Extras – Page 2 – NZ Film Freak

Top 5: On-Screen Lovers Who Disliked Each Other Off-Screen

After finding out that Kathleen Turner and Nicholas Cage weren’t the best of friends in Peggy Sue Got Married, I decided to find out what other on-screen romances were less than genuine. Apparently there are a few!

It’s a shame that our favourite on-screen couples turn out to be played by people who strongly dislike one another. But from their point of view, what an awful situation to be in! It’s hard enough working with annoying or difficult people, but imagine having to pretend to be in love with them. Ugh. I guess that’s why actors are paid so much.

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton in The Notebook (2004)
Arguably the most romantic film out there. (I would personally argue against this.) But according to the director, Nick Cassavetes, these lovebirds got into a massive argument on set. Ryan Gosling even asking the director to get a different actress to read Rachel McAdam’s lines off camera. But apparently once the two hashed it out, they got on with it. Then later started dating. Hollywood, eh!

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson as Christian Grey and Ana Steele in 50 Shade of Grey (2015)
A raunchy romance (which I can honestly say I have not watched or read) with this erotic pair was reportedly not a very convincing one. Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson’s lack of authenticity resulted in multiple retakes, and off-screen they are apparently very cold toward each other.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet in Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Allegedly these star-crossed lovers were anything but. Although if true, I’m not entirely surprised. Claire Danes – 16-years-old at the time – apparently simply got fed up with 22-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio, who was constantly playing pranks on set. Seems like a bit of a playground spat to me.

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey as Johnny Castle and Baby Houseman in Dirty Dancing (1987)
Dirty Dancing is a favourite for many (although, not mine). While the on-screen romance seemed authentic, apparently Patrick Swayze got fed up with Jennifer Grey’s ‘silly moods‘, and Grey needed convincing to work with Swayze again. (They had worked together before, and didn’t like each other much then either.)

Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts as Peter Brackett and Sabrina Peterson in I Love Trouble (1994)
I haven’t heard of this film before, actually. But the lack of on-screen chemistry between Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts is apparently obvious. They clashed on set, resulting in many scenes being filmed separately. Allegedly, Roberts called Nolte ‘disgusting’, and Nolte said Roberts is ‘not a nice person’, and they have never made-up.

Looking Forward to: Incredibles 2

I thoroughly enjoyed Incredibles. I wouldn’t say I’m a die-hard fan, but I’d definitely like to see this sequel when it graces our cinemas on June 15 – a mere five days before my birthday. A coincidence? I think not.

Incredibles 2 features all our favourite characters – Edna Mode being our favourite of course. But there is a vast array of new characters too, including ‘Winston Deavor’ voiced by Breaking Bad‘s Saul Goodman (AKA Bob Odenkirk).

However, there are a couple of actor swaps. One is Breaking Bad‘s Mike (AKA Jonathan Banks) who is now voicing ‘Rick Dicker’ after Bud Luckey passed away in February 2018.

Also, 10-year-old Dash who was voiced by Spencer Fox in the first film has been replaced by Huck Milner because Fox’s voice had since deepened.

The characters have not aged in the sequel, in fact, the plot of Incredibles 2 begins exactly where the first film left off, with a giant mole super villain causing trouble.

According to Wikipedia, the storyline follows the petition for ‘Supers’ to become legal crimefighters once again. But until that happens, the Parrs continue to fight away from the public eye. Meanwhile, baby Jack-Jack discovers his powers.

Who else is excited? Here’s the first official trailer:

Top 10: Actors Who Regretted Their Iconic Roles

I never considered it before, but some actors genuinely regret roles they have accepted. I guess it’s quite difficult to tell if a film will be good or not when all you have to go on is a black and white script. I suppose there’s a lot of trust involved in accepting a role.

Some of these actors regret the roles because the film was a flop, and some of them resent their character because it made them internationally famous.

Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in Star Wars
The late Carrie Fisher said she had no idea how big the Star Wars franchise was going to be. According to Today.com, she said: “I would never have done it. All I did when I was really famous was wait for it to end.” She accepted the role in the most recent Star Wars because she said it’s tough getting work in Hollywood when you’re the wrong side of 30.

Sean Connery as James Bond
In 2004, Sean Connery told The Guardian: “I have always hated that damned James Bond, I’d like to kill him.” He was fed up with it after nine James Bond films. While he swore he’d never play James Bond again after Diamonds are Forever, he did do one more: Never Say Never Again. Ironically.

Kate Winslet as Rose in Titanic (1997)
Not only did Kate Winslet regret doing the infamous nude scene, she also despises her acting in the film. According to Hollywood, she found her acting to be cringe-worthy: “Every single scene, I’m like ‘Really, really? You did it like that? Oh my God.’ Even my American accent, I can’t listen to it. It’s awful. Hopefully it’s so much better now.”

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne in Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
On the third Bourne film, Bourne Ultimatum, Matt Damon was not happy with it. He called it a “career-ender” according to Indiewire. “I don’t blame Tony Gilroy (the screenwriter) for taking a boatload of money and handing in what he handed in. It’s just that it was unreadable.” While Matt Damon refused to feature in the fourth film, The Bourne Legacy, he did return in 2012 for Jason Bourne because Paul Greenhouse returned to direct and co-write it.

Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in Twilight Saga
I don’t blame him. This is the kind of franchise that you’ll never be able shake. Zac Efron will always be that guy from High School Musical, Jennifer Lawrence will always be that chick from The Hunger Games, Daniel Radcliffe is Harry Potter and Robert Pattinson will be that dude from Twilight. Speaking with Empire in 2008, Robert said: “The more I read the script, the more I hated this guy, so that’s how I played him, as a manic-depressive who hates himself. Plus, he’s a 108-year-old virgin so he’s obviously got some issues there.” (I can’t actually find the article where he says this, but a lot of website say he did.)

