Catching Fire (2013)

Directed by Francis Lawrence

"Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem." - IMDB

PLEASE BE WARNED, CONTAINS SLIGHT SPOILERS

After waiting like a year and a half for the second installment of The Hunger Games (2012) I could not wait for Catching Fire! I had my tickets book and was counting down the days.

I have to say that I was not disappointed! I loved it! I loved it more than the first film and I just want to go and watch it over and over again!

I know that when novels are adapted into films, the book it always better. And in The Hunger Games, this was definitely true. I was really annoyed that they left so much out of the film as it was all important little bits that you needed for the tension to follow. I heard people who hadn't read the books say it was confusing, and I can understand why.

With Catching Fire, I didn't feel like this was the case at all. I don't know whether or not it was because I read the books ages ago, or because there wasn't as much needed in this as the first, but it really didn't disappoint me at all!

I thought that the casting for the other tributes was fab! I thought that Sam Claflin (Finnick), Jeffrey Wright (Beetee) and Jena Melone (Johanna) (to name a few) played the existing victors amazingly!

The only character I wasn't too impressed with was Mags (Lynn Cohen). They made her character not speak and I'm sure in the book she does, correct me if I'm wrong! I was actually looking forward to meeting Mags, and I think that the casting was done well, but the way they portrayed her character was not.

The arena of the games was done really well too. Not what I imagined it, but it worked. I don't think I had a clear image of what the arena was like from the book anyway, but they adapted it well and it worked as a film.

I was really happy with the games as a whole. It was really thrilling and interesting, which I found in the book anyway. I love the idea of the arena being a clock with different threats every hour and it was interesting to watch on screen.

The film isn't particularly slow either. I remember the book taking forever to get into the games and then the actual 75th Hunger Games didn't last very long at all. They paced it really well in the film. They showed what they needed to, although I would like to have seen more from the victory tour, and Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peter's (Josh Hutcherson) visits to the other districts.

So now I can't wait to see Mockingjay Part 1 which is going to be released in November 2014, so that's another year to wait! (Tooooo long!) Will just have to watch The Hunger Games and Catching Fire over and over until then!

Smurfs 2 (2013)

Director - Raja Gosnell

 

"The Smurfs team up with their human friends to rescue Smurfette, who has been kidnapped by Gargamel since she knows a secret spell that can turn the evil sorcerer's newest creation - creatures called the Naughties - into real Smurfs." - IMDB

 

I realise my recent blog posts have made me look like a big kid... and I'm not even going to defend myself!

I was really looking forward to seeing the second instalment of The Smurfs, I loved the first one! Oh, and if you haven't seen the first one just because you never liked Smurfs, I promise you, you will still love it! I was never a Smurfs fan but the combination of the Smurfs and the real world is what makes it so good!

 

I didn't enjoy this as much as the first film, but when are sequels ever better? (Apart from Shrek 2)

I wasn't disappointed though and my brother (who is 8) said it was really good. There was always something happening so you don't get bored and it made me laugh quite a bit. As unrealistic as the film is, you still really get into the story, and believe it. All we need now is a news report saying some little blue people have been spotted roaming the streets. (How awesome would that be?!)

 

I love the casting in the film too. I was glad to see they kept it the same as the first film as you just get that connection between the 'real people' and the Smurfs. Yes I know they're mythical creatures and all that but still. They seem real! I want one!

 

I reckon it keep adults entertained (I guess I'm considered an adult now...) because there are a few jokes and references that children wouldn't get. At a few points I found myself laughing when my brother wasn't. I guess I like kind of fantasy/adventure films too which is why I enjoyed it.

 

I don't really know what else to say! If you like The Smurfs then go see The Smurfs 2. If you haven't seen The Smurfs then watch it, and then go and see The Smurfs too. I really do recommend the Smurfs films, they're nothing like the cartoon, or what you imagine the films to be like. I keep trying to get my boyfriend to watch it but he won't. One day... One day! ;)

Monsters University (2013)

Directed by Dan Scanlon

 

"A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends." - IMDB

 

So after waiting for over half my life for this to be released, I had to go and see it! And no I didn't use the "I'm taking my little brother" excuse, I went with my boyfriend (who is older than me, for the record) so yeah! No shame... I've also bought the mugs from Disney store... Yeah.

