So I recently heard about this song and it is pretty cool!
I’ll tell you what, Junior Turner’s voice sounds similar to the likes of David Bowie mixed with Robbie Williams. Pretty awesome sound actually.
Junior Turner reached fame after winning the chance to release a single for the BBC Children In Need competition in 2010, against 110,000 applicants! Talent much!!
I guess this is technically pop music, but it’s got trumpets and techno keyboards… It’s a concoction of 80s dance music and 90s pop music, with a twist!
I love the sound – fun to dance to, easy to sing to and really upbeat.
Here is the sample of Natural and Nice, but you can buy the whole song on iTunes.
I have always loved the electric violin, but this has been taken it to a new level.
Dubstep + electric violins… Who would have thought it could work so well! Particularly in this song, Ignite the Fuse.
FUSE, featuring Linzi Stoppard, is an English-based group who has been around since 2007. I recently heard about them and enjoyed their originality and energy. Perhaps a little theatrical, but a breath of fresh air for the music industry nevertheless.
Looking at their website, I actually really enjoyed the song they’re performing on the front page. Their violins sound like electric guitars in a James Bond intro.
What an interesting sound! I can see some awesome remixes being done with their work.
The Long Road is a song about the lead singer’s mother surviving cancer.
With a soft rock, ballad sound, the upbeat guitars and slightly melancholy vocals – I can totally hear the influence of The Eagles. The drumming is great!
Although not the kind of genre I would usually listen to, I can definitely see the popularity of this band growing.
The music video is creative and really well made! Although, I think it would look better if it was all in black and white, the time differences between the parallel story lines aren’t portrayed too convincingly. Perhaps making it tad too literal..?
The Long Road is a song you will want to listen to on repeat. It’s quite moving. Watch the interview with the lady who inspired this tribute song here, on the band’s website.
It begins like an intro to a James Bond film with the orchestra.
Nina’s voice is so distinctive! It’s like she’s bantering with the absolutely spine-tingling saxophone. It sounds like they’re just jamming.
Her first line is “I put a spell on you” and it sounds like she is bitterly angry with someone… You can so tell from her voice!
Nina has such emotion in her voice. I can totally imagine her just getting all up in some dude’s face and being all like, “And I don’t care if you don’t want me! I’m yours right now!!” *saxophone which gives you shivers*
It is such an emotive song! I’ve got it on repeat at the moment… Really listen to the lyrics, Nina delivers them like she’s really raging at somebody.
I put a spell on you
‘Cause you’re mine!
You better stop the things you do
I ain’t lyin’
No I ain’t lyin’!
You know I can’t stand it
You’re runnin’ around
You know better daddy
I can’t stand it cause you put me down
Yeah, Yeah
I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine
You’re mine!
*epic sax solo*
I love you, I love you, I love you
I love you anyhow
And I don’t care!
If you don’t want me
I’m yours right now
You hear me
I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine!
So amazing. Check out the live versions on youtube!
Director: James Mangold
Writers: Christopher McQuarrie (uncredited), Mark Bomback and Scott Frank
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Famke Janssen, Svetlana Khodchenkova and Will Yun Lee
Released: July 2013
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Average much!
I am a Wolverine fan though! Absolutely. The character is a wicked hero who didn’t fail to impress.
However, the storyline was bland, boring and predictable. Nothing special.
There were some great scenes though. The ninja scenes was rather entertaining. The fight scenes and roof jumping was cool too. But nothing really sticks in my mind as being outstanding.
I enjoyed the more light-hearted and comedic dialogue, similar to that of Iron Man at times, which fitted well.
The villain was absolutely ridiculous!! Every scene Viper was in she was wearing a little less clothing. She was not scary. Not cool. Not shocking. She was just creepy and weird…
A painfully average film. There were no real highlights, or overly appalling parts. The acting was not amazing, nor was the story. No twists, just a straight-shooting film.
However, the fact that Wolverine was portrayed as a convincing hero, did make the film worth-while.
Directors: Alan Williams and Tyrel Good
Writers: Clif Campbell and Marty Ketola
Released: 2012
Website: www.whoiszhon.com
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Zhon: The Alien Interviews is a sci-fi comedy/drama web-series made in Southern Arizona by a group who self-funded the project.
