#MovieReview: Life of the Party (2018)

I am not a movie reviewer and I don't pretend to be. I will share my thoughts on a movie like I do with the books I read. If you are looking for a full in depth article than I will only disappoint you. However, if you want to know my honest thoughts then keep reading. Feel free to leave your own thoughts (no spoilers) in the comments.

Movie: Life of the Party  

Cert: 12
Studio: Warner Bros  

Release: 10 May 2018(UK)

Genre: Comedy  

Director: Ben Falcone  

Writers: Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone

Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Matt Walsh, Molly Gordon | See full cast & crew »  

When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) turns regret into re-set by going back to college…landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna - now Dee Rock- embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected. - Amazon UK. 

Melissa McCarthy is possibly one of my favourite actresses. She is always hilarious. Her movies are always great for a good laugh. Is Life of the Party one of her best movies? No, it’s not. It’s a little predictable, some of it is a flat but it is still a really good funny movie that can help you forget how bloody stressful life is. it’s an escape and that’s what I needed.  

Shocked when her husband decides he wants a divorce, Deanna decides it’s time to go back to college and finish her last year after dropping out the first time. Deanna enrolls in the same college as her daughter and not only does she really embrace college life, she makes friends, finds a toy boy and really finds herself after 20 years of being a stay at home mother. 

As I said this is not Melissa’s best work. Some of the jokes fall flat and you know exactly what’s going to happen. But that didn’t stop me enjoying it. Right now I have been going through some personal stuff and just needed an escape movie and Melissa’s movies are always a go to for me. Certain parts had me actually buckled with laughter. To the point I was snorting LOL. 

 

I found some of the characters a little Meh if I am honest. You have the typical mean girls, the weird loner and the cute boy. Although, I won’t lie the younger cute boy? Yeah it was cliché but a part of me was like “You go girl!!!” Because he is bloody gorgeous. And the whole situation was just comedy gold. 

 

If you are a fan of Melissa McCarthy then you need to watch it. Don’t go into it expecting too much. Take it for what it is. A silly comedy you can escape into for a while. I enjoyed it. And have got a new favourite word. Vagoogle. Once you see the movie you’ll get it. 

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#MovieReview: Spider-man Homecoming (2017)

I am not a movie reviewer and I don't pretend to be. I will share my thoughts on a movie like I do with the books I read. If you are looking for a full in depth article than I will only disappoint you. However, if you want to know my honest thoughts then keep reading. Feel free to leave your own thoughts (no spoilers) in the comments.

Movie: Spider-Man: Homecoming

Cert: 12

Studio: Marvel Studios/Sony

Release: 5th July 2017

Genre:  Action, Superhero, Sci-Fi

Directors: Jon Watts

Writers: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley | more credits 

Stars: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr. | See full cast & crew 

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened. - Amazon UK

OK I am not going to sit here and say I know anything about the Marvel world. I have never once read a comic so I have no clue if these movie is anything like the comic book storylines. However, as a movie I am admit it was one of my favourite Spider-Man movies.

I never liked the Toby Maguire movies. There I said it. I just don't like them. My Son though? Spider-Man is his favourite superhero and has been since watching those Toby Maguire ones. So those will always be his favourite ones. Me? I thought Andrew Garfield ones where much better. I thought they were funnier and had much better storylines.

Now we have another face for Spider-Man. Tom Holland. I think he has made a great Spider-Man. And this adaptation was  much better than the originals, on par with the Amazing Spider-Man movies. But so much funnier. Both my son and I were in stitches laughing.

We both found the movie really exciting and action packed. Peter is only 15 in this one so sometimes when he thinks he is trying to make things better he ends up messing up and making it worse because he is so young. But he tries. He looks up Tony Stark like a sort of father figure. And just wants to work with Tony/Iron Man.

One of the main differences I noticed between this one and the other Spider-Man movies was the love interest. Yes there is one slightly but unlike the other it's not a massive part of the storyline as such.

