the host with the most

Time for a confession: I was a huge Twihard. I was thirteen when Twilight exploded and thus extremely susceptible to Edward Cullen's golden eyes and Bella Swan's clumsy awkwardness. I've seen the light now, but back then my every happiness laid solely in the hands of Stephanie Meyer and what she chose to make Edward and Bella do next. So, when she released The Host, I was an immediate fan, going even as far to say it was better than the Twilight series. In hindsight, both are probably awful, but for a while they made up a big part of my life and so The Host movie is simply drenched in nostalgia not just for me, but likely a large chunk of the females of Gen Y and Z.

Blake's rating: ★★★
In truth, this was a pretty terrible movie, but oh! how I enjoyed myself. Because really, when you get two attractive fellas fighting over one girl in the midst of a war between humans and aliens, what's not to love? The girl is Melanie Stryder (Saoirse Ronan, said like Ser-sha, god knows why), whose body has been snatched by a parasitic, but strangely well-meaning, 'Soul' called Wanda. Adventure (and many unfortunately bad internal monologues) ensue when Melanie refuses to leave her body, and Wanda must deal with Melanie's voice in her head, telling her she must return to her still-human family and her one true love, Jared. Enter the fellas: first there's Jared (Max Irons), who is still in love with Melanie. Then there's Ian (Jake Abel), who falls for Wanda. All the while, Wanda is being chased by The Seeker, a Soul who wants to bring down the human resistance and make everyone into peaceful alien-hosts. What's a girl to do?

There is really not a lot to say about The Host as a film. I mean, there are some nice locations, cool CGI and hectic cars made of reflective metal, but this is no feat of cinema. The screenplay is pretty shocking, the acting is average, and dear god, when will the voice overs stop?! And yet, sometimes bad films are the ones that make you most happy. And this one made me very happy indeed.

Madolyn's rating: ★★★1/2
Obviously this film isn't Oscar-worthy or anything, but I really really loved it. Like Blake, I was a huge Twilight fan back in the day, but I couldn't get into The Host when I tried to read it, so I went into this movie with no expectations or delusions of grandeur. The voice over of Melanie was pretty annoying at first, but once we got into it I just became used to it and you have to realise that this story couldn't really have made it to the big screen without some awkward leaps. The three leads did the best they could - Saoirse is Irish, and putting on two different American accents is no mean feat - and there was a lot of beauty in the settings and the gadgets (all that sleek shiny silver!) And lets just talk about the boys here for a second - Jared is a bit crazy and I didn't really like him much, but Ian is just gorgeous and every time he breathed I cried, because, like, Jake Abel's face. Saoirse is one lucky girl, with all that kissing!

My immediate response these days when someone asks "is it good?" is to say, "well, I liked it." Who gets to decide what's good? Why??? All I know is, this movie isn't critically acclaimed or anything, and it kind of went for longer than necessary, and the tacked-on "months later" seemed like a superfluous afterthought, but by my standards it was good, enjoyable, adventurous, fun and romance-y (and that's all my boxes ticked) and I've seen it twice and would happily watch it again. So yeah.

game of who?

If you, like me, know what it's like to face the agonising wait before your favourite show comes back to screens, you, like me, know how exciting it is when it does return. Months of sadness, emptiness, anticipation and excitement all lead up to that moment when you hear that beloved theme tune once again and fall back into that familiar world.  Finally, this Easter weekend saw the long-awaited return of two of my favourite shows: Game of Thrones and Doctor Who, and so here is my little review of the episodes.

Doctor Who
7x06 The Bells of Saint John

Returning for part B of series 7, this episode focused mostly around Clara Oswald (Jenna Louise Coleman), the Doctor's new companion with a lot of mystery behind her. (I love her a lot, by the way. She's in the running to become my second favourite companion.) We've met her twice before, and both times she's died - what is up with that? This was the beginning of Clara the Companion, where she's curious and learning and becoming stronger as she goes, and we'll definitely be finding out more about her throughout the rest of her time in the TARDIS. The idea that the villains were using the world's wi-fi to trap souls made the crazy idea all the more realistic, because there's a real possibility that wi-fi has the potential to be used as a weapon in this day and age. A lot of tidbits of continuity thrown in made me and other Who fans quite excited, such as the detail of the book being written by Amelia Williams, the Doctor's last companion who had been sent back in time by the Weeping Angels, and of course the phrase that the Doctor and we the audience have come to recognise as Clara's in all her forms  - run, you clever boy, and remember. I'm excited to see where we'll go on this adventure from here.

