On Her Majesty's Secret Service:

I got the chance last week to go to a premiere of upcoming spy thriller 'The Kingsman' and I wasn't too disappointed. Admittedly this sort of film doesn't offer anything that new to the market but it does revive the smooth, sophisticated and FUNNY spy that we used to love. I'm talking Roger Moore in Moonraker sort of funny, the sort of spy that is good, but knows hes good and has a good pun to go along with every kill. The recent James Bond films have been a big disappointment to me, I like Daniel Craig in horror movies and occasionally dramas but as Bond I think he takes himself to seriously. The Roger Moore and Sean Connery Bond was suave and undeniably cool, Craig is uptight and brooding in a way I haven't witnessed since being emo was cool. But The Kingsman brings that cool all back.

Colin Firth simmers in this as an agent in the secret service looking for a new recruit, his style is impeccable and his umbrella doubles as a bullet proof weapon. To his superiors dismay (Michael Caine) Firth is looking for his new recruit in the working class suburbs of London, as opposed to the graduates of Oxford and Cambridge. The star of this for me was newcomer Taron Egerton, who outshines the rest of possible new recruits and shows that anyone from anywhere can do what they put their mind to. This is a must see for any Firth fan or anyone that needs a little gentleman spy pick-me-up.

So, what have we missed?

Time for a run down of the Top 5 Television and Movie highlights from the past 2 years. This was a tough one, there were things I thought for sure would make it into this list, but when it came to the crunch they just weren't good enough. It was also tough because this isn't in any particular category, it is simply the best of everything; comedy, horror, action, etc. But I could explain my actions all day, its time to get into the countdown, starting with number 5....

5. Broadchurch.

This is an English television dark police drama, and I mean drama. It is nail-biting stuff, the sort of show that has you shouting at the TV and panicking over the week wait ahead of you and the next episode. It is centered around the little seaside town of Broadchurch at the beginning of a child murderer scandal: everyone knows everyone, everyone knows everyones' business. Or do they?
Actually they don't and as it unfolds nothing is as it seems, no one is innocent and everyone has a secret.

The cast of Broadchurch.

I had heard considerable hype around this before I really got around to watching it and I admit I was dubious of it being quite obvious. I was wrong. Once I started, I literally couldn't stop. To go along with a gripping story line, it boasts and impressive English cast: Dr Who's David Tennant stars as lead detective alongside Hot Fuzz's Olivia Coleman, even down to the less significant characters such as Pauline Quirke. Its a definite for anyone that loves twists and suspense, for any Americans wanting to watch this, the second series is now out and I believe you can catch up with both on the ITV player app in any android or apple store.

Pauline Quirke at the scene of the crime.

4. Maniac.

Coming in at number 4 is a film that was released in early 2013. I won't lie when I say the main thing that attracted me to this one was my childhood crush on Elijah Wood, but I wasn't disappointed with the plot either. The movie focuses on the main character played by Elijah, who runs a seriously creepy mannequin shop, I mean its just plain odd. As if that's not a big enough obstacle in his mission of finding a girl to settle down with, he also just happens to be a active serial killer who believes said mannequins are taunting him.

Reflection of a serial killer.

One of the most interesting things about this one is that the entire film is shot through the eyes of Elijah, the only time we see his face is through his reflection. But his acting is sterling, his desperation a manic actions can certainly be felt through the camera. That being said, this is not for the faint of hearted, its gory, its violent, its a bit sadistic and a teeny tiny bit sad. If you liked Psycho you will like this.

Creepy.

                       

3. Django Unchained.

I'm guessing everyone will have heard of this at some point and if you haven't you must have been living under a very large rock. I loved this so much I went to see it twice and considering its three hours long that's a commitment. I never thought a film about slavery could be this cool, but it turns out if with a bit of Quentin Tarantino, some Jamie Foxx and Christopher Waltz, a splash of Leo DiCaprio and a Killer soundtrack, you can make anything cool. 

The Freeman and The Bounty hunter

I must admit, after watching Waltz in Inglorious Basterds I was frankly terrified of him. He was one of the best portrayals of a psychopathic Nazi I have ever witnessed, so imagine my surprise when he turns up in this one as one of the most selfless and caring bounty hunters around. He believes in justice and equality and true love and it seems with Django at his side they are set to get the bad guys and find the girl. Que DiCaprio: the sadistic plantation owner who loves nothing better than slaves and killing them in awful ways.

This movie in my eyes is an all rounder, If you haven't seen this, go and do so straight away or failing that at least listen to track 17 on the OST.

Calvin Candie chooses his weapon.

