College work Stress!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! (and American Hustle).

Hello readers!!!

  It seems to be the same old story every time but yes, college work is still too much. My stress levels are through the roof but I keep on trudging along. The problem with college is every lecturer seems to only care for their own subject. All I want to do is just stand up, clear my throat and scream at them "FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! I DO THREE OTHER SUBJECTS YOU KNOW!" Anyways, none of that matters. When I have college work overloading my weekends, it is nice to find some time to actually focus on this blog and my love for television and film. So before I end up just writing a three page rant about the woes of actually having to get out of bed and do way too many essays, I will get on with the review (bring forth the sighs of relief). :)

American Hustle:

This movie, despite not being my usual 'cup of tea', was actually ok. David O. Russell, the director, and all of the writers/producers did an amazing job with this movie and I am personally glad that I took the time out to watch this film. I think some crime orientated films, can often fall into the trap of including a lot of greatly appreciated action but skip over other vital insights into the characters.
  However, American Hustle takes the time to situate the characters in the storyline but still remains true to the traditional aspects of this genre.  For example, we have a typical film noir "femme fatale" with the fiery, and definitely not british, Sydney Prosser (or the esteemed "Lady Edith Greensly), depending on if you fall for the lies falling from this con-artist's perfectly painted lips. Amy Adams does an awesome job of playing this character. Apart from that, traditional film noir style influences are seen in the delightfully realistic scenes (mis-en-scene). I loved seeing a multitude of classical bars, whether it be a balcony or window frame in the background, to connote instances of entrapment for the characters, as the audience watch and eventually see, them lose their grip on the situations. Oh bars, frequent cars, you are beautiful crime conventions and I am so glad you are present in this film.

   Once again, it is no suprise this movie has been praised so positively. The cast that has been gathered together, is nothing short of perfect. For me, and half of the world, Jennifer Lawrence stole the show as Rosalyn Rosenfeld and I am happy to know that she won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress (COME ON LAWRENCE YOU CAN ALSO TAKE THE OSCAR!!!!) She can do nothing wrong and is way too talented, and funny, for one actress alone. Jennifer Lawrence is captivating in her role as a neurotic wife; hiding the few screws loose behind a fetching and elegant, if slightly off-kilter blonde "updo" (is that how I spell it...I know nothing about hair otherwise I probably would have tried a blog on it...no movies are much more interesting). I really do like to go off subject, dont I? Back to the hustling! Rosalyn as a character breathes life into the movie and with Lawrence, I see why this film has become a black comedy and not simply, just a straightforward crime movie. Some of the jokes are subtle, probably down to slightly improvised aspects to scenes, but still greatly appreciated and worth watching.

   Some scenes are absolutely hilarious and though some of the characters are rather over the top and outrageous at times, seemingly a semiotic of David O. Russell's work, I think the whole story is great and worth the time to watch. I think some movies, set in previous times like this one, can move quite slowly, in a bid for some directors to try and capture the contrast in that lifestyle, compared to present day. Our bustling and frantic (Geez don't I know it... I can't relax for more than 10 minutes) society compared to slower times. Russell pulls it of though and the audience are effortlessly transported to 1978 and the lives of con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his scam partner Sydney Prosser (mentioned earlier). The costume design, soundtrack and sets have been marvellously constructed, as needed, and I wouldn't expect anything less.

Bradley Cooper also plays an FBI Agent 'Richie' DiMaso and is an excellent addition to an already star-studded (god I hate that phrase) cast. Despite the fact as an FBI agent you believe he should be the narrative's 'moral centre', DiMaso is a much more interesting and in-depth character. You will have to watch the movie to find out how he fits into the scheme of events (and no it is not a typical film with a mighty smack down... "FBI vs CON ARTISTS...who will win????"). Please read the last bit in a really deep voice, otherwise it may lose some effect. Thank You! ;) He may, or may not actually attempt to work with some of the shadier people (wink wink). 

