I have well and truly neglected my blog for the past couple of months, hell, the last year but now that my time at uni is over with I'm hoping to get the reviews flowing again. Firstly though, I have some exciting news to share with you all!
Two months ago I handed my dissertation in (for those interested it was on whether science news is misrepresented in British tabloid newspapers), which was the single most difficult task of my life so far. Not knowing if I was writing it up correctly, worrying about not making it to 10,000 words, then going over the word count and having to cut out irrelevant rambling; these are just a few of the problems anyone who has written/going to write a dissertation will encounter.
The amount of work and effort I put in and not knowing whether it was complete rubbish or not until results were released earlier this week was extremely painful, as with all the other assignments I was yet to learn the outcomes for.
But without further ado, I am completely delighted to announce that I will be graduating on the 17 July with a FIRST CLASS HONOURS DEGREE IN JOURNALISM! Words really cannot express how amazing it felt to find out that I did exactly what I needed to do to get the First, which was to get a First in every one of my modules during this last year.
Although I am looking for jobs/internships in Journalism, I am also thinking about joining the Metropolitan Police and have an assessment day on the Tuesday before my graduation, so as you can imagine I'm still a little nervous.
In terms of the whole university experience I wouldn't change any of it. It enabled me to learn the basics of life, including how to deal with the stresses of bills and landlords. I also met my partner of nearly three years there, and have achieved more than I could have ever imagined.
Anyway, that's enough from me for one post. Keep an eye out for the next review on 22 Jump Street!
Sunday, 6 July 2014
Monday, 17 February 2014
Don Juan or Don Jon?
No longer a taboo, the issue of sex/porn addiction has manifested itself in a diverse array of films recently, from Steve McQueen’s Shame to the light-hearted frivolity of Thanks for Sharing.
Actor-turned-writer/director, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Jon) stars in Don Jon, a romantic comedy for the modern man. Jon is a latterday Lothario whose expectations of sex are shaped by porn: he feels it’s more superior to “real sex” because the women do things real girlfriends won’t.
The New Jersey playboy mentions in a voiceover the few things he cares about in his life. These being his body, his pad, his ride, his family, his church, his boys, his girls and his porn. When he finally meets the girl of his dreams, Barbara (Scarlett Johansson), he promises to put aside his love for porn, but fails. Jon learns Barbara is hooked on the dopey Hollywood love stories that give her unrealistic expectations of men, but she denies his defensive theory of romcoms being her porn: “They give out awards for that stuff!” Cue the obvious comeback.
Only when he starts to connect with a night-school classmate (Julianne Moore) who has experienced both ends of the human interaction spectrum, from pleasure to extreme heartache and pain, is it that he begins to understand what it means to lose yourself in someone else. We are not shown how much progress Jon makes after this discovery, but it seems as though he may have matured and overcome his selfish, one-sided demands.
Though this film is patently full of satire, like the extreme guido accent demonstrated by all of the cast, or Jon’s extra sleazy friends who rate women on a scale from one to ten. However, the themes which emerge; male/female expectations of partners, love and porn are not to be forgotten.
This certainly won’t find a mainstream audience but it is a fresh, entertaining and well acted piece that at times, like Jon tries a little too hard, but put that down to an eager, skilled first time-director.
The DVD release date is March 24.
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
"Did you miss me?"
Well, yes actually, I did, but just like that the third series of Sherlock on BBC1 has exited our screens as quickly as it had returned on New Year’s Day.
After two years of theorising and troubling our little heads over how Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) could have possibly faked his own death and then teased to the point where we might not ever know, creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat decide to drop another cliffhanger and cause even more speculation: *SPOILER ALERT* Moriarty is alive.
Sunday night’s finale, His Last Vow, left me staring at my TV long after the credits had finished, with the image of Sherlock’s archenemy, Moriarty looking back at me. Moffat, who wrote the episode, is an excellent storyteller and the episode was exquisitely well done . The false ending complete with the interrupted opening bars of theme tune was brilliantly playful and clever. It was near perfect in my eyes.
