This week is beginning to feel a little strange. After a full month of blogging, I realised it’s been quite a while since I reviewed anything. Why don’t we fix that with a review of Paddington 2? Continue reading “Paddington 2”
Advertisements
Category: Films
Clue
Wow how long has it been since I wrote a movie review? But here we are, back with a new post! Okay so it’s not really a review, but I was having trouble sleeping a few nights ago and thought ‘Why don’t I watch a film and write about it? It’s been a while since you did something like that!’ and so we have this post. You would think that picking a film would be easy, but instead, trying to think of a film on Netflix that was old enough that I wouldn’t really give any spoilers was difficult. And somehow we ended up with Clue.
Now, some of you may know that a week ago I hosted a murder mystery party, and I love any crime story. So when Kelsey introduced me to this film back in May 2016 and I loved it.
The film starts with guests arriving for a dinner party, all using pseudonym instead of their real names. The butler, Wadsworth, Professor Plum, Mrs White, Mrs Peacock, Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mr Green, and the maid, Yvette, are all having dinner and beginning to find links between themselves, when their supposed host for the evening arrives – Mr Boddy. Now as you may have guessed, this film is all loosely based on the board game, Cluedo, and so the characters are named in this way. After dinner, the guests come to realise that they are all being blackmailed for their secrets, and that Mr Boddy is the blackmailer. Wadsworth tells them the polic are on their way and they should hand Mr Boddy over to the police. Of course, Boddy doesn’t like the sound of this. He tells the group that he will turn off the light so someone can kill Wadsworth to keep the whole thing quiet and they can get on with their lives. The lights go off, there’s a thud and a gun shot, and when the lights come back on, Mr Boddy is dead. But who killed him?
Clue is what I would class as silly comedy. With puns, slapstick, and every other kind of stupid things going on, it’s a great, light mystery, with a fantastic cast.
IMDb has a rating of 7.3/10 for this 1985 comedy classic. Personally? I would give it 9/10! The whole story is done extremely well, and the script is incredibly smart. There are times it was a little too slapstick for me, but I guess that’s what you get when you’re watching a parody movie.
The costumes, the script, the whole setting is just fantastic, and you should watch it if you get the chance! It’s only one and a half hours long, so could be the perfect bedtime film for tonight. If my brief summary isn’t enough to interest you, maybe the trailer (below) will!
My Must Sees
Since it’s now officially my summer and I can stop revising for resits, I can lie in bed watching as many films as I want! Or at least as many as possible when I’m not doing family based things. So before I go any further, let’s take a second to appreciate that my summer has officially started! And I’ll be back in Glasgow in less than 4 weeks! Who knows what the plan is at this stage but I’m working on it.
Summer means long lie ins and hopefully getting a bit more reading done too, so here’s a list of my 10 must see movies. For the sake of making things simple, I’m going to count series/trilogies as one, I know it’s cheat but ah well. Please note, these are in no particular order.
1. The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea
Just so you all know, that’s my all time favourite kids movie and there’s nothing you can say or do to change my mind. As you can see, Ariel and Eric have a daughter who dreams of spending all her time in the sea. As usual with Disney films, nothing is ever simple and so Melody takes it upon herself to find out why her mum is so against her being in the water. Cue some fantastic songs, great laughs, and of course the fun that comes with mermaids!
2. The Lord of the Rings
My dad first introduced me to The Fellowship of the Ring when I was 8 years old and since then I’ve been in love with the story. Yes, Frodo annoys me more than words can ever express. My favourite of the three films would probably have to be The Return of the King because of the ending, however my least favourite is definitely The Fellowship of the Ring. Once you’ve seen it once, you can skip it and just watch the other 2 on repeat. For 3 months. Not that I ever did that… Shh stop looking at my like that.
3. The Harry Potter series
Do I really need to explain this? Okay those of us who read the books have a certain amount of trepidation when it comes to the films, I’m yet to find a reader who loved the films as much as they loved the books. However, the cast can make you forget you ever read that book. And who can honestly say they grew up not wanting to either be or date Emma Watson?
4. The Birds
This film terrified me when I was 14 to the point that even now if I walk past a group of 3 or more birds, I’m on edge and try to get away as quickly as possible. If you’ve never seen any Hitchcock films, I would definitely recommend this one to start with.
5. Lady and the Tramp (1 and 2)
Having loved Lady and the Tramp, I’ve always had an obsession with golden cocker spaniels and so when I was asked which type of puppy I wanted for my 7th birthday I immediately said either a cocker spaniel or a Dalmatian. Unfortunately a Dalmatian was apparently too big, and now having had Baron for so long I couldn’t honestly imagine having any other dog. Whoops I’m getting off topic! Yes, these two films are fantastic. Watch them. Go. Now!
6. The Hunger Games trilogy
Considering the books got progressively worse as the series continued, the films actually weren’t too bad! Of course, Jennifer Laurence does help the series.