For these reasons, and many more, I give this film a rating of:

4.5/5

David 'O'. Russell has done an 'O'pulent job on this film and chosen a good group of actors to pull off a story that should not necessarily work in the first place. The black comedic look at a large and illegal scam, transforms into a focus on a variety of extremely interesting characters first, and a detailed look at how certain people (please read 'crazies' instead of people) 'supposively' operated 'back in the day', second. Just watch it. Give it a go! 

   This is another short review I am afraid, due to the fact I have limited time and this is actually a difficult film to write about and truly give it justice for what it deserves. I know the majority of my reviews have been rather nice, but this film, along with the rest of what I have looked at, truly deserves the praise. What I would say, is watch this film with an open mind and try and let go of any previous devotions to specific genres you may have dedicated yourself to. Also, simply, give the film a chance, especially if you enjoyed David O. Russell's previous big blockbuster 'Silver Linings Playbook' (another amazing film you should watch...yes, I like to say amazing....a lot). Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence also star in it and have 'fantastic chemistry' (hate that saying as well, why not amazing physics or biology?...sorry bad joke again).

And that is it, thank you for reading again people!!!! Below are images from American Hustle if you want to see the characters. Speak to you....type to you...in the next review (as of yet still undecided....may be the Mortal Instruments because it comes out on DVD today) :)

Here we have Christian Bale as Irving Rosenfeld (and no it is not a fat suit....he is crazy dedicated to his roles, which is a really cool thing) and Amy Adams as Sydney Prosser (big glasses and close to being publicly indecent sums up her character pretty nicely).

A woman who needs no introduction, Jennifer Lawrence plays Irving's wife (but Irving actually loves someone else so....awkward) called Rosalyn Rosenfeld. No bow and arrow in this movie, I am afraid. Just a few dozen cigarettes and some very bright (and 'nasty' nail polish).

Irving has popped up again in this image but also with Bradley Cooper (FBI Agent Richie). Sadly, the haircuts are really bad...and even worse, I think Cooper really 'permed' his hair for the movie...so again...awkward).

Finally, Jeremy Renner also appears as Mayor Carmine. Sadly, once again, he has no bow and arrow in this movie, we have to wait until the next Avengers movie to see Hawkeye again. This movie may lack a good level of bow and arrowness (yes that is a word) but it's still worth watching. Trust me. ;)

(I do not own any of the images, they are copyright of their respected owners. Please do not shoot me, the movie is not even out on DVD yet so I have an excuse). Thank You. :)

Quick Post (to tide you over)

HELLLOOOO READERS!!!!

Hope everyone is hanging in there in this busy, polluted and cruel world! (sorry that was far too melodramatic for the weekend) :)

College work is even worse at the moment, I have a lot of coursework deadlines I am half panicking over and half trying to ignore. So, I hope to post a full-length review tomorrow on the film American Hustle but, in the mean time, here is a quick review on the television series American Horror Story: Coven. As you can tell, I love America. American Hustle. American Horror Story. To sum up, America, know how to produce some really interesting media masterpieces.

I do have to confess, I have only watched a few episodes of the first two seasons of American Horror Story, and have not seen them in their entirety, despite the fact they seem to be favourable amongst other critics and reviews. I chose to start on Coven first, just because the witchcraft premise highly interested me compared to the other story lines. And, overall, the third season is good. Really good.

First of all, the storyline was interesting enough to entertain me but what I did find....interesting, was the fact everyone seems to die. Frequently. For shows like Supernatural, I expect the frequent death and revival of a main character. Whether it is Dean, Sam or Castiel, I know that death is not necessarily the end for them (thank god). However, in AHS there are frequent deaths but they do not truly seem to interlink or 'fit' with the plot line as well and are glossed over. Maybe, this makes it more shocking and resemble the horror genre to a higher level but I am not sure if I like it when it happens every episode. It is a 'witchy' (replacing the 'w' with a 'b' would be more accurate) fight for power, so the frequent deaths are probably needed.

