Peppermint Friday Review #43: Top Gun

We're gonna talk about Top Gun today as its very american and that's the theme for this week. Its so such an amazing film, its an iconic 80s classic with Tom Cruise and has amazing quotes so it would be a crime if I didn't do a review of this. 

Its directed by Tony Scott who is Ridley Scott's brother. The story is about a pilot called Maverick (played by Tom Cruise) who is sent to Top Gun School with his co-pilots and friends. His time there he's reckless with his flying and can put people at odds with him. He also meets this astrophysicist called Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood (played by Katy McGillis). As the film and story progress he pines for her attention and on top of that he wants to be the very best fighter pilot ever. 

I love this film so much, the characters are brilliant not only Maverick as I know so many guys who try to emulate him. Its funny because growing up I always wondered by boys acted like this, and maybe its because of Tom Cruise and I don't blame them because he is the artificial arrogant a-hole who gets the girl and is top of the class yet still got that James Dean 1980s charm about him. This is probably the first film I've watched of his that I actually have a crush on him, because before I didn't really still don't but there we go. 

This film is so 80s I love it, the hair on Charlie her clothes look incredible. I love that she was based of a true person as it makes the character so much better and gives her a much more lifelike image, and that she's a real person. I need her clothes so badly, her hair is just so gorgeous. The scenes with her and Maverick are brilliant, as they are both such different people, they should be together it'd be crazy for them not to be. The chemistry between them is just stunning the sex scenes are done so wonderfully it doesn't look cheap and tacky its sensual. The music really ties the film together so well, its so 80s but back then it was a modern film and I love that. 

One thing I love about this film, is that its an action but its not an action film entirely theirs love in this film. Which is great for those who are action virgins I should say, if you've never watched an action before I feel like I say that about every action film I watch as I just find them so easy to watch. The story has so many elements to it and Maverick's friends who I love and I just think they're so brilliant to watch, my personal favourites were Iceman, Goose, Stinger, they really caught my eye. The names of the friends sound like they're from a Carry On film, but they're not well sometimes they are. Most of the time its serious business thats what I love about this film, its got quite cartoony names but they're real men.

                                                           

If you like 80s films then give this film a watch as its amazing, its got brilliant music, actors the story is wonderful. Even if you're not too keen on action films give it a chance as its so good and doesn't feel like an action film if that makes sense as it has so many genres and styles added on to it. 

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: Spectre #36

Here we are at the end of our Bond journey, and I've really enjoyed it and I'm gonna miss it but we will come back to Bond again at one point. Although I have missed watching non Bond films, so I'm looking forward to getting back into doing reviews on non films. Started on Dr No the first Bond film to the current Bond film its a full circle. 

This is a weird one again because there were bits I enjoyed but bits I found lukewarm. At the beginning its all Mardi Gras and I love it, its set in Mexico City and Bond is sent there after the previous M gives him a mission to go over there to stop a terrorist bomb plot. He returns to London under the power struggle of C real name Max Denbigh. The new M played by Ralph Fiennes orders Bond to attend the funeral of Marco Sciarra assassin who belonged to Spectre, but Bond refuses and gets with his widow Lucia. Bond investigates Oberhauser, who worked with Mr White who works for SPECTRE. 

The story is good I can see what they were trying to do, they were doing a different take on the genre with it being less fighting and still remaining true to the essence of the story, but it was very quiet and muted. Bond in this seemed abit heartbroken, that could be well is Daniel Craig's portrayal of him which is great because he's abit more vulnerable I mean he's more relatable in a way, because it takes alot of courage and depth to be this suave hero constantly, so I think its okay for Agent 007 to have abit of a cry now and again. The bond girls of the film were Dr Madeleine Swann a psychologist and daughter of Mr White, and Lucia Sciarra both played by Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci even though he has more sexual passion I guess you can call it with Lucia, but he has a much more friendship/relationship/partnership whatever you call it with Madeleine and with Lucia she's honestly just there for sex, I think she's great but if there was a competition between Lucia and Madeleine there really isn't a competition. 