George Clooney as Batman in Batman & Robin
In 2015, George Clooney spoke on the Graham Norton show about always saying sorry for his performance as Batman: “I always apologize for Batman & Robin. Let me just say that I’d actually thought I’d destroyed the franchise until somebody else brought it back years later and changed it.” Apparently Clooney keeps a photo of himself as Batman in his house to remind himself what happens when you do something purely for the money. Yeesh. (PS. Why did Clooney’s Batman costume need to have nipples?)

Katherine Heigl as Alison Scott in Knocked Up (2007)
Anne Hathaway was originally cast in the role of Alison in the film, but dropped out due to creative reasons. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Kate Bosworth auditioned for the part after Hathaway dropped out, but ended up losing out to Katherine Heigl. Despite the fight for the role, in 2008 Katherine Heigl told Vanity Fair that Knocked Up was “a little bit sexist” and didn’t like how her character came across as a kill-joy. Seth Rogen said he had no idea she felt that way, and had a great time making the movie with her. Their feud was very public and Heigl regrets that her comments are all anyone can remember about the film.

Shia LaBeouf as Mutt Williams in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Shia LaBeouf said at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival that his acting let the film down: “You get to monkey-swinging and things like that and you can blame it on the writer and you can blame it on (director) Steven (Spielberg), but the actor’s job is to make it come alive and make it work, and I couldn’t do it. So that’s my fault.” He maybe went a bit far in telling Vanity Fair that he “[didn’t] like the movies that I made with Spielberg. The only movie that I liked that we made together was Transformers one.” Ouch.

Matthew Broderick as Walter Kresby in The Stepford Wives (2004)
Actually, it wasn’t just Matthew Broderick, it was much of the Stepford cast including Nicole Kidman who didn’t like how the film was turning out. Kidman almost walked away from the film entirely. Broderick was reported saying he didn’t find the filming fun (partly because his mum was sick at the time) and he didn’t play a particularly interesting character. The Stepford Wives had massive rewrites according to IMDb, and director Frank Oz said he regrets how many mistakes he made on the film.

Cher as Tess in Burlesque (2010)
Not only did singer Cher say Burlesque wasn’t a good movie, she also said she wasn’t happy with how her character was portrayed. “It had a few good moments, but I didn’t even like my performance that much… What, I don’t have a brain? I’m old but I’m still pretty on top of everything.” I have to say, I agree with her entirely.

Why I Love the Harry Potter Franchise

“Merlin’s beard! You must be Harry Potter!”

Harry Potter has been a name I have been familiar with since the age of six. My uncle in Scotland rang my mum to ask if she had heard of a series that’s rising in popularity, a series about a magical boy with glasses. She hadn’t. None of us had really, not down here in New Zealand where we were simply surrounded by Ringers (Lord of the Rings fans).

Despite the first Harry Potter book being released in 1997, we got our first copy from my uncle in 2000. But it wasn’t until my eighth birthday that I really became familiar with Harry Potter, as I was gifted the VHS of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. I remember being so excited that I tried to watch it before school, and I couldn’t wait to get back home to finish it.

That’s when I knew, yes, it was that day when I released that I would grow up, not to become a Gleek (Glee fan), nor a Twi-hard (Twilight fan), nor a Trekkie (Star Trek fan) or a fully fledged Whovian (Dr. Who fan). No. I was destined to be a Potterhead.

Despite never receiving my Hogwarts acceptance letter by Owl Mail on my 11th birthday, I still retained my love for the magical world and my increasing boredom with the muggle world.

THE DETAILED WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

I’ve read the Harry Potter books, and continue to reread them. I’ve watched every Harry Potter film and continue to re-watch them. I find them to be the perfect form of escapism; it’s easy to get lost in a world when it is so well thought through and detailed.

The dialogue

But what really keeps me hooked, is the language. It’s authentic and entertaining to say the least.

“…by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons!” – Professor McGonagall

The language incapsulates emotion in the magical world.

“What’s got your wand in a knot?” – Hermione

At other times, it’s enlightening:

“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Dumbledore

The magical language is not just reserved for spells, it’s a part of everyday dialogue for the characters without alienating the audience. Which, as naff as you may think it is to make up wizarding words, is pretty clever.

The names

Even down to the character names; they perfectly suit their personalities. They give a hint to their characteristics immediately: Rita Skeeter, Argus Filch, Snape, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, Rubeus Hagrid… They all ‘conjure up’ accurate assumptions to the characters’ personalities.

The house names have the same incredible representations and familiarities to the personalities of its members too:

Hufflepuff: A fluffy name. Makes me think of air-heads and kind, friendly students
Slytherin: Sly, sneaky, mean and untrustworthy students
Ravenclaw: Wise, clever and knowledgeable students
Gryffindor: Brave leaders, helpful and courageous students

The creatures and magical objects

All the different bits and bobs of the wizarding world like Butterbeers and remembralls and time-turners.

Or creatures like Hippocrates (who are vain part-horse, part-bird creatures) and thestrals (who are skeletal, leathery, winged horses that can only be seen by witches and wizards who have witnessed death), along with cruel merpeople (mermaids), cheeky pixies, dangerous trolls and friendly ghouls.

Spells and potions

The spells and potions at Hogwarts are unfathomable. How much thought has gone into make them so unquestionably natural and perfectly believable?

Polyjuice potion, amortentia (love potion), Felix Felicis (liquid luck)… The list goes on.

“By your age, he could turn a whistle into a watch and have it sing you the time.” – Alastor Mad-Eye Moody

All of these things have created a watertight world, which has attracted a mass of Potterheads. I think it’s at the very least, an environment to gain inspiration for budding writers, and a safe place for dizzy daydreamers.

Considering it all began in a small cafe called The Elephant House in Edinburgh – where I have visited in order to be inspired by a multi-million pound story idea – Harry Potter is not just about the boy who lived. But about JK Rowling – a single mother who was grieving the loss of her own mum while living on benefits. She’s the woman who made it.

