Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Ahoy there.
I was a bit unsure about seeing Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. When the first films came out, I was a fair bit younger and was the right target audience for the films; this time round I thought that the film might border on being a bit childish for me. I was very wrong. Still funny, still exciting, but somewhat darker; the Pirates franchise seems to have followed in the footsteps of Harry Potter - it grows with its original audience. Pirates 4 is still suitable for younger audiences but is kept exciting and captivating for older audiences too. There was something for everyone, including, of course, the gorgeous Johnny Depp for the girls to swoon over while the guys were kept occupied with a swarm of beautiful mermaids (and not forgetting Penelope Cruz as a very convincing pirate herself).
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Hey Summer.
I have finally finished my second year of university, after a lovely little exam this morning, and so I'm hoping to get a lot more content on here soon! Tomorrow I will be seeing the new Pirates of the Caribbean film, which I'm very excited about, and The Hangover: Part II on Thursday - I'm sure it won't be as good as the first film, and there probably won't be enough of Justin Bartha in it, but I look forward to it anyway! Also, I'm going to see Olly Murs on Tuesday which I am really looking forward to; saw him live a year ago at a small club gig and I loved it. I've got a huge stack of books to read too; so far I've made a start on Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, and I want to read The Catcher in the Rye again pretty soon - on top of this I have the complete works of Aristophanes, Menander: The Plays and Fragments, a study guide on Aristophane's Lysistrata, and The Aeneid, all of which needed to be read and studied in detail before I embark on my final year of study. My Journalism Diploma needs to be completed too or else I will never get round to it! I have also got to get a move on with the househunting, so I'm being kept very busy these next few weeks. Wish me luck...
Friday, 20 May 2011
Nobody's Perfect
Beautiful lyrics, beautiful song. It is getting me through my revision. After tomorrow, when my exam is over, I will be blogging a lot more!
Monday, 16 May 2011
Pluckley after dark.
Last night we visited the most haunted village in Britain; Pluckley. While we definitely had a laugh, it was not very scary at all. I think the company didn't help with the atmosphere; the younger lads took it as an excuse to get a bit drunk and compete against who was least scared, the older guys took a different approach - one continuously making jokes (which we love him for - although he did apologise later via text for 'excessive joking and ruining the atmosphere') and the other claimed me as his victim and kept trying to scare me. I am far braver than he expected.
I couldn't help get the feeling that the place would be a great setting for a horror film though, as it's surrounded by deep, dark woods and has a reputation for ghosts and ghouls. However, it turns out the only thing to have been filmed there with any significance is The Darling Buds of May. Not too scary, then.
I couldn't help get the feeling that the place would be a great setting for a horror film though, as it's surrounded by deep, dark woods and has a reputation for ghosts and ghouls. However, it turns out the only thing to have been filmed there with any significance is The Darling Buds of May. Not too scary, then.
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Wow.
I watched one of my favourite films last night. 'Boy A', starring Andrew Garfield and based on the best-selling novel by Jonathan Trigell, is a beautiful piece of cinema that still remains relatively unknown. It is one of those films that I always recommend to my friends to watch, and they always come back to me saying exactly the same thing; they loved it, but it made them really question their beliefs on the subject matter.
Andrew Garfield gives one of the best performances I've ever seen as Jack Burridge
For those unfamiliar with the film, directed by John Crowley, it follows the story of Eric Wilson (played by Garfield); or 'Jack Burridge', as he is now known. Eric is released from prison and given his new identity, and with the help of his guidance counsellor attempts to reintegrate himself back into society. It is revealed through flashbacks why he was in the prison in the first place - as a young pre-teen boy, he played some role in the brutal attack and murder of a female classmate. While his friend Philip was also incarcerated, we find out that he would go on to kill himself in prison.
