Peppermint Friday Review #47: Pride

Back again, but this is to make up for missing last week so aren't you lucky two Peppermint Friday Reviews in one day wow! We're gonna be talking about another monumental event to happen in Great Britain and that's Gay Pride well not the proper event in London its the accepting and the beginning of the LGBT community well I think anyway, they're still a few people who don't accept it. 

The story takes place 1984 during the Miners Strike, and a group of Gay and Lesbians who work in a book shop called Gay's The Word decide to raise money for the miners, a campaign called LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners). Mark Ashton played by Ben Schnetzer who has idea for raising money for the miners and initially everyone is against the idea, because everyone including miners hates them. They get help from a very small tight knit Welsh Village called Onllwyn, and some in the village were very opposed to the idea of Gay and Lesbians around them.

Everyone in the group has such strong personalities, it wonderful you've got Steph who is the only lesbian of the founding members of the group, she is just brilliant very hard skinned and can come across as cold, but I think its because she's northern. Ben Schnetzer who plays Mark Ashton was just brilliant, I didn't realise he was American until now and he just excels at this part and nails the accent, Mark was Northern Irish. There was a fictional character called Joe 'Bromley' played by George Mackay who was coming to terms with his sexuality and being apart of the LGBT world, I loved it because it was kinda like an audience perspective and we were on his journey aswell. 

In Onllwyn the people who welcome LGSM are brilliant like Sian James who was just outstanding towards to the group and made a real difference afterwards. Heffina Headon who was played by Imelda Staunton who was again as always she is just sensational and that alone is a good enough reason to watch a film. I loved how in the 80s people were still so prejuiced but also some were really really open minded and accepting about the whole thing. Like some of the elderly were so wonderful and brilliant towards them and just treated them and spoke to them like normal people which they are. The dialogue of the film and the way it was written, it was just perfect and the way a political biopic should be. 

It was just so fluid and tide everything together, the way Mark cared so much about his group and the fundraising, being gay and proud of it he just did it with such passion and fire. Its something so brilliant to watch and its funny because now in 2017 noone in the UK at least really cares if you're gay well there are some people who just don't get it, but from the 1980s and now its a different world but its also the same you've got people still fighting for rights and people are political back then and now even more so. The costumes of the film and the colour, the settings from London to the quaint Welsh Village is brilliant and I love that diversity and seeing the difference but not at the same time. 

This film is just brilliant its film whether you're into Politics or not, believe me its only since last year I got into Politics, so for me its still very new. Also whether you are part of the LGBT Community or not its still a fascinating film with great characters and story, with amazing elements to it. It's also around the same time of people finding out about Aids and the whole you're gonna die as soon as you touch a gay person and what have you. Its a wonderful film and everyone should watch this and enjoy it, its still on BBC IPlayer if you wanna watch it. 

Peppermint Friday Review #45: Logan

This is another film that I just need to talk about that is Logan. I didn't watch it when it came out which I'm so annoyed with as its such a beautiful film and so well made. Its directed by James Mangold who wrote and directed Girl, Interrupted and the last Wolverine film and boy did he do a good bloody job.  

First of all one of the reasons I need to talk about this, is not because I'm a hugh fan of Hugh Jackman ( see what I did there ;) ) but also I love Wolverine and Marvel and you all know this by now, but I need to talk about this because its his last Wolverine film and I think we won't see Wolverine again for a long time as Hugh played him for almost 20 years. I also love the fact that its the same feeling as many got with the end of Harry Potter as its an end of an era, of such a monumental character. The story is honestly just a big road trip of Wolverine, Professor X and Laura/X-23 who is Logan/Wolverine's daughter with people trying to kill them. 

The film had so many emotional moments aswell as it being an action film, which I find to be so important, particularly with this one as its the last one the emotional and quite still moments have to be poignant of the film. Patrick Stewart was just wonderful as Professor X as per, he is just a legend in the film world he played older version of Professor X so wonderfully kinda like a really cool grandad, he was funny and whimsical but at the same time being totally badass. I loved his death scene I was just torn up and the fact throughout the film he is trying to help Logan and Logan just doesn't care and rebuffs him. It's a wonderful scene as it just makes things even more real for Logan as he kinda justs takes him for granted in a way and now he's like 'Oh wow he's right she IS my daughter' its so beautifully written and told. 