Also Monica Bellucci is the oldest Bond girl to date being 51, which is great because in Hollywood if you're a woman and as soon as you turn 40 you're apparently not allowed to do sex scenes, so its great and I'd like it to be a new turn in storytelling that doesn't mean I wanna see 50 year olds having sex, its just if 20 year old actors can do sex scenes why can slightly older generation? Anyway I love Lea Seydoux she was just brilliant and a stand out for me definitely, loved what she did for the role and the part. Miss Moneypenny who I haven't mentioned yet, but she is brilliant secretary to M and played by the wonderful Naomi Harris who I just love to pieces. I love how in the more modern Bond films, Miss Moneypenny isn't just a secretary, she does so much more than that and really substantial. 

Q who is played by Ben Whishaw, the head of Q Division basically provides Bond with the info and equipment for everything he does so much more though, but that's the basics as to what the does. I love Ben Whishaw, such a brilliant actor he's one of those actors who's in a film or tv show and he isn't the main lead but you always remember him and be like 'I know that guy he was in this this'. The thing that made it slightly lukewarm for me is that it didn't wow me at all, I was blown away by it, I thought it was good but I don't think its the best Bond film. The acting stands out, but the script annoyed me just a little it didn't make me feel on the edge of my seat like I usually do with some Bond films. In Bond I've learnt its either action/thriller on the edge of your seat sort of thing or muted quiet understated and that is not a bad thing at all its like choosing between chocolate and vanilla ice cream both are lovely depends on your sweet tooth.  

                                                              

I like this film, but I'm crazy on it the acting is the best thing but if you wanna see Ben Whishaw, or Ralph Fiennes, Daniel Craig, Lea Seydonx etc etc then they are all in amazing films and tv shows, but if you wanna see them all together then watch this film. I think if you like Sofia Coppola's films which are amazing films, very quiet, understated and beautiful scenic views then you'll love this kinda Bond because there are plenty out there. Also this film didn't really have many fight scenes, it was more like an argument constantly not a bad thing though but that's one of the big reasons why I love Bond films. Anyway watch this film, don't watch it whatever Bond is a fantastic genre, one that everyone should give a go I've really enjoyed these past 2 weeks and I hope you have too have a wonderful weekend and I shall see you all very soon!

Review: Allied

Been watching alot of new films recently I say new, like came out last year or in the past 5 years or so. What this film is about is, Max Vatan a Canadian pilot (played by Brad Pitt) and Marianne Beausejour a French Resistance fighter (played by Marion Cotillard) they are both partnered together posing as a married couple, firmly believing they won't have feelings for each other, just business. That obviously goes downhill and end up actually getting married, as time goes on and they have a little girl together. People at Max's work are starting to get suspicious that she's a German Spy. 

I love the costume of the film, that's no surprise really as I love period drama films, and its set in the 1940s and not all about the war, it really relies on the party aspect heavily in this film. It's directed by Robert Zemeckis which really surprised me as I know Robert Zemeckis's work as Back to The Future Franchise, Forrest Gump, Castaway, and I remember his first film I ever watched 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' which was a Beatles fan-fiction come to life, lets face it. I just love that he started doing that and now he's done this beautiful, fairly still, controlled film with beautiful costumes and cinematography. I would not have expected this kinda film from him, I'm used to seeing his Comedy work where things are usually quick paced and going from A to Z. With this film its alot more complicated but still done in an effortless way, where it did make total sense and very original. 

With Brad Pitt, I love him as an Actor he is brilliant in this film he spoke French beautifully and did this card trick and he's just so suave and sophisticated. I don't really know his work that much, I've only properly watched him in three films, Kalifornia, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and Fight Club (which we don't talk about). He's such a versatile Actor he can do anything and I don't know why I haven't watched that many Brad Pitt films, I think maybe its because he's seen as this gorgeous man and that's more important than his acting capability, like the amount of people that go 'Oh Brad Pitt he's lush' rather than go 'Oh Brad Pitt he's a good actor I can't wait to see him in that' but also his private life is discussed an awful lot. Like I don't care who he's dated or divorcing, its about what acting roles he's taking. 

