FILM REVIEW // NICK & NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST

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Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist has been a favourite movie of mine for a few years now and I don't think I'll ever grow tired of it. Although at first it looks like a typical rom-com movie, it's anything but. It's quirky and different and is one of those indie films that has an amazing soundtrack. It is based on the novel of the same name by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (I'll be reviewing the book soon too so keep an eye out!)

The film follows two teenagers - Nick and Norah - over the course of a night where they are kind of forced together to find Norah's drunken best friend who had gone missing, and to find the secret venue where their favourite band will be playing. The night is an humourous adventure from start to finish as the two get to know each other better. Nick is dealing with an ex girlfriend who he can't get over, whereas Norah is stuck in a 'relationship' which isn't making her happy. It's obvious to everyone but them that each other is the answer ; but somehow the two of them can't see it.

I really loved that their characters didn't exactly click right away. In so many rom-coms we see couples clicking immediately and feeling that attraction when in reality this rarely ever happens - when you meet someone you end up liking, it doesn't always get off to a good start. I loved that this film was much more realistic. Nick is still getting over his ex so of course he doesn't fall for Norah right away and likewise she finds his inability to move on annoying.

In fact, together, the two are quite awkward which I absolutely loved. We rarely see this in films but it's so refreshing and realistic to see them both shy and awkward around each other. But it's adorable to watch - it isn't off putting or embarassing - it's sweet.

At first I found the character of Nick annoying in this way too, frustrated that he couldn't see how wrong his ex girlfriend was for him. I also felt his role had been done far too many times by Michael Cera and it wasn't anything new. However, Michael Cera did play the role well and by the end of the film, just like Nick finally managed to see what was right in front of him, I found myself loving the character by the end. I think again this was because it was so realistic ; as he tended to realize it was time to move on, his annoying puppy dog love for his ex faded - which was essentially annoying me about the character.

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The character of Nick's ex girlfriend, Tris, was very annoying, but obviously that was the whole point. The actress who played her, Alexis Dziena, played the role very well and I think even by the end of the film I felt sorry for her just a little. She clearly didn't know what she wanted - she didn't want Nick anymore, but she didn't want anyone else to have him either. 

The film very much felt like an adventure and I felt like I was along for the ride with the two characters too. We've all had never ending nights where we end up doing the most random things ; looking after our drunk best friend, desperate to see some good bands with some good company - I loved the whole premise of the film, as well as the messages behind it.

The film had an amazing soundtrack too - there was a real mix of indie, rock and upbeat music that reflected the characters perfectly. I also loved the characters of Nick's band (and Lethario!) who were hilarious - I'd do anything to have friends like that. They were great in that they kind of just took Norah under their wing and insisted on helping getting her and Nick together because they knew right away she was right for him.

I'd definitely recommend this film - its fun, lighthearted and has an awesome soundtrack so if anything, you'll definitely get into some new bands by watching this film. It's also fun to watch just to see Kat Dennings in such a different role compared to what she normally does. To most people this film would just be a rom-com, but for anyone who likes anything different it's definitely a quirky indie film worth a watch.

Finally, the film has some amazing quotes. Here are my favourites. 

Nick: You don't have to yell. It's not a train station. We're in a tiny car.

Thom: Would someone mind telling me where we're going?

Norah: You know how some people like to eat at the same places?

Nick: Yeah.

Norah: Well Caroline likes to barf in the same places.

Norah: Are you sad that we missed it?

Nick: We didn't miss it. This *is* it. 

Thom: You just haven't figured it out yet, have you?

Nick: What?

Thom: ...The big picture!

Nick: I guess not.

Thom: The Beatles.

Nick: What about them?

Thom: This. *He grabs Nick's hand* Look, other bands, they want to make it about sex or pain, but you know, The Beatles, they had it all figured out, okay? "I Want to Hold Your Hand." The first thing. It's effing brilliant, right?...That's what everybody wants, Nicky. They don't want a twenty-four-hour hump sesh, they don't want to be married to you for a hundred years. They just want to hold your hand.

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P.S Check out the Film Reviews tag for a mooch at some of my other reviewed films!

Film Review - Whip It

I know this isn't necessarily a 'recent' film - or one currently out at the cinema that you might genuinely want a review on before you waste your money - but I couldn't help but do a review on this film anyway. Ever since I first saw it, it has been a personal favourite of mine and because it's quite different - even indie perhaps - there's every chance that some of you might not have seen it or even heard of it which is a huge shame because it's a great movie.

