Showing posts with label film of the day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film of the day. Show all posts
19 July 2014

Film of the Day #15: How To Train Your Dragon 2

13:46 | Posted by
Hi!

 Currently I am watching Snowpiercer. Holy spaceballs, it is BRILLIANT, also brutal. Expect a review/discussion soon! 
Today's FOTD, is not technically from today. Today, I am stuck in a binge watch of EPIC proportions with Veronica Mars. I'm not sure if it's a fictional character I want to be my best friend, or Kristen Bell, but either way, I want one! Also, Logan Echolls yo, Logan. Echolls.

 Alright! Today's film is How to Train Your Dragon 2, which is just fricking ace. 
Film of the Day! I WANT A DRAGON.

The film comes 5 years after the events of the first film. Hiccup and his dragon Toothless have ensured that their village live in peace with dragons and everything looks AWESOME. Hiccup's dad, Stoick, wants him to take over as Chief of the village, but Hiccup would rather fly around with Toothless and discover new land. On one of these adventures with Astrid, they discover a mysterious ice formation that has marooned a boat full of dragon trappers. Only a figure from Hiccup's past can help him defeat the danger of a ruthless dragon army.


This is SO GOOD. There aren't enough Caps Lock to fully emphasise just HOW GOOD this is. The film is insanely beautiful, the swooping flying shots, the scenery are all so incredibly detailed. I saw it in 2D but it is such an immersive environment it feels like you could touch it. I imagine the 3D is even more impressive, given that it was shot with 3D in mind, unlike many of the post-filming conversions that are done to try and make money. I could genuinely watch Hiccup and Toothless soaring through the sky for hours. 
Beyond the actual beauty of the film, this has so much more to offer. A lot of animated films seem to sacrifice the idea of 'character development' to try fit in a few more jokes, or they've spent so long making it beautiful the characters offer very little. Not the case here. The characters here feel as real and tangible as in a non-animated feature. Actually, a lot more. Hiccup is such a great character for a kids film particularly, he is flawed but wants to try so hard to be better and that's kind of great to watch. The relationship with his father is particularly touching and affecting. 
The storyline is pretty fabulous and involving, and the themes of acceptance and the notion of unending love are beautifully played and incredibly touching. For a cartoon this is an emotional, action-packed watch. Not even the slightest bit ashamed to say I cried at this film. A lot. 

If you haven't seen the first film, I really couldn't recommend it more if I tried. I genuinely believe that anyone who doesn't like these films, probably doesn't have a soul. Harsh, but fair. Also, if anyone could get me a dragon I would love them forever.

Okay! I'll leave it there for tonight, if you've seen the film or have any questions or suggestions, hit me up below or on my social media! And if you have Bloglovin' hit me up there and I'll find you (which sounds super creepy, sorry). I hope you're all well and I'll chat to you sooooooon :) 

Becca.
           

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14 July 2014

Film of the Day #14: A Streetcar Named Desire

13:59 | Posted by
Hi!

 I am a weirdly obsessive person by nature (please don't run away from me) so when I start being interested in something I am REALLY SUPER DUPER INTERESTED!! It's creepy buuuut I will never stop. Creep 4eva. On this topic, (promise I didn't confess to being a creeper for no reason) when I was about 15, I discovered classic Hollywood. I discovered the glitz, the glamour, the class. More importantly, I discovered Marlon Brando, James Dean, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, the list could go on. I mentioned before in my post about Johnny Depp here that the mystery and magic of classic Hollywood is something that has always fascinated me. The notion of celebrities being mythical and untouchable is something that seemed so far removed from the celebrity-soaked culture of modern society. And I loved that, I loved wanting to know more but never quite getting to glimpse beneath the veil. That is, until the tell-all biographies were released after their deaths. 

 Today's film, A Streetcar Named Desire, is one my my favourites and is one that sparked a total obsession with Marlon Brando. Even I'm a little embarrassed by how much I went all out in trying to watch all his films, find out everything about him. I was just the coolest 15 year old ever. 
Film of the Day! Marlon, so beautiful.

The film, based on the very famous Tennesse Williams play, follows the fading Southern Belle, Blanche DuBois. Blanche comes to stay with her sister Stella and husband Stanley, following the loss of the family plantation. She quickly riles up Stanley with her superior attitude and her news of the loss of the family fortune. Blanche clings to her beauty and possessions, as though it's all she has, and hopes to win a suitor to look after her. She carries an air of mystery and desperation. Everything is a dramatic tale; she is an innocent victim and the truth is something to be moulded to suit her. This attitude and half-truths soon wears thin with Stanley who seeks to discover the reality behind the story, and soon her tales come crumbling around her ears. 

The film very much owes itself to the stageplay roots. The setting of the film looks very much like an elaborate theatre set and it lends to an intimate feel. It gives the veneer of a person who is inwardly crumbling, whilst outwardly desperately clinging on to her public appearance. Blanche looks so out-of-place and lonely, always caught in a half-light because she can't bear the full light on her fading beauty or on the truth. 
The performances in this are something magical. Marlon Brando is utterly magnetic, exuding a raw sensuality and sense of danger that is impossible to repress. The contrast of his brutishness to Vivien Leigh's waif-like beauty is part of what makes the film so engrossing. She is beautiful, delicate, frustrating and utterly tragic. Blanche is a very difficult character, yet in Leigh's hands, I still cared. 