 

Anyway I was pleasantly surprised! I expected the film to kill the first one (Monsters Inc. 2001), I was a bit worried actually, but it really didn't! Obviously nothing is going to beat the classic and this prequel is nothing like it but it is still an awesome film. It's funny and cute and there's bits in there that link to Monsters Inc. which make your inner child pop out (yes I got a little bit giddy).

 

They didn't kill the characters either, especially Mike and Sully, who we all love in some way. I think because they merged in to the characters that we know from the first film towards the end, we weren't let down by the difference at the start. It was actually done really well; it was good to see what the characters were like before we got to know them so well and how they changed into what we do know.

 

The plot itself was quite interesting; it wasn't like Monsters Inc. but then it wasn't like your average teen, college movie. It was a perfect balance between the two - what it says on the tin 'Monsters University'.

 

We went to see it in 3D and I'm not a fan of 3D anyway but it was purely at the convenience of showing times. I wouldn't say it was a waste of money going to see it in 3D but it wouldn't have changed anything about my viewing experience if we hadn't gone to see it in 3D. It wasn't amazing and like I said, I'm not really a fan of 3D movies anyway, especially animated.

 

The only negative thing I would say is that the bad guys weren't bad enough. Randall actually scared me in Monsters Inc., but the baddies in this weren't very scary at all, and they weren't really played enough. I don't think it's because I'm older, because I'm still a wuss! There was the head of the scare school, Dean Hardscrabble, and a bunch of popular guys, Roar Omega Roar, and neither had a particular scary part in the film which made you shudder a little.

 

So if, like me, you've been waiting 12 years for this to come out then you won't be disappointed. And if you haven't and you didn't like Monsters Inc. then you should still go and see Monsters University because it's still a really good film on it's own. You might even like Monsters Inc. a little more!

 

21 and Over (2013)

Directed by Jon Lucas & Scott Moore

 

"The night before his big medical school interview, a promising student celebrates his 21st birthday with his two best friends." - IMDB

 

I want to start this by saying that this film is basically The Hangover for young people. It is basically the student 'version'. Although I did enjoy The Hangover and I enjoyed 21 and Over.

 

Overall the film had a very basic plot. You can tell that the writers wanted to focus on the comedy element, which they achieved well, but maybe a stronger plot would have been more fulfilling for the film. There isn't really anything there to get in to and there isn't a great deal that you can empathise with. The film was a 'what happened to these three guys on a night out' kind of thing which, yeah it's the main premise of the film, but as a film, it definitely needed more of a story, which would have also paced the film a bit better.

 

The casting was really good! Obviously I have a slight crush for Skylar Astin (Casey) anyway, especially after seeing him in Pitch Perfect, and Miles Teller (Miller) was hilarious, he really played his role well as the slightly stupid but comical friend. You could believe the characters, although you couldn't really empathise with them. Yeah I'm a girl and the film is about three guys, but still, they are students, as am I, and there wasn't a great deal of emotional connection and back story to them. Yes you find out their characteristics and the type of character that they are supposed to be, but throughout the film you just forget this. Again, the film maintaining a massive comedy element rather than a story telling.

I'm probably missing the point here and you're probably reading this thinking "well it is a comedy film, duuuh!" but after finishing writing my own script, I feel the need for a story, let me have my opinion!

 

Before I start going all negative and critical... I did like the film. It made me laugh and I think I'm just being so negative because it was what I expected, there weren't any surprises.

If you liked The Hangover then I'd definitely go and see it. If you liked The Inbetweeners Movie then I'd definitely go and see it. If you like a film that will make you laugh then I'd definitely go and see it.

If you like serious films that make you feel all sorts of feelings and give you a plot that twists your mind then I'd maybe stay clear.

I'm Still Here!

Heeeeeyyyy people of the blogger world!

