TSS: February 2010

. . . In Books

The first book I finished in February was John Lydon's autobiography, Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs.

As a huge Sex Pistols fan (from the '70s - don't get me started on what they've become) and a PIL fan, I'd been looking forward to this close-up look at what really happened during the UK's punk movement from the eyes of the infamous, 'outspoken' frontman.

This book didn't disappoint. It's exactly what I was expecting and more. Full of insight and anecdotes from additional musicians and journalists, it was one hell of a page turner and a must-read for a music fan. Other than that, there's not a lot I can say here that I didn't already say in my review.


I finished reading This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff soon after Rotten.

This was another book I'd had in the back of my mind as something I'd wanted to read ever since I saw the film adaptation with Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro. The film is superb and the book is wonderfully written.

I read Wolff's short story 'Bullet in the Brain' back in university and, having already heard of him from the film, was even more eager to dive into his writing.

He wasn't a disappointment. This is a great introduction, not only to Wolff's life, but to his writing. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from him. Tales of awkward adolescence, dreaming of a better future, mixed with horrible domestic abuse, is told in an inspiring but brutally honest story.

This is another must read. A great start to reading for February.


Unfortunately that great start didn't last.

Guilt Trip was okay. Nothing special. Nothing mind-blowing. In fact, missing a lot of detail that I felt was needed. The subject of teenage suicide is introduced during the first quarter of the book but never explored any further. A young boy tries to kill himself ... but we never really find out why or anything else about that character.

That's very frustrating.

Plus, I'm usually all for main characters being unsympathetic and greatly flawed (for me, it makes them more human) but that got annoying really quickly in this. Ali comes off as a whiney self-indulgent brat. I'll be the first to admit that when I was a teenager, I was awful to live with. I was so moody and snappy - what teenager isn't? But Ali takes that to a whole other level. She helps to save Daniel Feeny's life but isn't interested in going to visit him or having anything to do with him afterwards.

In fact, she goes out of her way to avoid him. Why? What a surprise! It's never explained.

What a shame this story wasn't explored in greater detail. What a disappointment.


This is the first book I've read to review for Bookgeeks.

Unfortunately this was a disappointment too.

I've been wanting to explore the 'angel' genre for some time as I feel a strong need to take a break from my beloved vampires whose stories are being used for all they're worth these days. Angels sounded different. I'd never read a book that had an angel. (Other than Jodi Picoult's Keeping Faith which kind of touches on that subject.)

I have no doubt in my mind that there are interesting angel-themed stories out there but, unfortunately, this isn't one for me.

I know for a fact that there's a fan base out there for this kind of stuff. I know there are people who will love this book and its upcoming sequels. However, I'm not one of them.

How can I describe it? You know those Mills & Boon stories that all basically have the same plot and are very steamy and romantic and you know you can always turn to them for exactly what you're in the mood for? (Not that I've ever read one - I just studied them in my 'Genre Fiction' module at uni (a module which I soon dropped) .)

Well, I know for a fact that there are Mills & Boon-esque supernatural and fantasy stories out there right now. Those that are a little more steamier than your standard s&f tale that features a love interest. This is one of those books.

The story revolves around a vampire hunter who is hired to hunt down an archangel. Unfortunately, that would-be action-packed adventure is overshadowed by said vampire hunter and her chemistry with (another) archangel that has hired her.

Confusing yet boring. It's not something I find sexy. It's not my thing. But ideal for others.

I'm in the middle of writing the review for it at the moment. I'll post the link once it's up.


I started The Stand at the beginning of the month and am still reading it.

Not only did I have other books to review for other websites (which takes priority) but this is one freaking thick book!

My copy (which is the uncut version) is 1421 pages long. Phew!

I'm really enjoying it so far. King's never disappointed me. I've been a fan of his from around the age of 12-13. For the last 2 years I've made it my own personal challenge to read all of his novels and short story collections in chronological order. It's bound to take some time as there's a heck of a lot of writing and I'm not the fastest reader at the best of times.

Never the less, I'm enjoying myself. :)


I'm 3/4 of a way through this and, so far, it's the best thing I've read all year. It's probably one of the best things I've read in months and months.

This is the follow-up to Girl With a One Track Mind - a book I loved and recommend to EVERYONE.

This book explores what happened to 'Abby Lee' (or Zoe Margolis) after Girl With a One Track Mind was published and The Sunday Times 'outed' her. It explores what happened when everyone in Margolis' life suddenly knew all the intimate details of her sex life and how it affected her relationships, her career, and her confidence.

This is a really inspiring woman. She embraces her sexuality and femininity and isn't afraid of who she is. Her blog is here. Go visit! Now! And read both books. (The follow up is released this Friday.) The writing can be a little graphic at times but it's not overtly pornographic. Mostly it's just fun musings and thoughts that come from a woman with a high sex drive; A woman who isn't afraid to say, 'If men think about sex all the time, why can't we?'


~*~*~

. . . In films

I have a week to finish my Oscar Watch. Here's my progress:

Avatar (2009)

I enjoyed this much more than I expected.

I like James Cameron. He makes big films with interesting stories. This was a lot like The Abyss in the sense that it had a story that should make every person reflect on how destructive the human race can be.

It clearly mirrored the story of the Native Americans and how 'the white man' took over their land with no thought for anyone.

Predictable but an important story. I hate it when people say, 'Ooh, in the future we'll be able to live on so-and-so planet.' Why? So we can destroy that like we destroyed Earth? Ugh.

Visually absolutely stunning!


Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

WOW!

This was incredible. I'd heard it described as a modern day Color Purple.

And WOW. This needs to be seen by everyone.

So touching. So moving. So heartbreaking.

No words can describe how incredible this film is.

If you get a chance to see it, do it. In fact, go out of your way to see it! This deserves any awards it gets. Mo'Nique's performance in particular was absolutely amazing. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me.


Up in the Air (2009)

Not the most uplifting film in the world but had quite a few funny moments and, overall, was a good watch.

George Clooney is on top form as always (God, he's just oozing that 'old Hollywood' quality, isn't he?) and Anna Kendrick was both hilarious and moving.

