The Dark Knight Trilogy: Film Reviews #2

The Public: We never said “Thank you!”

Chris Nolan: And you’ll never have to!

Okay, I know that’s actually a conversation between Gordon and Batman (spoiler alert: who is actually Bruce Wayne, if you happen to have been born on one of Jupiter’s moons and just arrived on Earth today), but I believe we all need to stand up, look at the sky and thank Christopher Nolan for restoring our beloved character to his former glory. Not only that, he introduced him in a whole new down-to-earth, realistic light to the mass audience. Not only that, he did so in such a graceful manner that kind of kept a bit of the gothic feel that the 1989 Batman built. NOT ONLY THAT – IT IS A COMIC BOOK MOVIE WITH AN OSCAR IN A MAJOR CATEGORY! I need to lie down, got too excited…

I am slightly against looking at the three movies separately, for they complete each other too much, but I reckon if I add chaos to the lack of writing talent in this article, it would be too much to bear.

That being said, let’s start off with Batman Begins. Stupid title. I remember when it first came out I DID NOT want to see it! And I’m the biggest bat-fan I know! There was too sour a taste left from the previous movie that had all but drained my faith in ever seeing a decent dark knight movie ever again (fuck you, Schumacher! Bat-skates?! Really?!). In the end I went to see it just before it came off cinemas… and it was THE BEST BATMAN MOVIE EVER! It captured the torment of the character like nothing on the big screen ever had! (Apologies to Tim Burton, but Michael Keaton as Batman!? Kind of shot yourself in the foot there, didn’t you?) Back to the point – what really grabbed me is that the movie takes itself seriously; the reality of Gotham is actually real. The cast has perfect harmony, no one overshines the others and in this way everyone fits perfectly into the story. Ever Katie Holmes, I swear. The stage was set…

The Dark Knight is to date the only movie I went to see four times at the cinema. In one week. I couldn’t get enough! This movie is what every bat-fan could ever dream of. It has the complex story, the emotional fuse, the tormented hero and brilliant villains! Heath Ledger gave us the performance of a lifetime. He put so much into portraying the Joker it is almost as if he knew it would be his last complete performance. You can rarely see an actor remove himself from a character as much. He gave himself completely to the image of the Clown Prince of Crime to such an extent that people will actually remember him with the paint on his face. Which I believe is the way he would want them to (given his career choice). The only thing I dislike about the movie is Maggie Gyllenhaal. Her face can put a cock to sleep. In the end, The Dark Knight is somber and delicate, morbid and artistic. It is the movie we deserve.

With Ledgers death, one can only wonder what plans Nolan held for the end of his trilogy. Respectably he refused to re-cast the Joker (which would have been an abomination) and instead went for a new villain. Bane was supposed to be the most horrific thing to happen to Gotham City. Unfortunately, you cannot follow Ledger, despite Tom Hardy’s best efforts. It just isn’t possible. Bane is a threat, he actually beats Batman, but still, you know that he will recover. With the Joker that was not certain, there was always room for Batman to lose. That being said, The Dark Knight Rises turned out to be the swan song that the trilogy deserved. It gave the films a sense of completeness in an epic and hugely emotional way. It was the best possible good-bye Nolan could say to our beloved universe. And we are forever grateful, that he created it.

Henry Ducard: A vigilante is just a man lost in the scramble for his own gratification. He can be destroyed, or locked up. But if you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, and if they can't stop you, then you become something else entirely.

Bruce: Which is?

Henry Ducard: Legend, Mr. Wayne.

~G.

Interstellar: Film Reviews #1

Cooper: I’m coming back…

Murph (crying): When?

                Knowing the general theme of the movie (saving the world and shit) one might wonder why I chose this particular quote off what I can only claim to be an honest opinion, for I could never consider myself worthy enough to put out an official article on the experience that is Interstellar. Anyway, the reason is this: all of its stars, and planets, and spaceships, and wormholes cannot cover up the fact that the center of this epic tale revolves around a normal, “down to earth” family’s struggle to hold on to each other despite the metaphorical or physical light years that stand between them.