I haven't forgot about you (you being anyone who reads my blog...) I've just been so busy lately and so uninspired!

I've started a new job at Monsoon, only part time but I seem to work a lot, just about finished uni for the summer and been meeting deadlines.

Also got back into going to open mic nights with Catherine which I am so happy about because I miss going to them all the time! Catherine kindly recorded me singing so that should be up on my YouTube hopefully (meaning when I get around to it!)

I'm also going to see 21 and Over tomorrow so I'll review that since I haven't done a review in so long, especially of a recent film!

Got an exciting message from a guy I know who helps to run Beeston Festival every year! For those who don't know, Beeston Festival is a mini festival, sort of like a village gala or something, in the Beeston area of Leeds, and it has lots of different stages where local talent come and show off! I've been playing there on the acoustic stage for the past four years!

Anyway, I got a message asking if I would like to 'look after' the acoustic stage this year and being the easily excited me I said that I would love to and instantly told everyone that I was 'managing' the acoustic stage this year. Can't wait! So if you fancy having a go then come on down on the 8th June! :D

I'm just procrastinating now from finishing off my script for uni so I really should get to that...

Just wanted to let y'all know I hadn't drifted off the planet!

Toodlepip! :)

Film Review: Memento (2000)

Director - Christopher Nolan

 

"A man, suffering from short-term memory loss, uses notes and tattoos to hunt for the man he thinks killed his wife." - IMDB

 

Before I get "Memento was out thirteen years ago. Why are you reviewing it now?" I'm reviewing it because it's probably one of my favourite films and I've watched it again recently. I just love it!

 

One of the main things that stands out about this film, and makes it one of my favourites, is the narrative structure. It's very confusing as it starts at the end, plays a scene, then goes back to the scene before. The whole film continues like this so you have to keep watching to understand what's going on. I like this because I don't think I've ever seen a film like it before and you get put into the main character's, Lenny (Guy Pearce), position as he has a brain injury which causes his to only be able to remember things for a few minutes at a time. It allows you to empathise with him and lets us know what he knows, making the film more enjoyable and psychological.

I also really like this structure as every time you watch it, it's always like watching it for the first time: You always get something new from it. Even the ending surprised me when I watched it again! It also helps to watch the film more than once as it's so confusing!

 

The casting is also very good. Each person plays their role really well. I heard that Brad Pitt was going to play Lenny, but I think that Pearce did it better than Pitt could have (although I wouldn't mind seeing Pitt in the film... Who wouldn't?) even though Brad Pitt is good at playing psychological roles - I really love him in Fight Club.

 

Guy Pearce or Brad Pitt - Who would you rather play Lenny?

 

I love the mise-en-scène (yes I know fancy film words), specifically the use of props, as it's what gives you little clues and makes you go "aaah that's why..." It helps to have these little things in there to link up the plot and give away elements of the story making the plot more exciting. One instance is when, at the beginning of the film Lenny finds two bullets in a car and at the end we find out that it was his car and he put them there. Just little things like that!

 

Overall I think that the story is really good but without this weird structure, the film wouldn't stand out from any other. I've been told that there's a version of the film, on the DVD, played in chronological order which I need to watch at some point!

If you haven't seen Memento, watch it! Because it's so old you can get the DVD on Amazon for fairly cheap! It will change your life! (Well... I'm being dramatic now but you get it!)

My Ebay Basket

| Necklace | Key Cover | The Breakfast Club DVD | Phone Case |

| Poster | Clutch Bag | Earrings | Necklace | Stud Earrings |

 

I've been dying to blog today but I haven't seen any films to review, read any more books or had any inspiration for anything else. In the need to satisfy my blogging addictions, I decided to show y'all my recent bargains which I've bought on ebay (as I buy a lot!)



Uglies Book Review

 

"Tally can't wait to turn sixteen and become Pretty. Sixteen is the magic number that brings a transformation from a repellent Ugly into a stunningly attractive Pretty, and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks, Tally will be there. But Tally's new friend, Shay, isn't sure she wants to be Pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the Pretty world - and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worse choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn Pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever." - Amazon

As the cover says "Before The Hunger Games there was Uglies" and if you like The Hunger Games then you'll like Uglies!