2. Phoneshop.

No your eyes are not deceiving you, yes that is the name of that Channel 4 comedy you've never really watched but sort of seen around. Well I have something to tell you, this is genius. In no uncertain terms one of the funniest things I have ever seen. This show it set in and around a high street store named 'Phoneshop 'and the staff that work there, focusing on the arrival of Christopher a recent graduate who has landed back to earth with a thump realizing that all that hard work at university was ultimately destined to bring him back to retail. The manager of the store is lamenting over the loss of 'little Gary Patel' the previous assistant manager who is now serving time, Jerwayne is pining over the Pay as you go girl Janine and Ashley is worried about his receding hair line.

A day in the life of a phone salesman.

Emma Fryer as Janine

The storylines seem ludicrous but for anyone that has ever worked in retail they come across as oddly plausible. The family feel you get from the cast is brilliant and the fact that improvisation is used in all episodes adds to that, they really bounce off one another.They are all hilarious in their own way but for me the hidden gem of the cast is Janine, played by Emma Fryer, who's dreams and hopes of making it big in retail can never be diminished and who regularly refers to the boss as 'dad'. One of the best moments is when Janine invents a new drink named the 'White Malcolm' (tepid water with a dash of skimmed milk) and tries to pitch it as sophisticated simplicity for the over sixties, they love their milk!
I implore you to give this a shot, try an episode and I assure you, you will need another one. The full 3 series are on Netflix so there's really no excuse.

1. Unbroken.

Steadily making its way to my favorite war film of all time, number one is Angelina Jolies' directorial smash. Unbroken is the true story of Louie Zamperini the American Olympic runner who went to war and survived over 30 days at sea only to be captured by the Japanese and taken to a prisoner of war camp. There he meets 'The Bird' the camp leader whose sadistic treatment of the prisoners is terrifying and who focuses in on Louie and begins a strange and frightening fascination with tormenting him. Yet the strength of Louie never falters, his hope and love for his country are inspiring.

Angelina with the real Louie.

Any Brits in the audience may slightly recognize the Italian American Louie and they would be right. Believe it or not he is played by hard man Jack O'connell famous for his drug and womanizing ways in Skins and his portrayal of killer chav in Eden Lake. Once upon a time you might have guessed he would never move on from this thug brit image and stay in the same roles as Danny Dyer or Ross Kemp, but this film sees him in a new light, as a mature and sophisticated actor, with a plausible american accent.

This film has strength, character and most importantly hope. In times of war when hope is frequently lost, Louie reminds you not to give up ans that you can do what ever you put your mind to.

If you can take it, you can make it.

I'm Back! And with plenty to report...

Before I get into the long, long, longggg list of films and TV I have loved and hated since my AWOL status, I thought I would just apologize for my absence and give a few lame excuses: University, full-time job interviews, moving around the country, full-time jobs and finally back to university. Unfortunately life can sometimes get in the way of the cinema, but I have decided to not let this happen again, prepare for movies and television galore, there has certainly been quite a bit of it!

Gone? Go find it!

I finally managed to get round to watching Amanda Seyfried's new movie 'Gone' this weekend, and I have to admit it was pretty good. The trailers for this psychological thriller, in my opinion, do not do it justice, building it up as a bit of a predictable storyline and giving the impression that the trailer is simply a collection of the films best bits. In reality, it had likeable characters, plenty of twists and lots of tension. Just like 'Jennifer's Body' this movie shows us Seyfried's tough side, proving she is more than just a rom-com blonde. 

Another aspect which really made it stand out to me, is the fact that this is a serial killer flick, but for a change we do not just see things through the eyes of the police/killer/victim. Instead it offers you the chance to watch the family members that are left behind, and more importantly to watch how they act.

If you like anything like 'Kiss the Girls', you will like this one.

The Cream of the Crop:

Just another little top 5:
This time my top 5 all time favourites, things I have literally watched over and over.

1. The Mummy.
Everyone tends to raise their eyebrows when I tell them my favourite film of all time is 'The Mummy'.  But, its like I tell 'em: you can't change your first love, and this was mine.
I still love everything about this film, I love the characters, I love the comedy, I love the strangeness,  I love the fear, I love the romance. Its a real all-rounder, something for everyone. If you haven't seen it before, or its been more than a year since you have, please please watch it again! Accept its cheesiness up-front and ENJOY.

2. The Godfather Part II.
Whenever I'm having a crisis of faith, I'm stuck with some moral decision, or I just need some general life guidance: I turn to the Corleones.
I simply never, ever get tired of watching the Godfather Trilogy, Part II in particular. The values, the loyalty, the revenge, the violence, the food! What is not to love?
In my opinion, Michael Corleone is one of the greatest anti-hero's of cinema.

