NZ Film Freak

Lie – Blue Moon Harem

Blue Moon Harem song

This classic 1990’s-sounding ballad, Lie, is a melancholy rock anthem with heavy guitar and drums backing strong and gravelly vocals.

With powerful guitar solos and a hard rock bridge, Blue Moon Harem‘s song reminds me of string-heavy ’90s bands such as Nickleback and Soundgarden.

The vocalist has a husky voice, that reminds me of Collective Soul‘s vocalist Ed Roland in their song The World We Know. Blue Moon Harem‘s vocals are emotionally-charged and compliment the band’s rock genre well.

This Boston-based band has a high production value, and their songs are certainly enjoyable to listen to.

I imagine Lie is the kind of song I would play in the car on the way to a concert or high-energy music festival – you can hear the band are genuinely putting their all into their performance, and it’s contagious!

Check out Blue Moon Harem’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

Rho Goes Viral With Vlogs

Rosalea Bruce New Zealand Youtuber review

Since my last interview with New Zealand vlogger (video blogger) Rosalea, she has not only gained a new name – Rho – but has also gained more than 500 Facebook followers.

Starting last year with four minute videos about Tinder troubles, and annoying customers, Rho has since narrowed her video topics down to smaller, everyday issues.

Rosalea Bruce New Zealand Youtuber review The most recent being an 11 second skit about how ‘Girls Can Never Decide Where To Eat‘, where she sports a drawn-on beard.

“People have short attention spans,” Rho said in response to her change in video production. “…especially randoms who don’t know who I am and don’t give a damn about my sh*t.”

After a fellow vlogger with a large following re-posted one of Rho‘s videos, it made her realise that she needed to keep her content “relatable and funny”.

And so came, ‘Me After Two Shots‘.

“I think I need to make more alcohol-related videos because that one about shots got heaps of views really fast,” she chuckled. “Or food! People like food.”

As Rho‘s style and character develops into shorter and more exaggerated clips, she hopes to compete with other vloggers, to attract advertisers and make an income.

“I’m going to just keep making videos and hopefully get more exposure. I think once I get a massive following on Facebook – if that even happens – I want to move to YouTube and do longer videos on there.”

Rosalea Bruce New Zealand Youtuber Despite hopes of making her work lucrative, Rho admits she has chosen a competitive market, and says she really has “no idea what I’m doing”.

“[But] it’s as exciting as it is terrifying!”

Follow Rho on Facebook for her most recent videos, including ‘How 99% of Job Interviews Go‘ and ‘My Problem With Girls’ Clothing‘.

A Little Heart (short film)

A_Little_Heart_by_Annette_Prieto_starring_Breanna_Baker_as_Gabby

Director/writer: Annette Prieto
Featuring: Breanna Baker
—

A Little Heart is a short film about a student who finds a disused music room, and rediscovers the old magic of playing an instrument.

I do enjoy the simplicity of this film. One person, one room, no dialogue. Emotion is transferred via the use of lighting, which tells the story of how the character is feeling. The lighting transforms the dingy room into concert hall for the character.

It’s usually the music that carries emotion, however, this wasn’t the case for this short film. Perhaps it was the instrument chosen to transform the character – the marimba. A percussion instrument, that although obviously requires a lot of skill and timing, doesn’t produce the most philosophical or reminiscent sound.

I think the audience would be on the same emotional level as the character if the music supported the story a bit more. But maybe that’s just me! I do like a bit of piano.

Nevertheless, A Little Heart is a well made short film and worth a look.

Rebirth (web series)

Rebirth web series review

Director: Kristopher Stoltz
Writer: Kristopher Stoltz
Production company: Non-Human Films
—

Rebirth is a horror web series that follows a group of survivors who are being hunted by a faceless enemy.

The editing is snappy and the lighting is well done in the dimness of the shots. Almost in the style of The Blair Witch Project – or any of the other ‘home movie’ style paranormal horrors of late – the shaky camera work and point of view shots work well in the series.

The creepy sound effects were what really got me on edge, though. The screechy sounds actually made me jump in the first episode.

The actual storyline, however, is a tad ambiguous. Perhaps a shot to set the scene, or a few words before the episode commences would help put the story and characters into perspective.

The voiceover, although helpful, does sound like the beginning of a comedy/drama.. “In a world…”, which doesn’t completely keep you in the zone of a horror.

Despite these little things I would tweek, Rebirth is a short and snappy creepy horror, with great sound effects and editing. The feel of this web series reminds me of Slenderman, a point of view computer game where the player has to avoid a faceless creeper in the woods.

Check it out on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and their site www.nonhumanfilms.com

Glitch #1

Glitch film review

With a mere $200 budget, and made within one week, Glitch #1 is a music video that shows a post-apocalyptic world in all its darkness.

A woman types frantically on a tinfoil-covered laptop as her apparent space ship is hurtling through the stars.

The music is really quite unique; every individual sound effect is made from scratch, and never repeated.

Produced by Cine Vibes Productions, this music video and soundtrack is unlike anything I’ve heard or seen before.

Miniature models and green screens were used to create this outer-space environment.

An interesting and unusual creation, that might be of interest to short-film makers who are into abstract galactic tales.

Check it out:

Deadpool

Deadpool movie review

Director: Tim Miller
Writer: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick
Released: February 2016
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, Brianna Hildebrand and Stefan Kapičić
—

I only had a vague idea of what Deadpool was. I hadn’t seen the trailer, but countless people had recommended the superhero film, saying it was hilarious.

Frankly, you’d have to have a bit of a dark side to you, tough skinned, if you will. A bit of black humour, to have a full-on belly laugh at this film.

The blood, gore and violence reminded me of Watchmen – no one warned me of this… So, consider this a warning to all the girlfriends who have been convinced by their boyfriends that this is a funny film.

It is…

But.

It’s also incredibly gory.
Deadpool film review For those of you non-comic-book people out there, basically Wade Wilson aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is a sarcastic, normal dude who has got mutated in some creepy underground experimentation lab.