Game of Thrones

3x01 Valar Dohaeris

Returning for its third season with record ratings, Game of Thrones has once again started strong, and looks to only get stronger. I felt like this episode was more of a recap/where are they now of most of the characters after the epic events of the end of season 2, and sort of set up how events will run for the rest of the season. 'Otp: You know nothing, Jon Snow' was at it again, while Sansa in Kings Landing was standing strong, with hope for the future and for her family. Margaery Tyrell was gorgeous, as ever, and even Joffrey seemed a little won over by her - although I could be wrong, I can't tell if he was actually being kind of nice or just a sarcastic ass - but Cersei was having none of that, possibly feeling she was losing some control over her son. Meanwhile, two other Lannisters were having words, and the scene where Tywin disowns Tyrion and you could see the hurt on his face was very emotional, for Tyrion and for me - that was way harsh, Ty. We saw Daenerys across the sea in search of an army, men getting their nipples cut off and NOT EVEN FLINCHING (srs wtf) and scary scorpion-like creatures, White Walkers, and everything in between. I've not read the books, so the big uncloaking at the end didn't really mean much to me, but all will be revealed in the episodes to come. Looks set to be an epic, exciting and emotional season. Let the games begin!

top ten: musical films

Have you ever found yourself in a real life situation, thinking that all of your emotions could be perfectly summed up in song? Maybe a soulful rendition of The Winner Takes it All, or an upbeat dance number to You Can't Stop the Beat, even proudly belting out Sweet Transvestite (I don't know, you might be into that kind of thing). Too many times I've wished I could just stand up and sing out a flawlessly on-pitch tune while everyone around my starts to dance in unison to a routine they've never rehearsed, but it just never works out the same as it does in the movies.

So, we've put together a top ten list of our favourite musical movies that satisfy those toe-tapping urges. There's a mix of the old and the new, and the happy and the sad, so there's a song for every occasion. Best watched alone, so you can sing along as loudly (and badly) as you like and maybe bust out a dance move or two without fear of total humiliation.

sher-crazy

Sherlock Holmes. It's a name that keeps popping up these days, and every new adaptation offers a different way of enjoying the crime-solving antics of the famed detective and his sidekick Dr. Watson. That's why I've put together a little guide of today's Sherlocks, so you can choose the right one for you depending on what you're into.

sherlock (2010)

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are the new detective-and-doctor duo residing at 221B Baker St, in this modern revamping of Sherlock Holmes. Although it is set in current-day London, many elements of the classic story are maintained, including most of the supporting characters and that wonderful line "Come if convenient... If inconvenient, come anyway". Every Sherlock is different, and Benedict Cumberbatch has to be one of the most intelligent and observant, yet the most arrogant and self-assured Holmes that has ever been. And yet, though he might appear cold and unaffected, mess with Dr. Watson or his landlady Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock will TAKE YOU DOWN. 

top ten: animated films

I may be 18, but that doesn't mean I am an adult. It especially doesn't mean that I can't love animated movies any more, and thank god for that, because they are just so fun and enjoyable to watch. If you think you're above animated films because "they're for children", let me stop you right there. You're missing out on fun, adventure, love, hope, joy, excitement, wonder - basically you are living a sad and unfulfilled life. These movies are not just for kids - in fact, watching them as an adult you pick up so many jokes and references you may have missed as a child.

So, for you out there who want something lovely to watch, or just want to know, I've compiled a list of my top ten recent animated movies, and by recent I mean the last few years, and/or the 3D animation type, rather than the classic flat Disney animations, because let's face it, who hasn't seen those? (My favourites are Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan, by the way.) I tried my best to put them in order, so let's count down from ten to one.

this week's releases

This week saw two major movie releases, including the Wizard of Oz prequel, Oz: The Great and Powerful, and the newest adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. If you're thinking of heading to the cinema this week, here's what we have to say about these two new flicks.

oz: the great and powerful

Madolyn's rating: ★★
More like Oz the Not So Great Or Powerful But Actually A Giant Douchebag, to be honest. I don't know if you were supposed to hate the protagonist, dislike him and watch him change over the course of the film or like him despite his glaring flaws the whole time, but I certainly was the first one. He was a womanising jerk, a cheat and a liar, not to mention impossibly weak. He hid behind his tricks to avoid taking any responsibility for his life or anybody around him, and he didn't have any sense of morality or  sense. The script was pretty terrible and the storylines quite feeble, especially as a prequel to the well known and loved Wizard of Oz. Like, am I supposed to believe that it was one man's betrayal that turned the wicked witch wicked? And green? And the character development, especially of Oz, was very off- after having presented him in such an awful way, his "change" at the end of the film was pathetic, and the inspirational gift-giving at the end of The Wizard of Oz was trivialised and made to seem like the actions of a dirty cheat rather than a noble man with good intentions.