I'd say this is well worth the watch. A lot of realism to each character and storyline but not a film to watch if redundancy has hit you hard recently (It centers around a man whose job is to fire people). Overall, really well-written, beautiful to watch (even though a lot of it is centred around airports, the visuals are never dull or ugly).

Films left to watch before Oscar Night:
1) The Blind Side (2009) (One I'm looking forward to ... though I don't actually know anything about American football so usually tend to stay clear of films that heavily feature this.)

2) District 9 (2009) (I like sci-fi films. I can't wait.)

3) An Education (2009) (I love Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard so I'm saving this until last.)

4) The Hurt Locker (2009) (I'm a pacifist and don't believe in war. This could be hard one to watch.)

5) Inglourious Basterds (2009) (I love Quentin Tarantino. How could I not want to watch this?)

6) A Serious Man (2009) (I have started watching this but had to stop. It didn't snag my interest and I didn't 'get' it. I'm going to try again though.)

7) Up (2009) (I loved the trailer so I'm looking forward to it.)


While I'm on the subject of films, I do have to recommend one for all you book lovers out there.


Yes, the big girly in me got around to watching Bright Star this month and wept like a baby. This is the story of John Keats and Fanny Brawne's passionate and tragic relationship. I love Abbie Cornish. Ever since I saw her in Candy (another must-see), I've followed her career. And Ben Whishaw isn't too bad to look at too. ;-) This is a must-see for films lovers, period lovers, romance lovers, and poetry lovers. (And fans of Keats but that goes without saying.)

Oh *gushes*. I loved this film. I have no comprehensible explanation. I'd gush too much if I tried to explain myself further. Just watch it.


~*~*~

. . . In Life

February hasn't been the greatest month for me in my personal life.

Not only did I lose my grandmother but I made a few decisions that affected me and my best friend badly. Do I regret these decisions? Sometimes. But que sara, sara. What will be, will be. You never know what the future holds.

On the plus side, I've been more focused on my career aspirations, have managed to get a few more freelance jobs, have been looking at universities/schools to go back to for the future, and have a clearer idea of where I want to travel.

Very vague for this section of TSS, eh? Well ... right now my personal life is a confusing mess and can be overwhelming at times but thankfully I have two wonderfully supportive parents, a whole heap of good friends (in real life and online), and you guys. You guys and your comments always bring a smile to my face so in a way you've helped me get through some of my toughest times this month. Thank you. xxx


 

The Sunday Salon (on a Monday)

This is because I was working yesterday and too exhausted to blog about anything by the time I came home. :P

I've been in work all day today too but feel guilty towards most of you guys who I'm subscribed to because I lagged behind in checking out your blogs this week and, as a result, came home to 1000+ unread posts on my Google Reader and promptly marked them all as 'Read'.

I'm a devoted follower to most of you, though, so will be checking out the posts I missed the next time you blog. :)


~*~*~


Today's Sunday Salon is mostly about film! (Don't worry - there's a bit about books at the end! Scroll down if you can't stand the film talk.)

Ta-Da!

Yeah, most of you who have followed me for a while now (and I do love you) will know that this blog isn't just a book blog. I also post about my bigger passion in life - films.

Now, books and films do tend to fight it out over what holds my attention more and where my heart belongs.

I love books. I'm a devoted reader.

But films are my passion. Films are what I'm obsessed with, what I can quote at the drop of a hat, and what I can talk about for hours and hours without getting bored (though the same usually can't be said for the person I'm talking about them too.)

That being said, as a film buff, I can honestly say that I HATE THE OSCARS.

The award season is the vainest, stupidest part of the year for film. All these films that sneak in and get a limited release at the end of the year (to a private audience featuring mostly film critics) are hailed as the greatest thing to hit our screens since celluloid was invented.

I just hate it.

One of the main things I really dislike is that the majority of these films are specifically made for Oscar consideration.

Just like a lot of summer blockbusters are made to pull the audiences in with their dazzling sfx and explosions, these films are always centred around one individual's - usually the underdog - struggle to overcome something fierce in life. They use the epically lame and dramatic music to bring a tear to your eye before you realise that this is Hollywood real, not real real.

When did this kind of thing start happening?

I first really noticed it when The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was released last year. This is based on a book by F. Scott Fitzgerald but was being advertised as the biggest vanity project I'd ever seen.

Constant moving images of soft lensed 'beautiful-looking' Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, falling in love, were displayed on TV Screens, Billboards, around the internet. Why couldn't this have been released in the summer if it was such an epic tale? Because it wouldn't have had a chance for consideration.

I still haven't watched it, but I've heard that it was quite the disappointment. I'll get around to it, eventually.

My point to this whole Oscar rant is that every year for the past couple of years, I've boycotted the award season. I refuse to watch actors being paraded around like prize ponies, claiming that 'their art' is important. (But clearly not as important as your vintage Chanel shoes, right?)

But then this year, I realised that, as a film buff, I'm missing out on films that might actually have a good reason to be considered.

One of my favourite films of the past couple of years is Juno.

It's so witty and clever and has such a good story - You'd be a fool not to miss it.

But this film garnered its awards too. If I hadn't seen it before the award season started, I might have completely missed it.

This was a small independent film written by a first-time writer and no huge superstars. But it had an incredible story and such a great script.

No-one ever thought this would be in line with some of the bigger Oscar contenders. But it was!

That just goes to show that sometimes the academy use their brain and actually think outside of the box of dozens of films that are being shoved down their throats for consideration during the last couple of weeks of each year.

So ... (Yes, I DO have a point!)

I have decided that this year, being the film geek I am, I am going to set myself a challenge watch every film that has been nominated for the BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR award this year! That way, rather than bitching about the films nominated, I can make a proper decision based on my own opinion of whether or not these are deserving of such an Oh-so-grand accolade.

Woot!

The list is as follows:

1) Avatar (2009)
2) The Blind Side (2009)
3) District 9 (2009)
4) An Education (2009)
5) The Hurt Locker (2009)
6) Inglourious Basterds (2009)
7) Precious (2009)
8) A Serious Man (2009)
9) Up (2009)
10) Up in the Air (2009)

So far, I've seen one of them. I went to see Avatar with my dad the other week. The review will be up soon.

