‘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

Cormoran Strike Casting

Breaking news that I just couldn’t wait to share!

Finally, after years of nothing on the news front there has movement about the television adaptation of Robert Galbraith’s, pseudonym for JK Rowling, novels about a army veteran detective. I’m 100% so excited about this development.

The man taking on the complex role of larger than life detective Cormoran Strike is Tom Burke, a veteran member of the BBC most famously known for his portrayal of Athos in the recent series adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ novel ‘The Three Musketeers’.

He’s the Strike I hadn’t even considered, but now can’t imagine as anyone else. He knows how to play brooding and withdrawn, is handsome enough to appeal to a whole new audience and talented enough to handle the role with ease. I agree wholeheartedly with this casting choice.

But just who is Cormoran Strike? Good question.

He’s a complex fellow with a broad and troubled background, toughened by a childhood life on the road and by serving in the army. When we first meet him he’s broken up with the love of his life, living in his office and verging on bankruptcy. To say he’s seen better days would be a slight understatement.

He’s a damaged soul with a lot of baggage- fighting through the mess of his life whilst trying to help others fix their own. It will be interesting to see how Burke goes about portraying him.

There are three novels in the series so far; ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’, ‘The Silkworm’ and ‘Career of Evil’- and all three are impossible to put down. I loved the twists and turns that Rowling, under the false name of Galbraith, has become known for, I loved the comradery between Strike and his assistant Robin, as well as the occasional tension in their relationship. It’s a fun mixture of the dark and dangerous combined with the bright lights of fame, a swirling of different classes coming together over one crime and people from all walkways of life becoming entangled as Strike and Robin try to solve the murder. They combine the past and the present flawlessly, breaking away at Cormoran’s tough exterior piece by piece so more of him is revealed and we can understand the character progressively.

There hasn’t been any other news on casting so far, and I’m personally most anxious to find out who they are going to cast in the role of Robin Ellacott, the female protagonist in the story and the ying to Strike’s yang. Her chemistry with Strike needs to be spot on all whilst needing to have the allure of being watchable on her own. Robin is not simply a secretary with good looks designed to be there simply for eye candy- she is so much more and whomever is cast needs to be able to be fast paced, intelligent and witty.

I have really high hopes for the series, which I believe is combining the three novels for hour long episodes. It’s a series that means a lot to me and helped me to transition from young adult fiction over to crime novels, introducing me to a whole new genre. It’s a lot of information and storyline to condense down into one hour but I trust that with Rowling’s company helping to produce the series, it’s in good hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘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

 

‘Shadowhunters’ TV REVIEW

Cassandra Clare’s ‘The Mortal Instruments’ have been some of my favourite books for many years. An immensely popular YA fiction series that creates rich characters, wonderful story arcs and twisted relationships that would make a wonderful soap drama in the world of supernatural. So when they announced they were making a film version a few years ago, I was thrilled. After seeing it, a little less so. Don’t get me wrong, it was good but- it wasn’t exactly gripping. The casting seemed off, too many things were changed from the original text and I just felt some of the magic got lost on the crossover from page to screen. 

But, thank goodness, we as a fandom were given a second chance in the form of a television show. A chance for the media Gods to redeem themselves, if you like. But the whole world was watching, and every eye was on McG and Ed Decter, the shows producers, to do a better job that had been done before. Every member of the fandom had an opinion on who to be cast in the beloved teen roles of Jace and Clary, not to mention Alec, Izzy, Simon and Magnus- and all opinions were different. It seemed an impossible task to get right, but somehow, they managed it. Well, almost managed it. A couple of casting choices seemed a little dubious to me, but we will get to that later. 

Next came the story-line- what parts of the novel were the writers going to keep, and what was going to be added? Would they go completely off book to keep the plot alive and interesting- after all, as much as we love the books, knowing everything that is going to happen before it actually does was bound to get tedious for fans of the novels. The writers had a hard task of sticking to the plot as well as inventing new twists and turns to keep us as viewers captivated. There’s a very thin line between staying true to the original story and throwing it away for artistic license- and with fans as passionate as the ones of ‘The Mortal Instruments’, it’s not a line you would want to cross.