Look at him. Look.
This is a damn good film, and it's cultural importance is something that has been preserved by the Library of Congress in the U.S. National Film Registry. That's how you know shit is good. 

Alright! I'll leave it there for tonight, hope you enjoyed. I'm also hoping I find someone else who is as obsessed with old Hollywood as me. Also, Marlon Brando. So attractive. If you've any thoughts or suggestions, hit me up below or on my social media :). Also, if you're on Bloglovin or Twitter, I'd love if you'd give me a follow so I can follow back! I love new blogs :). Hope you're all well!

Becca.


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11 July 2014

Film of the Day #13: Transcendence

13:15 | Posted by
Hi!

 So, continuing with my Johnny Depp theme that I seem to have going on, I watched Transcendence last night. Someone on Facebook reminded me of it and I immediately had to watch. I had wanted to see it in the cinema because Johnny, but have to say, kind of delighted I didn't spend the money. It is disappointing to the max. I have my sad face on.
So disappointing.
The film follows Will and Evelyn Caster (Johnny Depp and Rebecca Hall), two mega-geniuses who want to save the world and shit. They are madly in love (apparently) and just want to help move the world forward. This forward thinking only leads to bad things though, and Will is shot by extremists called 'Revolutionary Independence from Technology' (catchy, I know) or R.I.F.T short. He's given a month to live and Evelyn becomes desperate to save him, or his consciousness in some way. With their friend Max (Paul Bettany) they work to create a code to upload Will to a computer, because why not? They succeed but Max is no longer sure that this memory is Will, or if it is something more sinister. Evelyn is convinced it is, but as Will needs more and more power and becomes more ambitious, is she wrong?


The premise of this film so obviously wanted to be something that stirred conversation, it wanted us to question our relationship with technology but it is so broad in it's ideas it ends up muddling the message. The ending in particular, does not match to the first 1/3 of the film, which is extremely annoying. I'm still not entirely sure if I was meant to think technology is bad, or if extremists are just REALLY MEAN. I mean, I'm fairly sure the latter is true, but still not sure about the former. Speaking of the extremists, I know Kate Mara (the leader of R.I.F.T) is a perfectly talented actress, but I had literally no idea why she was so against technology. I guess all those pesky teenagers with better phones than her made her forget all the good shit technology has done for us. I'm pretty sure I was meant to empathise with her to some extent, but she just really annoyed my shit. Also, baffled that technology= BAD, murder= ACCEPTABLE. Logic was not a strong point of this film. 
Another issue I had (apart from everything) was Johnny Depp. I'm not entirely sure how one of the most charismatic and dynamic actors of recent times turned in one of the most boring performances I've ever seen. He's not necessarily bad, he just looks a lot of the time like he would rather be elsewhere! I know the script didn't give a lot to work with, but seriously. Whilst I understood the choice to be robotic when he was in the computer, it doesn't explain the acting at the start. Also, for a couple supposedly MADLY in love, I did not buy that at all. 

There are a few good things about the film! Directed by Wally Pfister, the man responsible for the dark beauty of Christopher Nolan's films, this is a gorgeous film. Some of the shots are just...wow. 
Paul Bettany and Rebecca Hall, as the best friend and wife are very good also. Whilst half their decisions totally baffled me, at least they convinced me that their character thought it was a good idea.
The last section of the film (excluding the baffling ending) is actually quite good. It finally creates a bit of interest or gives an idea of the threat of Will's technology that they had been talking about for the entire bloody film. For trying to convince me that Will was up to badness, I'm not sure they went the right way to convince me he was evil. After all, his 'evil plan' consisted of healing people. Sure, he did some weird shit, but largely when he was threatened. All they really convinced me of was that humans are the problem when it comes to technology, but perhaps that was the message they were trying to send? Either way, it left me confused and with a bit of a headache. 
Honestly, the worst thing about the movie is that it's kinda boring. If you're going to spend $100 million on a movie, you sure as shit want to make it exciting, and unfortunately, the excitement is entirely condensed in the last 20 minutes. I don't need explosions or guns, but I do need to care.
Johnny, I still love you.


I'll leave it there for tonight guys! If you've any questions or comments, hit me up below or find me on my social media. Also, I wrote a Friday Film Recommendation for my friend over at Secrets of a Twenty Something, which you can find here. So, once you're finished here, make sure to pop on over there. This film might have been disappointing, but the film I reviewed for there is anything but! I hope you're all well, and I'll chat to you soon!

Becca.




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05 July 2014

Film of the Day #12: The Crow

14:35 | Posted by
Hi!

 Y'know when you have that moment when you realise you maaayyyy have taken on a little bit too much? I have that feeling. I have some essays to do and a film a day might (definitely) won't be possible. Sorry! I'm annoyed at myself, if that helps. I was doing so well! So, I'll carry on posting more regularly than I was, which admittedly, was not very often, but it won't be daily. Hopefully weekly or twice weekly! I still love you all dearly OBVIOUSLY and I hope to be back daily blogging asap :). I have big plans for this blog and it's going to be getting a makeover soon which I am VERY excited about. It's going to be beauuuuuutiful :).