It turns him into a super-human being, but with an incorrigible urge for revenge on those who made him the way he is; scarred and invincible. As well as an insatiable urge to win back his girlfriend, who currently thinks he’s dead.

The main character, Deadpool, is most certainly sarcastic, light-hearted, with a few funny come-backs. I can see why the protagonist’s cockiness can get on some people’s nerves though.

Deadpool film review This is mostly due to the film blatantly making fun of itself, breaking fourth walls frequently, and generally not taking itself seriously at all. It is essentially a mock-hero film. Like the film Vampires Suck – a spoof of Twilight. Or, The Starving Games – spoof of the Hunger Games.

Deadpool has been made with a far larger budget, of course. Taking the sarcasm and irony from Iron Man and the violence from Watchmen.

Fun fact: Ryan Reynolds was engaged to singer Alanis Morrisette, then he was married to Scarlett Johansson!

*No one cares*

I would say it’s pretty average over all. But this is a superhero film – which is basically a chick flick for men. As in, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.

You can’t take it too seriously. It’s funny enough, and for men in their mid-twenties, early-thirties who are comic book, video games know-it-alls, it will be the peanut butter and jam sandwich with chocolate sprinkles of superhero films – you’ll love it.

For the rest of us, however, it was sufficient. Although, potentially irritating and gross.

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

Crash Testing (short film)

Crash Testing short film review

That is so freaky… I love it!

Crash Testing is a short 4 minute animation showing the life and desires of a crash dummy – the ones companies put into vehicles to see how a body would fare in a car crash.

Not a word of dialogue, which works so well. The sound effects tell the story incredibly well. This is a whole art form in itself, which is so well utilised in this animation.

Crash Testing short film review I’m not a scholar, so I’m probably only grazing the surface with this interpretation of the story.
But I walked away from it thinking how everyone wants to leave their mark behind. Death is inevitable for everyone, but this character still goes ahead bravely and leaves his story behind at every crash. The character does this by painting his face before the crash, leaving a mark on the air bags.

I love the slow motion graphics! I got chills.

Very well done indeed! Quite creepy. Quite moving too, though.

Keep an eye out for when you can see it on their Facebook page.

Jodie

He’s Got Character (Short film)

A film by W.D. Stevens.

I enjoyed the concept of the storyline very much – a love triangle between a play director, the actor and the actor’s character. The director falls for the character, but not the actor, and has to think up a clever way to get out of it.

It almost reminds me of Stranger Than Fiction in a way – how someone can be so close to a person when they are a distant idea, only to become discouraged by their flaws and complexities in real life. It’s the difference between the idea of a person, and reality – like meeting a celebrity, I guess.

The acting was pretty good, particularly by Melbourne actress Lore Burns.

I think the story had a great loop, making a parallel of the beginning and ending. It’s well written, incorporating the intimacy of the play within the movie, with the storyline of the film.

I think it would work on a deeper level if the story was layered and extended, as just when you start to figure out the characters, the film comes to a conclusion.

Pretty good over all though. I can see they’ve done well with the resources they had.

Jodie

Brooklyn

Brooklyn movie poster review

Director: John Crowley
Writer: Screenplay by Nick Hornby, based on novel by Colm Tóibín
Released: November 2015
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters
—

I am ashamed how close I came to watching Tina Fey’s new movie, Sisters, rather than seeing this touching drama. (I still reckon Tina Fey is a genius, though.)

After seeing the Brooklyn trailer I was prepared to see a slow-paced, sullen and potentially grim film. But this was not the case!

I walked out of the cinema feeling uplifted, positive and encouraged. I felt as though I’d been wrapped up in a big, fat duvet, sung a lullaby while sipping on hot cocoa inside by the fire during a blizzard… It gave me the warm and fuzzies, and made me feel happy.

It’s about young Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) who is having a tough time growing up in Ireland, with not much in the way of a job, opportunities or a meaningful future.

Eilis’ sister sends her to Brooklyn to give her a chance at a better life, leaving her small family behind, devastated. However, she’s promptly set up with a job, warms to living in a loving boarding house, and meets a plucky Italian feller (Emory Cohen).

But tragedy strikes, and she must return to Ireland. Brooklyn film review in Ireland wearing yellow dress This is where she meets a charming Irishman (Domhnall Gleeson), and must choose between the life she has always hoped for in Ireland with her family, and the life she has made for herself back in Brooklyn.

Father Flood: Homesickness is like most sicknesses, it will pass. It will make you feel wretched, and then it will move on to someone else.

Based in the 1950s, Brooklyn is a bright, feel-good movie with beautiful dresses and make-up, as well as having an incredibly romantic storyline.

It’s another screenplay masterpiece by the amazing Nick Horny (About A Boy, Wild). It has fantastic lines from Julie Walters’ character, Mrs. Keogh – I adore her. I can’t express how perfect she was for this motherly role, keeping the film upbeat and comforting.

Mrs. Keogh: I’ll tell you this much: I am going to ask Father Flood to preach a sermon on the dangers of giddiness. I now see that giddiness is the eighth deadly sin. A giddy girl is every bit as evil as a slothful man, and the noise she makes is a lot worse. Now, enough.

Mrs. Keogh: [in response to someone saying ‘oh God’ to stockings at a store called Bartocci’s] I’ll thank you to keep His name out of a conversation about nylons, thank you very much. He might be everywhere, but He’s not in Bartocci’s on sale day.

Brooklyn film review coming back to Tony end scene A heart-wrenching, relatable and deeply emotional story. I loved it. I laughed, I sobbed (wait for the part where the homeless man sings – I got chills), I was totally engaged from beginning to end.

If I must be so picky, though… The second half of the movie – where she returns to Ireland – lacks the intensity of the first half. It didn’t so much sag, but it did slow in pace a tad, making it a little unclear how conflicted she really is about whether she should stay or leave.