POTTERMORE

Did you know there is a place on the internet just for Potterheads? It’s called Pottermore. The website will sort you into a house, work out your Patronus Charm, and a wand will choose you. For example:

I was placed in the house of Hufflepuff, which I think was well-suited because it’s for kind and gentle people who are a bit dim and not particularly brave. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule like Cedric Diggory and Nymphadora Tonks who are both brave Hufflepuffers.

“EXPECTO PATRONUM!” (Translates to English as “I AWAIT A GUARDIAN!”)
My Patronus Charm is of a St. Bernard dog:
Despite its large and intimidating size, the St. Bernard is known to be kind, loving, and gentle. Great with families and very loyal, the St. Bernard will always be by your side. They are quick to protect family members who may be in danger and often act as a guardian for those around them. Strong and powerful due to their size, the St. Bernard will fight off Dementors and stand by you, come what may.

I believe this to be ill-suited because I think I should have had a horse, like Ginny Weasley’s Patronus.

The wand that chose me is made of alder wood with a Unicorn hair core, it’s 11 ¼” long and has a surprisingly swishy flexibility.
“Alder is an unyielding wood, yet I have discovered that its ideal owner is not stubborn or obstinate, but often helpful, considerate and most likeable.”

Of course if you’re not a massive Potterhead, you can always enjoy the memes it has produced. I recommend following @HogwartsLogic on Twitter and Facebook.

There has been an extraordinary amount of Harry Potter-inspired gifs and memes, which will make you giggle.

And a few ‘dad jokes’ too.

My Favourite Advert: Lloyds Bank – Black Horses

I’m a sucker for brilliant television adverts. I know they’re only doing it to sell us something, but you can’t deny the talent behind them. Therefore, I’m embarrassed to say that I am writing this review on a bank’s TV advertisement by choice, and sadly not being paid.

My favourite advert at the moment is the Lloyds Bank advert with the black horses running up the beach. Not only because they’re beautiful horses (I love horses), but because the perfect song they have matched it to.

If you haven’t seen it, this is it. Turn the sound up, and don’t be afraid to cry a bit. A lot.

Before this most recent one, there was their advert showing their iconic black horse running through the lives of people just as they’re making the next big step in their lives. Having a baby, proposing, funerals – special moments that require money.

I was concerned for the horse’s feet as they were running on concrete. I assumed it must have all been green screen, but actually the horses are running on either rubber matting or they are wearing rubber horse shoes to provide cushioning.

Here’s how they made it:

(While the horses are very well trained, they don’t always stick to the director’s notes:)

However, my favourite Lloyds advert will forever be this one. Mostly because of the final scene of the horse hacking it up the beach with school kids racing after it. I think I love it partly because it looks like a New Zealand beach, but it’s actually a beach in Wales – Rhossili Bay in Swansea.

I like emotional, melancholy adverts that are a bit nostalgic. I guess it’s pretty easy to get this effect though – slow motion footage against touching music. Still a brilliantly choreographed set of adverts.

PS. I’m proud to say that I have met one of these beautiful black horses in the flesh. It’s the one cantering through the forest in one of the commercials above. He’s an Andalusian and visited Dorset last year at the Dorchester show.

Top 10: Actors Who Stopped Getting Typecast

Ricky Gervais loves being typecast, he says that actors should do what they do best and not feel the pressure to play different parts.

However, this is clearly not the view of a lot of actors who seem to be trying to shake their ‘character’. Some have not been successful, such as Jack Black and Adam Sandler, who forever play the School of Rock and Happy Gilmore type characters.

Jennifer Aniston is still being typecast as her Friends character Rachel in various rom-coms, despite the attempts to ditch it such as in Cake or The Good Girl.

Will Ferrell ditched his ‘mean but dumb funnyman’ character in Stranger Than Fiction, Robin Williams played a very serious role in Good Will Hunting, and Owen Wilson almost detached from the funny guy persona in Midnight in Paris.

For other actors such as Daniel Radcliffe and Robert Pattinson, I don’t think their iconic roles as Harry Potter and Edward Cullen will ever be able to be shaken, sadly. That is despite their clear acting ability.

Meanwhile other actors have been successful in breaking free from their typecast, and are in all sorts of films now.

I think the top five female actors (are we allowed to say actresses anymore?) who narrowly escaped being typecast are:

Rosamund Pike
I wrote about Pike’s change in public perception in my post What are you like, Rosamund Pike. Just when we thought she was forever going to play the smart, elegant and beautiful lady-like characters in films like Pride & Prejudice, Made in Dagenham and The World’s End, she goes and does something like Gone Girl! Which, I’m sure surprised us all. She’s certainly shown Hollywood what she’s capable of. Having said that, have we seen her in anything big since..? Eek.

Emma Stone
She was the rough and ready comedy support actress, and I think that’s where we thought she’d always stay. The Superbad, The House Bunny, Zombieland, Friends with Benefits kind of girl. But then The Help came along, showing her dramatic and compassionate side, then Spiderman, then La La Land, which turned her into an all-singing, all-dancing serious actress! Love her.

Kate Winslet
Sense & Sensibility turned into Titanic, and Finding Neverland turned into The Holiday. Kate Winslet remains a brilliant dramatic actress who sometimes showed her comedic side (like in Extras). But if you look closer at her career, you’ll find some gems that shows a totally different side to Kate Winslet. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind being one, where she plays an eccentric woman. The Dressmaker being another, where she plays a flamboyant Australian. I guess she is still typecast in a way, but she has shown that she can do so much more.

