Scream 4 (2011)

Director: 

Wes Craven

Plot synopsis: 

The fourth installment of the Scream series, the film follows Sidney Prescott as she returns to Woodsboro, ten years after the first massacre to promote her book. Now someone else has started killing off the towns teen residents, and Sid and her old friends Gale and Dewey have to hurry to solve the murders, whilst learning the “new rules” of surviving a horror movie from the new generation.

First thoughts: 

I watched this film when it came out, and many times since. But as it was shown on TV I decided to review it. I love the ‘Scream’ original trilogy so when this one came out I was excited, though since I was younger my Dad had to watch it first before I could watch it.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

Best of the quadtrilogy. It’s modern, cutting edge and has a fantastic narrative. It’s a refreshing change to all the other teen horror films you get that comprise of tons of unnecessary gore and nudity, all female of course, and stupid generic plot lines. It’s clever and successes in being just as new and fresh in twists as the treasured original. There are tons of new and famous faces that bring new talent to the screen.

Bottom line: 

New rules, new scares, new blood. Quite literally.

Recommend: 

Absolutely, I recommend the whole series, though the third does falter to meet the grade of the rest.

Spoiler Section: There’s a lot to be said about this film. First, the opening sequence. It was amazing. In the original, the most famous star died with the first ten minutes. In this, four stars bite the dust in five. Watching Kristen Bell stab Anna Paquin in the stomach was beyond superb. Not cause I hate her, ‘Fly away home’ is one of my favourite childhood films of all time, but it was such an interesting scene. Then it got into the ‘present’ and things really got started.

Personally I found each death was perfectly planned, to build the narrative and by the killers. It left you guessing who the killer was. The new rules made everything much more interesting and left everyone out for picking.

I was shocked by the big reveal, I was hoping it wasn’t Charlie but I never thought Jill would be one of the killers. Her character was demented and watching her cut and throw herself into a glass table was cringey and sickening. I was so glad she ultimately bit the dust, and in such a good showdown.

Best Character: 

Kirby.

Worst Character: 

The publicist. I was happy she died.

Best Moment: 

The opening sequence and the end face off.

Worst Moment: 

Kirby’s death. She was my favourite character, and I love the actress. Her death was sad, because she really didn’t want Charlie to die. She only trusted her instinct, and it was right about him being the killer, or at least one of them.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

The Social Network (2010)

Director: 

David Fincher

Plot synopsis: 

The film follows the true story of the founding of the social network ‘Facebook’ and the lawsuits filed against Mark Zucherburg

First thoughts: 

I have previously only watched half of this film but finally finished it.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

This film is fantastic. Its sophisticated in both cinematography and editing, each scene well cut, and you get the sense that it knows just how good it is. The two main actors were excellently cast, both taking on their roles and delivering perfect performances. Eisenburg in particular gave was able to give out the arrogant, all knowing, not f**k giving air as of the computer genius seemingly effortlessly.

Bottom line: 

Modern style documentary, perfect for the new generation.

Recommend: 

Defiantly, though I think the majority have already seen it.

Spoiler Section:

Though I doubt its really “spoilers” since the story of the founding of ‘Facebook’ and the outcome of the lawsuits is not a big secret it still might ‘ruin’ it for viewers who don’t bother with the news. I thought the unbelievably large decrease in Saverin’s investment was horrendous and that he deserved the money, though the amount still unknown and his name being restored to the masthead as co-founder. On the other hand I stand on the side that the twins case was stupid, I know that ‘The Facebook’ was started out exclusively for Harvard but ‘Harvard Connection’ was not the same concept and I truly doubt that it would have ever morphed into the social network phenomenon that is ‘Facebook’.

Last note, it was really awkward watching Brenda Song in that restroom cubicle. Mr Moseby would not be happy.

Best Character:  

Saverin. Because he delivered the best line. "Sorry! My Prada's at the cleaners! Along with my hoodie and my 'fuck you' flip-flops, you pretentious douchebag!"

Worst Character: 

The twins of course, but this is partly for Armie Hammer portrayal.

Best Moment: 

The aforementioned line.