The only thing that saved this film was the recreation of the fabulous world of Oz. The sets and scenery and computer generated effects were magical and the costumes, oh my god, the costumes. The details, especially on Glinda (Michelle Williams') dresses, were absolutely stunning and the animation of the china doll was gorgeous, she even clinked as she walked. Michelle Williams was lovely, as always, and Rachel Weisz tried her best as the Wicked Witch of the East. Mila Kunis was off to a great start, however after she turned green I just couldn't take her seriously, because the face prosthetics were just...not great, and her eyebrows were just really ridiculous. So, boys, if you're going to see this film just for Mila, think again.

Overall, as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz and as a film in itself, it didn't really do its job. I would have much rather seen an adaptation of Wicked, and now that's probably going to take a backseat because of this one's release. Sigh. I'm very disappointed.


great expectations

Blake's rating: ★★★1/2

There's been a hell of a lot of Great Expectations remakes and like most, this is an enjoyable retelling of the classic story with plenty of elaborate 19th century dress and olden-day sexual tension to go around. Jeremy Irvine fits very nicely in the role of Pip (and he's easy on the eyes too), while Helena Bonham Carter seems born to play the role of the eccentric and disturbed Miss Havisham. This is another very pretty movie, with amazing costumes and attention to detail in the sets of 1800s London and Miss Havishim's mansion. You can see why the love story between Pip and Miss Havishim's adopted daughter, Estella, is one that has transcended centuries, because even without the more sexualised courting rituals of modern day, the emotion is still strong as ever.      

The problem with remaking a movie that has already had fifteen adaptations in film and television is that you can't help but compare. Personally, I've seen the two of the more recent remakes; my favourite being the 2011 BBC miniseries staring Douglas Booth, followed by the modern adaptation with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke in 1998. In all honesty, this is nothing new. The plot is the same, the characters unchanged; it doesn't really bring any new angle to the beloved story, which makes the film a little forgettable. There is also the issue of fitting a fairly large novel into a two hour block, which gives the miniseries an edge as it had more time to explore the whole book over three, hour-length episodes. However, if you've yet to have the pleasure of experiencing the epic Great Expectations story, then this film would be a wonderful introduction into Dickens' world. Still, in my eyes, nothing can beat Douglas Booth in a dress suit.         

post-oscars movie roundup

During Oscar time, a lot of attention is drawn to those nine movies nominated for Best Picture, and often many of the other films not up for the title get neglected! So here's a roundup of some of the other films that came out during Oscar season, so they can get some lovin' and attention too.

anna karenina

Blake's rating: ★★★1/2

While this one wasn't up for Best Picture, it received four other Oscar nominations for cinematography, costume design (winner!), production design and for its original score, all of which are undoubtedly deserved. This movie was a feast for the eyes, where the entire story was played out on a moving, stage-like set which in itself was incredible to watch, however unfortunately began to get on my nerves as the film progressed. I found myself wishing it could have been normal location sets, just like director Joe Wright's other film, Pride and Prejudice (one of my top 5 favourite movies of all time). He has a knack for creating amazing visual sets (see the beach scene in Atonement and be astounded by the fact it was done in one take), but in this case I just don't think it added to the story. 

I also didn't sympathise with Anna, and whether that was due to direction or Keira Knightley's performance I cannot say. However, the rest of the cast did a fabulous job, and with such awe-inspiring costumes and sets, I am able to forgive and forget.   

Madolyn's rating: ★★★1/2

I really enjoyed most of this movie. It kind of bugs me that Keira Knightley is in every single one of these types of movies, but the rest of the cast was pretty good, and I do love Aaron (Taylor-)Johnson, despite his strange marriage and what he has done to his hair. The thing I loved most about this movie, though, was how pretty it is. Although Blake didn't like it, the way they staged the whole thing so it was like they were moving through a theatre was something I really liked, and that ballroom scene is definitely going down as one of my favourite movie scenes ever.

the impossible

Blake's rating: ★★★★

Wooowweeeeeee! This is film making at its absolute very best. I have no clue how this film was made, and I have no inclination to find out because it looked so REAL. For those who don't know, The Impossible is based on a true story about a family who is split up during the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 and it is flawlessly made. Not only visually, but the use of sound is awesome and it adds to the whole experience so realistically that you almost feel like you're in the situation yourself.  

It is also the single most harrowing film I have ever seen, so if you're someone who gets emotional in the cinema, I think... twelve boxes of tissues might just have you covered (and maybe a bucket if you're squeamish about blood). Personally, I'm not a crier, but this one had me bawling. Naomi Watts' Oscar nominated performance was fantastic in a horrible-to-watch kind of way, and the actors who played the children in the family deserve recognition, because they were such troopers (and so cute). This film is an incredible study in human strength, and once you get past the totally banal opening scenes, it is truly amazing. 