7. Bridget Jones’ Diary
For all girls everywhere, this is one of the best rom coms you will find. Plus, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are in it so what more could you want?
8. Pitch Perfect 1 and 2
Okay, I really shouldn’t have to explain why this film is on this list. Take one look at the cast and the soundtrack and you’ll understand me. Yes, Becca is one of those irritating main characters who can’t appreciate how great her life is but you still fall in love with her and feel everything she feels.
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates, gorgeous scenery and more great music.
10. Shrek
“Get outta my swap!” This film was great for quotes and little quips for the parents to laugh at. Honestly, rewatch it tonight and you’ll see what I mean. And did any of you ever question how Donkey and Dragon had kids? No, just me? Whoops.
What would you list as a must see film?
Ktkinnes xx
Some Like It Hot
Back at GCSE level, we watched Some Like It hot as part of our English Language course. From this, we were tasked with writing a review in less than 500 words. Now, as we were watching this film in a noisy classroom on a not-great-quality tv, I feel like it’s time I try rewatching Some Like It Hot. However, before I do this, I wanted to reread my review and so I thought why not share it with all of you? Please remember, it was written to be marked as coursework and so the language isn’t anything like how I would be reviewing a film normally.
The classic performances by Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe are what make Some Like It Hot (1959) the farcical, witty comedy it is. One of the nation’s top ten favourite comedies since it was first released; Billy Wilder’s partial remake of “Fanfare of Love” effortlessly combines cross-dressing and gangsters to create a near-perfect exhibition of the comic arts during the Golden Age of Hollywood. This hysterical comedy from Wilder finds Curtis and Lemmon masquerading as women in order to elude irate Chicago mobsters while befriending a beautiful singer (Monroe).
The naturally flirtatious and vivacious Marilyn Monroe portrays the naïve and ditzy Sugar Kane with such ease as many confuse the actress with the character. Her interaction with the two male leads shows Monroe’s melancholic runaway as a woman looking for love in a world which seems to forget about her. Sugar’s “quick to form” friendship with Daphne (which later forms into a sisterly relationship) is portrayed in the dialogue; “That’s the story of my life. I always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop”, Sugar relying on Daphne for support when talking of her love of Junior.
This flawlessly scripted screwball comedy is filled with one-liners and is overflowing with innuendoes and risqué humour. It is carried well by the straight character that is Sugar and gives Curtis and Lemmon their cues with style and sophistication.
Monroe’s first scene is accentuated with the ribald jazz music as she stalks along the train platform Jerry (Lemmon) describes Sugar’s unique qualities, shy, flirtatious and alluring, by stating, “Who are we kidding? Look at that – look how she moves – it’s like jello on springs – they must have some sort of a built-in motor. I tell you it’s a whole different sex.”
The film is full of hilarious set pieces and movie in-jokes, Some Like It Hot has not tarnished with time and, in fact, seems to get better with each passing year, as its cross-dressing humour keeps it fresh for new generations of viewers. The credible friendship between Sugar, Daphne and Josephine, hilarious dialogue and expert attention to detail enables the audience to be transported as if they were guests into the hotel in Florida.
Wilder and his producer I.A.L Diamond have constructed a flawless piece of movie-making as well as mirth-inducing cinema. The puns, double entendres and wildly manic pace, set pieces and gags allow the entire cast to “go for broke” in the unadulterated slapstick!
What’s the funniest scene? Well, in my opinion, it is a very personal question and will differ from one person to the next or even generation to generation! I personally think “Can-we-get-anymore-people-into-this-upper-train-berth?” is a comic gem!
Looking back
Once again, another month is over. Today I’m travelling back to the oh so delightful land of Northern Ireland where the only exciting thing will be seeing the animals again (Baron and Maisie).
Just thought, the last 2 summers have been spent watching 24 but now that we’ve finished it I have no idea what we can watch as a family… Will have to think about that and find something different that everyone will enjoy!
The main reason I’m posting now is to give you a chance to look back at the goals for May before tomorrow’s post includes new goals for June! This can be found here – Another month goes by. Still can’t believe we’re actually so close to half way through the year. Soon it’ll be my 21st birthday then Rachel’s 18th! Still thinking of her birthday present… Is a holiday away together a bad idea?
Speak soon! I’ll let you know what I think of my new dvds when I get them watched.
Ktkinnes xx
Quick question
Should I sign up for Disney Life? It’s
A unique digital membership giving you access to [Disney’s] biggest collection of Disney movies, kids’ TV box sets, books, music and apps, in one place for the first time!
They have a one month free trial and then afterwards it’s £9.99… Should I go for the free trial? Not sure how many films I have time for over the next month… But I suppose it is summer… Help!
