Recommendation 4: Tiring Thursday!

Hi!

Today, it will be a really quick recommendation, due to the fact I am currently working on some English Coursework. Seriously, word counts are the bane of my existence! I am not enjoying myself! Even if it is on The Great Gatsby and Atonement (watch the films...they are good even if they are not today's recommendations). Anyway on with what really matters...

Recommendation 4: Thor: The Dark World:-

Ultimately, this movie is really good and I am totally going to buy the DVD when it comes out Monday (in the UK). You should to....that is an order!!...only but it if you want to of course...I am going to stop now...

I loved the first film in the Thor saga, and was not disappointed by this film in the slightest. If anything, it was even better compared to the first film! It didn't have any need to be "clogged-up" with explanations about the characters. Everything has already been set up, so right from the start, there is entertaining and fast-paced action sequences! 

   

The cast is great, as they were in the first movie, and what shocked me about this movie is, along with all the action, the film is much funnier compared to what I though it would be. Kat Dennings, in particular, as the character Darcy, is absolutely hilarious. The jokes are great. The action is great. Everything in this film is great!

Overall, I give this film a 4/5. 

The only thing that would make this film better, would be if Natalie Portman (as Dr Jane Foster), stepped up to the plate even further. She does get involved with some action, becoming infected with this black gooey stuff called 'darkness' (slightly unoriginal...but who cares...it gets the job done....we all know that something called 'darkness', does not bode well). But, overall, I thought she would be fighting for the humans and kicking some butts....at least she finally gets to travel to Asgard. 

The much loved Loki (portrayed by Tom Hiddleston) does return, which is awesome. The character is so sarcastic and snarky, he makes a jam-packed movie, that much more special. The constant thorny barbs between Loki and his brother, the titular character Thor (Chris Hemsworth), will ensure you, if you decide to watch the film, are entertained throughout. Seriously, one of the best quotes of any film in 2013...."YOU MEWLING QUIM!!!!!"  What even is a 'quim'? It makes me chuckle every time! I will not be happy until I have discovered what it is according to the Asgardian world....I believe it may be rude so.....awkward...

Finally, the CGI, special effects and overall mis-en-scene of this movie is good...really good. From alien planet settings, to costumes and make-up, every little aspect adds to the storyline and makes it almost 'believably' real. Wait no! I did not just say that! I really didn't think this film was depicting real life events....I really didn't....maybe I did....;) I am still expecting some norse gods to come crashing through my bedroom ceiling and bestow me with some mighty powers, in which I will use to destroy the world....desperately hoping!!

That is all I really need to say. I am sorry it is really short, but if you have a few hours spare in your day (you are really lucky if you do), then this movie will not disappoint you or be a waste of time. Loki, Thor and Jane Foster. In other words, a group of characters that can create fantastical, sci-fi superhero entertainment. Thank You Marvel! And make sure, if you do watch the movie, you do not miss the credits scene; it could lead on to the second Avengers movie, or at the very least, a third Thor Movie ('fingers crossed'). 

Here are some pictures: 

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) mid-battle and looking angry....a large proportion of the film is spent with this facial expression on Thor's face. 

Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). Executing perfectly, the facial expression everyone pulls when the film is finished....you will not want it to end.

Yup it is Loki (Tom Hiddleston). In this scene, he gets his head cut off...I am joking....it is much more interesting....yet again, you will have to watch to find out what happens.

It is DARCY!!!! (Kat Dennings). Assistant! Sidekick! General funny person!!! The much needed comic relief in such a fast-paced movie. 

And yes, you probably recognise this is Christopher Eccleston (the resemblance between character and actor is uncanny) playing Malekith of the Dark Elves. Yet again simple name....but we know it is probably a race of 'elves' that can be anything but something good. These are the main 'bad guys' or villains in the movie, and though I would have liked them to have a bit more presence, be a bit more terrifying, I still appreciate the The Doctor (9th) having an influence in this storyline. Just should have been a bit more powerful!

Recommendations 2 and 3 for both Terrific Tuesday and Woeful Wednesday-vampires!