 Anywho, now I have my emotional confession out of the way, onto the film! Today I watched the cult classic The Crow, and I had forgotten just how good this film is!
Film of the Day!
The film follows the tragic story of Eric Draven (Brandon Lee, son of Bruce), a lovely chap who was brutally murdered after a gang broke into his home and tortured and raped his finance, Shelley. It really kicks off on a light note, as you can see. On the anniversary of their deaths, a mysterious crow raises him from the dead to seek his revenge. And he goes alllll out on the revenge front. Helped by Sergeant Albrecht (Ernie Hudson) and Sarah, a young girl who he and Shelley cared for, he seeks to find the vengeance that will grant him peace. It is bloody as frig. 



The film was a massive success on release- both critically and commercially- but was tainted, and still is, by the tragedy of Lee's death on set. Whilst filming a scene where his character gets shot, he was shot by accident. Time constraints meant that the gun wasn't properly cared for and loaded with the proper material for the scene, the gun was improperly deactivated and so when fired, critically injured Lee. Brandon Lee's death leaves the film with an air of unshakeable melancholy, as we watch a man seeking to make the most of his last moments on Earth. He is brilliant in this film and stands as a fantastic testament to a talent lost far too soon. He is darkly funny, threatening, and brilliantly physical. The storyline is engrossing; dark and twisted. There's nothing more odd than watching someone on a murderous rampage and wishing them on. And stylistically speaking, the film is strangely beautiful in terms of how it is shot. It creates a dark and terrifying society, where a person isn't even safe in their own home. It's easy to see why they are so desperate to create a remake of the film, but it's hard to see how they could ever top it. At the minute, Luke Evans is attached to star and he's a very good actor and impossibly handsome, but it seems a bit pointless to try a re-do a film that's already pretty great as it stands. Also, the soundtrack is BEYOND ace, it actually makes the film that much better. Often soundtracks are run-along that don't really add anything, but here it really completes the film.

Alright! I'll leave it there tonight, if you've seen the film or have any thoughts, hit me up on my social media or down below! I hope you're all well and I'll chat to you soon :). 

Becca.
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04 July 2014

Film of the Day #11: Independence Day

14:14 | Posted by
Hi!

 I am currently stuck in a binge-watch of EPIC proportions with True Blood. It is painfully addictive, even though I'm pretty sure it's the most insane thing I've ever seen and I don't actually care about 1/2 of the characters. But still, Eric. Oh Eric.

 Onto the film! In celebration of the 4th of July (Happy Celebration, y'all! I'm sorry for saying y'all. But still!) what better film to whip out than the bombastic, fantastically cheesy Independence Day. 

Film of the Day! 'Merica!

The film follows an alien attack on Earth, and in New York a techno genius called David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) who discovers a secret satellite transmission that contains what he believes is a countdown. Because, obviously. With the help of his estranged wife, he manages to warn the President (Bill Pullman) on the impending danger and an evacuation is enacted, but not before the aliens attack the cities and kill a shit-ton of people. They organise a special Marine squad to try attack the main ship, but they are all attacked and Steve Hiller (Will Smith) is the only survivor. He manages to lure away a single ship and they crash land in the desert. He's then rescued by Russell Casse (Randy Quaid), a man who has been mocked for believing aliens are real. And yes, he is feeling very smug right now. Together, they must figure out a way to save the fate of the entire world. Because even though everyone is in danger, only 'Murica can do a damn thing to stop it. INDEPENDENCE Y'ALL! (I know I said wouldn't say it again, I'm sorry).

This is the cheesiest, most OTT action film I think I've seen. It's awesome. This is such a guilty pleasure. I don't know any of the characters names (I had to google them for this) and I don't know why they know or do half the things they do, all I know is, the end result has a lot of shooting and a cracking inspirational speech. Half of the stuff doesn't even try to make sense. I mean,(SPOILER!) I'm pretty sure they destroy the aliens with a Macbook and a computer virus... And the characters are painted with broad-strokes, I'm pretty sure they decided that if they were going to blow up the White House, then the characters didn't need to actually make any sense or progress in any way. This isn't a film of deep meaning or looking to impart any deep wisdom other than AMERICA RULES! And that's okay! 

Alright! I'm gonna leave it there for tonight, I hope you enjoyed! And to my American readers, Happy Independence Day! If you liked the post and have any thoughts, you can hit me up below or on my social media. I hope you're all well :).
ALSO! I just wrote my first blog post for Secrets of a Twenty Something, if you want you can read it here. 

Becca.

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03 July 2014

Film of the Day #10: Enchanted

14:14 | Posted by
Hi!

 I was meant to have a super productive day today. I could not say 1 thing that I fully finished today. Mare. Except this! I'll finish this! Yasss. Today's film is the super-cute Enchanted because we all need a bit more Disney in our lives. 

