Film Review: Snow White and The Huntsman

Snow White and The Huntsman

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Rupert Sanders
Writers: Evan Daugherty (Screenplay and Screen Story), John Lee Hancock (Screenplay), Hossein Amini (Screenplay)
Stars/Characters: Kristen Stewart/Snow White, Chris Hemsworth/The Huntsman, Charlize Theron/Ravenna, Sam Claflin/William, Sam Spruell/Finn, Ian McShane/Beith, Bob Hoskins/Muir, Ray Winstone/Gort, Nick Frost/Nion, Eddie Marsan/Duir, Toby Jones/Coll, Johnny Harris/Quert
Cinema Release Date: 30th May 2012
Date Watched: 13th June 2012
Rating Given: *****


I didn't actually know that this is a book until a couple of weeks ago but I loved the film so much that I think reading the book would more than likely spoil it for me.

As soon as I saw that Chris Hemsworth was going to be in this film I knew that I just had to watch it and I'm glad I did as like his other films just recently this film was brilliant.

This film had to get the full five stars as I loved it so much that I couldn't say a bad word about it (well I would have complained about the ending but I've just heard that they have been given the go ahead for another film). The special effects was just outstanding if not a bit gross at times but I didn't mind that too much although the amount of birds did have me turning away from the screen! This film had a mixture of action, romance, humour and heartache I think it has something in there for everyone.

The acting was actually brilliant which I was surprised as Kristen Stewart wasn't the best actor in Twilight yet in this film her acting was really good as well as her English acting. She was believable as Snow White as I had heard a few remarks that her being more beautiful than Charlize Theron was not believable but because Theron is the bad guy it makes her ugly and it's more about Snow White being pure of heart. Theron was also great at acting the bad guy as well as showing why she was that way made you hate her a little less. As for Chris Hemsworth he was just brilliant and I loved him with an accent it just made me swoon at him all the more I could have done with more screen time for Mr. Hemsworth ;)  The dwarf's was also brilliant they really did make the film.

I just love this film it's one that I will be watching again and I really do hope that a sequel comes off.

Film Review: Dear John

Dear John

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Lasse Hallstom
Writers: Jamie Linden (Screenplay), Nicholas Sparks (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Channing Tatum/John, Amanda Seyfried/Savanah
Cinema Release Date: 14th April 2010
Date Watched: 10th June 2012
Rating Given: ****

I have not read this book not sure if I will ever read a Nicholas Sparks novels because if they are anything like the films then I will always be crying. Yes I know if I am able to watch the films then I should be alright with the books but with a film you can get all the heartbreak over in one sitting whereas in a book it would be over a few days if not more which I can't be doing with. This film was actually on the TV in the UK so I thought why not try it and I'm glad I did as I loved it.

I would have rated this a five star film and was thinking that right until the end and then I thought nooooo you can't end like that so I had to knock it down a star. I was not happy at all in the way in which it ended as for me it didn't really let me know what was going to happen I could kind of guess but I would rather be told.

I do love Channing Tatum and couldn't even think of anyone to play this role other than him but it is the kind of role we have seen him in many times before. There was a very touching scene with John and his father that had me in tears. I thought the chemistry between John and Savannah was sweet but not as believable as other on screen partners in other films.

This film was a bit predictable but I do love my romance films which usually are. It did leave me wanting more but not in a good way but it hasn't put me off wanting to watch it over and over again.

Film Review: Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Michele Mulroney, Kieran Mulroney, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Stars/Characters: Robert Downey Jr./Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law/Dr. Watson, Noomi Rapace/Madam Simza, Rachel McAdams/Irene, Jared Harris/Professor James Moriarty, Stephen Fry/Mycroft Holmes,
Cinema Release Date: 16th December 2011
Date Watched (DVD): 26th May 2012
Rating Given: ***

This particular film I don't think is an actual Sherlock Holmes book but it is Sherlock Holmes none the less. I can't remember if I have read any of the books I think I might have for my English class which was over 10 years ago now.