Worst Moment: 

Sean Parker. Enough said.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Carrie (2013)

Director: 

Kimberly Pierce

Plot synopsis: 

The third remake book to film adaption of Stephen King’s 1974 novel, this film follows outcast teen Carrie White. Brought up by her highly religious mother, Carrie struggles through high school with her newly discovered power of telekinesis. But teen girls will be bitches...

First thoughts: Of course like most I knew the narrative, though I have not seen the original film as I don’t wish to buy it nor has or will it be shown on TV.

Rating: 1.5 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

This film is bad. But I can’t just put that. Can I? Well, the acting is horrendous. As a fan of Mortez I am very sad to say that I found her expressions and gesturing when using her ‘power’ moronic. It was like she was trying to conduct an orchestra whilst deeply constipated. It didn’t work. Julianne Moore faire slightly better as her mother but it didn’t seem hard to pull of the over overly protective mother hell bent on killing the devil spawn. After that everyone else just tried to drag the film along and say their lines with relatively enough of the needed emotion.

Overall the first two thirds of the film is made up of child abuse and mean girl bullshit, with the last part taking all the action and bloody scenes to put the film into the ‘horror’ genre.

Bottom Line: 

Demented, ridiculous and mediocre special effects.

Recommend: 

No. Simple. Not even to laugh at how bad it is.

Spoiler Section: 

Watching the film with a large group of friends it was brought to my attention just how much biblical symbolism the director has tried to cram into one film, and there is a lot. Hilariously the moment that got the biggest reason from us all was the realization that the mother had been stabbed with a ruler, of all things. By the end you are rolling your eyes at the entire thing, and screaming “Why take out only half the crap!” When Carrie decides she wants her mother to live and tries in vain to get her to survive her multiple stab wounds.

Best Character: 

The teacher, I was all for her punishing the girls at the start. When Carrie dared to lift her off the floor I was furious, but was happy she allowed her to live.

Worst Character: 

Chris, the lead mean girl, and the mother. Both were demented.

Best Moment: 

Like a sappy girl I would say when Carrie was at prom and was slowly opening up and enjoying herself.

Worst Moment: 

The ending with the gravestone. It was a pathetic ending.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Sunshine on Leith (2013)

Director: 

Dexter Fletcher

Plot synopsis: 

Two young Scotsmen, discharged from the British Army return home to Edinburgh after a tour in Afghanistan. Both they and their families try to go on with life as normal. Whilst bursting out in song throughout.

First thoughts: 

This film has been excellently reviewed and well advertised. I predicted it to be an uplifting, classic, feel-good musical. Following the generic everything will work out narrative with lots of catchy songs weaved throughout.

Rating: 2 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

Decent enough, the narrative is highly predictable almost annoyingly so. I found the accents of the majority very hard to understand throughout, even harder so when the characters were singing. On the subject of the musical aspect, I found the constant singing irritating and the all the songs to be comprised of just repetitive lyrics. Though I will say unlike Mamma Mia there was no Pierce Brosnan types, everyone could sing decently.

Bottom line: 

Glad I didn’t see it in the cinema cause it would mean I couldn’t fast forward through all the singing and it did need subtitles.

Recommend: 

No, it was not good enough for me to recommend to others.

Spoiler Section:

The only thing I would say in this section is to further my point of the predictable narrative, you just knew what would happen. The sister would say no and leave, the mother would find out about the daughter and Davy and Yvonne relationship would ultimately end with a reunion and fanfare flash mob duet.

Best Character: 

The sister, she followed her dream instead of sacrificing it for her man.

Worst Character: 

The mother, I didn’t care for her, I know the father cheated but I find it selfish to ask him not to see his daughter, she did nothing wrong and only wants to know her father.

Best Moment: 

The marriage song in the pub, this was the best song of the film.

Worst Moment: 

Either Yvonne slightly ruining the merry pub song with her talk of death or the end performance of  ‘500 miles’ as I fast forwarded the most of it, I much prefer the pitch perfect remix of the original song and ‘Titanium’.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Birdcage (1996)

Director: 

Mike Nichols

Plot synopsis: 

Val Goldman wants to marry Barbara Keeley, daughter of ultraconservative republican Senator Keeley and both want their parents to meet. But there’s one problem, Val’s parents are Armand and Albert, the former being the owner of a south beach drag club, and the latter the fantabulous star of the show ‘Starina’. Both want things to work out for Val and try their best to make sure everything goes smoothly. With some hysterical outcomes.