I'm quite excited about this, actually. How many people actually sit and watch the Oscars (I won't actually be watching them this year :P but you get what I mean) having watched all of the nominees?

So my question to you, lovely readers, is:

Have you seen any of the films up for consideration this year? What did you think of them? And which one do you think will win?


~*~*~


ON THE SUBJECT OF BOOKS . . .

So, I noticed yesterday that I have 49 subscribers. I don't know how many of you still bother to read this blog but that is amazing.

I can't believe people actually want to read the crap I write. :P

So, as a treat to you to show you how grateful I am to you for putting up with me, when my subscriber list hits 50, I'm going to be putting on a mini sort of competition thing to celebrate my vanity. It's really that I'm going to give a couple of you a treat to show you how much I love yous.

It'll probably be a while. We still have to wait for that 50th subscriber but watch this space . . .

Have a good week. x x x  

Toy Story 3 Trailer #2

I was 8 when Toy Story came out. I was 12 when Toy Story 2 came out.

Now, I might be 23 years old, but I've waited 11 years for this, and hell yeah, I'm seeing it!


 

Alice in Wonderland (Extended) Trailer #2

This really does look amazing, doesn't it?





I thought the original trailer looked 'Wow!' This looks simply incredible. Visually stunning. A stellar cast consisting of:

Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Sheen, Stephen Fry, Anne Hathaway, Christopher Lee, Matt Lucas, Tim Spall, Crispin Glover.

And, of course, on top of that mix, it's directed by Tim Burton. Do you ever get the feeling that certain stories are just meant for some people. Lewis Carroll and Tim Burton = What a combination.

Expect to see me first in line when this comes out.  

Twilight hysteria

I'm not going to make a huge deal of this. I saw New Moon over the weekend and I thought it was better than Twilight but not great. Kind of like the way I felt about the books.

I'm still Team Jacob if I have to pick a team. But that's pretty much it.

My feelings can be pretty much summed up here where Lainey from Lainey Gossip hits the nail on the head.

It's just my opinion. That doesn't take away the fact that you might have loved it. Good for you. :D

I like Robert Pattinson. I just don't like Twilight. From what I understand, he auditioned for something he knew nothing about, couldn't predict the outcome, and is now in a contract he'll never be able to get out of. (His lack of enthusiasm for the books during promotional interviews say a lot about how he feels about the series.)

Oh yeah, Edward and Bella's relationship has officially been declared abusive according to the National Domestic Violence hotline. Everything it lists as a cause for concern happens in the series. Check it out here. It's a must-see.

But, yeah, I'm looking forward to his next film, Remember Me. I read the script before he was cast and, if they haven't made any changes to the story, this should be an incredible film.

The trailer's been released. Do watch. :)


 

The Wolfman (2010) trailer #2

Yup. I think this is an even better trailer. The film looks really ready now. And amazing! Love Benicio. Love Anthony (he's from my hometown, dontcha know? ;-) ). Love the look of it. I can't even complain about the special effects - for once, they look pretty awesome. (Watch in fullscreen for the full effect.)  

My Top 5 Scariest Films for Halloween

So Halloween's coming up and I'm actually going to be at someone's birthday party rather than at home watching scary films and stuffing my face with sweets meant for the trick-or-treaters.

The theme of the party is 'dead celebrities' and, while I haven't decided who I'll go as yet (any ideas?), I thought I'd get myself more in the Halloween-y mood and list the top five films that scared me the most. :)


5) The Exoricst (1973)


I can't imagine anyone would discredit me for having this on the list. Regardless of what my generation and younger think of the "old-fashioned" special effects in this film (GTFO!), this is a scary film. Unlike other ignorant souls, I can appreciate a film for what it is and how it was regarded when it was released.

People were having fits and throwing up at screenings of this thing. How can you not find it scary?

I mean, a girl is possessed. Need I say more?

But this is on my personal scare list because this is one of the films that stayed with me after I watched it and that's what makes it frightening. Whenever I went to bed I couldn't shake the image of Regan MacNeil on her bed. That possessed voice haunted me and still does. She's a scary MoFo.



4) Candyman (1992)


So ... how many people avoided looking in the mirror after this one? I sure did. This film makes number 4 because I still can't stand in the bathroom, brushing my teeth in the mirror, without trembling slightly. When a film affects you like that, you know it's done its job.

Not only is Tony Todd the most frightening man in cinema but that rusty hook and the choir-sung theme music makes every moment of this film that much scarier than most. Todd's baritone voice is made even deeper in this and I will never be able to get that haunting "Heee-leeeennn" call in the carpark out of my head.

I do have to say, though, that the last time I watched this I saw it from a completely different angle. The love story that's underneath it is terribly romantic and, kind of like the way I was with vampires (before the unspoken rule was broken), I can't help but swoon now.



3) Salem's Lot (1979)


What do you know? I managed to find a picture of the scene that made me switch this film off. That's right. Regardless of the fact that I've read the book by Stephen King, a 14-year-old me sat down with her father to watch this and I had to ask that it be turned off.

I haven't returned to it since and have no intentions to. I couldn't watch it through the first time, I can't imagine managing it a second time.

Look at that image. Just look at it.

That is a little boy who was buried that day (because he's dead). Now it's the middle of the night and he's floating around outside (yeah, he's floating in the air!) the window while scratching on the glass!

Like Candyman with the mirrors, this film affected me to the extent that I still find it really difficult to look out a bedroom window in the middle of the night. Would you want to see that?


2) An American Werewolf in London (1981)


As much as I love vampires, werewolves have always scared me. I mean, really scared me. Vampires are too prim and proper and have much too much vanity to be that scary. Werewolves on the other hand? If one catches sight of you, there ain't no way you're escaping.

There's something so frightening about a creature that wipes away every trace of human thinking and just becomes a beast.

I think films have affected me a lot more than I should have let them. I've already mentioned about Candyman and Salem's Lot. The mythical creature that is the werewolf affects me to the extent that I really don't like going outside when there's a full moon. And I mean, really don't like it. I don't want to take the chance that ... you know. (Yes, I know, I'm an idiot.)

