Favorite Animation Films

We're gonna talk about Animation and all the ones I love, as there are many from different countries and not all Animation are for kids. Theres something so inherently beautiful about storytelling in Animation, theres an artwork to it aswell which I love.

Wallace & Gromit

I have been watching Nick Park's creations for as long as I can remember. I used to watch the full Wallace & Gromit video set until it broke that was how hardcore I was about Wallace & Gromit. Its so British and cosy, the obsession with cheese and inventions gave them a massive quirk. When they released Chicken Run oh god my younger self went crazy, its an amazing film with colourful characters. You really got to admire the stock-motion animation of it all as it takes years to make a film as the first Wallace & Gromit was in was in 1989.                                        

Up

I had to include a Pixar wouldn't be right otherwise, I have to say I think I'm more of a Pixar girl than a Disney girl, however I do love them both equally but I grew up with Pixar more as I remember Toy Story 2 when it came out and being obsessed with it. The film is brilliant for not only kids as its funny and entertaining but there are some bits in the film that I don't think some kids will get. Not to say that they won't get it but there are some elements that are so heavy, such as the first 10 minutes where you see the story of Ellie and Carl.                     

The Cat Returns

Okay this film, first of all I love Studio Ghibli like there creativity is out of this world, like there is no boundries for that company. If those of you don't know what Studio Ghibli is they are the Japanese Disney basically, and they are brilliant at making things creatively. The Cat Returns is about a girl called Haru who saves a cat from crossing the road, its then discovered he is the Cat Prince and would like to thank her by marrying her, and taking her into the Cat Kingdom where cats stand on there hind legs. I know its mad but I love it so much, and its about Cats and any film for me about animals wins me over. There are tons of Studio Ghibli films that I adore, and I will talk about them in a later post. I also feel that Studio Ghibli is amazing, and every person in the whole world needs to love it.                                                                    

Coraline

Another stock-motion film, I read the book and completely adored it. I always associate this film with being in High School as I was obessed with Dark Fantasies and Dark Comedies, and this is a very Dark Comedy. Its about a girl called Coraline who's parents are too busy to notice her, she then finds a door to another world that everyone has buttons for eyes. Its scary oh god, but its an amazing film and the director Henry Selick did a brilliant job with the artwork, and its exactly how my 12 year old self saw the world of Coraline and the Other World.

The Triplets of Belleville

I don't think this film is talked about enough, as its good I first watched this film when I was in School during Art. The story is about a Grandmother raising her Grandson, and training him for the Tour De France, until the day comes of the Tour De France and he and two other cyclists are kidnapped by the French Mafia. Its quite a grown up story, but the artwork is beautiful and so unique. I like the fact that they exaggerate the features of people, its also a very quiet film with little dialogue but its still good and you still get to know the characters and story.  

Overall Animated films are brilliant if you find the right one, and not to say there all for children because the one this Friday is definitely not for children. I hope you all are well, and adore these films as much as me, and I will see you this Friday.

Review: Ethel & Ernest

So this is the first post of 2017! yay, hope everyone has had a great Christmas and New Year! This week I'm gonna be talking about Animation Films as I don't think I have yet. I watched this film and I need to tell about because its so good it should win an Oscar. 

Its based of a graphic novel by Raymond Briggs its the true story of the author parents Ethel & Ernest. Its about them getting together, what they faced during The Depression, World War II and bringing up there son.

I already adore Raymond Briggs I practically grew up watching The Snowman every year. Automatically I love it, let me tell you it is so beautiful and genuine, everyone needs to see it regardless. The couple are so brilliant and real, I'm pretty sure there is a couple just like Ethel & Ernest in your area. The fact that they talk about pretty important things but the dialogue is done in such a natural way. For instance Ethel is very conservative, old fashioned and abit of a worry wort, housewife and mother, whereas Ernest is very working class, jolly, Cockney milkman. But there relationship works, I mean in the words of Paula Abdul 'Opposites Attract'

The artwork and animation is beautifully done, as always with Raymond Briggs. The voice cast is again brilliant, Jim Broadbent as Ernest, Brenda Blethyn as Ethel are both a dream team as they are both fantastic and bring the characters to life. There are some heart aching moments of the film, such as sending Raymond into the country during World War II, and Ethel learning she won't have grandchildren. Likewise as there are some funny and cheerful moments, like VE Day is wonderful to watch and just all the bickering of Ethel & Ernest makes me smile. 

