is awesome. They way they've bounced the lighting effects of them to make it seem more real is magical. I truly envy them and wish I had the ability to be able to create something like that. They bring the film to life by having a distinctive style between the real and the surreal. 


As much as I love this feature, what I did find somewhat lacking was the game feature. When Sam first appears in Tron he has to play the games to stay alive but once he goes in to hiding and then eventually comes back out, there isn't that emphasis on it anymore. I know I would of definitely enjoyed seeing more of the games and maybe having that feature a bit more. The only way your reminded is when people die they shattered in to thousands of pieces. It's a bit of a shame really. 


One thing I really don't understand with films such as this, is the music. Although the soundtrack is pretty sensational with a few classic songs, why do they feel the need to make the music so loud when people are talking? I find it so annoying and irritating because once you get into the film and they do this you struggle to hear the conversation going on. Apart from that they rest of the sound aspects is of high quality.


The acting in it is quite good, Jeff Bridges is obviously a brilliant actor. He plays the divide between Kevin Flynn the inventor of the game and Clu the evil invention who wants to produce an army and escape in to the real world extremely well. The editing that they have done on him playing Clu, make him seem robot like which I think played on the mannerisms of the character excellently. Garrett Hedlund (Sam Flynn) and Olivia Wilde (Quorra) have a lot of chemistry when acting along side each other, once Sam's in the game. This adds to quality of the film because this adds to emotion of some of the scenes.

It's definitely a fun film to watch and something I would watch again and probably enjoy more by picking up on different qualities of the film. I always find that they are the best forms of film.

Since graduating...

So in nearly two months of graduating I haven't really managed to achieve a lot...

I've read books and watched films. I have in the last week and a half got myself a front of house job to keep myself busy and earning money to save up to learn to drive and to go to Borneo to see the orangutans in their natural habitat. I know I need to do this as soon as I can otherwise there will be none left to see in the wild, which is completely heartbreaking. I'm hoping next year to do some form of charity event that means I can raise money to help save parts of the forest and protect some of the spectualar wildlife that hides inside :)

I have to admit though I am certainly more organised than the university I went to since I'm still waiting on my degree certificate and room depoist. Not very impressed about that. I'm also just waiting on the rugby world cup to kick off so I can watch some matches when I'm not in work. I know chances are Wales will be completely thrashed by South Africa but will definitely be worth a watch!

The one thing I am extremely happy about is getting two photographs that I have been wanting to take for three years. One is of a Dragonfly and the other is of a Robin. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55510045@N07/6042901355/in/photostream 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55510045@N07/5945784481/in/photostream

Yesterday I did have a phone call from a company about doing paid work experience. I have to ring up monday and find out when to go in for an interview. I am so excited! I really want to build up my portfolio by doing different types of work and especially in photography, which is what this work experience is about. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed! 

I will blog about new film soon! Probably Fright Night / The Tree of Life / Super 8... I just need to get my energy levels up so I can watch them without falling asleep... 

    

The Inbetweeners Movie

So it's been released finally. The film to follow on after the TV series....


Admittedly I have tried to watch the TV show and I just didn't really get in to it. But I thought well I'll watch the film. And if your like me you'll love the film! It had me in stitches from the start! I'd seen the trailer for it but I didn't know anything else about what would happen in the film. I think that's a good way to watch it because I find the expectations are lower of films that way.


It was brilliantly written and I think it's definitely one to watch! From what I had seen of the TV series, I found Neil (Blake Harrison) to be the funniest member of the group and I find that he is in the film too. It starts off with them leaving Sixth Form and having that break between school and heading off to university. Then deciding to go on holiday to cheer them all up and they settle on Malia, Greece. 


The whole holiday seems to be disastrous but so entertaining to watch! From the beginning; crap bus ride to pulling up to the run down hotel that they have to stay in. Literally my stomach muscles were aching from laughing so much. The don't succeed well on the pulling and clubbing but the failure makes for brilliant one liners. 


The foursome are brilliant comedic actors and when all put together they make for brilliant amusement. I wouldn't be surprised if they and Film 4 decided to do a follow up film from the success of this one...