Apart from that, the series is truly gripping and I love all the captivating, if not slightly deranged characters that are stereotypical of the American Horror Story franchise.  Is it correct to call it a franchise? Probably not...anyways moving on! Of the actresses in the show, Emma Roberts portraying Madison Montgomery, Sarah Paulson playing Cordelia Foxx and Jessica Lange whom I have seen in previous seasons, portrays the character Fiona Goode (who is anything but 'goode'), are a particular handful that stand out as awesome. The storyline created by Ryan Murphy and others, truly does deserve the abundance of positive reviews and 'critical acclaim' that it has received. Despite frequent deaths, the episodes are full of amazing frights but also frequent humour. It is enough to keep my eyes glued to the screen and watch the scenes gruesomely painted red with frequent violence. In three words this series is, 'fantastic but frightful'.

For these reasons, I give the series a:

4/5 

American Horror Story is great and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves horror and witches. I cannot wait to find out who the next 'supreme' is. The one who can master the 'seven wonders', an assortment of magical gifts that defy the laws of nature. You can say what you want about this show, how it does not compare to the previous two seasons, but the way the series has been shot is nothing short of artwork. The small non-diegetic melodies that accompany the scenes, crank up the horror aspects from plain horror to something rather disturbed and 'cross the road to avoid the characters' type creepiness. An assortment of close up shots and low angle sequences show that these witches are powerful; women that are prepared to fight for the top spot. I am on the edge of my 'broom' (really bad joke sorry) and cannot wait to find out how it will end. 


Thank You for reading, here is some of the characters to look at, my camera is broken so they are not my images, sorry, but that's probably for the best (my camera skills still need some serious work). I hope this review is enough, at least, to interest you until tomorrow when, again, I hope to post a larger and more interesting review on American Hustle. If the 'Monday Mood' does not force me into hibernation.
 In the meantime, do not let anyone stop you from watching films and television! You want to be lazy and anti-social (two words that describe me perfectly) then go ahead. Everyone deserves to relax and immerse themselves in the world of media.
Speak to you later (or technically I will write something, and you will read it...no actual speaking is involved). :)

This is the character Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts). The character has many issues but she is captivating to watch. She is cold as a corpse (hint hint) but I still root for her!!! :)

Here we have Cordelia Foxx (Sarah Paulson). At first I thought she would be only sane person in the series but then she got really creepy. Really creepy. "shivers"  One event could include a sharp object and her own eyes....yes you will have to watch and wince at the scene to find out. Let me just say, never take a way a witches power. Never.

Finally, we have Jessica Lange playing Fiona Goode. A 'supreme' and head witch (yet again replace the 'W' with a 'B'). Her acting is amazing and her character is ruthless. Let me just say, because I like to talk a lot, never point out a woman's wrinkles. Never mention her age. Never.

Apologies, being soaked and Teen Wolf!

It has been quite a while since my last review, due to the fact college work has become mental! And for that, I apologise!!! Ever since coming back after the christmas break, the work load for coursework and revision has increased dramatically. However, this has given me all the more reason to immerse myself into a variety of new television shows and media! 

After walkng into Cirencester town centre from college, and getting thoroughly drenched, I am sat here at college listening to music (Young the Giant-listen to them, some of the songs are really great) and writing the third review for this blog. I should probably be revising for my test tomorrow. Oh well...I am too tired!
  Now, without further ado, my review on the television show Teen Wolf shall begin, hopefully, if I stop my persistent babbling.
  Teen Wolf (MTV) has recently returned for season 3B, after a hiatus, for a many months, after the first twelve episodes of the season had aired. The split in the season, though highly annoying, has enabled the story to shift rather drastically and thus I have been given the chance to see all the characters face a range of newly created problems.
   For some reason, when I have mentioned watching Teen Wolf to people around me in college, despite a large and devoted fan following, not many people have cared and are themselves dubious about checking out any episodes. Well I say, throw away those doubts and bound into this show. You will not look back! Like me, you will become a dog with a bone...or a wolf! ;)

   Considering some MTV shows are extremely short-lived, this show has everything I need in an enjoyable watch. Even from the pilot episode, I was captivated in the way music I had never even heard before, appeared to reinforce the feelings of each scene. Ultimately, the soundtrack chosen, at all times in the seasons, is able to perfectly reflect what is being watched.

