Lately I have been slacking in the film department. I haven't made the time to follow up on my film obsessions to see films such as The Avengers Assemble (12A), What to Expect When You're Expecting (12A) or Prometheus (15). I have been wanting to see a number of films but I have also been trying to read up on some classics and get in touch with my poetry!
I have been writing for a poetry blogspot - FluidLanguage -for a few months now and I have realised I have not read enough poetry to help inspire me for future work. So I have been reading the likes of Emily Bronte, Sappho and Homer as well as some classic books I purchased in a quaint antique store in Weymouth.
PHOTO: Property of Patricia Hilton
I have also been focusing on building my loving collection of DVDs. My main aim is to collect every film that stars Leonardo DiCaprio because as most people who know me, they know I am a massive fan of his work. So far I have 11 of his films:
PHOTO: Property of Patricia Hilton
But the last remaining ones that I need are as follows:
Now for me, films are a memory of my childhood where I sat up late with my Dad being allowed to watch films my friends probably didn't even know about. I allow myself to escape from the real world by watching them and I like to learn about them and collect them. This is the same for my writing and poetry. I like to read up and learn more so that I can improve.
I have neglected my blog in the last month or so but in that time I have read some amazing books and poems. One of my favourite's is by Sappho:
He is more than a hero
He is more than a hero he is a god in my eyes-- the man who is allowed to sit beside you -- he
who listens intimately to the sweet murmur of your voice, the enticing
laughter that makes my own heart beat fast. If I meet you suddenly, I can'
speak -- my tongue is broken; a thin flame runs under my skin; seeing nothing,
hearing only my own ears drumming, I drip with sweat; trembling shakes my body
and I turn paler than dry grass. At such times death isn't far from me
However I do miss the cinema! I have missed out on some films I really need to see so I will be making a few necessary trips to catch up!
Hope the rambling's put all my readers in the mood to stick on a film! I watched To Wong Foo (1995),Con Air (1997) and Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010) last night in a movie marathon and I realised how much I missed sitting and watching movies on the sofa with friends and popcorn. The Bank Holiday was the perfect excuse but I need to start doing this more often, it saves me money but also allows me to brush up on my movie knowledge for the film game a twitter pal @Ant_Wright_ and I came up with called #NameThatFilm.
Follow me on @Trishaaa_ if you are interested in testing your movie quote knowledge! Hit me up with a quote and I have to guess which film it is and vice versa! Remember to hash tag me with #ntf.
Love a bit of movie fun!
Enjoy the rest of what is left of the Bank Holiday!
Plot: The high school friends reunite for a reunion arranged by John, one of the MILF duo. They all meet up to re-live their high school days even though their lives have changed. Oz is a sports presenter with a narcissistic girlfriend, Jim is married to Michelle with a son but experiencing problems in the bedroom and Kevin is happily married and working from home while Finch is a world traveller supposedly. Stifler is the most unchanged of the guys, working as a temp and just wanting his old high school life back. They all find themselves getting into the same old mischief they used to get themselves into but with older heads on their shoulders and realise that even after all this time, their friendship has stood the test of time.
Trailer:
When I saw the poster for the newest and potentially last instalment of American Pie - Reunion, I was so glad to see all the cast back in the game! The first two films are the epitome of my teenage years and were the first films that I watched that had the laughs and the sex that made us all cringe and cry with laughter at the same time. So needless to say, I made my way to the cinema the same weekend it was released and I was impressed.
Firstly the opening scene did not disappoint. You see good old Jim and Michelle not failing to entertain us with their self-penetration antics! I love the song choice of R Kelly - Bump and Grind to set the mood for Jim before his son interrupts with seriously painful repercussions! I felt all the guy's pain in the audience!
This set the bar for the rest of the film. I was pleasantly surprised that throughout I was kept on my toes and laughing. The film is based around the idea of the school reunion set up by John (John Cho) who was one of the original MILF guys who had a thing for Stifler's Mom. I love the fact that even the secondary actor's are from the original cast and even their story lines are taken into consideration, as MILF guy number one was nowhere to be seen as a fight between them was implied.