If this film taught me anything it was that both villagers and city folk can be hunted by a werewolf. No-one is safe. The scariest scene is that poor guy on the tube. He's underground, on his own in the middle of the night, and hears a growl. Next thing you know he's running through those endless tunnels trying to find a way up. Really scary stuff.

If I could have one wish it's that Hollywood drops its plans to remake this. There's no need. The groundbreaking transformation scene is still amazing to this day - you can't do anything to make the special effects seem all the more awesome.

But, yeah. Number 2. Werewolves frighten me and this really is a horror masterpiece.



1) The Blair Witch Project (1999)


Yeah, yeah, judge all you want to but this is the one film that has consistently scared the s*** out of me the most.

The feeling of actually 'being there' is probably what did the trick. I do feel like I'm in a tent with those kids. I can hear something outside the tent and don't want to know what it is. Weird stuff is happening when I wake up. And the end scene? *shudders*

I have this film on DVD and here's my confession: the only way I'm able to watch it is with the director/producer's commentary on. They take you through the film, telling you, "Oh, that was my pile of stones ... That was my stick man ... That was me shaking the tent ... Haha! He has tights over his head when she says, 'What the hell is that?' " I'm safe in the knowledge that the filmmakers are playing pranks on the actors rather than some scary witch person in the middle of the woods following kids my age.

But when I watch it without the commentary, I get sucked into the woods with the characters and end up screaming at the slightest creak my house will make.

The scariest thing about this film is that it's all in your mind. You don't see a guy in a hockey/scream mask wielding a knife around. You see practically nothing. And that's what's terrifying - the power of your imagination.


That's my Top 5 Scariest Films. Tell me if you agree or disagree. And give me your own Top 5. :)  

Review: Dorian Gray (2009)

Title: Dorian Gray


Rated: 15
Release Date: 9th September, 2009
Country: UK


Director: Oliver Parker
Starring: Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, Ben Chaplin, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Rebecca Hall, Emilia Fox


Rating: 3.5/5


Plot: A naive young man arrives in London and is quickly taken under the wing of Lord Henry Wotten and artist Basil Hallward. Inspired by Dorian's youth and beauty, Basil paints a grand portrait of his friend which is praised by all who lay eyes on it. Meanwhile, as Wotten encourages his young protégé to grasp life firmly with both hands and take advantage of every passion that comes his way, Dorian begins to notice that his wild activities are having no affect on his own body but on the picture in question. As the years go by, he begins to realise that while his outward beauty is everlasting, the ugliness of the portrait grows inside him.


Review: Rather than write up a very long and comprehensive review, I'm going to highlight what I liked and what I didn't like about this film.

What I liked about the film -

1) The casting of Dorian. Dorian needs to be someone that has 'obvious' good looks and youthful exuberance. I don't know much about Ben Barnes (as I've never seen the Narnia films) but I couldn't have imagined anyone else in the role. He has a beautiful face, great acting chops, and a good ability to carry the film.

2) The casting of Henry. Colin Firth shows that he isn't just the 'Mr. Darcy' man. Henry Wotten was always my favourite character in the book because he really didn't care what he said. Firth was brilliant. He gives the film its charm (without being charming).

3) The music. The main theme music to this film is spooky and haunting while giving you that great turn-of-the-century atmosphere. Brilliant. Probably my favourite thing about the film.


What I didn't like about the film -

1) The ending. They changed the ending in a more-than-obvious attempt to make it more 'movie dramatic'. I enjoyed the film up until this point. The ending to the film made me sick with its gratuitous attempts at making Dorian seem like a 'good guy' (whereas anyone who has read the book will know that while he remains forever young, he gets uglier and uglier on the inside - duhhhh, that's why it's a 'curse').

2) The addition of a character - Emily Wotten. So Henry has a daughter ... and she becomes Dorian's new love interest. Call me crazy but I'm pretty sure this is a made up character. I don't remember any Emily Wotten in the novel. And there are two reasons why this character doesn't work - 1) The character is unbelievably '21st century' compared to everyone else. I love Rebecca Hall but she struts around London with Dorian as though she's taken a time machine to the turn of the century. She's not believable as a Victorian young woman and that's probably because the writers threw her in amongst characters that had already been created. 2) The whole Dorian/Emily romance completely takes away the significance and tragedy of the Dorian/Sibyl Vane story.

3) The sets. They might as well have filmed this on a stage in the West End. Incredibly wooden and unbelievable sets which is very distracting when you want to believe that this is Victorian England.

4) The lack of subtlety. The beauty of Oscar Wilde's novel is his ability to write a sentence that could have five possible meanings. Homoerotic undertones and subtlety about Dorian's wild activities are not left to the imagination in this film. In fact, nothing is left to the imagination. And I mean nothing - even the relationship between Basil and Dorian. I've studied this book in university - the great thing about it is that you could sit there for hours in class having in depth discussions about the relationship between Dorian, Basil, and Henry. What does it mean? It is really a sexual thing? Are they just being protective and providing a guardianship to the young orphan? There's nothing in this film to provoke any thoughts - It's boldly put in front of you, and you have no choice but to go with it.

5) That line. Why oh why did they have to include one of the most overused lines in cinema?

Emily: What's your secret?
Dorian: If I told you, I'd have to kill you.

I could almost hear the eye rolling of every person sitting in that cinema. That line is not funny, nor is it effective. End of story.


Conclusion -
Overall, I did kind of enjoy the film. In fact, I very much enjoyed the first half. It was when Emily Wotten showed up and the whole second half changed that I had a problem. The lack of subtlety is something I could have dealt with because this is a film, not a piece of literature, but Emily Wotten's presence ruined everything for me. Poor Sibyl (and Rachel Hurd-Wood) - that storyline is completely overlooked and underplayed because of the new character. The film had really great potential and will probably be enjoyed by those who haven't read the book. Unfortunately, I found it disappointing and could only watch it again if I knew I wanted to switch my brain off and not take it too seriously.

