Despite feeling almost suffocated by werewolf/vampire media lately, I decided to go along with my friends to see The Wolfman. I should’ve known from the unimaginative title that what I saw was really what I was going to get with this film, but I proceeded to take my seat, hoping this would be a fantasy film filled with ingenuity.
What starts as a good classic horror story swiftly declines into what can only be described as an out-take reel from The Muppets’ Christmas Carol. The clichéd lightning storm, haunted house and creaky doors would not be out of place on a GCSE English question; ‘describe how tension is used in this scene’.
The Wolfman
Although Benicio Del Toro seems to pull off ‘hunky tormented man’ quite well, the script does him no justice, sounding almost as if it were written by Arnold Schwarzenegger. His co-star Emily Blunt delivers a substantial performance as his love-interest, however their lack of chemistry makes their relationship a little unbelievable. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Del Toro’s estranged father is more impressive, with Hopkins playing an almost regal and seemingly wise family man.
Despite being certified a ‘15’, I was not prepared for the phenomenal amount of intestines that I was shown on screen. Although trying to show just how brutal a werewolf can be, I found that the gore became tedious and often unnecessary. It was rather like the introduction to a bad Alton Towers ride and should have been rated an ‘18’
Movie still from The Wolfman
I expected more from director Joe Johnston, who brought us childhood favourites such as Jumanji. This was definitely not a film you’d fork out to see twice, never mind buy on DVD. While the film certainly has some good aspects, (such as scenes featuring Hugo Weaving as a persistent police detective), it is ultimately rather lacking and did not strike me as one of the most memorable films of the year.
If there’s one reason to go and see this, it is the bitch fight between two werewolves. The most hilarious and ridiculous part of the film for me, was this. Although the wolf prosthetics are worth crediting (the film used no CGI to form the wolves), the choreography is not. During the fight I wondered to myself if I was actually watching an unfinished Van Helsing sequel.
Go see this is if you like howling…with laughter.
You can check out times and prices for the Phoenix Cinema Falmouth here.
Ordinarily I am overcome with either love or hatred for a film, I feel I must come home from the cinema straight away and put pen to paper, (or finger to keyboard). But in this case, I was somewhat under whelmed. It seems that this time around, the hype really did exceed the necessary amount for the production itself. While this is by no means a negative review, I feel that Burton fans (such as myself), may be slightly bewildered as to where the ‘dark Alice In Wonderland’ film is that we were promised all those years ago.
Before I say anything else about the movie, I have to stress to fans of Lewis Carroll’s classic, that the film is not ‘Alice In Wonderland’. The film is Burton’s own story, beginning thirteen years after the Lewis Carroll tale ends. It is Alice in her twenties, revisiting the Wonderland, which is actually called Underland…apparently.
Alice In Wonderland
I’m not going to say that the best thing about this film is Johnny Depp, because it really isn’t, contrary to popular belief. Although he plays a convincing Mad Hatter, his incessant swinging from English accent to Scottish accent is even, for a mad character rather random. By far the best character is played by Burton’s own wife. Helena Bonham Carter’s portrayal of the Red Queen is the scariest most typically Burton part of the film. In her role, (executed with almost as much ferocity as her character’s enemies), she encompasses all that is evil and is the epitome of a storybook villain.
Visually, the film is astounding. You really feel encapsulated in a vibrant and vivid world of weird and wonderful oddities. Being in 3D, it is on a whole other playing field to recent animated films. Moments such as Alice’s initial fall down the rabbit hole show just how far you can really go with modern technology and some multicoloured lenses. Pots and pans are flying at you left right and centre, I definitely heard a bag of popcorn or two being thrown into the air by the audience after some near misses with a rocking chair.
Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter
Although the story is consistent, it’s not the original. Carroll’s characters feature solidly throughout, aswell as allusions to the first book such as the Jabberwocky poem. The much needed Wonderland jibberish is used continuously, it’s not a far cry from the classic, but I still feel it could have gone a little further, maybe even a little darker and creepier than a PG would allow. The creepiest thing was the usher in the rabbit costume who handed me my 3D glasses.
If you’re really not interested in the actual plot, I’d suggest going anyway if you’re British. Written by a British author, filmed in British locations and acted by British thespians it is an enjoyable family movie, that totally utilises 3D to the max. Antony and Charlestown in Cornwall were the main locations for the film. Antony is now holding Mad Hatter’s tea parties to celebrate the release of the film and Charlestown harbour is accessible all times of the year to have a peek at. If you love Stephen Fry as much as I, you should go to your local cinema just to see his take on the Cheshire Cat, and Matt Lucas’ dual portrayal of both Tweedledum and Tweedledee.
Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen
You may be mad if you see it, but mad if you don’t. We’re all mad really. ‘But we’ll let into a little secret…all the best people are.’
You can catch Alice In Wonderland at the Phoenix Cinema Falmouth, for times and prices click here.
You’re in the library or maybe you’re at home, trying to work. Wherever you are, let’s imagine you have an ipod on. What is it you’re listening to? Is it helping you, or is it making you even more stressed and irritable? Fear not, we are here to help you with our chill-out working playlist which is sure to help you finish that essay.
We approached four students and asked them to give us their top five working tunes that really help inspire and encourage them. For some of you working with music on might be a definite no-no, but for those of you who really need to zone out to some tunes, this is your must-have playlist for 2010. Everything from Snow Patrol to Simian Mobile Disco is featured on this, your work saviour, so sit back and take some advice from the students who know how to work to music.
Chris Lambert
Chris Lambert, 20, Applied Geology.
‘As available time decreases, productivity increases’
‘The Smiths are the best to work to. They’re miserable, so when you’re working and having a bit of a shit time they remind you that things aren’t that bad. I like songs where I know all the words because it’s in your subconscious so you just sing. ‘This Charming Man’ is my favourite. I can’t work without music, I’ve constantly got my ipod on during my lab sessions. Chris’ top five:
1.This Charming Man- The Smiths
2.The Reputation of Ross Francis- My Latest Novel
3.The Snake- Mediaeval Baebes
4.Roseability (Live)- Idlewild
5.I Will Possess Your Heart- Death Cab For Cutie
Jamie Cox
Jamie Cox, 22, Journalism.
‘Work when you’re inspired, drink when you’re not’
‘Death Cab For Cutie are best to work to because Ben Gibbard’s voice is very soothing. ‘Transatlanticism’ by Death Cab is my favourite because it’s very quiet and doesn’t interrupt my work. I work better to music that I don’t know because I get too easily distracted by it. ‘Disintegration’ by The Cure is a personal favourite as I can just listen to it again and again’.
Jamie’s top five:
1.Transatlanticism- Death Cab For Cutie
2.Bob Dylan’s Dream- Bob Dylan
3.The Youth- MGMT
4.Disintegration- The Cure
5.Right Ahead Young Sailor- Right Away Great Captain
Adam Witton
Adam Witton, 20, Graphic Design.
‘Fucking get it done’
‘Seeing as I do a creative course, I need to be able to think clearly so a good piece of music helps you, it should inspire you. Music should excite you even if you’re trying to work, ‘Sleep Deprivation’ by Simian Mobile Disco starts off quite slow, as it builds its pace it gets you into your work. Jose Gonzalez is awesome, he’s really relaxed. Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) is great if you’re stressed because it puts you at ease. I can’t work to mindless rock or heavy metal, it’s all screaming’.
Adam’s top five :
1. Safari Beach- Goose
2. Warmer Climate- Snow Patrol
3. Feeling Good- Muse
4. Saturate- The Chemical Brothers
5. Sleep Deprivation- Simian Mobile Disco
Megan Kelly
Megan Kelly, 20, Journalism.
‘Work hard, play harder’
‘When I’m writing an article, I’ll have the music off. I’ll only have the music on if I’m in the flow of writing and it’s background music. ‘Clair De Lune’ by Debussy is a good one to work to because it reminds me of summer, lying in fresh cut grass. It also reminds me of the dancing scene in Twilight. The Beatles chill me out, I’m in love with The Beatles. Music is a good relaxant, it is my life’.
Megan’s top five:
1.Skinny Love- Bon Iver
2.Imagine- John Lennon
3.Clair De Lune- Claude Debussy
4.Never Think- Robert Pattinson
5.Stairway To Heaven- Led Zeppelin
There’s your twenty tune playlist and if that’s still not enough for you, here’s a few albums for you to get your working mitts on:
Boards Of Canada- The Campfire Headphase
Arcade Fire- Funeral
Kruder & Dorfmeister- The K&D Sessions
Camera Obscura- Let’s Get Out Of This Country
Blue States- Nothing Changes Under The Sun
Jukebox- Cat Power
Moby- Hotel
Well my working to music feature is almost done. After conducting some reviews I am pretty much up to speed so could possibly be done by Monday!
