The Amazing Spiderman 2 - my electric web of loves and hates

Okay so I'm hoping that the dreadful title which was wholly unamusing and not in the slightest bit witty, grabbed your attention because this is my filmtalk for the new spiderman film that I pray you take a few minutes of your time to observe, will be electrifying...

So I'll get the ball rolling by just fangirling over Andrew Garfield for a bit. What a guy. His acting for this role was absolutely effortless, he gets the geeky-hot-emotionally damaged-outgoing character to a T, literally felt this spiderman was so much better played than Toby Maguire, even though he put his own spin on it, I always saw him ACTING spiderman whereas Garfield just IS spiderman, if that makes any sense at all?

I love the chemistry between Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield, I know the couple are/were/haven't researched it lately, a relationship in real life, and this transferred onto the screen effortlessly. I was crying when they broke up for gods sake and it wasn't even that sad!

Dane DeHaan (the guy who played Harry Osborn) was an interesting casting. At first I wasn't sure about him, I thought his acting was quite rigid and forced but then as the film progressed I feel he grew into his character and then all that awkwardness began to work for him and ultimately brought the Green Goblin to life!

Jamie Fox was equally awesome, but I think that he was pretty much guaranteed to be amazing anyway..

I know so far it sounds like the best thing about the movie was the actors/actresses and that's because it was, I couldn't ever imagine or put together a better cast and I don't say that often!

Now the niggly bits about the movie... 

I'm not sure I liked how the green goblin was thrown in right towards the end, I know that he's a massive character in the series but I would have liked to have seen some more character development of Harry before he turned into the villain, now all we'll see him as is the green goblin and this will take up the whole of the next movie!

Also, it all got a bit confusing at times. I didn't really understand Peter's fathers experiments and why only his bloodline could be infected with the spider venom! I like this adaptation more than the first mainly because they go into the science behind spiderman's condition a lot more but I wish this was better explained, but regardless, it was nothing a quick google didn't clear up for me!

Now for the big spoiler, if you haven't watched the film then stop reading!

Gwen Stacey's death was literally heartbreaking, I have not cried that much over a film in a while! I'm not entirely sure it was necessary, I know Mary-Jane is a big part of the series and will probably replace Gwen but I don't think Andrew Garfield will get the same chemistry with any other actress and so any new relationship will just seem to me superficial! I saw her death coming, the second he mentioned he would follow her to Oxford, I knew she would get killed off, the actual scene broke my heart nonetheless.

Overall, I prefer this adaptation of spiderman to the first and admittedly this is kinda controversial as it does just seem like Hollywood is trying to make more money but so far I've been impressed and don't think the remake has done at all as badly as I first thought it would. 

Much love homies x

Divergent - Film review

Seeing this film was one of the best £4.30 I have ever spent, and did not even deserve an orange wednesday visit, I would have paid full price, VIP and even for the bloody popcorn to see this film, and if I wasn't a student, I'd treat my whole family to a trip to the IMAX or something, such a successful adaptation.

I had my speculations about this film after watching the trailer, I do not think Shailene Woodley came across as Tris Prior in the trailer and I honestly thought Four (Tobias Eaton) was going to be one of those brooding love interests who I don't believe comes across as desirable at all. This is possibly my favourite book of all time (NOTE: not trilogy), so obviously I am very protective over it so was reluctant in some ways to see the film, but I am so glad I did!

The first thing that struck me was the way they did not shy away from any of the brutality in the fight scenes and Eric was just as cruel as I hoped he would be. The casting was actually perfect, I couldn't tell that half the actors were English (though Marcus may as well as just have been made Irish because there was no masking that accent) and no one made me cringe into my seat the way some actors do who act in Young Adult movies like this.

The film was well explained, even for viewers who may not have read the book, I feel would have been able to understand it, the Dauntless compound was just as I pictured it to be and the film ran at a good pace; no parts were rushed and nor do I think any were dragged out, the right scenes were cut and the screenplay was just right.