Hi!

Well I guess writing a new recommendation, every day of my half-term break, did not really pan out....that is awkward. However, today, I have decided to post two quick recommendations. It kind of works out perfectly, due to the fact one television show I will recommend, is the 'spin-off' of the other. These television shows, go 'hand in hand'......fang in neck.....terrible joke.

Recommendation 2: The Vampire Diaries:

 What can I say about this show? Many people believe it is a television show that is aimed just at a 'female audience', but that is entirely stupid.....really stupid. Anyone, needs to give this show a chance because it has everything. I have said that in past reviews but have never meant it more than I do for this CW Network Masterpiece. There is romance, horror, action, drama, humour; anything an audience could possibly want to see on television, is in this show at least once. It is worth watching!

This show started out as a typical love triangle between Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and the Salvatore vampires,whom are brothers no matter how much they may choose to torture each other, Stefan and Damon (Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder respectively). But now, with a larger range of characters and supernatural elements, this show has grown, more so than I expected it to. Now, there are witches, hybrids (werewolves and vampires.....creatures who didn't want to leave any cool powers for the rest of us normal folk) and travellers (I am still slightly unsure what these are exactly...they like to chant...a lot). These new elements have ensured the show has remained far from monotonous, the writers (like Kevin Williamson) should be undoubtedly proud of what they have created. Pure entertainment!

The cast is phenomenal and are able to keep up with and make such a supernatural orientated storyline, real and relatable (if that is even possible). Despite the fact I think all the characters are amazing, extra admiration should be shown towards Nina Dobrev who portrays Elena...and Katherine (Katerina)....and Amara. That is right people!! Dobrev at certain times, even in one scene, has been able to play, and pull off, two or three distinct different personalities for characters. It is truly admirable...even if everyone wants to stab Katherine in the face....sometimes. Paul Wesley has also played two characters. Stefan Salvatore and Silas. Two characters that, for the most part, are complete polar opposites. The chance to play multiple characters, has been given due to the Doppelgänger (shadow self) lore of supernatural doubles. This aspect of the storyline, alongside an abundance of flashbacks of different eras, means the television series has a wide scope. A lot of different scenes can vary greatly; hooking the audience and draining their freewill to ensure they keep watching. A bit like compulsion...which you will have to discover in the television series, in order to truly understand. Not that this 'compulsion' is needed, once you start watching, you will not be able to stop!

Ultimately, I give this show a 5/5. 

It might just be because I love CW shows ( 80% of what I watch is CW....I do not know what that says about me....probably a lot..)but I think this show is great. I could probably keep talking, and talking, about The Vampire Diaries, but would not be able do it true justice and could never summarise it perfectly. Overall, if you like a beautiful cast that makes you want to rip your eyes out, because it hurts to look at them for too long, and a mixture of romance intertwined with supernatural drama and violence, this show is for you. All four seasons, season 5 airing currently, are accompanied by awesome soundtracks (some of my favourite songs) and all camera shots are interesting and cinematic. Close-ups for emotion, out of focus shots to show dramatic divides between characters, and fast 'transitioning' fight scenes! You could ask not ask for more!!!

Recommendation 3: The Originals (yes...it is another CW show)

It truly is a 'woeful Wednesday', when you have a headache as large as the one I have currently, but I still believe it important to recommend these two shows. They are simply awesome. 

Really quickly, 'The Originals', if you do not already know, is a 'spin-off' from 'The Vampire Diaries'. There was a planted pilot somewhere in series four, that almost documented the shift of some 'original' characters from Mystic Falls (Vampire Diaries), to New Orleans. Who are the characters that move?, I hear you call, (it may be the voices in my head.....the very loud voices!). The Original family are the characters at the centre of this show, hence the name/title. A family of the first vampires, gifted because their mother loved them slightly too much...it is kind of creepy. Even if she did try to take the power away again in an episode of Vampire Diaries....let us just gloss over that.  