Working to Music feature might help you chill out while revising
Got sent my visa invitation yesterday so once that’s applied for I can get started on booking flights to India. Luckily we are staying in Mumbai for free, we get the rooms and three meals a day for nothing which is lovely of the BBC/Worldwide Media. I am currently in the stages of choosing a blog website for my India video log, I am probably going to stick with Wordpress but the link will be up here as soon as it’s sorted.
Mumbai trip is getting ever closer so the blog should also be up soon!
My latest venture is a fashion blog for fans of the nautical trend which is my favourite thing ever. I am quite marine mad so if you are the same keep checking up here for Nautical Lovers. It’s going to be a photo heavy fashion blog with the best products from the high street and internet and tips as to where you can get great inspiration for nautical looks.
My next feature will revolve around a chill-out playlist compiled by students. Everyone’s got loads of work to do, but would some calming inspirational music help you finish that essay or project? I’ve decided to ask students whether they prefer to work in silence or to music, and what they listen to. I have so far interviewed two fellow Journalism students, a Graphic Design student and an Applied Geology student in order to get an awesome balanced playlist compiled to suit your work habits. Thus far, Death Cab For Cutie are outright winners in the running for best band to work to, there’ll be recommendations for great albums to work to aswell as little titbits of info from the students about everything chilled.
Death Cab For Cutie seem to be most popular to work to so far.
Since the ‘60s the term supergroup has been used to describe the outcome of already famous band members coming together to collaborate and form another band. Eric Clapton did it in ’66 with Cream, Paul Rodgers did it in ’73 with Bad Company and it seems the supergroup is making a comeback. Since Broken Social Scene stepped up in 1998 and showed us that supergroups could have staying power, bands on the verge of breaking up have been taking note.
This year is the year of Them Crooked Vultures. Josh Homme, (frontman of Queens Of The Stone Age), Dave Grohl (formely of Nirvana, now frontman of Foo Fighters) and John Paul Jones (formerly of Led Zeppelin) have come together to form their own rock supergroup to rave reviews, they’re headlining Coachella this year alone. The trio who have already topped the charts and won the hearts of fans round the world in their own respective bands, have decided their creative paths should intertwine. Whether the collaboration is truly creative or for publicity is yet to be seen, but the arrival of the three at a secret gig at Reading Festival last year did send the rumour mill into overdrive.
Them Crooked Vultures
So, whether you’re a fan of the Homme/Grohl/Jones squad or not we’ll guarantee there’s a supergroup out there ready for your full undivided attention. Where bands break up, bands will form and so if you’re not ready to let your favourite musicians fall off your musical radar, listen up. The supergroups of the 21st Century are before you.
Empire Of The Sun
2009 was the year when Nick Littlemore of Australian electro band PNAU and Luke Steele of The Sleepy Jackson formed Empire Of The Sun. The dreamy psychedelic pop they create became quickly popular and the duo have been nominated for two Brit awards this year: ‘Best International Breakthrough Act’ and ‘Best International Album’.
Empire Of The Sun
It is strange to learn that few people know and appreciate Littlemore and Steele’s previous bands at all. Littlemore’s PNAU often played to crowds of over 15,000 in arenas in Australia and it was in the same country that The Sleepy Jackson won ARIA and J Awards. In 2007 and 2008 PNAU toured the U.K and supported Manchester based electro band The Whip. So if Empire Of The Sun’s ‘Walking On A Dream’ was your thing, check out PNAU’s ‘PNAU’ and The Sleepy Jackson’s ‘Lovers’.
Broken Social Scene
You might all know Leslie Feist, the lovely lady who brought you the ‘1234’ song on the old Ipod adverts. This lady is no ordinary Canadian lady, she is a member of Broken Social Scene. The band, who rival Arcade Fire in terms of member numbers have been making Indie Rock even cooler than their snowy surroundings since 1999.
Broken Social Scene
The band infamously refused to refer to themselves as a supergroup claiming that all members of Indie bands involve themselves in separate projects during their careers, but ultimately that’s what they are. Having provided soundtracks for numerous movies, a number of members even performed live at the wedding scene on newly released movie ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’. You can check them out singing ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ during the couple’s first dance.