   The overall storyline, despite the television show deriving from the 1985 movie of the same name, starring Michael J Foxx, follows a completely new and fresh direction and plot. It does not fail to suprise, even if at sometimes one episode can seem to go too fast whilst being watched. With the storyline, the characters that have been created and adapted, are intricate and interesting, especially as we move into the second half of the third season and they begin having to deal with a range of psychological ordeals (it is a whole mess of trouble including a tree stump, sacrifies and ice baths, you will have to check it out to fully understand). ;)

   What suprised me about the show, most of all, is how cinematic and artisitic the directing is. More so than I see in a lot of other shows, an ecletic variety of out of focus shots, canted angles and even simple slow motion sequences, create "mini-movies" within each episode. Around forty minutes of action and drama that forces my eyes to be glued to the television screen, enticing me to spend time writing a review in the first place!

  The problem with Teen Wolf, is the fact the audience are always left wanting more, dramatic lighting and an abundance of different events happening in the fictional Beacon Halls, will leave you unfairly frustrated week by week. It is one of those shows that, due to raising many quality questions, there is never any reprieve or relaxation. If you are going to watch the show, ensure you are ready for the full-throttle ride it is, it may be cliche but you will get invested and feel the need to "pack" your bags to camp in your living room, desperately trying to survive the withdrawl symptoms between episodes.
   To finish off, I think it imperative to mention the cast itself. These people have amazing chemistry together and the actors and actresses, along with the developer Jeff Davies, are able to truly and visually convince me, and hopefully you, of everything occuring. Every emotion becomes real; every joke remains funny. Tyler Posey, Dylan O'Brien, Crystal Reed, Tyler Hoechlin and Holland Roden, all especially have the talent needed to keep this show trudging along, slowly but surely.

For these reasons, and numerous more, I give this show:
4/5

Ultimately, MTV have managed to create a good show. There is a soundtrack that strongly supports all scenes, charismatic characters that are pulled off by the actors and an interesting storyline that breathes life into the almost archaic werewolf lore.
I have nothing else to say and have exhausted my vocabulary (until the next review anyways) so go and give this show a chance. :)

Next Reviews: Gravity or American Hustle (I am undecided) and American Horror Story: Coven (TV)Now, like last time, I leave you with a montage of some Teen Wolf moments sadly not taken by me this week (My boxset is being borrowed by someone...I know I am way too kind... I really should charge people to take my dvds). Until the next review, don't let anyone tell you to stop watching TV :D


*Tyler Posey portrays Scott McCall- our original (but not only one to appear) 'Teen Wolf', all fanged out for your viewing pleasure!








* Tyler Hoechlin portrays Derek Hale- Born a werewolf and so 'sour'/'grumpy' that every smile is way too creepy!!!


*Dylan O'Brien portrays Stiles Stilinksi the trusted sidekick. 'Stiles' is not his real name, but that remains one of the biggest mysteries of the show....all you need to know is that he is funny and talks...a lot!  Big shipping, I believe with Derek (known as Sterek). Sounds like a type of cheese...anyways, onto the next character.






*Crystal Reed portrays Allison Argent who may, or may not, be a 'hunter' who is way to trigger happy with her bow and arrow at times. Yes she uses a bow and arrow and yes, it is outdated but still awesome!



*Lydia Martin is portrayed by Holland Roden. Not quite as 'at home' with a bow and arrow (quiver) in her hand but she likes to scream. Frequently. Which is important because she is quite the 'wailing woman' (research it ;)

* Finally, Jackson Whittemore is portrayed by Colton Haynes ( first two seasons before he left and now appears on ARROW!!!) Jackson is arrogant and yup...that sums the character up for the majority of episodes!

Thanks for reading if you made it to the end!!! :)

The Amazingness of Arrow

ARROW! 

  What can I say, this television show has been out for a while now, but I have only just discovered it. I am glad I did! This show has everything and it is no suprise from the successful CW network, in which I already watch many other series including, to mention only one, Supernatural!!