The series is of a man, known as Zhon Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmidt, who claims to be an extra-terrestrial and has wandered Earth for thousands of years. He tells his story during an interview by the Secret Service.
I have watched the first episode, “Here’s Zhonny!” and I am quite keen to see more!
This genre is right up my alley, since I am into the comedic and dramatic Doctor Who (David Tennant) series. Tapping into an original and creative tangent of the classic sci-fi genre with very eccentric characters! Zhon: The Alien Interviews is certainly one out of the box!
It is an off-beat journey with rather quirky characters. The script is well written with dialogue that is authentic. The use of silence is very well executed! Particularly in the first scene where the awkward silences make you laugh just because of the tension. In fact, the entire opening scene is probably my favourite. The Security Guard’s (Steve McKee) expressions were hilarious!
A lot of thought has clearly gone into the making of the web-series. The editing is well paced with a clear format typical of a television series. Although, I think the lighting and some of the audio could be evened out and given more attention to ensure a smoother transition between scenes.
Despite some of the acting being a little forced at times, the actors are well established in their roles. Their use of humour is fantastic! The funny lines of dialogue are fluently delivered – with some catchy lines!
“My name is Agent Killjoy”
“Your mother named you ‘Agent’!? Man! Talk about planning out a kid’s future!”
The main character, Zhon, is played by Robert Linden. The confidence of the character who has clearly experienced life in many places and eras shines through to create a believable and well-rounded protagonist.
The predominant member of the US Secret Service is David Killjoy, who is played by Eric Schumacher, who stands out for me. I can totally see some Matrix ‘Mr. Smith’ going on! Which seems rather appropriate. His facials and calm deliveries are awesome. He’s probably my favourite character because of his awkwardness, seriousness and desperate-looking professionalism.
I think the best decision this team of filmmakers made was staying away from the stereotypes of aliens, and keeping it upbeat.
When making projects on a budget, I’ve seen some genres become drastically unbelievable. However, this strong and entertaining web-series has certainly over-come that, and is sure to become popular for anybody who loves sci-fi, or has a passion for inspiring independent work.
After watching an episode and reading about what an epic project this web-series was for the cast and crew, you can totally appreciate what a grand challenge this was. The final product is exceptionally well produced, and is something everybody involved should be very proud of completing. Dedication much!
Zhon: The Alien Interviews is a fun and exciting web-series with a very interesting storyline. The idea of an alien being interviewed about his life, with flash backs to illustrate, is an effective idea. There’s nothing quite as intriguing as a character telling their story!
Director: James Wan
Writers: Chad Hayes and Carey Hayes
Released: July 2013
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston and Mackenzie Foy
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That was the coolest horror movie I have experienced in a long while.
It was top of its game in the horror genre! It had all the things you love about horrors in one movie.
Creepy ‘chuckie’ dolls
Freaky children
Supernatural hauntings
Demonic exorcism
Based on true events
It’s got the lot! If you like sudden jumps, suspense AND interesting story lines, then you will love The Conjuring.
The story is surprising to say the least! The trailer makes it out to be a good old fashioned house haunting. In fact, the film is much more complex with various characters being directly linked to the hauntings. The hauntings are not necessarily by ghosts, but by demonic forces.
I read about the back story, and the film is pretty loosely based on it. A negative force or spirit, believed to be a previous owner named Bathsheba Sherman, allegedly tormented the mother, Carolyn Perron. However, that’s the main event that was included into the script, the rest were mostly embellishments. (Read more here).
Some of my favourite parts about the true events were left out of the movie. Like how ghosts were apparently whispering “there are seven dead soldiers hidden in the walls”, when in the movie, they changed it to “we want to kill your family”…
One of best things about this movie is that it isn’t too predictable. The Conjuring does not have a typical structure, it has many false climatic and low points which keeps you on edge. Also, there’s no mucking around with sceptical main characters in the beginning, you’re just thrown straight into the story!
My FAVOURITE thing about this movie is how the camera would linger on whatever was scary. It wouldn’t be like: ‘*Scream* oh my God… Did you see that?‘. It’s more like:
‘*Scream* oh my God! Get it off the screen! Pan the camera! I can’t watch! Is it still there!? Jeez!‘
Which was an awesomely affective technique…
Of course, expect some cringe-worthy and weird masks. This is a James Wan movie after all with some clear similarities with Insidious and Dead Silence.