Now lets talk about Theo James. I was devastated when he was cast, I know I was being waaaay over-dramatic which I have a large tendency to do but I did not like him, did not think he would fit the part and did not admire any of his other work. It's safe to say that's changed now, do I think someone else should have played Four? Yes, don't ask me who but I still feel there was something just missing from Theo that I can't really explain but his casting wasn't a disaster. He has a good acting ability and is very easy on the eye, I believed there was chemistry between him and Shailene and honestly think there is more to come for him in the future, he's like a new Rupert Grint, massively underrated but no one can deny he has talent.

The only thing I would have liked to have seen was a more dramatic transformation from Tris, I noticed that she was wearing pretty heavy eye make-up whilst she was in Abegnation which I didn't think was accurate and I would have liked to have seen the scene where she chooses out some new Dauntless clothes and wears make-up for the first time, would have signposted her character's development nicely!

I have heard a lot of controversy about the 'intimacy scene' in Tris' fear landscape. I've heard it comes across that she is afraid of rape and after watching the film I understand why it's been interpreted in that way. I feel the director crossed the line between force and submission, it does look like Four is trying to force Tris to have sex with him even though that's not exactly what happens in the book. I don't think the director knew it would come across in this way so I don't blame him, but what do you guys think? Do you think it's a completely inappropriate addition to the film?

Nevertheless, I believe all other aspects were perfect. I was so happy when almost every song was by Ellie Goulding because she is literally my idol and the kissing scene was made that much better by her haunting voice. 

I would recommend anyone reading this goes to see it and I hope I haven't given too much away!

Over and out x

Love and honor - Film review

*

I know this film came out quite a while ago but it just popped up on my skymovies and I thought I'd give it a watch. I'm not going to say I didn't enjoy this film, because what I was looking for was a film that was easy viewing and didn't get me too emotionally attached, however judging by the title of the film, I'm guessing this was the wrong thing to take away from it. Basically, this was an awful film.

Firstly, the poster for this film shows two of the main characters however I would say the character 'Joiner' was equally as important in the plot, if not the character who carries the story forward... but regardless as to this fault, he was dreadfully cast. Austin Stowell lacked the conviction of a Vietnam soldier and his facial expressions and false emotions made me cringe so much I genuinely think he needs to take up a role on the Disney channel asap...

Furthermore, the war in Vietnam was literally depicted as one massive ride. The soldiers seemed to spend more time chatting than actually fighting any enemies and not once in the whole film did we get a sense of why the war was actually going on... for anyone watching the film who has no knowledge of the Vietnam war, don't take this depiction as real PLEASE. The film needed way more protest and way more adult themes, the 60s were not so subtle and the film didn't really give this era any justice.

All I wanted was a more original storyline. How typical but yet wholly unconvincing that a soldier go back to America for THREE days and then suddenly fall in love with someone and completely change the person that he is. Even Dear John gave the couple a little over two weeks to kindle their romance but this 'love' which I'm assuming they are referring to in the title was quite frankly boring and unexhilarating (potentially made up a word there).

Liam Hemsworth was the best thing about this film, he is a talented actor and brings life to the characters he is given rather than just reproduce lines however I don't believe the character he was given was all that interesting either. At some points I just literally thought, WTF... 'loveliest angel'? Not a single girl I know would ever fall for that line in a million years, he'd be walking away with a sore cheek if he tried it with me.

I don't think any of the characters knew anything about honor, fair enough Hemsworth went back to the front line but Joiner pretty much admitted that he had more honor for his girlfriend than he did for the war effort which I think was a really negative message to put across... being a soldier demands way more loyalty to your country than to your loved ones.

Oh and just one last thing, I hate Aimee Teegarden.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones - Film Talk

I literally left the cinema half an hour ago and have been buzzing with feels ever since. I have been so so so excited for this film ever since I heard about it and so of course had high expectations. To a certain extent my expectations were met but the last half an hour of the film has knocked it slightly for me.

Here's why I was happy with it, I felt the characters grew into themselves as the film progressed, especially Isabelle who I wasn't sure of at first but she eventually showed signs of the sarcastic primadonna from the books. Simon was played perfectly by Robert Sheehan I don't think they could have got the casting more right. I wish we saw more of Magnus Bane but hopefully that will come with the next films. 

The settings were spot on! The greenhouse was just as I imagined it and so were places like Clary's house, the Institute...

