‘Suicide Squad’ FILM REVIEW

*Sigh* 

I had such high hopes. Now, that may seem a pretty harsh way to begin a review, and don’t get me wrong there are definitely some defining and memorable moments throughout this film I really enjoyed but…there just could have been so much more. 

More Captain Boomerang, more Katana, more Joker…the list is endless. It’s meant to be a ‘squad’ and Lord knows everyone under the sun knows what that means thanks to T-Swift and her friends, but really it just felt like the Deadshot and Harley Quinn show. And whilst I really loved those characters I did feel like we didn’t get a chance to really see the others shine like we know they have the potential to do. 

Origin stories are always hard- you want to give the audience enough information so the present storyline makes sense but you don’t want to load them down with too many flashbacks and stoic moments where the characters wonder how they got to this point in their lives. It really is a delicate balance, and I’m not one hundred percent sure that ‘Suicide Squad’ nailed it. There was a lot of flashbacks rammed into the storyline that made it feel jolty and at times slightly confusing. The flashbacks themselves were not in order, we saw Harley both pre and post Joker in random sequences, so you were never completely sure of the timeline. 

Will Smith killed it, naturally- his talent for humour and timing shining through in the character of Deadshot very nicely and offering comic relief in the darkest moments. His relationship with army man Rick Flag, portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, was also a highlight for me as I enjoyed their comradery and to-and-fro sarcasm throughout the film, the contrast between good and evil yet joining together to fight for a cause. And the attitude he holds towards Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller had me laughing out loud, particularly his ‘How are you not dead?’ delivery. Flawless.

After all the hype behind the multiple trailers, posters, teasers and radio adverts run throughout the months leading up to the films release I felt a little disappointed however about the amount of screen time the Joker got. He was supposed to be the ultimate bad guy- Jared Leto clearly put his all into it and yet he was used almost as a side piece. An idea to show Harley Quinn’s backstory and nothing more. He played a slight comic relief that didn’t really live up to his potential. And I’m not the only one disappointed in the portrayal- Leto himself has said he was upset with the way he had been placed into the film, believing that the potential of the role was not explored fully.

Needless to say, fans felt tricked and slightly let down by the filmmakers in regards to what they thought to be a major story arc. There seems to be promises of more in the extended cut, but I’ll reserve any kind of judgement until I see it for myself.

With that, the big bad guy was anything but. And trust me, it wounds me to writes such words. I LOVE Cara Delevingne, and I have for years. When she made the leap to acting I was thrilled, simply because it meant we would see more of her on the big screen. But, I feel she took on too much, too soon. This character is not well thought out or portrayed at all, and I feel that is only part Delevingne’s issue. She gets the June Moon persona nailed down, the scared unknowing woman who doesn’t understand the powerful being inside her- however when she makes the transition to Enchantress, something gets lost in translation. She becomes comedic, but not in a good sense. She becomes sexualised, scantily dressed and gyrating around whilst everyone else gets in on the action. She is given an odd CGI voice and look, and somehow the reality of the film, already hanging by a thread due to it’s nature, is completely lost. It’s heart-breaking, simply because the potential is there and not acted upon. However, I do think the other enemy Amanda Waller was portrayed in justice. Viola Davis bought the right amount of patriotic loyalty and emotionless drive to make her hated by the characters and audience alike. Her dominant role throughout the film, to me, seemed to be simply to make the audience side with the protagonists, the ‘squad’ who even though they are quintessentially evil you find yourself rooting for them to succeed. It’s a redemption story, and Waller is the catalyst for succession.

The CGI and special effects was another issue for me- I feel this is just becoming a list of complaints but roll with it, we will get there- simply because it didn’t live up to other aspects of the film. Characters are humorous and attention grabbing for the most part, and I enjoyed laughing along with them. however, I did not enjoy laughing at the CGI because I was SUPPOSED to laugh at it. It was an awkward laugh because it was unbelievable- the whole point of CGI is to make us believe what we are seeing is real, that it really, truly exists- and there were points that succeeded, such as El Diablo’s (another underrated character) full transformation.