Reese Witherspoon
I wrote her off, because she’s always played ‘the blonde’. The Legally Blonde airhead, then Sweet Home Alabama and Little Nicky. But then Walk the Line happened, and suddenly Reese Witherspoon was a genuine and talented dramatic actress who could sing beautifully. THEN, there was Wild. And I was sold. I’ve heard she’s amazing in Devil’s Knot too.

Jennifer Lawrence
At first, I thought she was going to forever remain as Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, then I thought she’d be typecast as a sci-fi blue thing in X-Men (I haven’t watched the X-Men series). But each time she managed to escape the typecast hold! With movies like Silver Lining, American Hustle and Joy keeping her not only out of reach of typecasting, but also the highest paid female actor of 2015 and 2016.

The top five male actors who narrowly escaped being typecast are:

Jim Carrey
He may have been typecast during the ’90s as the goofy, outlandish comedy actor of Ace Ventura, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber and The Cable Guy, but there was a sudden turn closer to the naughties. There was Liar, Liar (a personal favourite), and then The Truman Show, which showed a far more serious side. Man on the Moon showed yet another angle, then the biggest leap of all in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In this film, he was a nervous, serious introvert. (It’s joked that Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet swapped their typecast roles in this film.) He was made for the part. He returned to children’s films after that (Dr Seuss and A Christmas Carol), but is sadly slowly riding the curve back to being typecast in cheap and dirty comedy sequels.

Bryan Cranston
This actor was forever Malcolm in the Middle‘s dad. But actually, I think he was born to be a dramatic actor in serious roles. It seems he was accidentally made famous in comedy roles instead! He could have easily stayed on that road of comedy, but he escaped. First came a small role in Little Miss Sunshine, then Drive, then Argo… But suddenly, there was a TV show that no one could stop talking about. Breaking Bad. And now we look at Bryan Cranston a little differently and with a little more respect than we did when he was Malcolm’s dad.

Steve Carell
In his early career, Carell was credited as a ‘Mailroom Guy without Glasses’ in a 1998 film called Tomorrow Night. He soon found himself climbing the ropes in the comedy genre. Bruce Almighty, Anchorman and 40-Year-Old Virgin were quick to follow. Then out of nowhere was Little Miss Sunshine, where Carell played a reasonably serious role of a suicidal, gay scholar. In between his typecasting, serious roles keep cropping up, like The Way Way Back, where he plays a really mean dick of a stepdad. Then Foxcatcher, which I really need to watch. These brilliantly serious roles in his career have acted as a red flag to Hollywood, telling them that he has the ability and the power to resist his comedic typecast.

Jonah Hill
It all began in the massive Hollywood comedies – 40-Year-Old Virgin, Click, Knocked Up, Get Him to the Greek… Then he stepped up a notch and did 21 Jump Street and everyone was like ‘whaaaaaat, is that the same guy?’ because he lost a ton of weight. Not only had his look changed, but so did the kind of work he got. He began to get into more serious roles like The Wolf of Wall Street and Django Unchained in between sequels to successful comedies and animation films. Go Jonah!

Bradley Cooper
Does this guy have the same agent as Jennifer Lawrence? Because he’s in a ton of the same films as her now. He began in comedy, the Wedding Crashers being a memorable feature, Yes Man and The Hangover of course. I thought rom/coms was where he’d stay, but somewhere along the way he got into a bit more action, like Limitless. Then that progressed to The Place Beyond the Pines, American Hustle and Joy. This has extended into superhero films! I personally don’t like the guy because he seems a bit pompous, but he sure can act in a variety of roles!

There are lots of all-rounders or ‘chameleon’ actors who could never be typecast! They show how talented they are in every genre and in every role. These include:
Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, Leonardo DiCaprio… The list goes on!

Top 5: Favourite On-Screen Duos

I was thinking about Ant and Dec, and the unfortunate circumstances that led to Dec having to do the Saturday Night Take Away on his own. I thought, without taking away from their obvious talent, how one can’t do much without the other. You always see them together, and they are at their best together.

It’s the same with the Australian equivalent – Hamish and Andy. They bounce off each other and their energy is great together. But something’s missing when they’re on their own.

I guess these television duos are contractually obliged to stay together now for the good of their careers and pay-packet, but I get the feeling that they love being with each other off the screen too.

That got me thinking about film duos – the actors we always see together on-screen, but get the feeling they hang out off-screen too.

Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller

Good-guy Wilson and funnyman Stiller are always working together! Ever since the 1990s actually. It almost seems weird seeing one but not the other in movies. Sometimes they include their third wheel Vince Vaughn, which is cute.
The Cable Guy
Permanent Midnight
Meet the Parents
The Royal Tenenbaums
Zoolander
Starsky & Hutch
Meet the Fockers
Night at the Museum
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Little Fockers
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
Zoolander 2

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

I feel like these two were the smart-cool guys at school. Like, if Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller were the ones who screwed around in class, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were the ones who knuckled down in class, getting good grades, while winning American football games on the weekends. If they’ve written the movie (i.e.: Good Will Hunting), it’s definitely going to be a good one!
School Ties
Glory Daze
Good Will Hunting
Chasing Amy
Dogma
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
The Third Wheel
Jersey Girl

Nick Frost and Simon Pegg

Carrying on the school student theme, these guys would be late for school because they were staying up all night playing video games and writing their own comic books. Nevertheless, they are involved with some of the best comedy/action films ever.
Shaun of the Dead
Hot Fuzz
Grindhouse
Paul
The Adventures of Tintin
Ice Age: Continental Drift
The World’s End
The Boxtrolls

James Franco and Seth Rogen

At school, these would be the party animals. But probably not the super-cool kind, but the kind who are super funny and get invited because they’re a laugh. I can’t help but think many of their films are based on personal experience?
Knocked Up
Pineapple Express
The Green Hornet
This is the End
The Interview
Neighbours/Bad Neighbours
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising/Bad Neighbours 2
The Sound and the Fury
Zeroville
Sausage Party

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly

The brothers from another mother! These guys are the classic angry man-children that we all love. Strangely, they haven’t been in as many films together as I thought they had. But they seem to stick to together like white on rice. I feel like if they were at school, they’d pretend to be the teacher and be sent home for hitting the other children.
Stepbrothers
Anchorman 2
Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie
Holmes and Watson
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

I know I said ‘top five’, but here is a sixth… But they’re not ‘our favourite’ duo so they don’t really count…

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter

At school, these guys would be in art class or in a dark drama room somewhere. They don’t tend to do anything without Tim Burton. I used to loved all their movies but I feel I’ve grown out of my gothic phase, and I can’t relate to them as much anymore. Nevertheless, their films are entertaining, if not a tad samey.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Corpse Bride
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Alice in Wonderland
Dark Shadows

Who’s your favourite on-screen bromance? Who would be your best friends at school?

