Into the Woods | Review

If you go down to the woods today… you’ll find A-listers dressed like Game of Thrones extras belting out show tunes. 

The fact that I am a self confessed musical, fairy tale and Meryl Streep enthusiast offers some reasoning to why I found myself watching Into the Woods last week. However, by the time 16 minutes had passed, I knew why I was staying. The first 16 minutes alone is one whole song, interlocking the characters of the story, showing their motives and ‘wishes’. Choral structure has been used previously of course, but the attention and work is evidential when watching this movie.

Into the Woods is a modern twist on several of the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories from Sondheim's classic. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), bratty Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), dimwitted Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone, aka the chirpy peasant from Les Miserables), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy)-all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife (James Corden & Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the desperate witch (Meryl Streep), who has cast a curse on them.

All of their paths lead eventually… into the woods (who would have guessed?), where everything is uncertain, dangerous and exciting. One of the most detrimental things in the wood can be seen in the form of the wolf (Johnny Depp). With his cheap looking pinstriped zoot suit and pipe cleaner- like Salvador Dali whiskers he creeps into the story only for a brief cameo.  The costuming is something that was extremely anticipated in Depp’s character as the costume design legend herself Colleen Atwood (known for designing outfits for Edwards Scissorhands, Sweeny Todd and Alice in Wonderland) crafted it out of laborious creativity. Bearing this in mind, hopes we not reached and the audience were left questioning the 50s style Avery inspired choice of wardrobe. The idea was there, just without the effect intended. Throughout the short encounter with the wolf I couldn't help but laugh at the character and its persona, he couldn’t do much more to bring out the subliminal lasciviousness of the song “Hello, Little Girl”. ‘Creepy’ is a mild way to put it, as he creeps up in a paedophilic manner, all I could think was: ‘why didn’t Depp just stick to Sweeny Todd!?’

Although there is a inevitable fight for the limelight only two clearly claim the spotlight. Meryl Streep. The mere name name should make a smile creep onto your face. The woman can do no wrong and as she channels Tangled’s mother Gothel in a melodramatic hippy way. She is much like the non-villain Maleficent, seen previously last year with Angelina Jolie’s performance of the film named after the heavily cheek-boned protagonist, however, Meryl’s acting out does Jolie’s countless monotone expressions. Streep never wavers from engaging and seeing Blunt and her reunited since Devil wears Prada is a delight.

 The other actor that (surprisingly) made Into the Woods worthwhile appeared in the form of Chris Pine. His Prince Charming “raised to be charming not sincere” portrayal is everything that we have not seen but have subconsciously longed for in a Prince. Although in a way he it is only an extreme version of the one sided Princes we have seen since the dawn of Disney. Nevertheless, his satirical role adds the main level of humour to the story.

The most memorable scene involves Pine and his Rapunzel-loving Brother on top of a waterfall in a battle of voice and self pity. As they splash among the cobbles the realisation sets in, the songs are the back bone of the film. Throughout the film - much like Sweeny Todd - the singing barely wavers. Some could resent this show tune vibe, but to stage lovers- it is great! The songs are everything the stories deserve… catchy, touching and (most importantly) fitting. Never did I think ‘there isn’t a point to this song’, as I do with many musicals. There isn’t much things worse than a generic musical with meaningless songs; shooed in for the sake of it.

As far as happy endings go, the sceptical approach makes this release a tricky fit for the holiday family niche. But Disney should do nicely over the long haul with a classy film that will entertain youth audiences yet contains enough sly humor and narrative complexity to keep adults engaged.  Much like a number of Disney films that have had a more gothic revamp, (to name a few: Snow White and the Huntsman, Maleficent and the upcoming Cinderella) Into the Woods is another regurgitation of a classic; made brilliant by the actors and score, the justice is done to our cherished fables.

Top 20 Books | The Countdown

This week I am going to commence something I’ve wanted to start for a withstanding amount of time. I love to read books, anyone who knows me will know that’s fact; as I often walk around reading (to the annoyance of my friends). However sometimes I find it hard to find books with plots that catch my eye, as I am fond of so many different genres. Subsequently, I spend a lot of time on sites such as goodreads.com and amazon; looking for suggestions.