A highlight for me was the soundtrack- it kept the film alive and rolling. It succinctly narrated the film and kept the feel of a comedic superhero film going, even if some of the songs did feel a little out of place. I also enjoyed the not so subtle tie-ins to the Justice League upcoming films, the reveal of the Flash and the return of Affleck’s Batman. That last one is a bit of a stretch as I have strong mixed feelings towards ol’ Ben’s Batman, but that’s for another day and post. But I love a good tie-in, and teasers are my weakness. The more interactions they have the more real the characters become to be- it gives them a sense of history, a past we are only just starting to learn.

The film ends ambiguously, I think- they leave it wide open with the Joker re-appearing, naturally, with the options of numerous sequels. There are a number of villains that could potentially be lined up for the squad to defeat- Harley, Deadshot, Killer Croc and Boomerang are all still in Belle Reve, and El Diablo’s fate seems slightly equivocal. I’m not sure how I feel about this situation. As a story arc, Enchantress is defeated and the squad benefit from being temporarily good- we get to see an aspect of humanity and vulnerability to them all that I like.

I left the cinema with mixed feelings- I found it enjoyable whilst I watched it, but the more I thought about it the more flaws I found. It seems to be a trait I find forming with regards to DC movies recently. Overall, it’s a feel good movie that is watchable enough but should be a definite miss for those die-hard comic fans, or really anyone who knows anything about the original comic characters. Sadly, the film just didn’t do them justice.

5.5/10

‘Me Before You’ FILM REVIEW

Now, a couple of months ago I did a book review on the wonderful novel ‘Me Before You’ by Jo Jo Moyes, so it only felt right to complete the circle with a film review to match. Needless to say, I adored this movie. The casting was spot on, the locations were beautiful and the story itself…utterly, utterly heartbreaking. 

But these are all things I already knew- just from the trailer. If I can fault this movie on just one thing, it was the amount of publicity and clips, teasers and trailers that were released before the film itself. I felt like I had nearly seen the whole thing before I even walked into the cinema. Like I said in a previous post, I’m a researcher- I can’t help myself. If Hollywood is going to offer these tid-bits before the film comes out, I’ll gobble them up and then feel guilty afterwards, just like if they were a chocolate cake. It’s the way I’m made. 

But if thats all I can fault this film on, then lovers of the book, you have nothing to fear. 

Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin stole my heart completely as soon as they appeared on screen. They are Lou and Will, completely. they embodied the roles with such passion and tenderness that you really had no doubt they were perfect choices. Well done casting directors, well done indeed. The film, and the book itself are so wonderfully British, not two words we’ve been hearing together all that recently, and these two actors just brought that even more to life. 

The backdrop was perfection, the ageing castles and the quintessential manor house where most of the story is set took my breath away, and reminded me of the beauty that is in the English countryside. I love films that just capture the essence of England, the rolling countrysides and the little tea-shops, the little country lanes and the brightly coloured terrace houses with their overgrown front lawns- I love it. And ‘Me Before You’ really captures the best of it all. 

Lou’s outfits and clothing choices were a real show-stopper and play a very strong theme throughout the entire book, therefore I was so glad to see it wasn’t diluted or forgotten about in the film. Whilst the novel goes into more depth about why she chooses to dress the way she does, with bright colours and numerous layers and all around general wackiness, the film didn’t touch upon that certain subject, which I am in two minds about. Unfortunately, her reason behind her attitude and clothing is so heartbreaking it would have had you in tears a lot earlier on in the movie- Lou goes through some tough times before the beginning of the novel, and it changes her as a person, knocks her life onto a different path. And whilst in a book the length and depth of a novel allows you to recover, to recollect yourself and pace your emotions- it’s not something you can do with a film. But, on the other hand, its a subject that needs to be addressed urgently and in a manner that supports those involved. I don’t want to spoil the novel for people who haven’t read the book yet, so if you don’t know what I’m talking about, you know what to do. 

The supporting cast was wonderful as well, all recognisable faces who bought the characters to life with such conviction and loyalty to the original text and the characters that Moyes has created. Charles Dance and Jenna Coleman are but a few of the stellar actors who were part of this film, and they were wonderful. I seriously cannot fault them. 