You don't ever want to feel sympathy for someone capable of the murder of a child, but when the killer is just a child them self, it does get more complicated. Add to this that we are only ever shown Eric as a vulnerable, quiet young boy who just seems to have fallen in with the wrong crowd by befriending Philip, and you've got yourself a heartbreaking story of Burridge's life after prison. The film explores Burridge's post-prison life through his job, friendships and forging of a new relationship, all the while under the watchful eye of his counsellor (played by Peter Mullan). The similarities between the story and the real-life murder of toddler James Bulger has been drawn upon many times and so I will not go into too much detail here, but this is certainly a film I recommend everyone to see in their lifetime.
See if you liked: Never Let Me Go, Intermission
Rating: 5/5
Andrew Garfield gives one of the best performances I've ever seen as Jack Burridge
For those unfamiliar with the film, directed by John Crowley, it follows the story of Eric Wilson (played by Garfield); or 'Jack Burridge', as he is now known. Eric is released from prison and given his new identity, and with the help of his guidance counsellor attempts to reintegrate himself back into society. It is revealed through flashbacks why he was in the prison in the first place - as a young pre-teen boy, he played some role in the brutal attack and murder of a female classmate. While his friend Philip was also incarcerated, we find out that he would go on to kill himself in prison.
You don't ever want to feel sympathy for someone capable of the murder of a child, but when the killer is just a child them self, it does get more complicated. Add to this that we are only ever shown Eric as a vulnerable, quiet young boy who just seems to have fallen in with the wrong crowd by befriending Philip, and you've got yourself a heartbreaking story of Burridge's life after prison. The film explores Burridge's post-prison life through his job, friendships and forging of a new relationship, all the while under the watchful eye of his counsellor (played by Peter Mullan). The similarities between the story and the real-life murder of toddler James Bulger has been drawn upon many times and so I will not go into too much detail here, but this is certainly a film I recommend everyone to see in their lifetime.
See if you liked: Never Let Me Go, Intermission
Rating: 5/5
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Wasted in Jackson
Before I forget, I thought I would publish my interview with singer-songwriter Lauren Pritchard from late last year. Her debut album, Wasted in Jackson, is available to buy or download now.
Lauren Pritchard
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, talent from all the over the world would flock to the United States in an attempt to “make it big”. Actors, models and musicians would not have been accomplished without the likes of Hollywood and New York, where they could work as a waitress in a sleazy diner during the day while doing what they loved at night, waiting for their big break. But oh, how times have changed. The United Kingdom, home of music mogul Simon Cowell and his entourage, is finally getting the recognition it deserves in the music industry; so much so that there has been a recent influx of American musicians heading to London to get their big break. One such musician is newcomer Lauren Pritchard, who has spent her summer on the Island Life Tour (ridding us of stereotypical views of working in a diner whilst trying to pursue a career in music), and whose debut album, Wasted in Jackson, was released on October 25th.
“The UK is so much older than America, and is so rooted in itself and its traditions and that is never broken. I love that.” Lauren certainly has strong feelings about the UK, and therefore it is not suprising that she chose to uproot herself, and her life, and head to London to kick-start her career. Not that her decision to become a singer was an impulsive one; Miss Pritchard grew up in Tennessee (home to musical legends Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Otis Redding) and appeared onstage in the Broadway version of Spring Awakening, playing Ilse. Lauren Pritchard had music running through her veins, and was more than willing to share it. Her highlights of the year include some of the biggest venues in the United Kingdom; “We got the play the Glasgow Concert Hall opening for Sharleen Spiteri this summer, that was amazing! And Glastonbury & Latitude festivals”.
Her debut album has been a long time coming for her devoted fans. Speaking of the writing process, (and of course, as any musician worth their salt would, she wrote each song herself) Lauren explains “It was a much needed process of penning down my real thoughts. Not just what I thought people would want to hear. I didn't mind saying things that blunt and truthful. And Eg White (the producer) and I had a blast in the studio playing all the instruments and composing the songs to what we'd enjoy. I loved every minute of it because I got the chance to make the album I wanted”. Clearly devoted to each song, does she have a favourite? “My favourite track is "Try A Little Harder" because it's about seeing beyond the outer surface and helping out. It's always meant a lot to me.”