I have now watched both the Sherlock films by Guy Ritchie and I do love them but this time round it just wasn't as good as the first. I was lost for most of the film as it is what Sherlock is planning first and then it will go into near enough the same action it just was too confusing. It was probably like that in the first one as well but it just worked better than it did this time.

Although there was a lot of dark things happening it was still able to keep the film light hearted with the humour. I was laughing more often than not which I love it when a film can make you feel more than one emotion as there was times where it was really sad as well. There was always something going on which if it wasn't for all the action and humour I would have probably wanted to turn it off.

I love the characters and the partnership between Holmes and Watson was brilliant definitely one of the best cast films as I think everything that does work is because of the interaction between these two characters.

Overall I was a little disappointed as it just wasn't as good as the first one but still a good film that you probably need to watch more than once so that you can actually understand the goings on.

Film Review: The Lucky One

The Lucky One

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Scott Hicks
Writers: Will Fetters (Screenplay), Nicholas Sparks (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Zac Efron/Logan, Taylor Schilling/Beth, Blythe Danner/Ellie, Riley Thomas Stewart/Ben, Jay R. Ferguson/Keith
Cinema Release Date: 2nd May 2012
Date Watched: 13th May 2012
Rating Given: ****


I have not actually read the book version but when I had seen the trailers for it I just knew I had to see it and I'm glad that I did as I really enjoyed it and I now want to read the book.

I really enjoyed this film as I felt it had a bit for everyone with the fighting at the beginning and the will they-won't they relationship as well as family issues and of course the tears we come to expect from Nicholas Sparks.

It was nice to see Zac Efron looking and even playing a more grown up part which I think he did a great job as he was believable in his moods and actions. I also loved the bond that was portrayed between him and the dogs especially his although all the way through I was thinking please don't let any of those dogs die (won't spoil it for you). I really did like the way the guy who played Keith acted his part as I did really end up hating him but then there was times that I understood him and by the end I did end up forgiving his past mistakes. The chemistry between Logan and Beth was very believable and I just wanted everything to work out for them. For me though the scene stealer would have to be Riley Thomas Stewart as throughout this film he was just adorable.

Overall I really enjoyed this film and would watch it again although maybe when it's released on DVD. It's not the best film I have seen this year but I would definitely recommend that you give it a try.

Film Review: Avengers Assemble

Avengers Assemble

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Joss Whedon
Writers: Joss Whedon (Screenplay/story), Zak Penn (Story), Stan Lee (Comic Book), Jack Kirby (Comic Book)
Stars/Characters: Robert Downey Jr./Iron Man, Chris Evans/Captain America, Mark Ruffalo/The Hulk, Chris Hemsworth/Thor, Scarlett Johansson/Black Widow, Tom Hiddleston/Loki, Samuel L. Jackson/Nick Fury
Cinema Release Date: 26th April 2012
Date Watched: 6th May 2012
Rating Given: *****


Like Thor this is a comic turned into a film but I wanted to review it as I had done with Thor and also I loved every minute of this film.

Apart from Thor I haven't watched any of the other films about these particular superhero's but because I have known about the films and the names I was able to understand what was going on and who was who so I don't think you need to see them before watching this film but I wish I had just because I think they could be just as good as this film. I know I will watch them at some point especially Iron Man he seems to be the most interesting character and the funniest.

I found that there was so many funny parts to this film and not just Iron Man as they all seemed to have a funny moment. I wasn't expecting to laugh as much as I did as I just thought it would be all action and it wasn't but I loved it anyway. There was never a dull moment int his film if I wasn't laughing I was on the edge of my seat. It's just an all round brilliant film.

I watched it in 3D which made the scenery look that much realistic and plus I loved seeing Chris Hemsworth in 3D and the rest of the actors of course! I do find that watching a film in 3D can be hard to watch at first as it gives me a bit of a headache and also I find it hard to see it at first but once I get used to I love it I just have to remind myself time and time again not to take the glasses off during the film as I go back to square one.

I really hope there is going to be more from the Avengers it has left it open for another and I am sure it will be just as brilliant as this one.

Overall I just can't put it into words at how much I loved this film as it was awesome and definitely my favourite film that I have watched all year I would recommend anyone who is thinking about watching this film to watch it now you won't be disappointed.