I would quote some of the one liners but there were far to many to remember! I recommend this film to everyone! 

Bridesmaids

Sometimes every girl needs a film that she can; eat junk, laugh at, sympathise with and love. This is definitely one of those films.

The main protagonist of the film is called Annie, who used to own a cake shop with her previous partner, and the film revolves around her relationship with her childhood best friend Lillian. Lillian at the beginning of the film announces that she’s engaged and wants Annie to be her maid of honor. But then Annie meets Helen… Helen is Lillian’s new ‘best’ friend. Throughout the majority of the film Helen’s character is controlling and attempts to take Annie’s place in Lillian’s life.

The plot of the film shows the highlights of true friendship and the pressure on Annie as the maid of honor. It’s a brilliant written plot and one that I definitely didn’t find boring. My only criticism is that I wanted to know more about Annie’s previous life involving the cake shop. The cast is cleverly selected one, especially the comedic characters; Matt Lucas as Gil and Melissa McCarthy as Megan. Also Irish star Chris O’Dowd, well known for the IT Crowd, played the loveable Officer Nathan Rhodes brilliantly.

Some of the lines just had me in stitches;

“You smell like pine needles, and have a face like sunshine! “

 “I'm glad he's single because I'm going to climb that like a tree.”

“You probably bleached your assholes at the salon”

I’ve watched so many recent chick flicks and the majority of them feel like they are missing that touch that makes them an instant favourite. This definitely isn’t one of those… It has the comedy, the bitchiness, the loveable, the happiness and the special moments of what a good girly film should have!

So if you fancy a film that you can curl up with your pajamas and watch something to make you smile, this is definitely a good film to choose. This will become one of those classic chick flick films that I’ll be adding to my collection.

Burlesque

The film came out last year and I have finally got around to watching it... It is definitely better than I thought it was going to be! 

The one thing I was worried about this film was always going to be the plot lines of the film, since some recent film musicals I haven't thought that highly of. But actually they have been brilliantly written and can keep you interested throughout the whole film. It's not only the plot but the collaborations for the music between Cher and Christina Aguilera I think are truly special! I think they managed to capture the relationship between musical, current and in some ways vintage sounds that are popular today, definitely in musicals and on the stage. I love Christina's vocals anyway but the musical showcases how talented she actually is! I also thought her acting pretty good too!

The film features a number of brilliant actors and actress in it's cast. Stanley Tucci and Cher's playful relationship throughout the film is entertaining! It also seems that many of the fellow cast has the same attitudes towards each other also which makes for brilliant acting. The dancing and the costumes is something else! These are what made the film for me. The dancing was so energetic in the group numbers that it comes across to the audience watching it. The differences between each individual routine were amazing! The costumes were very flattering and typical of the theme; the flapper costumes, the big feathery fans and the daring outfits. I could tell there was a lot of thought to each design and I loved them!

It reminded me a lot of the film version of Chicago because of the costumes, the entertainment of the songs and some of the set designs. But Burlesque does have many unique areas about the film. Which might explain why I think it's a brilliant film. 

It is definitely a must watch for any musical lovers!

Eat Love Pray

Book written by Elizabeth Gilbert. The adaptation from book to film is a very good one (From how much I've gotten through the book, which is about half) but then again when Brad Pitt/Brad Gray/Jennifer Anniston production company Plan B Entertaining is involved they tend to be good adaptations.

The story is surrounds Liz (Julia Roberts) life and the change of how she feels after marrying from a young age to trying to find herself. She travels from her hometown New York across to enjoy the delicious food and learn the language in Italy. (The whole time she's there I am watching wanting to eat Italian and tour the country!) From there she moves on to India to meditate with The Guru, who she discovers through a short-lived romance with David (James Franco). After there she travels back to Bali to see Ketut (Hadi Subiyanto), who see meets in the beginning of the film, to heal herself back together from her whole journey.

Throughout the film/book you see Liz discovering how to love again and who she is as a person. The journey is a beautiful one to read about and watch. It even makes me feel spiritual when I do as you see her struggles with spirituality and when she eventually achieves it. Also learning about all the friendship she makes on her pathway to ‘peace’ like Richard in India and Sofi in Italy.

