Sunday 29 January 2012

Need A Tip?

A couple of good films have been released this week, one was featured as my main blog photo - Intruders (15) - starring Clive Owen.

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This has a very interesting plot about childhood monsters born in our dreams and how these can be hereditary. This sounds like a good horror/thriller to get you shifting nervously in your seat. This may give you a nightmare or two. This is my kind of film and we haven't had a good horror movie for a while so I am looking for a good scare and hope this delivers!

Another film that has caught my eye as a potential hit is The Descendants (15) starring George Clooney. This is a comedy/drama and has had good reviews, especially for Clooney's performance.


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He plays a bit of a loser attempting to connect with his daughters as well has learning he has lived within a very failed marriage. He then has to step away from the 'back-up parent' role and face reality after an accident. Interesting storyline and it has various elements that should hopefully keep a wide audience entertained.

Both these films were released on 27th January 2011.

I have a few things to see at the cinema so I need to make my way to see these two very soon! I hope my post can help you choose what film to see next.

Let me know if you see any of these films or the ones I posted about previously in the comment box below!

Wednesday 25 January 2012

The Sitter (2012)

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Director: David Gordon Green

Cast: Jonah Hill (Noah), Sam Rockwell (Karl), Ari Graynor (Marisa)

Plot: Noah is a hapless teenager who is not so lucky with the ladies. He has a bad relationship with his Father who thinks he is a drop out and he left his Mother for Noah's babysitter (cringe!). His Mother persuades him to babysit the neighbours three children so she can have one good night out. He is blissfully unaware of what the night entails for him as he sets out to get drugs for his 'girlfriend' who is obviously using him! He finds out that the three annoying, naughty and totally eccentric children are not too bad and they become his partners in crime (literally).

When I saw this film advertised I was thrilled to see Jonah Hill playing the leading man in this comedy The Sitter. I am a big fan of his work, he is undoubtedly funny, charming and has a very likable quality, even when he is playing a bit of a jerk character (like in Superbad 2007). He can definitely hold a film as this film clearly shows. He manages to make even a serious situation come across as hilarious with a simple look, which shows true comedic acting as he doesn't even have to speak to make you giggle.

This plot is pretty simple, a sitter comes across three reckless children, Slater, Blithe and Rodrigo who attempt to make Noah's night a living hell. They in turn face a sitter who is not what the expect and they all experience a number of crazy events that brings them all a little closer. What is different about this film is the quality of each individual character, especially with the children.

Each child has a quality that makes them annoying but likable all in the same breath. Slater is a hypochondriac who is afraid to be himself; Blithe is obsessed with celebrities, makeup and becoming famous while Rodrigo is adopted and expressing his anger through blowing things up but really just wants to be accepted! The wealth of individuality with each child provides enough engaging elements to keep most audiences entertained.

The night is determined by Noah's apparent girlfriend who persuades him to buy her drugs in return for full on sex and being able to call her his girlfriend. Of course, Noah hesitantly agrees and sets out to meet her needs with some funny and dangerous consequences. He meets Karl who is a slightly camp, over friendly drug dealer who loves Noah's kind eyes and wants to befriend him. This turns sour when Rodrigo decides to steal an egg disguising a large amount of cocaine. Karl then turns nasty and sets out to make Noah repay what he stole.

In the run up to finding Karl's money, Noah is faced by a few unfriendly faces who mess up his night even more but he does end up meeting a girl truly interested in him which is a nice (but optimistic) upside to the film. The twists and random meetings these four face is what will keeping you laughing throughout and I felt my eyes glued to the big screen waiting to see what else was going to happen.

My view: I love Noah's brash attitude and confidence when he gets away with all the mayhem with barely a scratch on him (minus the black eye and a wrecked car).  It is funny, thrilling and action-packed! Noah bonds with all the children in different ways and it connects to many different themes, from homosexuality, how adopted children feel in new households to young girls growing up too fast. It has predictable elements but it also has some random twists that are sure to keep you on your toes! At the very least, it makes you LOL (laugh out loud)!

My Rating: 7/10

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On another note: Jonah Hill has lost some serious weight recently and all I can say is good on him! I think he is funny as the chubby and lovable funny man but losing weight does not mean he will lose his comedic edge! He just looks a little cuter that's all ;) Check out the pics below to see the change!

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Let me know what you think of this film when you make it down to the cinema! Please comment below :)

Saturday 21 January 2012

A Couple of Cracking Films!

Now I am really excited about the two films that have been released on the 20th January 2012. I am a massive Leo DiCaprio fan as he is my No1 Actor of all time so the release of 'J.Edgar' means I am hitting the cinema this week to see him in action!

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There are good reviews for this film but I am going to wait until I see it before I give anything away with the plot etc as I am just eager to get my ticket and see it on the big screen!

The second film I think will be a worth a trip to the cinema for is 'The Sitter' starring Jonah Hill. I love his comedic skill and since he has been great as a leading 'funny man' in many of his films I am sure this will be a hit.


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It has been a pretty slow month for films so I am happy the end of the month is ending on a high! I will post as soon as I see these two films!