In the film the comedy was brilliantly done, it wasn't forced in anyway the scene where they're at the dinner table and talking about school which I only found out recently was improvised. which makes me so happy because it was brilliant. I'm also so so so impressed with Dafne Keen who played Laura/X23 she is one to watch out if she sticks with the acting I'm hoping they'll keep her for future X-Men films, and I have a feeling they'll go to X-23 for a few years. Just because strong females are in at the moment and I'm pretty sure people will need some time to move on from Wolverine and Hugh Jackman. Not to say he's not important its just we've seen him for so long and to suddenly to have some new guy it would be pretty fast, as we're all so attached to Wolverine. 

Also it would be refreshing, I'd like it if they kept her and her career could be like Hugh Jackman's but if they change it and decide to have her as a teenager or adult then its fine aslong as she's badass and is amazing. The death scene of Logan was again just simply beautiful he died in a way that's so like him and unlike him, he died whilst in action saving mutant kids and died with a loving daughter something that he never really had. Throughout the film aswell, Professor X keeps saying to him 'she's so much like you' 'she's yours' kinda thing and Logan doesn't care and rebuffs him, but in the end its just so tender and sweet. 

                                                                
Even if you're a huge fan of Wolverine or not you should see this film, although I do think you'd find it even more emotional if you're a long term fan, because of the importance of it. But I rekon you'd still find it very emotional and gripping to watch because of the way it was made and approached. 

Peppermint Friday Review #44: Foxcatcher

Its been a week and no posts not gonna explain why as you'll know I do try to have a life outside of the blogger-sphere. We're just gonna get straight into talking about Foxcatcher as I've never seen it before so its from someone's fresh eyes if that makes sense. 

The story is based off a true story of the Schultz brothers who were pretty big in the wrestling world Mark and Dave who were both played by Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo. Mark is spotted by a multi millionaire and owner of Foxcatchers John Du Pont who is played by Steve Carell who sends him to Foxcatchers a camp to train and compete. Its also about the events before the murder of Dave Schultz. You may have heard of this story in news or just from this film like me, but its a compltelye new film for me and you know what I'm like with my biopics. 

It mainly centres around Mark which I find quite funny as his character is in the middle between his brother Dave and John his coach. But he isn't neutral at all, he is actually quite sensitive as he takes things quite strongly and is affected by John and his brother which is understandable as he really looked up to both of them. I love Channing Tatum in this, its funny because like with Brad Pitt peopel only see him as this gorgeous man and yes he is but he's also an amazing actor and in this he is the best I've ever seen, as I've only seen him really in Step Up, Dear John, She's the man and they are very teenage films which I love its just nice to see him in a different light and I can't wait for the next roles he'll take as I'll definitely watch him. 

Steve Carell in this film is so different to how I normally see him, similar to Tatum I've only seen him in one light its my own fault really as I just haven't seen him in many things. He's like Robin Williams in a way where, he's amazing at being funny and crazy but also brilliant at being still and very in the moment. There were times of watching him I felt abit uncomfortable as he gave off this image of 'I can get what I want' and it doesn't matter about how hard someone's training and the real true work wrestlers have its the money. With saying that I'm not an expert in wrestling just its a sport and you train for it. 

Its directed by Bennett Miller a director who I'm not familiar with as he hasn't made that many films, but this film is amazing and I can't wait for more of his work. If you liked The Social Network and The Founder then you'll love this as its so still its got people/characters that are predominately human because humans are selfish and make massive mistakes and mess up massively. The colouring of the film is again very similar to The Social Network and The Founder as they all in the same vein of films I think anyway and I love those kinds of films, as they're so refreshing to watch. 

                                                               
I think its a wonderful film, so different and unique to watch if you wanna see Steve Carell, Mark Ruffelo and Channing Tatum in a film and all amazing then watch this film as its wonderful. I'll see you all later and have a wonderful day/week 

Peppermint Friday Review #42: The Prince and the Showgirl

From watching Some Like It Hot I kinda went abit crazy over Marilyn Monroe and plus I just realised I haven't done a Friday review with Marilyn yet, I did All About Eve but that was before she became the big star, with this one its so amazing and a film is based on her experiences of this film, My Week With Marilyn which I may do a review on. 

Its about a Carpathian Prince (played by Laurence Olivier) who attends a performance of The Coconut Girl and meets the cast afterwards he takes a particular liking to Elsie Marina (played by Marilyn Monroe) she is invited back to his house to her thinking it was for a party or a big dinner but it was for the Prince to seduce her, the two end up falling in love and its just about her being an American Showgirl and a Prince who's used to doing things in quite a restricted way. As his upbringing is very much don't do this, say this and constantly being told what to do, whereas with Elsie she is very bubbly and is much more outspoken than the Prince, even though if he doesn't like something he'll say it.