Nevertheless, this is a movie I wish I could watch again and again, to fully immerse myself in the 1950s culture, beautiful lighting and cinematography… And drool every time Tony the Italian man spoke in a dreamy Brooklyn accent.

It tugs on the heart-strings, for sure.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

The Time Traveler’s Wife

The Time Traveller's Wife film review poster

Director: Robert Schwentke
Writer: Bruce Joel Rubin. Based on the novel by Audrey Niffeneger
Released: August 2009
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Ron Livingston
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A heart-breaking story about, not the person who leaves, but the person who’s perpetually left behind.

I like this unusual perspective, particularly since time travel is such an attractive, but foreign concept. Yet, the story is focused on the more human and deeply relatable themes.

The Time Traveller's Wife review in library I’ve heard the book is fantastic – I’m going to read it this summer. But, the movie is exquisite. If you haven’t seen or read The Time Traveler’s Wife, the low-down is that a man is a time traveller and his wife is not. The time traveller, named Henry (Eric Bana) can’t control his travelling, so his impromptu disappearances and reappearances become a way of life for his wife Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams).

Clare: I’ve been here for two weeks wanting to talk to you. What do you want to talk about? How bad it feels to sit here and wait for you?

My favourite song in the movie is Love Will Tear Us Apart by Broken Social Scene. It plays during the wedding, where Clare is to marry Henry – currently a nervous, attractive young man. But just before he is to be at the alter, he time travels. Within minutes, his grey-haired, older self appears to take his place – becoming the person Clare marries. The Time Traveller's Wife film review at wedding

I love time travel, so the intricacies and non-linear storyline is like cotton candy and lollipops and rainbows and unicorns for me.

Even if you’re not a time travel nut, most people will appreciate how well the movie portrays the sense of loss. As when a loved one goes away, it’s usually harder for the person left behind to pick up the pieces and carry on. The Time Traveller's Wife film review at restaurant
Every time Henry disappears, the camera stays on Clare; left to finish dinner by herself, left to spend Christmas on her own, left to unpack in their new house by herself – unsure whether to sit and wait, or to continue regardless.

On a shallow note, Rachel McAdams is so gorgeous in this film, I can’t even look at myself in the mirror after watching this movie without despairing.

A beautiful, tragic and magical tale, of two people who try to have a normal life, in the most abnormal of circumstances. Told in a straight-forward, beginning to end fashion, but with a non-linear character. A classic “big ball of wibbly wobbly, timey-wimey… Stuff.” (Dr. Who reference there…)

For people who love romance and drama, but who find chick-flicks boring.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Remembering David Bowie and Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman and David Bowie together

Two legends gone at the age of 69. I am so shocked and gutted. They are English artists who both died of cancer within four days of each other.

David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 – 10 January 2016)
For me, Heroes will forever encapsulate David Bowie’s genius. It is a song I can’t get bored of, featured in films such as Moulin Rouge and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Though nothing, will keep us together
We could steal time,
just for one day
We can be Heroes, for ever and ever
What d’you say?

And of course, Space Oddity sets the tone perfectly for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

David Bowie in The Prestige film However, let’s not forget the remarkable on-screen work he’s done. I may be neglecting to mention the most well-known performances he’s done, but my personal favourites include his portrayal of Nikola Tesla in The Prestige and him featuring as a more brash version of himself in Ricky Gervais’ show, Extras.

Check out his hilarious interview about being on the show:

Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman (21 February 1946 – 14 January 2016)
Alan Rickman in Harry Potter Alan Rickman will forever be known to my generation as the fantastical almost-villain everybody loves to love, Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies.

“I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.” – Snape

I will also remember him from a film I watched years and years ago called Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.

A fantastically well-spoken performer (who was forever impersonated on chat shows), whose voice will forever be associated with Absolem the blue caterpillar in Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Thankfully he completed the second instalment to the Alice in Wonderland series, Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch are two of many celebrities who impersonate Alan Rickman regularly, but Family Guy might just take the cake:

I figured your legendary statuses would prevent you guys from passing away somehow… Rest in peace you glorious human beings.

Jodie.

David Bowie riding lightning tiger PS. I can only hope that David Bowie will forever be remembered as a majestic guy who rode a tiger made of lightning.

Top 5: Why Fiona Apple and Sharon Van Etten should be best friends

Fiona Apple and Sharon Van Etten together

My two favourite singer-song writers: Fiona Apple and Sharon Van Etten need to be BFFs.

I can’t believe it – there isn’t even a photo of them together, a cover of each other’s songs, or a duet by either of them. I’m hoping they don’t see each other as direct competition or foes…

Therefore, I have collated five compelling reasons why they need to be besties forever:

1. They are both from New York and are of a similar age.
Fiona from New York City – now 38 – released her first single in 1996. Sharon from New Jersey (then moved to Brooklyn), New York – now 34 – released her first in 2009.

2. They have similar styles of music.
It’s safe to say they are of the same genre… Mellow alternative rock, I guess. Both have a jazz/folk tone to them too. They both have incredibly emotive lyrics and hooks in their songs that you just can’t get out of your head.
Fiona Apple and Sharon Van Etten together Fiona’s songs are perfect for those times when you’re royally pissed off, or bitter about something. Sharon’s songs are perfect for those times when you’re feeling a tad melancholy or nostalgic. Fiona and Sharon’s vocals are both natural-sounding, as in, their live and recorded versions tend to sound identical. PURE TALENT.

3. Powerful songs.
Fiona’s Not About Love and Sharon’s Your Love is Killing Me are their most powerful songs (both of which I have over-played).

Not About Love
Conversation once coloured by esteem
Became duologue as a diagram of a play for blood
Took a vacation, my palate got clean
Now I could taste your agenda
While you’re spitting your cud.

Your Love is Killing Me
There he let it go, his temper, standing there
See her with his gun and he, steals love so he can feel alive
Everyone’s knees knockin’ at the fear of love
Taste blood
Everybody needs to feel.