Fans and critics alike expressed their annoyance over a lack of answers in the first episode of the series, The Empty Hearse, and their grievances over a lack of crime-solving and how the second episode, The Sign of Three was too self-indulgent and crime free, but I don’t get it.
The first episode deals with the dilemma of having to bring Sherlock back from the dead triumphantly, or exploits it to the fullest, depending on whether you were one of those critics. Having admired Derren Brown’s work for the past ten years it is wonderful to see his cameo at the very beginning of the episode, unfortunately it was in one of the conspiracies.
Of course the second episode could have benefited from a few chops and changes, but the endless flow of wit, intelligence and originality being delivered by all of the characters helps eliminate these insignificantly small flaws. Whether it’s sharing Sherlock’s shock and terror in tackling his hardest challenge yet: delivering the Best Man’s speech at Dr Watson and Mary’s (Martin Freeman and real-life partner Amanda Abbington) wedding, or Mrs Hudson (the magnificent Una Stubbs), landlady of 221b Baker Street, finding the idea of him making a speech so funny that she could release a sound that could only be described as “torturing an owl.”
As for the last episode, an adaptation of Conan Doyle’s The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton for the modern age, it saw the rise and fall of disturbing antagonist Charles Augustus Magnussen, played by Lars Mikkelsen (The Killing), brother of Mads Mikkelsen, (yes Dr Lecter from the TV show Hannibal) adds a sharp, cold contrast to the unhinged dramatics of Moriarty.
Laced with surprises throughout, His Last Vow doesn’t fail to shock. Some of these include, Sherlock in a relationship and even an engagement with Janine, admitting he faked the capacity to love and only used her as she was Magnussen’s PA, and Janine selling her story to every tabloid that would listen to the second most shocking twist of the episode… Mary shooting and nearly killing Sherlock. Who knew? Mary, the deadly ex-assassin.
Not to mention how incredibly stunning the visuals are. Entering Sherlock’s ‘mind palace’ was a throughly enjoyable experience, even if he was dying. In the three-seconds before he falls unconscious we are treated to appearances from his old dog Red Beard and Moriarty who is in a straitjacket and chained to a padded cell of death.
The fantastic news for us is not only are there plans for series four get under way as soon as Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman’s schedules permit, (hopefully that doesn’t mean another two year wait) but co-creators announced to the audience at the Bafta screening of the finale that they’ve plotted the whole of series four and five and the ideas are the best they’ve ever had! And after the genius twists and turns of the last episode, you’ll know that’s setting the bar pretty high!
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
All pain, no gain
I had been hearing a lot from people about this latest Michael Bay action/black comedy, a lot of good mixed with an impressive amount of bad and thus decided it was time for me to have my opinion on the film.
Knowing the film is based on a true crime case (written up by Miami New Times journalist Pete Collins) meant that before I sat down to watch Pain & Gain I had to research every last detail. The more I discovered the more and more horrified I became.
Mark Wahlberg is Daniel Lugo, a Floridian fitness fanatic, bodybuilder and personal trainer, and former conman who believes life has cheated him out of his American dream. Inspired after a motivational seminar he decides to become "a doer" by getting rich quick with the help of two fellow gym members Adrian Doorbal (Anthony Mackie), and recently released convict and born again christian Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson). Dwayne's character is a combination of people involved and he shows terrific comedic timing and puts in a very rounded performance. Together they plot to kidnap Lugo's rich Columbian client and torture him until he signs over everything he owns, only after many failed attempts though.
Time and time again the audience are reminded that although the events seem unbelievable; something only a crazy person would make up, it is a mostly true story with only 'minor' details changed. Well, apart from the fact that the Sun Gym Gang members were dangerous, murderous, relentless criminals, and the way they are depicted in the film is unjust to the surviving victim and the murdered victims' families.
Michael Bay. He brought us the likes of Pearl Harbour, Armageddon and the Transformers trilogy, all of which were interesting to say the least... He has a very distinct style, he knows what he likes and he knows what he wants, unfortunately he doesn't know what the audience wants. Explosions, excessive slow-motion shots, knee height tilted shots, plastic caucasian women, stereotypes, distasteful angles, quick cuts, that orange tint added to the visuals and longer than it should be - all present, as with every Michael Bay movie.
