The year in film releases......

Don't you just love the excitement the anticipation of film releases gives?! Yes, there is that feeling of 'aaargh, I can't take the wait any longer!!' But in general the build up is such fun. I have compiled a list of the films that I am definitely more than a wee bit excited about this year, or what's left of this year.........

At number 1, and this is going in order of release date, as opposed to anything else, is;

The Avengers - released on the 26th of April (UK)

I have to admit I am a massive fan of Marvel Comic heroes (well superheroes in general really)!! So I have been rather looking forward tot this one for a while now! I must admit, I haven't yet seen Thor, or the first Hulk film, they need to be seen first I think. Also I have reservations about Scarlett Johansson; I find her irritating, and that's about it really. But I managed to tolerate her in the second Ironman film so I'm sure I'll be fine for this one too. Also, it's out in 2 days!! Aaaaaaahh!

At number 2

Men in Black III - released 25th of May (UK)

I'll be honest here, I hadn't properly seen the two preceding Men in Black films until this month. Which is pretty bad for someone my age. Now that I have seen one and two I can officially join everyone else who is excited for this film. I'm hoping that the special effects are a wee bit better than the last two though.

Number 3

The Amazing Spider-Man - released 4 July (UK)

Although I have been looking forward to this film since Christmas, when I saw one of the early posters at the cinema, I do have some major reservations about this film. Having seen the Toby MaguireKirsten Dunst versions I'm not entirely sure that these actors are going to be as good, however I would love to be proven wrong. And I am sure that Emma Stone will be brilliant, as she was in 'the help'. My other reservations regard the names and the storyline. I'll be honest (again) I haven't read the comics, I'm not really a comic girl, however I'm pretty sure that Peter Parker's crush was called Mary-Jane, not Gwen. And I don't recognise most of the character names listed in this film, and I don't recall any mysterious disappearance of Peter's parents. But on the other hand the storyline is intriguing and makes you curious as to how it will unfold. That being said, all the good bits and funny lines may have already been seen in the trailer. I am rooting for them to pull it off though.

Number 4

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift - Released 13th of July (UK)

 Come on, who doesn't love these guys?! I mean really! I know the story-lines aren't the best, but really these films make me laugh so much! I don't know how many times I've seen the third one, but it's still so funny everytime I see it. I'm sure this ones storyline will be just as awful as the second and third, but who cares, it's fun!!

Number 5

Okay people, I've been waiting for this one since 2008. I am a huge Batman fan!!

The Dark Knight Rises - released 20th of July (UK)

 So, more excited about this than I can say!! Batman is my all time favourite superhero, period!! Also kind of sad as it's the last one; but still looking forward to this so much. My Dad and I will be queueing up to see this no doubt.
I only have one small issue and that is on the casting of Catwoman. I find Anne Hathaway annoying and I can't take her seriously, sorry. However that being said, I have never been disappointed by a Chris Nolan film, and I'm pretty sure that this one won't either, so again, I am pretty sure Nolan will prove me wrong here. I really hope so anyway.

Number 6

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - Released 3rd of August (UK)

Another film that is a guilty pleasure really, like Ice age. Very funny, and entertaining. Best enjoyed when watching with younger siblings. The last two were very funny and I'm sure that this one will be too.

Number 7

The Bourne Legacy - released 17th of August (UK)

 Okay, okay, I feel asleep for half an hour half way through the the third Bourne film; one minute Jason was in one country and the next thing I knew he was in Russia?!!? But I was really tired, really tired, I never fall asleep in films! Anyway, it's still an brilliant series and I am really looking forward to this new instalment. And having seen Jeremy Renner in Mission Impossible 3: Ghost protocol I am pretty sure he will play the part very well.

Number 8

Looper - released 28th of September (UK)

I just love the idea behind this movie. And Joseph Gordon-Levitt is always funny and believable, and Bruce Willis, well, you know, he's pretty good at action filled films. The trailer was pretty impressive, go check it out!!


Number 9

The Hobbit - released 14th of December (UK)

I am so excited about this film!!! I have to say that I didn't like the Lord of the Rings books, I found them boring. I managed to read the Fellowship of the ring and half of the Two Towers before I gave up. However I read the Hobbit first and I really enjoyed it. The Hobbit was a far more interesting story for me personally, so I am really looking forward to it being brought to life.
Also the cast is very impressive, Martin Freeman is perfect for Bilbo; grumpy, funny and of course short. And the majority of the original Lord of the Rings cast is back too. Eeeeeeeeek!!
And yes, I will go back and re-watch the Lord of the Rings films, see if they are as boring as I remember.

