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Queer Eye (2018)
Fun, emotional and binge-worthy!
Not being too old when the original season aired, I was unfamiliar with the concept of this show, so when I saw all 8 episodes had been added to Netflix I had no idea what to expect. I was so pleasantly surprised.
The show is life-affirming and emotional. Whilst at times the guys seem a little too intrusive and border on being overly judgemental, they win me, and the people they're there to help, over with their charm, friendship and emotional support. Their chemistry and friendship brings a smile to my face and really is magic. The way they allowed others and themselves to open up was a privilege to see, and I have come away from each episode with a smile on my face.
Definitely worth a watch, the first episode with Tom had me beaming, sobbing and awwing. A true delight.
The Help (2011)
Emotionally exhausting but beautiful.
I'm currently studying the civil rights movement in my history A level at the moment and specifically, women, and establishing the difference between a leader and an organiser. To me, this film leads the way in highlighting how brave, strong and incredible black women were in this period.
First of all, the film is flawless, albeit a little long and maybe sometimes slow. The only main criticism I'll give this film is that it's emotionally exhausting. I've cried at a few films but this one had me balling all the way through. To me, it was so real and because women went through this just tears me apart. Not being able to say anything, to do anything wrong or else you will face torment and fear from white people and in the character of Minny's case, their husbands.
The acting is by far my favourite thing in this film. Viola Davis produces an Oscar-worthy performance, she had everything down to perfection: her accent, her mannerisms, she was the character. The character of Minny, though stereotyped, was a brilliant representation of black women in fear and under the thumb of not only their employers but their husbands, something that was so true at the time. Octavia Spencer's portrayal is hilarious and heartbreaking and the arc that was portrayed was magnificent. Jessica Chastain was another actress who shone in this film, her character had my eyes streaming and my heart breaking. The only performance that falls short is Emma Stone's. Although convincing, at times she's awkward and her accent is flawed. Nonetheless, she gave a very satisfying performance. However, to me, there is one scene that is embedded into my mind. The scene in which Yule Mae asks for a loan from Hilly, the performance of Aunjanue Ellis is convincing and truly heartbreaking as you see the hope in her eyes shattered by the cruel employer.
The visuals are something else that make the film even more refined. The colours are gorgeous and the quality of the film making was impressive.
This film, although fictional, is a true depiction of life for a maid. There are two words that I'm in danger of overusing in describing this film, but the content and substance is on par with the standard of the film making, ultimately making an incredible, heartbreaking film. I am singing this film's praise because there are not many films like this nowadays, films that make you think, make you feel, make you angry. The Help is a gem, that should be shown to everyone.
The Woman in Black (2012)
The Woman In Black lacks one thing...
I feel like I am the only person to feel this film was just okay. I so desperately wanted to like it but I couldn't get over one thing.
First of all, let me say how beautiful I think the film was technically, the visuals were a lot of the time stunning (despite children killing themselves left, right and centre). However, I struggled to get past the fact that it all seems done before, not that I mind this greatly, no but it really did hinder the film from being truly original.
When it came to the fact that 'The Woman in Black' was killing children, that's where I have a problem with this film. Whenever I watch a horror film, one of my favourite things is that visceral feel you get, feeling the character's feelings, being scared at the right points. Very early on in the film, it felt, we were told and realised that Daniel Radcliffe's character was effectively in no danger at all and that this 'ghost' was not after him at all. This to me, made it less scary, yes I did jump when the music became deafening and a woman's scream howled out to the audience but is that what really makes a good horror film?
Overall, I did not dislike this film but I fail to acknowledge the hype that has been built up around it. Daniel Radcliffe's performance is decent but nothing extraordinary, well done him though for continuing on in acting and not trying to be known just as Harry Potter, although that is already the case. The film offers many jumpy moments, which is to be expected but my favourite moment was the beginning, which to me, was the creepiest of them all.
4.3.2.1 (2010)
Check your pringles!
It's not because I'm British. It's not because I'm a fan of Tamsin Egerton. It's because this films is brilliantly directed and the screenplay is solid.
This film captured me from the beginning. The concept of four girls, total opposites, yet it's thoroughly believable that they're best friends. How their lives, though completely different are connected through the use of diamonds.
The acting. Although some can be seen as stupid because it's more comical, I don't think I could fault many of the actors as it was terribly convincing. Tamsin Egerton, after seeing her in Keeping Mum and St Trinians has proved herself to be a rising star, although she seems to play similar characters, she still excels. Emma Roberts, I couldn't quite accept her driving a car, as she looked far too young compared to the other cast members yet she still gave a good performance. Ophelia Lovibond is very shaky throughout the film and sometimes unconvincing in her anguish but she still gives a satisfying performance. Shanika Warren- Markland is, I guess offers comic relief in the film and is a direct link to the diamond heist yet we never really focus on the diamonds. Her character is believable and funny. The rest of the cast are very good, with a few surprising faces it is also the fun of spotting who you know as well as getting involved with the story.