Especially with regards to the relationships that are present in the novel. With characters as rich and dimensional as the ones Clare had created on the page, there comes a lot of drama, romance and emotions. the fans were desperate for that to come across on the screen as well as it does in the books. The witty banter between Jace and Clary is crucial to their relationship, it’s what makes it stand out and so much fun to read- the shameless flirting from Magnus and the awkward bashfulness from Alec is so important for their journey and had to be included, otherwise it would simply fall flat- both from the writers and the actors. These are characters we know so intimately, after six books plus extras written all about them, it’s easy enough to say you know them as well as your own family. Everyone’s a critic when it comes to something you’re passionate about. 

I personally am much happier with the casting choices, overall, for the TV series than I was for the film. Yes, there are a couple of actors I would have loved to have bought over from film to TV land, such as Jared Harris in the role of Hodge who, to me, was just perfection. I very much enjoy Jon Corr as an actor, but when a character is described a certain way in a novel I prefer to see that same description on the screen as well. 

The stand out roles for me, without a doubt, were Alec and Magnus, played by Matthew Daddario and Harry Shum Jr. respectively. And not just because I am such a fan of their characters together, but because they really embodied the main personality traits their characters’ possess. Shum Jr. manages to use his dancing background to give Magnus the flair and ‘sparkle’ that he deserves, playing the magical warlock with a sharp tongue and a ‘c’est le vie’ attitude about most things with a credit to his skills. Whilst Daddario portrays a stoic and strict version of Alec that compliments his other half Magnus. He plays the leader with great authority, but shows the vulnerable side of Alec that stems from his struggles regarding sexuality and feelings in a way that makes you find him endearing and a joy to watch. 

Other members of the cast such as  Emeraude Toubia and Alberto Rosende, who bring Izzy and Simon to life on screen, really did their characters justice in their portrayals. The changes made to the character of Luke Garroway, played by Isaiah Mustafa, turning him from a bookkeeper to a detective really worked favorably for the plot-line and the story arc of the entire season. The older generation of characters, the parental roles, really hold their own- they have more prominent roles than in the movie which is also something I enjoyed- to see the family aspect of the show and the novels really come to life. 

And now we move onto the two leads of the show, Jace and Clary portrayed by Dominic Sherwood and Katherine McNamara. Whilst I appreciate there can be pressure and responsibility when playing the lead in a show, something about the performances felt…flat. McNamara’s portrayal seemed forced, her facial expressions too dramatic and the words just not seeming quite natural. Physically she matches Clary from the book perfectly, but her over innocence and dramatic outbursts become tiresome fairly quickly in the series. Her chemistry with Dominic Sherwood cannot be faulted however, and when the two share the screen it really is hard to look away. They play off each other with ease- the flirtatious game Jace and Clary are known for in the first novel very clear on screen. Sherwood’s portrayal of Jace is very well done- he nails the sarcasm to a tee and he’s got the looks as well, but I don’t know if its simply because I have built a certain, very clear image of Jace in my head over the years that makes me a little bias to anyone playing him, but something seems off. I don’t know if its because Sherwood’s Jace is a lot angrier and hot tempered than I remember Jace being in the novels- he was always the ‘scary calm’ type rather than shouting his feelings. Or maybe it’s just the script itself I struggled with. 

The script had it’s ups and down for me. The plot I enjoyed immensely, because it was a nice mixture of the original text and new ideas, but the dialogue seemed overkill. There was such an information dump and obvious lines that could have been expressed with emotion or movement rather than words. It felt jarring at times, like the actors were trying to catch the audience up with all the information they needed to know so that the next scene made scene. It was a little disconcerting, and broke up the dialogue and the scene quite a bit. Above all else, it felt a little insulting to the audience, as if we needed to be spoon fed information to understand the show. I did, however, like how each character had their own story line and own issues to deal with, all whilst being tied together by the main story arc- defeating the villain Valentine, played by Alan Van Sprang. 