'The Originals', is still finding its feet, but promises to be just as riveting as its predecessor (which is not the right term....but....oh well). At the heart of this show, we follow the average, if not dysfunctional, Mikaelson family, mainly the siblings Klaus (Joseph Morgan plays the original hybrid), Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Rebekah (Claire Holt). As said, it is just a dysfunctional family, where the family fights are slightly more dangerous....with the fangs, super strength, super speed...which is terrifying because if my sister had such powers, I would probably not make it through the day without being chucked around a few dozen times...'shivers'.  To top of all the tense relationships, we have Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) a pregnant werewolf....with Klaus as the father. Which may defy the laws of nature but who cares, that is all in a days work for  a television show like this. Yup, so Hayley is pregnant by Klaus but Elijah and her are slightly in love, I sense a brotherly disturbance, and Rebekah is just fed up with being stabbed in the back...literally. 

On top of this, the setting of this show has been so cleverly thought out for the storyline. New Orleans, specifically the 'French Quarter', has enabled the show to delve into a rich history which I, personally, find fascinating. The show can have episodes heavily concentrated on the power (threat) of witches, more so when compared to Vampire Diaries, which I also believe is awesome. Who doesn't want to see some magic being flung about?

This show deserves around a 4/5.

Not quite at the 'original' Vampire Diaries level yet, but very nearly there. There has recently been some crossover and shared references between the shows, with certain characters arriving back in 'Mystic Falls', which I think is really great and should be continued. It is almost like a separate supernatural infested world has been created and shared between these two shows, one in which people can escape in weekly. 

I urge you to try these shows. Whenever you workload or college work gets too much, it is important that you give yourself a break, and for me, these shows are amazing at taking my mind off of the stress. 

Thank You. I will recommend something different tomorrow if I do not entirely forget...again. 

(I know, I show such dedication to this blog it is inspiring....note the sarcasm)

Here are some pictures as usual:)

Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev). Where it all begins. Resident human...up to a point, and whom everyone tries to keep safe until it is her, personally, who starts snapping peoples' necks. 

Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). Really cool eyebrows, I must say, because they are perfect for brooding. Not that he has a lot to brood about, except he has been a 'ripper' in the past and has decimated families due to his thirst for blood...but everyone does that...right?

Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder). Older brother...and a pain in almost everyones' a**. He is the third point of this love triangle, though it is much less a fight between 'Stelena' or 'Delena' now, and more a fight to get Elena back...it involves Katherine and travellers and taking over bodies....it is complicated. It is quite funny how psychotic Damon is, one step away from destroying many lives at all times, and then Ian Somerhalder is probably one of the most dedicated people to saving the planet! It is cool! Good acting!

Caroline Forbes (Candice Accola). She started of in the show, as a shallow teenager, but has quickly become a loveable character. Maybe dying will do that to a person? I personally think Staroline (Stefan and Caroline) should get a chance to shine, but at the moment, she has a lot going on. It may or may not involve Klaus!

Bonnie Bennet (Katerina Graham). She used to be the resident witch, but now is something that much more complicated. As an 'anchor' for the 'other side' she has a lot to deal with, but it does make for a unique and captivating storyline. 

 
The Originals:

Klaus ( Joseph Morgan). Someone you do not want to mess with or even be within the vicinity of. He has a closet full of skeleton and  baggage (literally, I have lost count on how many people he has killed in both television shows). He is systematically followed by a high body count.

Elijah (Daniel Gillies). The more honourable brother; someone you could probably trust slightly more. However, he is still in love with the mother of his brother's baby so....we will see what happens their before a decision is made on how trustworthy he can be.

Rebekah (Claire Holt). Well...this expression kind of sums up the character. Overall, she is fed up with her dysfunctional family and is trying to grasp some of her own control in New Orleans. Let us just see how long she can survive without being staked (it happens more ofter than you would think).

Finally, Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin). The one who is pregnant. I thought it could get a bit 'Twilight' at one point but as of yet, the baby is not the biggest part of the storyline. The audience just has to wait to see how it unfolds.