The dialogue is very chatty, and natural which I love as it doesn't feel forced in any way. Because in relationships when you're comfortable with each other you can talk about just about anything, like Politics What I like about the animation and artwork of the film is, that The Snowman was released over 20 years ago with the same artwork incorporated in. The artwork was not changed in any way, because of CGI or anything like that, it was still very in keeping with the whole Briggs work.

                                                               
Anyway this film was brilliant to watch, and I highly recommend you watch it I left the link to buy it but you can watch this on BBC IPlayer for free before it runs out.

Films I'm Looking Forward To In 2017!

I didn't want to do a round up of all the films I've loved this year because I'm way too excited for the films coming out! and I'm sure these films will be on here.

Beauty & The Beast

I'm so excited for this film! I love Disney and Emma Watson, and Musicals so oh my god. I can't wait, I've seen some promotional pictures and the trailer for the film, the film already looks gorgeous. I cannot wait my excitement for this film is just out of this world, I love Beauty & The Beast anyway, but the musical is one of my favorites, and Belle ahhh.

Wonder Woman

Again, beyond excited Gal Gadot just looks amazing in this role. Its about time that film about Wonder Woman came out, because she is needed now more than ever. The costume of Wonder Woman is so brilliant and modern, the story of how Wonder Woman became Wonder Woman is abit different in this one. We're seeing a much more modern Wonder Woman already, I can't wait.

Dunkirk 

I'm ecstatic for this film, as its a story I've never seen told on this level before. I love period drama films, and disaster films already so this is right up my street. Plus it Chrisopher Nolan directed it and its gonna be good, I can feel it already. I don't know that much about the battle at Dunkirk, but I'm very excited about this film. I'm also interested to see Harry Styles's performance in the film, because I don't think I've seen him act before.  


Murder on the Orient Express

I only found out they were doing a film of this last week, but oh god I'm intrigued already. I mean its an Agatha Christie story with really good actors, like Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Daisy Ridley and Michelle Pfeiffer. Its gonna be interesting and enjoyable to watch, there are no production pictures at the moment but here's a gif from one of the first adaptations of the film.  

Spider-Man: Homecoming

If you read my favorite Comic Book Characters post then you will all know my love for the Human Spider. I'm so looking forward to seeing Tom Holland as Spider-Man, well he was in Captain America: Civil War but this is his first full film as Spider-Man. I can't wait as his Spider-Man looks so unique and different from any I've seen before. His costume is much more vibrant than it usually is, and its a different story of Spider-Man than we've seen before its Spider-Man when he meets Tony Stark, so I'm looking to that. 

The Dark Tower

I already love Stephen King, so a film on one of his books is just perfect. It also had Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba, so its gonna be good. I've also never read The Dark Tower series, so its already made me more excited. I'm not sure if they're gonna make one film or turn it into a film series like Harry Potter. But they're making the last book into a film, but hey they can do anything, but it looks amazing.

So thats it for me in 2016! I will speak to you all very very soon. I hope you all are excited about these film releases as much as I am, have a good new year and a brilliant 2017!

Peppermint Friday Review #16: The Lady In The Van

Its been a week, sorry about that Christmas happen. Hope you all had a good one, I'm gonna talk about this film which is one of my favorites. 

I don't know why I didn't see this film up til now, because its really good. Its about Allen Bennett (who wrote this story) who lives in Camden with an old lady who lives in a van on that road, well I mean the title speaks for itself. Its the question of who is this woman? Why does she live in a van? What has she done? Its so personal and bonkers at the same time. Maggie Smith is brilliant, well she always is really a big inspiration of mine, she captures Mary Shepard (real name Margaret Fairchild) fantastically to the point where I can't see anyone playing her except her. 

What I loved the most about this film is the distinguish between writer Allen and everyday Allen, because in a way it does capture being a writer or just someone alone and creative that doesn't have that much human interaction. Where he just talked to himself, and had arguments with himself. I knew who Allen Bennett was a little, I mean I watched The History Boys and that was good, but I wasn't obsessed with him, and he has a very particular writing style as it sets him apart from any writer. After this film, I think I can say he's gonna become a fast favorite. 