As a side note: Both singers have a song called ‘I Know‘.

4. Similar style and character.
Fiona Apple and Sharon Van Etten together Besides their musical style being similar, they are both grunge, messy, quirky, yet stylish at the same time. I bet they shop at the same stores… They’re both kind of shy and humble in interviews, too.

5. It appears they both write only when they’re unhappy.
In the case of Sharon, she uses song writing as an outlet, a way to process the hard times. Fiona’s work is a ‘pep talk’ to herself when feeling low. Neither singer has a happy song… I think the closest to a happy song of Sharon’s is ‘One Day’ or ‘Our Love’ at a pinch… And Fiona’s ‘Extraordinary Machine’.

Despite their similarities, I think Fiona’s writing is more complicated and broader with her use of language, but Sharon’s melodies and harmonies are beautiful.

Nevertheless, both artists punch you in the feels. Hard. Both FiFi and Shazza (if I may be so bold as to give them nicknames…) have the ability to transform strong emotion into relatable music. Both tell stories incredibly. And their work always brings back vivid memories of people, places or instances in my life, which is a talent and gift in itself.

Jodie

Suffragette

suffragette poster film review

Director: Sarah Gavron
Writer: Abi Morgan
Released: October 2015 (Boxing Day in NZ though…)
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff, Ben Whishaw and Meryl Streep
—

As you may know by reading my “Looking forward to: Suffragette” post, I have been obsessed with this film for months. I’ve watched every movie clip, interview and behind-the-scenes glimpse.

Unfortunately, it appears the film company have actually released the entire movie throughout their promotion of Suffragette… I felt like I had already seen it by the time I watched it in the cinema.

If you too have watched the trailers that have been released, you have actually seen the beginning, the most scandalous and shocking scenes, as well as the final scene.

Not even joking.

suffragette film review with Carey Mulligan arrested Watching it in the cinema, I was clutching my handbag and holding my breath… Any second now, the mild-tempered Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan) is going to flip her sh*t. But she didn’t. She remains meek throughout the entire film. She just cries more and more as the story goes on.

So that was disappointing.

Nevertheless, this is an important movie that accurately (I’m assuming) documents the life of women in the early 1900s. It is beautifully lit and shot, the acting is spectacular, and costume design is great.

Suffragette film review with Meryl Streep And, no make-up! Like, usually there’s the ‘no make-up, make-up’ look. But it actually looks like the Hollywood actresses are bare-faced. Kudos.

Suffragette is important for more than its content, though. It’s the first film ever to be shot in the Houses of Parliament. And, with a female director, writer, and predominately female cast, it’s significant for Hollywood.

Some may say Suffragette is a film made by women for women. But I think the moral of the story is fairness and equality – a universal idea that should be applied to men and women in any situation.

It’s an important film, and something to be proud of, anyway.

Jodie’s rating: 6.5/10

Brave Man – Will Young

Brave Man Will Young song review A timely and heart-breaking video to match a strong and inspiring song.

At face-value, Will Young’s Brave Man is an empowering and uplifting tune to say the least. However, the controversial music video puts the song in context, which follows a young naked transgender man’s journey, making it a timely and inspirational message.

I’m a brave man
Running through the rain
I’m a brave man
Not scared to feel the pain…

Despite the song being titled ‘Brave Man‘, Will Young commented that being a transgender person isn’t brave. Rather, the message is that “being vulnerable is to be strong”.

“I know that transgender people do not like being called brave. It is something that is innate. Not a choice, but a given. Being a gay man I feel the same. I wasn’t ‘brave’ to come out it was simply what I had to do.” – Will Young, Facebook

No matter what you read into the song, no matter what you take away from it, you can’t deny it is a catchy and uplifting tune. I can’t get it out of my head after just one listen!

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsPT7m9SmUw

Jodie

Good riddance, 2015!

2015 is finally over.

Anyone else feel like 2015 took a few years too long to come to an end?

Madonna I'm a material girl gif — I am now a material girl.

This time last year, I had just graduated from university to begin my career of job-hunting. I eventually landed a job in the industry I trained in – the media – which is an achievement in itself, really. I have learnt an awful lot about being a grown-up and earning a living.

However, it has meant I haven’t had much energy to do much else. Hence the pitiful turn-out for movie reviews this year.

During my ‘indoor’ time in 2015, I have discovered the TV show New Girl, featuring Zooey Deschanel, and the good-looking Jake Johnson.

Weirdly, I have been able to relate to this fictional show – at least for the first two seasons before it slowly faded into the Hollywood abyss of flattering lighting and two-dimensional characters.

But I digress…

Despite a predominately average 2015, I have ended this year on an unexpected high note by spending December with exciting people, and getting out of my comfort zone.

Now 22, I am ready to continue in this adventurous fashion, by following my passion for writing and travel. I am ready to see things that can’t be found in an air-conditioned office, and tick off some things from my bucket list.

Although, I did actually tick one thing off my bucket list quite recently, for some reason I had written “ride a bus for free” some years ago. I can only assume this was inspired by the Alanis Morisette song ‘Ironic‘

It’s a free riiiiide, when you’ve already paid

But, I really did get to ride a bus for free. The machine that takes your money broke, and the bus driver was all like, “WTF, OMG, YOLO” and let me on for free.

Despite this obvious rush of achievement, I am actually planning to tick larger things off my bucket list this year. Keep an eye out on my blog for developments.

So here we go: Here are the few movies I have reviewed during the year of 2015.