So that's my top nine films to look forward to this year, what are yours?

My Mummy and Daddy are coming too!

So, you all know about God providing me with the means to attend Bible college  in California this August. But yesterday, my Dad was accepted to attend Seminary in California too!! My family are going to be living about two hours away from my college!

Having thought I was going to be thrown right into the deep end, not seeing my Mummy for two whole years, I now only have to spend, at the most, 6 months in a different country on my own.
My Dad's school year will start in January, while mine starts in August. So if they can go out to California before next year if they can raise the funds etc.

I think this is so graceful of God; I mean, I don't seem to do very well without my Mummy. It's not that I can't function without her, she has trained me well, cooking, cleaning, washing, etc...... I just don't like to.
So instead I only have to survive for a while before I see my family again. And I really don't like Skype!

The Help; or the last film that made me cry!

I couldn't sleep the other night, had another bought of insomnia, and we had a power cut in the neighbourhood that evening. So instead of just lying there getting more and more frustrated that I couldn't sleep I watched a film called 'The Help' on my laptop.

I'd been meaning to watch it for a while now. I have to say, I loved this! I thought it was incredible.I don't think there is anything about it I would change. And unlike most films, it actually made me cry. Not just a tear in the eye thing, or welling up, I really truly cried, tears streaming down my face................. twice! So, you may want to keep the tissues handy if you watch this one; but this movie isn't a downer, don't get me wrong, the film is all about hope and moving forward, not moping around and being depressed.

What can I say about casting? Well, I personally think the casting was brilliant.

The beautiful Emma Stone played Eugenia Skeeter Phelan, one of the leading ladies;

She is passionate, driven, optimistic, hard-working, cheeky, smart, and just completely adorable really. She is a strong, independent woman, without being too femenistic. Unlike all the girls she went to school with, she graduated from high school and is unmarried. She doesn't fall into the stereotype that the town in which she lives in has cast for her, which makes her stick out; and throughout the film, various people including her Mother and old school friends, try to mould her into who they think she should be. Do they succeed? That would be telling, you'll have to watch the film!

Hilly Holbrook is played by the lovely Bryce Dallas Howard;

The mark of a good actor is when they can make you hate them as well as love them. Bryce does an incredible job with Hilly in this film. I don't think they could have cast it any better here. She was snooty, superior, snotty, two faced, devious, malicious and an all round nasty piece of work. This character cares little, if anything, for anyone other than herself. She is deceitful, and manages to manipulate anyone and everything to get what she wants. Not many can see through her.

Also the costume design for these two above characters is stunning. Some of the outfits were gorgeous, the dress worn by Hilly on the film poster is incredible; and the majority of Skeeter's dresses and outfits are simple yet elegant, feminine and pretty.  Hilly's clothes are loud and colourful, like her character, while Skeeter's are more refined and understated while still having charm and class.

Take a look;

Aibileen Clark is played by Viola Davis;

Aibileen is a far more introverted character. She is quite and keeps herself to herself. Yet below she is loving and kind, tender-hearted, thoughtful and brave. She is guarded around everyone, except Minny and the little girl who belongs to the lady she works for. Aibileen's true colours are seen in the way in which she talks and cares for the little girl who is not unloved, but disliked by her vain Mother. Aibileen is a real sweetheart.

Minny Jackson is played by Octavia Spencer; 

She isn't half as complex as her good friend Aibileen. She is sassy and cheeky, which sometimes lands her in trouble. Yet she is as brave as Aibileen, if not more so. She shows true courage, and stands up for herself. She is also loyal, and faithful to those she loves.

And not forgetting Celia Foote, played by Jessica Chastain;

Celia is so lovable! You just want to be her friend. You can't help but love her. All her pains become yours, Jessica does a fantastic job of making completely endearing Celia to the audience. She is clumsy and bit of a ditz, but she is funny and happy, she wants everyone to get along and be happy with her. She has a huge heart and wants the best for everyone. She desperately wants to be the perfect wife, yet she can't even cook chicken!

Celia and Minny

There are many other talented actors in this film too, including Allison Janney as Skeeter's mother, Chris Lowell, Cicely Tyson, Mike Vogel and Ahna O'Reilly to name but a few.