The storyline flows well, it’s a classic story of boy dislikes girl, girl dislikes boy and yet we watch as they grow to like and eventually love one another. It’s a story that has been told many, many times over- and so it’s a story that needs a twist to make it stand out, to make it something special. And whilst it remained cliché in some places, it became totally original in others. The twist in the story is Will’s paralysis, and the role they play in each other’s life. You expect Lou to change Will’s life, to show him that it’s worth living for- yet somehow those roles reverse and it’s Will teaching Lou that there is so much more potential for her in the world. 

As I said before, there are many topics within the film that can be seen as emotionally distressing or particularly sensitive. There is the theme of Euthanasia, Claflin’s character becoming paralysed from the neck down and wanting to end his life in Switzerland. There was an outcry when the film was released about this particular theme as many believed it cast disabled people as a burden on their families etc… Perhaps that is how it can be perceived, but I believe this film just shows one case in particular. Claflin’s character is clearly shown, on multiple occasions, to have led a very active and adventurous lifestyle before his accident. Moyes writes the character so you believe that he is truly unhappy with his own predicament, not because he believes the world would be better off without him- something I think is portrayed on the screen as well. 

But, it’s a film that made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me leave the cinema feeling content that justice had been done to the book and that the story had been told right. A definite must-see with either your partner or your girlfriends. Either way, just bring some tissues. 

8.5/10

 

Top Five Films Coming Soon

Suicide Squad 

This is without a doubt the film I am most excited about out of this year’s releases. With an all star cast and a great twist on the classic ‘superhero’ movie, it’s bound to be amazing. It’s still a superhero movie, only…told from the side of the villains. 

Will Smith and Margot Robbie head up the team, or ‘Squad’ if you like, of these misfits and vandals, captured and used by the government for their own gain. It’s the bad guys trying to go good, however reluctantly. 

Jared Leto takes the mantel of ‘the Joker’ and from the trailers clearly has his own memorable twist on the role. 

The trailer is supported by a truly awesome soundtrack and punchy one-liners, and is definitely going to be the movie of the summer. 

Release Date: 5th August 2016

Beauty and The Beast 

The re-telling and live animation of the Disney classic is coming to the big screens, and the little girl in me is so very pleased about this news. Now, I know, touching something that is already, in my opinion, perfect, is always a risky move, but after the success of ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Malificent’, I have to say I have high hopes. 

I’m excited to see Emma Watson take on the role of Belle, to don the yellow dress and descend the staircase in the graceful way we know she’s capable of. 

Looks-wise, the cast is stellar. Josh Gad as the comic relief, Luke Evans as Gaston…it’s perfect. 

The only thing that’s upsetting is how long we have to wait until the release date. 

Release Date: March 2017

Star Trek 

The third film of the re-boot series is being released just around the corner, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana are back in the iconic roles of Kirk, Spock and Uhura, whilst Idris Elba is the newcomer playing the villain. 

The characters and the storyline seem to be pushing the boundaries even more than before, going into unchartered territory, hence the ‘beyond’ in the title, and facing the dangers within.

I’m looking forward to seeing the veterans return and explore their relationships further, as well as the CGI and new worlds Justin Lin and Simon Pegg will have created.

Release Date: 22nd July 2016  

Inferno 

I’m in two minds of Dan Brown’s novels- I do enjoy them but they are also often ‘fact overload’ which derives from the storyline. But, I cannot deny how much I enjoy the movie adaptations, especially with Tom Hanks playing the lead role of Robert Langdon.

I love the art, the history, the symbology and the combination of adventure and excitement that binds the story together. It’s action and educational. 

Felicity Jones plays his leading lady in this particular film, playing Dr Sienna Brooks, a brilliant doctor with a mysterious past. I’ll say no more. 

The film, and the novel, features around ‘Dantes’ Inferno’ which makes Langdon invaluable to solving whichever crisis is about to hit. It’s up to him to save the world, yet again. 

Release Date: 14th October 2016

Jason Bourne 

Jason Bourne is back, baby! And Matt Damon is too. Regardless of the not so creative name of the film, I guess the poster is right, I’m really excited about this movie. 

I love Matt Damon’s portrayal of the super spy Bourne, and it will be interesting to see him back in action. 