2015 reviewed movies:

Gold, Jerry, Gold!
9.5/10
American Graffiti (re-reveiwed)

9/10
Whiplash
Wild

Hoochie Mama!
8.5/10
Arthur Christmas
A Few Good Men
The Town

8/10
Big Eyes
Inside Out
Godzilla (2014)
Gone Girl

7.5/10
Into the Wild

Giddy-Up!
6/10
What We Did on Our Holiday
Big Hero 6

Yada, Yada, Yada…
4/10
Hector and the Search for Happiness

—

Indie, short and other films:
Goldfish
Courting Chaos
My Lonely Me
In the Mood for Love
All in One Creativity Kit
The American Garage
James Herman Banning: Greatest Story Never Told

All the best for 2016!
Jodie

15 Minutes of Fame – Belle Vex

Belle Vax 15 minutes of fame cover song review

I don’t really listen to pop music. But I’m pretty sure Belle Vex sounds similar to how I would imagine One Direction and the Johnson Brothers… Oh wait, that’s not right… Jonas Brothers, rather, would sound.

Belle Vex‘s (AKA Beautiful Curse) sound is typical of the genre – nasally vocals with a frantic electronic vibe – which is popular these days. His music would likely be a hit in the nightclubs with today’s youth, especially if remixed.

In terms of song content, I was expecting Belle Vex to be similar to the generic puppy-love songs by today’s boy bands – something that comedian/musician Bo Burnham has made fun of:

“So I describe my dream girl as really, really vague, like:
I love your hands because your fingerprints are like no other,
I love your eyes and their blueish-brownish-greenish colour,
I love that when you smile, how you smile wide,
And I love how your torso has an arm on either side…”
– Bo Burnham on the generic boy band pop song

Belle Vax 15 minutes of fame But after listening to much of the album 15 Seconds of Fame, I found a couple of songs that were a bit below the belt – no pun intended… Like Escort Girl – a literal explanation of a night spent with an escort.

It’s not for the rest of your life, just tonight. Come on in.
– Escort Girl, Belle Vex

In fact, it’s pretty degrading. Is this girl being coerced or convinced to carry on being an escort?

The intro to the album, also called 15 Seconds of Fame, is where the story begins, however.

Wanna know what she does for the money?
This lovely little honey turns into a piece of filth.
…she met the devil in a nightclub, and sure enough, he said:
‘I can make you a star, if you take your clothes off’
– 15 Minutes of Fame, Belle Vex

Their isn’t much creativity to his story-telling, with most being rather literal to say the least. But, in terms of the tune, it’s catchy, and in terms of production, the value is high.

Belle Vex clearly has talent. So I’m hoping it’s not going to be wasted on low-grade lyrics that are perhaps not suitable for young One Directioners or Beliebers to listen to at Christmas after all.

Despite my critical review, Belle Vex certainly has a loyal following with more that 3,000 likes on Facebook and more than 3,000 followers on Twitter.

Check out Belle Vex‘s music on iTunes and check out his website here.

Jodie

Top 4: Favourite Festive Films

Four best christmas films You may have noticed I have done this post before.

You are correct.

Cats under the Christmas tree This time last year, I gifted you people with a splendid collection of my personal Christmas film favourites. However, I am here to refresh this post with one additional film.

Also, this time I’ve included quotes from my cat-loving, film-tolerating brother, who dresses his fur-babies up as Christmas-themed characters. (See right)

——————————————————-

A Christmas Carol
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: Charles Dickens
Released: 2009
Featuring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Collin Firth and Bob Hoskins
—

“Bah! Humbug!”

An enchanting tale directed by one of my favourites: Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump and Back to the Future) using motion capture – like Time Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Charles Dicken’s novel, A Christmas Carol (published in 1843), was brought to life with every bit of wonder, magic and fantastical detail intact.

Scrooge was perfectly played by the comical Jim Carrey. Carrey played multiple characters including all three ghosts: Christmas Past, Present and Future. Some scenes were pretty scary, and other scenes were really comedic; Carrey plays both genres easily.

I remember seeing this at the movies when it came out. It was extraordinary in 3D.

The only kind of person I know who doesn’t like this traditional classic, is a modern, Aussie-dwelling cat-lover…
Who has said that, to enjoy A Christmas Carol as much as I do:

You must be blind, deaf and have no will to live.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

——————————————————-

The Polar Express
Director: Robert Zemeckis (Again! Genius.)
Writer: Chris Van Allsburg
Released: 2004
Featuring: Tom Hanks and Josh Hutcherson (before he was cool)
—

“One thing about trains: it doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” – Conductor

Another motion capture film by Robert Zemeckis!

The Polar Express is about a child (Josh Hutcherson) who has serious doubts in the existence of Santa, and the magic of the holidays is slowly fading for him. One Christmas eve, the deafening sound of a train wakes him up. It’s the Polar Express, destined for the North Pole.

I think it is such a magical film. Along the way, the most bizarre things happen, with some beautiful shots. My favourites being the ‘hot chocolate’ scene where the children on the train are served hot cocoa in the most extravagant way!

My second favourite scene is when we follow the journey of a lost train ticket: out the window with the wind, settling on the snow before being kicked up by a pack of wolves, snatched by a swooping eagle… In 3D it was fantastic.

My favourite characters include the ‘hobo’ (Tom Hanks), and the two train drivers. But the conductor (also Tom Hanks) has some great lines. Hanks has the best voice for children’s stories.

In response to the question of, ‘what do you think about the Polar Express‘, cat-lover says:

It looks boring.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

——————————————————-

Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Director: Ron Howard
Writer: Dr. Seuss
Featuring: Jim Carrey
Released: 2000
—

“Max help me… I’m feeling!”

A comedy about the Grinch: a Christmas-hating recluse. The story explores the idea of commercialism and what Christmas is really about. Despite this heavy, typical ideology, it’s such a pick-me-up story.

It’s bright, absurd, funny and crazy! I love it.

[opens phone book] Alphabetically! Aadvarkian Abakeneezer Who, I… HATE YOU!
Aaron B. Benson Who, I hate you.
[looking into book]
Hate, hate, hate. Hate, hate, hate. Double hate…
LOATHE ENTIRELY!

Probably the best family Christmas comedy.