Watch this space!

Friday 13 January 2012

IN CINEMAS NOW



Beauty and the Beast (1991) 3D

Release Date: 13th January 2012

Plot: A prince with a cruel heart has been cursed to live as a beast until he can find someone to love and for them to love him back. He and his castle are enchanted with this curse until the day Belle comes to find her father, an inventor who has lost his way and found himself captured by the Beast. She trades her own freedom to save her father and she has to endure the Beast and his secrets. She soon learns all is not what it seems in this castle and through many tries by Mrs Potts and Lumiere, Belle begins to see through the Beast's temper and learns to love him. The towns people learn of the Beast and threaten his life and their love but love prevails in this classic Disney cartoon.

My view: It has been re-released on to our cinemas to be seen in 3D. I love this film, as I posted about it in Classic Cartoons but it truly is a wonderful film. I don't know if it will be any better in 3D but it is definitely on my to watch list as I only ever watched it on VHS and I know it will be a great cartoon to see on the big screen!

GO WATCH IT

Thursday 5 January 2012

New Music Talent: The Paper Faces

Joshua Edlington and Alex Allen are two friends who have collaborated to create a music duo that will hopefully inspire more young musicians from North London to do so. They have named themselves The Paper Faces and they really do have a passion for music. They are both classically trained and have so much talent in this it is no wonder they have decided to pair up. They have created music that is not only inspired from their classical music background but that infuses commercial and modern twists.
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They both work on the lyrics, the singing/rapping, producing and the backing tracks/beats. They are hoping to make a name for themselves and they have done quite well so far. They practise and record their tracks in their North London studio and have created four amazing tracks that will be available to listen to below.
What I love about their sound is that it is original as they have worked so hard to create amazing backing tracks that have a house and dance feel to it as well as R&B elements. They have catchy tunes that will hopefully get them noticed but also undeniably a talent for song writing.
I love finding new artists that have worked hard and come from my local area. There is so much talent out there and these young musicians have certainly made an impact with their first four songs. They have successfully performed in a variety of locations and events; from fashion shows, bars to University gigs, they have done numerous performances to make themselves heard.
They have created a solid fan base through nothing but hard work and promotion. Alex has provided YouTube with some excellent violin performances highlighting his instrumental talents.  He also plays piano to grade 8 as well as drums and bass. What I love about his instrumental videos is that he does medleys of current songs so he is always keeping up to date and he makes classical music modern.





Josh definitely has the voice and this is beautifully shown in their cover of Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ but he also plays trumpet to grade 8 as well as the guitar.


This duo is the one to watch with numerous talents they have worked their way up to creating brilliant tracks that are definitely worth the listen. If you are interested in up and coming new music then please click the links to listen to their tracks, check out their website and follow them on twitter @thepaperfaces
There NEW track is first heard here and on their website >>> One in a Million
Other Tracks: Missing My Love, Forget it All, Looking at my Paper (also available on the above link)
Other Images:
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Tuesday 3 January 2012

Art in 2012

The new year has begun and this is my first post in 2012. I am looking forward to new film releases, new music concerts to attend and new art exhibitions to visit.

As part of my love of art, I enjoy looking for the latest exhibitions in and around London to visit. I love colourful, creative and thought provoking artwork. I have my own work which I may indeed share in the future on this blog but I always take inspiration from artists who go beyond the normal boundaries of colour.

I love art that is experimental and not too realistic. I have been brought up in the more modern age I suppose. I appreciate all artwork but my preference is the weird and wonderful! I like any kind of art that makes you think twice.

I have found two exhibitions beginning early this year that have taken my fancy and look worth the visit.

David Hockney: A Bigger Picture
January 21st 2012 - 9th April 2012
His new vivid landscapes will be showcased at the Royal Academy of Arts

Winter Timber, 2009

His artwork is inspired by the east Yorkshire landscapes and this exhibition will feature old and new works as well as being supported by drawings and video footage. I loved his work from an early age as the colours are so vibrant and eye catching. I love the fact he uses a variety of media to create a collage effect in his work. He is known for many skills in print work, photography, painting, and stage design.

His website for more images and information: http://www.hockneypictures.com/home.php

Another great exhibition is:

Yayoi Kusama: Retrospective
9th February 2012 - 5th June 2012
Tate Modern


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Another eclectic artist who encompasses print, paint, sculpture, performance and film in her artwork. Best known for her repetitive dot patterns, she is a colourful and creative artist with a very complicated past which reflects in all of her art. This is a must see and I am so excited to take a trip into the mind of Yayoi. Also it is said that Louis Vuitton are set to support Yayoi with a programme aimed at young people through the 'Louis Vuitton Young Arts Project' as well as collaborating to fill the exhibition space in the Louis Vuitton Bond Street Maison.

I am a big fan of her work and below are some more of her fantastic pieces that show her endless obsession with dots but a beautiful way of capturing the world around her. Expect to be engulfed into her world with the use of lights, photography, film and much more in a network of rooms! An exciting exhibition to say the least!

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I will do a post once I visit these exhibitions so keep an eye out for my review!