There are so many amazing lines:

“Having a baby is like getting a tattoo on your face. You really need to be certain of what you want before you commit”

“The love that moves the sun and the other stars”

“To Lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life”

It’s shot like a typical Hollywood movie but I think it definitely suits this film. It means that you get the luxurious shots of the surrounds that she’s in, especially in Italy and Bali! The soundtrack is amazing too. It definitely has a variation of music to reflect the feelings and atmosphere of each country she’s visiting.

The film made me think about life, travelling and who I am. This is definitely a good factor of it, but you can also take it lightly and with not much effect as well. I think it’s a definite read and watch depending on what mood your in!

Julie & Julia

Amy Adams character Julie is starting a blog as a way to use her writing skills, after being in a boring job. She comes to the conclusion that she that she will cook Amy Adams character Julie is starting a blog as a way to use her writing skills, after being in a boring job. She comes to the conclusion that she that she will cook all of the 524 recipes from Julia Child's (Meryl Streep) cookbook in 365 days. It shows the negative sides and the positive side of her journey and of Child’s life as well

The films based on a true story of the Julie/Julia Project. I love the fact that is because it adds depth to the whole film and it has the feeling of being based on truth from the way that it has the screenwriters have written the script. The film allows the audience to learn about two people’s whole lives and the parallels between their lives! I love the way that the film is shot and the music that the have added in is brilliant for the feeling of the whole film!

One reason I love this film so much is the acting between Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. I think because they are so close, playing a married couple in this film is brilliant as they have a buzz when they are on screen together!

It is definitely a girlie film and such an entertaining film to watch! There is a scene with Julie having to cook lobsters, which is so entertaining from how screamish her character is!

Even though when I watched it first time I found the ending is a bit disappointing because I was hoping for something else to happen. If you watch the film you shall see for yourself what I mean. The one thing that I must warn you about this film is that it will make you hungry from all the lovely food that they cook! It’s one to watch with a bar of chocolate, or a three-course meal to stop you feeling the hunger!

“You are the butter to my bread, you are the breath to my life”

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

I've been meaning to read the book, but last night I watched the film and my god! For about 20 minutes at the end, I cried my eyes out. It is heartbreaking! But an amazingly told story...

It all begins in Berlin in the Second World War and the story is told through the eyes of a young boy, Bruno, whose father is a solider for the SS. The film begins with the announcement from Bruno's parents that they'll be moving from their house in Berlin, into the countryside. The story then continues with him seeing a 'farm' from his window in his house and questioning if he can play with the children that live on the 'farm'. He also then queries why they are all in 'pajamas' and their servant is wearing them also. It's only until later on the film that he is told that it is a camp for jews. He then befriends Shmuel after running through the gardens and out in to the forest and discovering what he still knows as the 'farm'. Shmuel, is sat at the edge of the camp wearing 'pajamas' with his head hung staring at the floor. Shmuel is a jew of the same age of 8 the Bruno is.

Later on in the film Bruno says "we're not supposed to be friends you and me" and it does literally pull on your heart strings as the saying goes. To see the Second World War and the way it influenced younger generations, like it draws in his sister to thinking jewish people are bad, is definitely a rare occasion. To see the innocence of Bruno and Shmuel and how they don't understand what is going on around them. This can especially been seen in Shmuel's 'missing' father.

I won’t spoil the ending just incase people decide to watch it…

But this is definitely one of the most heartbreaking films I have seen recently and one of the most brilliant films I have seen. Obviously John Boyne is a brilliant writer and I will add details when I have read the book on how they have adapted the book to film. 

The way it has been shot and the realism of the setting I feel is as great as it can be. I think they did a brilliant job of costumes, decor and props to make the time that it is set in come to life! And the way it has been shot as well I feel, plays on the innocence of Bruno. Seen through a young boys innocent eyes of Second World War. It think that they way they have filmed it as to the emotional detailing of the scenes.

This is definitely a film that I feel people should watch, but I do recommend watching it WITH tissues! It does truly break my heart to watch...

Fear and Irrationality

This isn't a film review at all... I just happened to be lying in bed last night thinking about what fear and things that make us afraid lead us to say or do.