Madolyn's rating: ★★★★1/2

This movie was just incredible. All the sets, the effects, the sounds, the make-up - however they did it, it felt so real, and in some scenes, like you were trapped under the water yourself. Naomi Watts was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars for this, and I would've liked to have seen her win it, because I personally think she deserved it over Jennifer Lawrence. Her performance in this movie was heartwrenching. In fact, this whole movie is heartwrenching. I cried from about five minutes in until the very end. Because of the subject matter of this movie, it feels a bit wrong to say the movie was amazing and that I loved it, but it was and I did, even though it's quite tough. Also, props to the child actors, who  added to the overall heartbreak in a way only a child's emotions can, and especially Tom Holland who played Lucas - he's definitely one to watch.

gangster squad

Blake's rating: ★★

There weren't any Oscar nominations for the 1940s blow-me-up Gangster Squad, and honestly it isn't hard to see why. This was really just another action movie without much substance, made slightly more attractive by the fact that it is set in 1949 and that it stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling (unarguably one of the most attractive on screen couples). There are some redeeming qualities; costumes and sets have been done very well and while a lot of the action speaks for itself, there are some shining moments of cinematography in there. Emma and Ryan can't really be faulted, as always, however Sean Penn left something to be desired with his slightly uncomfortable accent and creepy performance.
If you're into this kind of gangster gun-fest, then this is probably a very commendable movie. Although in my case, I just wanted to know how the hell everyone survived after about a million bullets were fired, and was it really necessary to add that voice over?      

Madolyn's rating: ★1/2

Let's be honest here, the only reason I went to see this film was because it has Emma Stone looking beautiful and Ryan Gosling in suits. The storyline didn't really hold my interest except for the Emma/Ryan romantic subplot (nothing to fault there - it was really enjoyable), and Sean Penn was just really, really creepy. As Blake said, there was some standout moments of cinematography - that one scene with the close up on the lighter gets brought up a lot for being such a lovely shot. Otherwise, too much shooting with not a lot of point, an annoying and unnecessary voiceover and a final punch up that was filmed like it was an extremely violent scene from The Bold and the Beautiful.

oscars 2013

Oh what a night! This year the Oscars were all about sophistication, elegance, with just a little bit of cheek. Seth MacFarlane was a slightly awkward and surprising well-behaved host (most of the time), holding back a little bit on his usual risque humour, however the night was saved by the great combinations of presenters that read out the awards. Adele's performance of Skyfall, winner of best original song, was incredible and there was a heartfelt number performed by the Les Mis cast, as well as a standing ovation for Jennifer Hudson's song. Big congrats to Ang Lee for taking out the Best Director for Life of Pi (we cheered very loudly), Daniel Day-Lewis for Best Actor, Jennifer Lawrence for Best Actress (despite her on-stage stack), Christoph Waltz, Anne Hathaway and one over-zealous round of applause for Argo, winner of Best Picture!

our picks for best dressed

Naomi Watts 
100% flaw free. The asymmetric neckline and the all over glitz flattered everything and she just looked amazing, I can't even express how much I love this.

Samantha Barks

Her first Oscars for her first film and damn, she looked fine. Sam's dress was elegant, simple and sexy, the plunging neckline showing off that amazing body.

Amanda Seyfried

Absolutely stunning. The Les Mis girls really pulled out all the stops tonight, and Amanda was no exception. The cut and colour of this dress may be bland to some but she pulled it off looking beautiful as ever. The dress' texture made it interesting and the hair was simply perfect. 

Sally Field

You know what? It mightn't be the hippest or the sexiest gown on the carpet, but Sally proved that you can still dress like a superstar at 66 years of age. Props to Sally, she looked fab!

Special mentions also go to Jennifer Aniston in her simple-but-statement red gown, Sandra Bullock in her gorgeously embellished black dress that showed she still got it, and George Clooney's belle Stacy Keibler in sexy-sleek. 

            

no mour

Finally we come to the end of our Oscar journey. There's been ups and downs, laughter and tears, tigers roaring, peasants singing, presidents... presidenting. And now all we are left with left is Amour, the only foreign film nominated for the Best Picture title this year. Directed by Michael Haneke, this french film is about a different kind of love than the one we see in rom-coms; its about the love that remains after our faces have wrinkled and our boobs have sagged and we can never seem to remember where we put our keys. No, I'm not talking about the aftermath of a wild night, but Georges and Anne, married octogenarians whose life-long devotion is tested by Anne's sudden physical and mental deterioration. There aren't a lot of movies around about elderly folk, and none are more revealing than Amour about the struggles of growing old, particularly when the person you've spent your entire life with begins to crumble before your eyes.

rating: ★★★1/2
I couldn't help but have high hopes for Amour, because every review I came across gave it five stars. That's why, when I finally got to the advanced screening yesterday, I was wondering why this supposedly amazing, critically acclaimed masterpiece was sending me to sleep. For the first half hour of the film, I could barely keep my eyes open. I'm sorry, it sounds awful, but it's true. It wasn't so much the story that was lulling me off to slumber, but it was the way the movie was shot. I've heard Michael Haneke being praised for the way he holds the camera still in one position for minutes on end, but honestly, I don't want to watch someone washing the dishes for that long. I have enough of that in real life, thank you very much. Then there was the screenplay, which at times would be very clever and meaningful, while at others repetitive and inane, which I hope we can chalk up to being lost in translation.