Some of the acting was a little over the top, with a few cheesy lines. But pretty good for the most part.
If you’re going to watch The Conjuring, spend out to have the cinematic experience. The surround-sound is essential for many of the frights, which are very well timed! None of the jumps happen when you think they will, and when the frights do occur, they don’t hold back!!
Absolutely fantastically made! I don’t think we’ll see another horror this scary for a while.
Director: Edgar Wright Writers: Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg Released: July 2013 Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Paddy Considine, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan and Rosamund Pike
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…what the hell did I just watch..?
So I’m guessing most of you are huge Edgar-Simon-Nick combo fans! I’m sure you were just as psyched when you heard about the final instalment of the Cornetto trilogy being released!
Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End – bring your check list for all of the similarities and shared jokes! It’s like being a part of a huge inside-joke.
Anyway! So I was so excited to see this film! But this was more wacky, more psychedelic, out of left-field, ‘what the hell’ material that I ever thought could be possible for these three guys to invent.
The movie started out awesomely! It was hilarious as they introduced the main characters.
The general storyline was that the five main characters wanted to complete the 12 pub pub-crawl they failed to finish in highschool. So these near-on 40 year olds begin their journey, until they realise the people in the town are super weird.
Many people in the town turn out to be blue-blooded robots. And a Shaun of the Dead-esk pursuit begins… It got pretty weird. Not going to lie.
Just on a deeper note, I felt the robots were a metaphor for being in the institution of 9-5 jobs and not fulfilling the more enjoyable parts of life.
Simon Pegg’s character is my favourite of all their creations within the trilogy! He was absolutely convincing! Fantastic!
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost had loosely swapped their Hot Fuzz characters around, as in, Nick Frost had the straight-laced character and Simon Pegg had the weird and lazy guy. It was cool to see a different side of them.
I wish more of the characters from the previous two films showed up in this one… Although I did adore Rosamund Pike! I’ve been a fan of hers since Made In Dagenham.
I felt bad noticing how old everybody looked in this film. But I LOVED how they wrote that into the script – their story is about 40 year olds rediscovering the freedom of their youth.
It was sort of nostalgic reflecting on how long ago Shaun of the Deadwas made – 2004 and Hot Fuzz – 2007. For some reason, I think all of their fans feel like they’ve followed them on their journey for the last eight years.
I really want to see it again – I feel like it will be better the second time around. But, it’s definitely in third place within the trilogy, for me. I feel like the storyline was a little too similar to Shaun of the Dead, and it didn’t flow nearly as well as the other two films.
Just like the other two films, the structuring was impeccable. Although the ending was… Questionable.
However, the strong character development was enough to keep you totally engaged throughout the entire film. Let alone the well-choreographed fight scenes.
OMG I HAVEN’T REVIEWED HOT FUZZ YET! It’s on my priority list!
Jodie’s rating: 7.5/10
PS: You’re going to feel the urge for an ice cold lager after this movie.
I first heard this song on the trailer for The Conjuring – I. LOVED. IT. Works SO well with the horror genre.
It was recorded in the sixties and became a hippy-related song. George Harrison actually helped write the song, however, his verse was not included in the single that was released.
Connie Francis did this cover in 1958, but there have been many versions with some of the earliest being in 1923 by Marion Harris, Irving Kaufman and an orchestral version by Isham Jones. Ella Fitzgerald also covered this song in 1960.
But none of these beat Connie’s version, which is probably just as slow, but more ‘jukebox’…
I love 50s and 60s music.
In case you are interested, this is Marion Harris’ version:
Director: Marc Forster
Writers: Matthew M. Carnahan and J. Michael Straczynski. Based on World War Z by Max Brooks
Released: June, 2013
Starring: Brad Pitt and Matthew Fox
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I love zombie films! They are probably my favourite kind of horror.
World War Z was an awesome, classic zombie film with big frights. It was not nearly as gruesome or cringe-worthy as many other zombie films like Dawn of the Dead or its sequel, which I think, although mildly disappointing, was an interesting change for the genre.
I won’t give away the unique trait of these zombies, but it is certainly a cool adjustment to the classic zombies you’ve seen in other films.
I can assure you, you will be intrigued with the altered storyline in this film. It’s not quite a cookie cutter zombie movie.