The person with fur-children reckons:

It’s funny.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10
——————————————————-

Arthur Christmas
Director: Sarah Smith
Writers: Peter Baynham and Sarah Smith
Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Ashley Jensen, Marc Wootton, Laura Linney, Eva Longoria, Ramona Marquez and Michael Palin
Released: November 2011
—

Grandsanta: Do you know Arthur? There IS a way!
Arthur: It’s impossible!
Grandsanta: They used to say that it was impossible to teach women to read! Follow me!

Arthur Christmas was as magical as the Polar Express, and as imaginative as The Grinch. I laughed out loud – almost choking on chocolate-covered scorched almonds. A fabulous feel-good festive film for sure. With super weird and diverse characters.

Arthur Christmas explores and explains every question we have about Santa Claus: How does he deliver billions of presents in one night? Do the reindeer get tired? How does he fit down the chimney? How old is Santa? Is he on a benefit for the rest of the year, seeing as he only works one day a year?

Wait, does he even get paid..?

After watching this exciting adventure, you too will feel secure in the existence of Santa, as many of these questions are thoroughly answered with imaginative and quirky explanations.

I got Arthur Christmas free of charge, but it gifted me with a sleigh-worth of amusement and fun.

Person who dresses up cats in his spare time says:

Never heard of it.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

——————————————————-

Have a jolly time.
Jodie.

My Favourite Characters: Jess and Nick in New Girl

new girl zooey and nick at the wedding scene

The characters who make it cool to be weird and poor (respectively).

In the TV show New Girl, (at least the first three seasons of it anyway), I have found it to be a faint source of inspiration. Getting the kind of security you get after watching Miranda, Bridget Jones, and Maggie Jacobs from Extras.

Jessica Day
Overly positive, cupcake-lover, animal-adorer and singer-of-songs. Jess is upbeat and away with the fairies most of the time. And despite her Bridget Jones-esk ‘flaws’, she makes it cool to be weird. I like being weird scene - Zooey in New Girl And relatable – even during the first episode that covers her break-up with Spencer, where she cries uncontrollably while watching Dirty Dancing six times a day. Although, when I watched Dirty Dancing on repeat, all I realised was that I really don’t like that movie… I think it’s really over-hyped.

Of course, Zooey is actually super pretty, and Hollywood obviously began to interfere by the time series three rolled around. But I’m going to keep hold of the image of the quirky, tea-obsessed protagonist who made There is no more tea scene Zooey in New Girl it to the screen. And was popular.

I’m gonna end up alone. I’m gonna be a single old lady, flashing people on the subway.

Nick Miller
Writers don't read. We write. New Girl scene with Nick Miller Overly negative, turtle-faced pessimist with a low-paid job. Nick is laid-back, and keeps the balance of the squad with his realist responses.
During my time being basically unemployed, Nick Miller made it cool to have aspirations of being a writer of zombie stories without actually doing much to pursue it…

What is money anyway? It’s just paper.

Nick’s interest in time travel and zombies makes him cool in my book anyway.

—

The scripts are written really well, and these two actors carry off the comedy spectacularly. Especially since a lot of it is physical comedy.

And I leave you with the season one teaser…

Perhaps I do take too much guidance from fiction… Sigh.

Jodie

Arthur Christmas

Arthur Christmas film poster review

Director: Sarah Smith
Writers: Peter Baynham and Sarah Smith
Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Ashley Jensen, Marc Wootton, Laura Linney, Eva Longoria, Ramona Marquez and Michael Palin
Released: November 2011
—

Only just came across this animated festive feast. I had ignored it when seeing it in the bargain bin for sometime, but with a ‘buy two get one free’ deal on, I found myself struggling to pick the third and free DVD.

Stuck between Alvin and the Chipmunks and Barbie in A Christmas Carol, I reluctantly decided on Arthur Christmas as my free movie.

Expecting it to flow with the usual childish predictability typically associated with G rated festive films, my expectations were raised somewhat when I noticed the cast of some of my favourite UK stars.

Arthur Christmas slippers scene - film review James McAvoy (we named our pet goat ‘Mr. Tumnus’ after McAvoy’s performance as this character in Narnia),
Hugh Laurie (everyone knows him from House, but he will forever be the baddie from 101 Dalmatians to me),
Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton and Ashley Jensen.

So I stepped into my elf slippers, slipped into my Grinch onesie, and cradled my Santa mug (filled with hot cocoa, spiked with rum, with a disappointing amount of marshmallows).

I got my ticket. I was ready to be a passenger on this one-horse open sleigh ride of festive fun. I was ready to deck the halls with wonder and joy. I was ready to let it snow with good tidings, tinsel and turkey.

It was time to bring Santa back to town.

Arthur Christmas sleigh scene - film review Arthur Christmas was as magical as the Polar Express, and as imaginative as The Grinch. I laughed out loud – almost choking on chocolate-covered scorched almonds. A fabulous feel-good festive film for sure. With super weird and diverse characters.

Grandsanta: Do you know Arthur? There IS a way!
Arthur: It’s impossible!
Grandsanta: They used to say that it was impossible to teach women to read! Follow me!

Wait, does he even get paid..?

Arthur Christmas elf scene - film review After watching this exciting adventure, you too will feel secure in the existence of Santa, as many of these questions are thoroughly answered with imaginative and quirky explanations.

I got Arthur Christmas free of charge, but it gifted me with a sleigh-worth of amusement and fun.

Grandsanta: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Bambi, Dave, you with the white ear, you and you.

Justin Beiber as Santa Clause Oh! And you needn’t be put off by the presence of a Justin Bieber tune – despite the hype all over the DVD cover, I didn’t even notice the song.

Tell every Frosty, Noel, Saint Nick and Rudolf you meet. Unwrap the excitment and glee of the magical North Pole, tuck into the gravy-covered story, and present this snow-covered film to someone whom you can can tolerate for longer than the duration of December 25th.

With this film, it can be Christmas everyday.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

Gone to the Dogs – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

Gone to the Dogs - Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders song review

This is the third song I’ve reviewed of Billy Roberts’. Seen It All Before, No More Mr Nice Guy and now Gone to the Dogs.

