Tag: Movies

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.

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.

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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.