I honestly think that when you believe that you know what you want, sometimes fear can effect that. I know I have said or acting in certain ways through fear of how life could change or what it might become. But what makes us afraid? Why are we afraid of anything? Surely people that say they aren't afraid of anything are? There is something inside us that thrives on fear! It's like the fear of when your on a ride or when you afraid of what decision is right for you career or relationships.

Sometimes I think the fear of life can stop us realising what it is exactly we want. I have this fear at my point of being a graduate. Fear that choosing the direction of job I want might turn out, 20 years down the line, to be one I don't like or want to do anymore. This would mean I'd have to re-learn things that I know now, but might not remember then.

Maybe one day decisions will be simpler. But unfortunately not everything in life is a fairy tale...

Horrible Bosses

The trailers been everywhere so I figured I had to watch it really! Sometimes I feel that some American comedy films can be literally to much but you know what this was pretty enjoyable!

Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis star as three friends who all hate their jobs and eventually get fed up of the way they are treated. So lead to the decision to try and kill their bosses to make their lives easier. But with some errors lead to one of the bosses killing the other, think he's having an affair with his wife! And Charlie Day gets revenge on his sex mad employer (Jennifer Anniston) which is very entertaining.

The whole story very melodramatic but it adds to the comedy of the whole film! All the star character actors are very comedic, especially Charlie Day, Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx! The eccentricity of the characters is brilliant! It's definitely a film that will cheer you up if you having a bad day because you just find yourself laughing at the whole situations! The voice speaker in their car is brilliant! It's shot like a typical Hollywood film because it is seamless! 

It's full of entertaining quotes such as; "You can't win a marathon without putting some bandaids on your nipples!" It's definitely a man film, cos I know they'll be quoting it like a lot of men do the Hangover, I think but women will find it equally entertaining as well!

I'll definitely be watching it again soon!

Cars 2

After Pixar released the first Cars, it wasn't long after that they announced a second follow up film would be on the table. I have to admit I was wary about what the film was going to be like but i thoroughly enjoyed it! It's always hard to follow up a film that has been so popular but I was impressed by this!

It's begins with Miles Axlerod, who previously owned a big oil company, has invented a new renewable source for petrol and is claiming that his racecar Francesco Bernoulli is the fastest racecar around. This leads to a World Grand Prix involving Lightening McQueen. But during the races, the villains purposely knock out other racecars and this eventual leads to British spies thinking Mater is a spy aswell! Then there is the process of them trying to save the day to stop the villains.

When I watched it I loved the story-lines and the build up of the scenes. As soon as I saw the first film, Mater was my favourite character the comments he came out with were so entertaining. This carry’s on in to the new film, the scenes he are in are so entertaining, especially with the disguise scene! The only fault I felt was I wished there was a tiny bit more scenery with the rest of the characters from the first film, such as Sally.

The animation that Pixar produces just keeps getting better and better! The way the produce animated scenery, such as the towns, you can see the time and effort gone in to creating it to look 'realistic'. The building styles and the detailing of the colours are amazing, I loved the way that had created Big Ben! The crowd scene for the Grand Prix grid is so full of life!  One of the things that I truly love in the first one the 'flies' are baby cars with wings and in this one there are mini planes with wings. Where they get the creativity from to create these ideas are incredible! 

If you have kids definitely take them to see this, they will love it!

Torchwood: Miracle Day

I loved Torchwood, it was based in Wales, wittiness, characters and had amazing storylines! 

Introducing the funded American version...it's no way near the standard it used to be. It's seems to be now a program confused about what it should be! It was never CSI or ER but the more they release the more that is what it turns into and it was never like this before. The are beginning to use the similar camera movements in them as well! In two episodes there has been around 20 minutes maximum of it being based in it's origins of Wales and this is really disappointing and saddening to see. It is truly been taken away from it's roots! 


I zone out easier to this series because it isn't the same and I wish I didn't. If it wasn't for Russell T Davies, it probably wouldn't even go to Wales. Why is it when funding is involve it takes away the originality of programmes? 