Film Review: Thor

Thor

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writers: Ashley Miller (Screenplay), Zack Stentz (Screenplay), Don Payne (Screenplay), j. Michael Straczynski (Story)
Stars/Characters: Chris Hemsworth/Thor, Natalie Portman/Jane, Tom Hiddleston/Loki, Anthony Hopkins/Odin, Kat Dennings/Darcy
Cinema Release: 27th April 2011
Date Watched (DVD): 25th April 2012
Rating Given: *****

This isn't actually a book into film more comic into film but with me watching it yesterday and loving it I thought it wouldn't really matter. I haven't read the comics so I can't compare this film with them. I do love the Superheroes films and this film is no different it was a great mix of action and comedy.

The effects of this film was brilliant especially when they was in Asgard it looked visually stunning and very believable. The effects on some of the creatures was also done beautifully.

I loved the way that you never knew who was the good guy or the bad guy which I love in a film or a book as it keeps me guessing.

I actually wanted to watch this because of Chris Hemsworth being in it who I have a huge soft spot for ever since he played Kim in Home and Away. Looking at the pictures of the comic on Goodreads of Thor I do think Chris was the perfect match.  I think he did a great job at acting the arrogant warrior as at first I was thinking to myself he was being a jerk but by the end I fell in love with him (It probably helped him taking his top of as Chris has an amazing body!). What I was amazed at was that Anthony Hopkins playing Odin as I couldn't tell it was him until the credits told me who he was. That just goes to show how into the film I was that I didn't even notice who was playing who (Apart from Chris).

Just found out that there is going to be another Thor film which I can't wait for but it looks like I will have a long wait as it's not out until 2013!

This DVD that I watched I actually borrowed but I loved the film that much that I know that at some point I will be buying my own copy so that I can watch it over and over again.

Film Review: The Dark is Rising

The Dark Is Rising

(May contain spoilers)

Director: David L. Cunningham
Writer: John Hodge (Screenplay), Susan Cooper (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Alexander Ludwig/Will, Christopher Eccleston/The Rider, Ian McShane/Merriman,
Cinema Release: 19th October 2007
Date Watched (DVD): 18th April 2012
Rating Given: ***

It's been a long while since I first watched this film and I actually couldn't remember what happened. So when I was looking for a film that is also a book to watch for my weekly film review I came across this and thought I would watch it again and it felt like the first time I watched it. I have never read the series so I wouldn't be able to compare the film and the book. What I do find strange is that this is the title of the second book yet this is the first film which does make me intrigued to read the first book see if anything was needed in this film. Another thing that got me confused was that when I was looking for the film on IMDB I couldn't find it and then found that it has a different name.

I really did enjoy this film but I did feel like it was a bit immature which I know the book is probably for YA but there has been loads of YA films that seemed more mature than this film did. Although there was a couple of scene's that did freak me out but I think that has more to do with my bird phobia and there being a lot of birds in the film if I had remembered that I might not have watched it again.

Some of the acting was a bit poor but some of them did get better as I got further into the film. I was even shocked at Christopher Eccleston's acting as I have seen him in Dr.Who which he was loads better at acting in. The house that the family lived in I think looked poorly made as it looked fake usually films make them so they look real maybe they didn't have a huge budget.

I did like the way that I never knew who was on the side of good or bad which I love in books as well as films as it just makes them more thrilling.

Overall a good film but I would probably say it's more for young children rather than the adults.

Film Review: P.S. I Love You

P.S. I Love You

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Richard LaGravenese
Writer: Richard LaGravenese (Screenplay), Steven Rogers (Screenplay), Cecelia Ahern (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Hilary Swank/Holly, Gerard Butler/Gerry, Lisa Kudrow/Denise, Gina Gershon/Sharon, James Marsters/John, Kathy Bates/Patricia, Harry Connick Jr./Daniel, Jeffrey Dean Morgan/William
Cinema Release: 4th January 2008
Date Watched (DVD): 9th April 2012
Rating Given: ****


I haven't actually read the book version but I'm not sure that I want to as it's too sad maybe one day I will just not yet.

