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I’m watching- You

Netflix’ newest thriller series, You, has had audiences all over the world on the edge of their seat. Based on the novel of the same name by Caroline Kepnes, You tells the story of young aspiring writer Guinevere Beck and her stalker-turned boyfriend Joe Goldberg.

Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl) gives a chilling performance as book store manager Joe Goldberg and throughout the series Badgley’s performance can give viewers the illusion that his character is actually not that sinister. The stalker has a caring relationship with the young boy Paco who lives in the apartment next door which leads the viewers to believe that Joe really can’t be that bad as he saves Paco from his mum’s abusive boyfriend.

Joe’s obsessiveness over Beck’s friends, in particular her friend Peach, can be seen in two lights; crazy or somewhat caring. The viewer sees that Peach is also obsessed with Beck and is trying to control her and make her leave Joe. It can be argued that Peach is just as crazy as Joe when it comes to controlling Beck.

The format of the show is very easy to watch however it does require of lot of attention so there’s no putting it on in the background while you do other things. 

You, is definitely worth the watch and will make us all double think our relationships with friends, family and that creepy guy in the bookstore.

https://youtu.be/cKOhno0IMpA

The Truman Show- a modern day dilemma

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“We accept the reality of the world with which we’re presented”

In 1998 a film starring comedy actor Jim Carrey was released to the world, The Truman Show, the film told the story of Truman Burbank a man who has lived his whole life as the star of a reality TV show without ever knowing it. The film showed similarities with a world that a one point lived in fear the Soviet Spies were listening into conversations and Nazi soldiers were bugging telephone boxes. However, this film has really stood the test of time. In a time were paranoia over FBI agents watching people through laptop cameras and Facebook sharing personal data, the reality of The Truman Show could not be more relative.

Jim Carrey gives a stand out performance as Truman Burbank one which would prove the actor to be more than the rubber faced comedian that many turned their nose up at the sight of. The truth is that Jim Carrey is a phenomenal serious actor and should be taken for more than just Ace Ventura: Pet Detective or Dumb and Dumber.

The film also relates to the modern day social media obsession as we see the way Truman acts towards his neighbours as a constantly happy, smiling, friendly person and we also see him behind closed doors where he longs for a life outside of the make believe Seahaven. Truman is presenting a version of himself to the outside world whist unknowingly having his every move watched. Truman also begins to notice his wife Meryl seemingly advertising things as if she were in-front of a live audience. This is similar to the theory that iPhones are listening to their owners conversations and then showing advertisements for the very products they were discussing.

Overall, I believe The Truman Show to be one of the greatest and timeless films. From Jim Carrey’s phenomenal acting to the harsh reality of Seahaven Island, I believe this film still has a long way to go.

Dumplin’- A Netflix Original Movie

Netflix’ newest release Dumplin’ is a heartwarming look into the mid-Texan pageant world and Willow-dean Dixon’s mission to show the pageant world that anyone can be a pageant Queen.

The movie is based on the book by Julie Murphy and tells the story of an overweight girl who’s mother is a former pageant queen and now runs the pageant contest in their area. Willow-dean was raised mostly by her now dead auntie and has no interest in the pageant world until she finds out her aunt had planned to compete the year that her mother had won. Willow-dean, along with a bunch of misfit friends, enters the pageant and breaks the stereotype.

Jennifer Aniston gives a standout performance as Willow-dean’s mother Rosie and also produced the film. Dumplin’ once again proves that Netflix Original Movies are becoming more and more popular with big celebrities and are continuing to produce great films.

The soundtrack of the film is provided by Dolly Parton’s greatest hits, if you didn’t like Dolly before, you certainly will after watching this movie. The typewriter intro of 9-5 gives the movie that southern female sass it provides in bucketloads.

This movie will make you laugh out-loud, sing along and cry along with the characters. It is a heartwarming timeless movie and will appeal to all ages.

Top 5 best TV series to binge watch

5. Arrested Development (2003-)

Arrested Development has to be one of the funniest and strangest TV shows about. The show follows the dysfunctional Bluth family as the patriarch of the family George Senior is imprisoned. This weird and wacky show is definitely worth the watch.

Available on Netflix.

https://youtu.be/gXg2_yExgVY 

4. Queer Eye (2018-)

The reboot of early noughties show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is everything you’d hope it would be. The reality TV show follows 5 gay men in Georgia, USA helping mostly straight men and women get their home, lifestyle, grooming, fashion and cooking up to scratch. This show is all round hilarious and heart warming and is definitely worth a binge.

Available on Netflix.

3. The Crown (2016-)

The Crown tells the mostly true story of Queen Elizabeth II as she becomes Queen and the pitfalls and hurdles she faces. Claire Foy and Matt Smith are amazing as Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh and give the viewer an insight into what life is like beyond the palace walls.

Available on Netflix.

2.Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Game of Thrones is entering into its final season in 2019 but it’s not too late to catch up. The mythical fantasy features everything from Kings and Queens to dragons. The sometimes gruesome TV show is definitely worth the watch as it’ll be all everyones talking about in the coming months.