Kevin Drew, one of the founding members of the band has also joined Feist in releasing a solo album. So if you’re an Indie Rock fan who wants to be uplifted check out these albums: Broken Social Scene: ‘Broken Social Scene’, Feist ‘The Reminder’ and Kevin Drew ‘Spirit If…’ Broken Social Scene’s new album is out May 4th and is so far untitled, make sure you check it out.
The Postal Service
A band can rarely go wrong if Ben Gibbard is in it. The Death Cab For Cutie frontman has proved you can be involved in not just one, but two successful bands at once. His collaboration with Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley and electro artist Jimmy Tamborello (also known as Dntel) has produced one of the most beautiful albums of the century.
The Postal Service
While their sound is not completely unlike that of popular artist Owl City or Hellogoodbye, The Postal Service retain enough of the heart of Death Cab to keep them firmly in check, and not go all emo-electro on us. Death Cab’s seven albums have kept them on the musical radar for years and last year saw them write the single for the cinematic adaptation of Twilight book ‘New Moon’. Their single ‘Meet Me On The Equinox’ features on the official New Moon soundtrack.
Jenny Lewis who has been lead vocalist for Indie band Rilo Kiley since 1998, has also released two solo albums. If you’re a Death Cab lover you need to check out ‘Give Up’ by The Postal Service. If you know The Postal Service but not Death Cab, check out ‘Plans’ and if Rilo Kiley seem more your kind of thing check out ‘More Adventurous’.
However well the previous bands may have prospered there are bands who have just not seemed to get it right. Sometimes there is just too much ego in one band and it doesn’t work. A la Tom Delonge, if too many people want you to get back with your old band, your new band is never going to be well received. Angels and Airwaves were never going to be Blink 182 and everyone knew it. An example of a supergroup’s demise are Audioslave.
Audioslave Audioslave were certainly not loved enough to make three albums. While the world prayed for Rage Against The Machine to get back together, Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell was busy screeching huskily over Rage’s Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk.
Audioslave
Although their albums sold, the band suffered ‘irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences’. Eventually Morello, Commerford and Wilk rejoined Zach De La Rocha and worldwide equilibrium was restored…well sort of. It was as though the Rage trio had been indefinitely evacuated, taken in by another family and then finally returned back to their biological parent. It just fit.
Rage Against The Machine headlined the Leeds/Reading Festival in 2008 to record crowds. Chris Cornell preceded to release several solo albums and is still touring, he recorded the title song ‘You Know My Name’ for the 2006 James Bond film ‘Casino Royale’.
Make up your own mind about Audioslave have a listen to their self-titled album ‘Audioslave’. If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know who Rage Against The Machine are check out their self-titled album, and if you like Chris Cornell get your hands on his solo album ‘Euphoria Morning’ or his old Soundgarden stuff, have a listen to ‘Superunknown’.
If you’re still feeling supergroup starved, here’s a few other bands you might want to have a gander at: The Raconteurs (inc. The White Stripes’ Jack White) www.theraconteurs.com, Velvet Revolver (inc. Guns And Roses’ Slash) www.velvetrevolver.com, Monsters Of Folk, (inc. Conor Oberst and Bright Eyes’ Mike Mogis) www.monstersoffolk.com, and A Perfect Circle (inc. Tool’s Maynard James Keenan and The Smashing Pumpkin’s James Iha) www.aperfectcircle.com.
My next feature, which I will be bringing to the magazine meeting on Monday is about the rise and rise of the supergroup. I’ll be going into detail about the bands which have broken up and mashed themselves into something else entirely. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad and…well you know the rest. I’ll be talking about bands such as Velvet Revolver, Them Crooked Vultures, Empire Of The Sun and even Audioslave, oh yes remember them? With details of the previous bands these supergroups have come from to tips on which albums you might want to get your mitts on, it’ll be an interesting and often nostalgic piece that’ll run rather like a top ten best/worst.
George Clooney is simply perfect in this comedy drama about an imperfect man. Ryan Bingham (Clooney) is a man living in self-imposed isolation, even though he is surrounded by people. His job of firing other people’s employees across America means he has an excuse never to settle in one place too long, or with anybody. And that’s just the way he likes it; living alone, collecting his beloved air miles.
Anna Kendrick and George Clooney in Up In The Air
Then, in steps a newcomer (Anna Kendrick, Twilight’s Jessica) to his firm and his whole way of life is in danger. Kendrick fully deserves her Oscar nomination for an honest portrayal of a young woman starting a job she doesn’t fully understand. The often comical banter between Clooney and Kendrick’s characters is worth buying a cinema ticket for in itself.