So, as a guide to all of you - like me - scouring the internet for best reads and recommendations, I am going to compress my whole collection into a countdown of my top 20 books, as a judgement on the text. Critically acclaimed books always draw me in because they must be well reviewed for a reason, on the other hand, there may be books popping up which are not so well known and agreed on. 

If you have similar favourites, further interest or outright disapproval of my choices leave a comment and I’ll be happy to respond. I hope this advice will compel to immerse readers into some of my personally best beloved books. Stay tuned.

Dallas Buyers Club | Review

So, who would of know Matthew McConaughey can perform as a highly descent actor!? After the likes of endless rom-coms such as 'Failure to launch'(2006) and 'How to lose a guy in 10 days'(2003) this new found serious-acting Matthew is a breath of fresh air. He has recently dived into a pit of dramatically induced pieces, such as the television mini series True Detective (2014), Interstellar(2014) and Killer Joe(2011). These are the works that favour his style of witty to versatile well.

In Dallas buyers club we behold the surreal true story of Ron Woodroof, a sweaty grease ball of a Texan. From the start we witness his life innovate. He starts off as a cheap cocaine (and even cheaper hooker) doing, gay-hating piece of trailer trash.

After a chance work accident he finds himself in hospital, 29 days to live and HIV positive, a diagnosis he is unable to process. The apparentness of the illness is surreal, a previous well-built McCaughey appears gut wrenched and frail in a Christian Bale-in-The-Machinist severity. The previous up to snuff Matthew seems non-existent; replaced by this gaunt aged emaciated individual.

The illness that is consuming his life seems fight-able to Ron, making it compelling for the audience to witness. As he tries to carry on his usual crummy day-to-day he finds himself held back. Abandoned by his friends- who stereotypically perceive him as having 'faggot blood' and with no job, Ron refuses anguish and travels to Mexico to acquire unapproved drugs that stall the disease.

Enlightened by a still obnoxious Woodroof he exploits the opportunity for a quick buck. With the unlikely be-friending of fellow AIDS patient and transvestite Rayon (Jared Leto) Dallas Buyers Club is created, a legal dodging membership (which includes the drugs as a bonus) for a monthly compensation.

At first Rayon and Ron clash, their two different identities repel them from each other, Ron's wild homophobia targets directly towards Rayon, yet still Woodroof is slowly over won by Rayon's sweetness and charm. Together Leto and McConaughey work together in harmony on the screen, lifting this gritty drama to surviving saga of day to day triumphs around the USA government. The duo's work is easily the most dramatically capable pieces they have ever ventured into.

Both parts are truly sublime but McConaughey excels above all. His schemes never falter but still you a left warmed up to Ron even though his 'charitable' efforts towards fellow AIDS sufferers are more like a personal business. Perhaps you are effected by Ron's life due to his effort to romance his former doctor Dr. Eve Saks (Screen Actors Guild Award winner Jennifer Garner) or just his defying illness and ability to preserve and stick at life.

Overall this film is an impressive contribution to film, although not easy to watch as the downer of the subject is hard to consume the screenplay and realism brought by the acting and plot uplifts the audience. The inspiring true (and important) story is easily one of 2013's best films. Dallas buyers club is just one of the illustrations of McConaughey's contribution to notable acting, which I am sure with develop over the next few years to become the peak of his acting career.

*****

Brave New World | Review

Brave New World is a classic - a dystopian novel similar in theme to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. As Nineteen Eighty-Four is my favourite book of all time I decided to look further into the genre and explore different texts similar. 
I was not disappointed. 

Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his 

distress…

Brave New World revolves around the idea of totalitarianism and is set in a futuristic world where a combination of science and pleasure form a rather feudalistic society. This idea of totalitarianism is achieved through test tube babies, and hypnotism, resulting in a pre-ordained caste system consisting of intelligent humans suited to the highest positions and conversely, serf-like beings genetically programmed to carry out menial works.