The relationships in this film are all subject to change, and many new and seemingly odd friendships are formed throughout. Old friendships die and are replaced by more meaningful ones. This film shows that it's important not to judge someone on the basis of their skin colour, or their background, where they come from or even just because they aren't who you want them to be.

One of the main things that jumps out at you as you watch it is how people will do anything to be considered normal, and fit in with everyone around them. People are like sheep. No one questioned whether it was right to treat their maids so badly, it was just the done thing. Just because everyone does it doesn't make it right. The treatment of the black maids is shown for what it was, cruel, and pathetic. So many women had to go out and raise children that weren't theirs while their own children were being raised by someone else. And many of these mothers had no idea or just didn't care about their children. Many of the white women truly didn't deserve to be Mothers.

The interaction between all of the characters is well played. A huge array of different emotions are generated throughout the film, including rage, anger, sadness, heartache, and disbelief. The cheery, shallow and seemingly bright life of the white women with no cares is contrasted to that of the life of the black women who have to work their fingers to the bone cleaning and cooking, caring for children and then returning to their own families and having to repeat the whole process all over again.

This film is full of laughter and lessons, and leaves you with hope and a smile. Anything can be changed. Anyone can make a difference.Skeeter knew that the treatment of the black maids was wrong and inhumane, but unlike everyone else she was willing to do something about it.

This film with break your heart in two, and then sew it back together again.

I highly recommend this film to everyone. Although on a side note you might want to check the certification before letting children watch this.

Skeeter, Minny and Aibileen

California Calling....

I am so excited about starting Bible college. It's a whole new chapter of my life. I did have a real desire to go but money always dissuaded me. I never really voiced this desire either because I thought it was so impossible that there was no point really. I will forever be amazed at how God knows all those secret things you want, and sometimes brings them about without you even realising it. I never asked to go to Bible college, I never made any plans to go, I never saved any money specifically for it; but I now find myself filling out visa forms and selling all my surplus stuff, and winter clothes ready for a new life in California.

The daunting task of reducing my life into a couple of suitcases is looming. And I had no idea that suitcases were so expensive!

I am so excited to get learning!! I've never been to school and for the last three years I've been my own teacher. I am actually looking forward to having homework deadlines, and having someone else predict my grades for me. I'm actually going to have to be in class on time. I am so thrilled.

The idea of living in sunny California for two years is so exciting, I still haven't quite grasped it. I love the sun, for someone who was born in the middle of winter I can't stand the cold! During the winter months I sleep beneath two duvets and three fleece blankets, and I wear hoodies and socks and a hat, etc........
 So I'm looking forward to keeping my sunglasses out for more than three months of the year.

And the idea of having a barbecue for my Birthday this year, well, I have no words for the excitement that brings!!

Annnnd, let's not forget thrift stores! I can't wait to check those out. I do love a good bargain!

So many things to look forward to!!

God provides; I'm going to Bible college!!!

Two months ago I was fretting and worried about what I was going to do with my life. I had no plans, and no ideas really. I didn't know what I wanted to do. And when it came to careers I changed my mind weekly....... I was to be very honest, in bit of a tizzy.

I knew I didn't want to go to university, there was nothing I really wanted to study. And the idea of debt terrified me. I'm of the mindset that if you can't afford it, don't buy it. And I really did not want to spend three years of my life studying a subject that did not truly interest me, to gain a degree so I could get a job that I was neither passionate about nor interested in.

To be frank, I did look at a Bible college website to see how much it cost, and left the site convinced that that was not an option either.

Then through a strange series of events I have been given a scholarship to Bible college, not in England, but in California!!!!!

The whole point of this post, is not for me to brag, which would be pretty ugly and sinful of me. But more to encourage anyone who is in a tough episode of life at the moment. For anyone who is confused or lost. I was, I still am really, I have so much to sort out, but now I know where I'm going. I feel slightly more secure and stable. God has provided something incredible, something that I believed was impossible. God can do anything, and he can do things in the most unexpected of ways. So keep trusting; I know it's hard. But you'll pull through. And if I hadn't had such a bad and miserable 18 months this wouldn't have happened. And I wouldn't be half as grateful as I am now.