Ktkinnes xx
Freedom Writers
Tonight, Nuala and I watched this incredible “feel good” film. Not sure what I was going into, as all Nuala described it as was “a teacher in a very gang based school where everyone’s fighting each other”, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. 15/10. Without a doubt, best movie I have seen in ages.
Based on a book called The Freedom Writers, the film followed new teacher Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) as she tried to teach English to a class of 13/14 year olds – many of them with the reading level of a 5 year old. The film follows her initial struggles to gain their respect and shows you how a simple teacher teaching out to her pupils can seriously affect their willingness to learn.
It was well acted by all the actors and actresses, with many now familiar faces, well it was made in 2007 (still can’t believe that’s 9 years ago!). The soundtrack fits perfect while helping set the tone. Going to have to look it up too. I’ve now ordered the book and it will arrive on Sunday apparently. That’s my Easter reading sorted!
What I personally loved about this entire film was the message that if teachers actually care about their students, the students are more likely to progress and succeed. Many of the students have their problems at home as much as the problems in society as a whole. Their lessons learnt in the classroom transferred into everyday life – no longer were they left feeling that their education was useless and that no one cares for them.
All I ask is that you please please please give it a try. Blame me if you hate it. But definitely consider it.
Night!
Ktkinnes xx
Blue is the Warmest Colour
Rating: 8/10
Well to start, 3 hours is long for any film. And yet, any shorter I wouldn’t have found myself as attached to the characters as I was in the end.
Adele’s life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire, to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adele grows, seeks herself, loses herself and ultimately finds herself through love and loss.
Not knowing much about the film, except for hearing some people compare it to a feature length pornography film, I decided to give it a go and I’m glad I did.
Thankfully I was able to find a website with subtitles as the film is in French from beginning to end, something I hadn’t realised at the start. Although, I don’t think I would’ve given it a chance had I known it would be in French. Certainly wouldn’t have started it at 11pm. However I feel the language added to the romance and raw emotion of the film.
The actresses portrayed their characters brilliantly from start to end, neither of them fell into the trap of making you aware you were watching a film. It felt as though I was standing in the shadows of Adele’s life as she progressed from high school through to her career. Not many films do that so easily.
Similarly, there aren’t many 3 hour long films that I would choose to watch again, but now Blue is the Warmest Colour can be added to that list.
But for now I shall say goodnight. It’s been a long day!
Ktkinnes xxx
The Bridge to Teribithia
For anyone who read my blog post yesterday, you’ll know that I spent the beginning of the week unwell. So on Monday night, Nuala, Jason and I sat down to watch Bridge To Teribithia, a heartwarming children’s film released in 2007.
Without wanting to ruin the story, all I will say is this film was a delight. The story of two young friends, with different family problems, who escape the real world only with each other in Teribithia. I would rate this film 10/10 and class it as a must see film for all ages.
Currently, the full movie is available to watch on YouTube here but for anyone with Amazon Prime it’s also available there. I’d never have known about this fantastic film if Nuala hadn’t been trying to choose a film for herself to watch so now I’m sharing the magic with you. Enjoy!
Ktkinnes xx
Mockingjay Part 2
Hello lovely friends! Firstly I must apologise, it seems my Paris post only actually was posted tonight and not last week when I wrote it. Technology doesn’t like me.
It’s almost the end of the month already!! There’s so much stuff to do and I am beginning to panic a little. Retail therapy might be needed to resolve the stress…
My presentation went well I think, I didn’t hang around for long after it as I rushed out to complete my physics test. Got a third of my marks in it which isn’t bad considering the lack of revision put in there. I’m now working on a physics report about the Spitzer Space Telescope (any clues on it would be appreciated!) and have started revision. It’s not exactly easy to do when you’re exhausted a lot of the time.
Last night, technically this morning, Jason, Mary and I went to the midnight showing of the final part of the hunger games films. Considering I didn’t really enjoy the books I was curious about the film and having seen the other 3 parts I decided I should complete them. And this time it was brilliant. I absolutely adore Jennifer Lawrence and her performance was super. As for the rest of the cast, they did a fantastic job. Go and see it as soon as you can if you haven’t already! Let me know your opinions 🙂
Irish Dancing didn’t kill me as much this week but I’m kind of disappointed that it didn’t, feels like I haven’t had a work out. However my healthy living plan went completely out the window and I don’t want to even think about how much debt I’m currently in due to overspending… But after Christmas I will work on my money situation. I NEED A JOB! This is no longer working and the sooner I can get a job the better. Maybe with a job I’ll also get more work done…
I’m about to go to sleep considering it’s been a few late nights in a row and I am actually looking forward to my 9am class tomorrow. Goals for the weekend are to have completed my revision timetabled items, finished buying decorations, wash and iron the throws in the living room, and finally Hoover my bedroom! Doesn’t sound too bad does it? I didn’t think so either.
Night guys!
Ktkinnes xxx