Daily Recommendation: MOODY MONDAY (and Baby Daddy)

Hello,

As I have a week-long break off from college (THANK GOD!!!) I am going to use the opportunity to make short, but daily, recommendations on what I believe are interesting and entertaining television shows and films to watch.

Today, the recommendation I have chosen, in hopes that anyone who reads this will try at least one episode, is Baby Daddy (produced by ABC Family).

This show, can be cheesy and cliche ,with some of the jokes, but nevertheless I am glad I found it. It is a lighthearted show, that can give you an escape from an otherwise hectic and tiring reality. It does have some surprisingly funny laughs, and for a family show, has managed to create some interesting characters that an audience can easily become invested in. Considering two of the actors/actresses (that I know of) have appeared on Disney (Jean-Luc Bilodeau and Chelsea Kane), this show is not just for kids, far from it. It caters for a wide range of viewers.

The main reason I believe this show has been successful, more so than what people probably thought it would be, is because the on-screen chemistry and familiar relationships, between characters, is very 'real'. You can tell all these people get on with each other, on and off the set, and not just because they are all being paid. For lack of a better term, I think all the cast are really cool!

Ultimately, the show can be frustrating. following the story of Ben Wheeler (Bilodeau) and the fact he has suddenly been handed a daughter to raise called Emma. His struggle to find his feet with his roommate Tucker (Taj Mowry) and older brother Danny (Derek Theler) helping him along the way (...actually, they probably make it that much more of a struggle) is interesting to watch. There is plenty of drama, with Danny pining for his childhood friend Riley (Chelsea Kane), even if she used to be 'fat pants', but Riley still being hopelessly in love with Ben. Think Shakespeare's 'Midsummer's Nights Dream', everyone in love with someone else, but Taj is in love with his apartment (he labels his food...sections his fridge....overall he is a good human being) and any girl that is in the general vicinity.

To top of these confused relationships, we have Bonnie. What can I say about Bonnie? Ben and Danny's mother. Fantastically funny women (maybe the funniest character). Played by Melissa Peterman, the character Bonnie is a much needed element that makes the show slightly more unique, and when paired with everyone else, creates a happy show. It is happy, and in a world of troubles and stressful work (I feel your pain college students), happiness is needed. 

I give this show about a 3.5/5.

Definitely watch this show and accept it for what it is. This ABC family project, is not a big-budget franchise TV show, but it is still worth a watch. When you are tired and are looking for a show to 'switch off' and watch, this is one of the best. The sets are not overly complicated, the camera work not the most cinematic, but this show is not without merit.  With a cute baby and talented/funny cast, it will put a smile on your face. Give this show a chance. Hopefully you will not be disappointed! You may even become invested in the characters' lives. I am still desperately hoping that Danny and Riley finally get together. I am sorry Ben...just move out of the way. 

Being another show from Dan Berendsen; 'Baby Daddy is family friendly and worth the watch all the same. 

I hope this recommendation rallies you into trying the show out, here are some images (most are probably, extremely air-brushed...I desperately hope anyway....or it is really unfair) for you to peruse. I will speak to you all tomorrow with Tuesday's recommendation. Like vampires that do not sparkle? Stay tuned! (sorry for that phrase....it is over used but gets the job done I guess). Goodbye!!! ;)

WHOOOOO!!! I had a similar reaction, as Derek Theler, when I discovered Lucy Hale (from Pretty Little Liars) was in one episode. It was a good episode!

Ben (Jean-Luc Bilodeau)....I am sure that is not how you are supposed to hold a baby....and the duct tape...let us just ignore that....moving on....swiftly.

Derek Theler plays Danny Wheeler. He is very tall. I have this hypothesis that he is half giant...either way, I wish I was just as tall. :(

Taj Mowry portrays Tucker. He is very small. Probably closer to my height to be honest. And he has almost an OCD-quality, when it comes to his apartment (which is fair enough, I am similarly,very protective of my bedroom). 

Melissa Peterman (Bonnie Wheeler- the Wheeler mum, no matter how much she may try to deny it). She is funny. That is all the audience need to know. 