I did love this film so much but I still could only rate a four star as at the beginning the acting seemed a bit bad and Gerhard Butler's Irish accent was really bad especially when he was angry but I think it would be hard for a Scottish man to do an Irish accent. Once I got over all of those areas I loved it.

The idea that the main guy dies right at the beginning would normally put me off a film like this but surprisingly I didn't mind especially when the letters started arriving. I thought it was done beautifully and the thought that a loved one would care that much while he was more than likely suffering was very touching. I also didn't mind when William came into it as I just fell in love with him straight away and he did do the Irish accent well which I love as I have a huge soft spot for a guy who has an Irish accent.

I have now watched this film a few times now but every time I cry and sometimes it's not even in the same place but cry I do!

The music used was beautiful I loved every single one of the songs but I think my favourite has to be Galway Girl as it just made me smile and want to dance around. Also Love You 'Til The End was just heartbreaking especially when Holly was singing it although she couldn't sing it still moved me. The other thing I loved was the Irish scenery it looked breathtaking please can anyone tell me that was really set in Ireland I so hope it was as it was stunning and made me want to go there.

A stunning film in every way and it's one I will watch again and again.

Film Review: Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Writer: David Johnson
Stars/Characters: Amanda Seyfried/Valerie, Gary Oldman/Solomon, Billy Burke/Cesaire, Shiloh Fernandez/Peter, Max Irons/Henry, Lucas Haas/Father Auguste
Cinema Release: 15th April 2011
Date Watched (DVD): 4th April 2012
Rating Given: ***


I haven't actually read the book but with it being another remake of a fairytale classic I knew I just had to watch it and I am pleased I did as I did like it, however, it's not my favourite re-telling so I don't think I will try to read the book.

You can kind of tell that this has been directed by the same director as Twilight as it just has that dark feel about it with not many bright colours used. The red is the only bright colour which is probably used to match the title and also give it a sense of danger.

I loved that at the beginning it seemed to drop a few other fairytale names into it and reminded me of Grimm (TV show) which is a good thing as that is what Red Riding Hood is a Grimm fairytale.

I loved that I never actually knew who the wolf was as this kept me guessing all the way through the film it was like we was Valerie and trying to figure out who the bad guy was as we got the same clues as what she did. I don't think I could guess who it was and I was surprised when we found out as I wasn't expecting that person. Even when I watched it a second time I kept thinking it can't be them.

With me not knowing who the bad guy was you would think I didn't like any of the characters but I did especially Peter and Henry. The acting was actually done well which I am pleased about as I was then able to get lost into the film.

I do wish the ending was padded out a bit more as I don't get the feeling of it actually ending more like it was just the beginning. It also just felt like there was something missing throughout the film which was the reason why I could only give it a 3 star rating when I would have loved to have given it more.

Film Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

(May contain spoilers)

Director: Gary Ross
Writers: Gary Ross (Screenplay), Suzanne Collins (Screenplay, Novel), Billy Ray (Screenplay)
Stars/Characters: Jennifer Lawrence/Katniss, Josh Hutcherson/Peeta, Liam Hemsworth/Gale, Stanley Tucci/Caesar Flickerman, Wes Bentley/Seneca Crane, Elizabeth Banks/Effie, Woody Harrelson/Haymitch, Lenny Kravitz/Cinna
Cinema Release: 23rd March 2012
Date Watched: 23rd March 2012
Rating Given: ****


When I first heard about this book being made into a film I was so excited as it's one of my favourite books. When the release date kept getting closer and closer I was starting to get a bit worried about it as a lot of the book is Katniss thoughts but seeing the trailers I was quite impressed.

I absolutely loved the film it was a great adaptation from book into a film better than some films that was first books it could have gone so wrong but it never did.

I loved that there was extra scenes that wasn't even in the book it made it a bit easier to understand and it was nice to see the games getting sorted out it added a great touch that I actually wished was in the books. I think this would have worked better because it had Collins who knows what these people was thinking rather than someone who had no idea and just guessed what would have been happening.