In this world of Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas and the unfortunate Epsilons, exists drug-induced happiness, caused by what is known as soma. Here, "everyone belongs to everyone else" emphasising the system of forced promiscuity, brainwashed into the people from the moment of birth. At the core of this book is the horrific idea of eugenics and despite being written several decades ago, its message remains valid for our generation.

The sheer idea of the book is enough to call it a classic: brilliant notions,well thought-out perceptions on society- amazing. However, the characters aren’t as well developed as I expected from a modern classic. Although some characters are interesting, mostly John, who Remembering Shakespeare, says: "You got rid of them. Yes, that's just like you. Getting rid of everything unpleasant instead of learning to put up with it. Whether 'tis better in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them... But you don't do either.”

Subsequently, addressing the point: getting rid of all of the most unpleasant things, the society also rid itself of many of the true pleasures in life. There's no real passion.

Birdman | Review

Recent ventures to the cinema, with a friend, brought me to watch the spectacular, thought-provoking film, that is Birdman. Alejandro González Iñárritu created Birdman in an interesting, inventive way of pure art. The tale to match the style tells of the struggle for dexterity, family and sanity; done brilliantly throughout.

Michael Keaton plays Riggan Thomas, a washed up movie actor- known best for his recurring trilogy of ‘Birdman’, back in the 90s- fighting his way onto broadway for prestige amongst the theatre actors. Now broke, separated from his wife and struggling in a relationship with his daughter and assistant (played by Emma Stone) his fight for fame becomes a matter of importance, as he opts to write, direct, and star in a Broadway show based on the Raymond Carver story “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”.

However, with a last minute replacement to one of the leads, Mike Shiner (played by Edward Norton)- a renowned theatre actor- who steps in to offer his expertise gives threat to Riggan's glory. This change begins to give benefits: more tickets, fresh acting style and popularity; to name a few. In spite of this, the showmanship of Shiner brings anguish to Riggan, who thrives for the acclaim in which Mike receives. This brings self-doubt, fear and above all the question: 
will the public ever be eager to accept him back into the limelight again?

Alejandro González Iñárritu, the Mexican film director (most known to audiences for Babel and 21 Grams) crafted Birdman by writing and directing it to be a dark comedy, on the edge of the current popularity buzz of the superhero genre. This, and the breathtaking acting, mesmerising cinematography and thought provoking cinematic threads, make Birdman a force to be reckoned with this award season.

The advertisements for Birdman show the film to be alike with the works of marvel and DC, not to mention the previous Batsuit adorning Keaton, who is recognisable with the genre. However if you are in search of a solely superhero film you’re barking up the wrong tree, as this film is about a father’s struggle, actors fight, lover’s worry and a business partner- not a superhero. The actual Birdman serves as a self loathing voice in the head of Riggan, who drip feeds doubt and insecurity in the ear of the protagonist- much like a malevolent Jiminy Cricket. This part is a back murmur to the actual point of the film.

Keaton leads the force of actors behind Birdman, with perfection. He plays the part to his full ability; the fact that the audience knows his own former position of a A list superhero only adds to the interest of Keaton’s performance. Though this knowledge is only a small amount of subtext background- because Keaton’s sincerity, talent and capability serve as the foundation of a great turn as Thomson. Although he has a long line of previous iconic jobs, Birdman can be named his strongest and most memorable.

With only Keaton being the soul part for the film, it would of done just fine, but- what makes it great is the numerable strengthening supporting roles from considerably small parts, such as Zach Galifiankis’ and Naomi Watts’ contributions. Also the larger roles supply more backbone to the film, one of these is Emma Stone, who plays Riggan’s daughter, a ex-druggy, with clear daddy issues for Shiner. Possibly the scene most fresh in mind, is the monologue Stone carries out to drive a metaphoric dagger into Riggan’s heart. You can feel the emotion and the raw sense of anger, it is just brilliant. Edward Norton also gives perhaps the performance of his life, much different from his previous roles in films such as Fight Club (1999), American History X(1998) and Primal Fear(1996). The character could be self centred, vapid and one sided, however Norton brings it to life with multiple perspectives; giving an interesting, worthy role.