Film of the Day!
The film is about the impossibly adorable Gisele (Amy Adams) who meets her one true love, the gorgeous Prince Edward (James Marsden). Everything seems to be going splendidly well, and after about 5 minutes together, they decide to get married. Yay! Except his step-mother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) can't bear the thought of losing her throne so schemes and plans to get rid of Gisele, with the help of her minion Nathaniel (Timothy Spall). She ends up in a cruel and terrible place called 'New York', where everyone is very mean. Gisele meets Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter, who take her in and give her a place to stay. Slowly, she thaws Robert's heart and cynicism to love, and he wins her over by being super hot. All the while Prince Edward searches for her and Narissa seeks to get rid of her, once and for all. Also, there's some big song and dance numbers, which is always a good thing.

I know, I've followed up one super sweet film with another one. Obviously I'm trying to cause a diabetic coma, apologies for that. But it is such an adorable film, and on the news that they are working on a sequel (YAY) I thought that it was only fitting to watch it. Again, this is an acquired taste, although I can't imagine anyone not loving this film, but that's just because I like it so much. I am an eternal Disney girl at heart. This is a film that aims to entertain. It doesn't care about cliches or any of that carry on, it just wants to put a smile on your face. And it does! Amy Adams as Gisele is just so perfect, she's sweet without being overwhelming and is so immediately loveable. The entire cast does such a great job of selling what is, essentially, a live-action Disney. Whilst the songs aren't of the classic Disney calibre that you'll sing along to for the rest of your life, they are still very well done and the production is impressive. Adams and Dempsey have fantastic chemistry, and do a great job of convincing that a Disney fairytale romance in 'reality' isn't inconceivable. That, and Dempsey is just a total dreamboat. I have a long-running obsession with Grey's Anatomy based largely on his face... 

 Alright, I'll leave it there for tonight, I have many things to finish doing before I inevitably fall asleep on my laptop. I hope you enjoyed and found a new film to watch. If you've seen it and have any thoughts drop me a comment below, or hit me up on my social media. Hope you're all well!
Becca. 

 P.S. Look at his face. Look!

You're welcome.
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02 July 2014

Film of the Day #9: About Time

14:36 | Posted by
HI!

 I'm watching one of the films I had recorded on my Sky box. It is proving to be a harsh lesson that perhaps I shouldn't record all the horror films, just because they are horror. It is a brutally bad, horrifically ugly film. I'm not expecting a happy film if I watch a horror, but a film that doesn't make me want to claw out my eyeballs would be nice. There aren't many films that I turn off, but I am seriously considering it. And I haven't even been paying attention for the past 30 minutes. If you're interested to see why I hate it so much, the film is called The Divide. What I'm most upset about is that it has totally ruined my crush in Milo Ventimiglia for life. Gutted. 

 Onto a film I did not hate! I film that I, in fact, loved an awful lot! Today's film is the ADORABLE About Time, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Bill Nighy and my fave, Rachel McAdams. 

Film of the Day! Yay for Rachel McAdams!
The film follows the lovely Tim (Gleeson) as he tries to navigate life. Particularly his love life, because this is a Richard Curtis film and what kind of sham would it be if there wasn't love. Anywho, on his 21st birthday, Tim finds out from his father (Nighy) that all the males in their family can time travel backwards in their timeline. So, of course, Tim decides to use this gift to sort out his love life. He moves to London and meets the beautiful Mary (McAdams) and manages to win her over, largely thanks to his wonderful time-travelling ability to fix the stupid shit he says/does. With his gift, and the guidance of his father, Tim learns not to be discouraged by a bad day, but to appreciate all the little things that might pass him by. Basically, it's fecking adorable.

 First things first. if you are not a fan of Richard Curtis films (Notting Hill, Love Actually etc) then you'll want to skip this one. Same goes for if you can't stand films that aim to be life-affirming and land in sickly sweet. Make no mistake, this is so sweet it could induce diabetes, but it is so well made that it's almost easy to overlook. It is beautifully shot, the characters are all kind and lovely and fabulously English, and there are some brilliantly funny and heartwarming moments to appreciate. Whilst the time-travelling element isn't especially well thought out, it is used well to advance the story. It's not a story about time-travel, it's a story that uses time-travel to make a point, if you get me. It's used to make a point, that too often we let a day fly by and focus on all the bad shit, instead of the little moments that make it better. We wait so long for the big, in-your-face moments of greatness, that we fail to see the little bits that all add up to something incredible. And, yeah, it's all very OTT in the film, and it's so sweet you can taste it, but who could begrudge a film with such a lovely message!? Have to say though, whilst that's all very lovely, my favourite part of the film are the relationships, particularly Tim and his Dad. It is just the loveliest relationship and the moments of real poignance are when they are together, just playing table tennis and talking. Gleeson and Nighy have such great chemistry together, you really feel the bond between them and it makes the events in the film all the more meaningful. 

 Alright! I'll leave it there for tonight, I hope you enjoyed and I hope you give the film a watch :). If you've seen it, let me know what you think down below or hit me up on any of my social media. Hope you're all well! I'll talk to (at) you tomorrow :).

 Becca.

P.S. I think I'll start leaving the trailer in as well, I always like to use those to judge whether or not I want to watch it. Although, to be fair, I will pretty much watch anything... 


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01 July 2014

Film of the Day #8: To Die For

14:48 | Posted by
HI!