                The story is set in the not-so-distant (or unlikely) future. Most of Earth’s resources have been used up and humanity is patiently waiting to die in the dirt (which is arguably a fate well deserved).  From the very beginning you get a strong sense of the overall “down to earth” atmosphere and tone of the movie. And yes, I am quite aware that I already used this phrase twice – it is no accident! No matter how deep into the galaxy the story sends poor ol’ Matthew McConaughey (fuck, they can spell in Texas), that feeling that everything happening in the film is in a strange way much closer to reality than to science fiction does not go away. This is on one hand due to the tremendous amount of thought that was put towards molding the script into a theoretical plausibility (to such an extent as to make an educated prediction of what a worm hole could actually look like), and on the other hand you have Nolan’s precious practical effects. And they are precious indeed. The green screen is down to almost zero – even the scene on the first planet had the enormous waves projected on huge screens in order to get a truly genuine performance out of the actors. Let’s face it, it’s just sad and honestly pathetic every time you see that picture of poor Gandalf sitting alone in a fucking green room in the opening scenes of the fucking Hobbit (you killed it, Peter, you fucking murdered it… greedy fuck). Thankfully, that is not the Nolan way, and that’s why you gotta love it!

                Needless to say, what makes this movie exceptional (beyond everything said up until now) is the performance. While reading on until the end, I would like you to imagine McConaughey’s face illuminated by a ray of heavenly light… beautiful, brilliant man. A surprise for me was that it was Jessica Chastain that stole quite a lot of the spotlight, especially when talking about her great scenes with Michael Cane (who makes you love him, then hate him with such ease that it’s ridiculous). I dare not speak of McConaughey’s talent as it is purely work of art and whatever I said would just tone it down. If anyone was left unmoved by the scene where he watches his kids’ videos for the first time – your heart is as black as the devil’s arse.  In other news: Casey Affleck is worthless and lifeless as usual. Oh, and Matt Damon is a floppy dick. Don’t mean to be and ass, but I just hate his fat sorry face… it’s a personal issue.

                What baffles me is the absolute lack of recognition for this masterpiece from the Academy (of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, trolls, I know this stuff!). Unforgivable. Hence forth, the Academy shall be renamed to the Cuntcademy.  

                But to end on a higher note – this could very well be the best movie I have ever seen. And if you are one of the five people alive yet to see this brilliant piece of cinema history – GO AND FUCKING WATCH IT! BEING IN ANTARCTICA IS NO EXCUSE! IT IS PROBABLY THE BEST MOVIE YOU WILL EVER SEE! (Until Nolan’s next project, come to think about it)
~G.

Godzilla: Classic VS Remake #1

I have been gone for awhile (that blog was just an experiment after all), but I am back with all force and this time I am not alone. Let me introduce you my cocky boyfriend and his surprisingly good writing which kind of makes me feel bad about myself and my attempt to conquer film studies. We will just have fun, like an old married couple trying to find an interesting hobby so that they don't die of boredom. Excuse my lover's attitude, that is just how it goes. 
This is one of our first ideas of а series of posts and we found it compelling since so many remakes appear nowadays in our cinemas. 


~I.

Before we get straight down to it I have something to say: FUCK ROLAND EMMERICH AND HIS FUCKING PRETENTIOUS DISASTER MOVIES. There, I feel much better now. And before I hear the furious roars of a thousand fan boys, let me say that I do not consider the 1998 shitstorm that was Godzilla a classic, but given the nature of the movie battle itself I consider the original 1954 version incomparable to the new remakes – mainly because of the vast difference in Asian and American cinema. And also, I would have to mention all of the other Asian versions. And I’m a lazy bastard. PS There may be some spoilers!

                Let’s start off with Emmerich’s “contribution” to the seventh art. First and shallowest of all, the taglines promoting of the movie is so much better suited for a porn flick. Not that there probably hasn’t been some thought put into “Size Does Matter” or “Something Big Is Happening”, but I reckon they would be better suited describing “The Incredible Hulk: An XXX Parody”.. or “Fifty Shades Of Grey”. Second of all: Matthew Broderick. You ass. Not only is he not even remotely likely to be considered an action hero, but the general “I think that was not just a fart” look on his face, for me, deems him unlikely to be much of a scientist. Perhaps Roland was trying to go for a cool/geeky touch to bring to the table, kind of the way Jeff Goldblum does in Jurassic Park. Needless to say this little experiment failed miserably. So that’s strike one. Come to think about it the strikes just keep on coming: Maria Pitillo’s “that dick has not been washed” look; Hank Azaria’s pure awkwardness and the general lack of effort put in the writing of the script. The one thing I would like to pardon when it comes to this movie is Jean Reno’s part in it. Based on his other contributions to the film industry, I think I can let this appearance slide. He probably just needed the money.