First thoughts: 

I love practically every Robin Williams film, and adored his show ‘Mork and Mindy’ so was happy to try out this film. I had no doubt from the looks of the cast and the synopsis that I was going to love it. I was anticipating a sweet story, ‘Meet the parents’ ‘camp-lified’.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

I absolutely loved this film. Heart-warming moments paired well with hilarious moments, which may be a little predictable but still hold up. The acting was great, and the musical moments got you bopping along. A great show of how family is family and love is love, don’t judge too quickly. It was much better than ‘Meet the parents’ because it doesn’t need cheap laughs.

Bottom line: Fantastic laughs, some of the best of Williams and defiantly of Nathan Lane. Very camp, but the film owns it.

Recommend: 

Yes, I would defiantly recommend this film.

Spoiler Section:

When I say the narrative is a little predictable I’m saying that it’s obvious that the mother will turn up, and things will go wrong with a happy ending. And again I will say, it doesn’t matter that its predictable because everything in between is to good.

I found the acting by all great, of course Williams’ camp showmanship comes out well but the real star has to be Lane as he was just effortless in his role. Hank Azaria took a great role as well as Agador, I was highly envious of his legs throughout, especially in heels. Overall it was amazing to see so many actors not taking themselves too seriously and having what looks like tons of fun with the film.

Best Character: 

Albert or Agador, how can you choose?

Worst Character: 

Val, for being ashamed of his family for such a long stretch of the film. It was clear he loved them but he was not proud enough to just present them so though he did come around at the end I still think his character was a little harsh to his parents.

Best Moment: 

The scene in which Nathan Lane, dressed in a suit and tried to walk and sit in the ‘correct’ way. His face and gestures throughout where genius. He looks so uncomfortable but still keeps trying to alter and perfect what his son wants. It wasn’t funny, but more a show of character development.

Worst Moment: 

The scene in the office between Katherine and Armand. Maybe it’s just because there wasn’t any Albert or Agador but it was just the most boring scene of the film.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

About time (2013)

Director: 

Richard Curtis

Plot synopsis: 

Awkward guy Tim learns he can time travel and sets about using his gift in order to get the girl of his dreams. But time travelling never goes smoothly.

First thoughts: 

Generic Rom-Com with a twist. Lots of laughs but with one or two obstacles to overcome. I like how the main guy is quite awkward and shy, he seems relatable. And I love ginger characters almost instantly.

Rating: 3 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

A decent enough film, as I predicted lots of laughs and perfectly bittersweet heart warming scenes. The characters are all made lovable, but the whole story is riddled with enough plot holes and confusing rules breaks that it takes away from the overall charm.

Bottom line: 

Nothing great but still sweet.

Recommend: 

I guess, but it’s not a must see.

Spoiler Section: 

When I saw that it was Rachel McAdams in a romantic story about time travel of course my mind jumped to ‘The time travellers wife’ and I predicted that the obvious obstacle in the narrative was that their relationship would quickly break down because he was continuously trying to make things perfect but was surprised by the real story. The film was really just his how journey through life, learning to accept that some things can’t be changed and to become content with the present. It’s a sweet story overall but the plot holes did ruin it a bit. I didn’t understand why he couldn’t time travel after she had their baby, but of course it gave the writer another chance at a bittersweet moment with him and his father.

Best Character: 

Kit Kat, she was wonderful. The classic quirky comedic character you see in most Rom-Com’s but still annoyingly lovable non the less.

Worst Character: 

Rory, he was too pathetic. I hate it when they just make a character almost cringe worthy for laughs.

Best Moment: 

Kit Kats punch scene.

Worst Moment: 

The crash, it was sad both times.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

How to train your dragon 2 (2014)

Director: 

Dean Deblois

Plot synopsis: 

Sequel to the 2010 animated film ‘How to train your dragon’ the film picks up five years after the last one finished. The whole of the village of Berk has made peace with the dragons but there’s a new enemy rising. Drago Bludvist is building an army of dragons and only Hiccup and his friends can stop him from taking over the world.

First thoughts: 

I was really excited about this film because I loved the first one, and to be honest the second Hiccup took his helmet off in the trailer I was sold.