 D'you ever get so tired you feel like your eyeballs might pop/melt/fall out of your head? That is how I feel right now. The urge to nap is strong with this one. Yet I prevail! So brave, I know.
ONTO THE FILM! So, when I was about 15/16 I began to have an unnatural obsession with Joaquin Phoenix. I'm not entirely sure what sparked it, but I'm pretty sure it was Buffalo Soldiers (such a great film). Basically what it lead to, was me obsessively watching my way through his back catalogue, I am a very dedicated obsessive after all. Today's film comes from this search and is the brilliant To Die For.                               


Film of the Day!

The film, directed by Gus Van Sant, follows the ambitious (to a fault) aspiring newsreader Suzanne Stone who is played by Nicole Kidman and is bloody awesome in this film. In her desire to climb her way up the social ladder she marries Larry (Matt Dillion) believing that his family 'connections' (aka Mafia, yo!) and family business will help fund and bolster her attempt to become successful. Larry's genuine love for her leads to him suggesting that she put her career on hold so they can start a family together. Given that Suzanne has shown at this point that she is incapable of loving anyone but herself, this is an intolerable idea to her. So, obviously, she begins to plot a way to get rid of him. Her idea comes to a head when she meets Jimmy (Phoenix) and his friends when she is filming a news segment in the high school. Jimmy and his friends (played by Casey Affleck and Alison Folland) aren't exactly the brightest bulbs (probably due to excessive drug use) they are easily won over by the charismatic and seductive Suzanne. What happens is shown in this mockumentary style film that offers a dark look at ambition and the media.

 I feel like I should emphasise just how great Nicole Kidman is in this. She is cold, beautiful, and manipulative to a terrifying point. Hell, if I hadn't seen that fact that she was a total sociopath earlier in the film, she totally coulda convinced me to do anything. She is utterly magnetic. The story itself is fascinating and is so brilliantly told. The mockumentary style is perfect for offering a look at the ruthless nature of media and how it can be manipulated in what is, or isn't shown. We see Suzanne's story as told by her, as told by the news and we see what actually happens. The variations in the version of events and the justifications of actions are what makes the film so satisfying. Here, beauty becomes something to use and exploit, it excuses people in the eyes of the media. This is a darkly funny film in how it views society and the desire to become famous for anything. It invites us to watch and judge these people and their quest to be 'somebody', whilst also reminding us that we actively participate in this quest in our own day-to-day life (think Kardashian). To cut what could turn into a very long discussion short; it's SO GOOD.

 Alright! I'll leave the rambling there for tonight, I hope you enjoyed and found a new film to maybe watch. If you've seen it and have any thoughts, drop me a comment down below or on any of my social media. If you haven't seen it, you can still drop me a comment anywhere haha. And don't forget, I am open to any and all suggestions! I hope you're all well. Talk to (at) you tomorrow! :)

 Becca.

 P.S. As is now becoming an odd tradition, have a picture of an attractive man. Have to say, that social experiment thing Joaquin Phoenix did when he pretended to retire and become a rapper and grew a mental beard, makes it quite hard to fancy him anymore. I'll console myself with this lovely picture of when he was less weird. Or at least, when I wasn't aware he was weird. 
Dem eyes.
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30 June 2014

Film of the Day #7: Van Helsing

15:23 | Posted by
Hi!

Does anyone else have 3 hour naps, or is that just me? I was supposed to post this post about 4 hours ago. Whyyyyy am I so incapable of staying awake!? Also, I just started re-watching/catching up on True Blood, it really went properly batshit mental and kind of terrible! Productive use of my time as always.
Speaking of batshit mental and kind of terrible, today's film of the day is a gloriously bad treat. Like, so bad it's good. Well, not good, but it's certainly enjoyable! In the sense where it's massively fun to laugh at. Film of the Day is the awesomely bad Van Helsing!

Film of the Day! Hugh Jackman is so beautiful.

As I've mentioned before here, hate-watching films is one of my favourite past times. It's weird, I know. So when my boyf popped this bad boy on my automatic reaction was 'YAASSSS!'. Let's get into the film!
The film follows Van Helsing, a hunter of sorts, who fights the forces of evil. He is sent to protect/help the last of the Valerious family, who have vowed to kill Dracula and (for some reason) cannot enter Heaven until they have done so. Anywho, as bad luck would have it, there only remains one human member of the Valerious family, Anna, after a werewolf attack wounds the eldest brother. Dracula is trying to make some baby Dracula's (obviously) but after his betrayal and murder of Dr.Frankenstein and the loss of his Monster, he is unable get the spell/science right and they keep dying. Van Helsing and Anna must band together to keep Dracula from succeeding or finding Frankenstein's Monster, and find a way to destroy him. This is all further complicated by Van Helsing's amnesia and the fact that Dracula seems to know who he is and what he's done in the past. 

 Guys, this is such a bad film. It is a fabulously camp old-school, B-movie and absolutely everything is over-the-top. Especially the acting, oh my days the acting is HILARIOUS. Dracula, played by Richard Roxburgh, is one of the most ridiculous villains I've seen in a film in a loooong time. It's amazing. Another issue is that the 'history' between Van Helsing and Dracula is baffling and there isn't even an attempt made to try and create a believable past. Or even a past at all. When there's a slight hint made that they may reveal the truth, they swerve past it with all the style and grace of a 10 car pile-up. Not to mention, the CGI is bloody awful, the storyline is shite,  and the 'chemistry' between Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale is not exactly sparkling (despite the fact they are both hideously attractive). And yet, for some reason, I love watching this film. I mean, it's almost offensively bad, but the acceptance and glorifying of the B-movie roots make it hard to dislike it. It just looks like they are having a blast, especially Dracula who is loving life. Also, it has the beautiful Hugh Jackman.