Whip It is based on the novel Derby Girl by Shauna Cross and tells the story of small town girl Bliss Cavendar who finds her escape in the form of the bad-ass sport doller derby. Played by Ellen Page in the film, misfit Bliss feels completely out of place among her family and in her town - her mother is pushing her to enter beauty pageants and all she wants to do is leave and find something more. However, when she discovers and tries out for the local roller derby team, Bliss immediately finds a different side to herself as well as discovering this new found passion. Along the way she makes new friends, dates a boy in a band (it's not even cliche!) and discovers what it's like to be torn between two worlds that seem to constantly collide. 

I absolutely love this film - it's so different and inspiring. With an all star cast and the fact that roller derby is practically one of the most bad ass women's only sport to exist, the film definitely screams girl power. It's directed and co-produced by Drew Barrymore (in her directional debut) who also stars in the film alongside Kristen Wiig, Zoë Bell, Eve, Ari Graynor, Andrew Wilson and Juliette Lewis.

I think what I love most about the film is how much I can sympathise with the character of Bliss though - I definitely know what it feels like to wonder if there's anything more than just your small little town and feeling like you don't belong. It's even inspired me to finally give roller derby a go myself!

The film has the ultimate perfect mix as well with there being humour, drama, romance and the film offering it's fair share of inspiring moments. American actor and singer/songwriter Landon Pigg plays the role of Oliver, Bliss's love interest, and I have to admit that naturally I love their relationship. The fact that he's in a band who ends up dating a roller derby girl - it's far too cool. However it isn't at all cliche like I thought it would be and is the cause of one of the most beautiful swimming pool scenes I've ever seen.

Whip It also has the most awesome soundtrack ever with music from Ramones, Kings of Leon, Dolly Parton, Jens Lekman, Young MC, The Raveonettes and more. There's a real mix of classic punk rock music as well as more recent and modern indie tunes, and it spurred me to go ahead and download the official soundtrack to the film.

I've got to admit, I was never a fan of Ellen Page as I used to think she was very typecast, always playing the 'quirky' role. But even though this role is no different, I actually really liked her in this film and found her character really likable. I felt the misfit side of her character was very genuine rather than put on or forced (I thought the typecast of her character in Juno was just trying that little bit too hard to be different for example).

I loved the relationship between Bliss and her mother too. Without wanting to reveal too much away, they really don't see eye to eye, but I certainly teared up a bit when they finally had a heart to heart. Over all it made me really appreciate the fact that my parents are proud and supportive of whatever I do - I don't know how I'd cope if I felt forced into an interest or a career choice by them like Bliss was in the film.

I also really liked all the ladies that made up the Hurl Scouts team - they were so funny and bad-ass punk rock in their own way - I'd love to be friends with them! 

Even if you aren't into indie films about misfit girls finding their way, this film would satisfy anyone who just fancies a feel good film which offers something a bit different than most films at the moment. You can watch it for what it is or really indulge yourself in the inspiring undertones of the film. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone - I think even men would like this film because it's definitely not a typical girly film. Andrew Wilson's character - the teams coach - and Jimmy Fallon as 'Hot Tun' Johnny Rocket are particularly funny for example. The actual roller derby scenes are really awesome and you'll be surprised to see just how violent the sport can be (is it wrong that I actually can't wait to try it myself despite how violent it is?!). Plus, the team's outfits are so cool...

I'll also be reviewing the book sometime soon and talking about my own experience at a roller derby try out, so keep your eyes peeled!

Film Review ; Paranormal Activity 4

On Thursday me and my friends went to see the new Paranormal Activity film. Despite being a favourite film series of mine and the cinema being packed, I didn't have high hopes for it. I thought the first and second films were excellent - it was new and different and I absolutely loved the idea behind it. I really loved how simple and realistic the story line was to begin with - it was just a film about a simple haunting taking place in the house. Although I still felt the story line was strong, I felt that by the third film it wasn't so new and genuine - the scares weren't as jumpy as people knew what to expect. I really only went to see the fourth one to see how they would finish up the story line but was disappointed to learn that nothing much was cleared up, which means there will be another one.

Paranormal Activity 4 was good - it still had its scary parts and the story line was still strong and really reeled you in. I didn't think it was as scary as the others though and felt it was much less jumpy - I didn't really feel the directors manage to achieve the build up and the anticipation like it had been built up in the other films. Paranormal Activity 4 was directed by the same people who also directed Paranormal Activity 3 (but not the first two) which makes more sense! 