And one other thing. Aunt May? She got young and hot!!! Lol. Even my son was like "That's Aunt May? But she's YOUNG"

If you like the Marvel World thing you need watch this if you haven't already. I will suggest watching Civil war first as that's when we are introduced to this new Spider-Man. I still haven't watch that movie yet and i wish I had just to get see if we get more background our New Spider-Man.

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#MovieMonday: Fallen (2017)

*Movie Monday* is where I will share my thoughts on a movie I have seen in the past week. Please note that I am NOT a movie reviewer. I  will "review" a movie like I would a book. Just telling you how I feel about the movie. I hope you enjoy.

*I take NO credit for the title, as after I searched it I noticed it was already taken.

 

Movie: Fallen

Cert: 12

Studio: Lionsgate

Release: 10th March 2017 (UK)

Genre:  Teen, Drama, Fantasy

Directors: Scott Hicks

Writers: Michael Arlen Ross (screenplay), Kathryn Price (screenplay) | 2 more credits »

Stars: Addison Timlin, Jeremy Irvine, Harrison Gilbertson See full cast & crew » 

My Rating: 3 out of 5

About The Movie:

When Luce (Addison Timlin; That Awkward Moment) is sent to Sword & Cross reform school, accused of a crime she didn’t commit, she finds herself torn between two students; dangerous Cameron and mysterious Daniel (Jeremy Irvine; War Horse). Tormented by strange visions, Luce begins to unravel the secrets of her past and finds she must choose where her feelings lie, pitting Heaven against Hell in an epic battle over true love. - Amazon UK. 

Having read the book, Fallen had the potential to an epic movie. Fallen Angels. A love that transcends a thousand years. One girls struggle between two hotties. A battle between good and bad and one hell of a Gothic setting. Yet in the process of adapting this from paper to screen just falls flat. It just didn’t work which is so disappointing because I really enjoyed the first book in the series.

I remember when I first heard this was getting a movie (and we are going years back) I was soooooo excited because I loved the book. Then when information starting being released about the casting, I can honestly say I was not that impressed. Then when I watched the movie. It did not help me changed my mind much. Mainly for the casting of Luce and Cam. I was Team Cam in the books. I loved him. He had the ultimate bad boy appeal. "Bad" Fallen Angel. Full of charm. He was a fantastic character. And to me actor was way off. He couldn't pull off the Cam Charm. Luce, oh dear god. She may not have been my perfect Luce in looks (I always picture Kaya Scodelario as Luce) but I could have overlooked that if her acting was fantastic. And I am sorry but dear god she was a bore feast. I am sure that Addison is wonderful actress, I haven't seen anything else she is in. However, her portrayal of Luce is awful. Her acting was so flat. There was no emotional at all in her. No passion, no energy. Very lacklustre. I will say though I loved that they got the dress into the movie and she rocked it. She is a stunning girl and can totally pull off that look.

Now I wasn't completely upset about all of the casting. Jeremy as Daniel is actually pretty spot on looks wise. He was nice to looks at and got that smoldering thing going on. I think he did a good job with bringing Daniel to screen. However, I think he could have really stepped up on the nastiness. As in the books he was a bit of an arse to Luce.

I know that you are never going to get a perfect book to movie adaptation. Even my favourites have some major changes, e.g. Harry Potter and Twilight. However, I still expect some of the most important details and scenes to be kept in. And sadly it had just way too many mistake and BIG mistakes for me to really enjoy it. Yet, I think if you haven't read the book you might actually enjoy it more. Once I managed separated the two it wasn't overly terrible. It wasn't the worst movie I have ever seen. But it was a far cry from being great. And don't get me started on the pace. It was soooooo goddamn slow. It wasn't until the last 20 minutes that we got any sort of "excitement" and even then it was still pretty meh compared to the ending of the book. 