This latest tune has lived up to the country-rock sound of Billy Roberts and co..

As I’ve mentioned in my previous reviews, the vocals are wee bit flat, in a spoken-word tone. This doesn’t quite live up to the energy of the electric guitar and sliding guitar sound.

Having said that, the classic country -rock genre of Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders remains, leaving their fans surely satisfied.

My favourite element of the band remains – their storytelling. Dark and interesting lyrics for sure.

For the most part, I really enjoyed the songs of Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders. You can check out their YouTube page here:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fj5L70KfWvrhORMjkF6fQ

And their website:
http://billyrobertsandtheroughriders.bandcamp.com/

Jodie.

Your Love Is Killing Me – Sharon Van Etten

Your love is killing me Sharon Van Etten music video I’m obsessed. Absolutely.

This is the second song of Van Etten’s that I’ve put on repeat – the first being Give Out.

Your Love is Killing Me has an exceptional story.

I think it’s about an over-bearing partner, and being too numb and too blinded to take notice.

Break my legs so I won’t walk to you
Cut my tongue so I can’t talk to you
Burn my skin so I can’t feel you
Stab my eyes so I can’t see
You like it when I let you walk over me…

Your love is killing me Sharon Van Etten music video If you marry that up with this beautiful music video, it supports this idea so well.

A woman is drinking her last beer and smoking her last cigarette before leaving a bar. She starts walking, only to end up in a cafe where her boyfriend is waiting for her (I presume).

Your love is killing me Sharon Van Etten music video She holds up her arms, which are drenched in red before falling to the floor. He rushes over and pulls back her sleeves to find there’s not a mark on her. The woman looks up at him with a look of relief, smiles at him and walks out.

When I showed it to my dad, I don’t think he Your love is killing me Sharon Van Etten music video could tell the difference between this video and the one-shot intro to Shaun of the Dead. Where Simon Pegg’s character walks from his house, to the shop and back.

But it’s so much deeper than that!

Your Love is Killing me = it’s a physicalisation of the idea up until the point where the woman lets him go… And walks out. Like a boss.

The Swiss actress who plays the part is phenomenal. Just… Just watch her subtle expressions. So powerful! Especially as the music picks up in intensity.

…You tell me that you like it
Your love is killing me
Try to tell you this when I’m sober, how I feel about loving you.

Holy crap. I’m just watching and listening to this on REPEAT.

Watch it! Watch it! And listen!

How weird – just noticed the video was published one year ago almost to the day.

Jodie

Looking forward to: Suffragette

Suffragette film poster

I have watched every teaser, trailer, clip and interview to do with this movie. I am so excited to see it.

Suffragette is based on a group of British women in the late 19th century and early 20th century who demanded gender equality. Their political action shook the system, which goes to show what a threat they were to the societal hierarchy.

We break windows, we burn things because war is the only language men listen to… We’re half the human race, you can’t stop us all.
We will win. – Carey Mulligan’s character

96% of Hollywood directors are men, 74% of leading roles go to men. But in Suffragette the main cast includes Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne-Marie Duff, Meryl Streep… Not to mention the writers and director – all women. How refreshing – they practice what they preach.

Suffragette is more than a film, though. It’s a story about women, told by women. And, it’s made such an impact because films mirror our society – and we can see ourselves in this story.

Suffragette film protest on the red carpet We’ve reacted to it – even on the red carpet at the film’s premiere, there were demonstrations fully welcomed by the cast. And now: I’m writing about it. Just from seeing the trailer, it has inspired me.

Of course, this goes way beyond Hollywood. ‘Equal pay for equal work’ is something that is demanded in every occupation. Even more shocking is that it’s been an issue for a long time, with a giant leap made in the 60s documented in Made in Dagenham.

…we got to demand a level playing field and rates of pay which reflect the job you do, not whether you got a dick or not!

I’m no psychologist, sociologist, scientist or analyst, but it’s pretty sad that there is still so much inequality. Nevertheless, I am stunned by what a huge impact a film can have on our perception of society. Incredible! Carey mulligan in Suffragette film

On a shallower note… I AM SO PSYCHED TO SEE CAREY MULLIGAN IN THIS ROLE. And I adore Meryl Streep. SO EXCITED. (But where is Emma Thompson and Emily Blunt..?)

Anyway, until New Zealand plays Suffragette on BOXING DAY (while everybody else gets it this month) adieu!

Jodie.

A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men film poster Director: Rob Reiner (Misery)
Writer: Aaron Sorkin
Released: December 1992
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Pollak, Wolfgang Bodison, James Marshall, J. T. Walsh and Kiefer Sutherland
—

“You can’t handle the truth!”

Well. Now I know where this famous quote actually comes from. I’ve heard it being referenced in Seinfeld (and probably countless other shows), and hadn’t the slightest clue it was from a good movie – not some Terminator, mindless action film that for some reason I always assumed it would be from.

A Few Good Men, a courtroom drama from 1992. I know, I know, I’m only 23 years behind.

Man, this movie is my favourite at the moment. I’m assuming I was the only person on the planet who hadn’t seen this film, but if you need a refresher of the plot without any of the court or Marine jargon…

Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men film Kaffee, (Tom Cruise), Galloway (Demi Moore) and Weinberg (Kevin Pollak) are defending two Marines – Dawson and Downey – who are accused of killing another Marine named Santiago, via a “Code Red”. Which is a “violent extrajudicial punishment”, according to Wikipedia. But it’s fundamentally where people of higher ranks turn their heads while Marines beat the crap out of each other for being late, or running slowly, or just being a dick in general.

Jack Nicholson in the final court scene of A Few Good Men Cruise’s character is over-confident, and he asks super awesome questions to people ranked way above him. But he has to be careful when he begins questioning Jack Nicholson’s character, because if he can’t get him to admit that he knew about the Code Red, then Tom Cruise’s character will be down the pan for accusing a Colonel… Basically.