Although it was easier to understand there was bit's that did confuse my mum who hasn't read the books and I had to explain some things while driving home so only then did she get the meaning of everything. My sister who I also went to see it with found it predictable and she also hadn't read the books. I found some of the scenes not portrayed as good as what they could have and some of my favourite bits from the book was not in the film which I was a bit disappointed about.

The part with Rue was done so beautiful all three of us was crying it was just so touching.

The casting I kind of loved as they was casted perfectly I couldn't imagine anyone else for any of the characters the did a wonderful job at portraying characters that we all know and love. I think that maybe Peeta could have looked different but he too did a great job at acting him I eventually believed him.

Overall a great film with a few minor casualties.

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
(May contain spoilers)

Director: David Yates
Writers: Steve Kloves (Screenplay), J.K. Rowling (Novel)
Stars Characters: Daniel Radcliffe/Harry Potter, Emma Watson/ Harmione, Rupert Grint/Ron, Ralph Fiennes/Lord Voldemort, Alan Rickman/Professor Snape
Cinema Release Date: 15th July 2011
Recently Watched (DVD): 15th March 2012
Rating Given: *****

This film thankfully picks up right where we left of from the previous film which they kind of had to do as when it was a book it's all in one not in two parts like the film so there couldn't be anything of importance missing in the film otherwise it just wouldn't work.

It has been a long time since I last read the book but to my knowledge it looks like they have kept faithful to the books which I am so glad because I feel that this particular book everything is needed to show people what happens without them getting confused. There was some shorter scenes that should have been extended like the battle as this a lot of the up close action I just feel like they didn't do it the same as the book so that the children can watch it which I am not happy about as most of them children would have read the book. I did read the adult version so maybe the version for children was more like the film so if you have read both versions please let me know was the battle scene the same?

With the books of Harry Potter the ending has always been my favourite way of ending a series so I was so pleased when that was kept into the film as to me it shows us a true ending.

I loved this film well actually all of them just as much as the books. I loved that even though it was a dark film there was still some humour which I think is needed in these kind of films. I also found myself close to tears at quite a few points not all of them was the sad parts.

It really does feel like we have watched both the characters and the stars grow up which was nice to seem, it is sad to them all go.

A great ending to a great series in both books and films.

Film Review: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
(May contain spoilers)

Director: David Slade
Writers: Melissa Rosenberg (screenplay), Stephenie Meyer (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Robert Pattinson/Edward, Kristen Stewart/Bella, Taylor Lautner/Jacob
Cinema Release Date: 9th July 2010
Recently Watched (DVD): 8th March 2012
Rating Given: ****

I have watched this DVD a couple of times now yet when watching it this time I found that I loved it more than what I remembered in fact last time I thought I didn't like it but I guess I was wrong.

I really enjoyed watching this and I just found myself smiling and laughing at everything in a good way even if it was a bit cheesy in places I guess I like a bit of cheese in my films.

There was bits that I didn't like though which a good thing about watching it on a DVD I could skip those parts and would still understand what was happening. Other parts that I didn't like was the part where Jacob gets Bella to kiss him as it just winds me up the wrong way he acts like a total jerk in this film and in the book too so it's nothing wrong with the film in this particular case.

The wigs was bad again although some of them was an improvement from New Moon. I have to mention the wigs as you would think the amount of money that was made by these films you would think they could have better props. Don't even get me started on the wolves cgi as that was rubbish they reminded me of my dog rather than a huge wolf which they was supposed to have been.

I didn't like the way they cut down the history of Rosalie and Jasper and even the wolves history as I think it would have better explained things if the whole of the history was used this I was very disappointed in.

Overall not too different from the book which I was happy about but some parts that was missing should have and would have been helpful to tell the whole story.

Film Review: Water For Elephants

Water For Elephants
(May contain spoilers)

Director: Francis Lawrence
Writers: Richard LaGravenese (Screenplay), Sara Gruen (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Robert Pattinson/Jacob, Reese Witherspoon/Marlena, Christoph Waltz/August
Cinema Release Date: 4th May 2011
Recently Watched (DVD): 28th February 2012
Rating Given: ****

I actually got this DVD for Christmas and I have only now just gotten around to watching it. I have not read the book and I don't any intentions in doing so as I don't think it would be the kind of book that I would like.