Jim's Dad is always the highlight of the film with his cringe Father-Son chats but as he is now a widower he is more dependent on Jim but he has to juggle a sexually frustrated wife, a lonely Father and reuniting with his old school friends.
The reunion reminds the guys how much they have all changed and a piece of them wants to go back to their old days. They feel old entering their town and have to face the facts that growing up isn't all it's cracked up to be. They go to a beach party for Jim's neighbour who has a massive crush on him and he is forced to take her home drunk which leads the boys to have a night just like the old days.
This night also brings up Kevin's old feelings for Vicky and makes Oz re-think his relationship with his girlfriend as he sees Heather again. Stifler is still up to his old tricks and is always the life and soul of the party, even if the group tend to make him the outsider.
For me, the best part of the film is Stifler's sophisticated party that was meant to make everyone reminisce about the old days but just shows them how old they all are 13 years on from high school. I like the fact that Stifler's Mom is still hot but this time she has her sights set on Jim's Dad, so some happiness has come from the party.
The film ties up loose ends and reconnects a lot of old story lines which is what makes it a perfect end to the reign of American Pie. You see Stifler stand up for himself and finally be accepted by the group, Jim and Michelle reconnect where it all began, Oz get his girl and Finch come clean and own up to his typical 9-5 life. Most of all, the cherry on top, is when Stifler gets his own back on Finch and the MILF duo reunite!
The film shows you how good friendships will always last and even though you change and things can never be like they were at high school, you can still keep the original bond and be friends until the end.
My view: A good end (if it is even the end, I feel this should be the end as it is tied up nicely) to a brilliant set of teenage comedy films. The characters still have their great chemistry which is what the film thrives on. I would have liked a little bit more involvement from Vicky as she is just left single and not much else is said! I just hope there are no more spin-offs like American Pie - Band Camp as the original cast are what makes these films so successful and entertaining. Leave it to the professionals!
She has the frivolous ideas that make so much sense
She yearns for freedom and looks to the surface
This intense longing doesn't make her nervous
Happy to leave the world she has always known
Happy to leave the side of her Father's thrown
She wishes to embody that of another
She is trapped and feels there is only one way to recover
A promise she made and is destined to keep
For love, she has made the biggest leap
Signed Patricia Hilton
Note: Found this artwork on Deviantart and loved the modern twist on my favourite cartoon so I created a poem that reflects the story of The Little Mermaid.
Plot: Two not so likely friends from high school pair up to join to Police. They befriend each other for the benefit of their work and become closer than they ever imagined considering their unsavoury friendship at school. However the two are forced to go undercover at a high school due to their unprofessional behaviour on the job and their youthful appearances. This forces them to re-live high school and track down a drug ring within the school supplying a synthetic drug with severe side effects.
This film, 21 Jump Street 2012 is based on the original Television Series starring Johnny Depp which ran from 1987 to 1991 with a total of 103 episodes. The film follows a similar plot with up to date elements. The two starring actors are perfectly cast to play the popular guy (Jenko) and the nerd (Schmidt). Some may say this film follows a stereotypical framework but it works within the film and it is a common theme within high school situations.
What I love about this adaptation is the genuine chemistry between Hill and Tatum. The snippet at the beginning of the film highlights their disputes but also shows us a brief similarity the boys have, one being popular but not having a chance at college while the other is academic but not having any luck with friends or girls. You see them both have a brief tearful moment which inevitably brings them closer together when they are both reunited as they enrol with the Police.
They are assigned park duty and do their best to arrest drug dealers which leads them facing undercover duty with Captain Dickson due to their behaviour during the 'chase' and their youthful looks. They are considered a joke on the force as Schmidt lacks the balls to shoot and carry out an arrest while Jenko has the tough demeanour but doesn't even know the Miranda rights.