The direction. I have never seen 'Kidulthood' or 'Adulthood' so I didn't really know what to expect, I deemed those films to be 'not my taste' and so I'v never watched them but after seeing this film, I certainly want to have a look at them both. There are many jump cuts and it seems to cut too fast at times, but that, I think adds to the tension and mirrors your feelings of not knowing what is going on. The quick cuts help you feel like the characters, confused even though it's happening right before you. The way it's edited with it being an almost portmanteau film adds to the tension and suspense as you can only really piece together everything that's happened in the very end; very amusing and well pieced together.
I would believe those who have called it average will be big fans of American clean-cut cinema. This film offers many ambiguous techniques which is brilliant and quite rare in most mainstream Hollywood films. This film, to me, is new, clever and slick, the way the script works is brilliant and the way it is edited and filmed is superb. The worst thing about this film is that I think is that it's highly under-rated. I don't often slate people for having bad tastes in film but if you really dislike this film you need to take a break from James Cameron and open your eyes to British and alternative cinema.
This film is a rare diamond. Not to be called average and not to be overlooked.
Jeopardy (2002)
Iconic... so why is it not on DVD?
This television program made my childhood. I'm being serious, the likes of Tracy Beaker and Basil Brush would never even come close to this brilliant t.v. program. The storyline, so complex and intriguing, each series keeping children interested and holding them in a tight grip of suspense. Not many television programs can say that.
I loved how each character had a trait you could identify with, Simon often making mistakes, Harry often wanting to take charge, etc...
The whole series' were incredible, right up to the ending, (whichever ending you saw, it was amazing).
It is a travesty and a giant let-down by the BBC that you cannot buy such an iconic piece of CHILDREN'S television. This is up there with the great CBBC programs, Ghost Hunter and The Queen's Nose. Which as to my knowledge have also not been released on DVD.
This program symbolises friendship and trust, it's suspenseful and intriguing. Whenever it's on t.v. or should I say IF ever it's on t.v., you must make sure you watch it. It's unclear whether it will be shown again.
Scream (1996)
Don't You Know The Rules?
This film certainly knows the rules of a horror movie and smashes them with ease, the heroine a brunette non-virgin, and more than one survivor. This film is easily one of my favourites after watching it since a young age, it was this film which led me down the path of film. The direction is superb, but my favourite factor of this film? The fact that it makes tribute to all the great horror films, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Friday the 13th, I Spit on Your Grave, Prom Night... I could go on. Needless to say this film is simply amazing, not too gory or fake, and a perfect homage to every horror film out there. The character Randy I can perfectly relate to, and thanks to this film, I know the rules, and if ever I am unfortunately in the state of being attacked, I'll know what not to do. The storyline is also great, and the acting, well, in parts it's a little shaky, nonetheless this film is a clear 10/10.
Surveillance (2008)
Original with an ending I sadly saw coming!
This film would of been a lot better if i had not already guessed the outcome. Of course, each character was bizarre which made guessing 'whodunnit' harder. It took me a while to get into it and the camera angles were poor. The direction, in my opinion was dire, however the lack of music added to the eeriness and feel of the film. The young girl in the film was successful in her role as she provided innocence. And Pell James held the film together with her performance, however she was shaky in some scenes.
The film was average but was good within styles and was fairly original.
There's not much that I can comment on this film, it stretched and the ending was poor. I wouldn't watch it again, but i'd recommend friends to watch it.
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
Not a love story, so why am I in love with it?
First of all, let me just say I loved everything about this film! Let's begin with the cast, the cast was well picked. The awkwardness of the characters and the brilliantly flow of conversation was believable. I loved the way Zooey Deschanel presented herself, and only previously seen her in "ELF", she convinced me of her seriousness as an actress. I would of thought Joseph Gordon-Levitt would of stolen the film with his quirkiness and representation of a real-man however, Zooey stole the limelight. Secondly, I loved the style of the film, the flipping back and forward, sure, with my tiny mind it was hard to keep up with, however it showed how their relationship unfolded. Thirdly, the soundtrack to the film was sensational, the smiths... my they know how to steal my heart. The scene in the elevator was beautiful, and the scene in which Joseph's character is dancing was superb!
I think, the only thing that was annoying about this film was the ending, it was just silly!
-SPOILER- The scene in which he attends Summer's party, the directing style i thought clever as it was obvious that his expectations and what really happened would never match as they begin off sync with each other, that was my favourite scene!