I love that it started with the ending as then you know already what happens to Robert Pattinsons character but it also does leaves me guessing as it doesn't give any other names away. I think this is a really good way to start a film.

I did find quite a lot of the film depressing which I wasn't too keen on but that was probably because of how I was feeling that day as if it was a different day I may have wanted to watch a depressing film as I do have plenty of them which this one can be added to the list.

There was a couple of parts that I really hated as it did have a bit of animal cruelty which I am dead against as I am more of an animal person that a people's person. At the point of the cruelty I thought I wouldn't be able to continue watching the film (probably why I won't read the book book) but I did stick with it and I am glad I did because was not what the film was about so there wasn't much after the big scene which I won't talk about just thinking about it makes me want to cry!

I loved the interaction between Pattinson and Witherspoon it seemed believable which is definitely needed in the main characters. They also had a great interaction with the animals which I loved to see it made me love Pattinson's character all the more. Rosie (the elephant) was such a scene stealer as she was just so adorable and so clever I would loved to have seen more from her.

In Twilight I did love Pattinson but not too much as I preferred other actors but in this film I love him more than I had done before as he looked so much better and I think it also had something to do with the way he played Jacob in this film it just drew me to him.

I loved the ending to this film it was so sweet it didn't actually make me cry (which I am surprised about) but it did make my mum cry as it was so touching.

Overall a great film but with some disturbing scene's. I went from not wanting to watch this film too I can't wait to watch it again I will just skip the parts that was too disturbing.

Film Review: New Moon

New Moon
(May contain spoilers)

Director: Chris Weitz
Writers: Melissa Rosenberg (Screenplay), Stephenie Meyer (Novel)
Stars Characters: Kristen Stewart/Bella, Taylor Lautner/Jacob, Robert Pattinson/Edward
Cinema Release Date: 20th November 2009
Recently Watched (DVD): 23rd February 2012
Rating Given: ***

As a book this was always my least favourite out of the series and there is no change for the film. With me already seeing this DVD a few times I found myself skipping some of the more boring scenes which there was a lot of. I hated the beginning which I skipped until she started spending time with Jacob but I really love the end of the film when Edward comes back on the scene.

Not only was the film not as good as the first one but the wigs was terrible in this one you could really tell they was wigs especially Alice's. The make-up for the vampires was rubbish too, as they looked too pale I know they are supposed to look pale as they are vampires but I just think it was too much they looked ill especially Edward.

The acting kind of picked up in this one but there were times when it was just terrible especially the part where Bella doesn't want Edward to be killed it just didn't feel right. What I also didn't get was Jasper's accent in this one he had the right accent the kind that you imagine him having but if I remember rightly he didn't have this accent in the first one or is this just me?

Overall another good effort at keeping it similar to the book but like the book this was not my favourite of the trilogy.

Film Review: Twilight

Twilight
(May contain spoilers)

Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Writers: Melissa Rosenberg (Screenplay), Stephenie Meyer (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Robert Pattinson/Edward Cullen, Kristen Stewart/Bella Swan, Billy Burke/Charlie Swan, Taylor Lautner/Jacob Black, Nikki Reed/Rosalie, Kellan Lutz/Emmet, Ashley Greene/Alice, Jackson Rathbone/Jasper, Cam Gigandet/James
Cinema Release Date: 19th December 2008
Recently Watched (DVD): 16th February 2012
Rating Given: ***

In the past I had watched it so many times that I eventually got fed up of watching it and I hadn't watched it for a while now, however, with Breaking Dawn getting released on DVD in March I thought I would watch the Saga over again as it would be quicker than reading the books.

When I first watched this film I loved it I couldn't think of any other film that would be as good as this one well that was until I got fed up with it. This time round however I did really like it but I just didn't love it as much as what I did back then.

At first I thought that they stuck pretty close to the book with only one scene missing but thinking about it this time there is quite a few scene's missing which were my favourite part of the book so I am quite upset that they didn't put them in there. Some of the scene's that are in the book and in the film are cut down quite a bit as well which is such a shame on both these points as some of the best scene's ended up being the worst in the film.