 I'll leave it there tonight! I hope you enjoyed, if you've seen the film drop me a comment below or on any of my social media, I'd love to hear from you. It's definitely not a film everyone will like, but if you watch it in the OTT spirit intended, you may just find your new favourite film to Hate-Watch! Hope you're all well :). 

 Becca.
P.S. Seriously though, look at him.
BABE.
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28 June 2014

Film of the Day #6: Honey

13:55 | Posted by
Hi!

 I have been very distracted by the World Cup and Wimbledon, it is not helping my film-watching abilities one bit. Today's film is one that was on T.V. between my sporting events. Apologies for the lacklustre efforts! In my defence though, I do distinctly remember this film being a big 'thing' when I was a baby teenager. So there's that, at least. Today's film is the cheerfully bad Honey.

         Film of the Day! Remember when Jessica Alba was a thing?   
      
The film follows Honey Daniels (Jessica Alba) as she seeks to prove herself as a dancer and dreams of making a career of it. She's spotted one day by a music director, who inevitably ends up being a big creeper, and is put on her path to becoming a backup dancer and choreographer. She lives in a less than savoury area with all sorts of street violence lurking around the corner. Working in her Mum's community centre teaching dance, she tries to encourage kids off the street and into a dance studio. Trying to negotiate her friends, career, creeper boss, boyfriend, family and the kids, all sorts of trials and tribulations arise as she fights to achieve her dreams and open up her own studio. And there's a rousing dance number at the end to wrap it all up.

I remember when this film came out in 2003 and dance movies were becoming a big trend in cinema (see Step Up 1-34, Streetdance). Watching this with my friends, all I wanted to do was to be THE BEST DANCER EVERRRRR. Also, to learn how to do a backflip without murdering myself (achievement still not unlocked. sad face). Watching the film now, I can see why I could be swept along with it. Whilst the choreography scenes aren't quite as glorious as in the newer dance films, there's something so heartwarming about the last dance scene. To be fair, I might just be a sucker for tiny, adorable people popping and locking. The basic story following Honey try to succeed is fine, the approach is sickly sweet, but it's not terrible. It's when the genuine threat of street violence is introduced that the film gets a little stretched. One of the kids, Benny (played by Lil' Romeo. Or he was Lil' then) gets wrapped up in a gang and is caught dealing drugs. For a story that is supposed to be all about reaching for your dreams, this is a difficult point to put in there. With a little better treatment or a little more time to development it might've worked, but as it stands the basic premise is 'DANCE SAVES KID FROM DRUGS' and that's pretty much it. His dark storyline is pretty much swept aside just in time for the dance show at then end. So, yay for dance, I guess? It's not an offensively bad film, but it is sweet to the point of inducing diabetes at some points. Especially the end number and some of the song choices. Also, it reminded me of when Jessica Alba used to be bloody everywhere. That and she was so much better on T.V. Dark Angel forever, yo. I am really feeling my teen roots tonight haha.

Alright! I'll leave it there for tonight! There won't be a FOTD tomorrow because it's Sunday and that's my sleeping day ;). Until then, let me know if you've seen the film and what you think, you can hit me up on any of my social media or down below. And let me know, have you ever managed to learn one of the dance sequences!? I live in hope. Hope you're well!

Becca.

 P.S. Did you know there's a sequel!? It's very imaginatively called Honey 2, and I'm pretty sure it has like, nothing to do with this film. Maybe I'll give it a watch...
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27 June 2014

Film of the Day #5: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

06:44 | Posted by
Hi!

 After yesterday's terrible film, I figured it would be best for me to go to a classic that I know I like, so I picked Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. I love this film. So much. 
Film of the Day! Yay for RDJ!
I have spoken about this film before (at length) right here so you can check out a more in-depth look at the film as well! I am so good to you haha.
ONTO THE FILM! The film follows Harry Lockheart (Robert Downey Jr) a petty thief, who after a botched job, escapes from the police by auditioning for a movie. Sounds weird, is totally brilliant in the film. By some mad fluke, he manages to get the job and is told to shadow the fabulous Gay Perry (Val Kilmer) to learn how to be a Private Investigator. While at one of these Hollywood parties he runs into his childhood crush, Harmony (Michelle Monaghan) who is now an aspiring actress, fleeing her traumatic childhood. Unfortunately, her childhood and equally as traumatised sister has followed her to the city of lights. Seeking Harry and Perry's help, they become entangled in Hollywood's secrets and lies, whilst trying to figure out what happened to Harmony's sister. Nothing is what it seems, everybody is telling a story and fact and fiction have blurred lines.