Rating: 5 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

This film was fantastic. Even better than the first it took the story to another level. Within the first five minutes we saw Toothless in action and the whole scene was so majestically animated that it easily brought across the experience of flying. The characters from the last film were re-introduced in such a fun way, the teens now 20 it was shocking how far they had developed but each had obviously become even greater characters with time. Some of the voices were hard to place, especially Eret the dragon trapper. I’ll just save you the trouble, its Kit Harington, also known as Jon Snow from Game of Thrones.

Bottom line:

Fantastic, full of laughs and a few tears, a perfect all rounder.And this is coming from someone who doesn't usually like animated films. Aside classic Disney.

Recommend: 

Defiantly, its one for all the family, but I think more enjoyable for the teenage audience because of some of the jokes made.

Spoiler Section:

Best Character: 

Tuffnut without a doubt. She was hysterical. It took me ages to figure out who she reminded me off till it clicked; Jenna Marbles. I loved Cloudjumper as well, his/her interactions with Toothless where precious.

Worst Character: 

Drago, of course, self-explanatory.

Best Moment: 

Either Tuffnut's moments or the parent’s duet.

Worst Moment: 

The fathers death, once again, self-explanatory.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Secretary 2002

Director: 

Steven Shainberg

Plot synopsis: 

A socially awkward and emotional sensitive young woman takes on the job of secretary to eccentric lawyer E.Edward Grey. Their relationship soon morphs from professional to a BDSM dominant and submissive relationship.

First thoughts: 

I was not sure where this film was going to go; I had read rather positive reviews and thought it was going to be along the lines of ’50 shades’.

Rating: 3 stars

Review (Unspoiled):

This film is quite bold in ways. It takes on the subject of dominant submissive relationships and shows you the inner workings, without being to brutal or ridiculously funny. It’s a good film with well acted characters and a decent enough plot. I would put in that some content could be looked at as, for a lack of a better word “Triggering” as it does involve actual self harm, not just that of the consensual sexual nature.

Bottom line: 

Decent plot and acting, a good film overall.

Recommend: 

Yes, if you’re looking for a film that’s maybe a little racy, but still with a good plot.

Spoiler Section:

I was taken aback by the self harm content at first, but it becomes obvious that this is the main factor that leads the awkward and heavily naive main character to become open to a dominant submissive relationship. To be honest, it kind of makes her the perfect choice for Mr Grey, as she easily makes the switch from her own self harm to that of a BDSM relationship. She becomes addicted to being dominated and to the new, more pleasurable type of pain Mr Grey is eager to give.

There were some moments that I thought were a little stupid. Not the minor horse fetish scene, though. I’m talking about when Mr Grey sat Lee down to ask her about her self harming and concluded by telling her to stop. It reminded me quite a bit of most vampire shows (True blood and the vampire diaries) in which the vampires glamour or compel their victims to do their bidding just by looking them in the eye and telling them what to do. This paired with the fact that not many people, who self harm, would actually listen in this situation made it even more ludicrous when she numbly nodded her head and there, she was ‘cured’. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted her to stop, but it just didn’t seem entirely feasible. Though writing this I now make the guess that she was just happy someone was being firm with her and she just needed to be told that she could/should stop.

On the subject of Mr Grey, I found him to be an annoyingly multisided character. At first we think of him as arrogant, snappy and extremely verbally abusive. I found it horrendously stupid that at first, he sees her self harming, yet continues to belittle and shame her over her mistakes, but then after telling her to stop, still continues to make her feel like shit. I know that her self-harming should not be used as an excuse to “wrap her in cotton wool” but yelling insults at her is not going to help her or help produce a good employer/employee relationship. Of course after all this, and after starting a BSDM relationship he starts to become very unsure of himself, overwhelmed with how openly sexual Lee has become and comfortable with her sexuality and we see that he really is all talk.

My final thoughts are on the ending. First, 3 days of a ‘hunger strike’ is not really news worthy, and second, the ending was not really realistic in my point of view. I do not believe that after all that, they could just get married and be happy. Both need further therapy, him in particular as I think he has many problem that have to be sorted out and I don’t think he would settle down with her so easily.

I do not have a best/worst character choice for this film as it was really all about the main two and I didn't really love either.

Best Moment: 

The ending when they are lying on that weird bed of grass and Lee is finally content and feels beautiful.