Another thing, I think this film came out around the same time as the Angelina Jolie Divorce Drama. So I guess people didn't care which upsets me, because a thing like that just stops people, and consumes their minds I could be wrong though. Anyway with Marion Cotillard I'm not too familar with again I know who she is, I've seen her in Public Enemies, Inception and I think she was in Dark Knight Rises. Again I know who she is, but when I watch any film I don't go 'I hope this has Marion Cotillard in!' sounds mean but I don't. In this film she was epic, and I don't say that very often but she is so good and I know in France (as she is a French Actress) she's a big deal. I like that they didn't go for a typical beautiful girl, she reminds me very much of a young Katharine Hepburn. 

Some of this film was in French which I really liked and added a sort of Amour essence to the whole film. Whilst watching it though it did remind me of when I tried to read Lolita as that has French in it, and I couldn't understand it at all butt I like listening to it, just don't understand it. Which is my downfall entirely as I wanna know what they're saying, if its juicy or not. The story is very much like Casablanca, and a part of the story was set in Casablanca, but the story was a vintage romance told in a modern way yet still remaining true to its vintage roots of the story. I loved the interior of the houses, the way the air raids were done. The chemistry between the characters was okay, I liked it and think they look gorgeous on screen together, but when I watch them I don't feel the passion. I might be broken, but I've just seen couples with better chemistry doing this kinda period drama before. 

If you're looking for a beautiful vintage romance then watch this film if you're looking for just a war, period drama film with action and excitement (not to say this film isn't exciting) then this film is not for you. But I love this film, it won't be the last of its kind what I mean by that is that this will not be the last of the period drama romance films. It's certainly not the greatest period drama romance, but not the worst. Its definitely worth seeing if you love Robert Zemeckis and wanna see a film that's unlike him (what I used to think, not anymore). Then watch this film, if you like Brad Pitt or Marion Cotillard watch this film! I'm starting to get ridiculous now, anyway I'll see you all later and have a lovely week! 

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!

Review: Maleficent

I've been meaning to do a review of this for a while as its such an interesting story and concept of a Villain who has a complicated past, and a reason as to why she's is who she is in the Original classic. I've also never spoken about Angelina Jolie before, so that needs to change. 

I'm sure many of you will know the story if not, here's a brief synopsis. Its set from the point of view of Maleficent, and her story as to what happen to her leading up to Princess Aurora and what we see in Sleeping Beauty.  Maleficent actually was in love with King Stefan growing up, but as they got older and were from different backgrounds, they couldn't be together as it was inevitable. As Stefan wanted to be king, and Maleficent was ruler of the Moors, Stefan wanted to rule and injured Maleficent leaving her wingless. So she gets revenge at Stefan partly from a broken heart but also completely destroying her.

I love Angelina Jolie already but she played this part with such gusto and gave the character so much more depth. I love Diavial her friend who was a Raven but in human form, he is brilliant as he gives her a humanity side to her. She is this very alienistic and has feelings like all humans, but sometimes she can be too proud. Little fact about this film, when they were casting toddler Aurora, they could only choose Angelina Jolie's daughter as most toddlers were too scared of her in her costume! 

The costumes in this film are the best, I love Maleficent's costume I thought they gave it a modern makeover but still remaining true to the Original Animation. Aurora, Prince Phillip and the fairies all have amazing costumes all so fitting with the period but remaining true to character. The three fairies, Knotgrass, Thistlewit and Fittle (played by Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville) were all so brilliant and funny, loved the dynamic between them all. The chemistry between Prince Phillip and Aurora (played by Elle Fanning and Brenton Thwaites) is just adorable, as Aurora is a teenager and very sweet. 

Elle Fanning was just brilliant, as she is so young it was perfect that she played a teenager princess. If she was played by a 30 year old actress who does and could pull of being a 16 year old perfectly yeah it would've worked, but not as well. Sam Riley and Sharito Copley who played Diaval and King Stefan, were just brilliant I liked that you got to know the characters much more than in the Original one. I'm not even a big fan of Sleeping Beauty but this has made me love it loads, I think the Original is still amazing as it has the music in, and I think if Disney changed the music for this film, you'd have a riot on your hands. Although I think everyone liked Lana Del Rey's version of 'Once Upon A Dream'.

This film is just beautiful, whether you're a fan of Sleeping Beauty or not, its a beautiful story with an amazing character development. The costumes are beautiful, as well as the script and characters, regardless of the amount of remakes/reboots/prequels are happening this is one that is worth watching.