The 3.5/5 goes to the first half of the film for having its good moments. The second half is best left unrrated. :P


Favourite Moment: Dorian's mother/daughter seduction within minutes of each another. I couldn't help but giggle.  

Review: (500) Days of Summer (2009)

Title: (500) Days of Summer


Rated: 12A
Release Date: 2nd September, 2009
Country: USA


Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel


Rating: 5/5


Plot: Heartbroken Tom Hansen (Levitt) reflects back on the last year and a half spent together with the love of his life, Summer Finn (Deschanel), a girl who refuses to believe that love exists.


Review: Having watched Levitt and Deschanel team up together for the powerful indie flick, Manic, a few years ago, I was eager to see them reunited in a film that critics haven't been able to stop praising since it hit the Sundance Film Festival at the beginning of the year. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.

Perhaps the best thing about (500) Days of Summer is that it never promises to be bigger than it is. This is a simple tale about a boy who falls in love with a girl, and the complications that arise from that relationship. Hollywood has its legendary love stories - This is not one of them.

Over the course of 500 days, we explore the friendly meet-and-greet between Tom and Summer, the flirtations, the first kiss, and so on and so forth. But, as the viewer is warned from the very beginning, this is not a love story.

It's hard to describe what gives (500) Days of Summer that edge. What makes it different to other films that expore relationships? It's not filled to the brim with modern day wit; It doesn't contain a handful of classically over-the-top 'uh oh' comedy scenarios; It doesn't give you a toothache from unrealistic sweetness. Instead, what makes (500) Days of Summer different is its realism.

It realistically portrays a one-sided love affair and never overplays those touching moments (usually prolonged in Hollywood films for sentimental value). Tom and Summer aren't perfect characters, and that's what makes them so endearing.

Over the summer, critics have shown that they can't get enough of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Since his turn as Tommy in 3rd Rock from the Sun, the 28-year-old has shyed away from the media, choosing to work on his craft rather than stardom, in indie flicks such as Stop-Loss, Brick, and Mysterious Skin. With the surprising success of Days of Summer filmgoers and critics alike are amazed at how much talent Gordon-Levitt is showing since his days as a child actor. And I'll join them on that.

As Tom, Gordon-Levitt shows that he is not a former child star - He's a natural talent. He's clearly grown into a man who cares about his work, looking to film as pieces of art (rather than money, like a lot of young film stars these days). Having caught up on the other indie films Gordon-Levitt has been dabbling in in between 3rd Rock and Days of Summer, I was reminded of a young Pacino, Hoffman, or DeNiro - an actor who has strived to prove himself as an actor, not a celebrity.

It is Gordon-Levitt's natural charm that makes Days of Summer's Tom so appealing and, though the character isn't the most complex, it gives audiences a taster of more great things to come from the young actor. Tom's clear giddiness when he first meets Summer, and the horrible pain he goes through as things begin to take a downward turn are the kind of emotions so brilliantly portrayed that we can't help wanting to celebrate with him at first and then take him in our arms and tell him it's all going to be okay.

Zooey Deschanel's slight quirkiness and old-star elegance brings Summmer the depth she might have otherwise lacked and, together, the couple's chemistry combines to make a wonderful onscreen pairing.

(500) Days of Summer isn't a huge film. It won't overwhelm you and blow your mind with special effects. But it will make you laugh, cry, and think about those you hold close to you.

While it was The Time Traveler's Wife that was predicted to be the big hit romance film of the year, it is in fact this small-budget picture that has garnered a better response. And that's because (500) Days of Summer is everything The Time Traveler's Wife promised to be and wasn't.

(500) Days of Summer covers every aspect of a relationship from start to finish in its own understated, simple and sweet way. Nothing is missing.

I'd recommend just about everyone to go and see this. This isn't a chick flick. It isn't a love story. So guys, you make sure you go see it too. It'll be worth it. I promise.


Favourite Moment: The dance sequence after Tom and Summer's first night together.  

Review: The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996)

Title: The Truth About Cats & Dogs


Rated: 15
Release Date: 26th April, 1996
Country: USA


Director: Michael Lehmann
Starring: Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman, Ben Chaplin, Jamie Foxx


Rating: 5/5


Plot: Dr. Abby Barnes (Garofalo) is a quick-thinking, smart-talking radio veterinarian. After helping Brian (Chaplin) over the phone and on-air with his out-of-control dog, she finds herself asked out on a date by the man in question. Suffering from low self-esteem, she asks her beautiful, model neighbour Noelle (Thurman) to pose for her instead. With Brian falling for Abby's voice and personality over the phone, and fake Abby (Noelle)'s stunning good looks in person, he thinks he's found his dream woman. In the meantime, can Abby bring herself to tell Brian the truth before he falls deeper and deeper in love with her?


Review: I love this film. I really do. It's such a funny, cute, witty romantic comedy with a good message. While Abby has the brilliant mind, Noelle has the great looks. Together they make the 'perfect woman' but have very low self-esteem when it comes to Abby's outer beauty and Noelle's intelligence. The question on every viewer's mind is: Once Brian finds out, who will he choose?

To be honest I don't think Janeane Garofalo is unattractive. She has beautiful eyes, fabulous lips, and a great face. But the fact that it's mentioned quite a bit how low her self-asteem is makes up for the fact that Abby isn't exactly bad-looking.

Thurman plays the beautiful girl but manages to win over your hearts by being equally self-conscious about her intelligence. She knows she's not the smartest person in the world but doesn't play the character as a stereotypical 'dumb blonde'.

I love Ben Chaplin even though he had to leave a great TV show we had in Britain called Game On (about an agoraphobic man and his flatmates) to do this film. He brings so much charisma to the leading man role that we don't persecute him for being entranced with fake Abby's face.

So many romantic comedies follow the same storyline but this one's in a league of it's own. Garofalo is hilarious as always with her dry wit and cynicism, and Thurman is sweet with her charm and naivety. My mother and I even got my dad to sit down and watch it with us one day - and he enjoyed it - so it's not just for girlies. ;-)

If you haven't seen it, watch it. It's a must-see, feel-good film that'll make you laugh and cry.  