The show, overall, is based on and around the DC comic book hero "The Green Arrow". However, what is truly interesting about the show, is how the creators/developers Greg Berlanti, Marx Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg have been able to, in places, flip the original comic book lore, and create a variety of unique stories within each episode. A character may not appear as they did in the DC universe precisely, but that is the reason you will want to continue watching. It is what keeps you guessing.

Oliver Queen (portrayed by Stephen Amell) starts of as a stereotypical playboy billionaire but due to being stranded on a treacherous island for five years, is able to craft himself "into a weapon". A "vigilante" prepared to defend his home of Starling City, under his dead fathers wishes for him to redeem the family name. We as the audience, are able to follow his struggle to fight and take out the names on a list; the corrupt "one percenters" in the city!! 

I am sure I am not doing this television show justice. At first, I thought the shows premise was rather limited, I mean, it is one guy with a bow and arrow, how long is that going to take to get boring? I was wrong. Somehow, with a genius cast, this show is able to stay refreshing and far from repetitive, as some other shows would become. It is a perfect mix of family drama, action and comedic scenes, with a dash of the highly popular superhero genre. If you are a particular fan of any other superhero movie or television show, then Arrow is a perfect watch. It even reminds me of the glory days when CW's Smallville was still on.

For an abundance of quickly shot fight scenes, tense dramatic downfalls and "bring a smile to your face" character interactions, I give this show a:

4.5/5

I do not believe I will always be as generous with the ratings as I have been so far, but this television show does deserve the credit, especially for a spontaneous steal of £15 on one boring Saturday.

The soundtrack is suprisingly up to date in the scenes and the camera shots are diverse enough to grip, and keep hold of,  the audience right from the outstart with the opening "My name is Oliver Queen...."

I want to particularly applaud on behalf of this shows followers, if my opinion were to account towards anything, the portrayal of Felicity Smoak by Emily Bett Rickards. Her executions of the funny and awkward spouts of "word vomit" (and after some skydiving in the season 2 premiere 'real' vomit) are the perfect contrast to the gruffness of Oliver. Felicity working with Oliver, and John Diggle the "bodyguard", make the perfect team to entertain and I am on the edge of my seat (literally I cannot get comfortable in this stupid chair) for the shows return on January 15th.

So...I hope I have captivated you at least to try out this show, you might be slightly dubious in the beginning, like I was, but just notch an arrow, close your eyes and fire yourself into this awesomely constructed series (sorry for the apt if not slightly corny metaphor). :) thankyou for reading!!!! 

Here are some pictures from the show of the great cast, if they won't influence and convince you to watch, I do not know what will!!!!

Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) aka  "The Hood" aka "The Arrow...

Thea Queen (portrayed by Willa Holland) she may or may not begin with a drug problem...you will have to watch!

Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards)

Its Olicity!!! ( Oliver and Felicity) they are on a massive "ship"...seriously search for it on tumblr!!!! :)

Tommy Merlyn (he is not a wizard unfortunately) portrayed by Colin Donnell. Tommy is Oliver's bestest bud!!!

Laurel Lance (Katie Cassidy). Oliver's old girlfriend, who he cheated on with her sister, she now goes out with his best friend Tommy. Think soap operas!! (So if you like them too, this show is for you!!)

John Diggle (David Ramsey) the slightly too serious but loyal character (that every show seems to have)

And finally, an out of focus, over the shoulder shot (hey... I know some mediocre media language) of Oliver on the island. There are frequent flashbacks!

Sorry for poor quality of photos, took them on my television!!! Speak to you in the next review, in the mean time, KEEP WATCHING TV!!! :) do not let anyone stop you!!! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Just a quick post to say, that I hope everyone has an amazing and magical New Year! I have watched the world's celebrations and it looks like 2014 has been kicked off truly and brilliantly!!!

Make your new years resolution and, this year, "aim for the moon, even if you miss, you'll be amongst the stars!" 

Thank you for reading, have a great day!