I love the couple individually and together, but if you knew what happened behind the scenes where Laurence Olivier was horrible to Marilyn. Olivier also directed this film and acted in the play version of the film by Terrence Rattigan, Olivier's wife Viven Leigh played Elsie in the play version, which is really funny as we all know what kinda characters Marilyn plays and the characters Viven plays, you wouldn't think they could ever play the same character. But Marilyn really bought something different and special to the role, its a flirty character, but also very emotional and empathetic.

The costumes of the film were just beautiful, and wonderfully made as all the characters had a particular style, I love Elsie's dress the colour, the length, the style of it all, I just love it and need it plus she makes it look gorgeous. The party scene was amazing everything was in such synchronicity with the dancing, not one person was off. I also loved Sybil Thorndike as Queen Dowager she was just wonderful, one thing I loved about the script and the writing of it all was whenever Elsie spoke to her, the Queen had to be reminded of what she said it made me laugh for some reason I don't know why. 

I love how the scenes were shot and made its as if they were created just there on the spot so effortlessly done. A few characters who made it on the favorite list were, King Nicolas who was played by Jeremy Spenser I loved his voice whenever he shouted or lost his temper, it was always really high and it made me laugh. Northbrook played by Richard Wattis was brilliant loved how he used his voice. All of Elsie's friends were just brilliant, so funny and amazing totally unaware of what pressure she may be under. 

                                                                   
The ending was amazingly done, I like that its kinda up to us, as to what happened between them, did they ever meet again or was there classes far too different from each other. I might actually do a review of My Week With Marilyn as I always find it interesting the behind the scenes of films. This is a wonderful film to watch with a great story to tell, whether you are a long time fan of Marilyn or just heard about her, regardless you should definitely watch her as she is a real star. 

Peppermint Friday Review #41: Life Is Beautiful

Life Is Beautiful is an interesting one, as it a World War II concentration Romantic Comedy. I know those two things should not be in the sentence and it sounds like it shouldn't work but it does. 

Its directed by Robert Benigni who also stars in it as Guido the main character, the story is based on Rubino Romeo Salmoni true life I say based but I'm pretty sure its not word for word. The story is about Guido who is a funny charismatic man, who falls inlove with Dora (played by Nicoletta Braschi) at the beginning she is engaged to a man who's horrible and big-headed. Soon she doesn't love him anymore and falls in love with Guido and they get married and have a son called Giouse. World War II breaks out all of them are sent to a concentration camp, Dora is separated from her husband and son, but Guido trys to pull stunts and pranks to get messages sent to Dora. Guido tells Giouse that this whole thing is a game and they have to reach 1000 points, Guido puts himself at risk to save Dora and Giouse. 

I love Roberto Benigni already, he is just a genius and so funny I'd describe him as the Italian version of Kenneth Branagh where he directs his own stuff and gives himself a main role. I can understand with this film if it offended some people or before it was released people were humming and ahing on whether it was the right choice to make. Simply because the concentration camps and World War II are very sensitive subjects to some people, and to portray it like a joke I can completely understand. But with this story its simply a story of a father who wants to protect his son, and wants his son to not hate anyone because if he told Giouse what was actually going on and its not a game, it would change Giouse's outlook on life/people and his dad. 

One of my favorite moments of the film was the scene in which Guido was translating what the German Soldier was saying was the funniest thing ever, as Guido was trying to ease the tension and make his son laugh, because whatever happens he wants his son to remember to keep smiling no matter what, which is a very positive thing to enforce. Giouse was wonderful to watch, I googled the actor to find out if he's still doing acting but I think the acting career stopped from when he was a child, which is a shame. Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi were fantastic to watch with such beautiful chemistry not a surprise really as they are both married. 

Another moment I love and shows Guido dedication towards taking care of his son. When Guido wants him to get mixed with the German kids as they are treated much better than when he's at the concentration camp but tells him to say nothing. There's bit where Guido is serving the Germans and the kids and Giouse says 'Grazie' and its a shock as they'll find out he's not German but a Jew, but Guido quickly tries to resolve to situation by teaching the kids Italian. 