Review: Once Were Warriors (1994)

Title: Once Were Warriors


Rated: 18
Release Date: 8th December, 1994


Director: Lee Tamahori
Starring: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga.


Rating: 4/5


Plot: A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.


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Review: The plot summary above is taken from the IMDb and, in my opinion, doesn't summarise this film very accurately.

Once Were Warriors tells the story of an urban Maori family, the Hekes, struggling to make ends meet while living apart from Western culture in their close knit community. While Beth comes from an old-fashioned and traditional family, her huband Jake is an example of what some Maori have become. They have a family of five children: 13-year-old Grace, the eldest daughter daydreams about running away from her community to live a better life and reads and writes stories to her two youngest siblings; Mark 'Boogie' has been taken away from his family after a series of minor criminal offences; and Nig moves out to join a street gang who also embrace their Maori culture through a series of facial tattoos.

The first time I saw this film was a few years ago in college. In the UK, we barely learn about any other country's history, so I was not very aware of the Polynesian history in Australia and didn't truly understand the significance of this film.

Five years later, I've rewatched it and, having learned a bit more about the history, see this in a different light.

The film's a perfect example of how some of the Polynesian people of today have turned out. Statistics show that the Maori have, on average, fewer assets, live in higher deprivated areas, and are more liable to negative social outcomes.

Jake, the patriarch of the family, uses his fists to get his way, and Beth, in spite of her obvious inner strength, always succumbs to them. Having lost his job, he spends most of the time at locacl bars with his friends, getting drunk, and inviting them back to the house for all-night parties that his children are subjected to. While Beth enjoys joining in with her husband, she eventually begins to see how their lifestyle is taking its toll on their children as the family starts to fall apart.

This film touches on domestic violence, alcoholism, rape, crime, and old Maori warrior culture. In spite of its graphic and violent content, it has a clear and tragic message. You could almost set the family's lifestyle to how a British family lived nearly 60 or so years ago - the domineering man ordering around the domesticated wife. But the worst part about it is that its set in modern times and you know that this is a culture that still exists and is very real. All around the world there are families like this but Once Were Warriors shows us what happens to the minorities in our countries who were cast out a couple of hundred years ago and are now on the poverty line.

It's the fact that the cast of actors aren't 'Hollywood' pros that make the performances so gritty and realistic. We believe that this is a family, and we believe that this is their lifestyle. Temuera Morrison is terrifying as Jake, and I challenge anyone to look this man in the eyes after watching this film. Rena Owen shines as her character gradually finds the strength of her Maori background to stand up for what she believes in.Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell is the heart of the film: Grace observes her family with an almost outsider's point of view, acknowledging that this isn't the way she wants to be living, but due to fear of her father is forced into silence.

While the two older brothers of the family seperate themselves from the home and explore more about their background (Boogie is kept in a state foster home where he is ruthlessly taught about his heritage), I would have liked to have seen it captured in greater detail. While the film is only 100 minutes long, we are only shown glimpses of what Nig and Boogie are uncovering and, as a result, aren't given the full lesson on Maori history, but are stuck in the modern Maori world with Jake and his friends.

Regardless of this, I do think this film's a must-see. It's very graphic with some horrifying scenes of violence but it's also a lesson in other cultures.  

The Wolfman (2010) trailer

I wasn't going to post anything today but I saw this over at Vampire Wire and couldn't resist. I'm not one for remakes but I love Benicio Del Toro and am genuinely looking forward to this.





My apologies for the recent heap of vampire/werewolf related stuff I've been posting about. I must be subconsciously readying myself for Halloween. :P  

Review (but not really!): Sweeney Todd (2007)

Title: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street


Rated: 18
Release Date: January 25th, 2008


Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen


Rating: 5/5


Plot: Returning back to London after his wife and daughter were stolen by Judge Turpin, Benjamin Barker adopts the name Sweeney Todd and relocates his barber business to the top of Mrs. Lovett's pie shop. Todd wants his revenge on the man who has now adopted his daughter and works with Mrs. Lovett on an evil plan. Todd will slice the throats of the unsuspecting public while giving them a shave. These bodies are then turned into Mrs. Lovett's new meat pies. With this plan being successful, all Todd needs to do now is try to convince the Judge to sit in his chair.


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My Thoughts: I can't do a review on this because I loved it so much. I find it so hard to properly review things that I love love love so this is more of a compilation of my thoughts.

Tim Burton's one of my favourite directors and until last night there were only a handful of his films I haven't seen: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Big Fish and this. I don't know why I hadn't seen this yet - especially as I already knew what the story was and was keen to see it.

I was definitely not disappointed. This film was amazing. It incorporates everything I love. It's two main characters, Sweeny and Mrs Lovett, are superbly sadistic and make fabulous schizophrenic sociopaths.

Burton is the perfect director for this story: the sets and costumes are gorgeous in true gothic Burton fashion. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are surprisingly fabulous choices for the lead roles. They can both sing. Like, really sing! None of that straining of the voice that you heard in Mamma Mia! They sound completely natural, and the supporting cast sound like they've stepped off the West End/Broadway stage. Perfect! :-D

A word to the wise: This film is much more gorier than what has been seen on stage. We've got blood gushings reminiscent of the first Kill Bill film, and bodies being dropped on their heads so we hear the bones in their neck crunch. Mmmm. If just having that described to you made you squirm, you probably don't want to see this.

Even though you should. ;-)

I think the gothic, dark, disturbing elements combined with the music, the costumes, the sets, and the fabulous acting (Helena Bonham Carter is a goddess, and Johnny Depp is ... well, Johnny Depp!) was an obvious winner for me. This film kind of pinpoints my sadistic sense of humour to a tea.

It's currently fighting it's way to a number one spot in my 'Favourite Musicals' list. Grease has always been an old favourite of mine but Sweeney Todd is a real treat. It's hard to choose. Sweeney's definitely pushed his way into my top ten favourite films. I can't believe I just said that but it's true. I loved this film that much. One day I'll have to post a proper 'Top Ten' favourite films list.