However the film wasn't bad. I thought it was still scary and as always, the story line was really smart. There were a couple of parts that freaked me out and genuinely made me gasp out loud in shock, which in my eyes is a sure sign of a horror film doing it's job right. I just think that perhaps it would have been a bit better as a stand alone film as I didn't feel it did the rest of the series justice.

I thought that Kathryn Newton who played the main character of Alex was a really good actress, especially considering the fact that she was only 15! I thought she grasped the concept of being scared really well (who am I kidding, I don't know the first thing about acting but lets just say she was a good actress!) and Matt Shively who played Ben was really good too. I loved Ben's character, he was really sweet and funny!

I also kind of really liked the use of webcams and video phones in this film, I thought it was a new and interesting take on the film and thought it was a nice nod to modern technology. Being that this film was mainly based around a teenage girl experiencing all the weird going ons, it made it more believable. I thought this built up the fear a bit too because at times when she was sitting on webcam chatting to Ben at night, you were forever expecting something to appear or jump up behind her.

I would recommend this film if you are a fan of the others and you want to see how the story line develops - but if you're expecting for this film to round up the series and answer your questions then I'd give it a miss and look up the story line online. If you are a big fan of the other films you may end up disappointed by it but, as I said before, there are still some really smart and genuinely spooky/disturbing parts.

A few people I spoke to have said that they actually think that out of all four films, this was the scariest one in the series, so I guess it depends! I'd suggest seeing it nonetheless as there have definitely been worst films.

P.S Check out the Film Reviews tag for more movie reviews!

The Imposter Review

Recently me and my friend went to see the film/documentary The Imposter. I hadn't heard much about it but once I watched the trailer I was intrigued. It has been described as a true american gothic horror and a unique look at the human race.

The film was based around the true story of Nicholas Barclay, a 13 year old boy from Texas who mysteriously goes missing, only to be found almost 4 years later in Spain with no explanation. Nicholas is reunited with his family but soon things are not as they seem as people begin to question what exactly happened during those four years that he was missing and why Nicholas now seems to represent someone completely different to the Nicholas that went missing.

This documentary is a fantastic and thought provoking look at how messed up people's minds really can be. I can't explain the different twists and issues included in this film without revealing what happens, but I definitely struggled to understand parts of this film and left the cinema shocked and intrigued at the true story.

I wouldn't say this film was for everyone - my friend ended up falling asleep seeing it, despite her being the one to recommend it to me! It's not like other films - it practically is a documentary and it is a true story but it still holds dark twists like any other film would. I would however recommend this film if you fancy something a bit different or if you fancy watching something that makes you think or that really gets under your skin. Just make sure you know what you're going in for when you decide to see it - aka don't go in expecting to watch a horror story or a dark thriller - it's much more than that.

Sorry this review is a little on the short side - it's so hard trying to review the film without revealing what happens!

Like Crazy Review

Like Crazy is a film about a long distance relationship between Anna (Felicity Jones) and Jacob (Anton Yelchin). The couple quickly and passionately fall in love when Anna is studying in Los Angeles but overstays her visa and is deported back to England, unable to return. The film follows the deeply in love couple as they struggle to deal with the challenges of being in a long distance relationship.

This film was truly beautiful. On its own it's a simple romance film about a two people who fall in love. However, it is so much more than that. For anyone who is ever been in a long distance relationship then this already touching film will really affect you in some parts as you can clearly see the heartache the characters are experiencing. The plot is simple but draws you in as you emphasize with Anna and Jacob.

The way the film is shot is really beautiful as well. The director uses a hand held camera effect which is an amazing technique usually only used for horror movies. It draws the audience in a way that you feel like you are part of the film and you immediately feel so much closer to the characters and what they are experiencing. I was really surprised to find this technique worked so well with this romance film.

The chemistry between Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones is fantastic, they work very well together and fit in such a way that you are surprised they are not a couple in real life. They really grasped all the different emotions of what a couple in a long distance relationship might feel - frustration, disappointment, longing etc. The film really captured this well with aptly romantic scenes whilst they were together. The film also followed how when even when they were apart, they were constantly on each others minds.

