Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two

In 2001 I was studying at the University of Reading when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released at cinemas. Having read all four of the books that had been released I was extremely excited to be able to experience Harry Potter on the big screen. I wandered down to the local Vue cinema for a midnight screening with my boyfriend’s sister and can remember wholly enjoying the film. I thought the casting was perfect and the visuals were magical; I was hooked. Looking back it is pretty obvious some of the acting isn’t that great and the films all fall down on certain things but the essence of the book has been captured with its childlike innocence and focus on the importance of friendship, love and integrity set in a world of wizards and magic.  Watching the final Potter film at a press screening in 2011 would not have been imaginable to me back then, but there I sat feeling slightly nauseous at having to say farewell to this fabulous franchise. I can’t believe it’s all over now but I am sure I will be enjoying the films for a long time to come. You can read my review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two here

X-Men: First Class, documentaries galore and some ferociously funny comedy

I went to see the stylish X-Men: First Class and wrote my first review for Starburst Magazine. I really enjoyed the film and thought it was a a great start to a new trilogy. Fassbender and McAvoy owned the film. If you want to read any features or reviews on the Starburst website you need to register (which is free) by clicking on the register tab on the left hand side of the screen.

I was a hater when it came to The Hangover Part II which didn't make me laugh, not even once. Some serious issues were tackled in the South African drama Life, Above All. I was wonderfully surprised by Xavier Dolan's second feature film Heartbeats which inspired me to watch his first film I Killed My Mother  (on Film4 recently.) Hopefully they will show it again soon as it is definitely worth a watch.



Bridesmaids is a film I would really recommend catching and it is out in the UK from 22nd June 2011.

A step in the right direction for a film featuring such ferocious female comedic talent.

Cinetalk got a makeover and is looking fabulous! You can read my review for Donor Unknown which is a fascinating documentary about the sperm trade, out in UK cinemas now and showing on More4 on 28th June.

The film that has stuck with me most over the last couple of weeks is Rio Breaks a documentary about two kids growing up in the Favela's of Rio de Janeiro and their love of surfing. It is out in the UK now and I urge you all to watch it, please do let me know what you think, it blew me away.

What I've been up to

In the last few weeks I have been madly reviewing the latest releases over on Cinetalk. I have seen some homage to French new wave in Submarine which I saw as part of the LoCo Film Festival who strive to bring great comedy to the big screen in an inventive way. Visit their website for more details http://locofilmfestival.com/

I got excited by Korean fantasy flick Demon Empire and met some lovely people from Epic Asia at the screening.

I went to some special Q&A sessions at my local Picturehouse cinema including a satellite link-up with Werner Herzog about his 3D film Cave of Forgotten Dreams. I also saw the much anticipated Attack the Block that had an in-house Q&A with Joe Cornish and the cast.

Foreign cinema didn't let me down with a pretty cool heroine in the guise of Adele Blanc-Sec and a brutal account of a couple of real-life serial killers in  Cold Fish.

I also fit in some Statham time by watching his new flick Blitz which is out at cinemas now.

Other films that I have watched and reviewed are Patagonia, The Eagle, Hop, Rubber, Tomorrow, When the War Began, Insidious, Water for Elephants, Hanna, The Way and Risen

I am also now writing for Starburst Magazine who focus on Sci-fi, Horror and Fantasy and should have some reviews/features on their website in the near future.

LA Noire

LA Noire is out now on Xbox and PS3 and the gameplay looks fantastic, they have used motion scan technology that creates pretty impressive facial animation. In the game, developed by Team Bondi and Rockstar,  you play a detective in the 1940s who has to solve murder cases and deal with police corruption.

The game looks all encompassing with a soundtrack composed by Andrew Hale (who created the score for Scott Pilgrim vs the world) and featuring music from Billie Holiday and Thelonious Monk.

I will be buying a copy in the near future and hope to feel like I am in LA Confidential - but which kind of cop will I be - a fame seeking, money grabber like Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), a rule breaker like Bud White (Russell Crowe) or a golden boy like Ed Exley (Guy Pearce)?? I'll let you know how it pans out.

Here is a clip featuring gameplay and also that meathead, Matt Parkman, from Heroes.

LA Noire Official website

Trailers From Hell - Sean Connery Week!!

I love this website, and if you haven't visited it yet go now: http://www.trailersfromhell.com/
Breaking down classic trailers and introducing the next generation to some forgotten gems.

This week they are focusing on Sir Sean Connery featuring trailers of Dr. No, The Man Who Would Be King and The Hill.

Personally I would have included Highlander or Zardoz where Connery sports some sexy red knickers, enjoy!

Attack The Block Screening and Q&A

So, the much anticipated ATTACK THE BLOCK is out on Friday 13th May...ooooo, spooky. And it just so happens the Stratford Picturehouse will be hosting a special screening and Q&A with Director, Joe Cornish and Luke Treadaway and Jon Boyega on that very evening.

To purchase tickets click here.

This should be wicked and I have already bagged myself a couple of tickets.
Review to follow next week!

One Day Trailer

For anyone who has read the David Nicholls book, One Day, you will understand why I am already weeping at the trailer for the film adaptation. Starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess as the two friends who meet each year for one day.

Lone Scherfig is in the director's seat, and I am hopeful for the finished product as I enjoyed her previous film,  An Education, where the acting (especially from Carey Mulligan) was of the highest calibre.

One Day is a character driven story and hopefully Scherfig will direct the actors into some stellar performances. Nicholls describes London and Scotland in such intricate detail I am hoping for lots of location shooting to portray the ambience of  each city.

One Day is due for release in the UK on 30th September 2011.