Top 5: Best Come-Backs

erin_uglyshoes

Do you ever think of a really good come-back days later, and wish you could go back in time just to put that person to shame? (Reminds me of a certain Seinfeld episode.)

It’s so irritating, but we can live out our come-back expectations through the witty characters in movies who get it right first time.

Here are the top five come-backs that I can think of at this moment in time (expect regular updates to this post):

Driving Lessons

Ben: I think it’s best I stop working for you.
Evie: Oh, why? So you can take up being pompous professionally?

Erin Brockovich

Theresa: Okay, look, I think we got off on the wrong foot here…
Erin: That’s all you got, lady. Two wrong feet in fucking ugly shoes.

A Few Good Men

Jo: He told Kendrick to order the Code Red.
Daniel: He did?! Why didn’t you say so!? That’s great! And of course you have proof of that.
Jo: I uh –
Daniel: Oh, hah, I’m sorry, I keep forgetting. You were sick the day they taught law at law school.

Morning Glory

Mike: I’m not saying the word “fluffy” [in a live news broadcast]. It’s bad enough I have to do these ridiculous stories.
Colleen: You know what, buddy? Guess what? Last week [during an official news broadcast], I had to use the words “rectal” and “moisture” in the same sentence.
Mike: Well, first dates can be awkward.

Cemetery Junction

Len: Go to your room.
Freddie: What for?
Len: Talking back to your elders.
Freddie: What is this, a Navajo village?

But I guess even in the movies, come-backs don’t come out as they were supposed to:

American Graffiti

Carol: Your car is uglier than I am! …that didn’t come out right.

Juno

Brenda: “Oh… Go fly a kite!”

Those were just the come-backs that I thought of off the top of my head, but just like real life, I’m sure I’ll remember some better ones after I’ve published!

Remind me of some more great come-backs in the comments section below, or on my Facebook page.

Jodie

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‘.

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

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

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

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.

Is This New Zealand’s Jenna Marbles..?

How to get a boyfriend on Tinder
By Rosalea

Rosalea Bruce - New Zealand Youtube vlogger

“How to get a boyfriend on Tinder… You don’t get boyfriends on Tinder. To get a boyfriend on Tinder, you need to uninstall Tinder.”

*Since writing this, Rosalea has added more videos, so I shall embed them at the bottom of this review as they are made!

This is a hilarious reality check to all those singles out there expecting to find true love on the dating app with the worst reputation.

Rosalea definitely reminds me of the American vlogger Jenna Marbles who has been vlogging for years. Both talented with hair and make up, and both hilarious.

“You’re not going to find someone that you click with like no one’s business… Who brings you a 750 gram tub of Nutella with a spoon on it and says ‘yo, let’s go sit on that mountain and discuss the invention of Cruskits.'”

This is the first episode uploaded by Rosalea, and I’m excited to see more. This isn’t a ‘Tinder tantrum’, this is an in-depth and thoroughly entertaining insight into the world of Tindering.

“They think I’m a slut and I think they’re a douche.”

Rosalea Bruce - New Zealand Youtube vlogger She has a natural ability to make mundane experiences into hilarious stories, with her subtle expressions and bizarre metaphors.

After a brief and incredibly informal interview, Rosalea talked about her passion for vlogging – something she has been doing for a while in private.

“I’ve secretly wanted to try become a giant YouTuber for ages and sometimes I make vlogs for kicks when I’m bored. They’re somewhat entertaining to watch so I was like ‘let’s see if people like this.'” It is only now that she has posted her exploits online.

UPDATE:
You have to watch Rosalea’s latest video – so hilarious:

With a desk lamp, phone and a bunch of mousse in her hair, she is well equipped to be New Zealand’s very own Jenna Marbles.

Be sure to follow her on Twitter and subscribe on YouTube – she comes out with some real chestnuts sometimes, and you don’t want to miss out.

Jodie

The Late Late Show With James Corden

The late late show with James Corden This came on the news last night and I am really excited!

No more Craig Ferguson. James Corden is the new host for The Late Late Show, and I think he’s going to be great.

At 36, he’s the youngest host of a late night show ever to grace an American network (probably the funniest too). I’m such a fan of his, particularly when he was in the show Gavin & Stacey.

After watching some of the show’s YouTube clips, I’m definitely keen to see the whole shebang! But boy, five shows, five night a week… That’s got to be a challenge!

Check this ‘back story’ to Corden’s unlikely position as a host:

Or… If you don’t have eight minutes to spare, spare one minute on this:

Jodie.

Top 5: Forgotten Music Videos

Forgotten music videos from the 90s These may have slipped your memory because they are from the late 90s/early 2000s. But for some, they are embedded in childhood brains.

Here It Goes Again by OK GO
Don’t tell me you weren’t mesmerised by their choreography using treadmills. Or at least fascinated by their costumes.

Weapon of Choice by Fatboy Slim
A favourite of my parental’s. Played on repeat throughout my impressionable years.