I really thought that just looking at the case it had the potential to be such a brilliant film. Another true story converted to film that springs to mind and that worked is Donnie Brasco, starring Johnny Depp, which I really enjoyed. I can't help but feel perhaps with the work of the Coen Brothers this would have been a much, much better film, minus the disrespect. Had this not been a true case maybe it might've worked a bit better as a black comedy from the criminals' point of view. However, it is not and therefore it doesn't work for me. If you want to see it, fine, but I wouldn't waste your money.
Knowing the film is based on a true crime case (written up by Miami New Times journalist Pete Collins) meant that before I sat down to watch Pain & Gain I had to research every last detail. The more I discovered the more and more horrified I became.
Mark Wahlberg is Daniel Lugo, a Floridian fitness fanatic, bodybuilder and personal trainer, and former conman who believes life has cheated him out of his American dream. Inspired after a motivational seminar he decides to become "a doer" by getting rich quick with the help of two fellow gym members Adrian Doorbal (Anthony Mackie), and recently released convict and born again christian Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson). Dwayne's character is a combination of people involved and he shows terrific comedic timing and puts in a very rounded performance. Together they plot to kidnap Lugo's rich Columbian client and torture him until he signs over everything he owns, only after many failed attempts though.
Time and time again the audience are reminded that although the events seem unbelievable; something only a crazy person would make up, it is a mostly true story with only 'minor' details changed. Well, apart from the fact that the Sun Gym Gang members were dangerous, murderous, relentless criminals, and the way they are depicted in the film is unjust to the surviving victim and the murdered victims' families.
Michael Bay. He brought us the likes of Pearl Harbour, Armageddon and the Transformers trilogy, all of which were interesting to say the least... He has a very distinct style, he knows what he likes and he knows what he wants, unfortunately he doesn't know what the audience wants. Explosions, excessive slow-motion shots, knee height tilted shots, plastic caucasian women, stereotypes, distasteful angles, quick cuts, that orange tint added to the visuals and longer than it should be - all present, as with every Michael Bay movie.
I really thought that just looking at the case it had the potential to be such a brilliant film. Another true story converted to film that springs to mind and that worked is Donnie Brasco, starring Johnny Depp, which I really enjoyed. I can't help but feel perhaps with the work of the Coen Brothers this would have been a much, much better film, minus the disrespect. Had this not been a true case maybe it might've worked a bit better as a black comedy from the criminals' point of view. However, it is not and therefore it doesn't work for me. If you want to see it, fine, but I wouldn't waste your money.
Friday, 30 August 2013
"Down on Jump Street. 37 Jump Street...Wait, that doesn't sound right."
In the light of Channing Tatum's cheeky teaser picture showing the script for '22 Jump Street,' it would only be appropriate for this review to be on its predecessor.
21 Jump Street probably means very little to those in the UK, especially if they are under the age of 30. Essentially it means that Johnny Depp - heartthrob, oddball, swashbuckler - whatever you want to call him was given his breakout role. Cops chosen for their sprightly looks posed as teenagers to crack down on youth crime, but it never really took off here like it did in America. And this hilariously immature comedy is a play on that premise.
The storyline is fairly simple: Worst enemies in high school but now best friends, these two very different and useless cops (Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill) screw up one too many times and are sent undercover as students to bust a drugs ring, or as 'Ice Cube' says "infiltrate the dealers, find the supplier."
This requires them to relive their high school years, much to the surprise of Jenko (Tatum) things are the complete opposite.
More than just another stoner movie, co-written by Michael Bacall it is perhaps no surprise that this particular 'teen' comedy has the intellectual edge over films in this genre. The humour varies from slapstick to irony, then back again and then to everything in-between. It is very easy to miss a joke as they come so quickly and frequently that by the time you've finished laughing at the previous joke another is not too far behind and you're laughing again.
One of the best assets of 21 Jump Street is the Tatum/Hill partnership. On paper it just doesn't make any sense. However, on screen the pair are hysterical as that initial mismatch transforms right before our eyes into a brilliant casting decision.