Lauren has made a name for herself through working alongside acts who are already well established. She has supported the likes of Paul Weller and James Morrison earlier in the year, both of which are experiences which she has cherished. “They are both ace artists”, she says, before listing other musical influences such as Eminem, Billy Joel, Marvin Gaye and Alanis Morrisette; a real mixed bag of music, which might explain how her own music is indescribably non-generic. A dash of country, rock, pop and soul come together in her remarkable medleys which are sure to make her a household name within the next twelve months. She plans to continue touring now that her album has been released, and has hopes to take her music back home with her and tour the States. But for the meantime, she is our gem living in the UK and sharing her voice with the willing public. We are certainly lucky that she brought her music across the Atlantic and to our stages. But is there anything she misses about home? “I miss my family and friends…I miss driving. I miss the food!” And with that, we have a true American who has blessed the UK with her presence and her music.
© Kerrie Body
Lauren Pritchard
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, talent from all the over the world would flock to the United States in an attempt to “make it big”. Actors, models and musicians would not have been accomplished without the likes of Hollywood and New York, where they could work as a waitress in a sleazy diner during the day while doing what they loved at night, waiting for their big break. But oh, how times have changed. The United Kingdom, home of music mogul Simon Cowell and his entourage, is finally getting the recognition it deserves in the music industry; so much so that there has been a recent influx of American musicians heading to London to get their big break. One such musician is newcomer Lauren Pritchard, who has spent her summer on the Island Life Tour (ridding us of stereotypical views of working in a diner whilst trying to pursue a career in music), and whose debut album, Wasted in Jackson, was released on October 25th.
“The UK is so much older than America, and is so rooted in itself and its traditions and that is never broken. I love that.” Lauren certainly has strong feelings about the UK, and therefore it is not suprising that she chose to uproot herself, and her life, and head to London to kick-start her career. Not that her decision to become a singer was an impulsive one; Miss Pritchard grew up in Tennessee (home to musical legends Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Otis Redding) and appeared onstage in the Broadway version of Spring Awakening, playing Ilse. Lauren Pritchard had music running through her veins, and was more than willing to share it. Her highlights of the year include some of the biggest venues in the United Kingdom; “We got the play the Glasgow Concert Hall opening for Sharleen Spiteri this summer, that was amazing! And Glastonbury & Latitude festivals”.
Her debut album has been a long time coming for her devoted fans. Speaking of the writing process, (and of course, as any musician worth their salt would, she wrote each song herself) Lauren explains “It was a much needed process of penning down my real thoughts. Not just what I thought people would want to hear. I didn't mind saying things that blunt and truthful. And Eg White (the producer) and I had a blast in the studio playing all the instruments and composing the songs to what we'd enjoy. I loved every minute of it because I got the chance to make the album I wanted”. Clearly devoted to each song, does she have a favourite? “My favourite track is "Try A Little Harder" because it's about seeing beyond the outer surface and helping out. It's always meant a lot to me.”
Lauren has made a name for herself through working alongside acts who are already well established. She has supported the likes of Paul Weller and James Morrison earlier in the year, both of which are experiences which she has cherished. “They are both ace artists”, she says, before listing other musical influences such as Eminem, Billy Joel, Marvin Gaye and Alanis Morrisette; a real mixed bag of music, which might explain how her own music is indescribably non-generic. A dash of country, rock, pop and soul come together in her remarkable medleys which are sure to make her a household name within the next twelve months. She plans to continue touring now that her album has been released, and has hopes to take her music back home with her and tour the States. But for the meantime, she is our gem living in the UK and sharing her voice with the willing public. We are certainly lucky that she brought her music across the Atlantic and to our stages. But is there anything she misses about home? “I miss my family and friends…I miss driving. I miss the food!” And with that, we have a true American who has blessed the UK with her presence and her music.
© Kerrie Body
Upcoming Reviews
Within the next week or so, expect to see pieces on:
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
The Hangover Part II
Priest
Something Borrowed
I'm also looking forward to seeing Olly Murs live on May 24th, so I'm sure I can get a cheeky piece on that in here too!