                On the other hand we have the fresh 2014 remake, courtesy of Gareth Edwards. And I know what you guys are thinking: “Who the fuck is Gareth Edwards and how did he come to direct such a blockbuster movie?” Well, don’t worry – no one really knows. Which turned out to be a good think, for expectations weren’t sky high as they were for the “original”. The first trailers were allusive, focusing on the people, slightly hinting the danger, the drama, the aftershock of what a huge motherfucking creature attacking humanity would actually feel and look like from the perspective of a common man. The cast is well balanced, focusing on a mixture of up-and-coming talents (Olsen and Taylor-Johnson) and proven and influential artists (Bryan “Hail-To-The-King” Cranston and Ken Watanabe). Now, can’t say that Watanabe’s weepy look doesn’t get old and that there aren’t some plot holes, but you can’t expect too much – it is a Godzilla movie, after all.

                I think it is pretty clear which version I consider to be superior. But if you still need convincing of the superiority of Edwards’s effort, here it is – GODZILLA IS NOT THE FUCKING VILLAIN (ROLAND, YOU WANKER!), HE IS THE PROTECTOR!  There, I said it. The victor is clearly the new and gloomy reptile, as opposed to the old and… well, gloomy reptile.

                Sorry I used “fuck” so much, mom.

                PS P.Diddy & Jimmy Page’s effort for the first movie’s theme song is worth hearing out.

                PSPS The Patriot was a fluke, admit it!

~G.

Liebster Award

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14069119/?claim=n5dfxz5mjnz">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

I was nominated by Take a Walk On The Write Side so thank you very much! 
The rules to the Liebster Awards are these:
Thank the blogger who nominated you and link to their blog!
List 11 random facts about yourself.
Answer their 11 questions.
Nominate 11 bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
Ask them 11 questions.
Let them know you have nominated them

So 11 random facts about me. Gosh, I hate these but okay:
1. I've dreamt my whole life to live in London and soon I'm fulfilling my dream.
2. I've had one dog, one cat, two rabbits, two turtels and two parots. Not at once, of course, but you get my point - I like animals.
3. I've lost a person who meant the world to me.
4. I'm obsessed with beauty and fashion and thinking of adding this to my blog.
5. I have the foolish dream to become a writer one day.
6. I have a little brother who is really annoying. :)
7. I love everything about France and Italy and want to learn the languages and go there.
8. Autumn and winter are my favourite seasons.
9. I love writing and even as a little girl I kept a diary.
10. I love British bloggers and vloggers such as Zoella, essiebutton, Tanya Burr and so on.
11.  I'm really bad at listing things about myself.



Answer their 11 questions:

1) What book would you like to see turned into a movie/tv series and why? - All of my favourite books are already turned into a movie, but I would love to see a remake of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and IT by Stephen King.

2) What is your favorite fairytale? - Snow White

3) What book made you fall in love with reading? - A Game of Thrones by George Martin

4) Who is you all-time favorite author? - Stephen King

5) Do you sometimes judge a book by its cover. - Not really but a book with a pretty cover always attracts me.

6) What was/is your favorite school subject? - Literature and Biology.

7) What made you decide to start a blog? - I wanted to practice writing because this month I'm going to university to study Literature.

8) Do you like taking personality quizzes? - Oh, not really.

9) What's the last book you read and loved? - Summer and the City.

10) What do you like to do when you're not reading? - So many things - shopping, playing the guitar, watching youtube, reading and writing blogs and so on.

11) If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? - Italy, France, Brazil, Spain, let's say everywhere.

My questions: 
1. What is the first book you read by yourself?
2. Outdoor or indoor reading?
3. What was the worst movie adaptation of a book? 
4. Book you’re most embarrassed to have never read? 
5. Would you rather read digital or paper books?
6. What are you reading right now?
7. How many books do you own?
8. What character in a book would you like to be best friends with?
9. Who is your favourite novelist?
10. Do you have a comfort book that you re-read?
11. What is your favourite quotation?

I nomiate:
The Hardcover Lover  
Gloria The Violinist   
And basically everyone who feels like doing it.

    
 

The Chocolate Book Tag

There are loads of tags out there on the internet, but this one in particular seized my attention. I mean, it collaborates two of my most favourite things on this planet. Also, I think it's very entertaining and it's an easy way to tell you about books which have impresed me.


1. Dark chocolate (book that covers a dark topic)
That is definitely Gerald's Game by Stephen King. I think that most of his books fit into this category, but this one in particular is unbelievably dark and twisted. It has death in it, it has horror, it has violance. Sometimes I just can't believe how his mind gives birth to such horrific stories.

2. White chocolate (favourite light-hearted read)
For sure - Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell. The book itself is nothing fancy and I know I've written about it before. But that's one of my favourite light and fast reads of all time.

3. Milk Chocolate (a book that has a lot of hype about it and I want to read it)
 Divergent by Veronica Roth - All I know about this one is that basically every book blogger writes about it and it seems that everyone loves it, so must catch up.