The costumes and styles definitely need a mention as well- what the characters wear is a huge part in the novels, ‘wearing black better than the widows of our enemies’ runs a strong theme throughout all of Clare’s shadowhunter novels, and the costume designers did not disappoint. Leather as far as the eye could see, weapons galore and more black material than you could shake a stick at- I loved it. The characters totally looked the part, and the costumes are something I cannot fault. And the wedding dress…I’ll say no more. 

And moving swiftly from the costumes to a new but not entirely unrelated topic, the settings- in particular the Shadowhunter Institute where the characters live and work- are all incredible as well. The set designers have outdone themselves, building the apartment where Clary and her mother live, the institute itself, and various other settings that help support the story line. 

The last thing I wanted to address was the changes to the original story whilst it was being adapted. There are many people out there who want the story to remain the same, to just see the original text up on the screen with no changes, and I understand that. When you love something, you don’t want to see it changed- perhaps for worse. It’s a risk the writers, and the fans, have to take when a project like this is green-lit. But personally, I liked the changes. The main events stay the same but there are many twists and turns that I really enjoyed throughout the season- it made it seem fresh and new, and gave the story another dimension. 

And, luckily for us as a fandom, the show has been picked up for a season 2, coming early 2017. I, for one, cannot wait to see where the story is going to go. 

6.5/10 

‘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 

‘May Day Murder’ Book Review

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- I love a good crime novel. From the real gritty novels of Jo Nesbo to the more beachside read of Janet Evanovich, recently I cannot get enough of them. It’s an obsession. 

And there is one series I am LOVING at the moment- ‘The Whitstable Pearl Mysteries’ by Julie Wassmer, ‘May Day Murder’ being the third in the series. Living in Whitstable myself, there’s a certain home pride when it comes to reading these novels, set in the picturesque seaside town in the South East of England. It’s amazing to be able to read these novels and really know the places Wassmer writes about. Of course, not everyone is from Whitstable and cannot enjoy this luxury, but that is no reason not to read them. 

Following the life of Pearl Nolan, a single mother who owns a local restaurant and has recently started up her own detective agency, we follow this remarkably likeable and down to earth character as she solves murders in her home town of Whitstable. It’s a great light read (I finished it in a day!) that is warm hearted and almost an ode to the town and the people who live there. 

Wassmer creates characters you can relate to, as well as become suspicious of. As someone who loves mystery but wants answers more, I’m always desperate to find out who the murderer is- but in this novel I was kept guessing right to the end, and was not disappointed when the killer was finally revealed. But the murder of Faye Marlow, big Hollywood star coming back to her birth town for the May Day celebrations yet instead causes old memories and conflicts to arise, is not the only mystery that is revealed by Pearl and her detective love interest Mike McGuire throughout the story. It’s a real nail-biter, trust me.  

The story is a lovely mixture of mystery, crime, romance and family values that when combined creates a wonderful world to read about. It’s a picturesque novel that is thoroughly enjoyable and proves that these characters, and the world that Wassmer has created within Whitstable, has so much more to give. With 20 years of writing gritty scripts for Eastenders under her belt, Wassmer has chosen to write her prose with a lighter and warmer feel, and that even though the story is about murder, you still get the feeling that everything will work out in the end, that Pearl and her little comfortable life she’s living in Whitstable with her son and her mother Dolly (my personal favourite character) will spread out through the pages and bring some calm and tranquility into your own life.  

My only criticism of the piece was that there was so much focus on trying to keep the murderer a secret, from both the characters and the readers, that the various twists and reveals with regards to the other characters sometimes felt a little obvious. I’m not going to give anything away, heaven forbid I reveal any spoilers, but maybe I’ve just read too many crime novels all in one go that I could guess the secrets before the reveal. But what I figured out quite easily was made up for in the huge shocker of who the murderer was. Did not see that one coming! 