There was no mucking around at the beginning! There was like a five minute intro, then BANG! You’re in a world-wide zombie apocalypse.
There were heaps of moments where you were holding your breath, particularly the climatic parts which were the quietest and most suspenseful parts.
There was a scene, however, that could have been hugely suspenseful, but it was brushed over. It was the part where Brad Pitt’s character, Gerry, was out doing his thing, and his family were in a very compromising situation where their safe-haven may not be able to accommodate them anymore.
Gerry knew this and instead of making a fast-cut, intense race against the clock sort of sequence, it was just… Glazed over like the safety of the main characters were unimportant.
I loved the visual effects! The zombies manically climbing on top of each other like ants to get over the wall, the EPIC plane crash, the behaviour of the zombie mobs… Very well done.
Brad Pitt was a pretty good actor as usual, but nothing outstanding. He also produced it.
Oh! But there was a strong female character in this zombie film! Like, she was taking charge and not being all helpless and “damsel-in-distress” which was such a breath of fresh air. She was known as “Segen”, played by Daniella Kertesz. She’s my fave.
It was a decent zombie movie that wasn’t too far removed from the classic zombie, yet not a stale re-tell.
I don’t know if it’s my sick mind, but there wasn’t enough gore for it to be completely realistic…
I’m looking forward to the sequel!
Jodie’s rating: 7.5/10
The trailer makes this movie way suckier than it actually is.
Director: Baz Luhrmann Writers: Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby Released: May 2013 Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke
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Visually, this film was MIND BLOWING! This is Moulin Rouge! on steroids.
The party scenes are phenomenal! The lights, the atmosphere, colours, fashion, music… It is ground breaking. Just beautiful sets, like we’re being sent to another world.
The overall feel of the movie is very similar to the likes of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Edward Scissorhands (the garden scenes) and of course, Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!and Romeo + Juliet. I think it’s because all of these movies are fantastical and out of this world.
The actors were very convincing, Leonardo DiCaprio gave another ground-breaking performance. Although his accent was a little confusing on occasion, his dialogue was incredible! I feel like speaking formally, like an upper class person from the 1920s now.
Gatsby: Come on, old sport!
I wasn’t expecting much from Toby Maguire, and for a while believed that Ewan McGregor could have done a better job, until it was mentioned to me that his “pluckiness” was what made his character convincing. Which, I thought was a good point.
I’ve never been a huge fan of Carey Mulligan, but I have to say she did a pretty decent job in this film – her eyes are incredible! Like, she plays such a depressed character, and her eyes tell you that from the first scene. Carey Mulligan has since become one of my favourite actors.
The music was perfectly selected. Florence + the Machine’s Over Your Love is my new favourite song at the moment. But, the coolest track was Lana Del Rey’s 1920s Jazz version of the popular Young and Beautiful.
However, there were some major disappointments.
This is a film that is based strongly on characters. They fuel the story almost conclusively. Therefore, it was so disappointing that I did not become attached to any of the characters. I was not rooting for or against any of them – I didn’t feel like I had gotten to know them properly.
People are complicated, these characters were not, considering it was such a ‘people story’. Too many of their thoughts and emotions were not portrayed clearly. Most of the time there was a lot of emotion without obvious reasoning behind them.
I was forever looking too deep into the plot, expecting complicated and unforeseen twists. When in fact, the plot is too easy to figure out. I think it is supposed to be very mysterious, which was not portrayed in this film.
They should have kept the audience one step behind – like in the Sherlock Holmes films – until the end for a huge “I did not see that coming!” moment.
I wish the character development was more insightful, and the plot line more curious and unexpected.
Nevertheless, as I said at the beginning, the aesthetics were simply candy for the eyeballs. It enforces the idea that Baz Luhrmann was the ideal director for the film; the parties, grand interior shots and wonderland-esk exterior shots, simply gorgeous.
Oh, I bet Baz Luhrmann could have done an amazing version of Alice In Wonderland…
Directors: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Writers: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Released: June 2013 Starring: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Rihanna…
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It is about the end of the world and how it affects the stars of Hollywood. In the film, their public image is mocked and they play to their weaknesses. Like, what do you reckon Michael Cera, Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse are like at a party? Yeah, they play to your assumptions which is quite hilarious.