4. Chocolate with a caramel center - (a book that made me feel all gooey while I was reading it)
Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris - As I've told you before this woman has the ability to send you the most amazing places. This book made me dream of France and be sentimental about things in life (how cheesy)

5. Wafer free Kit Kat (a book that has surprised me) 
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - My surprise comes from the fact that I didn't think I would like it all. Turns out, the book is pretty good as it caputres your attention and doesn't bore you until the very end.

6. Hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows (a comfort read)
I believe any John Green book would do here, especially for me - Looking for Alaska.  His books are very light-hearted and humorously written and could always pick me up when in a bad mood. 

7. Box of chocolates (a series that has a wide variety and has a little something for everyone)
Well I think that everyone here would I agree that, without doubt, it's A song of ice and fire by George R.R. Martin.  I don't even feel the need to explain myself here and all of you who has read it would know what I mean. All the different characters and places create a whole new world in which everyone can find a place. Basically, it's everyone's must read.


Now, exuse me while I go to buy some chocolate! :)
 
   

Bridget Jones's Diary

I have extremely mixed thoughts on this book. I gave it three stars, but I'm not entirely sure. I'm not one hundred percent negative about it, though.
First of all, I actually enjoyed reading it - it is a fast read for sure. It is funny and easy to read. But. The characters were so annoying I can't begin to explain it. I don't know who 30 year old (or more) woman would behave so childishly. And I know that you're supposed to relate to her and the situations she encounters and I do. But I'm 19 and somewhere along the book I realised I'm more serious and responsible than her. I know that's the idea of the character - to be silly and funny, but sweet, but she was only irritating to me. 
Another awful character was her mother and their sick relationship. Bridget was constantly compainling about her and not realising she is just the same. I don't know, maybe I take things too seriously - it's just a book after all, but I had to express my annoyance. The male characters were fine actually, espascially that Mark Darcy dude.
The actuall story was nothing impressive too in particular. It's basically a diary about an year in her life in which she tries to lose weight, improve her career and so on but fails greatly. 
You have to agree that the book is not an absolute master piece, but I actually enjoyed it (having in mind that I read it very quickly). It is definitely one of those books which you read without much thinking and which actually manage to pull you off your own world and problems. In my opinion, the idea of the novel is to show that every woman encounters basically the same problems - weight gain, problems with friends and boys, etc. and that, much like in the real world, not everyone handles them calmly - just like Bridged who is a total nutjob.
Also, I'm really looking forward to watching the movie as I heard it is better than the book- not that I believe this is possible. :) Do you have any thoughts on the book or the movie?

Top Ten Tuesday #3

It's time for another Top Ten Tuesday post (The Broke and the Bookish). Today I'll talk you through ten books I really want to read but don't own yet. 
Now, that would be e tough one because if I really want to read a book, I do it no matter if I own it. I usually buy it, look for it in the library or even download it on my phone. But I'll try because I'm sure some titles would pop up.


1. Memoaris of a Geisha by Arthur Golden - Pretty famous book, not much to say here. I've wanted to read it forever because the movie seems to be good and the book is always better.

2. The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling  - I love 'Harry Potter', who doesn't? Rowling's writing style is amazing so I have no doubts about this book. But I definitely want to own a copy because I have all her other books and it's important, you know.

3. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson - I absolutely loved the first book of this series. For some reason I own the third book, but not this one. I actually tried buying it online but it hasn't arrived yet and it's been a month. Makes me anxoius.

4. Let It Snow by John Green - So far his books haven't disappointed me and the title of this one makes me curious. I hope it's about Christmas as that is my favourite time of the year. Haven't yet come around to this book in any bookstore though.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - There's a book I've been wanting to read for ages. Since it a classic I'm determined to own a copy but where I live it's almost impossible to find many books in English. A bummer.

6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - I want to own this book so, so, so much. A friend of mine actually offered to lend it to me so I could read it but no! Everyone says that it's amazing so I, like a true book addict, must own it!

7. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey - Another classic, I know. I actually own this one, but there're missing pages and I want a new one so I could read it properly.

8. Life of Pi by Yann Martel - Since the release of the movie, I've been eyeing this novel. Very mixed opinions about it, but who cares, I'll give it a go anyway.

9. East of Eden by John Steinbeck - Have had so many recommendations about this one. Most of my friends absolutely love it, so it's a bit shocking I haven't read it yet.

10. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind - This novel sounds fascinating to me. A bit creepy, but really interesting. I love a little thriller now and then.

I basically can't wait to purchase and read all these books. Have you guys read any of them and what were your thoughts?