 Directed and written by Shane Black (the man behind Iron Man 3), this is a very funny film. It's action-packed, thrilling and there are twists and turns galore. The film is quite a damning look at Hollywood and the lies that run the industry and the superficiality of the business. The style of the film is reminiscent of the old-school noir films; not knowing who to trust, storybook story telling and even a gumshoe investigator! It has everything. The central cast is also brilliant. This was one of the first films Robert Downey Jr did before Iron Man and was what was considered to be the beginning of his Hollywood comeback, even getting him cast in his biggest role. Val Kilmer as Gay Perry is destined to go down as an iconic character, he is funny, rude and hella smart. I love him a little bit! And Michelle Monaghan is great as a female who can actually do something, an unusual trait in a Hollywood film. She is the perfect balance between a dreamer and someone scarred by their past. I don't think i could recommend this film more if I tried! 

Alright, I think I'll leave the rambling for today! I hope you enjoyed and I hope you watch the film. Let me know your thoughts if you do down below or on any of my social media on the side! Hope you're all well!

 Becca.
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26 June 2014

Film of the Day #4: What to Expect When You're Expecting

12:56 | Posted by
Hi!

 Exciting news first! One of my best friends has invited me to join her on her blog Secrets of a Twenty Something, which is incredibly cool. I can't wait to start writing for the site and I hope you'll check out her blog. It's all about beauty, fashion, inspiration, and now, film! Have a look and you can check out my introduction to the site here! 

 Onto the film! First of all, yes I know. After all my stellar choices (and they were STELLAR), today's film of the day is a bit of an odd one. If you haven't already read the title, today's FOTD is What to Expect When You're Expecting. I did say I'd be watching the good, the bad and the terrible! Basically, I couldn't pick a film, a problem that happens to me far more often than I can cope with! There's just sooo many I want to watch and if I pick just one I feel like the rest won't love me anymore! This is what I like to call a film bloggers problem, that or just a straight-up crazy person problem...SO, I was flicking through our (incredibly overloaded) Sky+ box and looking at all the shite I'd recorded when I spotted this bad boy. I figured I may as well give it a shot! Also, it has Anna Kendrick and I love her. I did not, however, love this film.

Film of the Day! It's terrible!
As I mentioned previously, I do love a bit of hate-watching (you can read all about it here). When I saw this bad boy on I figured I'd be getting to do one of my favourite things! And I did, because I hated nearly every character. The story is based on a factual pregnancy guide about the difficulties of, well, pregnancy. It follows a range characters in their different struggles with pregnancies and the strain on their relationships. I'm mostly just amazed they managed to turn a best-selling pregnancy guide into a fictional movie. Really shows Hollywood's dedication to making money from anything and everything! Whilst this potentially could have been a fun romantic comedy, there are just faarrrr too many characters crammed in there, most of whom I didn't give a shit about. In terms of actual character development, there really isn't very much, just a variety of one-note roles. Which is a shame, because this has quite the cast with Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick (girl-crush), Chris Rock and Jennifer Lopez all starring. Some of the stories are much better than the others, especially those of Jennifer Lopez and Anna Kendrick, which have some real moments of poignancy. If those stories had been given a little more room to develop, perhaps this would've been a better film. As it stands, it's just a bunch of ridiculously attractive people pretending to be knocked up.

Alright, I'm gonna leave it there for today, I hope you've enjoyed. If you've seen the film, let me know your thoughts down below or on any of my social media, which can be found on the sidebar. I hope you're all well and I'll speak to you tomorrow!

Becca.
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25 June 2014

Film of the Day #3: The Guard

13:28 | Posted by
Hi!

 I felt like catching up with my roots, so today's FOTD is from my (sorta) neck of the woods. Also, I do love a bit of homegrown cinema and The Guard is an underrated gem that I will never tire of watching! 

Film of the Day! I love Brendan Gleeson.
The Guard follows the shenanigans (there is no other word for them) of hilariously un-PC Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Gleeson). He is exactly the type of chap who says everything that comes into his head, regardless of how it might make you feel. In other words, in real life you'd avoid him like the plague, on film he is BRILLIANT. As he carries on with his decidedly illegal exploits (worst. policeman. ever), he's investigating an apparent serial killer with his new partner whilst the FBI arrive to investigate four Irish drug traffickers. It's all going on! Not that this bothers Gerry, who is only really concerned about prostitutes and his mother, the latter of which is a very sweet relationship, the former, not so much. Gerry soon realises that his murder victim is linked to the drug traffickers and that's when everything starts going wrong. After a tragic event, Gerry soon gets personally involved with trying to bring down the drug ring. Along with Wendell the FBI agent (played by Don Cheadle), he does everything in his power, and some things that shouldn't be, to get his form of justice. And he is ridiculously rude to everyone on the way. Except his Mother. And the prostitutes...


 Honestly, this film makes me laugh everytime. It has such a great cast with Brendan Gleeson, Mark Strong and Don Cheadle all on top form. Gleeson is particularly brilliant. He should be utterly detestable, and yet for some reason, I kind of love him. The use of the Irish culture is also incredibly well done. The drunk, racist Irish stereotype is rolled out, but is done so boldly, it's hard not to laugh because it's quite clear they are making fun of everyone. Also, the John Michael McDonagh (the writer and director) is part Irish, and it's acceptable for the Irish to make fun of themselves! Don Cheadle is  great as the American straight-man who is utterly lost in the country that automatically assumed that all drug dealers were black (yes, that really happens). The philosophical debate about Nietzsche between the drug traffickers is also a high point! (Ha! HIGH point! DRUG dealers! I am hilarious.)