Yet, after the slow-paced beginning, the movie took a turn. As Anne's health disintegrates, the film becomes more and more involving, and you find yourself empathising with Georges as he deals with his wife's growing senility. Suddenly, you have this highly confronting and overwhelmingly sad movie that, despite the characters age group, deals with some very contemporary issues. Emmanuelle Riva is living proof that you're never too old to act and my, my did she impress. This was a hugely demanding role and Emmanuelle pulled it off so flawlessly that I decided I want to be as awesome as her when I'm 86 (the age she just so happens to be turning on Oscar night, happy birthday Emmanuelle!). The movie did slow down again towards the end, at which stage the 127 minute running time started feeling like 127 hours, although I had no inkling to hack my arm off, which I'm interpreting as a good sign. Overall, I think this is an important film for people of all ages, and if you manage to stay awake for its duration, you'll hopefully feel that it was worth it, in the end.    

 

there's always a silver lining

We're on the home stretch now, with two days to go until Oscar time and two movies left to review. Silver Linings Playbook is the latest David O'Russell film, who apart from directing wrote the screenplay alongside Matthew Quick, author of the original novel this movie was adapted from. This is a lovely, quirky comedy/drama that follows the story of Pat (Bradley Cooper) in his attempt to reconcile his relationships with his family and wife after spending eight-months in a mental facility for bipolar. But of course, he meets a girl, an equally messed-up Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), with whom he finds solace in their shared dysfunction. Cue the ensuing hilarity and poignancy as the pair try to weather the storm that is mental disorder, with the help of a little football and a lot of dancing.

rating: ★★★1/2
This is such a charming/adorable/meaningful film that covers all bases. Its funny and sad and confronting and oddball in all the right amounts and it finds the perfect balance in portraying mental health issues for both their comedic and destructive nature. Its a really sincere movie, and I think David O'Russell's own experience of his son's mental disorder has contributed to that greatly. You can see he's put so much thought and heart into the direction, from the camera usage to the editing to the acting, all of which helps us understand what its like to be living with something like bipolar disorder. On top of that, you have such lovable characters: Pat is erratic, but loyal and affectionate, and its surely Bradley Cooper at his best. Then there's Tiffany, who is outspoken and wild and truthful and the role is filled fearlessly by the beautiful and talented Jennifer Lawrence (who already won at the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards for the part). Then there is Pat's parents, played perfectly by Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver (Aussie represent!), and Pat's best friend Danny (Chris Tucker) provides plenty of laughs.

While that's all the silver lining stuff, there was something a little off-putting about the first hour or so of the film. While the hand-held camera effect was meant to reflect Pat's mental state, I think in the beginning it was a bit too shaky, which made me feel a little uneasy. There was something that didn't sit quite right with the screenplay initially either, possibly how frank and upfront it was. I can't fully explain why, but there was just this pervasive sense of discomfort in the beginning. It didn't last though and eventually I settled in to enjoy that feel-good sensation of the warm-and-fuzzies in my tummy. This one is bound to make you smile.

Madolyn
rating: ★★★ 
I quite enjoyed this movie, but, unlike the other Best Picture nominees, it doesn't really stand out in any way as Oscar worthy. I guess it's nominated because of its quirky take on mental illness and relationships, putting a spin on the usual rom com, but really, it isn't revolutionary or anything. This is the 14th film in history to have nominees in all four acting categories, and I can see that they definitely deserve it. Not that they'll win, or anything, but Bradley Cooper's performance was great and made me love not only Pat, the character, but Bradley as an actor, too. I do think Jennifer Lawrence may have been too young for the role, but she seems to have pulled it off, and her bluntness and easy delivery of lines made Tiffany's character the perfect match for Bradley's. All in all, an enjoyable film, with a cute storyline and a few laughs thrown in, but definitely not the one to win the golden statue.
      

nought black 29+1

If you didn’t get that, that’s a really bad, top-secret code for Zero Dark Thirty, Best Picture nominee number 7 (we’re nearly at the end, I swear!). This time we have Kathryn Bigelow directing the true story of the decade long manhunt for Osama Bin Laden and the woman who devoted her life to his capture, played by Jessica Chastain, who has already taken the Lead Actress Golden Globe for the role. I’m raising the alert on this one; we have tons of political content, torture, terrorism, and some other not-so-nice stuff too, so it is by no means for the faint hearted.

rating: ★★★1/2
Before I review, I have to admit my bias: I generally run far, far away from anything that has anything to do with this kind of subject matter, in particular when it’s TRUE STORY. I find these kind of overt, patriotically American themes and negative representations of Islam pretty distasteful, and in truth I was not looking forward to seeing this movie. I didn’t particularly enjoy watching it either, but you’re not really supposed to. It is an extremely raw and uninhibited retelling of the events surrounding Osama Bin Laden’s death, which makes it confronting and frequently uncomfortable to watch. It lacked the security of fiction, which in my opinion contributed to the success of Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker, winner of Best Picture and Best Director among four other Oscars in 2010. I loved that movie, and Bigelow’s direction was far more present in that than in Zero Dark Thirty (possibly why she was snubbed like our poor Benny Afleck at this years Oscars), which is unfortunate as she is very talented.