The greenhouse scene. Okay so I already replayed the kiss from the German trailer over and over but seeing it with the music was so better (I sound like a perv but I'm not I promise haha)! Jace and Clary's transition to liking each other want rushed either, we saw Jace's jealousy at Clary and Simon's relationship as well as the banter exchanged between Jace and Clary... Seeing Jace break his hard exterior in the greenhouse was so muchmore noticeable   thanks to this.

Some people have said the film lacks the humour from the books but I was cracking up more than once at Jace and Simon and even at Luke and Clary who weren't obviously funny characters in the book. The film had me literally laughing my head off then five minutes later crying my eyes out which was interesting for the people sitting next to to witness...

Nothing major was missed out but some scenes were rushed, Jace and the gang had been from Magnus' party (which was one of the scenes I was most looking forward to and we were only there for about 3 mins) to the Hotel Dumort in about 5 mins and Simon was never turned into a rat :( I know sacrifices had to be made to make the film in under 2 hours but time could have been cut elsewhere like during the long battle scene at the Institute at the end...

That brings me onto my main criticism, the ending was not true to the book... Valentine didn't lead the others to Renwick's and Luke's story when he tells Clary all about the Circle and Valentine's plans was glazed over so much that the people I went to see the film with didn't really understand why Valentine actually wanted the cup at all. PLUS HE DIDN'T EVEN GET THE CUP!? Correct me if I'm wrong but i swear he does get the cup in book one? The whole plot of City of Ashes involves Valentine securing his power using the cup and the sword and the sword he definitely gets in book two. Oh well this bugged me because at least 10 minutes could have been cut if Valentine just had the cup. 

The whole pentagram thing with inviting the demons into the institute bugged me as well because that never happens in the book instead Valentine uses Forsaken soldiers but I suppose it's a good way to show how in book two Valentine betrays his kind by using demons to fight his battles.

I know it seems like I have a lot of negative comments about the film but that's only because it's the negative parts which play on my mind that I have to get off my chest. Overall I would say it was worth the wait, the soundtrack was perfect and the incest thing wasn't done in a creepy way that would have scared people off watching the next movie.

If I were to rate it I'd say 7 or 8/10 but I've already booked my tickets so see it again so it must be worth going to see:)

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - Film Talk

So I figured that considering the film for the first instalment in one of my favourite series of all time, the Mortal Instruments series, is coming out in less than a month I would read the book again whilst on holiday in the beautiful mountainous location of Mijas Pueblo, Spain. There is possibly nothing I love more than lying by the pool listening to music with a good book and oh my I forgot how much I absolutely love this series. I'm going to that place in my mind again when I life and breath a book that I love, it's all I want to talk about and so the fact that I have a FILM to look forward to makes me even more crazily obsessed.

Since I've been back from Spain I've watched all the varying trailers from every country about 20 times... This film will be epic. I realllllly do hope it gets as big as say Harry Potter unlike other book-film adaptations like Percy Jackson which for me didn't really live up to my expectations. 

More than anything, I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT ALEX PETTYFER WAS NOT CAST AS JACE. Hate me all you like but he was the last person I could imagine playing Jace, his acting would ruin everything Jace is about in the books. Jamie Campbell Bower is a strange one, I like him because I haven't seen him play a big big role in anything before and I'm intrigued to see what he can do with Jace. From the trailer he definitely captures the dark, intimidating side of the character I just hope that in the film, we see all the humour and sarcasm which makes up Jace's character.  

Lily Collins is perfect for the role of Clary if you ask me, she looks the right age and apart from the colour of her hair, when I was reading the book the first time, I was picturing someone not far off from Lily Collins when I imagined Clary.

THE CASTING OF SIMON IS JUST OMGAAAAAD SO PERFECT. His description in the book matches Robert Sheehan's personality and appearance exactly, Simon is one of my favourite characters and I'm so glad they found someone to do him justice as well as Robert most definitely will.

I've found out recently that the Shadowhunters are all supposed to be British and the rest of the cast American, in the trailer it's mainly Jamie's voice we hear out of the Shadowhunters and it did sound somewhat out of place amongst all the other accents rocking about but at the same time I'm glad us Brits have a place in the film.