Kevin Bacon in A Few Good Men film close-up Oh! And, Captain Jack Ross (Kevin Bacon) – not to be confused with popular Disney pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow – is the lawyer person on the other side, trying to get Dawson and Downey out of the Marines for supposedly murdering Santiago.

Anyway! Explaining any court-based story sounds boring on paper, but super cool in the movies.

I love how Demi Moore’s character isn’t a typical downtrodden, infatuated female. She’s as strong, competent and as funny as the men, and does well in her job without being the damsel in distress, or totally boring.

Oh! And how she asks Tom Cruise’s character on a date, because she’s a strong, independent woman who don’t need no man to ask her! *Snaps fingers in a sassy fashion*. But it doesn’t get lovey-dovey at all – such a breath of fresh air.

Galloway: But my feeling is that if this case is handled in the same fast-food, slick-ass ‘ Persian Bazaar manner with which you seem to handle everything else, something’s gonna get missed. And I wouldn’t be doing my job if I allowed Dawson and Downey to spend any more time in prison than absolutely necessary, because their attorney had pre-determined the path of least resistance.

Kaffee: Wow… I’m sexually aroused, Commander.

Demi Moore in A Few Good Men film Although, through all three viewings of this film within a week, I could not figure out Demi Moore’s hair… Is it short? Is it long and tied back? Is it actually Travolta’s hair from Grease..? It broke my brain a little bit. Looks pretty cool, nevertheless.

I’m typically not a fan of Tom Cruise, but he is comical, intense, and plays the part of the spoiled, cocky, lawyer remarkably well. He’s so sassy, with smart-mouthed come-backs.

Kaffee: Oh, hah, I’m sorry, I keep forgetting. You were sick the day they taught law at law school.

The only thing that dates this film is the repeated music that is quite obviously from the late 80s/early 90s. Apart from that, I think it’s held its own very well indeed. It’s just as entertaining now, as I’m sure it was back in ’92.

Keifer Sutherland in A Few Good Men film I almost forgot – Kiefer Sutherland is in it! He’s so intense. Everyone is! I definitely could not survive in the Marines… But, doesn’t Sutherland just look SWELL. *Swoon* I still prefer him in The Lost Boys though…

I love courtroom dramas. Just when you think Cruise’s character is out, he finds a loophole. It’s like Sherlock Holmes meets Judge Judy!

“It doesn’t matter what I believe. It only matters what I can prove!”

So much sass, so much awesomeness. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Scary, nail-biting, funny, inspiring. So amazing.

Kaffee: I know what you’re going to say – You don’t have to. We’ve had our differences. I said some things I didn’t mean; you said some things you didn’t mean, but you’re happy I stuck with the case. And if you’ve gained a certain respect for me over the last three weeks… well, of course, I’m happy about that. But we don’t have to make a whole big deal outta that – you like me? I won’t make you say it.

Galloway: I was just going to tell you to wear matching socks tomorrow.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

Humanity – Radio Drive

Written as a reminder to people that “deep down we are all the same,” Humanity is certainly meaningful and relatable.

It is a very well produced song for sure – produced by Stuart Epps. You can definitely hear the work that has gone into it.

Because of the band’s name, I was expecting a Radiohead Karma Police sound – intense and deep – which was why I was surprised to hear a relatively bright pop song.

Side by side, hand in hand,
we’ll get the word across the land
Everyone, one by one,
we won’t stop until we’re done
Though we might disagree,
we are all one family
Love and hope and unity,
that’s what makes Humanity

Humanity reminds me of a celebrity charity pop song, with melancholy, choired vocals. The message of standing together is a strong one, and perhaps would have been translated more powerfully in the form of an acoustic song.

This may give it a bit more grit and integrity; one musician, one guitar – Bob Dylan, Alanis Morissette, John Lennon kind of deal.

But, it’s certainly a song that deserves recognition and credit; it’s well-written, and well produced.

Check it out: http://www.radio-drive.com/music.htm and follow Radio Drive on Twitter and Facebook.

Jodie

Aloha – Vero (Produced by Chuck Strangers)

Aloha – Vero (Produced by Chuck Strangers) A laid-back song that has been very well mastered. Aloha is a lazy Sunday afternoon tune.

The vocal layers work very well, although, some of the vocals are a wee bit flat in some spots.

I think the spoken word at the end really makes the song. The lyrics are pretty cool too – including some head-nods to other songs.

Tell me Annie, are you okay?

The drumming and keyboard reminds me of an Incubus song called Aqueous Transmission – an equally layered and relaxing song. Both Aqueous Transmission and Aloha use a similar technique of having instruments sound like breathing. The Incubus song uses violins to have that sort of ‘in-out’ rhythm, Aloha uses layered vocals in the chorus.

Very well done. Check them out: https://soundcloud.com/veromusic/aloha-prod-by-chuck-stangers

Jodie

Author Archives: NZ Film Freak

Lie – Blue Moon Harem

Rho Goes Viral With Vlogs

A Little Heart (short film)

Rebirth (web series)

Glitch #1

Deadpool

Crash Testing (short film)

He’s Got Character (Short film)

Brooklyn

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Remembering David Bowie and Alan Rickman

Top 5: Why Fiona Apple and Sharon Van Etten should be best friends

Suffragette

Brave Man – Will Young

Good riddance, 2015!

15 Minutes of Fame – Belle Vex

Top 4: Favourite Festive Films

My Favourite Characters: Jess and Nick in New Girl

Arthur Christmas

I got my ticket. I was ready to be a passenger on this one-horse open sleigh ride of festive fun. I was ready to deck the halls with wonder and joy. I was ready to let it snow with good tidings, tinsel and turkey.

It was time to bring Santa back to town.

Gone to the Dogs – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

Your Love Is Killing Me – Sharon Van Etten

Looking forward to: Suffragette

A Few Good Men

Humanity – Radio Drive

Aloha – Vero (Produced by Chuck Strangers)