The movie did have redeeming qualities, and I sure didn’t give it a three-and-a-half for nothing. Al Qaeda aside, the story of Maya (Jessica Chastain) is actually quite inspiring, with plenty of female empowerment and dedication to admire. Jessica Chastain continues to wow us all with her versatility (compare this role to Miss Celia Foote in The Help—I swear it’s not even the same person), not to mention she looks fucking badass in aviators. Great locations, fast-paced script, and Bigelow is proving herself a master of expressing human emotion. And I’ll hand it to her; she damn well knows how to do an ending.

where the wild things play

Oscar nominee number six is Benh Zeitlin’s wonderfully weird film, Beasts of the Southern Wild, which stars the oh-so-talented and gorgeous Quvenzhané Wallis (Kwuh-van-ja-nay, but her friends just call her Q!), the youngest person ever nominated for an Academy Award in the Lead Actress category. This is a very different kind of film. Ask anyone who’s seen it and I’m willing to bet they’ll struggle to tell you what it’s about. Effectively you have one little girl on one big adventure to save her hometown, a collection of shacks housing a ragtag community of people known as ‘The Bathtub’, from a destructive storm. But it’s about so much more; family, childhood, home, poverty, global warming, alcohol abuse, consumerism and where we belong in the big ol’ world. And all of this is wrapped up in a realistic fantasy that will shoot you off to a different planet for a couple of hours and send you on a magical journey with this ragamuffin child.

rating: ★★★1/2

This film is 100% unique and I’ll admit I went into a bit of a trance watching it. It was so strange and confronting at times that I even felt a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, which is very similar to the way I felt watching the movie version of Where the Wild Things Are, and it is the only movie I can liken to Beasts. Initially, I was confused. I didn’t really know what I was meant to be taking away from the film—what the meaning was—and I always find that highly disconcerting when I’m watching a movie. But eventually I settled down and just started going with the flow, the only thing you can do when you come across a movie like this. And when you let it take you for a ride, that’s when you start to understand. I think Quvenzhané’s character, Hushpuppy, best sums it up when she says:

“When it all goes quiet behind my eyes, I see everything that made me, flying around in invisible pieces. I see that I’m a little piece of a big, big universe”.

The movie is quite beautiful to watch and is filmed in some amazing locations. The hand-held camera effect and this kind of soft image made it all the more entrancing, but no aspect of the film was more mesmerising than Quvenzhané herself who, in my personal opinion, beat out all the other adult actors up for Female Lead. I really don’t understand how someone so tiny can have such huge acting chops! She made the movie for me and I can credit at least 3 of those stars to her alone. The direction by Benh Zeitlin was another success, and while the movie wasn’t exactly packed with dialogue, much of what was said captured that innocent wisdom of childhood. It’s arty and bizarre and not to everyone’s taste, but whether you like it or not, you have to admit, Beasts of the Southern Wild is pretty extraordinary.        

honestly abe

Movie number five in our Oscar overload is Steven Spielberg’s latest film, Lincoln. If the name isn’t recognisable (because you’ve been living under a rock since the early seventies), Spielberg is one of Hollywood’s most prolific directors, with much-loved titles such as War Horse, Catch Me If You Can, Schindler’s List, and of course E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial under his belt. His most recent directorial endeavour is based on the true story of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, and how he managed to abolish slavery in the 1860s; a time when beards were long, top hats were ridiculously tall and a civil war raged on. Caution: Lincoln contains lots of political shit.

rating: ★★★★1/4

It really doesn’t make sense that I loved this film so much: I don’t like American history, am generally bored to tears by political mumbo-jumbo, and the only eye-candy in the whole film was a bearded Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who never once took his shirt off. And yet, I thought this movie was bloody fantastic! Daniel Day-Lewis was absolutely amazing/inspiring/charming/faultless in his portrayal of Lincoln, because he managed to bring this image of an American hero down to earth and made him loveable and relatable. For me it was the best performance of all the males nominated for Best Leading Actor at the Oscars; not surprising when he’s supported by Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln and Tommy Lee Jones, both of whom were just awesome in general. The screenplay, adapted from Lincoln’s biography, ‘Team of Rivals’, by Doris Kearns Goodwin, found that perfect balance between a script that is political accurate (with lots of big political words), and a script that is understandable to the layman, with some witty one liners and uplifting speeches to keep the ball rolling. The historical element only made the film more awe-inspiring and epic, not to mention educational (although I think they left out the part with the vampire hunters???).  On top of all this, the sets and costumes made me wish I could teleport back to the 1860s, which is saying a lot considering there was a war going on and a lot of racial stuff was going down…