                                                                   
This film is a wonderful story, of a man who wants the best for his son and wife its a sad but happy ending as he set out to do the thing he intended to in the first place, which is family at first. I loved how different this film is compared to other films about concentration camps and World War II as it was more about family and love than the history of it itself. You should definitely give this film a watch as its so wonderful, and shows life is beautiful yup I had to throw that in there. I'll see you all later and have great day/weekend wherever you are.

Peppermint Friday Review #40: Amelie

This is a weird one as its a film thats pretty much on every list of 'Films You Should See Before You Die' most of the time I don't listen to these lists as they are written by white old men, and the same with Books aswell. Not to say that Classic older films are bad not at all, because we all know how I feel about old films! but if you haven't watch a film thats on that list its like 'you can't truly call yourself a film buff!' and I don't agree with that, but we're gonna talk about this film and is it worth it being on those list? 

This is a weird film directed and story by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, as the storyline for me anyway didn't make much sense, from what I got its about a girl called Amelie (played by Audrey Tautou) and her life story I guess from when she was a girl who was very lonely and still is in her adult years, developed a very active imagination.  Its the first live action French film I've ever watched, its also I think anyway one of the first French films to make it into the Mainstream Film Industry I guess, so thats really good and I can see why. The film is entirely in French and I don't speak French or understand it but I enjoyed the film very much its not my favourite film or the best film I've seen but its a good film.

Its funny because the way people talk about this film is as if there is no other film quite like it at the time of its release which was in 2001 but not anymore I don't think because there are films and tv shows I've seen that are in the same vein as this. For example Submarine that film is very similar to this not in the story line but the genre its about quirky people, its about love and the stylising and colours of different scenes are very similar, but baring in mind that Submarine came out in 2010 and this in 2001. But I love the colours and the style of this film, the costumes are wonderful too as they really represent each character and how they feel. 

One thing I do love about Amelie is the fact that she is a Waitress and I used to be a Waitress, so I feel abit of connection with her she is also very isolated kinda like me, but she uses her loneliness to help other people in her life. The film also has alot of sentinmental quotes as I've seen this film being quoted quite a lot, mainly by teenagers who think their so #weird. I love the quotes and the sentimentality of the film as it shows us we should help people if we can't help ourselves. Another thing with the antagonist and it made me laugh was her opinion I guess well she starts her job single, but not a virgin and her take on sex I think is funny. 

This film is very peculiar because its set in France and its the stereotypical venison of what we imagine of what France, it shines all the good bits. The peculiar thing is with the setting of the film we know its set from the 1970s when Amelie was born to late 90s-early 2000s. The costumes of what the characters are wearing is very in keeping with the times, but Amelie is very unique and shows to be the odd one out because she is wearing clothes that either don't fit in or that are abit quirky and different. I like the style and costumes of what she and the rest of the characters are wearing, all the colours its wonderful, but like with the Cafe Society Review if I only like the colours and scenery is it a film that's really worth watching? 

                                                                
I liked this film, mainly down to Amelie but would I watch it again if it was on Film4 then yeah. If you wanna watch a different film or you wanna get into French films or films that have no English in then give it ago 100%. I can definitely see all the inspirations that directors have taken from this film and what inspirations gave to this film. If I'm honest I'm abit lukewarm to this film as I liked it but I don't really see the hype in it, because there are films that are just as good and are in the same vein, but I can understand why people like it so much. Thank you for reading let me know what you think of this film and I'll see you all very soon have a great Peppermint Friday and I shall see you all next week! 

Peppermint Friday Review #38: The Founder

We're gonna talk about The Founder which is about the beginning of McDonalds and the troubles and just all the drama went on. 

The story starts with Ray Croc played by Michael Keaton who is a travelling salesman representing Prince Castle Milkshake makers, and it was enough to be relatively happy, but he wants more, he drives to California one day and drives to a McDonalds and is totally baffled and meets the people behind this wonderful idea of fast food, family friendly and disposable packaging environment. Maurice "Mac" McDonalds and Richard "Dick" McDonalds played by Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch tell him how they started the business and back then it was different when it came to eating on the go. It was waitresses giving food on plates to the cars and it taking ages to arrive and when it does its usually wrong. Ray thinks its crazy that they haven't franchised this concept of the places quicker and given a McDonalds in every city or town ever. 