I loved Alex Jennings he was so good at being the tolerant neighbour of Mary. When I saw searching for who directed it, and in it I notice allot of them did allot of work in theatre. Which was really good, as it showed for me a different side to a director's vision. Nicholas Hytner who directed it did alot of theatre and opera work plus he directed the theatre plays of The History Boys and The Lady In The Van. It was refreshing to watch a film with a director who mainly did theatre work, to do a film. 

All the cameos of The History Boys were brilliant, especially as we all know James Corden is this big star now. This film really is brilliant, the story of the lady is so intriguing and wonderful. Its a beautifully written story that I love very much. I'll do a post tomorrow on the last day of 2016! and I shall speak to you all very soon!

Review: Its A Wonderful Life

Merry Christmas everyone! so as promised I watched Its a Wonderful Life as its a beautiful film and one of my favorites. 

We all know the film, and story but it is so relevant to today with everything's thats happen in the year 2016. It centres around George and we go on a journey with him, and we see him as a little boy and when he's got his first girlfriend. Everything that happens to his life that is relevant and significant to him, up to him as an adult. George owes $8000 for a loan, and is rock bottom little did he know he had an angel, but a 2nd class angel with no wings. George then tells him that he wishes he was never born, the angel Clarence tries to show him that life is worth living. 

George and Mary are both beautifully cast, they're both different from each other because they both evolve and change overtime, sometimes in a good way but also in a ba way, George has been through some real crappy things, whereas with Mary she's not a hardboiled as George is, if that makes sens. I do love that though as its yin and yang, for there relationship and when George wishes, he never existed Mary becomes a liberian and is totally opposite to what we see before, Donna Reed and James Stewart have such amazing chemistry. 

The story is so relatable to any time period as we all know a George we've all been a George at one point in our lives, and I had to do a review one this film as its relevant to 2016 and its one of my favorite films, and a film that I think everyone loves. Henry Potter who is the films antagonist and George's rival is casted perfectly and is opposite in terms of looks, and demeanor to George. George is this kind, honest man and Henry is this evil, tyrant of a man and doesn't have that much care for people. The fact that George is this good looking tall and slim man, and Henry is this overweight pipesmoking boss.

We all love it in the end where Henry gets his just desserts, lets face it and we all wanted George to win in the end, and he did and it makes me so happy. What I love about this film is that in some ways its not just a 'Christmas Film' I mean yes its set during Christmas time, but its also about friends, family and being a good person, and remembering who will always be there for you. LIke in the 'Bishop's Wife' post yesterday, its the message of the story which I love so much. Its a message that we all should learn and know throughout different times of the year, and its a classic for a reason. 

The fact that it was made during World War II, and its a character which I think everyone can relate to during that time of it being pretty hard, as it is now in a way. Its easy to forget about the simple things of life, and that the bad guy will always be a bad guy, only if he changes his ways. In the end with George rushing home to his family and its beautiful to watch. 

I shall leave you all with this gif from the film, and I will speak to you all after Christmas! Have a good Christmas everyone! 💙💜🎄🎅✨

Peppermint Friday Review #15: The Bishop's Wife

Before I begin talking about this gem of a film, I will be doing a special Christmas Eve film review (which is tomorrow!) as it is Christmas and the time of giving I thought why not, and they are both gorgeous films.

Anyway, this film is just beautiful not because it has Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young but it has a such a beautiful sentimental element to it. Its about a bishop called Henry who is played by David Niven, and he is finding hard to get the funding for the new cathedral being built. He prays for some guidance, and an angel appears called Dudley, played by Cary Grant everyone is wooed by Dudley especially the Bishop's wife Julia.

I loved this film, as well its set in the 1940's and that to me just oozes with brilliance. It has David Niven playing a character entirely different from 'A Matter of Life and Death' he is not charming, and dashingly poetic in this film, he's the opposite which I love because he is just incredible. Cary Grant is as charming and handsome as always, the chemistry and the scenes with Henry and Dudley were so much fun to watch as they are just opposites from each other. During Dudley's visit Henry gets very focused on the cathedral, and forgets momentarily about his wife and daughter. 