The storyline appears to be continuing on from ‘Ultimatum’, with Bourne still trying to piece together the last fragments of his lost memory whilst the government come up with new technological ways to hunt him down. 

The trailers promises a lot of brawls, car chases and nail biting moments that we’ve come to expect from a Bourne film. 

Release Date: 27th July 2016

EXTRA: Tomb Raider 

I just had to put in a little line about the recent news about the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider re-boot movie series as they have released the news that Alicia Vikander, from films such as ‘The Danish Girl’ and ‘Testament of Youth’ will be playing the lead role. I may have had mixed feelings when they first announced the re-boot, but with Vikander at the helm I’m starting to shift from apprehensive to excited. It will be interesting to see how they approach this already iconic role. 

‘Captain America: Civil War’ FILM REVIEW

Now, I know I’m a little behind with posting this movie review, but it felt like disrespect to the film if I didn’t. 

For those who know me, and now those of you that don’t, I am a huge comic book movie fan. I have been since the day Robert Downey, Jr graced our screens as Iron Man EIGHT years ago. I know, I know- it doesn’t seem like there was a time before these films were in our lives, but that’s the truth. And the latest in the series is ‘Captain America: Civil War’. 

Now, where to start? Not only is this a huge story arc in the comics for two of the most well known and well loved comic book superheroes, but it is also an extremely pivotal moment for the phases that Marvel Cinematic Universe are creating. It’s the start of phase three, the last of the phases and what I like to call, ‘the beginning of the end’. We have seen the origin stories, and we have seen the Avenger’s come together to for the greater good- now, we see them battle among themselves to determine what actually is ‘the greater good’ and how they are going to achieve it. 

I loved this movie, but then again, Marvel continues to live up to my expectations. It managed to create turmoil and unrest between the characters without ever making them the villains, you understood why they were fighting on the side they had chosen, and what motivated each and everyone of them. There was a great mixture of old and new faces, and no one character stole more screen time than was necessary. 

The story follows on from Avengers: Age of Ultron, and we find the camp split in two after the United Nations wants to create a government group that takes control of the Avengers and the missions they choose to take. Now, it’s a lot more complicated and thorough than that, but it’s the condensed form- plus, I don’t want to give too much away. The team is split with Captain America leading one side, whilst Iron Man heads up the other. Its a battle of friends and best intentions, and really grips you from start to finish.  

Some new faces include Black Panther and Spiderman, whilst old favourites like Ant-Man who stood strong in their stand alone movie really bring a sense of comic relief to the film. We see villains become friends, friends become enemies and many a patience tried. You spend the entire film trying to work out which side you think is right and wondering how on earth the relationships broken will ever be fixed. 

The action sequences, and there are many as per Marvel quota, deserve to be spoken about for many reasons. I cannot stand those movies where the action sequences are all the same, where there’s no mixture or diversity. Thankfully, this is not one of those movies. Each fight has a purpose, and is choreographed so brilliantly that you are on edge of your seat the entire time. One involves a motorbike, the next Captain America is clinging to the side of a building trying to stop a helicopter from taking off- it’s intense. The fight sequence in the airport is particularly breath-taking, a showcase of all the characters abilities in unique and entertaining ways. 

And the dialogue itself flows well, both a commendation to the writers and the actors. There is just enough moving moments, dramatic pauses, angry rants and surprise twists to make it a true Marvel film. Nothing is spoon fed to the audience, and there’s no big explanation where the villain describes his plans in intimate detail- the whole film keeps an edge of mystery about it, flicking between past and present until the big reveal at the end. I loved it, and that’s because I love being surprised. I’m a researcher, when I find a film or character I like I’ll read about them endlessly until I know everything- so when a film like this comes out and knocks me for ten, I love it. 

A big shout out to Chris Evans, reprising his role as Captain America, for showing a more reckless and law breaking side to his previously squeaky-clean character. There was a real dept to his character that I felt we didn’t see in previous films- the struggle to do what is right against what the law is telling him. That and his onscreen relationship with the Winter Solider, played by Sebastian Stan, really made him the stand out role for me. 