SPOILERS

Okay so lets confront the elephant in the room and talk about the incest thing. When reading the book for the first time I can honestly say I have never been more shocked by a plot twist in my life. I have a feeling that people might watch the film and just think it weird and disgusting but if you read the books you'll understand that it's not like that at all. Some people may be so put off by it that they'll scare other potential viewers away or refuse to watch the next film (lets hope there definitely is a City of Ashes adaptation!). I'm intrigued to go to the cinema and hear the reaction of my friends and people around me who probably don't know its coming.

On a more positive note however, its only 27 days till the film comes out!

I recommend everyone go watch the film and I'll probably write a review of what I thought of it once I've seen it.

Thanks for reading!

P.S. Here's a link to the trailer in case anyone wants to check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UHdZMEUOQ8

Now You See Me - Film Review

Okay so I know I promised I would review books on this blog, but I've literally 5 minutes ago come out of the cinema and I NEED to talk about this film so I thought I'd simply write about it...

Synopsis: In short, the plot follows four street magicians, Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) and mentalist Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson) who have been assigned a mysterious 'mission' by a supposed fifth horseman in their clique. An impressive act sees the four horseman steal 3 million euros from a Parisian bank using an audience member as their pawn in the operation. The case is taken on by an FBI agent played by Mark Ruffalo and his French accomplice. As the film plays out, the audience is left to question who is truly that one step ahead, the horsemen, the FBI or the ex, bitter magician Morgan Freeman and his rival turned partner Michael Caine. Without giving anything away, this film will have you questioning everything you have ever thought about magic and you'll leave the cinema feeling monumentally mind blown. 

SPOILERS

The thing that drew me to this film was the originality of its premise, I've never seen anything like it myself even though I know there are similar films such as The Illusionist. I follow acts like Derren Brown and Dynamo religiously and was so intrigued by this movie I felt I had to see it on its opening night. It stayed true to my expectations and had me sitting on the edge of my feet, I felt as drawn into the act as the audience members inside the screen did. At the start when Isla Fisher was supposedly trapped inside the tank getting eaten alive by fish, I thought it was game over for her, failing to remember that she is a main character and would not be killed off in the first 5 mins. I could not predict the tricks or the mind games, throughout the film, we were manipulated to believe that Mark Ruffalo was getting closer and closer to finding out the truth behind these four horsemen. We followed his story for the majority of the film and just when we thought he was that one step ahead, after the 'death' of Dave Franco... we could not have been more wrong, the magicians had quite a bit up their sleeves.

The casting was perfect, the four magicians worked so well together. Eisenberg portrayed perfect characterisation for his character, he had that typical egotistic persona that I would imagine that character would certainly possess. Harrelson had me laughing and amazed by his character and Fisher was certainly not sidelined in the way women usually are when it comes to 'magic' shows. I do wish we saw more of Dave Franco, I feel he drew the short straw and didn't have an overly important role but this isn't new, (WARM BODIES SPOILERS) his character in Warm Bodies was killed off pretty swiftly, hopefully we'll see him in a leading role some time soon.

THE PLOT TWISTED IN SO MANY DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS I COULDN'T PREDICT THE ENDING! I'm usually quite good at predicting who the suspect is but at no point did I consider that Mark Ruffalo was the one behind the whole thing, I'm still questionable as to why the hell he went to such lengths and what he actually gained from it all. There were a few bits and bobs that weren't really explained, or maybe I just missed an important line or something. I still don't know who died in the crash if it wasn't Dave Franco and I would love to understand more about the Eye and what it actually is, was it an organisation? Another universe? A new set of magical powers? I JUST DON'T KNOW!

I haven't heard overly good things about this film, even just walking out of the cinema I heard people commenting about its complexity and difficulty to comprehend but one thing is for sure, no matter how much I was bursting, I would not dare leave my seat for a toilet break I was so drawn in... I would recommend everyone watches this film but it may take a couple more viewings for me to fill in some bits I'm still confused about.

I would have given this film 5 stars if not for the fact that I believe some bits were unecessary. There was a small, undeveloped romance between the duo of Mark Ruffalo and French actress Mélanie Laurent, I saw this union happening right from the very start and thought it was slightly predictable and detached from the originality of the plot as a whole. There were also, as I explained previously, some bits which I don't really understand and some bits should have been explained in more depth and not just bypassed by the odd comment which could have easily been missed.