Being a huge fan of The Hunger Games, and other series of books, when I heard about this quartet I had to read it!

 

The story seems a bit silly but it's really good! It's interesting to see how that kind of world is different to The Hunger Games.

Throughout the book there isn't any hanging around! The story gets straight into it and the relationship of the characters. It moves along quite quickly which can be annoying at times as you kind of want to see something develop a bit more and the responses to things. Hence there are a lot of things that happen in the story. It can be a bit hard to keep up with sometimes but I guess it stops you from getting bored of waiting for things to happen and it definitely doesn't drag. I do like how it's paced though; it's a different style of writing and it keeps you wanting to read on.

 

The character's relationships are really well explained and you can connect with them through their feelings for each other. We can empathise with Tally's longing to be pretty as it's something which we envy in every day life anyway. You'd think that in a story like this the characters would be really unbelievable and surreal, a bit like The Hunger Games, but they're not. The characters are really 'real' and you can imagine then being actual people, not just characters in a book.

 

As I do with every book, I read the last page (I just can't help ) so I knew how the story was going to end. The thing is, I didn't expect it to happen like it did. I'm not trying to give anything away, but usually with a story, you can guess how it's going to end. Not with Uglies. I think it's because so much does happen and with every event, your imagination changes in how the story is going to end. The ending was really good and as soon I finished reading it, I bought the second book and started reading that. (I have a kindle so this is quick moving!)

 

I don't know what else to say really. I did enjoy the book, a lot, and I think that anyone who loves The Hunger Games should definitely read Uglies. The Hunger Games are ridiculously easy to read and so Uglies is more of a 'challenge'/interesting read. I don't want to keep comparing it to The Hunger Games but they are very similar stories and definitely attract the same audience.

Show Less



Film Review: 500 Days of Summer (2009)

Directed by Marc Webb

 

"An offbeat romantic comedy about a woman who doesn't believe true love exists, and the young man who falls for her." - IMDB

 

For a task in one of my modules for university, I had to pick my all time favourite film and write an analysis on it. 500 Days of Summer isn't my all time favourite, but it's one of them! I thought I'd jazz up my analysis a bit and post it in a blog... Why not?

 

The film has a very interesting narrative and non-linear structure which makes it stand out and one of my favourites. There are lots of flashbacks and jumps in time but I like how the screen shows us the day number which it is in the film. Using this numbering system stops the film from becoming really confusing, although you do have to keep track of the number order.

 

You get put into Tom's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) mindset throughout the film a lot. The story is told from his perspective, although this appears as a narrator and makes the film feel more like a story or a fairy tale. We see a lot of montages used in the film which lets us into Tom's head and shows us scenes of what we expect a perfect relationship like theirs to be like - what we want.

I love the split screen scene in the film. Tom gets invited to Summer's (Zoeey Deschanel) party and half of the screen shows his expectations of what will happen at the party and the reality. It leaves us feeling disheartened for Tom but it's such a good scene!

The film's soundtrack is also amazing! I love Us by Regina Spektor. It's such a cute song and being the first song we hear, it sets the tone for the film. The soundtrack fits perfectly and every time I listen to a song from it, I have pictures in my head from the film. Although I do think that it's the kind of summery film that lends itself to the soundtrack. I hear song now and can imagine it being in the film. Stella Del Mattino by Einaudi being one!

I know a lot of people don't like Zooey Deschanel but I love her. I think I love her so much because of her performance in this film. Summer is a girl who doesn't believe in falling in love and she hides a lot of things and I think that Deschanel plays it really well. (Feel free to disagree and please don't send me death threats. I'm just expressing my opinion ;) )

 

So yeah. Just go watch 500 Days of Summer because it's an amazing feel good film. I usually watch it every time I feel ill and it cheers me up. I have no idea why since it's a bit depressing at times but whatever gets you kicks!