The highlights of the series so far has been Gwen's entertaining comments about being Welsh and not English! And of course the long awaited return of Mr Captain Jack Harkness himself!


I really hope that the rest of the season changes and goes back to how it first began! It's good that other countries feel that it's a brilliant program and recognize the talented people involved to help fund it. But I don't agree with try to change it after 3 series and the hard amount of time that they have spent building up their fan base. I can understand the logic for widening the audience, but what about the audience and fans they already have? Do they not matter as long as it becomes 'Americanized' and generic programming?

I truly hope it returns to the roots and back to being a Welsh originated program...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

The long awaiting end to the series arrived and it certainly went out with something special!

Finally after 10 years of Warner Brother's releasing of the first film, they've finally released the final piece to the collection of films. For those who have read the books religiously this film is very true to the book, in-comparison to a lot of the others. They've obviously changed somethings, the script writers always do. But they kept in Molly's line "Not my daughter, you bitch", which I wrote about previously, which made me chuckle through the tears of emotion from the narrative.

I have to admit, I was worried about whether this film would live up to the book and to be honest the team that worked on it are amazing for how brilliantly produced the final film is. 

The CGI/Special Effects in this film particularly is bloody brilliant. The scenes with the fight scenes especially if you compare them to the original green screen footage. The camera movements, sound; everything is seamless and has that same magically feeling that I felt when I watched the first film.

I think this film is the best for acting especially because I feel the characters grow the most within the book and that is portrayed in the film. For example, seeing Neville complete character transformation, Molly becoming the protector and Ron and Hermione finally getting together. These are something that made me so happy! Harry, of course, grows up massively to become the 'powerful' wizard to defeat Voldemort.

 There is only two things I truly feel they should have shown more in both parts is Lupin and Tonk's relationship and obviously PotterWatch which made the first half of the book for me.

Before I went to watch I have to admit I did read up to see if the epilogue of the book '19 years later' would be the final scene of the film so I was expecting it. The transformations of the actors to make them look older was remarkable, I think it only truly worked on the male actors mainly. Bonnie (Ginny) is quite convincing but I think they could of done something more with Emma (Hermione).

I went to watch it in IMAX 3D and I am so grateful that they didn't have anything flying out of the screen. I think it brought the characters to life even more, if you get chance to go see it in IMAX 3D jump at the chance. It's something truly magical.

I am huge HP fan (books & films) and I certainly am going to miss the series now it's fully come to the end. 

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love."

 Albus Dumbledore

True Grit

I recently watched True Grit starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld and Matt Damon. It's a new remake of John Wayne's 1969 western film.

The story is brilliantly written, which is probably why they re-made it! I'm not a huge lover of westerns to be honest so I found it quite hard going at some points. But the way they've shot the film reinforces the era that it's set in. It's quite beautiful! It has a lot of the typical gun shooting scenes that you would expect from a western.

Jeff Bridges is a hell of an actor and he plays Cogburn the miserable veteran that Mattie (Hailee Steinfeld) hires to help her revenge the man that murders her father.

Hailee Steinfeld's acting makes the film brilliant! The dominance she has an actress already is spectacular, she manages to play such a brilliant part. She's only 14 but she's definitely gonna be an actress to watch out for in the future!

Matt Damon plays La Boeuf, a definite contrast to the rugged Cogburn. He's slightly more polite but manages to blow Cogburn's and Mattie's first chance at getting revenge on the 'baddies'.

It might not have be a film I'd watch again in a hurry but I would recommend it :)

On a happier note...

HARRY POTTER! 

It's nearly here, a week tomorrow will finally get to watch the second of the finale! After 10 years of films, it's nearly time to say goodbye. I for one am really not looking forward to it. Having read all the books repeatedly and eagerly waiting and having the excitement of all the books, for it to be the last film. The reality is for a lot of people, including me, it's been a huge part of their lives. 

We've grown up with them. Laughed with them. Cried with them. It's going be to strange that there is going to be no more... 