I found it really interesting in how some of the later scenes of the film when they are really struggling to feel like a couple anymore you could see this even when they were together. For example, in one scene when they find out again that the ban on Anna's visa has not been listed, they are walking through a crowd and suddenly lose each other. This was an accurate example showing that despite the fact that Jacob was in Britain and at that point they were together physically, emotionally they were not. Emotionally they were drained and frustrated and were not perhaps as with each other as they thought.

Another scene I found interesting was from the very beginning when Jacob leaves Anna's flat and we see her watching him through a glass door. He walks back and they pretend to touch hands through the glass. I think this was an example of how their relationship later became - close together emotionally but still with that inevitable gap between them.

This film was really lovely, it had some tear jerking moments and lots of really nice romantic moments. I felt the film was very personal as well as it really stripped this couple down and showed us everything they were going through each step of the way. I really loved this film and would recommend it to anyone who is romantic at heart. It was artistic, the music was wonderful and it was a very emotional, lovely and beautiful film.

View the trailer below and let me know what you think!

Transformers : Dark Of The Moon Review

I've not long been back from the cinema where I saw Transformers : Dark Of The Moon and here's what I thought!

If you don't know the storyline, its all about this covered up secret from when a transformer crashed on the moon, but of course this was covered up to the public. It's later revealed that this transformer had the key to stopping the war on Cybertron - the Pillars. The Autobots find the Pillars with means to protect them but the Decepticons want the Pillars for evil - of course. So begins a war, with the humans all in the middle.

This eagerly awaited sequel (which is also actually the last film in the series) was excellent! It was jam packed with heart stopping action (there was more action in this film then the last two) and also had some really good comedy and romance moments. Shia Labeouf, who plays the main character Sam Witwicky, stated that this film offered what the last film lacked - heart. The storyline was easy to follow, and there are some really amazing special effects that make you gasp out loud.

In terms of Rosie Hunginton-Whiteley taking over Megan Fox as Sam's love interest - I wasn't too keen on her. It was whispered that one of the reasons that Megan Fox quit the series was because she didn't like the way she was portrayed as a woman in the films, the way she came across more as eye candy than an actress. I didn't think it was a good idea to use an underwear model to replace her, who hasn't acted before in her life. Rosie's acting wasn't terrible, I just personally don't believe there was much chemistry between her and Shia in their roles, especially compared to the chemistry displayed between Shia and Megan. However, Shia has recently kind of admitted that he and Megan hooked up when filming the first two films, so maybe this is why!

I don't think it felt right without Megan Fox, the storyline behind why Sam now had a new girlfriend was only touched upon briefly. And considering that the first film was all about winning her as a girlfriend and getting her to like him, and the second being about how their relationship has been through a lot, it felt a bit silly that it was brushed off so easily.

Shia Labeouf was excellent. And I'm not just saying that because I fancy him. A lot of people have been giving him a hard time on his acting lately because of the bad reviews that the last Indiana Jones film received (which also starred Shia). But in this film, Shia was really good, his acting was great and his character is really heart warming. Shia really portrayed some raw emotion in this film as an actor and that's one of the reasons I think this film worked so well.

I thought the film had much more comedy than the last two which was good because it meant there was something for everyone. The one thing I didn't like is that Sam's parents didn't appear much in this film as they are especially funny! Women will definitely like this film and despite being an action film I don't think it's a film just for men. I have loved the whole Transformers series from start to finish and would eventually love to see another one years and years for now but in the meantime I think they have gone as far as they can with this story. The storyline for this final film was really good though and I would recommend this to everyone!

In terms of 3D - I didn't actually see it in 3D as the 3D showing was full and I had heard that it wasn't very good in 3D. Similarly, when I returned home, I was told a lot of people have said it is good in 3D so I can't really comment. But, it was very action packed and really good in 2D!

Finally, in terms of hot totty, Shia LaBeouf looks sexy as always and there are scenes with him in a suit in the film. Josh Duhamel was also pretty to look at and this film also newly starred Patrick Dempsey too!

I give this film 4.5 stars out of 5! I missed off that last .5 just because of the character change!

17 Again

Although this film isn't a recent one, I still recommend it to all of my followers. The reason being because, in basic, this film is a heart warming rom-com with hot tottie and an inspiring message.