The acting is quite bad in this film that I never really noticed that much but at least they have improved as each film is made.

I found Bella more annoying in the film than in the books as some of the way she said things or did things came of rude and abrupt. I think they should have made her more clumsy in the film as it's quite funny reading about it so I think it could have been funny while watching it.

When I first watched this I loved Robert Pattinson and couldn't think of a better guy to play him but that was before I went off of him (like him again after watching Breaking Dawn he looked very yummy), but while I watching it this time around I couldn't help but think Ed Westwick would have made a brilliant Edward as in the books he is described a lot like Ed.

I can't believe how much Taylor has changed from this one to the latest one he has buffed up so much and he doesn't look as youthful.

There was moments when I was really enjoying it and smiling away at some of the (cheesy) things that was being said.

Film Review: How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days

How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(may contain spoilers)

Director: Donald Petrie
Writers: Kristen Buckley (Screenplay), Brian Regan (Screenplay), Burr Steers (Screenplay), Michele Alexandra (Book), Jeannie Long (Book)
Stars/Characters: Kate Hudson/Andie Anderson, Matthew McConaughey/Ben Barry
Cinema Release Date: 18th April 2003
Recently Watched (DVD): 9th February 2012
Rating Given: *****

I have seen this film more times than I can actually remember and I even know some of the lines before they are actually said. What I didn't know was that this film is based on a book I only found out when looking through my DVDs for something to watch that was a book and found that this one was.

I haven't actually read the book but when looking at the blurb it sounds like it's not the same as the film as it seems to be an actual guide on doing the wrong things when dating a guy. So what the film must of done is used the same kind of idea for Andie to do an article on using the things that are stated in the book.

This film is actually one of my favourite books as I just find it hilariously funny. It's such a light watch that I like to watch it when am feeling down it's the perfect pick me up.

The two stars McConaughey and Hudson are brilliantly cast as Ben and Andie it's great to watch there on screen chemistry I would love to see these pair up again.

One of my favourite scenes in this film would have to be towards the end where Ben and Andie have found about what each of them have actually been up to and are singing You're So Vain with there own words it's really funny but by no means the only funny scene's. There are bit's that are a bit cringey but I think that's needed for this kind of film to work.

Brilliant film one I would definitely recommend however I'm not sure that the book is something that I will be reading any time soon.

Film Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic

Confessions of a Shopaholic
(May contain spoilers)

Director: P.J. Hogan
Writers: Tracey Jackson (screenplay), Tim Firth (Screenplay), Kayla Alpert (Screenplay), Sophie Kinsella (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Isla Fisher/Rebecca Bloomwood, Hugh Dancy/Luke Brandon, Krysten Ritter/Suze, Joan Cusack/Jane Bloomwood, John Goodman/Graham Bloomwood
Cinema Release Date: 20th February 2009
Recently Watched (DVD): 26th January 2012
Rating Given: ****

I read this book a few years ago now but I do remember how much fun of a read this was so when I found out it was going to be made into a film I jumped at the chance to watch it.

Although this book has quite a few differences I still love the film just as much as I loved the book as they was both fun.

It's a very lighthearted film with a serious matter underneath which I love to see in films and books.

Isla Fisher as Rebecca Bloomwood is just the perfect casting as when reading the book you can really imagine Isla as Rebecca which not many films can cast the right characters but I think for Rebecca and even the other characters was the best I don't feel as though anyone else would have done a better job. I love the way she was able to bring the character to life and as a lovable character as well which could have been a hard thing to do as the things that Rebecca gets up to you could hate a character like that but with her portraying Rebecca in the way she is in the book you can't hate her.

Hugh Dancy as Luke Brendon was also the best possible casting for this particular role. I loved to see the interaction between Isla and Hugh they had the perfect chemistry and I loved the dancing scene with these two it was just so funny.

Overall a great, lighthearted, quirky and funny film in which I will watch over and over again like I already have done!