Love, love

CC <3

The Hunger Games; just some thoughts

I must admit that I only read the Hunger games because there was so much hype about it. Curious I dug a little deeper to see what it was all about so when I heard that the premise of the actual Hunger games was based on an the ancient Mycenaean myth of the Minotaur, a myth rather dear to my heart, after having spent 6 months studying the Mycenaean civilisation for an exam, I decided that I really should read it for myself.
Normally I don't tend to jump on those kind of bandwagons, for example, Twilight came along and I refused to read the series and I refused to watch the films, instead I sat down and enjoyed Bram Stoker's Dracula, as you do.

Anyways, I found the first book in the trilogy, the Hunger Games very readable, in fact I probably stayed up way to late reading it! However, I must admit that I felt there was something lacking. But I just can't put my finger on it.

I liked the whole idea of the Hunger Games. A government controlling people through fear, and doing anything to retain that power is an age old phenomenon. But having strong, healthy, young adults fight it out for their lives in an enclosed space has never cropped up in anything I've read before. Early on in the book the Hunger games makes you feel the terror and fear that every single parent and grandparent in each district must feel at every single reaping. The resentment that everyone one throughout each of the 12 districts must have within towards the Capitol, yet never being able to show it for fear of punishment. The feelings of tension, anger, hatred, terror and dismay are rife through the districts. The perfect setting for a rebellion.

I liked most of the characters.Well, lets be clear, there are obviously characters you're not supposed to like, for example, President Snow! But seriously, the majority of the characters are not either 'good' or 'bad', they have a huge range of feelings and emotions and as you discover more about the way the Capitol works and their own pasts you can see why they feel the way they do and why they act the way they do.

On a side note I loved the way the book was futuristic, however felt very archaic and backwards as well. The Capitol is full of high tech gadgets and magic medicines, while those in the districts have no such luxuries and are forced to forage for food and supplies. 

I must admit, I wasn't much impressed with Katniss. Well, I was in some ways; she volunteered to take her little sister's place in the Hunger Games, she practically signed her own death warrant. Nevertheless I find Katniss moody, selfish and sometimes just down-right annoying. She has a balanced mix of desirable and undesirable qualities, and as a heroine that isn't something that happens often. I mean really, in general, the the hero or heroine of a story tends to appear to have only the desirable characteristics while the bad guy, has all the undesirable characteristics. And that's fine, however it's not real life. People aren't as simple as that; they're complicated and intricate. This realisation that a colourful character, for want of a better term, came while I was studying Virgil's Aeneid last week. Many people don't like Aeneas because he is flawed, so in other words he's a human hero. And I think Katniss is very much like this in the first of the Hunger games trilogy.I wasn't too impressed with Katniss' treatment of her Mother, but I won't say too much on that, don't want to spoil the book or the film for you.

 On the whole I think the Hunger games was an insightful and interesting look at the way in which people react to different things. How people with different characteristics behave and say.

 I really wasn't keen on the whole love triangle. I adore Peeta as a character, I think he is so sweet, if my brother grows up to be like Peeta I will be so proud. I am not keen on Gale, I can't really explain why. I find him moody, and uncommunicative, and over the whole trilogy I find he becomes more and more possessive of Katniss, which really irritates me. I found the whole fictitious romance in the arena a bit odd, however it did work, and I understand that the middle of the book would have been far more boring.

 This book is definitely not butterflies and sunshine, it is gritty, and in places violent. It shows human nature stretched to it's limits, people doing anything to save their own lives. It's in a word, realistic.It makes you ask questions about yourself too;

Would I react in the same way as Katniss if I were in her shoes? Would I volunteer as tribute for a sibling? Would I play with Peeta's heart to save myself? 

Would I behave the same way as Peet if I were in his shoes? Or Haymitch, or Rue, or Clove, Seneca, Gale, Thrush, Glimmer or Cato?

Food for thought.

I think the Hunger games warrants a 4 out of 5 stars.

On a side note though I do think that the recommended age is rather low, I think it is far more suitable for a children in their teen years, maybe 13+, as opposed to 9+

War Horse!

I have been a huge Michael Morpurgo fan since I was about ten years old. My Nana took me to a bookstore and we chose some books for my Birthday present.
This was one of them;

I've read it 5 times. I saw the theatre production at the National theatre for my Birthday last year. And have been eagerly anticipating the release of this film for a whole year and a half now.

And I just got around to watching it tonight.

The book, although I only ever cried during the third read through, touched me deeply. I'm not really a huge fan of books and movies involving animals, but I'm a sucker for horses. Michael Morpurgo is the only author who has ever made stories involving animals appealing to me. That is why, to me, he is such a great writer.