A few notes on the supporting cast: Ed Sanders (seen in clip 3 below) as Toby is so enigmatic to watch. What a little darling. I could listen to him sing all day. I sincerely hope he carries on with the acting - There's no doubt this young boy has star quality. And West End star Laura Michelle Kelly as the Beggar Woman was wonderful. She proves she has the beauty, talent, and strength to succeed on both stage and screen.

Of course, this post wouldn't be complete without mentioning the wonderful Alan Rickman - can this man ever do anything wrong? A true quintessential English actor - who plays the 'villain.' Or does he? Who isn't a villain in this film? I mean, it's main characters kill people. And cook them in pies! And feed them to the rest of London! Disgusting perfection. ;-)

This is such a lame 'review'. Just go and watch it. It's worth it. I love it. End of.

I have to leave you with a few musical clips. Watch one of the three below to give yourself a taster.

Clip 1: 'Little Priest' - Fabulous moment in the film when Sweeney and Mrs Lovett concoct their plan. ;-)

Clip 2: 'By the Sea' - Worth watching if only for the scene 1min11secs in - Sweeney and Mrs Lovett at the beach, and Sweeney's "Anything you say ... " Classic! :-D

Clip 3: 'God, that's Good!' - Short clip. One that I watched just before the film to whet my appetite. Does anyone else find the way Helena sings, 'Fresh supplies' insanely creepy??








 

Suck (2009) trailer

This looks so bad it could almost be good.

IMDb describes it as: "A comedy centered on a rock 'n' roll band that will do anything to become famous."

It has vampires. It has rock 'n' roll. It has Malcolm McDowell (the man is a God, thank you.) It has Iggy Pop.

And it has Alice Cooper! (Still looking damn sexy at the age of 61!)

Alice Cooper + Vampires = I'm there ... even though this does look really silly. And a little too gorey and gruesome.

(Amanda - I'm looking at you and have warned you in case you watch this trailer, girl ;-) )  

Wordless Wednesday

 

The September Issue (2009)

I don't agree with consumerism. There's nothing I own that I can honestly say I'd miss wholeheartedly if I lost it or broke it. I can amuse myself pretty easily and I don't own a lot of 'stuff' and appreciate my friendships more than my things.

I don't know the slightest thing about fashion - what's 'in' and what's 'out'. I think I bought Vogue once in my life and saw it as something full of clothes I could never afford and most I'd never wear. I have my own style - a kind of grungey, rock-chick, touch-of-hippy, gothic, electro combination - and very rarely buy things in huge high street stores. I don't agree with wearing fur and I don't agree with wearing leather (or any other animals products for that matter).

That being said, I LOVE Anna Wintour. This woman is a Goddess.

While I know nothing about her industry, I admire her so much because she is a woman who knows what her job entails and is good at it. She's been called an 'Ice Queen' on numerous occasions because of her stern face and over-professional attitude. She scares her employees and just about anyone who comes into contact with her. This is a hard-working, driven, and focused career woman who I look up to her and want to be like.

Women are often seen as 'bitches' or 'ice queens' when they choose to put a bigger focus on their career rather than on raising a family - Why? Men have done it for generations and generations. Why can't women do it? Anna Wintour is the epitome of the modern working woman. She's married twice and has two children but she's managed to fiercely climb her way to the top and prove that she has the smarts and expertise to do it right. (I mean, come on - During the recession, she put out an ad for *three* new personal assistants. Vogue must be doing fabulously well.)

The new documentary released next month, The September Issue, follows Wintour around at her work while the magazine prepares for the September Issue - the most important issue of the year. From what I can see from the trailer, the makers of The Devil Wears Prada hit the nail on the head with this one. It almost seems like a 'real' version of those events.

I can't wait to see it. I can't wait to watch the real 'Devil' do her job and I can't wait to get an inside look into her world.


 

Review: The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

Title: The Time Traveler’s Wife

Rated: 12A
Release Date: August 14, 2009

Director: Robert Schwentke
Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams

Rating: 4/5


The highly-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s best-selling novel, The Time Traveler’s Wife, is finally released this week to critics and cinemagoers alike.

Clare Abshire has been in love with Henry DeTamble since she was 6 and he was 36. Henry fell in love with Clare when he was 28 and she was 20. Sounds complicated, right? You wouldn’t be far off. Henry has a rare genetic disorder which causes him to time travel to the past and future at any given time. He can’t control when he goes or for how long, and all Clare can do is wait in the present, getting on with her own life, wondering when he’ll return to her.

While this film was never going to be as successful and well-presented as the book, director Robert Schwentke’s version is a pleasant surprise. For a film attempting to condense a 500-page novel into less than two hours, the result is unexpectedly refreshing. All the major twists and turns of Henry and Clare’s lives from the book are there and accounted for (including the question of whether Henry will be present for his wedding; fertility issues; and plans for the future) to create a story focused more on the relationship and love between the two characters rather than the sci-fi specifics.

Eric Bana (Munich, The Hulk) and Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Mean Girls) are cast perfectly as the time-crossed lovers: With Bana’s charm and good looks, and McAdams’ feistiness and intelligence, the pair come together to create a love story not without its faults. While Hollywood romances would have us believe that true love poses one dilemma which can be easily resolved before the end credits, Henry and Clare’s relationship is constantly filled with reminders that no romance is ever perfect and is quick to teach young lovers that being together is about sacrifice and compromise when problems occur.

Clare’s loneliness at being left behind and Henry’s frustration at missing important events is distressing to watch. We feel for McAdams as she sits alone at yet another dinner for two, and we worry for Bana as he is thrown across time into hazardous situations. (Though the fact that he travels naked isn’t too bad a sight for us, for him it poses danger in broad daylight on a Chicago street.)

While The Time Traveler’s Wife has included all the important elements of the story, it’s missing one vital ingredient: the ‘falling in love’ part. Again, while it’s obvious that no novel can be completely transferred to screen in its entirety, what seems to be missing from the film are those crucial moments that show us why Clare and Henry are in love in the first place. Clare is quick to proclaim that she has “been in love with Henry [her] whole life” but where is the evidence? The film lacks enough flashback scenes to see the teenage Clare fall for the handsome stranger who travels through time to her back garden. Furthermore, when present Henry finally meets Clare, it feels almost as though he just takes her word for the fact that they’re supposed to be together.