Film Review: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
(May contain spoilers)

Director: Brad Silberling
Writers: Robert Gordan (screenplay), Daniel Handler (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Jim Carrey/Count Olaf, Liam Aiken/Klaus, Emily Browning/Violet, Jude Law/Lemony Snicket(Voice), Timothy Spall/Mr.Poe, Billy Connolly/Uncle Monty, Meryl Streep/Aunt Josephine
Cinema Release Date: 17th December 2004
Recently Watched (DVD): 19th January 2012
Rating Given: **

I read this book a long time ago now and all I really remember is that I didn't like it but when the film came out and saw all those stars I thought I would actually like it how wrong was I.

This as a book was very depressing and didn't really have a happy ending as it was a part of a series (which I never continued with) this films was also a bit depressing but with Jim Carrey as the villain it was hard not to laugh. If I remember rightly the ending is a little bit different to the books as it was a more lighter ending maybe that was due to the fact there is no more films unlike the books.

I thought the make-up for Jim Carrey was brilliant as you could hardly tell it was him.

I think that maybe it was wrong casted as there was too much humour with his character and I actually kind of liked him not what he did but the way he did it had a funnier edge to a dark theme.

With all of those stars I thought there was going to be some outstanding acting but I did find it lacking and the acting of the children was a lot better than the big stars which I found a bit shocking.

Overall not a great film and I don't think I will be watching it again.

Big stars big flop!

Film Review: Eragon

Eragon
(May contain spoilers)

Director: Stefen Fangmeier
Writers: Peter Buchman (Screenplay), Christopher Paolini (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Ed Speleers/Eragon, Jeremy Irons/Brom, Sienna Guillory/Arya, Robert Carlyle/Durza, John Malkovich/Galbatorix, Christopher Egan/Roran, Rachel Weisz/Saphira
Cinema Release Date: 15th December 2006
Recently Watched (DVD): 12th January 2012
Rating Given: **

I have read the book in which this film is based upon Eragon and that particular book in the series was my favourite as it was a great set-up story and there was always something going on. So when the film came out I just had to watch it.

This film did get a lot of stick for being rubbish which even though I gave it just 2 stars I don't actually agree that it was a rubbish film. I think if you never read the book a lot of people would actually like this film as the book just outshines the film which was the reason behind my 2 star rating.

There was a lot of action in the film but I actually think that there should have been more action as the fight scenes was a little too rushed when in the book they went on for pages even chapters at times.

There was a few characters missing which I wasn't pleased about as some that was missing like Solembum as he was one of my favourite characters and he is also quite important to the story. There was also a load of other characters that was also important but missing.

Some of the key points of the book was also missing from the film which I thought was a shame as again they was important. It's like they wasn't thinking about anything but to get the film out which if they had taken their time and maybe made the film longer this could have been an amazing film.

Film Review: Beastly

Beastly
(May contain spoilers)

Director: Daniel Barnz
Writers: Daniel Barnz (Screenplay), Alex Flinn (Novel)
Stars/Characters: Alex Pettyfer/Kyle, Vanessa Hudgens/Lindy
Cinema Release Date: 22nd April 2011
Recently Watched: 5th January 2012
Rating Given: ***

I read the book Beastly last year and I fell in love with it as I just loved everything about it, so when I heard they was making it into a film I just had to see it.

I went to see it at the cinemas and I got the DVD and watched it a couple of times since then today included. Why you might say did I get the DVD when I only gave it three stars? Well the answer to that is simple I love the film and would have got four stars if it wasn't for me reading the book first which I find far better than the actual film.

There was far too many differences in the film, from what the book says Kyle is supposed to be a beast full of fur just like the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast however, in the film he doesn't have fur but he is still supposed to be a beast kind of figure. I actually don't agree I think he still looks good and you can definitely tell it's Kyle so I don't understand how Lind doesn't notice this.

I am actually very pleased that I got the DVD as there is some bonus features and one of them is an alternative ending which I think is more like the book than any other scenes in the actual film. I really wish they used the alternate ending as it kind of ties up some of the lose ends that I didn't understand from the actual book.

I think they chose the right actors for all the characters except for Lindy's character I just don't think Vanessa Hudgens was the right choice plus she didn't act all that well either.

Overall I loved the film but the book was by far better.