This task takes them back in time, Schmidt is terrified he will have to re-live the torment he suffered at school while Jenko thinks he will breeze through just as he did in the past. There is a mix up and the boys have to take each other's classes. The boys have to try and track down the ring leaders within the school but school since their day has drastically changed and their roles are reversed, causing uneasy tension leading their bond to be questioned.
Some of the funniest scenes come from Hill and Tatum's interactions with each other. The scene in the bathroom where they try not to ingest the drug given to them by Eric, the eco-friendly popular drug dealer, is by far the funniest I have seen in a very long time.
I love the fact that Schmidt gets a taste of the popular life and Jenko gets to make genuine friends and realise he has so much more potential. The film shows how difficult high school can be and how much you can miss out on depending on what route you choose to take. The moral to the story, that Schmidt and Jenko genuinely care and love each other, just like the brother's they are playing for this undercover operation, is heart warming.
My View: This film rivals that of Superbad 2007 and Pineapple Express 2008. It has slapstick humour, laugh out loud moments and a good message behind it all. I was engaged throughout and that is my kind of film! I am a big Jonah Hill fan but I now have a new love for Channing Tatum (not just for his looks, which I have always favoured) as his comedic skills really shone in this film. There are a few twists and a shocker at the end so this should be on your list to watch and it will be on my DVD list to purchase for sure!
Sorry for the lateness in this post but I have had work commitments that made me put this post on the back seat! But never fear, the post is now here and I hope you enjoy this review!
Plot: This biographical film focuses on the life and work of J.Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI. It examines his personal life that he kept hidden as this exposure could have ruined his career developments. It explores the difficulties this bureau had in it's beginnings in 1935. It highlights the impact J.Edgar had in developing the technologies we are now familiar with in today's society i.e. finger printing but his controversial actions in and out of office were what made him a figure to be remembered.
Trailer:
J.Edgar for me was an utter joy to watch. Many who know I have an obsession with Leonardo DiCaprio will assume it is just because he is the leading man but alas, my thoughts on this film stem deeper than that alone. I loved this film because it not only gave me an understanding of a historical figure but also because it gave me and insight into his personal life and allowed DiCaprio to fully engross himself in this character's troubled life.
This film highlights the career of a great yet controversial man who was the founder of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and remained the director until his death in 1972.Through this time he battled his conflicting personal life and this film beautifully exposes the stigma and trauma he must of experienced.
DiCaprio really submerged himself into playing J.Edgar which is what makes him a great actor. He had the accent, the ticks and the subtle looks that made the homosexual element of this film not too obvious yet just about readable before it was made apparent.
The three main influential figures in J.Edgar's life were his Mother, played by Judi Dench, Clyde Tolson, his right hand man and Helen Gandy, his secretary. All three impacted his life and decisions in various ways and made him the man he became.
His loving Mother wanted him to always remain strong and not let anyone walk over him in his career. He took her words very seriously and always wanted to please her. When she knew his feelings towards men were not what she had expected, she defiantly said she would not want a 'daffodil' for a son which he took on board until her death, where he had a brief meltdown in her closet! Dench played this role to perfection, as expected. She was strong yet vulnerable towards her later years but never let her guard down when it came to her sons inner yearnings.
Her words rung through his mind and stopped him from fully expressing his adoration and love for Clyde but there was one emotional scene where he does expose his weakness for him. On a vacation the two spend together the love between them is explored after a fight about a woman Edgar is considering for marriage. Tolson is not happy and does not hold back in letting Edgar know about this. They have their dispute and share a kiss which Edgar is shocked by. When Tolson threatens to leave, Edgar begs him to stay. Tolson agrees on the condition that a woman is never discussed again.
For me this scene was so poignantly real and it made me shed a tear. Edgar knows he cannot have his personal thoughts exposed as this could threaten his career and to an extent he doesn't want them exposed to shame him Mother but deep down he knows he cannot live without Clyde in his life. They then both go on living a secret as keeping it hidden is better than not having it at all.
Armie Hammer, previously known for his role as the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network, truly shone in this film for me. He was charming, caring and intellectual, everything you believe Edgar would fall for. He played his part with ease and has really claimed his place within the acting arena.