I'll probably do a review of this on Box Office on Friday at 3pm so feel free to listen in!

Life Update: I am Cinderella.

So I'm just incredibly excited at the minute and I needed to share it somewhere and there isn't enough with 140 characters on Twitter!

 

So this afternoon, myself and 4 friends (3 from my uni course, the other a flatmate of a course friend) finally found and signed for a house for September! We decided to live together not long before Christmas and started house hunting a few weeks back and after seeing some awful houses, we found a really nice one today in the Woodhouse area of Leeds.

I'm really really excited about moving out, and as daunting as it seems, I'm doing it with 4 of my friends and I know it's going to be one of the best and most memorable experiences of my life! Everyone says that the friends you make at uni are the friends you'll have for the rest of your life, and we're a bit of an odd bunch, but when have I ever been in with an average crowd? I love my housemates! (that could have changed within a year though!)

 

I feel like I've grown up so much since starting uni! I was thinking about this on my way to uni today on the bus: a year ago I was being taken to and picked up from 6th form and had my life controlled basically, but now I'm free to do whatever I please and left to be more independent so what else is there to do other than move out? It'll be the last transformation to becoming a young adult in the world! Kind of like Cinderella before she went to the ball!

 (Yes I'm comparing myself to Cinderella...)

 

Honestly though, at 6th form, I thought that I was really mature and independent and could look after myself, but university is such a life changing experience! I realise now that I was wrong and growing up has yet to come! I'm starting to be ridiculously cheesy now, but it really changes you so much! Maybe not so people can notice it, but I feel different in myself. I don't really know how to explain it! A year ago I knew I wasn't really ready to move out; the thought of it terrified me, but now I'm so excited! I'd move out next week if I could! I guess now I get the bus everyday on my own and have to look after myself really! It's just the little things like paying for yourself and like I said, getting the bus... It's weird how things that seem so small can make a big difference in your life.

 

I'm only at the start of my second semester of my first year at uni and I'm already having the best time of my life! If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen me tweet about uni and how I've found my people and place in life, and I really have! I've always felt like a bit of an outsider. I've always been a bit weirder than everybody else and just never felt like I fit in as much as I do at uni! I've met so many like minded people and I've gained so much more confidence in myself because of the experiences I've had (although it has made me a tad lazier...). I often felt like I was never appreciated and like no one ever wanted to listen to me but there's always someone with ears open for whatever it is!

 

Uni is an amazing experience and I do encourage people to go! I don't know what I want to do when I leave but I'm just enjoying my life and youth! Because when are you going to get to do it again?

 

 

I realise the title of this post is 'life update' and it's just turned into a rant about uni, but there's not much different going on in my life right now besides that! I bought a kindle yesterday? I've found my liking for reading on the bus so I figured it'd make life easier... I'm really happy right now! Not much besides that! I've had a roller coaster 2012 and 2013 is off to an amazing start! I'm definitely happier than I was a few months ago. I'm finally settled and life's looking up!

The most cheesiest thing I've ever written but I needed to get it out!

 

Ciao for now!

Review: Pitch Perfect (2012)

Director: Jason Moore

 

"Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition." - IMDB

 

Being the musical whizz that I am, I had to see this film! I used to be a big Glee fan and I love musicals so I was excited at watching this!

 

Let me start with the best thing about the film: The music! The music that is in the film (I'm talking about the singing from the groups in the film) was amazing! They sung current pop songs alongside songs from previous decades, such as Madonna. The arrangements of the songs were really good. I wouldn't go as far as saying they were phenomenal as I'm never that optimistic, but they were really enjoyable and I can't wait to get the soundtrack!

 

I think that the casting was done well. I wasn't cringing at anyone playing a part and wishing they'd have been played by someone else. The characters were entertaining and each role had a different character type to play. There were your standard 'nerds, jocks and popular' people but the whole film played up to a stereotypical American college story anyway.