3. Silence of the Lambs.
Yet again, this is a close call between itself and the rest of the Hannibal films, but I love the friction between Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins in this one. I think it is this type of Love/Hate relationship that can really add to a film; the power battle between the two, for information, is often more suspense-filled than the actual violence! One of the first films that brought us into the lair of the serial-killer, If you have never watched this film: don't wait a moment longer.

4. Lolita.(1997)
After loving the book, I didn't really expect to love the film, half expecting America to tone it down too much. However, I was wrong. The 1997 version starring Jeremy Irons, is a fantastic film, set against a brilliant soundtrack. The loveable paedophile Humbert Humbert and his daughter Lolita embark on a road to disaster as they begin an illicit affair. Don't be fooled though, this isn't a kinky film; it's a love story in many respects, and a challenge in the other. Pushing the boundaries we so tightly grasp onto, Lolita asks us to consider what would happen if the 'what if's' we all imagine actually did happen.
One little warning, if you currently have a daughter in the teens, give it a miss for a couple of years, and save your self the worrying that will ensue.

5. High Society.
Last, but by no means least, the glorious 'High Society'. An all star cast leads this musical number; following two working class magazine writers into the heart of the socially elite as they encounter: alcohol, lies,plenty of parties, a wedding scandal, love and friendship. As you can imagine with Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong (just to mention a few) there is never a dull moment in this film. You will recognise some very famous songs in this jazzy number, its the perfect remedy when your feeling blue.

An American Horror Review:

After stumbling upon this new series by accident, I was Googling spoilers for The Walking Dead,  I thought I would give it a shot as the promo trailer seemed pretty cool.
It turns out I was right. This new horror show is a refreshing bolt from the blue. An amazing mix of old and new: with a 1920's Art Deco house (complete with creepy maid) thrown together with the strenuous side-effects of the LA suburbs, this television show scares
its unsuspecting audience in more ways than one.
The characters are all flawed, but comfortingly realistic, the storyline has plenty of bizzare twists and turns to keep you hooked, and the actors are perfect fits to their parts (note Dylan McDermott's cool 'dad hat'). My favourite part, however, has got to be the Anne Rice-ness throughout the whole thing. Being a huge fan of The Mayfair Family novels, I can't help but notice that same frighteningly-creepy-but-at-the-same-time-I-want-more feeling present throughout this television show. 

I won't give to much away as it isn't officially out in the UK yet, but If you like Anne Rice, Supernatural, Salems' Lot, The Amityville horror, or just haunted houses and creepiness in general you will LOVE American Horror Story.


                                          This one will be big...
                                          WATCH THIS SPACE.

5 Movies to Sink Your Teeth Into:

In honour of this months Film Four Vampire Season I though I would offer up my opinion on vampire flicks.
I have loved watching vampire movies since I first read Dracula, and simply can't get enough of them, here are my all time top 5:

1. Bram Stoker's Dracula.
An absolute classic, I love everything about this film.
From Gary Oldman's sunglasses and  top hat to Keanu Reeves' English accent, not to mention Anthony Hopkins dazzling, if not eccentric, portrayal of Van Helsing.This version of the infamous vampire is the stuff real nightmares are made of a true mix of love and the macabre, it draws you in but terrifies you at the same time. Makes Twilight tremble in its boots.

2. An Interview With The Vampire.
I'm a huge Anne Rice fan, so perhaps I am a little biased, but this has got to be one of the greatest vampire stories ever told. Not necessarily frightening or terrifying but it humanizes these monsters and brings them up close and into our world, giving us a glimpse into the ethical and moral issues encompassed by these creatures . And by allowing us to empathise with them we are able to relate with, and even love the characters, most of all the glorious Lestat.
Its a bit long but definitely worth it.

3. The Lost Boys.
This is 80's horror at its best. With a tagline like  'Sleep all day, party all night, its fun to be a vampire' what is not to love. With a killer (sorry for the pun) soundtrack, this movie transforms the vampire into cool, motor-bike riding, police man taunting, well-dressed teenagers with the ultimate mean streak. Corey Haim and Corey Feldham team up the slayer pack and add comic value,  making it a well-rounded horror-com.

4. Fright Night.
Continuing on the 80's theme, and similarly on the mixed genre theme, we have Fright Night. The classic 'Vampire next door' story in which a teenage boy believes his new neighbour may be more than he appears. This film offers laughs for light relief, but don't let that fool you, it also has an eerie feel to it and a strange sense of helplessnesses without.

5. 30 Days of Night.
Last but not least, the most frightening of the 5 films. This is vampire horror at its finest, with a real sense of claustrophobia and blood galore. If vampires exist I think this is the closest anyone has come to portraying them, they are animalistic and unrelenting in their pursuit of their prey. Don't watch it alone.