As with most films in the action genre this plays on the conventions associated with them; from the overly long car chase sequence to the mostly anticipated gasoline explosion but with a twist.
This won't be everybody's cup of tea but if you're looking for a light comedy with a couple of twists along the way, and even a little bit emotionally compelling then it's worth a watch.
22 Jump Street is expected for release June 2014.
21 Jump Street probably means very little to those in the UK, especially if they are under the age of 30. Essentially it means that Johnny Depp - heartthrob, oddball, swashbuckler - whatever you want to call him was given his breakout role. Cops chosen for their sprightly looks posed as teenagers to crack down on youth crime, but it never really took off here like it did in America. And this hilariously immature comedy is a play on that premise.
The storyline is fairly simple: Worst enemies in high school but now best friends, these two very different and useless cops (Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill) screw up one too many times and are sent undercover as students to bust a drugs ring, or as 'Ice Cube' says "infiltrate the dealers, find the supplier."
This requires them to relive their high school years, much to the surprise of Jenko (Tatum) things are the complete opposite.
More than just another stoner movie, co-written by Michael Bacall it is perhaps no surprise that this particular 'teen' comedy has the intellectual edge over films in this genre. The humour varies from slapstick to irony, then back again and then to everything in-between. It is very easy to miss a joke as they come so quickly and frequently that by the time you've finished laughing at the previous joke another is not too far behind and you're laughing again.
One of the best assets of 21 Jump Street is the Tatum/Hill partnership. On paper it just doesn't make any sense. However, on screen the pair are hysterical as that initial mismatch transforms right before our eyes into a brilliant casting decision.
As with most films in the action genre this plays on the conventions associated with them; from the overly long car chase sequence to the mostly anticipated gasoline explosion but with a twist.
This won't be everybody's cup of tea but if you're looking for a light comedy with a couple of twists along the way, and even a little bit emotionally compelling then it's worth a watch.
22 Jump Street is expected for release June 2014.
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Anyone for steak?
After keeping up-to-date on Hannibal since the show started in May, I find myself missing the devilishly delightful Dr. Lecter.
The performances from all the main characters, especially Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal) left me wanting more. It was always going to be a difficult task taking on such an infamous character, made memorable by Anthony Hopkins. That being said, Mikkelsen proved to be an impressively cool substitute. His demeanour came across as controlled and composed, constantly attentive, and unmistakably intelligent and dangerous, yet others were completely oblivious to his underlying nature.
Our true protagonist, Hugh Dancy is also perfectly cast as Will Graham, the clearly troubled but remarkably talented criminal profiler who is able to undertake the mindset of murderers to reveal their identity and motives. His vulnerability and instability is taken full advantage of by Dr. Lecter as he is forced to battle his crumbling mind as well as the doubtful FBI team.
Although the overall performances from the actors were of a very high standard, there was just one little thing that bothered me. I am talking about the character development of some of the supporting characters, particularly speaking Bella Crawford - the wife of Special Agent Jack Crawford. I really do not know why but out of all the underdeveloped female characters this one frustrated me the most. Maybe it was because she was only in two episodes? Or maybe it was because once we discovered she had terminal lung cancer, us and Jack were made to forget all about her? Whatever the reason was I thought it was one of the biggest weaknesses in the series.
Some critics have said that they felt that towards the beginning especially, the storyline started off as very slow and boring at times. I must argue the opposite though, as I was very much intrigued from the start, being too caught up in all the other side stories to be bored.
Beyond the fascinating story and the brilliantly portrayed (main) characters, praise must go out to what can sometimes be lost and forgotten amongst everything else - the cinematography. Its lighting, style and camera shots are an essential part of what makes this series so good to watch. From episode one we are shown the entirety of the 'Hannibal world' and it is so dastardly bleak but wonderful to look at.
I would definitely recommend my readers to watch the show to appreciate the genius of Mads Mikkelsen. I really hope we get to see more from him because he appears to be such a talented actor. As for Dr. Lecter, I cannot wait to delve even deeper into his insane brain!