Though the film’s inclusion of the twists and turns in Henry and Clare’s relationship is flawless, it’s lacking those scenes that could have done with one or two more intimate moments to give their love that extra something.

Having said that, however, what may be missing from the script is made up for by the heartbreaking performances of Bana and McAdams as their characters face the reality of the situation they’re heading for. The combination of the effective performances and the compressed story also distracts us from the fact that these actors are supposed to be aging over a span of twenty years – a task which seems impossible but is pulled off because of how fast-paced the scenes are.

Though the ending is slightly different from the book, it works for the mood that the film creates, and leaves us with a satisfied, albeit weepy, feeling.

The Time Traveler’s Wife might feel quite ‘Hollywood’ at times with its sickly, sweet focus on the love story but it works because it avoids what could have ended as a depressing tale. We shed our tears instead for two people, desperate to be together, torn apart by forces stronger than them. The story is fulfilling and romantic, heart-wrenching and raw. So make sure you take plenty of tissues with you and let yourself get swept away by some good old-fashioned sentiment.  

Review: Orphan (2009)

Title: Orphan

Rated: 15
Release Date: August 9, 2009

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman

Rating: 3.5/5


Fresh from the crop of newly-released Film Festival treats comes this new suspense thriller. Having lost their third baby at birth, Kate and John Coleman are looking to adopt an older child into their growing family. They meet and fall in love with Esther, a 9-year-old orphan from Russia with an extraordinary English vocabulary and talent for the arts. Though it is clear that Esther is ‘different’ from the other children, Kate and John decide to bring her into their family and create a home for her. After a few unusual incidents at the house, however, Kate begins to suspect that Esther isn’t quite what she seems.

If this sounds like your typical scary movie plot, you wouldn’t be far off. We’ve all seen the spooky story about mysterious people with thick foreign accents not quite able to fit into society but when it comes to this film, somehow, it works. Rather than follow Kate (Vera Farmiga) on her quest to find out whether her new daughter is really who she says she is, this film does what many thrillers don’t – Shows us what the characters don’t know. We’re right next to Esther through every gruesome detail of her ‘accidents’ and are there to witness the lies she continues to unfold to her unsuspecting father and wary mother. We know from the first half hour that Esther is dangerous and that is why this film succeeds at creating the tension and atmosphere all good thrillers are made of. There’s only one thing scarier than a suspected psychopath, and that’s a proven psychopath. Esther’s power over her new brother and sister (who are also witnesses to her psychotic tendencies) is spine-chilling. She holds them – and us - prisoners in their own house, taking away their free will and ability to tell the ‘grown-ups’ what’s really going on.

Unfortunately, what begins as a strong story, pulling the audience in to the ambience of every scene, fails at an equally-potent climax. The “twist” feels too last-minute thought-up and, what could have been an original piece of cinema, is rushed and tainted with silliness and fight scenes that have been recreated over and over before.

In spite of this, the performances from the actors are strong. Twelve-year-old Isabelle Fuhrman has found her breakout role as Esther, adopting a Russian accent and numerous guises to tempt, tease, and terrify the audience into never forgetting her. She shines at drawing us in with her soft-spoken voice and excels at creating the best jolts of fear.

King of the character actors, Peter Sarsgaard (Jarhead, Flight Plan) makes the most out of a one-dimensional father role, and Farmiga (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas) shows enough heart and courage to make us forget that her character’s ‘demons’ are nothing new.

Those who love a good scare will get everything they want out of Orphan, though it’s best to be warned that scenes can get quite gruesome and gory at times. Director, Jaume Collet-Serra, has made sure to hold nothing back.  

Updates and Winnings

Happy Monday everyone! :-)

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend or, if you didn't, that the coming week will be better. I've been incredibly behind on replying to everyone's comments, visiting your blogs, and blogging in general so I'm going to try and get everything together today.

Today I shall be posting a review for the new film, Orphan, which I saw on Wednesday and also a review for the long-awaited The Time Traveler's Wife which I caught on Friday. I'm not saying a word about the latter until I've posted the review so you'll all have to catch my opinion on the adaptation of my favourite book then.

For those of you interested, an updated version of my Religulous DVD review is available here on The Sprout.

And, on a more bookish note, I've won my first competition in years.

As you may have seen on my previous post, Mel from Melody's Reading Corner was giving away two copies of Philippa Gregory's upcoming novel, The White Queen.

I'm very lucky to have won a copy so thank you so much, Melody. I'm absolutely over the moon and have been eagerly awaiting the release of this new series about the War of the Roses, so this has really made my day. :-D

Everyone please visit Melody's Reading Corner. Her blog is pure awesomage.

Congratulations also goes to Molly of My Cozy Book Nook who won the second copy.

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That's my little update until I get my reviews up. I'm going to leave you with this little treasure I can't stop watching. One of my favourite bands, Phantom Planet's 2002 appearance on Letterman singing 'California.'

 

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) trailer

I've been waiting for the trailer to this film for a long time. Before Ledger died, I spotted that he was collaborating with Terry Gilliam and thought that would be an interesting mix. After seeing pictures of the set designs I knew this would have an amazing look to it - it takes place in a travelling circus and - as long as the circus doesn't have clowns - I love them! The costumes and design of old-fashioned gothic circuses are incredible. And this film looks absolutely visually stunning.

I was kind of P.O'd that The Dark Knight was being marketed as Ledger's 'last film' because (as usual) it meant studio heads were ignoring Gilliam's latest efforts and this would likely never see the light of day. But luckily after it was shown at the Cannes Film Festival critics have gone mad for it and people are fighting over it. Woot!

I'm loving the look of it. Critics have said it's a true weird and wacky Gilliam world.

An observational note: Johnny Depp seems to be able to have only one British accent. He failed miserably at the one in From Hell and swore that next time he was going to make sure it would never happen again. He found his niche using the slurry Jack Sparrow accent and, from what I can tell, has stuck to that one ever since (think Sweeney Todd, Alice in Wonderland). Bless.