1. The US Office (2005-2013)

The American adaptation of the originally British show about a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania is one that everyone should see and deserves first place on this list. Steve Carrell as branch manager Michael Scott delivers a funnier and far more loveable version of Ricky Gervais’ David Brent. By the end of the ninth and final series the viewer finds themselves more attached to the characters than with any other show and is guaranteed to be a tear-jerker.

Available on Amazon Prime.

Netflix killed the Video Star

The streaming platform Netflix has been allowing customers to watch a film or TV series of their choosing since 2007. As of October 2018 Netflix had 137 million subscribers worldwide.

In recent years with the introduction of Netflix Originals, more and more people are choosing to stay at home and watch Netflix’ own productions than pay more for the cinema experience. What started as small, slightly cheesy films has now expanded to huge action-packed experiences starring some of the biggest actors and actresses. For example, at the end of 2018 Birdbox was released on Netflix starring Sandra Bullock the actress worth more than $200 million.

birdbox

This poses the question, will the cinema survive against the ever growing power of Netflix?

Customers pay a monthly fee for the streaming services of Netflix which in the UK is £9.99. This means they can watch as many TV series and Movies as many times as they like. Whereas in the cinema customers are paying an average of  £10 plus any additional costs for food to watch one movie once, then wait a number of months to either buy the movie or for it to appear on Netflix. The streaming service is becoming far more appealing.

Netflix has also released a new viewing experience, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. The interactive/choose your own adventure film by the Netflix Original series Black Mirror. The viewer is given a series of options about the characters actions meaning you choose the story and you choose the ending.

There is, however, something great about going to the cinema. Would “Luke, I am your Father,” have shocked audiences as much if it were seen in your living room or would you have cried as much if you could pause the TV any time Forrest Gump says “Jenny”. The truth is, we still have a long way to go until cinema is obsolete, magic on the big screen just can’t be beat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Poppins Returns

The highly anticipated sequel Mary Poppins Returns flew into cinemas this week, 53 years since the original film was released.  It’s fair to say that Emily Blunt has done more than exceed expectations. The actress known for The Devil Wears Prada, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and A Quiet Place has added her own flair to an already iconic character.

The sequel follows the now grown up Banks children who are struggling in similar ways to their parents. Micheal works for the same bank his father did, has three children with a deceased mother and is on the verge of the beloved Cherry-tree Lane house being repossessed. Mary Poppins comes to the rescue however and cares for the children while also helping to save their father.

Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) plays the lamp lighter Jack as the sequel’s answer to Dick Van Dyke’s Bert. The soundtrack to the film is excellent however Manuel Miranda’s ‘Trip a little light fantastic’ does not compare to the original ‘Step in Time’ but the other songs definitely stand on their own.

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Mary Poppins Returns

There were concerns on how the sequel would compare to the original film. Some thought that Julie Andrew’s iconic role couldn’t be replicated.

However, in my opinion, this film has exceed expectations. The story of Mary Poppins has been introduced to a younger audience who will hopeful cherish this as much as we cherish the original.

Bohemian Rhapsody

The Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody does not disappoint. The highly anticipated movie hit cinemas a month ago and has been racking in the cash ever since. The story follows Farrokh Bulsara as he meets his future band mates and becomes the man we know today, Freddie Mercury. We see the band grow to become global superstars and 27389429937_d28cd30755_bthe lead up to their iconic Live Aid performance in 1985.

Rami Malek gives a stand out performance as Freddie Mercury and really

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Brian May and Gwilym Lee

embodies his character. Critics are praising the likeness between Malek and Mercury but to me Rami Malek isn’t the only one who bares a likeness to his role.

Gwilym Lee who plays Brian May is the most like his character out of the four band members. From the way he talks, looks and moves Lee is Brian May through and through with even Brian May himself being stunned by the similarity.

This is the movie of the year with there even being talks of an Oscar nomination for the movie and for Malek. You don’t have to be a Queen fan to enjoy this film and it may also introduce new fans to the very best of their music and the truth about what they went through to gain fame through the ages.

Top 5 Christmas Movies

It’s time to get into the festive spirit and the best way to do that is to sit down and watch a Christmas movie. I’ve decided to rank what I believe are the top five best festive films.

Love Actually

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The live action adaptation of the classic Dr Seuss story has became a staple of Christmas. Jim Carrey’s incredible acting is put to the test in this film and only exceeds expectations as the grumpy outcast of Whoville.

4. Home Alone (1990)

Once you get past the somewhat ridiculous story line, Home Alone is a heart warming and hilarious film about the things we would do to be with the people we love and definitely deserves a place on this list.

3. Love Actually(2003)

Unlike most Christmas films Love Actually is one that is suitable at any time of the year. The eight overlapping stories of love, friendship and family has made this film a classic.

2. Elf (2003)

Elf is one very every age. Will Ferrell brings Buddy the Elf to life in this hilarious film about a human child who accidentally ends up in the North Pole and gets raised as an elf.

Buddy’s search to find his real family and his adjustment to the real world is both heart warming and hilarious.

1. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

It’s A Wonderful Life has truly stood the test of time. This classic film could warm the heart of any old Grinch and definitely deserves the top spot on this list.

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