It wasn't all bad. Let me just take a moment to drool over the setting. The thing I loved most about the book was the setting. It is Gothic and dark and I loved it. The movie really managed to captured that. And I really want to go to Tura, Hungary to see this place close up. Swords & Cross was everything I imagine it would be. So hats off to those film crew and who ever decided on the where this movie was going to the film.  I also want to applaud the cinematographer. The way this film was shot really brought the Gothic feel alive. It was mesmerising and breath-taking. For me this saved the movie and brought my overall rating up to a 3. If they had messed up setting and overall feel of the movie it would have been a complete disaster.

Overall, Fallen was a sort of watchable movie. It was far from amazing. Personally, I think too many YA book to movie adaptations are falling because they all are trying to get that Twilight and Hunger Games success. Unfortunately, Fallen is one of many that have failed. Given more time and a bigger budget, Fallen could have been amazing!!!! It really could have. If they dedicated more time to making sure the actors acting was spot on, they could have been forgiven for changing a lot of the book if they still had the original spirit of the characters.

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#MovieMonday: Hairspray Live! (TV Movie 2016)

Movie Monday* is where I will share my thoughts on a movie I have seen in the past week. Please note that I am NOT a movie reviewer. I "review" a movie like I would a book. Just telling you how I feel about the movie. I hope you enjoy.

*I take NO credit for the title, as after I searched it I noticed it was already taken.

Movie: Hairspray Live!

Cert: PG

Release: 7th Dec 2016

Genre:  Musicial, Family, Comedy

Directors: Kenny Leon, Alex Rudzinski

Writers: Harvey Fierstein (teleplay by), Thomas Meehan (book) | 2 more credits »

Stars: Maddie Baillio,  Ariana Grande,  Kristin Chenoweth | See full cast & crew »

Rating: 3 out of 5

About The Movie:

Based on the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway musical, Hairspray LIVE! takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on “The Corny Collins Show,” a local TV program. When against all odds Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and meets a colorful array of characters, including the resident dreamboat, Link; the ambitious mean girl, Amber; an African American boy she meets in detention, Seaweed; and his mother, Motormouth Maybelle, the owner of a local record store. Tracy's mother is the indomitable Edna, and she eventually encourages Tracy on her campaign to integrate the all-white “Corny Collins Show.”

Why didn't I even know about this until someone posted on facebook after they had seen it?? I love Hairspray. I remember enjoying the original film but I remember absolutely loving the remake!!! Yeah I said I loved that version better. I have never seen the musical live so I can't really compare this to the stage show only the movie.

Hairspray is one of those really feel good musical with a really strong message. Set in 1960s Baltimore all Tracy wants to do is dance on the Corny Collins Show. But what seems like a fun thing turns into something much more important. Tracy wants to make the Corny Collins Show integrated.

As much as I have always said I love the 50s and 60s. I love the music, I love the clothes. However, it must have such a hard time to live if you weren't white. Hairspray takes this issues and turns into a hopeful musical that it's full bright characters and catchy tunes.

I think I compared it to the movie too much. Just because I loved the remake movie casting so much. However, the casting for this did a great job. This is Maddie's (Tracy) break out role and I feel she really done well. She is a very nice singing voice and really captured the essence of Tracy Turnblad. I wasn't keen on the casting of her parents though. And I'm sorry the dude playing Link? Nope. Just nope. He was no Zac Efron. I did however, really like Jennifer Hudson as Motormouth Maybelle. That woman has some set of pipes on her. She is looking fantastic!!!

Now, I will admit that Ariana Grande is a little annoying. The girl has an amazing voice yet in her normal singing she just doesn't enunciate her words and just mumbles. So even though she doesn't get a lot of screen time, when she sings you can make out every word and she also has an important role with it comes to get co star Seaweed.

I did notice a big different between the live show and the remake and it involved little Inez, Seaweeds sister. Now I don't know if the stage show is different to movie version so I am not sure if this live show is following the proper storyline or if the remake movie did. But all I will say is I much prefer how the movie ended to this one. 

Overall, Hairspray Live is an enjoy watch. Although I wasn't a fan of the cutting to the host and showing the "parties" from different places. I know it was to give the casting a breather and time to change and get ready for different scene but I just felt it ruined the flow and it's why I am not the biggest fan of these live musicals on TV. However, if you already know and love the show/movies then you will be singing and dancing along with it like I was!!! 