Worst Moment: 

Either when she pees in the wedding dress or the ending as I really was not happy with it.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

I know this films been out for weeks now, but I only just went and saw it. If your interested in a review of the book than check out my book blog here.

Director: 

Josh Boone

Plot synopsis:

The film is the book to film adaption of John Green's sixth and most successful novel. Hazel Grace Lancaster is a sixteen year old cancer patient. At support group she meets Augustus Waters, a seventeen year old cancer survivor. She doesn't want to fall in love, but she can’t help it.

First thoughts (Prior watching): 

I have read the book and so was looking to see how they adapted it to screen. The trailers made it look surprisingly uplifting/light hearted, like a rom-com. There have been tons of good reviews of this film, especially from Kim Kardashian, though that really doesn't mean much to me. I knew from the start that it would either be fantastic or ridiculously trying too hard.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review Unspoiled: 

I adored this film, it was as my mother put it best “A roller-coaster.” It made you feel all emotions, you laughed, cried and even awh’d (Seriously, the other girls in the cinema actually, awh’d.) The actors played their parts fantastic, Woodley taking center stage and shining in her role as Hazel Grace. It loses 0.5 for some lines being delivered a little wooden, or badly timed and left for a few seconds as if waiting for a laugh they wouldn't get. It captured the best of the book and was truly John Green all over, capturing the whole story and telling it in such a short time.

Bottom line:

It was a fantastic film that made you think. It makes you want to live, and value life better, whether healthy or not. I left the cinema and was overcome with a need to hug my mum, who I watched the film with, because it’s put so simply. “You don’t know which day will be your last good day.” No matter currently healthy or not.

Recommend: 

Yes I would definitely recommend this film, but I warn you, you will probably cry.

Spoiler Section.........

As I said, the characters were brilliantly portrayed. Sam Trammel as Hazel Grace’s father faded into the background, but Laura Dern kept up emotion as her mother, her moment in Hazels flashback of the ICU was good.

Overall they kept in everything they needed from the book to tell the story and the detail was great. The reconstruction of ‘Funky bones’ made me smile. My mother and I agreed it was a very good film and that it also made you really want to visit Amsterdam, as the backdrops were amazing.

I was constantly looking out for a John Green cameo, thinking he might pop up in the background or even at Augustus funeral but was disappointed when he didn’t make an appearance. He did film one though, and it set to be a deleted scene on the DVD which I look forward to seeing when it comes out.

Best Character: 

Isaac. Hands down. He was perfection. The egg throwing seen (my personal favourite from the book) was hilarious. When he missed and hit the tree I laughed maybe a little to much. Even his line telling Augustus not to mock his disability was delivered in a way where even my mother chuckled. He was well acted, though the actor (Nat Wolffe) didn’t really need to do much and added the perfect touch of humour to film.

Worst Character: 

Of course this would have to be Van Houten, who else. He was very well portrayed. The scene where we we’re forced to listen to Swedish hip hop was very good, Willem Dafoe was able to be balance actual seriousness and ‘Look at all the F’s I give’ to a level where you don’t know whether to laugh, take him seriously or slap him round the face.

Best Moment: 

The aforementioned egg throwing scene. So good.

Worst Moment: 

The scene where Hazel finds Augustus at the petrol station. In my book review I put this as the worst moment in the book as well, and was not looking forward to seeing it portrayed on screen. It was heart wrenching. Too see the level of vulnerability to a character thought to be so strong and free spirited. This was the scene that Elgort came out best in as he brought across all the emotion needed to do the pivotal moment justice.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Hey all film lovers, and welcome to my little blog.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Kira, I'm seventeen and England. As an A-level film student I decided that it would be a good idea to start a blog. To review and discuss films with others. I have always had a special fondness for films, and one day wish to work in the industry, aiding in producing big projects, whether as a director, producer or screenwriter.

My taste has broadened over the years, and I will give all genres a chance, except westerns as they bore me to no end. But as my blogs name suggests I do have a critical way of thinking when it comes to my reviews and I won't sit through a bad film for nothing. Not even if the main characters good looking.

So here I plan to cast my views and welcome comments and feedback, whether agreeing with or challenging my opinions. Thank you for reading, I hope to post my first review soon.