For those of you who haven't seen it, 17 Again revolves around the life of Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) who, at 37 years old, is deeply disappointed with his life. Having once had the chance for a career in professional basketball, Mike regrets the choices he made. At 17, his girlfriend fell pregnant and so Mike proposed and gave up the chance of another life. Now, however, his regrets and disappointments have led them to split up, and Mike barely knows his children anymore. Luckily, Mike gets the chance to become 17 Again (his 17 year old self played by Zac Efron), and enrolls back in high-school to try his hand at basket ball again. Soon enough though, he finds himself growing closer to his children (now instead his peers at high-school), and trying to win back his wife (played by Leslie Mann). Cue lots of hilarious moments when he finds himself actually hitting on his best friends mum. It's a lot less confusing when you watch it!

Perving on Zac Efron aside, this film is fab because it has so many small but hilarious storylines running alongside the main one that there really is something for everyone. With other stars including Michelle Trachtenberg, Thomas Lennon, Nicole Sullivan and Katerina Graham as supporting roles, this film is filled with laughs.

The best thing about this film is ultimately the messages behind it however. 17 Again is all about going for what you want and having no regrets, because otherwise you may look back when you are older and wish you had done things differently. But the film also promotes the message to make the best of what you have and that any situation can be a positive. The film begins with two characters expecting a child together at just 17 years old and therefore getting married instead of chasing their dreams, but ultimately, they end up very happy anyway. It's refreshing to see a subject that is normally viewed so negatively in the media in a much different and more realistic light - this film is not promoting having children young, but rather that if things don't go to plan, it doesn't mean the end of the world.

17 Again may look like your typical rom-com starring heart throb Zac Efron but in fact it's a film that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

And looking at Zac Efrons pretty face and fit body in it is definitely a bonus.

(This is from the movie, though I have searched and searched for the scene but cannot find it anywhere - perhaps its a deleted scene? None the less, it's still yummy!)

Review of 'Chalet Girl' - Release Date 18th March 2011

You’d be surprised to find out that Chalet Girl is actually quite different from your average teen movie rom-com. Chalet Girl is a light hearted, humorous and inspiring story with a pinch of romance thrown in.

Chalet Girl is about an ex pro skateboarder called Kim (played by Felicity Jones) who gives up skateboarding after the tragic death of her mother. Cue years on and she’s stuck in a rut with a dead end job. Kim then gets the opportunity to work as a chalet girl and so leaves her undomesticated father for the summer to earn some money in a world a long way out of her depth!

The opportunity soon turns into more than a job however as she slowly makes new friends, begins snowboarding and becomes more than friends with someone supposedly way out of her league.

Chalet Girl follows Kim’s journey over these few months as she accepts a new lease for life – pushing herself to take that extra leap whilst trying to finally accept her mother’s death.

Kim also meets Jonny (Ed Westwick), who stays at the chalet with his family and his long-term girlfriend (Sophia Bush). Despite the fact that he is in a relationship and that he is from a whole other world then Kim, the two soon spark up a close friendship and before long Jonny is considered a love interest. However the fact that his mother pressures him into proposing to his long term girlfriend cued with his feelings for Kim means that he is portrayed as a bit of a twat!

Both Ed Westwick, and Felicity Jones act exceptionally well in this film with believable chemistry as two of the main characters. Other familiar faces in this film such as Bill Nighy, Sophia Bush and Bill Bailey also add to the brilliance of the film and have their own scenes that really make up the humour for this story. Bill Bailey is particularly hilarious as Kim’s father who cannot look after himself at all and ends up living on beans on toast when his long suffering daughter is away!

Additionally, Kim’s journey as a snowboarder in this film is also very refreshing in that, like many other sports that require you to push to the limits, snowboarding is sometimes seen as a ‘man’s sport’. Kim also meets another pro snowboarder who is female, and this is quite uplifting to watch in that females are portrayed as excellent snowboarders in this film – even better then men in some scenes!

The film delivers as many heart touching moments as it does laugh out loud moments and is very different from you’re stereotypical ‘boy-meets-girl’ movie. Instead we find ourselves associating with the character who is quite simply you’re average teenage girl trying to survive among posh girls, good-looking men and professional snowboarders. However, this down to earth girl manages to fit in (with a few mishaps along the way) and shows that where you’re from isn’t everything – it’s about who you really are inside.

As corny as it sounds, Chalet Girl is an inspiring movie that will tempt you to take your own leap of faith – whether that’s something as little as approaching a new group of friends you have nothing in common with, or travelling and working abroad for the summer!

My rating...

Watch it with..A group of friends for lots of giggles and perving on Ed Westwick, or with you're boyfriend who will enjoy the sporty snowboarding element of the story!