The newcomer Black Panther, portrayed by Chadwick Boseman, was another favourite of mine. A difficult role in itself, playing both a King and a superhero, whilst also having to stand tall amongst the veteran actors of Marvel, is not an easy task, yet Boseman handled it with ease and agility that made him born to play the role. I am really looking forward to the Black Panther solo film to see more of Boseman playing the role. 

To end, and put simply, a definite 2016 favourite of mine, and perhaps favourite Marvel film so far- as much as I enjoy the solo films, I love seeing the superheroes come together and this one, without Thor or Hulk sadly, really rose through the ranks for me to secure a top three placing. 

8/10 

‘Me Before You’ Book Review

The course of true love never did run smooth. And it’s an idea that writers have been running with for hundreds of years. From star crossed lovers to the friend-zoned comedy relief, it’s a tried and tested method to a great love story filled with enough twists and turns to keep us interested. 

And my new obsession is another of these stories- the wonderful novel ‘Me Before You’ by Jo Jo Moyes. Told from the perspective of a young woman recently out of a job desperately searching for another to keep her family afloat. 

Set in a picturesque English town, she stumbles across a job being a carer for a recently disabled man. Now, like most love stories, you know how the basics play out. A somewhat reclusive and bad tempered young man comes into contact with a bright, bubbly, colourful young girl and they inspire one another to become better, more well rounded versions of themselves. But this novel is so much more than simply that. It’s a tale thats been told before with a completely fresh and inspired twist. 

It’s hard not to fall in love with the young Louisa, who is so much more than the ditzy eccentric woman you believe her to be at the beginning of the novel. And as we see the world through her eyes, the people around her capture your heart as they do hers. Will Traynor, the man who two years prior to the novel finds himself trapped in a wheelchair unable to move from the neck down, is less than pleased when his mother hires Louisa to be his carer and companion, knowing full well of her true motives. 

The book hits you with heart felt revelations and surprises throughout the story, capturing you with well written and thoughtful prose as well as a beautiful character to experience the novel with. I was in a bit of a reading funk before I found this book, struggling to find something that really caught my attention and made me want to stop doing anything apart from just read one page after another…and then this gem came along. It really captures you from the first page, one of only about six to be told from Will’s perspective but riddled with foreshadowing and cliffhangers that get you hooked. The point of view then changes to Louisa’s for the rest of the novel, and we get to see the repercussions of the first few pages through her eyes. 

The novel is well paced and progresses nicely from Louisa’s comfort zone and into the unknown. Louisa is our guide, she experiences things as the readers do. This is a comfort to a novel that touches upon a lot of topics that can be hard to talk about, such as disablement or suicide. Moyes write about such matters in a way that enlightens and informs the reader yet still allows the magic of the love story to shine through. It’s a practical romantic novel, one of my favourite kinds. 

Overall it was a refreshing and fun novel full of heart and gloriously romantic. A must read for anyone who needs a little love in their life. 

And for those who aren’t big readers, have no fear! The wonderful people at Hollywood have made a movie version for us all to enjoy, coming this June! So we can all enjoy Will and Louisa’s story on the big screen as well. Just don’t forget your tissues, because you will get weepy. 

 8/10 

‘How To Be Single’ Movie Review

Chick Flicks have taught me a lot in life, often at different times. 

When I was fifteen, it was that I should always trust Colin Firth, in whatever movie he was in. (Actually, that one still rings true today.) 

When I turned eighteen, it was that you didn’t have to be the pretty girl to get the guy, he would love you no matter what you looked like. It would just take him about ninety minutes and perhaps a make over to realise it. 

But now that I’m approaching my mid twenties and learning not to rely so much on what I see on the big screen (it’s a long and slow realisation, unfortunately) I need to work out what my life should be like for me, not for anyone else. 

And apparently I’m not the only one. Cue ‘How To Be Single’, the latest ‘chick flick’ to be placed on the market. I use ‘chick flick’ reluctantly because it really is a mixture of both genders. We see the guys falling for the girls, sighing wistfully after them in a fashion that 1950’s heroines would be proud, and we watch as the women of the film learn independence and frivolity, and that being sexual is nothing to be ashamed about. 

Starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie and Leslie Mann, this film shows four women with very different outlooks on what it means to be single and how to go about it. It ranges from the desperate single girl looking for the soulmate to the wild child waking up in a different apartment every day. And then you’ve got the ones in between, which are more relatable to the general female population. The girl ‘trying to find herself’ yet constantly losing who she is whenever a man is in the picture, and the more mature lady who worries her career took precedence over everything else and life may just pass her by. 

Whether we like it or not, we’ve been at least one of these people at one point or another in our lives. And what this film does best is embrace them, show their flaws as well as their perks. 

The film, like most, follows a girl’s journey during some romantic changes in her life. And, like most films, we have the comedy relief guide with one liners and hilarious antics that give the film its feel- good outlook. You come out of the theatre feeling happy and optimistic, which I believe is what those big Hollywood types were aiming for. 

‘If you’re not having fun being single, you’re not doing it right,’ one of the lines that burned into my mind near the beginning of the film. It’s a very good point. If you are unhappy with your current Facebook relationship status or whatever it is we use to define what we’re up to sexually, all you have to do is go out and change it. It’s easier said than done, and as a perpetual singleton, trust me, I know. 

Sure, there was an unrealistic element to the film, like a job on Wall Street right out of college or the amazing apartment Johnson’s character just stumbles upon in a matter of days (not that I’m bitter or anything) but that’s what chick flicks do- they make you want to improve your life to an unrealistic level. That’s what makes them so damn popular. And I’m willing to overlook that due to the message this film brings across. I’m not going to be a cliché and tell you what that awe inspiring message is, because I don’t know if it’s the same for you as it is for me. 

But it’s a feel good movie with relatable characters, a great back drop of New York City, funny one liners and a decent, if repetitive at some points, plot line. I saw it with my best friend and I’m glad I did. It’s a great movie to watch with your buddies or even your other half (as long as neither of you takes the title too seriously and believes you’re watching a documentary or DIY video) after a long week at work. A definite recommendation. 

7/10 

‘In Your Eyes’ Movie Review

A film that has been in the making for over two decades, written by the wonderful Joss Whedon who is really the gift that just keeps on giving in the realms of supernatural, paranormal and romance, this film was an unexpectedly glorious discovery made by myself a few nights ago. 
I recently made the decision/ social mistake of getting myself Netflix, and whilst trawling through the many films I either had already seen or had no interest in ever watching, this little beauty fell into my lap. 
First premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, Whedon then made it available online rather than taking on theatrical distribution. The only explanation as to why I hadn’t heard of it until now. 
It’s a love story, plain and simple, only the twist is…the protagonists have never met. It is a story of two minds falling in love, not bodies. Dylan and Rebecca live on opposite sides of the country, and yet somehow, inexplicably, their minds are linked- they are able to see what each other can see, feel what each other can feel, and when they talk aloud, they can hear each other as well. 

I know, a little wacky- but considering the mind it came from, it’s a very sweet idea. The two could not be more different if they tried- she a upper class, unsatisfied housewife only married for the safety and comfort her wealthy doctor husband can provide, he a convict recently out of prison trying to turn his life around. It’s cliche and yet fresh. Whedon has done it again, the tragic love story you have to root for (Buffy and Angel anyone?) and want to be triumphant. 
Yes, the film lacks the superheroes, magical weapons and action sequences we are used to from Whedon’s work, but the themes are still there- we see a strong woman break from the safety of her life to pursue what will really make her happy, we have the misogynistic husband who controls his wife and talks down to her, more concerned with his career than her. Good triumphs over evil and the bad guy is vanquished. 
The score, composed by Tony Morales, left me with goosebumps throughout. It’s a soft, melodic sound that makes you fall in love, just like the characters and the storyline. It’s a perfect fit. 
The location is beautiful, a wonderful contrast between the cold New Hampshire and the mountain state of New Mexico. It represents the characters’ perfectly, their situation and their personalities alike. The theme runs right through to the end, when the characters both choose to leave their respected settings and travel to a new destination, showing their growth and change as people. 
The two leads, Zoe Kazan and Michael Stahl-David, really get to show off their ability in this film. It’s about falling in love all on your own. They had to dominate the screen visually whilst sharing it- a hard feat I can only imagine. Talking to themselves, whilst really having a conversation with each other occurs predominantly throughout the film, yet you really find yourself believing they are there, in each others heads. They are both a joy to watch and very believable together, both well rounded and damaged characters with flaws and virtues alike. They are well suited, both on and off screen. 
My only concern is one of minuscule size- they don’t address why they are psychically linked. We, as an audience, are expected to just accept it as fact and focus on the love story- which most of me is fine with. In other love films we aren’t expected to question why both leads are in the bar at the same time, or any other serendipitous meet cute that might be the reason the couple first meet- why should this one be any different? Perhaps its just me, always wanting to know more. 
But it’s sweet, plain and simple. Something you can curl up in front of the television on a cold night and watch, and restores just a little faith in the world. A definite recommendation to anyone who loves romance, Whedon and a little paranormal. 
8/10 