As the world comes to an end, those who did not get saved and go to heaven have to stay on Earth to fight for their survival.
Pretty much every Hollywood star did not get accepted into heaven, including Emma Watson, Rihanna and Paul Rudd. So as hell opens up, a devil-like creature attempts to hunt them down.
It is a movie that makes fun of every actor’s reputation, with Jonah Hill being the funniest.
The main characters are James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson who are stuck in James’ mansion until they figure out a way to get into heaven, rather than hell.
They find ways to survive and pass the time…
…which gets pretty ugly.
But there are some hilarious scenes with frequent film references, which I loved. The only film reference I felt was missing was if they sung ‘Tribute” (Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny) to the beast. That would have been funny…
My favourite scene was when they were bored and tried to make a sequel The Pineapple Express using total am-cam footage, and Jonah Hill dressed up as Woody Harrelson.
Also, the part where Jonah Hill gets possessed and an exorcism takes place. They used the script from The Exorcist, but Jonah’s sarcastic replies were pretty funny.
Their humour is an acquired taste so it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. Including mine. But I can certainly appreciate the good parts – which there are more of than I was expecting.
Jodie’s rating: 6/10
Uh. Yeah, there’s a lot of swearing in the trailer… Just. FYI.
Director: Zack Snyder Writers: Christopher Nolan and David Goyer. Based on Jerry Siegal and Joe Shuster’s Superman Released: June 2013 Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni and Russell Crowe
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I went to the Man of Steel premiere that I was eagerly awaiting. We dressed up as a character (me as Lois Lane) and joined a large audience of Clark Kents, with only two Supermans and one Lex Luthor.
The trailer showed extensive fight scenes, which I was concerned would dominate the entire movie. I also wasn’t sure how original this film could possibly get since there have been countless remakes.
I was correct in expecting a much more serious tone, which seems fitting with the recent flood of darker superhero movies on the market like Spiderman, Batman (The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises) and Iron Manmovies. These superhero films seem to focus on the hero’s flaws and humanity.
Although, I do enjoy the scene when Clark Kent has his first day at the Daily Planet, and Lois says:
“Welcome to the planet”
Henry Cavill is the best Superman yet. This guy has the moves down! The furrowed brow, the all-American look and expressing the inner turmoil, yet still retaining the famous righteous attitude of the hero. However, this version of Superman did not have the hair curl on his forehead… That was mildly disappointing.
Cavill is super buff in this movie, unlike many former representations. The suit has changed into a darker blue, which looks like skin-tight armour rather than a cotton onesie. Yes, Clark has since figured out that underwear on the outside is an unpopular fashion statement.
When the full extent of his powers were realised, he was not immediately able to fly. Instead, he makes mistakes, jumping miles into the air and crashing down, which seemed more realistic.
The soundtrack is incredibly powerful and epic. It supports the movie perfectly! (By Hans Zimmer).
The storyline was surprising. With no Lex Luthor or Kryptonite. Instead, there was a more extensive back story about Krypton, what happened and why Superman is the way he is, which is not a major element in most other Superman versions.
Superman’s flashbacks were well done, and the filming had an am-cam look to it with quick zooms and re-focusing on the hero when he takes off from the ground suddenly or flies over head. Sort of puts you in the environment, as though you’re a part of the crowd on the ground.
The biggest disappointment was this; Amy Adams. She doesn’t look like a convincing Lois. Perhaps I’m used to Lois with dark hair. In conjunction with this, the fundamental character of Lois was totally uninspired. She was weak, awkward and generally stupid. I was expecting the female lead to be updated, to become a strong side-kick like Pepper Potts (Iron Man) or the strong female lead of Cat Woman (The Dark Knight Rises).
Instead, Lois Lane has not moved much further from the sixties where she is domineered by the male characters, with unconvincing actions and cringe-worthy dialogue. She appears to be an incompetent reporter, despite the attempt of remedying this perception by Lane casually mentioning all of the awards she has won as a journalist.
Shut-up, Lois.
I think I would have enjoyed the film more if there was more in-depth detail of the hero’s emotions, and development of the villain who didn’t seem complex enough to become totally believable. The extensive fight scenes (like in Star Trek Into Darkness) became an uphill struggle toward the end. Seriously, about half an hour of the film could have been easily cut. It did become exhausting to stay focussed through these scenes, but I didn’t hear any complaints from the boys I went to see the movie with.