I may also be putting up some opinion pieces on more classic films that I come across in the next few days whilst avoiding revision.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
The Hangover Part II
Priest
Something Borrowed
I'm also looking forward to seeing Olly Murs live on May 24th, so I'm sure I can get a cheeky piece on that in here too!
I may also be putting up some opinion pieces on more classic films that I come across in the next few days whilst avoiding revision.
Horrible Bosses Trailer
Jason Bateman is one of my favourite actors at the moment, particularly after his performances in 'Juno' and 'The Switch' (which I enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would). Therefore I cannot wait for 'Horrible Bosses', the story of three friends who decide to have their bosses killed for making their lives a misery. Add to this Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell (almost unrecognisable as a balding, creepy middle-aged man)as two of the bosses, and this looks like a film which I will really want to see.
Release Date: 22nd July 2011
Release Date: 22nd July 2011
Insidious
James Wan's Insidious is quite possibly genius. When Josh (Patrick Wilson) and Renai (Rose Byrne) move their family into a new house, it is not long before Renai and her eldest son Dalton begin to experience strange goings-on. After a bump to the head when exploring a mysterious noise, Dalton slips into a 'coma'; except medically speaking, it is not a coma, and no doctor can explain what it is. After three months, Dalton is moved home under Renai's care and the hauntings become so frightful that she insists they move to a different house. However, it soon emerges that it was not the house that was haunted - it was Dalton. Only Josh, with the help of unintentionally hilarious 'ghost busters' (adding a touch of light relief to the chilling tale), can save his son, by entering 'The Further' in order to bring him back, but before he can do this, he must face his own past and his own ghosts.
Rose Byrne is fantastic as stay-at-home mum Renai
The first five minutes of Insidious is enough to send chills down your spine. It is pure 'classic horror', and although the opening titles seem to drag on a bit, it gives the desired effect. Rose Byrne is perfect as the stay-at-home-mother pursuing a musical career, whilst Patrick Wilson charms audiences with his 'not-so-perfect husband' attitude. His disbelief of his wife spurs the movie into further chaos when the reason behind their son's condition is revealed, and Wilson portrays the character with conviction.
Patrick Wilson charms audiences as non-believer Josh
That being said, things take a slightly crazy turn towards the end, beginning with a séance attempting to contact Dalton and other spirits. Although it was still quite scary, you cannot help but find it hilarious at the same time (keep an eye open for the special apparatus required to contact the spirits). Josh's visit into 'The Further' is intriguing, and ties together any loose ends that had been unravelled throughout the film. Wan does a great job of creating suspense, horrific images and eerie music ('Tiptoe Through the Tulips' will forever haunt any viewers) and bringing them together to create a horror worthy of appraisal, and one that should be remembered alongside classics such as Psycho, The Amityville Horror, and A Nightmare on Elm Street.
See if you liked: Paranormal Activity, The Amityville Horror
Rating: 4.5/5
Rose Byrne is fantastic as stay-at-home mum Renai
The first five minutes of Insidious is enough to send chills down your spine. It is pure 'classic horror', and although the opening titles seem to drag on a bit, it gives the desired effect. Rose Byrne is perfect as the stay-at-home-mother pursuing a musical career, whilst Patrick Wilson charms audiences with his 'not-so-perfect husband' attitude. His disbelief of his wife spurs the movie into further chaos when the reason behind their son's condition is revealed, and Wilson portrays the character with conviction.
Patrick Wilson charms audiences as non-believer Josh
That being said, things take a slightly crazy turn towards the end, beginning with a séance attempting to contact Dalton and other spirits. Although it was still quite scary, you cannot help but find it hilarious at the same time (keep an eye open for the special apparatus required to contact the spirits). Josh's visit into 'The Further' is intriguing, and ties together any loose ends that had been unravelled throughout the film. Wan does a great job of creating suspense, horrific images and eerie music ('Tiptoe Through the Tulips' will forever haunt any viewers) and bringing them together to create a horror worthy of appraisal, and one that should be remembered alongside classics such as Psycho, The Amityville Horror, and A Nightmare on Elm Street.