And finally Chelsea Kane plays the character Riley. She has had many 'boyfriends' in the show, including Fitch (Matt Dallas...it's a Kyle XY reunion!.... between Bilodeau and Dallas). Unfortunately, Fitch is not a super powered experiment here....I was disappointed! Riley also had a thing, extremely short lived, with Ben but I am still waiting for Danny to step up....desperately waiting....

MMMM....FOOD (and MORTAL INSTRUMENTS!!!!)

Hello readers,

I will not apologise for taking a while to post due to college work, again, because I refuse to sound like a broken record....but I am sorry anyway. I think the best thing to do is just get on with the review of the movie Mortal Instruments. So here it is, whilst I sit here gorging on food, particularly a whole tub of sorbet (IT'S SOOOOO GOOD!!!!) I give to you, my take on this interesting movie (even if it was released ages ago and this review is completely out of date. Last year seems way too long ago now....it is crazy!). Rant now over....

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

     After having read the books, ages ago at the start of secondary school, right from the start I wanted this movie to be good and live up to the world that the author, Cassandra Clare, imagined. And, overall, it very nearly does. Falling just short due to the fact it is, what I term, a 'set-up' movie (yes I have copyrighted the phrase....even if it won't catch on...and probably exists already anyway). This is only the first movie in, hopefully, a trilogy (at least) to come in the future. Consequently, the storyline of this  first film was constricted by the fact, a lot of backstory needed to be clearly explained. Thus, there were moments in the movie that seemed to fall slightly flat, in between more action-packed scenes. Ultimately, however, this movie was really good and I still recommend it, despite the need for 'setting up' the franchise, slightly affecting the narrative.

    First of all, I think the dedication the film showed, in sticking to the original works by Cassandra Clare, is something the movie can be proud of. All the actors, and actresses, did an excellent job in bringing to life the much-loved characters from the book. Lily Collins as the main protagonist Clary Fray, is a perfect balance of determination to succeed, with hints of unstableness (is that a word?....does not sound like one....oh well) at being thrust into a completely alien, supernatural world. Also, Jamie Campbell Bower, playing the enigmatic Jace Wayland, is the perfect amount of sarcastic remarks and one-liners, to keep the audience engaged in the storyline and keep Clary struggling forward against fearsome beasts like a Rottweiler (it is much more terrifying than it sounds....'silly putty' will never be the same again).

   Furthermore, despite many of the romantic moments between the leads, Jace and Clary, being overly cliche and rather 'sappy' at times, the credibility of the movie is maintained in the fact some of the creatures used in the film, are surprisingly shocking in their freakiness. Especially the Rottweiler....'shivers'...  It makes the world, that has been created, that more captivating to watch, even if the romance can leave you cringing slightly from a sugary after taste.

 The whole plot, for the movie, is extremely interesting and unique compared to what has already been introduced to the supernatural/fantasy genre. Though it is lesser now, the fantasy genre is normally dominated by werewolves and vampires, and though they do appear in this movie, the focus is heavily on shadowhunters or nephilim (part angel). A society of dangerous, and super cool, 'warriors' who fight all that goes 'bump in the dark'. Yes, it is cliche. Yes it is cheesy. And yes, it is ok to wish you were a shadowhunter. The movie has tried to mix all the conventions of fantasy genre into one movie. Witches, vampires, werewolves and even angels (at least part-angels) make at least one appearance during the movie, if not more, and the attempt to cater for all these fantastical creatures, in one single film, is admirable.

   One of the reasons, this movie had such a lacklustre performance at box office, in my opinion, is shown through it's soundtrack. Artists like Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Jessie J, though all really talented, can show an alienation of an older audience towards the movie. The soundtrack and promotional campaign, chose to focus on a teenager audience and forgot, that many readers of Clare's original books, are adults. Right from the start, comparisons were drawn between other franchises such as 'Twilight' which may, ultimately, have turned many possible fans away from the movie, who were not interested in seeing something so similar. Even then, the fact that filming for the sequel was pushed back due to poor ratings, is really disheartening, as worse films have easily gained sequels (they will remain unnamed).