Mac and Dick already tried to get it global, but it didn't work and Mac's diabetes flared up quite badly during that time, Ray wants to franchise it and take it global Dick is abit hesitant but Mac thinks why not, so they go for it and as time goes on and Ray's greedy true colours come to head and has more and more power it became more of Ray's business and dream than Mac and Dicks when it was their baby. Its funny because usually I'm not interested at all with McDonalds as I'm just not crazy on it when I was a kid I never used to crave it and be like ' I wanna go to mcdonalds!!!' because I never ate it that much when I was a kid, but I like it and I could live without it. But I mean we all know how I feel about a Biopic, guys this film for me anyway shows that doesn't matter if you don't like or aren't crazy on what the film is about its about the story and characters.

Its similar in a way that The Social Network was its about McDonalds but its not about McDonalds, its got an extremely business aspect thing about it being very money hungry and the line between personal and business. Because Dick and Mac were very family oriented, they care about the customer and each other they really looked out for each other. With Ray his mind from the beginning was 'how can I make more money?' which is fine but if you're marketing a family brand and you're selling that but don't have that its abit crazy. One of my favorite scenes of the film is when Ray's book keeper says that Mac wants to talk to him on the phone but Ray just goes no and that carries on throughout the film. 

It becomes more of Ray's business and his thing rather than Mac and Dick's and Ray always looked out for himself and for him he felt like Mac and Dick weren't helping him with his vision at all, just a distraction and he was breaking his contract with Mac and Dick constantly and not caring about them its all for him. I love that with Biopics and well with just films in general I love how they can find the simple human qualities in the most famous people and digging out that actually they are just human like us. Even when Ray divorces his wife, when he's told she'll receive money from McDonalds because he's married to her, he just says out right no. Part of me can't help but agree with him because in a business you have to be ruthless and abit selfish, because if you care too much your proprieties get changed and you're not focusing on whats important in a business and that's making money. 

                                                              
Another part of me feels sorry for Mac and Dick as they didn't receive not even half the money they should have gotten and plus all the systems they introduced the idea of fast food and eating on the go was all invented by those brothers, and its a system that's still in use today, its just that Ray made it all blow up. I love this film so much its got a business element to it which I love so much and if you loved The Social Network then you'll love this as its in the same vein as it. I'll see you all later and have a wonderful day/evening/morning/night wherever you are! 

Peppermint Friday Review: Gone Girl #37

This is the film I just don't like and I'm happy that I'm talking about this because on here I do talk about films I love and its refreshing to talk about something I didn't like and didn't get.

Firstly I read the book before the film, which is something you should normally do, I try to do that but not always. Its with exception of Harry Potter and LOTR because I watched them when I was around 8-9 and back then I had quite bad dyslexia and those books are huge so I just didn't read them, I have now though. I mean with book to film adaptations there is obviously gonna be a difference in the film, because a director's mind is completely different to an author's and there are some things in the story that are just inherently book oriented and some things that work amazingly for film. What the story is about is Amy and Nick played by Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck a couple who have been married for 5 years and on their 5th Anniversary Amy disappears, and its the story and mystery as to what happened to Amy. 

The film goes in flashbacks to when Nick first met Amy and Amy's past boyfriends and what happened the day she disappeared. Amy is also known as 'Amazing Amy' by the public because of the popular books her parents wrote in the inspiration of their daughter. The story is so flawed and it annoys me because there is noone I can relate to in this story at all not one person is sympathetic at all. The couple are questioning what went wrong in their marriage, they were both unemployed due to the recession which led Nick to have an affair with Andie played by Emily Ratajkowski, and there were problems of whether or not Amy's pregnant. Its a whole public search as to where is Amy and her relationship with Nick, and he becomes a prime suspect that he killed her. As Amy learned that Nick was having an affair so instead of confronting him about it and going from there in their relationship, no she frames him for murder, her murder. 

I just find the whole story ludicrous and I watched the film twice because I wanted to see if I hated the story or the film itself, because there is a difference I liked the actors in the film, but the story and characters were just terrible. Nick meets Tommy played by Scoot McNairy an ex of Amy's who she accused him of rape, he also meets Desi Collings played by Neil Patrick Harris another of Amy's exs who had a restraining order against him, Amy then decides to meet him and wants him to runaway together and that Nick was abusing her. I know its so so so dumb, Amy and Desi capture there old fire in a way and have some fun and as they're doing it, she gets a knife and kills him while they're doing it..... yes you read that. Oh but it gets weirder and much more ludicrous, Amy then gets in her car and still covered in blood, drives home to Nick, while still being covered in blood, not her blood but the guy she just murdered's blood.