Even from the beginning credits, you know the film is going to be slick. Beautifully edited aerial shots of America slide on and off the screen to introduce the theme of aviation and it doesn’t stop there. Ryan Bingham’s organised packing regime is cut to perfection and the airport check-in sequences are executed with such precision it makes you want to applaud Jason Reitman for being so smooth.
Anna Kendrick and George Clooney in Up In The Air
Even if the idea of watching a man check into airports for a whole film may not be to everyone’s taste, I suggest you give it a chance. You can’t do anything but trust the same director that brought Juno and Thank You For Smoking into our lives. The cast themselves are second to none and awards season will definitely commend their performances in this witty tale of self-discovery.
To see ticket prices and showing times for the Phoenix Cinema Falmouth click here.
Ok, so ladies I think all of you need to sign up to the mailing list for Queens Of Vintage. I found the website on Stumble and I absolutely love it. If like me you’re into your retro and vintage clothes and make up and would love even more inspiration, look no further. Visit www.queensofvintage.com and just type in your email address and every day, sometimes even more, you’ll get sent pictures, videos and little snippets of information about everything vintage including music, clothes and celebrities.
Audrey Hepburn Roman Holiday photo from Queens Of Vintage
Currently I’m trying to sort out my youtube account which is for some reason not working. As soon as this is sorted I’ll put up a link here and so all the trailers I use plus any other stuff I think you guys should see will be in my favourites and playlists!
The Princess and The Frog is a classic children’s fairytale and the latest Disney movie to hit our cinema screens. But, instead of the Disney Channel drivel we’ve been so lately subjected to, this was definitely a return to form. Disney have invested a lot of time and money into popular kids’ films and TV programmes such as Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and High School Musical, so to see Disney strip it back to basics with animation and characters with heart was just as refreshing as it was nostalgic.
The classic fairytale of The Princess and The Frog is reworked with several twists to suit the setting of New Orleans in this version. The movie takes place during the annual festival of Mardi Gras in the city, along the Mississippi river and in the mysterious bayous of Louisiana. The film which was worked on by the same team behind Aladdin and The Little Mermaid had just as much spirit, but even more realism. The famous ‘when you wish upon a star’ message is swapped for a more 2010; ‘wishing on a star will only get you so far, the rest you have to do yourself.’ Disney have realised kids need to know from a young age you have to work hard in life to get what you want. In which other Disney film would you find a Prince who is completely broke and marrying for money? It’s switched the damsel in distress cliché completely 180 degrees and highlighted the recession in one.
The Princess and The Frog
The magic of the film however is not compromised and the expected Disney personalities are all there in force, including one of the best villains I have personally seen since the likes of Ursula and Jafar. ‘The Shadow Man’ a voodoo witch doctor and his ‘friends from the other side’ had me spooked and many kids crying in their parents’ laps. The history of the Deep South is alluded to throughout the movie with the beginning scene showing a rich white family hire a poorer black woman to sew their demanding daughter’s clothes. The woman returns home on a tram to a very poor side of town where she and her family live in a shack looking building and dream of saving enough money to open a restaurant. The introduction of black characters as the main focus of a Disney film was way overdue. The greatest moral of the film is that it doesn’t matter where you’re from, or what colour skin you have, we are all the same and can achieve whatever we want if we put our minds to it. That’s a lesson worth teaching to kids.
The Princess and The Frog
The original music, which is synonymous with a good Disney film was not lacking. Randy Newman was in charge of the score for this one, unusual seeing as we are so accustomed to Alan Menken and Tim Rice writing the music. But Newman, who provides the score for the Disney/Pixar movies did a grand job of this one. The traditional jazz sound of the Deep South is evident in every song and the Prince knows how to play the ukulele, there’s even a trumpet playing alligator.
Trust me, this one’s not just for the kids and if you were born in the late 80s and early 90s, you’re going to want to see it, even if just for old time’s sake. The whole movie is like a blast from the past. I was beginning to doubt the creative judgement of Disney but now I’m even more excited to see the Disney/Tim Burton collaboration that is Alice In Wonderland, out 5th March.
To catch The Princess and The Frog click here to check viewing times and prices for the Phoenix Cinema Falmouth.