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

3.5/5

The movie, despite the fact a lot of time had to be dedicated to explanations of the world that had been created, was not that disappointing. Despite many films being linear, this film did not just leave all the action till towards the end of the film. Riveting fight scenes, with quickly cut transitions and tense music, are dotted frequently throughout the film. Whether it be Clary's mum, being scarily dangerous (I never knew a refrigerator could be such an efficient self-defence weapon), or a creepy little girl ready to sink her teeth into Clary (and that is all I want to say), there are a variety of scenes that will leave you desperately grasping towards the screen. It is not just left until the end.

Ultimately, if you want to watch some shadowhunters kick some butt ( I am trying to be polite), destroy some demons, and young Clary's life, and that of her awkward friend Simon (played by Robert Sheehan) get absolutely flipped upside down, stomped on and put through a dishwasher...multiple times, then this is a film for you. It has some flaws, but is entertaining enough and worth at least one watch.



Well...here is the review. It is shorter than normal, maybe due to the fact I struggled to decide what I wanted to say. It is a difficult film to summarise. It has some really artistic shots and settings; especially shown through some cool flashbacks (it is a long story...Clary's mother actually hijacks her mind and gets some of her memories taken away....it is a bit invasive if you ask me). I may have struggled on what to write, but I will leave you to make up your own mind. That is, if you are intrigued enough to give this unique story/plot a chance.

Next Review: Baby Daddy ( the Television series) or The Originals (once again a TV series)

As usual, here are some photos to peruse. I took them on my television and if I do say so myself, they turned out......rubbish.....and blurry (my hand wouldn't stop shaking). Oh well, it is better than nothing.

Clary Fray (Lily Collins). Anyone that can pull of thickish eyebrows like in this movie, and still look really good, is ok according to me. (I also have some rather thick eyebrows....not that you were wondering).

Simon Lewis (Robert Sheehan). All you need to know is that he is awkward and geeky....my new best friend! He has a run in with vampires...and it may literally come back and bite him....hehe ;)

A rather blurry image of Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace Wayland. Moody and sarcastic but good with weapons. The perfect shadowhunter; despite the fact he is led to believe he is in love with his sister, Clary, who isn't his real sister...it is complicated.

The Rottweiler from hell....literally. And that is all I need to say....just look at it. :0 Unfortunately, I do not know the actor, dog actor, that plays this fine fellow.

What everyone in the movie wants. No, not a tarot card, but the Mortal Cup! All you have to do, to get it, is to have been fed extra angel blood whilst still in the womb, then use some nifty abilities to literally reach in and take it from the painted picture....piece of cake!

Alec Lightwood (Kevin Zegers). It is alluded to that he has a thing for Jace, leaving him one of the grumpiest people on the planet. I mean it! Anyways, in the next movie, if it goes ahead, he should have a bigger part as he may find love, though also the 'bane' of his existence. 

We have Simon again, but with Isabelle Lightwood (Jemima West) also behind in a deep focus shot. Now she, more than anyone, is a shadowhunter who is ready to kick some butt! Some demon butt. She likes them fried and extra crispy!!

Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Valentine Morgenstern. The angry antagonist of the movie. He is desperate for the mortal cup, to fulfil his dastardly plans. He is deranged, especially in some scenes, but overall a great character.

Clary, again, showing off some angel mojo. We start to discover she is different from others surrounding her, because she is able to draw runes, power to a shadowhunter, that have never been seen before....intriguing.....

There is also a dwarf called Kíli.....actually, that may be 'The Hobbit' :) However, Aidan Turner is in the movie as Luke Garroway; resident werewolf. From a vampire in BBC Being Human, to a werewolf and then a dwarf, Turner has definitely found his niche in this genre.

Finally, a shot of Magnus 'Bane' (Godfrey Gao). The High Warlock of Brooklyn. Though not seen a lot in this movie, he has a vital role. He is the one who blocked Clary's memories and saves Alec from something (you will have to watch). What a hero! (even in such a blurry shot)