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 #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! 

Favourite Comic Book Characters #2

Because of Wonder Woman I'm back to being obsessed with Comic Book characters and all things DC and Marvel, plus most of these characters have their own TV shows. 

Wolverine

We're gonna start with Wolverine, I love him so much as a kid watching X-Men he was just really cool, and mainly the fact that he is this man who isn't like Superman where he wants to take care everyone, but a man who is incredibly flawed and we know he's a hero but the fact that he isn't a happy smiley hero a hero who's created in a lab it gives him an edge. Also the Wolverine that I know and everyone else knows so well is, Hugh Jackman I love what he did with Wolverine he completely reinvented the character and still kept it close to its roots and plus he's played Wolverine for just over 20 years and with his last Wolverine film out earlier this year Logan. I'm gonna miss Hugh Jackman but I'm excited for the next Actor to play Wolverine

Supergirl

Now this girl is so cool, oh god now I didn't really know who Supergirl was until this year and oh god she is amazing. Supergirl has only had one film unlike her cousin who's a man and he's pretty super too, yup its Superman. Honestly right Supergirl is giving him a run for his money, as yes she's only done one film but she hasn't made anything mediocre unlike Superman has, not to say he's a bad superhero its just people should know about his amazing cousin. She has her own TV Show and to be honest with you all if you wanna get to know Supergirl (which you totally should) you need to watch the TV Show as it's got Melissa Benoist in and its totally modernised and amazing. 

The Flash

I loved the Flash in Justice League when I was a kid he was so cheeky and funny particularly to Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl. In the TV Show The Flash, his and Supergirl's world combined and I love it. His character in the TV Show is still funny and witty but theres a real serious side to this man, and similar to Spiderman where he gets power on accident, and has to save Central City. I'm not sure why they got a different actor to play him in the new Justice League film as Grant Gustin who plays him in the TV Show is amazing, and I reckon the fans who watch The Flash might be abit sceptical towards Ezra Miller who's gonna play him, I'm sure he'd do a good job its just why have someone different when theres someone amazing already? you know.

Jessica Jones

This girl oh this girl, she is something Jessica Jones is agent who investigates in aliens and paranormal stuff, she used to be a Superhero but she still counts as this is called 'Favourite Comic Book Characters' but she is so badass. I mainly know about her in the Netflix Show Jessica Jones like most people do, but she is just so cool and Krysten Ritter who plays her is the coolest lady ever, plus Jessica Jones's boyfriend Luke Cage has his own TV Show aswell which I need to watch. Again with Wolverine she is a good guy but doesn't act like it which gives her a real edge and the fact that she doesn't walk around with a costume or looking like mutant, but a badass lady who takes no prisoners, plus she's very sassy and funny. 

I hope you all enjoyed this list and let me know what Superheros/Comic Book characters you like as its always nice to know more. I shall see you all on Friday and have a great week.

Film Tag

Never done one of these before, but why not? and plus you guys can to know me better and I thought it would be fun. So lets go!

1) How often do you watch a film? Considering I'm abit of a film buff and I have a film blog I try to watch atleast 3 or 4 a week.

2) What film genre are you particularly fond of? I love all genres, and I do try to find something good in each genre abit positive I know, not a bad thing at all though. If I had to choose then it would possibly be a Thriller/Drama but it depends on my mood really. 

3) What was the last film that you’ve watched and liked? I watched Bandidas recently and I loved it, I also watched Finding Nemo and Finding Dory because I was talking about it with a bunch of people, in a really deep way and I love those conversations and as soon as I got home I needed to watch it. 

4) What was the last film that you’ve watched and hated? I'm gonna leave you all in suspense and tell you all about it on Friday, because I don't think theres enough negativity on this blog which isn't a bad thing but I do think a film buff there should be some stuff we hate and with good reason. But heres a hint its based of a book and its quite popular, there you are have to wait until Friday!

5) What is your most favorite film of all time? ooh that is a tough one, I have a top 10 list so far, but the one I usually say to people when I can't think of my top ten is probably either A Matter Of Life and Death, or Young Frankenstein because people are always surprised when I say them and I always love that.

6) Your most favorite guilty pleasure film? I don't think I have one, because I love all the films I watch and noone should judge me, but I do have a bit of a thing for true crime stories so things like Moorside the BBC Drama based off true story of Shannon Matthews, and varies others things like that and also documentaries like that aswell. I'm obsessed with documentaries anyway, but its serial killers and all that evil stuff that actually really gets me, I don't want to be like that its just the fascination to me and the psychology behind it all. 

7) What film/films you have watched a million times already? All the Toy Stories, Big, Forrest Gump any Tom Hanks film. The Harry Potter series, Back to the Future series, and The Social Network. 