Praise You by Fatboy Slim
A favourite of mine. Their dancing reminds me of my current style of expressive dance that I like to impress people with at nightclubs. I actually didn’t realise Praise you and Weapon of Choice were by the same artist until just now…

Freestyler by Bomfunk MC’s
My brother’s favourite song, played on repeat in the car. Everywhere. Great video though.

Sophie by Goodshirt
From us Kiwis comes ingenuity. One shot. Straight through. Who can be bothered with editing? So why not just… Let the camera roll. Well done, guys. A humble and funny video.

What do you reckon? Basically, I like quirky videos.

Oh! Weezer’s Say It Ain’t So video was narrowly cut out! I love how the singer pauses to take a sip of milk. That’s it. Fantastic moment.

Jodie.

One Story, Six Movies

Six very similar films. About a Boy, St.Vincent, Intouchables, Scent of a Woman, You're not You and Driving Lessons films.

I have noticed the following story has been redone many times.

With slight variations, the general story lines are extremely similar:

The unsuspecting and naive child or ‘street kid’ helps a disabled or lonely adult who drinks a lot and whom nobody likes. In return, the adult helps the younger person mature.

Here is the check list to qualify for this ‘sub-genre’:

Heavy drinking scenes
Adult and young adult/child combo
Driving is to be involved in at least one scene
The younger of the two will become more confident and mature at the end
The older of the two will have a new-found acceptance or appreciation of life (except for You’re Not You… lol)
Comedy/drama genre
At least one character is witty with good come-backs
If it’s an English movie, some haircuts will be questionable
Tends to have a good soundtrack

Driving Lessons
“When a woman says she doesn’t want to go on, she doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to go on! I’m just nervous!”
Rupert Grint and Julie Walters in Driving Lessons film Evie (Julie Walters) is a retired actress who is lonely and drinks a lot. She hires a young man, Ben (Rupert Grint), to help her around the house. Ben is unwittingly taken on a camping trip on the way up to Edinburgh. Ron learns to relax and indulge his writing talent, and Evie learns to move on from grief and loneliness after making piece with her acting career.

Scent of a Woman
“I don’t know whether to shoot you, or adopt you!”
Frank Slade (Al Pacino) is a retired, blind Lieutenant Colonel who is lonely and drinks a lot. He hires a young man, Charlie (Chris O’Donnel), as a caregiver over a long weekend. Charlie is unwittingly taken on a trip to New York with no expense spared. Charlie learns that a problem back at his school can be solved through loyalty and not by snitching. Frank learns there is still something to live for despite being hated, lonely and blind.

You’re Not You
“She doesn’t make me feel like a patient”
You're Not You Hilary Swank film Kate (Hilary Swank) is a pianist diagnosed with ALS and hires a young woman Bec, (Emmy Rossum) as a caregiver. They decide to take a few trips together. Kate learns that she doesn’t want to be with her husband and accepts her fate, and Bec realises she can be a performer without fear.

The Intouchables
“That’s what I want… No pity.”
The Intouchables film Philippe (François Cluzet) is a quadriplegic and hires a young man Driss, (Omar Sy) as his caregiver. They go out together on numerous drives and adventures. Philippe learns that he can still enjoy life, and Driss gets out of the gang life and on the straight and narrow, supporting his family.

St. Vincent
“He doesn’t like people, people don’t like him… Why do you like him?”
Vincent (Bill Murray) is a retired veteran who is hired to be the after-school caregiver for his new neighbour 12-year-old Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). After school activities St. Vincent film involve going to the races, gambling and going to the pub. Oliver learns to confront his bullies and becomes more mature. Vincent learns that not everyone hates him, and despite having a tremendous ‘absolute low’ during the film, finds friends who include him as family. He also matures thanks to Oliver.

About a Boy
“I’m an island”
Will (Hugh Grant) is a wealthy man in early retirement who is approached by 12-year-old Marcus (Nicholas Hoult) who Will reluctantly takes under his wing. After regular after-school caregiving, Will tries to make Marcus ‘cooler’ to help him not get bullied so often. Hugh Grant in About a Boy film He also tries to help with his suicidal mother’s depression. Marcus learns to be himself in a way where he doesn’t get bullied, and Will learns that being alone won’t make him happy. That family and friends can bring happiness.

Some of these films are certainly amazing though. Must be a popular tale!
Let me know if you can think of any more!

Jodie.

The Oscars 2015

I’m basically doing my homework the night before it’s due…

I am very behind with all of this nonsense as the nominees were released on January 15th… and The Oscars are tomorrow. But just in case, like me, these things slip under your radar, I thought I should update you on who is in the running.

Before we begin: Just in case you’re as inept with modern culture as I, here is a quick differentiation between the entertainment award ceremonies:

Academy Award (rebranded as The Oscars in 2013) – Award in the Film Industry
Golden Globe Award – Award in Motion Picture and Televison
Emmy Award – Award in Televison
Grammy Award – Award in Music
Tony Award – Award in Theatre

Right! So now we are clued up on the ceremonies, here are the nominees:
*Update: the winners are in bold

Best Picture (Drama)
Boyhood
Foxcatcher
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory of Everything

Best Picture (Musical/Comedy)
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Birdman
Into the Woods
Pride
St. Vincent

Best Animated Film
How to Train Your Dragon 2
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
The Boxtrolls
Big Hero 6
Song of the Sea

Best Actress (Drama)
Julianne Moore (Still Alice)
Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything)
Jennifer Aniston (Cake)
Reese Witherspoon (Wild)
Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl)

Best Actress (Musical/Comedy)
Amy Adams (Big Eyes)
Emily Blunt (Into the Woods)
Helen Mirren (The Hundred-Foot Journey)
Julianne Moore (Maps to the Stars)
Quvenzhané Wallis (Annie)

Best Supporting Actress (Drama)
Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)
Emma Stone (Birdman)
Meryl Streep (Into the Woods)
Laura Dern (Wild)
Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game)

Best Actor (Drama)
Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)
Steve Carell – (Foxcatcher)
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game)
Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler)
David Oyelowo (Selma)

Best Actor (Musical/Comedy)
Michael Keaton (Birdman)
Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel)
Bill Murray (St. Vincent)
Joaquin Phoenix (Inherent Vice)
Christoph Waltz (Big Eyes)

Best Supporting Actor
J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)
Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)
Edward Norton (Birdman)
Robert Duvall (The Judge)
Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)

Best Director
Richard Linklater (Boyhood)
Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game)
Bennett Miller (Foxcatcher)
Alejandro González Iñárritu (Birdman)
Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel)

There’s quite a few more sub-categories including Best Sound Editing, Best Film Editing, Best Costume Design and Best Makeup… The list goes on!