I'm not usually one to cop out and give a 1/4 star rating, but there was just something holding me back from giving an all-out 1/2. I will admit the movie was LONG, and there were probably one or two scenes that could have been done away with. There were also a few schmaltzy moments where the orchestra would swell just a little too inspirationally for my taste, however in saying that, for the most part the score was great; subtle and not too in-your-face. I realise this film definitely won’t be for everyone, but I do recommend a trip to the cinema. You never know, you might be pleasantly surprised.          

Madolyn

rating: ★★★

While there's not really any point in denying the critical brilliance of this movie, for me it just wasn't really a standout in any way. The best way I've seen it described is that it was just kind of...there. It was good, yes, but it wasn't entertaining, and that's what makes a movie for me. Also, it was really very long. Usually, as shown by my reviews of previous Oscar contenders, that's not really an issue for me, but this one didn't have the entertainment value to sustain it. That being said, I love Abraham Lincoln in all forms of himself, the vampire hunter version, the actual historical version and now the Daniel Day Lewis version. He was warm and inspirational and his love for telling stories was what kept me watching the film. DDL is definitely going to win the Best Actor for this role, because of his strength of character and also because he's portraying a great American hero, and, well, the Academy loves that. All in all, a good film if you're the Academy, sets and costume design and acting all brilliant, but if you're going to the cinema, prepare yourself for a hard slog - the road ahead is tough.

les magnifiques

Do you hear the people sing? The next hopeful for the title of Best Picture is the musical blockbuster Les Misérables, the newest in a string of adaptations of Victor Hugo's novel and directly based on the long-running stage musical written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg. The film is directed by Tom Hooper and features a star-studded ensemble of talented actors, including Anne Hathway (Fantine) and Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean) who have already won acclaim for their performances at the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs, to name a few. Set in post-revolutionary France, the film intertwines the stories of the rich and the poor, and their struggles to free themselves from whatever may be restricting them, whether it be Jean Valjean and his life on the run from Javert, or Enjolras and the rebels protesting the monarchy. Or, alternatively: a man stole some bread and shit went down. Now, the constant singing may not usually be your style, but you do get used to it after a few minutes and settle in to enjoy the beauty of the film.

rating: ★★★★1/2
I loved this movie with a capital L. While I've always been quite partial to a good musical, this was a spectacle unlike any other I've seen. If you aren't usually one for musicals, as I said before, it's easy to forget they're actually singing after a few minutes, because the music is so enchanting, so emotive, really furthering and expanding upon the story - sort of like a voice over, but better. It gives chills. The sets and costumes were wonderful, and although everything was rather dark and dirty, it really gave a feel of what the streets of France would have been like in the early 19th century. The storyline itself is heart wrenching (bring tissues) and the characters are well developed and it's very easy to get attached and empathise with them, especially as they sing away their feelings to the audience. Notable performances include, of course, Fantine's (Anne Hathaway) heartbreaking performance of "I Dreamed A Dream" which brought a tear to every eye in the cinema, and Éponine's (Samantha Barks, who, incidentally, had played Éponine in London in 2010-11, as well as the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert in 2010) sad solo "On My Own."

For me, there was really not much wrong with this film. I can see its two and a half hour run time being an issue for some people, and there are probably a few ways it could have been shortened, but I've seen it twice in the cinema and would happily watch it again, so it wasn't a problem for me. There's a little something for everyone, be it the singing, the story, the beautiful actors (cough Eddie Redmayne) or the bit of comedic relief through M. et Mme. Thénadier (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter), and the beautifully poignant finale scene will leave everyone full of emotion and ready to wave the red flag of 19th century revolution.