Overall, a solid movie. Although a little long, with little character development, it was entertaining and a welcome update for all Superman fans.
I had never even heard of them before, but I have loved every song of theirs so far.
This one stood out. The Wanting Comes In Waves/Repaid. It is like two songs alternated, as though two people are talking to each other. It is a really powerful and theatrical song, unlike some of their other songs, which are a little more folk-sounding.
Director: J.J Abrams
Writers: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof
Released: April/May 2013
Starring: John Cho, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Peter Weller and Anton Yelchin
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I went to the midnight premiere of Star Trek Into Darkness! Pretty cool, guys. Pretty cool.
Although, I was quite disappointed that nobody dressed up…
I haven’t seen any previous Star Trek movies or television episodes, so I have to say I was at an emotional disadvantage, because I didn’t have a relationship with the characters that many others had.
Having said that, I did enjoy the movie – especially in 3D. It actually made the movie better. For once. The scenes in space were pretty epic with stars flying at your face. As for the sound effects though, the screechy scratchy gun fire put my teeth on edge.
The villain was incredible! John Harrison/Khan was played by Benedict Cumberbatch… His voice.. Oh my God… So amazing. However, Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu is my favourite character – I wish he had more dialogue.
Oh! Of course, Simon Pegg’s character Lieutenant Commander Montgomery “Scotty” Scott was pretty hilarious. Some great laugh-out-loud moments. Wicked fight scenes, particularly the final fight between Spock and Khan. Intense!
I am embarrassed to say that all of the jokes about Spock made by Sheldon Cooper on the Big Bang Theory finally make sense… -_-
Although it was an entertaining movie, I did find that it had the typical and predictable plot structure which made it all too easy to assume who would prevail. But perhaps that just comes with the genre. The morals of the story were pretty much spelled out for you too… Very little mystery.
A pleasing and entertaining sci-fi action film which will be popular among the Trekkies. There are no surprises or unexpected twists, so it really is more about the characters and nostalgia that comes with the territory of the long-running series.
Jodie’s rating: 7/10 (From the perspective of a Star Trek newbie)
Director: Shane Black
Writer: Based on Stan Lee’s Iron Man. Screenplay by Drew Pearce and Shane Black
Released: April 2013
Featuring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley
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Holy crapolah. This movie… Guys… Just..
Wow.
This is a huge step away from the typical and clichéd superhero movies. This one is very funny with a switch up of roles among the characters. Like, it is an action-comedy with an underlying deep and meaningful storyline.
Throughout the movie, Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has anxiety attacks. Although I think it could have been more effective and emotional by having flashbacks, it was still pretty intense watching the usually unemotional hero break down.
The story is pretty decent, although I have to say that the villain, Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) is a little disappointing. He isn’t overly scary, freaky, creepy or quirky. Just. A dude who was out to get Iron Man.
The new characters in this film include a boy named Harley who helps Tony Stark. Every conversation these two had is hilarious. Tony is his legendary sarcastic self.
Rebecca Hall played Dr. Maya Hansen who is a totally undeveloped and uninteresting character… She is almost pointless. Which is disappointing, because I really liked Rebecca Hall in The Prestige and I don’t think she could show her complete talent in this film due to the empty character.
I’m not a huge fan of Gwenyth Paltrow who plays Pepper Potts, but she definitely picks up her game in this movie – she is bad ass!
I reckon the music could have been way more epic…
Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie! It was so funny, exciting and I didn’t get bored during the fight scenes.
Director: Bryan Singer Written: Darren Lemke and David Dobkin Released: March 2013 Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy and Ewan McGregor
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What an exciting cast! Bill Nighy, Stanley Tucci and Ewan McGregor! *drool*
I first saw the advert on the back of the bus, and quite frankly I thought it looked a little.. Lame.
So to see Jack and the Beanstalk being remade was not a surprise, and I expected it to have similar disappointments with all of the other remakes.
Namely the fact that the violence has to be toned down so that it can be suitable for the younger audience. Despite the storyline being 100 times better if it went the full hog and making it an M.
Oh hey, Ewan. What cha doin’ on the cliff there…
I was right. But it didn’t stop the story being enjoyable.