8) Are you the type who watch film on its first day of showing? Not really, depends how big of a fan I am when I watched Beauty and the Beast I saw that on the weekend it came out so that's how hardcore I am. 

9) Do you use fandango or do you pre-booked film tickets? I don't think we have Fandango in the UK, but no I don't usually pre book tickets for film sometimes for theatre but not really for film. 

10) Cinema, blu-ray, or download? I watch films in the Cinema when they're recent but if theres a DVD version or download either from Amazon, Itunes, or GooglePlay then I'll go for that. 

11) How often do you go to a Cinema to watch a film? Not that often, its really expensive now and where I live doesn't have a cinema so I have to go to the nearby city which is a bus ride 

12) What are the movies that made you cry? I'd say the end of Toy Story, Mary Poppins, Saving Mr Banks and the end of Marley and Me.

13) Do you watch foreign films? I've watched a few, but not a enough as I'd like but that is gonna change.

14) What’s your favorite foreign films? I haven't watched that many, but I'd say Persepolis, and Pinocchio 

15) Who are favorite directors? Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Sofia Coppola, Quentin Tarantino, Ridley Scott, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Danny Boyle the list is endless.

16) Are you particular with film scores, soundtracks, and musics? Its important yes, but its not the B all and end all, but they can make a film even better.

17) What film soundtrack can be found in your IPod? Do musicals count? because yes I have all the classic musicals, Singin in the Rain, Moulin Rouge, I even have La La Land aswell, along with all the Disney soundtracks and Pixar soundtracks. I also love Guardians of the Galaxy, Shrek, Perks of being a Wallflower, Hard Days Night (of course) all sorts. 

18) Have you ever watch a film alone in a cinema? Oh yeah, I usually do but when someone wants to come with me they are more than welcome. 

19) What is the best chick-flick for you? I love classic chick flicks, like anything with Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn because they are girly films, but they're also brilliant and not at all cringy, like the modern ones I find. 

20) Your favorite comic book film? ooh I love Spiderman, the Andrew Garfield films and Guardians of the Galaxy, Dark Knight, X Men, Fantastic Four.

21) Is there any film that has changed your perspective in life? A Matter of Life and Death definitely, The Cat Returns and Persepolis they're all wonderful for different reasons and changed my outlook on life, I've done in-depth reviews on them aswell.  

22) DC or Marvel films? That is so tough, I love both for different reasons, I love what they're doing on TV aswell. I just love both of them I can't decide, love 'em!

23) What are the films in the top 10 in IMDB that you have watched? I've watched 6 which is really bad for someone who's meant to be a film buff, but I promise you that will change.

24) Do you read film critic reviews before watching a film? its funny because I have a film blog and I write reviews and that I actually don't read reviews before I watch any film or take what people say into consideration as its opinion and that can vary someone likes one thing and you won't so I take it with a pinch of salt. 

25) What is the best film adapted from a book? Misery hands down

26) Watch the film before reading the book or vice versa? I do try to, because its better understanding of the story.

27) What is your most favorite comedy film? I love comedy, ahhh I love His Girl Friday, Hard Day's Night, Inbetweeners Movies, Charlie Chaplin films, Marx Brothers I love to laugh hahahaha 1000 points if you get that referance!

28) Drama film? ooh Angels with Dirty faces, Forrest Gump, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? theres like billions I could mention. 

29) Western film?  I haven't watched that many westerns, but I'd say Bandidas because its also funny and The Magnificent Seven. 

30) Romantic comedy film? Sabrina, Seven Year Itch, Some Like it Hot, 

31) Horror film? House on Haunted Hill, and The Invisible Man all the classics

32) Sports film? Haven't watched that many sports films, Chariots of Fire, Bend it Like Beckham

33) Sci-fi films? Brazil, Star Wars

34) Action films? The Spy Who Loved Me, Pulp Fiction, Kick Ass

35) War films? The Pianist, Diary Of Anne Frank, Saving Private Ryan

36) Who is your most favorite film couple? When I was a kid I was obessed with Elizabeth and Will from Pirates of the Caribbean and Troy and Gabriella from High School Musical, loved Jimmy Cagney and Jean Harlow in The Public Enemy and Peter and June from A Matter of Life and Death. 

37) Any film character you can relate to? urm, I can relate to Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffiany's, Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

38)  If you are to only watch five films for the rest of your life, what would the films be? Ah that's tough, I'd say Angels With Dirty Faces, A Matter Of Life and Death, Young Frankenstein, Breakfast at Tiffianys, Singin' In The Rain a bit of a mix of genres.  

39) Your least favorite film all time? Probably the reboot of Ghostbusters, nobody asked for it. 