Blake

rating: ★★★★

This film sure is a spectacle like no other. 'Powerful' is the word I would use to describe the performances given by the incredible Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman, whose live singing added a whole new dimension to your everyday musical... and made it SO MUCH MORE. Everything about the making of this movie is seamless: costumes, set design, cinematography... all of it makes you feel like you're living through the revolution yourself. The direction by Tom Hooper (also directed a little movie called The King's Speech, you know, if that's something you're into) is wonderful, but I did have some issues with the editing of the film. Unlike Madolyn, I found the length of the film a little uncomfortable (make sure to empty those bladders!) and I felt some scenes, in particular those by Russell Crowe, and Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter, could have been cut down substantially. Neverless, this is a once-in-a-lifetime, not-to-be-missed, so-intensely-well-done-I-want-to-weep-a-little-bit film and I urge everyone, everywhere to clear their throats and be ready to sing your support!    

grammys 2013

This years Grammys, hosted by LL Cool J, were quite a spectacle. Only about 6 awards are actually presented during the televised ceremony, with the rest being awarded in a ceremony beforehand. Taylor Swift took her count to 7, while Jay Z collected his 18th golden gramophone, and Adele, as last years winner of everything ever, kept her speech short and sweet and hilarious. The many performances included acts by Ed Sheeran & Elton John, Maroon 5 & Alicia Keys, a stunning visual effects display by Carrie Underwood and a smashing (and controversial amongst some) opening by Taylor Swift, which featured an Alice in Wonderland theme quite unrelated to the song We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. Although at times the ceremony seemed to become one giant infomercial for LL Cool J, it was quite an enjoyable show, but I wish they presented more awards on stage!

our picks for best dressed

Rihanna
Rhianna looked stunning in this gorgeous red gown that was just the perfect mix between elegant and sexxxaay, and with her new hair and bold lips she looked as if she was born on the red carpet. And that's not all! She did two other performances in two equally perfect dresses. She was by far the best dressed of the night, all night. 10/10 Rihanna!

Taylor Swift
T Swiz has proved once again that she has a flare for picking dresses that are both youthful and mature all at once. The stunning white draping gave her gown a sophisticated beauty, while the geometric, silver elements and cut-outs kept it fresh and fun. Coupled with that oh-so-pretty hair style, Taylor looked like a Greek goddess - as usual.

Carrie Underwood
Carrie's fashion success came on two fronts; first on the red carpet, where she wore a beautiful, black dress, delicately embellished and tightly fitted to show off her wonderful figure. Then came her on-stage performance, in which her big, white ball gown fit for a princess acted as a projection screen. She got to wear butterfly wings, blooming roses and the galaxy, all on her dress front -- who doesn't want that?!

Some other red carpet highly commendables include Beyonce in her figure-hugging pant-suit, Amber Rose, whose pregnant glow was practically blinding she was gleaming so, and Natasha Bedingfield with a red cut-out gown that toyed with the strict dress code just the right amount!

its pi's life (and we're just visiting)

It’s closing in on Oscar time, and with two movies down we still have seven to review before the big day (so excuse the abundance of film reviews, it’s not the only thing I can write about… I think). The next movie up for the Oscar glory is Ang Lee’s Life of Pi, which has been dubbed one of the best uses of 3D film-making thus far. Yann Martel’s best-selling novel of the same name has been adapted as a visual feast in its depiction of the young Pi (Suraj Sharma) on a high-sea adventure, trapped on a small lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. As one who had read and loved Martel’s book, I was keen to see how this adaptation would fare amongst so many failed book-to-screen attempts. 

rating: ★★★★

This has got to be one of, if not THE PRETTIEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN. I’m not usually one to enjoy a movie where essentially the only piece of set necessary is a green screen, but what Life of Pi managed to do with CGI is incredible, and you just lose yourself in it. The visual imagery gave the story something the book could not, and that has been vital in separating the book from the movie (and in my opinion, to succeed in an page-to-screen adaptation is to either follow the book to a T, or find a way to make the movie an entirely different experience). To top this off, the way 3D has been used only adds to the visual effect and it’s up there with James Cameron’s Avatar as one of the very few films better with 3D effects than without. Suraj Sharma gives a brave and lovable (seriously, adorable) performance as Pi, and although he might not be nominated yet, I think he has a bright future ahead of him in the biz.

I have very few issues with the film, although the ending didn’t quite carry it home the way I wanted it to. Having read the book, I am a little (a lot) biased, so I also feel they left out important plot movements of the original story and opted for a movie where not much happens for a hefty portion of its duration. I am not by any means saying it is boring – in fact, this story of a boy-stuck-at-sea happens to be one of the most captivating I have ever seen.      

Madolyn 

rating: ★★★1/2

It's been a while since I watched this one, I saw it in December at a preview screening at the Vmax cinema in the city - and if this movie isn't the perfect film for THE BIGGEST CINEMA EVER then I don't know what is. The size of the screen went hand in hand with the scale of the scenery and the story of this film. Suraj Sharma was brilliant, especially when you consider he was acting alone opposite nothing in front of a green screen for most of the film, the fact that he can't swim and the other fact that he only went along to the audition because his brother promised him a Subway. I think he deserved a nom but that's just me! I haven't read the book, so I can't comment on the page-to-screen aspect, and I can see how, for some, the film could have been quite boring and pointless, because of its stretches of seascape and loneliness, and it isn't a film packed with entertainment, but its magnificent beauty certainly makes up for all that in my eyes.