The message of this film is very important, and wonderful it tells a tale of a man who wants to good by his wife and daughter, and the whole church community. He gets an angel who wants to give him guidance, he then becomes so obsessed with finishing this cathedral, he realises he's abandoned his wife for this angel and thinks he'll never get her back and loses the true meaning of Christmas that it doesn't really matter how amazing a job is family and the people you love is very important and remember where they are. 

The witt aswell is just perfect to this film, David Niven stuck in a chair is the funniest and best thing you'll ever see, and Cary Grant getting the little girl to play with the boys in the park is one of the sweetest things you'll ever see, I mean I don't condom to cheating but in fiction and when its Cary Grant a girl can't resist. I also love the fact that Cary Grant's character is this suave, sophisticated angel and his name is Dudley.

The fact that this film was made 2 years into World War II and its such a heartwarming story, is so beautiful I mean I've noticed alot of films during this time have a gorgeous sentimental message and output to them all. Loretta Young is an actress whom I'm not familiar with yet, and I'm certain I will be watching much more of her very soon! She is just fantastic in this film, the bit where they're ice skating will just melt your heart she is elegant and a pleasure to watch.

This film is a beautiful film to watch and a perfect story, If you love Cary Grant or David Niven, or like me both! Then you need to watch it, it's so pretty and I'd like to say one of my favorite films of all time. Tomorrow the review will be very similar to this film, but not the same I won't tell you just yet you'll have to watch but it is one of my favorite films ever. 

Favourite Christmas Films

This post is a very festive post, and equally appropriate as its Christmas in 5 days, so why not and plus I'm pretty sure these films will be on TV throughout the festive season, and thats one of the reasons as to why I love the festive, theres just films galore!

Elf

One of the first Christmas films I remember watching, like Will Ferrell is just perfect in that. It was this adult man being an elf, and abit silly round others during festive season. Zooey Deschanel and Peter Dinklege in this film are just amazing. If you haven't watched this, like where have you been? Its a goldmine, I adore it so so so much and I watch it every year.

Miracle on 34th Street

I'm not talking about the 1940s one I'm talking about the 90s one with Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson, and the very handsome Dylan McDermott. When I was a kid I was very familiar already with Mara Wilson as she was in Matilda one of my favourite books, when I was a kid. I automatically warmed to this film, and I adore the original so much. Its about a young girl who doesn't believe in Father Christmas and them meets a man at a mall during a 'Meet Father Christmas' who is very much like Father Christmas. Its one of those films where you just feel all warm and fuzzy. I was always loved the gorgeous costumes in the film aswell, love all the coats and dresses. 

The Polar Express

Love this film, as many of you will know I grew up with Tom Hanks's voice, in Toy Story and this. For me this just screams nostalgia for me the music is amazing, the voice cast is just perfect for the film. As a kid it was just magical, and the hot chocolate and the interior of the Polar Express was just wonderful.                                                                                                            

The Muppets Christmas Carol

Everyone knows this story its been told hundreds and hundreds of times. We all have our favourite interpretations of this story but this one's my favourite, I mean its Michael Caine and Muppets and singing, whats not to like? Its a wonderful story, amazing characters and I just love it, like most of the films on this list if you didn't already know. My favourite Muppet if you wanna know is Beaker, the songs are amazing I love 'Thankful Heart' and 'One More Sleep til Christmas'.                                                                                                                    

                             

The Grinch

He's cuddly as a cactus, again another comedy musical one. As all of these films are, of course but I mean the Grinch is just one of those films you have to watch. Its Dr Suess, and he is just a rhyming story telling king. Love Jim Carrey and Dr Suess was one of the first people I heard from, just the whole fictional town of Whoville is so relevant and magical.

                         

Home Alone

Another quotable and hilarious film, that will make you all warm and snuggly. Macauley Culkin carries this effortlessly, and I think everyone wanted to be him when he was a kid, just alone in that house, but during Christmas time its a different matter. I'll never forget the burglar scene, its just so funny and makes me so happy. We all know being Home Alone like that isn't that fun when you're older.                                                                                                            

The Snowman

Because its Christmas I'm gonna do an extra review, and this one's very special to me and this blog. I have watched this film every year without fail since I was tiny, and its also the first Short Film I've ever reviewed on this Blog, which will change as I will review Short Films more as there are some absolute gems out there. This film is just amazing, and for me it shows that filmmaking and storytelling can be so easy, and simple to make and very effective. Theres just music, no dialogue and I love it.