I would highly recommend reading this series, whether you’re from Whitstable or not, just for the light easy read it offers and the thrilling suspense of finding out ‘whodunnit’. I’ve already given at least four of my friends my copies and passed the name on to so many more. 

And now I’m recommending it to you, so get reading! 

7.5/10 

‘Wicked Charms’ Book Review

Recently I’ve been expanding my type of genre when it comes to books. Growing up I was dependant on romance, to read about girls who had everything I wanted. Young Adult fiction became my crutch during the boring days of my teenage years. 

But now I find myself craving something a little different. When voicing these concerns a family member suggested I move onto to something that would ease me into another genre- a crossover perhaps. With that she handed me the first in a series by Janet Evanovich, ‘Wicked Appetite’- a crime novel with a light hearted comedy feel and a fabulously sexy duo with tension that could be cut with a knife. Without a doubt, I was hooked. And explains why I read the second novel, ‘Wicked Business’ in a matter of days. OK, more like hours. 

Which is why I was so gosh-darn excited for the third book to be published. I knew Evanovich was co-writing this novel with another author by the name Phoef Sutton, someone I hadn’t heard of before, and I was a little apprehensive. Would it have the same off the cuff and witty one liners Evanovich was so well known for writing? Would the tension between Diesel and Lizzie still be red hot? These were all genuine questions I had buzzing around my head leading up to the publication date. 

But it turns out…I needn’t have worried. Evanovich and Sutton work amazingly together, and the stories in this series just keep getting better and better. Now that the characters are well fleshed out and as familiar to me as the family member who introduced us, the plot lines and crime aspects really take precedence and you start to understand where the authors are heading within this series. 

And I love the characters, I really do- they are lovable and sweet with a wicked sense of humour. No pun intended. Alright, maybe a little. And whilst a few of them seem a little too goofy to be real people, or perhaps too helpful that makes our heroes’ journey just that much easier, they are fun to read about. From the guy who can’t stop talking like a pirate even when he’s off duty to the finger flipping pet monkey Carl, you can’t help laugh out loud at them all. 

The story revolves around Lizzie Tucker, a cupcake baker living in Salem who discovers she possesses a magical sense that allows her to locate stones that have the abilities of the Seven Deadly Sins. Sounds odd written down, for sure, but combined with Evanovich’s comedic writing style and the murder mystery sub-plot that keeps the suspense building it works. The other protagonist is the mysterious Diesel who acts as Lizzie’s guide, and therefore ours as well, to the supernatural and the world of magic. He too possesses some magical ability of his own, and to keep the sexual tension alive as the series continues, neither can be with one another for fear of losing their magical skills. It’s both convenient and slightly hilarious at times.

While the crime aspect doesn’t exactly match the level of gore or suspense as say Stephen King or Jo Nesbo, there are moments that will surprise and shock you. However it is not the main focus of the storyline and takes a back seat to the comedy and relationships between the characters. It is a gateway novel from romance into the crime genre, and a perfect start for people looking to make the switch. 

There are two main storylines within this novel- the stand alone one that focuses on the particular stone of Lust and the character’s quest to find it, and the overall arc of Lizzy and Diesel’s fight against the main villain of the story- Diesel’s not so nice cousin Wulf who is also after the stones for his own nefarious ways. Not much is known about Wulf up to this point, and I think Evanovich plans to keep it that way- he’s been labelled the ‘tall mysterious man’ and he really lives up to his name. But his role ties in nicely with both storylines as he simultaneously hinders and helps our heroes along the way. 

It’s a feel good novel to read during your down time or on holiday. It’s a series I have grown to love as I have read each book, and is one I happy to read over and over again whilst waiting for the next in the series. If you’re looking for something a little different and light hearted, yet want to stray away from the cliche romances thrown at the female demographic, this is the book, and the series, for you. 

7.5/10 

‘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