I'd like to let you all know that noone questions her about it, and she gets sent to the hospital for check ups I assume and yet still covered in blood and noone questions why. But she names Desi who's dead as her captor and rapist clearing Nick of being a suspect. In the end Amy says to Nick she's pregnant, Nick doesn't believe this and is willing to take a paternity test and decides to stay with Amy. I just find the whole story so stupid its annoying because the concept is brilliant I mean it sounds so juicy and like some Creepypasta that will keep you up at night thinking 'what happened to her?' 'was she killed or did she just had enough?' a million questions go through your mind and it delivers itself like a wet lettuce.

Its not just the film its the book aswell, it took me about a week to read it and it was very slow paced. This has nothing to do with the Director of the film David Fincher who I love so much, but its the story that's at fault. I don't know what the author wanted me to think, was it suppose to be a test of whether or not I have empathy/sympathy because I think most humans do. I could not relate to anyone in this story, I thought Amy was just stupid I mean if you're not happy in your relationship you talk to each other and get it sorted out, whether that'd be splitting up or staying together and working through it. I mean you don't just frame your husband for your murder and leg it? One good thing from this is that she is the third woman in stories for me anyway to make my blood boil with anger. Overall I don't like this story and I'm happy I'm not the only one as I've seen many people take a dislike to this and the book. If you want to watch it go right ahead you're not gonna miss out much from the book, if you wanna read the book then go for it but you'll be wasting a week and about 2 and half hours of your life.  

Peppermint Friday Review #34: Precious

I'm aware the posts have been abit wishy washy on this blog recently, but I kinda like it and hate it, I love the spontaneity of it all where I've just been watching films that people have told me to watch and I just didn't but now I am. Also I like the theme weeks and I kinda miss that to tell you the truth I'm kinda having 'blogger's block' but its okay, because it will pass. 

The film Precious is about a Claireece Precious Jones played by Gabourey Sidbe, and she is an illiterate overweight, very unhappy 16 year old girl living in 1987 Harlem. She lives with her son, and her mother Mary (played by Mo'Nique) who is unemployed and treats Precious horribly, and blames her for her boyfriend leaving, her boyfriend Precious's dad isn't around, and when he was around Precious was treated even worse by him, he raped her and treated her horrifically again. The film starts with Precious being kicked out of school for being pregnant again, and the dad being Precious's is dad, the school can't cope with her and kick her out and sent her to an alternative school. She finally learns to read and write by her new teacher Blu Rain (played by Paula Patton) she also meets a social worker called Ms Weiss (played by Mariah Carey) and learns about the goings on in Precious's life. 

I remember when this film came out and I dismissed it, and I'm glad I did and I'm annoyed I did at the same time, because the reason I dismissed this film was because I watched the trailer and it looked way too serious and well in my 12-13 year old words was 'boring'. I watch it now and its not the case at all, because trailers can be misleading and just give away the whole film so that's annoying. I'm glad because its such a serious film and has some issues that are so hard core like incest, its not a happy topic for a film. So I'm glad I'm a little bit older to understand the film and really properly like it, because its such a wonderfully written film. I already loved Gabourey Sidbe because she was in American Horror Story and I love that show, and she is such a good actress I love her. Fun fact she had no acting experience prior to this film, and was chosen over 300 people who auditioned for the role so go her. 

The film goes in flashbacks and fantasies of Precious's life and mindset, she imagines that she's this big Hollywood star having photoshoots and red carpet events, just loving life far from what her reality is. I love that because it shows that Precious does have some ambition and doesn't want to be like her mother. It's crazy to me that Mariah Carey is in this film, and doesn't look like herself when I read on IMDB that she was in it I thought 'Okay they've given her a part because the film needed abit of publicity and Mariah can say she's an actress, because she was in a film once' but its not the case at all, she look almost unrecognisable, I thought she'd play a very diva-ish character the persona Mariah puts up because she is an incredible singer, and surprisingly an amazing actress. 

The colours of the film is brilliant, I love how causal they made the 80s look, because usually its massive shoulder pads, bright colours just everywhere, and everyone listening to Cyndi Lauper or Prince. Its very causal and lets the story and character explain for themselves. Mo'Nique is fantastic she played a woman who had such a strong hatred for her daughter so wonderfully. The connection and chemistry between Gabourey and Mo'Nique is just brilliant they acted off each other really well they played a mother a daughter who had such a complicated relationship that they're meant to love each other but it turned into hate and something completely bitter. I love Precious as a character because she starts off being this very insecure girl who's confidence is completely torn by her mother and father. At the end and throughout yeah she doesn't get her dream but she learnt how to read and write and gathered confidence to stand up to her mother. 