See if you liked: Paranormal Activity, The Amityville Horror
Rating: 4.5/5
Water for Elephants
Set in 1930s America, Water for Elephants tells the tale of young college drop-out Jacob Jankowski (played by Robert Pattinson), who, homeless and orphaned, jumps aboard a train out of town only to find himself immersed in the world of the Benzini Bros travelling circus. His wit, charm and expertise land him a permanent home on-board as a vet, and later trainer of the circus' biggest attraction; Rosie the elephant. However, life in the circus is not as glamorous as it would appear and Jacob soon learns that he will have to choose between the welfare of the animals and his friends, or saving the beautiful Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) from her unhappy life as the wife of the owner.
Although Pattinson sticks to his 'sultry but sexy' pouting throughout the film, his scenes with the elephant show a far softer, more vulnerable side to the actor
First of all, Pattinson's sultry-look throughout the film has to be acknowledged. Many have argued against his skills as an actor and have instead suggested that he sulks and pouts his way through every movie he is in. Whilst I cannot argue against this, Water for Elephants has given Rob a chance to show a more vulnerable side to his sultriness. The scenes between Rob and Tai (who plays Rosie) are heart wrenching, and demonstrates that Pattinson is able to do far more than just look sexy in front of the camera.
Others have commented on a lack of chemistry between Pattinson and Witherspoon, but I am forced to ask them what film they were watching. Witherspoon dazzles as the circus performer trapped in a turbulent marriage to August, owner of the Benzini Bros Circus, and herself and Pattinson radiate with such an intensity that it almost bursts through the screen. Despite the age difference, the romance between the two characters is entirely believable and both Pattinson and Witherspoon deserve credit for their passionate portrayals. That Witherspoon performed her own routines with the elephant is amazing in itself.
Reese Witherspoon is as stunning as ever as circus performer Marlena
Which brings us to the biggest star of the show; Tai, who performs beautifully as Rosie, the circus' first elephant act. Those involved with the production have insisted that no animals were mistreated during the filming (or training), and so Tai deserves a flood of nominations for the sheer beauty of the performances. The film is worth the ticket price alone just to see this magnificent creature in all its glory. Add to this the stunning visuals and music, and you have yourself one of the greatest films to have been released in 2011, and one definitely worthy of an Oscar nod.
See if you liked: Alice in Wonderland, Adventureland
Rating: 4/5
Although Pattinson sticks to his 'sultry but sexy' pouting throughout the film, his scenes with the elephant show a far softer, more vulnerable side to the actor
First of all, Pattinson's sultry-look throughout the film has to be acknowledged. Many have argued against his skills as an actor and have instead suggested that he sulks and pouts his way through every movie he is in. Whilst I cannot argue against this, Water for Elephants has given Rob a chance to show a more vulnerable side to his sultriness. The scenes between Rob and Tai (who plays Rosie) are heart wrenching, and demonstrates that Pattinson is able to do far more than just look sexy in front of the camera.
Others have commented on a lack of chemistry between Pattinson and Witherspoon, but I am forced to ask them what film they were watching. Witherspoon dazzles as the circus performer trapped in a turbulent marriage to August, owner of the Benzini Bros Circus, and herself and Pattinson radiate with such an intensity that it almost bursts through the screen. Despite the age difference, the romance between the two characters is entirely believable and both Pattinson and Witherspoon deserve credit for their passionate portrayals. That Witherspoon performed her own routines with the elephant is amazing in itself.
Reese Witherspoon is as stunning as ever as circus performer Marlena
Which brings us to the biggest star of the show; Tai, who performs beautifully as Rosie, the circus' first elephant act. Those involved with the production have insisted that no animals were mistreated during the filming (or training), and so Tai deserves a flood of nominations for the sheer beauty of the performances. The film is worth the ticket price alone just to see this magnificent creature in all its glory. Add to this the stunning visuals and music, and you have yourself one of the greatest films to have been released in 2011, and one definitely worthy of an Oscar nod.
See if you liked: Alice in Wonderland, Adventureland
Rating: 4/5
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