Helen Candy also influences Edgar's life as she is the only woman he can trust other than his Mother and she supports him to the very end. He has her like he would have a wife only this is a platonic friendship that is essential for Edgar's survival in this industry as she keeps him grounded as well as being the protector of his 'personal and confidential' files.
Edgar was effectively married to the FBI, he developed and enhanced it in so many ways and refused to let this go even when his health slipped. He did reluctantly have visits from his Doctor but ultimately the strain of this position in his later years effected his health greatly, eventually ending in a heart attack.
There are many elements to this film that highlights Edgar's exaggerated involvement in the hands-on element of the job, as well as his controversial use of the evidence he collected and the bribery that he attempted.
The film flashes between past and present day and really goes into the depths of the inner workings of a great but troubled man. It is a must see for all people interested in films of this nature, American history and also to see how well acted all the major parts are.
My view: Being a lover of Leonardo DiCaprio, I say this is a a film worth adding to your list. It is historical, thought-provoking and above all, emotional. You would not think you would cry at a film like this but I was balling at many parts concerning the caring and subtle relationship between Clyde and Edgar. The film runs on truths and rumours concerning Edgar's life from the beginnings of his career to his death but it gives a greater understanding of this historical figure.
I love finding new talent, I am a lover of music and I respect new artists rising up into the new generation of singers. Amongst the old talent of Beyonce, Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston, it is hard to stand out from the crowd and be taken seriously as a new and upcoming talent with these names to work against.
You have to be driven, hard working and above all, talented! This is where Serena Soya comes in as she is a beautiful and exceptionally gifted young woman who is working her way into the mainstream music scene.
She is a singer/song writer and signed to Star Music Management. I love the fact that she writes her own songs, something that isn’t done as often as people may think. I feel her songs come from deep routed emotions, as explained by her early childhood experiences. However her voice is pure and smooth with a hint of a wise woman behind those words.
It is safe to say that good music comes from real experiences; there is always more raw emotion from someone who has written the songs they are singing.
Below are my chosen favourite songs from Serena, these in particular grip me and as you listen to them you feel transfixed to listen to the end.
Some of my favourites:
Bruise– a fantastic portrayal of domestic abuse, calling out to all those women affected by abuse. A slow and chilled vibe, a slow backing track but great lyrics that explicitly expose the real problems that women face ‘’you just can’t keep your hands to yourself...you bruise my skin’’.
Easier Said Than Done – Love the backing track and violins in the background of this song. Very true words are expressed in the song, as well as a unique sound.
Skeleton– an amazing song about removing those skeletons we have hidden deep in our closets’. Everyone has secrets but they hold us back and this song reiterates that ‘’please Mr Skeleton, before you do me anymore damage’’.
Give Me a Sign – a lovely song about waiting for the returning affections of a boy, waiting for him to make the first move. We have all been there!
Man Down Cover – I like this cover as it allows you to compare her voice to that of a current artist, Rhianna. I like her spin on it and her voice truly shines in this track.
So far she has 15 tracks available to listen to on her website. Please click and listen to the ones I mentioned above as well as the rest. Her voice is lovely and easy to listen to. I am surprised there isn’t more anger behind her songs and voice considering she grew up listening to Eminem and loving the anger he poured out.
She is inspired by artists like Ms Dynamite and Maverick and this edge can be heard in some of her songs. This is great because in the upcoming music scene we have a new generation of inspirational grime/RnB artist’s that deserve to be looked up to. She has taken passion from her own childhood and inspiration from other artists to create her own soulful stance on music.
Serena has a strong and distinctive voice, wise words and a ‘passion for telling things the way they are’. I like this motto as I take this into consideration everyday and pride myself in being a real talker.
It is not all about mainstream, people start somewhere and need to be heard so if you are a fan of listening to the latest music from upcoming talent then check out Serena Soya and her passionate portrayal of her life through her music.
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.
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!
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
Trailer:
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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)
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.
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.
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!