40) Have you ever watched a film based on the lead actor/actress only? Oh yeah, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and anyone who I've seen in a film and I really liked them I'll watch them in another film. 

41) What film you expected and wanted to be good but failed you? I thought Suicide Squad would be better, I liked it but I wanted it to be amazing like Guardians of the Galaxy, and the next review I'm doing on Friday ooh the mystery. 

42) Favorite film character of all time? erm I don't think I have one, but I adore Peter from A Matter of Life and Death

43) Favorite film villain? I love the Joker, Voldemort, and Hannibal Lecter

44) Any film sequel you are still waiting? I don't think so, I'm not desperate for them to be honest.

45) Ever made a film review? Oh god no, hate 'em particularly Peppermint Friday haha jokes

46) Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Wars

47) Right now, think of any film, what comes first? Wonder Woman, and My Friend Dahmer because I wanna watch them next when they come out.

48) Favorite film lines? 'Happiness can only be found in the darkest of times if one remembers to turn on the light'- Harry Potter 

49) TV series, books, computer games, or films in order of interest? Films, TV Series, Books and Computer Games

50) Lastly, if your life story is to be made into a film, who would you like to portray you? Who should be directing it and what would be the title? I'd love Audrey Hepburn or Catherine Zeta Jones to play me, and I'd love it Sofia Coppola or Stanley Kubrick, or Martin Scorsese and I don't know what the film would be called. 

I shall see you all on Friday have a wonderful week!

Peppermint Friday Review #32: Imperium

This week's been weird I haven't watched that many films, but I have watched alot of TV as I've really gotten into that recently. But I watched this film last night and I just need to talk about it, Its one of those films. Its called Imperium and its got Daniel Radcliffe and Toni Collette and its about an FBI agent who goes undercover in a white supremacist group. 

The reason I watched this film was not because I love Daniel Radcliffe and I think he's a great actor, but the story is intriguing to me. Now before people go crazy at me and say 'Oh you're a racist how could you be interested in that?' I'm not interested where I wanna join cus I don't believe at all, but I'm interested in the sense of 'why do they believe that?' 'what makes them think that way?' kinda interested. I loved this film I don't think I've seen a film quite like it before, and that's great because I love individuality in a script and a concept of a story.

Daniel Radcliffe's character Nate Foster is a very nice, friendly, threatening and basically Switzerland and he had to evolve into a completely different person to who he was before. His head is shaved he's got a tattoo and shouting racist remarks and just is total opposite to what he was at the start of the film. But he still remains very friendly, and easy to get on with kinda person, Nate has to find someway to relate to these people, and understand why they do what they do. His ultimate main goal is to get to Dallas Wolf who is this radio talk show host, as he is a prime suspect to an attack somewhere. 

The community the group developed seemed very nice and friendly, like Nate and the people he was with went to BBQs. There were kids there and families and very friendly and opening place. Although this is fiction, so some truths are stretched slightly, but I found that interesting and really fascinating to watch as I didn't think it would be like that, I thought it would be very much like an American version of This is England, and it is but its not entirely there are some very nice and sweet characters like Gerry who is a happily married man with kids and at the end you feel guilty because you relate to Gerry and he seems like such a genuine guy and it does bode the question should you be friends with someone who believes in something quite controversial?

It did disappoint me slightly as I was expecting it to be really good and eyeopening, and I was interested and really liked it and I'm not sure what I was expecting but I just thought it would be really controversial and off the cuff story I've never seen before. Also I kinda wanted to see it from the White Supremacy perspective, because noone's agreeing with them, well I'm not I just wanna know why and get an intelligent response not just 'oh because'. But I really liked it, I guess my expectations were high, but I did enjoy it and everyone was really good. I especially liked Johnny he is a teenager who believes everything the White Supremacy believes in and in the end he is a changed man his attitude has changed and no longer believes in it. So I like that it has those characters that see change as a fresh start and leaving your former beliefs isn't a bad thing at all just a start to a new life. 

I love films like this, and what I mean by that is I like watching things that I can't relate to at all, I watch them because I'm fascinated and wanna see if I can relate to them in some way, because its such an opposite thing its brilliant and I find it intriguing. I love where its set aswell, its filmed in Richmond, Virgina and it just looks very nice and chill. You usually see films that are filmed in America that are set in New York and Los Angles, so its refreshing to be set in Virgina. Overall its a very good film, I'm so glad I watched it because there are characters who are brilliant, like Johnny, Gerry and Nate who are all brilliantly written, This post might seem controversial, as this film is controversial but I wanted to talk about it because its unique. So if you're like me and fascinated by this then watch it, if not that's fine too.