‘The Riot Club’ Movie Review

‘The film follows two first year students amongst the privileged elite of Oxford University, determined to join the infamous Riot Club, where reputations can be made or destroyed over the course of a single evening.’

Based on Laura Wade’s 2010 sellout play ‘Posh’, The Riot Club is a thrill ride. It is inspired by the infamous Bullingdon Club within Oxford, boasting former members such as David Cameron, George Osborne and Boris Johnson to name but a few. To say I enjoyed it wouldn’t sit quite right with me, as ‘enjoy’ isn’t the word that springs to mind due to its dark and twisted political themes. It is, however, brilliant. A beautiful cast in a beautiful setting, Lone Scherfig, director of One Day and An Education, had a lot to live up to from her previous successes. And she did not disappoint. 

Having read the play, I knew the concept before heading into the cinema. But what amazed me was how successfully they expanded the world and the characters that Wade had already created for the stage. Whilst the play takes place solely in the one room of The Bull’s Inn over the course of one night, the film steps out into the world of Oxford and delves further into the characters’ personalities, showing their interaction with family members and other students, without making the mistake of ‘info-dump’- that is to say, hurling too much information at the viewers. 

It is a seductive ride, and you find yourself inexplicably drawn to these ten elite, dashing and filthy rich gentlemen as the film opens- and thank heavens you do. They pull you in with their good grammar, great voices and suave attitudes. 

They could rule the world, and you would let them. 

Lead by Max Irons, Douglas Booth and Sam Clafin, the boys show us a world that we could only begin to fathom. A particularly remarkable scene that stays with me is one of the boys posting the keys to his brand new Aston Martin through the letter box of a charity shop after another drunkenly hurls all over the windshield. Simple as. 

Whilst the first half of the scene boasts well written anecdotes and antics, including some good old favourites from the play- ‘How do you make an Eton mess? Tell him he only got into Bristol!’– the second half takes a rather dark turn. You can feel the atmosphere change the moment the boys arrive, dressed up to the nines, at the gastropub where they intend to spend the evening. The other customers join the audience to watch on with wide eyes as the club is led to their own private room, the door shut firmly behind them. 

And then it begins. The madness, the chaos and the destruction. The characters’ reveal their true identities within this room, Sam Clafin stealing the scenes with his narcissistic, elitist views on the world, his sneer and arrogance clear from the moment he sits down. Hell, as soon as he appears on screen you just know ‘I’m going to love hating this guy’, but only when you are in the dining room do you realize just how much. 

Whilst the cast in predominantly male based, the crew is mainly women, led by Lone Scherfig. How refreshing to know. Laura Wade wrote the screen play, something I love to hear when discovering an adaption is being made. Who better to write the script than the woman who had the original idea? Exactly. 

The three female characters that do grace the screen are a prostitute, a waitress and a fellow student at Oxford. But boy, do they hold their own. Natalie Dormer, Jessica Brown Findlay and Holliday Granger are three actors known for their portrayal of strong smart women, and their characters in The Riot Club were no different. Wade does a wonderful job of making them well rounded and three dimensional, even if they only do appear in a few handful of scenes. 

Amidst the debauchery and scandal lies a truly good tale that had me on the edge of my seat. I was torn between shock, horror and humour throughout, which turned out to be a surprisingly good mixture. 

A definite recommendation to those wondering what to see next. 

8/10