The performances from all the main characters, especially Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal) left me wanting more. It was always going to be a difficult task taking on such an infamous character, made memorable by Anthony Hopkins. That being said, Mikkelsen proved to be an impressively cool substitute. His demeanour came across as controlled and composed, constantly attentive, and unmistakably intelligent and dangerous, yet others were completely oblivious to his underlying nature.
Our true protagonist, Hugh Dancy is also perfectly cast as Will Graham, the clearly troubled but remarkably talented criminal profiler who is able to undertake the mindset of murderers to reveal their identity and motives. His vulnerability and instability is taken full advantage of by Dr. Lecter as he is forced to battle his crumbling mind as well as the doubtful FBI team.
Although the overall performances from the actors were of a very high standard, there was just one little thing that bothered me. I am talking about the character development of some of the supporting characters, particularly speaking Bella Crawford - the wife of Special Agent Jack Crawford. I really do not know why but out of all the underdeveloped female characters this one frustrated me the most. Maybe it was because she was only in two episodes? Or maybe it was because once we discovered she had terminal lung cancer, us and Jack were made to forget all about her? Whatever the reason was I thought it was one of the biggest weaknesses in the series.
Some critics have said that they felt that towards the beginning especially, the storyline started off as very slow and boring at times. I must argue the opposite though, as I was very much intrigued from the start, being too caught up in all the other side stories to be bored.
Beyond the fascinating story and the brilliantly portrayed (main) characters, praise must go out to what can sometimes be lost and forgotten amongst everything else - the cinematography. Its lighting, style and camera shots are an essential part of what makes this series so good to watch. From episode one we are shown the entirety of the 'Hannibal world' and it is so dastardly bleak but wonderful to look at.
I would definitely recommend my readers to watch the show to appreciate the genius of Mads Mikkelsen. I really hope we get to see more from him because he appears to be such a talented actor. As for Dr. Lecter, I cannot wait to delve even deeper into his insane brain!
Thursday, 15 August 2013
A little bit about me and my blog
Hello to whomever may happen to read my blog!
I just wanted to let you know a bit about me and about this blog before I put up my next review (Hannibal) and before it's too late to be considered an introductory post.
The reviews I write will be of whatever I have happened to have watched/read that week. So, technically they may not have just been released but I have just managed to watch them. I will be as brutally honest as I can be, in the hope that I have persuaded you to watch something or not. That's all you should really know about the blog but if you have any other questions do not hesitate to ask!
Ok, where to begin? My name is Nazia, I'm 20 and I study journalism at De Montfort University in Leicester but originally from Kent.
Growing up in a male-dominated household has meant I've grown up watching a lot of sport, and am in fact a supporter of the mighty Manchester United! Here's a random fact for you - when I was about two me and my family went to watch one of the team's open training sessions and on our way out I decided to make a run for it; across the car park and into the road where I was nearly run over by Eric Cantona. It's fine, he stopped and everything was dandy.
I'll stop rambling on now and just say one more thing - please do leave your comments and let me know whether you agreed or disagreed after watching/reading the show/film/book.
I just wanted to let you know a bit about me and about this blog before I put up my next review (Hannibal) and before it's too late to be considered an introductory post.
The reviews I write will be of whatever I have happened to have watched/read that week. So, technically they may not have just been released but I have just managed to watch them. I will be as brutally honest as I can be, in the hope that I have persuaded you to watch something or not. That's all you should really know about the blog but if you have any other questions do not hesitate to ask!
Ok, where to begin? My name is Nazia, I'm 20 and I study journalism at De Montfort University in Leicester but originally from Kent.
Growing up in a male-dominated household has meant I've grown up watching a lot of sport, and am in fact a supporter of the mighty Manchester United! Here's a random fact for you - when I was about two me and my family went to watch one of the team's open training sessions and on our way out I decided to make a run for it; across the car park and into the road where I was nearly run over by Eric Cantona. It's fine, he stopped and everything was dandy.
I'll stop rambling on now and just say one more thing - please do leave your comments and let me know whether you agreed or disagreed after watching/reading the show/film/book.
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