Nothing is happy in the end, like theres no fairytale ending but Rome wasn't built in a day. We also learnt something about people, that we are complicated and do crazy stuff and no matter what age you are, you can do anything. Give this film a watch because it is so good and deserved all its awards and nominations it was given, because its such a wonderful story and it's not an easy story and film to watch you should bare that in mind before you watch it, and my only criticism of the film, its not really a criticism but its something you know. With that watch the film for Mariah Carey's brilliant acting performance and obviously Gabourey and Mo'Nique performances and also not to forget the amazing story of a young girl's journey of self confidence and self discovery.

Peppermint Friday Review #33: The Piano

I've been wanting to talk about this film for ages, because its a big film for me, as its the first film I ever watched that had sex scenes in. I remember watching it on the flight to New Zealand when I was 10 and I watched all the kids films, the family films, adventure films, sci-fi bascially everything I loved and I just thought 'I'll watch that'. Completely naive and it still remains one of the best period dramas I've ever seen in my opinion.

Its such an interesting story, its about a woman called Ada (played by Holly Hunter) and she hasn't spoken since she was 6 years old. She and her daughter Flora (played by Anna Paquin) are shipped of to New Zealand so Ada can marry a frontiersman called Alisdair (played by Sam Neill). As they arrive to New Zealand, Ada spends hours on her piano and that's the only thing she cares about. Alisdair has a friend Baines (played by Harvey Keitel) and he wants to learn how to play piano, at first Ada refuses and is disgusted by Baines, but Alisdair demands that she does. As time goes on Ada plays for him and Baines wants to 'do things to her' as she plays in exchange for keys on the piano, she agrees, and over time they fall in love.

One of the reasons as to why I love this film so much isn't to do with the fact that it has amazing costumes but its the story that's so unique and completely different from what I've seen before. Its one of those films I wish there was more of, I love that its set in New Zealand in the Victorian/Edwardian era because there's alot of Victorian and Edwardian films that are set in America and England, and its nice that it's set in New Zealand. I love anything to do with New Zealand because my mum's from New Zealand so this film holds such a special place for me. I love how the characters are unlike anyone I've ever seen before, Baines wasn't the typical handsome hero and neither was Alisdair they were very average looking. I love that Baines had tattoos on his face, like all the rest of the Maoris and Ada didn't speak both of them were the perfect couple. 

I love that with this film, it doesn't need to shout it and make it so blindingly obvious as to what's happening, what I mean by that is, it doesn't feel to the need to treat their audience like idiots sometimes films do that, they make things so loud and 'here it is wooo look they get together yay!!!' with the music. With this film they use music and the storyline very naturally and like a highlighter and not so in your face, especially with the romance of it all. Its great that with Ada she communicates by the piano and the piano is the main character in a way. Flora is fantastic, she was just so good, I love that they wrote her not being this good girl Victorian doll like child. She was written and played by a girl you would see now, and its no surprise to me that Anna Paquin won an Oscar for her part that year, because she was just incredible. 

The music of this film is just beautiful, it just geled so wonderfully with this film. This film is how to do music right and it made me want to learn the piano and play it. This film was written and directed by Jane Campion and she is so wonderful, and I need to watch more of her, because her way of storytelling is just so gorgeous. With the sex scenes they did it brilliantly again because it wasn't cheaply done in any way which is in my opinion how sex scenes in film should be done, by how the relationship is and the characters are, not just 'oh let's just do it!'. This film is one of my favourite period dramas and its such an underrated film, and Jane Campion is such an underrated director. I feel people only talk about her because she's a female director I've said this before, she's not a good female director,  she s a good director, don't put the female in front. 

This film is well worth watching as its so wonderful and unique with its story and characters and music, costume just everything its so good. I haven't found another film like this yet, even if you arn't a fan of period drama romances, you'll still love this as its not too lovey dovey. But still remaining the truth of the story and the characters, definitely give it a watch!

Peppermint Friday Review #31: Whatever Happened To Baby Jane

I think I've found my new favourite film guys. I'm being serious its so good I can't explain its that kinda good. Plus its got Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and as its the only film with the two of them in, were gonna talk about it and personally its one of their best individually. Its also my kind of horror as its not all bloody, guts and gore like some horrors now its just very human and that's terrifying.