I love the characters, the actors (apart from one) and the films. I've been there at mid-night in the queues to watch of people buying the books. It's been apart of my life and something that me and my sister having nearly always watched together and race to who would finish the book first to talk about it. I have the excitement of seeing the film in 3D IMAX (I've never seen anything in IMAX), I'm a bit scared because I know I'm going to jump at things flying out (I hope there won't be). I'll be prepared with the tissues to cry as much as I did to the book...but one line from Julie Walter's, Molly, will definitely make up for all of that! "Not my daughter, YOU BITCH!"

One day when the re-make the series of films, I hope to watch them and rant about how they aren't as good as the original. And again rip them apart for things they've missed out of the book. This is why I haven't re-read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows recently, so that I won't do this straight after. 

It's part of the experience of the love of the books.

"Where you treasure is, there your heart will also be" Albus Dumbledore

News of the World

As someone who wants to go in to the media industry as a whole, I don't understand how some people can have the disrespect to do that to people. I really don't understand how someone can see that as okay. I know the journalism market is very competitive but how could you sleep at night knowing you've done that?

The truth is you hacked peoples phones, celebrities can be overlooked (it's not right!) but to do that to families that have been through the murder of young children. Your sick! Rebecca Brooks leading a newspaper, don't act innocent about not knowing, I don't think anyone believes you, you have to many friends in high places, including Murdoch.

But then again it's not just these its the policemen you have a LOT to answer for, taking bribes to provide information on cases. WELL DONE! That's how people's family like Milly Dowlers go through all that they did in court.

I just hope the family's can get some compensation, but it won't really help with knowing that they had the ability to do that, and have their children's name out of such a horrible situation.

Sorry to rant, I just don't think that this is right...

Foo Fighters at Milton Keynes Bowl Arena

Last night, I went to watch the Foo Fighters supported by Jimmy Eat World and Biffy Clyro at Milton Keynes. WOW! What an amazing night!


Jimmy Eat World came on first, after another support act but I don't know who they are. Not a huge amount of people there knew who they were but I was up dancing singing along to their old songs mostly like The Middle and Sweetness. They were a very good start to the evening! Certainly had a few people dancing along!


Then Biffy, having seen them for the first time last year, it was even more spectacular to see them in an open air field, that felt more like a mini-festival, surrounded by 65,000 people! Singing mostly songs of the Only Revolutions album, there was a lot more people dancing and singing along to them. They played two of my favourites God & Satan, giving me goosebumps and Born on a Horse, which I danced like an idiot too! It was perfect sunshine when they performed Many of Horror and the feeling of most of the 65,000 audience singing the chorus back at Simon Neil and the rest of the boys was something truly special. Finishing with Mountains was a perfect end to the set.


Finally the Foo's! My god they know how to put on a show! Opening with Bridge Burning of the new album every person in the crowd feeling the excitement as they came out to perform the first song. When they played My Hero, you could see the passion of the song across Dave Grohl's face and having everyone sing the chorus to him as he walked down the catwalk stage in to the crowd. When they moved on to perform Dear Rosemary with Bob Mould who inspired Dave Grohl in to music, it was an amazing feeling to see how much he respects other artists. The passion and energy in his performance is something amazing! To think how long the band has been in the music and to still have that energy is remarkable! They are one of a kind!


Best of You, I don't think I have ever loved a song being performed as much. When he took a break at the end of the song to drink, 65,000 people singing back the "oooooohhhooo" "Oooohhhhhhhhhooo" bit of the song. I had goosebumps all over as Dave Grohl was speechless on stage by what was happening, it was an amazing feeling! I don't think he expected that to ever happen, this is what made it more special.


The encore...This was definitely the highlight of the show. Singing Wheels and Times Like These was amazing enough. But then he invited to the stage Seasick Steve and John Paul Jones (guitarist of Led Zep) for a jamming session where Dave Grohl played the drums. This is made it the most surreal nights of my life. I never expected that, it was truly a one-off! Three legends on stage at once...and acting like its something common! 


After that show stopper, they came out to perform the last song of the night Everlong, Wow! Putting every last bit of their energy into the song. They commented on how this night probably won't happen again and it's very true, the audience was hyper and the band was electric! Finally ending the last note of the song with fireworks. It was truly the best performance I have seen!

If you get chance to see them, take it!