 This film is not one to be watching with the parents, or on a first/third/tenth date. It does feature A LOT of swearing and a decent amount of a half naked Brendan Gleeson rolling around with prostitutes, but it is definitely worth a watch! 

 That's it for today, I hope you enjoyed and I hope you found a new film to watch. If you do, let me know your thoughts down below or hit me up on any of my social media on the side and I will talk to you tomorrow!

 Becca.
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24 June 2014

Film of The Day #2: Heathers

13:20 | Posted by
Hi!

 Today's FOTD (I really cannot be arsed writing Film of The Day 700 times) is the magnificent Heathers. It's really brilliant; supremely dark and very funny. 
Film of The Day! How I wanted to be Winona...
The film follows Veronica (Winona Ryder) as she tries to survive high school as a member of the Heathers, the disturbingly popular group of girls all called, weirdly enough, Heather. She meets the ridiculously dreamy and mysterious Jason Dean (Christian Slater) who turns out to be not so much mysterious, rather a straight up crazy person. Soon she quickly discovers, surviving high school can be murder. 
Even I cringe a little bit at that last line, I'm sorry. I'm not immune to the dramatic finishing line! Anyway, it's all very good! The teenagers are delightfully pretentious and fabulously obtuse in equal proportions. Whilst thinking they are so much wiser than the people they look down on, they are making terrible life choices. It's a great meditation on what it's like to be a teenager. I know I thought I was sooooo clever, but a read back on my journals tells me I was not. I was very, very not clever. 

There is a fascinating theme running throughout the film about the issue of peer pressure and popularity. Here we see beautiful people do stupid things, yet are idolised and celebrated, but when a character who is genuinely suffering does the same, she is mocked for trying to be 'popular'. There is a damning view on the glamorisation of beauty and the cruelty it can mask and the fact that beauty seems to excuse any mistreatment. Honestly, it's just a film I could talk about for hours. Also, it is ENDLESSLY quotable (just not in polite company). The film, released in 1988, is a big cult favourite and seem to be an antidote of sorts to the sickly sweet (yet totally addictive) high school romances that sprung up in the 80's. It is wickedly funny and Christian Slater (when he's not being totally mental) is disgustingly attractive. Just thought I'd throw that last bit in there... And you really should watch it!

Okay, that's me done for today! I hope you enjoyed and I hope you watch the film and if you do, let me know what you think. Drop me any and all suggestions down below or on my Facebook or Twitter, I will happily watch anything! Hope you're all fabulous :)

Becca.

P.S. Look at him though. LOOK!



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23 June 2014

Film of The Day #1: Serenity

14:10 | Posted by
HI!

 I am a very excited person right now! Today is the start of a new feature on my blog in an attempt to actually make me keep some sort of routine. HOW EXCITING! So, every day (circumstances all being well), I will be watching a film and posting a mini-review. It's going to be AWESOME. Without further rambling, let's get into it!

 Today's film is an old (not that old) favourite of mine. I had a stressy day at work dealing with lots of requests that I had no idea how to answer, so when I came home all I wanted to do was 1) sleep and 2) sleep. Yet I persevered! So dedicated. I didn't want to watch anything heavy hitting and I wanted to watch something I knew I liked so I picked Serenity, because you can't go wrong with Nathan Fillion. Or Joss Whedon. 
Film of The Day!
It's a highly underrated treasure, based on the also highly underrated and sadly cancelled television show, Firefly. It was great. Written and directed by Joss Whedon it has all of his signature flairs; snappy writing, interesting characters and quirky hilarity coming out the ying yang (I'm sorry, I'll never say that again). Following the overpopulation on Earth, society is moved into space and many planets and moons are colonised by the Alliance, the new government. This move causes problems with the less powerful planets and leads to a war between the Alliance and the Colonies, and the Alliance victory leaves those in the Colonies without a place in society. The film follows a crew captained by Mal (the always awesome Nathan Fillion) who fought for the colonies and is left disheartened by the loss of the war and his friends. They make their living through petty theft, but on the arrival of the mysterious River (Summer Glau) and her brother Simon (Sean Maher) things quickly become more complicated. They have to defend themselves against the Alliance and the relentless Operative (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and the terrifying Reavers, cannibal scavengers who destroy anything that moves.

The long and short of it is, this is a cracking film. The action is fast-paced and engrossing, there's tension, there are twists, turns, reveals and betrayals. The writing is as quick as the action and the story zips along and before you know it, BAM, you're in love with Mal! Whilst it might have more of an emotional impact if you've seen the show, I don't think it'll make that much of a difference. Joss Whedon (the man who brought us the legendary Buffy the Vampire Slayer) has such a knack for dialogue that you'll feel like you know the characters already.

So there we go! First Film of The Day done! I hope you enjoyed this, and if you've seen the film, let me know your thoughts! Do you agree, disagree? And more importantly, do you have any suggestions for me!? And don't forget, if you want to keep up with when I update my blog, you can follow by email, like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram, all my links are on the side. Social media everywhere!

Hope you're all well, talk to you tomorrow! YAY FOR ROUTINE!

Becca.
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