The film is about two sisters called Jane or Baby Jane her stage name and she is this very Shirley Temple character in little puffy dresses and singing sweet songs, and she's this huge child star. Her younger sister Blanche is lived in her shadow until the decline of Baby Jane goes down and Blanche who is an actress now goes up. One night Blanche was hit by a car and became wheelchair bound and lives with her sister Jane in Blanche's mansion which was left by their father. Blanche wants to sell the house, as Jane's mental health starts to deteriorate and becomes obsessed with her past life as Baby Jane.

I love Jane as a character because I feel we're all at fault with this, where we ruminate over past thoughts and everything good or bad you've done in your life. That's what this is, its so easy I think, because all it starts with is overthinking and then paranoia and one thing leads to another suddenly you're driving yourself crazy and you're a villain and we're all the villains. Bit deep for Peppermint Friday but its true and we shouldn't hate Jane too much as she's just jealous and annoyed that her sister is this huge star and she isn't, and she's obsessed with her past life which isn't healthy for anyone. She sings the songs she used to sing when she was about 7 and now she's in her 50s I think, still wanting to act like a child, you feel sorry for her more than anything I think.

For Joan Crawford she plays the obvious victim, its very yin and yan with their relationship as sisters, its Jane being the crazy, obsessed one and Blanche just the grateful actress whose happy and appreciates things in her life and doesn't take it for granted. It's a shame as in the end scene Blanche says that she's sorry and feels guilty for her now being the big star and Jane in her shadow, and Jane just turns to Blanche and says something like 'All this time we could of been friends' and it just breaks your heart. I think that quote applies to Joan Crawford and Bette Davis's friendship as they're both such strong independent women, you'd think they'd have loads in common and are lifelong friends obviously not. 

The minor characters like Edwin Flagg who answers this advertisement that Jane put up to revive her singing career, I love how English he is and polite, the fact the Jane is crazy and trying to look calm and normal, he can see through the lines I reckon. The neighbours Mrs Bates and Liza Bates who is played by B D Merrill, are brilliant Mrs Bates is so taken aback by things and very sweet, but Liza is abit more streetwise and just knows somethings going on and I love that its just brilliant as it shows everyone is different with different outlooks and such. One thing I love about this, is that yes its a horror but noone screams that much and I felt like it was the beginning of women of an older age to play characters like this and physiological horrors. 

 Costumes of the film is brilliant I love that Jane constantly is reapplying her makeup, so it just looks cakey and pastey. She is always wearing old fashioned dresses, dresses that a Victorian Doll would wear its just so eerie and you feel sorry for her. With Blanche she's very modern, well modern as you can be for a woman in the 60s in her 40s I guess. The dialogue is brilliant aswell, when Blanche is talking about the films she's done, and Jane says the one film she did. Blanche just goes 'oh yeah that comedy you did I know that, I saw it' and Jane just goes 'no it was a romance' I love that its so 'I know what you do I just don't take notice of it' 

I also love Edwin's mother Dehlia she is such a mother character, overbearing very suspicious but rightly so as the film goes on and Jane and Blanche starts to deteriorate everything comes out. One moment I just thought 'oh god' when I was watching it was the bit with Jane's dinner to Blanche and its the budgie thats in Blanche's room, and later on Jane gives her a rat for lunch. It's just so gross and disturbing again you feel sorry for her, as what makes you think its alright to give your sister that for dinner/lunch? Its just crazy and weird but that's a horror, and at least noone will say Jane's boring. Love the cleaning lady Elvira she wasn't that stereotypical black woman that you see alot of, which I loved as it was refreshing. She was a brilliantly written character I felt and she was played by Maidie Norman who is an actress I've never heard of that much and is so unique and wonderful, I've never seen an actress like her before. 

                                                               
This film, is why I love films well not entirely as I love films for a multitude of reasons, but with this film its brilliant. I love the story of this film, its my kinda horror I love the relationship between Jane and Blanche even though its totally dysfunctional, but its so good and I love it. The film goes from A all the way to Z with no interruptions that have nothing to do with the plot, I just feel like this film achieves everything it set out too. I'd definitely watch it again and if like me you like Horrors, but not the blood and guts one, just the psychological ones. Then you'd love this, hope you all have a wonderful Easter Weekend!