PUMPED! Let’s watch some rich people get awards!

Jodie.

Top 5: Lies Films Told Me About University

Monsters University film — I haven’t seen Monsters University, but I would imagine that would have skewed my perception of tertiary education as well. Probably would have been disappointed not to see one-eyed monsters or something.

Because of my obsessive indulgence in movies, I have found myself to be continually underwhelmed and disappointing at every stage of life. Starting high school, turning 16, first party, turning 18 and, the biggest disappointment of all: going to university.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower film - I'm below average! — C minus, ladies and gentlemen! I am below average!

Of course, American schools are totally different to the likes of New Zealand schools. But these movies certainly raised my expectations.

Particularly on the day I got accepted into uni, and the night before my first day of uni. It was all like a normal day for me, thank you very much The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Toy Story 3 and American Graffiti.

(Although, I didn’t actually “leave” for uni, so that may have been why…)

Here are my top five disappointments, thanks to university/college-based movies:

Everyone will look sophisticated all the time
Thank you Big Fish and The Notebook. Despite only having one or two scenes set in university, everyone looks incredible. Okay, okay, they were both set in the 40s/50s, but that didn’t stop me hoping for the best.

Unfortunately, just like the odd non-uniform day at high school, everyone wears their best clothes on the first day of university. But by week two, the sweat pants, ugg boots and the odd onesie begins to creep in. That was disappointing.

Everyone is wise beyond their years
Thanks The Pelican Brief , 21 and Good Will Hunting.
They actually act like adults, studying law and maths! Every movie, I was watching psychologists, mathematicians, lawyers…

Despite only studying communications, I thought I’d be surrounded by people intrigued by ethics and politics. As it turns out, we are no wiser than we were in high school a few months previous, and we don’t suddenly become open minded and smart just because we’ve been accepted into university. I thought we’d all be calling out corrupted corporations, and getting shoulder-tapped for major companies within a year.

Sadly, this was not the case. At all.

There will be a diversity and range of interesting people

University-based film, Pitch Perfect film — “But if you think this is just some high school club where you can sing and dance your way through any social issue… Or confuse sexuality, you have come to the wrong place.”

Thanks Pitch Perfect.
I never met a fun-loving Fat Amy, a rebellious Beca or a strange Lily. Everyone was just like me: a middle of the road, average Jo, without a whole load of talent for singing. Gutted.

I guess I just assumed everyone would suddenly become cool over the summer, will work out who they are and flaunt it by the time they reach uni. However, there is actually still a hierarchy at uni. In fact, along with our self-confidence, we’ve been demoted back to ‘the newbie,’ like we were in high school.

Big parties. All the time.
Thanks 22 Jump Street.
Okay, you’re probably thinking: “Jodie, there were huge parties, you just didn’t want to socialise.” Or, “Jodie, we had awesome parties but you weren’t invited.”

Perhaps that is true. Nevertheless, I had never even heard a whisper about “that party last night that became a street party where that millionaire’s son bought everyone a round of drinks and I got dropped home in a Ferrari.”

Extraordinary things will happen
Thanks Scent of a Woman, The Social Network and 21.
I never got whisked away to New York by accident after agreeing to look after a blind man. Nor did anything absolutely scandalous occur, like in The Social Network. Nor was I trained up to win big in Vegas casinos, like in 21.

University was a pretty mundane experience actually.

Add the lies Hollywood told you in the comments section below! May do a high school one if you’re interested.

Jodie.

Top 5: Film Pet Peeves

Community tv show

For the sake of all the Abeds out there…

Spotless shoe soles
This obviously happens because the shoes are brand new, bought for the actor and the character they’re playing. But I’m tired of never seeing a scuff, scratch or smudge. No dirt or wear to the shoes at all. Work them in a little!

Empty coffee cups
This annoys me to no end. It’s usually those take-away cups where it is obvious there is nothing in them. Put some water in them or something! Because no matter how great an actor is at drinking pretend coffee, (Brad Pitt is quite talented at this) when they set that cup down on a table – it wobbles. Act your way outa that one!

Drivers that never look at the road!
The passenger may have very intriguing things to say, but it’s been like… a solid six seconds since you last looked where you’re driving. The last time I saw this was on that incredible political TV show, House of Cards. But, it happens in a lot of films and shows.

People not eating or drinking
I know, I know, having actors eat and drink during every take is a continuity nightmare. But twirling pasta and pushing it around the plate is so frustrating to watch. Up in the Air is a fantastic movie and one of my favourites, but there’s a scene where George Clooney and Anna Kendrick are in a restaurant staring at food and tapping it with forks.

The scene is long, my friends. That food is cold, and uneaten.

The Up in the Air director (Jason Reitman) probably learned his lesson from when he did Juno though. In that movie, he asked Jennifer Garner to drink the red wine in her hand take after take. She eventually started to bung-up her lines, sway and slur her words. But it looked realistic, nonetheless!

In Julie & Julia the director was adamant that the actors must eat the food. A chef was on site, and the food was apparently delicious. But take after take, the actors did begin to feel sick from the amount they were eating!