Through impossibly long, intricately choreographed tracking shots, the camera swoops through narrow corridors, up and down tight stairways and into crowded streets. It comes in close for quiet conversations and soars between skyscrapers for magical-realism flights of fancy. A percussive and propulsive score from Antonio Sanchez, heavy on drums and cymbals, maintains a jazzy, edgy vibe throughout. Sure, you can look closely to find where the cuts probably happened, but that takes much of the enjoyment out of it. Succumbing to the thrill of the experience is the whole point.

From start to finish Birdman supplies tension, excitement and humour. The dark comedy offers more than meets the eye, more than can be comprehendible at first sight of the adverts. I highly recommend anyone who values good cinema to watch and appreciate the thought and work that went in to making Birdman.

* * * * *

Guardians of the Galaxy | Review

I recently re-watched Guardians of the Galaxy after receiving it for Christmas and fell in love with it and it’s characters all over again. From Marvel we have been brought the global blockbuster franchises such as Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, and now this 2014 hit which has everything a epic fantasy film should, and more.

We start off with a young boy, Peter Quill. As a newly made orphan, he is alone in the world; until he is abducted by Ravagers. From there we fast forward 26 years, until the young boy transforms into a - still -boyish testosterone driven male, played humorously by Chris Pratt. 

Trained by the Ravagers who took him from his earth - we find him with a reputation as the self-proclaimed legendary outlaw 'Star-Lord', working for the pirate Yonda Utonda (leader of the Ravagers). During his time with them, he became disloyal, eventually planning to leave them in pursuit of his own selfish gains.

With this double cross in mind, Quill travels to Morag, where he poaches an orb- which was located by the ravagers. From there the main plot unravels, bringing in a variety of characters who are all hunting for the orb that he swiped or Peter himself. These characters include bounty hunters like the snarky racoon Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel) the word-limited, lanky sapling. The assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana) is also a party with great interest for the orb, with motives of protection she seeks the orb to Quill in Xandar.

After a confrontational escapade in Nova Empire capital world, Xandar; the orb remains out of all their hands as they are arrested by Nova Corps. In prison they meet Drax The Destroyer, a burley alien who tries to kill Gamora for being related to Ronan; the killer of his family (and another searcher for the orb). After Quill prevents the cell slaughter, Gamora announces that she has betrayed Ronan and her family- in search of the orb to sell to a buyer, as she cannot trust Ronan with the power; he would use it to be all powerful and destroy planets, starting with Xandar.

With murder, betrayal, and greed as their common ground, the five inmates strike a temporary alliance to help each other reach their respective goals; but when the entire galaxy is put in danger, each outcast learns that sometimes, thieves, murderers, thugs and madman are the exact types needed to save the day. 

This film is definitely a world different from any previous marvel film, as it is features humour beyond the cheesy lines of the likes of The Avengers and X-Men (don’t get me wrong I love them). Upon visiting the cinema for the first time to watch the film ‘sceptical’ was the least of it, I was absolutely set on disliking it; I thought it would be gimicy and tacky. I was happily surprised with what the film actually turned out to be- hilarious.

The variety of characters bring everything needed to make an oddball group of memorable heroes. They each bring something different, with a different humour, backstory and looks (to name a few) Entertainment radiates off of them all in alternative ways, from the relatable Peter Quill, to the - alienated to pop culture - Drax, who is unable to grasp the idea of metaphors. 

The green-skinned Gamora appears to be a hard shelled warrior princess, daughter of Thanos, the slaughterer of many at first… however she is brought to life during a conversation with Quill about Footloose and Kevin Bacon, which is frankly hilarious; a scene that should stand the test of time in film culture. 
The only thing I question about the characters, is the need for the unnecessary shot of Pratt topless and steamy from the shower (still not complaining), although it feels as if parts like this are used to appeal to certain audience members and show off Chris Pratt's newly toned physique, which is frankly petty and unneeded.