The theatre production, I welled up; it was magnificent! The acting was superb, there were changes to the storyline, but they didn't bother me like they normally do. I was moved. And I would happily go and see it again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and you get the idea.......

The movie, oh so greatly anticipated; bit of a let down after the theatre production. But then again, the theatre was so impressive, I feel that Stephen Spielberg was fighting a losing battle even before he began shooting the film.

The casting was very well done,

a complete unknown for Albert Narracott;

 Jeremy Irvine - not a bad actor, but could do with some more experience; I feel he did a fairly good job for such a huge part. I'd give him a 6 out of 10 for it. I found that it was hard to connect with him sometimes. I felt that he was a bit wooden with Joey, I sometimes found it hard to believe that horse and boy had such a strong bond.

The lovely Emily Watson for Rose Narracott;

I just adored her! Her character was different to that of the book, but I liked it. Emily just looks like someones Mother, I mean that in the most flattering way possible. She just oozes motherliness (I think I just made that word up, but spell check let me have it!). She is strong, brave, loyal, supportive, yet gentle too. I love the way that she sticks by her husband, even through his drinking, and is understanding of the pain he experienced whilst away at war.

Peter Mullan for Ted Narracott;

There was something melancholy about him. He is a complex character, he says very little and what the audience knows about him mainly comes from his wife, Rose. She is the one to unravel him ever so slightly for us. Even Albert is constantly confused and frustrated by his Father and his actions.

And of course, the star of the film, Joey himself!
Of the 15 horses who portrayed Joey, the one who provided most of the 'acting', Finder, also played Seasbiscuit in the film about the famous racehorse of the same name! 

There are many other characters, played by a host of other talented actors including, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Thewlis, Tom Hiddleston, and Patrick Kennedy to name but a few.

The relationships between all three Narracotts is well played. They mesh together, bearing each others struggles, they are not perfect and there are clashes. But you can see the love between them. The genuinely care about each other even if they don't show it often, life is no picnic for them.

However the relationship between Joey and Albert is harder to see. There are moments when there seems to be warmth between the two. But I more often than not feel that the horse is a better actor than Jeremy! This is where I feel that Jeremy is wooden in his acting, and really lets the side down.

The horror of the trenches is well conveyed, the terror, and fear, the mud and discomfort. The bravery of the soldiers, on both sides, is clearly visible. The complete waste of life that was spent on that war is displayed, both men and horses.

It is a very serious film, and I felt that it could have had a few more laughs, and witty lines in particular were lacking. I did rather enjoy the scene where a German soldier corrects an English soldier's grammar though! In fact that whole scene is probably the best and most touching of the whole film, at least it was for me personally.

I welled up, once, however I had expected to bawl like a baby. Spielberg did not deliver on that front I'm afraid, and that was a disappointment. I had expected a roller coaster of emotions, but found the film dragged. Some parts were too long and drawn out, while some of the minor characters were very hard to connect with.

The character Emilie provided some light relief from the horror that is WW1 in this film. She is funny, and sweet in her own way. I found her slightly spoilt and a touch irritating, however she was like a ray of sunlight. The position of her appearance in the film is strategically placed.She shines through a storm cloud of misery and discouragement. She genuinely cares about Joey, and loves him, however she does feel like a superficial character at times.

Emilie, played by Celine Buckens, and her Grandfather, played by Niels Arestrup.

The film was able to convey themes of friendship, loyalty, love, hope, and persistence. The friendship between Andrew and Albert, and all the men in the trenches. The loyalty between comrades, family and friends, and to some extent, horses. The love between a family, who beat all the odds, and struggle to make a living. The love between a boy and his horse, although this was weakly conveyed. Hope saturates this film, the hope of life, love, and survival. Hope kept the men in the trenches alive, and brought them home. Albert has hope, and he is rewarded for it. Albert and Joey persist, they survive all odds, determined to survive. The whole Narracott family are driven and determined to beat all odds; they work hard, and stick together.

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The Narracotts and Joey.

Scenery was beautiful; music fitted each scene, blending well with each scene; lighting was very asthetic expecially towards the end of the film.

So, yes, I do reccomend it, and perhaps someone who hasn't seen the theatre production would find it easier to connect with it emotionally. It is a very good film, a well worth a watch.

On a side note, I adored Kate Middleton's dress at the Royal premiere in London's Leicster square! Isn't is gorgeous?!