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#MovieMonday: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Please note that I am NOT a movie reviewer. I "review" a movie like I would a book. Just telling you how I feel about the movie. I hope you enjoy.

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Movie: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Cert: 12A

Release: 18th Nov 2016 (UK)

Genre:  Fantasy, Adventure, Family

Directors: David Yates

Writers: J.K. Rowling

Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol | See full cast & crew » 
My Rating: 5 out of 5

About The Movie:

There are growing dangers in the wizarding world of 1926 New York. Something mysterious is leaving a path of destruction in the streets, threatening to expose the wizarding community to the No-Majs (American for Muggles), including the Second Salemers, a fanatical faction bent on eradicating them and the powerful, dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, after wreaking havoc in Europe, has slipped away…and is now nowhere to be found. Unaware of the rising tensions, Newt Scamander arrives in the city nearing the end of a global excursion to research and rescue magical creatures, some of which are safeguarded in the magical hidden dimensions of his deceptively nondescript leather case. But potential disaster strikes when unsuspecting No-Maj Jacob Kowalski inadvertently lets some of Newt’s beasts loose in a city already on edge—a serious breach of the Statute of Secrecy that former Auror Tina Goldstein jumps on, seeing her chance to regain her post as an investigator. However, things take an ominous turn when Percival Graves, the enigmatic Director of Magical Security at MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), casts his suspicions on both Newt…and Tina.

Now allied, Newt and Tina, together with Tina’s sister, Queenie, and their new No-Maj friend, Jacob, form a band of unlikely heroes, who must recover Newt’s missing beasts before they come to harm. But the stakes are higher than these four outsiders—now branded fugitives—ever imagined, as their mission puts them on a collision course with dark forces that could push the wizarding and No-Maj worlds to the brink of war. - Amazon UK

Seeing that Warner Bro sign on that screen with the infamous Harry Potter tune gave me goose bumps. I never thought I was going to feel that again. I was fangirling all over again!!!

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them has got to be one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2016. When I first heard the JK Rowling was expanding the magical wizarding world into a new movie I was overjoyed with excitement. When the trailer starting to air on the TV my 10 year said he was looking forward to see it and had been bugging me to see it. So we finally seen it. And while I loved it, my 10 year old was not impressed.

I thought the movie rocked!! While I found the start to be a slow builder I still loved it. JK Rowling has yet again created something that is simply out of this world. That woman's imagination is truly something else. And to be able to create this out of what was essentially a textbook that Harry uses in school. She is a genius. The casting of Eddie as a Newt is going to make fans swoon. I do love him. I think he is so cute. And I want to go on adventures with him. Team him with Jacob who is a No-Maj (American term for Muggle) and two witches Tina and Queenie and you have a fantastic foursome who you will love because who doesn't love the outsiders!! 

The beasts in this are just beyond anything I could ever imagine. The graphics are phenomenal. They looked so real.  I wish I could really talk about all of them that we are introduced to but I don't want to give away any spoilers I feel like no words can do these amazing beasts any justice. All I will say is I want a niffler!!!

The movie is most definitely targeted at the original Potterhead generation. The ones who grew up reading books and movies. The movie is a lot more grown up and appeals very much to the adult audience. My 10 year found it very slow and even though at times he did laugh a few scenes mainly the ones that had Jacob in it, he was for the most part almost bored to tears with it. And he predicted who the bad guy was from the start.

I should mention incase you are maybe thinking my kid just doesn't like the Harry Potter. However, he is a Potterhead. He is a bigger Potterhead than me. He knows those books and movies inside out. I read him the Harry Potter books as a baby. We have movie marathons. He has the books in three different editions. He LOVES Harry Potter! This film just didn't have that same magical feeling for him that those films did. Maybe in a few years when he has matured a little he will enjoy this one until then he is a happy in the Harry Potter World while I myself can't wait to see where JKRowling is going take these movies next!!

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