The Very Hungry Hannibal In the most recent TV show Hannibal, the actors had to eat the food because it had to look legit. You can’t exactly skimp on the eating part in a show about a cannibal! But man did the crew work for it! The dietary requirements of the actors must have been an annoyance. Making it look like everyone is eating the same thing, but some being vegetarian or gluten intolerant or vegan… Phwah! For the love of art, right?

Flawless make-up during battles and strenuous exercise
This annoys me more than any of the rest. I get it. Women are supposed to be flawless in movies. I know there are unrealistic beauty standards, but that aside. Lipstick fades. Eye shadow smudges. Mascara bleeds. Ugly crier If anything, seeing a character sweat without the make-up shifting breaks my suspension of disbelief. In action scenes like in Edge of Tomorrow or the fourth Transformers (God, there’s so much wrong with that film, invincible make-up is the least of its worries), putting a bit of dirt on their face doesn’t count. Tussle the hair! Uneven the eyeliner! Streak the foundation! Do something!

Add your pet peeves in the comments section below!

Abed: I can tell life from TV, Jeff. TV makes sense, it has structure, logic, rules, and likeable leading men. In life, we have this. We have you.

Jodie.

Top 10: Flaws in Horse Films

old Spice horse advert

War huuuurse. Directed by Steven Spielbhuuuuurg Horse films are typically watched by horseriders, which means the film is going to have a very critical audience right off the bat.

I can’t enjoy horse films or TV shows (although… I don’t really know anyone over the age of 12 who does) because it’s really difficult not to nit-pick.

These are the things that always seem to let a horse film down:

Foals not being the gender they’re supposed to be. (War Horse and Black Beauty (1994)).
Using incorrect terminology. (Racing Stripes).
Fake white markings. Therefore, making the differences between all four of the horses used to play the main horse very obvious.
“Wild horses” wearing metal shoes (Of Horses and Men and The Saddle Club).
Actors who can’t ride! The studio cut-aways to the actor riding in front of a green screen does not make up for it! (Flicka).
Giving the actor a saddle to use when they’re supposed to be riding bareback (Snow White and the Huntsman and McLeod’s Daughters, watch it here). Also, “bridleless” horses (see right) wearing bridles made of string (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe).
Wrong sound effects used for when horses are cantering on grass. Sometimes it sounds like they’re galloping on concrete wearing iron shoes (Black Beauty).
– So much rearing!!
Excessive loyalty between horse and rider. Horses aren’t dogs. Horses don’t sniff out their human from across a battlefield. I’m referring to that bloody War Horse film again of course.
The worst thing? The excessive neighs and horse sounds. Horses are actually really quiet animals in most circumstances. This blunder is in every film with horses.

I think the biggest disappointment though, is the false hope we get from horse films. I always get so pumped to go out for a ride after watching Black Beauty or whatever, but when I hop on my old nag, he refuses to look awesome and respond in the same way as a Friesian does. He also has never protected me from so much as a wasp, let alone a fire, a speeding truck or gun-waving soldiers as seen in the movies.

I must give a thumbs-up to the following horse movies though. For the most part, they got a lot right.

Seabiscuit.
Certainly looks like Toby Maguire can ride!
Black Beauty (1994).
I’m still baffled as to how they got the horses to do half the things they did. Maybe the animal welfare laws were a tad lax in those days? Fantastic score though!
The Horse Whisperer (featuring Scarlett Johansson).
Again, how they got the horses to do much of what they did is amazing. A very realistic approach to training for once too. And, yes! That’s another dig at War Horse! It’s terrible! I wrote all about it here. Including the part where horses climb ladders to get into the loft.
Of Horses and Men.
A beautiful Icelandic horse film celebrating the horses’ way of life there.

Random facts:

Most horses in films are solid colours because it’s easier to get a double that looks the same. That’s why you rarely see spotty, patchy or dappled horses on the screen – even the ones in the background, so as not to draw attention away from the main horse… I wasn’t going to break out the Saddle Club fan girl in me, but that’s why Comanche is an Appaloosa in the books but a bay in the TV series! SCANDAL!
Solid black horses with no white markings tend to be difficult to come across. Hence why Friesians are often used (Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, any war or fantasy film you can think of), because that breed only comes in black, never has white markings and they’re all similar in size and height.
Horses are taught to rear to show resistance to the rider because teaching them to buck is much, much harder to do.
The two gorgeous ponies in Sleepy Hollow are my favourites. Johnny Depp even adopted the one he rode (named Gunpowder in the film, and Goldeneye in real life) because he was going to be put down after the film! *Sigh*

Thank you to my fellow equestrian friends for helping me collate this list!

Let me leave you with the worst and most cringe-worthy horse film trailer I’ve seen. Enjoy.

Jodie.

The ‘Runaway’ Film Genre

I have referenced this unofficial genre in many film reviews of late, so I thought I should dedicate a post to it. Especially since it doesn’t have a Wikipedia page.

Because I made it up.

I did a check list for the genre in Wild. So I’ll copy and past it here, and elaborate.

THE RUNAWAY GENRE GROUND RULES:

One or two characters who have suffered trauma
Inner-conflict (usually expressed via flashbacks)
At least one emotional breakdown
Typically involves a marriage break-up or violence
Expression of every emotion
Writing down of feelings/diary-keeping
Genre that is mostly likely to conclude with tragedy (according to unofficial polling)
And of course… The act of running away

CLASSIC EXAMPLES OF A RUNAWAY FILM:

Borderline exceptions to the genre:

Now, I love this genre. Sure, I’ve made up the title and the rules, but they are typically wondrous, fantastical, deep, meaningful, adventurous insights into a character.

I love psychology, and these movies tend to play on why we make the decisions we do, and why we interact in the way we do.

Keep an eye out for films of this genre. They’re quite easy to pick.

Jodie.