This was also shown in the script. The film was really predictable in where the story was going and even without watching the film, I reckon you can guess what would happen. Having watch Glee for a good few seasons, any hope of surprise was gone! I think the writers of the film had definitely taken inspiration there. Thinking back about the plot, the story didn't really go anywhere, although I could be feeling this due to the predictability of it. I can't complain though, I still love these things!

 

All in all I did enjoy the film. It's definitely worth a watch if you've ever watched (and enjoyed) Glee, or if you're quite a musical, or musically interested, person. I wouldn't recommend it if you hate light hearted, teenage stories though!

Lifescouts #2

 

So more badges have now been posted and I thought I'd share my stories with you!

If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out my last post on Lifescouts!

 

Big Ben Badge

One of my favourite stories and memories! In April 2012, I set off to London with Hannah and Lauren for our third instalment of our Mcfly boys on their Keep Calm and Play Louder tour. We booked a long weekend down in London so we could go and see Mcfly play at the Hammersmith apollo and have a day or two out in London. One of the things we saw was Big Ben and it was also my first time seeing it. That weekend was one of the best ever! Was so nice, and such a laugh, to get away on a little 'holiday' with my best friends, while meeting some new ones along the way!

 

 

Fishing Badge

When I was younger my Dad used to go fishing all the time and sometimes when I wasn't at school I would go with him. I remember going to Middleton Park, in Leeds, which has a huge fishing lake next to a park. So while my Dad was fishing I would go and play in the park. I remember he used to make us ham and cucumber sandwiches for lunch too!

 

Colour Unlimited Nail Shots

 

 

Superdrug, £4.99

 

As my Mum knows me too well, she bought me these as a little Christmas stocking filler. I love glittery nail polishes and I think that all these colours are fab! My favourite is probably the middle colour (sorry I don't know what they are called!).

They're really cute little bottles but they don't fail! The brushes are a perfect size so you don't get polish all over your fingers (which I always do) and the polish dries fairly quickly.

I'm not sure if they still sell these in Superdrug as they were a Christmas 'thing' but if you can get your hands on some, it's worth the money!

Lifescouts #1

If you haven't heard, Alex Day has set up a new project on Tumblr called 'Lifescouts'. Every now and then, a new badge gets added to the website and if you think you have that badge, you reblog it and tell your story.

Since I don't use Tumblr anymore, I thought I'd post them on here instead! So here are the badges which I currently have and my stories behind them:

 

Guitar Badge

Well this is an obvious one! I play guitar! I got my first ever guitar just before my 15th birthday so I've been playing for around four years now. Doesn't seem like two minutes ago since I couldn't play any chords and now it's second nature! Learning how to play guitar has changed my life. If I hadn't got that first guitar, I wouldn't have started singing and would be a totally different person! It's my only ever hobby that I've really stuck to. I wanted to learn so that I could play all of Mcfly's songs, not going to lie to you, and I don't even know that many by heart now (oops.) I love playing guitar and I don't know what I'd do without being able to pick up my guitar! It cheers me up when I'm feeling down and it's an amazing way to express yourself!

 

Swimming Badge

I started learning to swim when I was four/five and got my dolphin one (oh the days of getting your dolphin badges!) then never really learnt properly again until I was about eight or nine and I got up to my dolphin 6. I'm not a strong, confident swimmer, but I can manage to stop myself from drowning (most of the time) and I'm not really a sporty person anyway.

 

Picnic Badge

Every now and again in the summer, my Mum, little brother, Auntie Shaz, cousin Kirsty and myself (along with the dogs) have a day out somewhere and have a little picnic! We usually go to some park or we went to Yorkshire Sculpture Park last time. It's nice to get out and do something different to what we usually do!

 

Mountain-Climbing Badge

When I was 11, in my last year of primary school, I went on a residential trip to Ingleborough in Yorkshire. One of the days was taken up by climbing Ingleborough which is one of the Yorkshire three peaks, except I was in the group that didn't go up Ingleborough because we were too slow at walking and went up a smaller mountain instead! I loved that weekend, as terrified as I got from the ghost walk that was a tradition on that trip.