After all, my favourite characters are the duo team of Groot and Rocket. Who would have thought a tree, speaking a total of 5 different words in the entire film could make you cry? Or that a racoon who reminds you of Joe Pesci would be so adorably acerbic. Together all of these characters work to create the perfect team, with the right intentions overall.

The main characters are well thought out and brilliant, however a character that didn't convince me was Ronan. I feel that marvel villains - except for Loki - never quite reach up to my expectations stemmed from DC films, for example Batman’s The Joker. Ronan was one of these underwhelming characters which was neither likeable or detestable. This is the same for Gamora’s sisters Nebula- who brought nothing to the story. Neither of the actors playing these parts did a bad job, in my opinion the script wasn't catered for them correctly, therefore they were unable to be the villains everybody loves to hate.

Overall the film’s visuals were breathtaking and exciting, James Gunn's script was hilarious in parts, but also emotionally heart wrenching and the soundtrack was pure genius. Even if the plot was parallel to 'The Avengers' (with the Tesseract replaced with an Orb), there is no doubt that Marvel struck a cinematic gold mine with this one, with many instalments (I’m sure) to come, I suspect we haven't seen the last of the 'Guardians of the Galaxy’. 

* * * *

Far From The Madding Crowd | Review

With the upcoming adaption of ‘Far from the madding crowd’ coming up I thought I would review the book. The novel is Thomas Hardy’s fourth book, published in 1874; the first I have delved into. With it being extremely critically acclaimed I thought I would have to read one sooner or later and this was the plot that drew my attention like a moth to a flame. 

It is based around the love life of the female protagonist ‘Bathsheba Everdene', a proud beauty who has a fair share of suitors. Three to name. Gabriel Oak is the first of these in which we meet, he is a young Shepard who owns a sheep farm with frugal savings and a loan. He comes to meet the heroine whilst she is living with her aunt, Mrs Hurst. From there he falls madly in love with her. Bathsheba comes to like Gabriel well enough, and even saves his life once, but when he makes her an unadorned offer of marriage, she refuses; she values her independence too much and him too little. Gabriel's blunt protestations only serve to drive her to haughtiness. After a few days, she moves to Weatherbury, a village some miles off.

Then we meet the next of three, the lonely and ageing, William Boldwood. His obsession with Bathsheba starts with glances and a joking valentine. Featuring the words ‘marry me’, Bathsheba sends it, Boldwood, not realising it is a jest valentine becomes bewitched by her and too proposes marriage. She toys with the idea as he is a known eligible bachelor and would give her a good reputation but doesn't confirm. At this point Bathsheba’s sheep are falling and she calls for Gabriel to help, as he is the only one who knows how.

Little after Gabriel comes to Weatherbury him and Bathsheba become good friends. Then the third of the three admirers arises. Troy. Sargent Troy turns up to the village and meets Bathsheba, upon arrival Bathsheba thinks little of him, but this dislike turns into infatuation and she is drawn to his swordsmanship and masculinity. 

Even though I, personally, am not a great lover of ‘love novels’ this is one, I would take great pleasure in reading again. As my first Hardy book, I was impressed with my choice, as it didn't fail to keep me going back to read more and more. Hooked. The main characters involved offered an array of differentiation, bringing courage, jealousy and greed as some of many different features. However, I don't think the character 'Bathsheba' offers enough credibility. This notion arises because she is seen as a strong, independent woman; the way that at the beginning of the novel, she is penniless, but she quickly inherits and learns to run a farm in Weatherbury, where most of the novel takes place- is one of the reasons for this labelling . Although she is perceived to be tenacious in mind she also has a flaw of vanity. This is a direct opposite of the strengthening quality she claims to have. This defect can be most noted when she falls for Troy, over the kinder Gabriel and the more substantial William. In a way she could be related to the more modern ‘Katniss Everdene’, who possesses the same last name, share of suitors and a strong level head.

Aside from the characters created, the sheer plot line and interlocking of events (which I won't reveal for fear of spoiling) enable this novel to surpass many others like it. I would advise lovers of Victorian novels, or people who are skeptical and thinking of reading some of this genre, to indulge in the fictional haven that is 'Far from the madding crowd'. 

* * * *