I do think the writers tried to cram a big storyline into a short amount of time – the intro seemed extremely rushed.
The special effects are amazing! Very well done. Getting the proportions convincing between the giants and the humans must have taken a bit of thought. Although, I still maintain that the giants should have had horses… Like, huge horses. That would have been cool.
Oh, and all the giants were male… I thought that was a bit odd.
Also, if I was designing where the giants lived, I would have made it way more fantastical, not just the average 16th century environment but quadruple the size.
Toward the end you will think you know exactly what will happen because it looks SO obvious leading up to it. However, I am happy to say that the writers did not take the easy way out. The ending isn’t as obvious and typical as one would expect.
This is a pleasantly entertaining film. Not hilarious or deep and meaningful. Just lightly entertaining. Nothing more than you would probably expect.
So I am swamped with uni studies at the moment and I am afraid my conscience won’t allow me to watch movies as it makes me feel too guilty, when I know I should be writing 2000 word essays on pointless crap.
However! I thought I should write a post to remind you that I am still in existence – I bet you’re relieved – and tell you the list of films I am going to review in about a week’s time…
Please comment to this post if you wish to put something on the list :)
I have been using my twitter account @NZFilmFreak a little more often since getting an iPhone! Ah! Scandal. What a techno person I am; all up to date and shizz. So feel free to follow!
It’s great to have so many fans of my blog…
*crickets chirp*
…and I am pretty sure that people will begin to recognise me in the street and congratulate me on my talents of blogging and pay me to write about films in the near future…
Director: Stephen Chbosky Writer: Stephen Chbosky Released (in NZ about a million years after every other country): March 2013 Starring: Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Logan Lerman
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Okay, it was NOTHING like I thought it would be like.
This is not a happy-go-lucky, up beat and freeing movie like the trailer makes it out to be. In fact, it has a lot of very serious themes, making this high school drama rather dark, and not at all light hearted.
Despite the totally unexpected storyline, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a very emotional journey – you laugh just as hard as you cry in some parts. So it evens out into a humbling story.
We accept the love we think we deserve.
C minus, ladies and gentlemen! I am below average!
The main character, Charlie (Logan Lerman) and both of his friends Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), each go through massive emotional roller coasters. Huge changes to their lives that are developed incredibly well. Feelings and emotions are messy, unexplainable and complicated. We battle between how we feel and who we really are, with what society says we should be, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower accurately represents this.
The acting by everyone was quite simply ground breaking. I don’t think I am over-exaggerating either.
Emma Watson has lovers and haters. The haters say her accent sucked, the fans say she was faultless. I say that her American accent was well done, but perhaps her articulate way of speaking let her down. I didn’t see Hermione at all in her performance of the outgoing Sam, which I think is something that Emma Watson should be applauded for.
Amazing.
Ezra Miller plays Patrick, a fun, loving, loyal guy who is the stepbrother of Sam. What I adore about this character is how well written he is – he’s not a stereotype by any stretch! This is such a breath of fresh air because he is homosexual, yet this does not define him. He stands up for himself and does not accept being victimised. Patrick is my favourite character because he doesn’t take life too seriously… I want him to be my best friend.
Shop teacher: …Are you proud to be a senior having to take freshman shop, Patty-Cakes? Patrick: Look, my name is Patrick. Either you call me Patrick or you call me nothing. Shop teacher: Nothing, why don’t you read first? Patrick: Alright, Chapter 1: Surviving your fascist shop teacher who needs to put kids down to feel big. Oh wow! This is useful guys, we should read on!
The tunnel song – Heroes by Bowie
The music is very well picked. Some of my favourite songs are included: David Bowie’s song Heroes, which is affectively used. I discovered Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners via this film – it is such a happy song with a great scene to go with it. Oh! And oh my God the Cocteau Twins’ incredible song Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drop! I hadn’t heard of them before this film either. These contrasting sounds and genres mirror the emotional tones of the movie.
This is not a typical high school drama at all! I think its genre would be similar to the likes of Seven Pounds.
Not what I was expecting, but not a disappointment by any stretch. It is thought provoking and intense. Just like life, there are huge ups and downs.
This movie is a realistic account of three teenagers and their relatable high school/college experiences .
Jodie’s rating: 8/10
The trailer of a very alternate idea of the movie… It is literally nothing like this.
NZ Film Freak 