 

French Language Badge

Probably the most boring story, but I basically learnt French while I was at school! One of the things I was most excited about when starting high school was learning a new language and I loved it! I was usually pretty good at it too, which helped!

 

 Driving Badge

Just after I turned 18 I started learning how to drive! It lasted a couple of months and then stuff happened and I couldn't afford to pay for it anymore! I wasn't too bothered because I couldn't afford to have a car anyway! I can drive a car around, I just don't have a licence to prove I can do it safely!

 

CPR Badge

Again, another thing I learnt in school! I can't remember which lesson it was in but we all had to learn first aid and do that embarrassing thing of practising CPR on a plastic dummy in front of the class. I've never had to use it in reality though... I think I'd be too scared to!

 

So there you have it! The badges which are currently released and I feel I deserve! Expect another post when more are released!

If you want to check out all the badges head over to the website where you can also buy actual real life badges too! It's awesome!

FIlm Review: Les Miserables (2013)

Directed by Tom Hooper

 

In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever. - IMDB

 

Let me start by saying that I was ridiculously excited to see this and it didn't let me down. I've never actually seen the musical, only the 25th Anniversary concert so I think it added to the excitement that I'd get to see it properly, and not just as a concert (as proper as a musical can be on film). I wasn't let down anyway. It was AMAZING! By the end, I was crying my eyes out. Although, musicals are my weakness!

 

I thought that the casting was brilliant! I generally don't like Amanda Seyfried but she was really good, I'll give her this one. Hugh Jackman also filled his role as Jean Valjean well although when he sang Bring Him Home, I think that let him down a bit. But up until that point, he played a perfect part. I was so pleased when I found out that Samantha Barks was playing Eponine. She was fabulous in the concert version. Such a beautiful voice! Anne Hathaway (Fantine) was also a stand out role. She was amazing! Definitely deserves that Oscar!

 

Musicals are always really different to the stage shows, as my Grandma kept pointing out, but I think they did a good job. Like I said, I've never seen the actual stage show, so I can't really say how good it was compared to it, but my Grandma has seen it seven times on stage, again which she kept saying, and she really enjoyed it. The film told the story well and I was hooked all the way through. If you don't know the story, it's very complicated! Usually in films, things always get left out, and I don't think that left anything out, and if they did it was minor! I guess it helped in understanding the plot too. I think that if the writers had left a piece of the story out, then it would be very hard to understand! The songs were muddled around a bit though. I noticed that On My Own was earlier than it should have been and it was probably in the wrong place in the film. I can imagine that I'd have been a mess if it was in it's proper place.

The visuals were also amazing. The set design was brilliant and the cinematography was faultless. These helped to make the film as good as it was!

 

What really impressed me was the live singing. Usually in a film, the actors/actresses pre record the soundtrack and then mine to it on camera, but instead they were all singing live, which was a very nice touch and made it feel more like a musical rather than a film. The cast achieved this well and to be honest I was doubting the success of this technique, but it worked well.

 

One of the things that I didn't really like about the film was the casting/direction of Thénardier and Madame Thénadier (Sacha Baron Cohen & Helena Bonham Carter). I was looking forward to seeing Helena Bonham Carter play the role but she really disappointed me. Definitely not her best work, although her singing was really good. I didn't like they way Sacha Baron Cohen played Thénardier as after watching Matt Lucas play the same role in the concert, Cohen wasn't as big of a character as what I imagine Thénardier to be like. Lucas played the character perfectly and I think that his portrayal was better than Cohen's. I thought that would have both been two of the best casting of the film, but I personally think they were one of the worst. I don't know whether it was the director's fault as he wanted them to be that way, but I think that they are both incredible actors/actresses and they could have played it a bit better.

 

I have a lot to say about this film, but I just don't know how to say it! It was amazing! I plan to go and see it again at some point (anyone need a friend to go with, you know where I am!). If you love musicals then definitely go an see it, if not, just go an see it! The fact that it's all singing kind of makes you forget that it's all singing (if anyone knows what I mean, you're a genius) as it merges into the story.

Once again, if you want to know anything else about the film, feel free to ask me!