The Wizard of Oz.

Several years ago I fell in love with films however, I just watch the big blockbusters. Now that Im older I watch all kinds of films, new and old. And this is exactly what I want to talk about today. In 1895 the Lumière brothers showed the first film in history – 117 years ago. Think about all the films that have been made since then! There is an unbelievable history, from western to musicals, from Hitchcock to Spielberg.

Earlier this evening I watched the Wizard of Oz for the first time, I know I should have watched it before but musicals have never been my first choice. For those of you who haven't seen this film yet, it is about a young girl, Dorothy (portrayed by the talented Judy Garland) and her dog Toto. They get caught in a tornado and is brought to Oz. Dorothy is desperate to get home, especially after seeing the wicked witch of the west. Dorothy meets the good witch Glinda – who tells her to visit the powerful Wizard of Oz for help. Along the way Dorothy meets The Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion. They all join forces as they venture towards Emerald City to see the Wizard.

As I watched the film I caught myself smiling several times. It amaze me how far the film industry have come. But most of all how good a job they did when creating The Wizard of Oz. The film is from 1939, they didn't have the equipment we have today, but it's still one of the best films I've ever seen. The musical numbers are fantastic, the choreography is brilliant and the costume & set is really good. I also love how they have used black and white in the beginning/end of the film, but colours when Dorothy is in Oz. I must also point out how talented the cast is. Look at Judy Garland – she could sing, dance and act. The stars from 30s to 70s were almost always a triple threat, they don't make stars like that anymore, and for that we must applaud them. Everyone should take some time to watch the old classics, there's a reason they are so famous. It is really worth your while.

 

If we think about what the film makers had to work with making this film, the cast and the storyline. I can't help but to give this film all it can get.
Rolling the dice: 6

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

Released: 2009

Cast: Chris Massoglia, John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson, Salma Hayek

The vampires assistant is about a young boy called Darren Shan. One day pretty boy Darren and his friend Steve go to a performance by Cirque Du Freak, a real freak show. Darren quickly ends up in trouble and has to become a half vampire to save Steve's life. And is taken under the wing of Mr. Crepsley. He joins the freak show and work as Crepsley's assistant. Little does Darren know that the vicious Mr. Tiny is trying to start a war in the vampire world, and needs help from a young, bloodthirsty man. Darren knew his life would change as a vampire, but he would never have expected this twist.

YAWN! The Vampire’s Assistant sounds like an interesting film, its a good story and it's based on the world famous books about Darren Shan. Let me tell you, this was boring, I haven't read the books, but Im sure this film doesn't do them justice. The story is okay, but it seems like this is a desperate attempt to make money in a world obsessed with vampires. Chris Massoglia is good looking but has no talent, he gives the worst acting performance in the film. Luckily Josh Hutcherson, John C. Reilly and Salma Hayek gives a better performance. However, its not enough to save this film. The stunts looks fake and edited, the make-up and costumes are okay and nothing really interesting happened. Only tips I have for anyone interested in Darren Shan, get the books, they have got to be better than this.

Rolling the dice: 3/2

Sherlock - Series 2

Published: 2012

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Mark Gatiss, Una Stubbs

Last year BBC started airing “Sherlock”, a new TV-series about private detective Sherlock Holmes. This series takes place in the 2100st century, where we see the beloved character that is Holmes and his companion Doctor Watson solve crimes in the modern society. The second series picks up where the last series left off. The first episodes gives Holmes a case that includes the national security, the infamous Irene Adler and James Moriarty. All famous characters in the original Sherlock Holmes books.

So many words can describe “Sherlock”: unpredictable, exciting, dramatic, thrilling and so on. Benedict Cumberbatch does an excellent job on portraying Sherlock Holmes, and together with Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson they make a good team. The series include known characters as mentioned before, but give it a new modern twist which makes the series very fresh and exhilarating. The episodes are last for one and a half hour of nerve wrecking excitement. The details on how the mind of Sherlock works is a inventive point that has never been shown before. However, there are no big stunts and typical “Hollywood action”, rather more of a “mind game” over the episodes which is nice change for a drama, crime, thriller series. All in all worth a watch and is highly recommended for everyone who is interested in crime and the genius that is Sherlock Holmes. And just to add at the end, there are coming more episodes this year.

Rolling the dice: 5/6

Friends With Benefits!

Cast: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Woody Harrelson, Jenna Elfman

Released: 2011

The summer of 2011 have been filled with romantic comedies, like Friends with Benefits, at the big screen. Not that anyone can be surprised by that, we girls love romance and cute soppy films, and the film industry gives us what we need. And once again they have delivered a brilliant film.

Friends with Benefits are about Dylan and Jamie, two successful, independent people who both recently has come out of bad relationships. They become good friends, but as every other human beings they have needs, and agrees to become friends with benefits, “fuck buddies” basically. But what happens when one is ready to move on to proper dating again? Can they stay just friends or have one started getting romantic feelings? The friendship faces new challenges neither of them had predicted when they agreed to this arrangement, and both their lives take an unexpected turn.

The film is amazingly funny, and one of the best parts is that it actually know how “cheesy” romantic comedies are, and they are completely “taking the piss” out of them. With several references to it, and one scene where the two main characters are sitting watching a romcom and making fun of how stupid it is! It shows that the directors have a sense of irony.

There is so many funny, good moments in this film; the dance scenes, bible application scene where they are making fun of how far the technology has gone. The first sex scene in the film, which is hilarious, it is nothing you have ever seen before.

Justin Timberlake surprise you in this film, he is actually quite funny, which is something you don't expect going into the cinema! He is not just a talented musician and dancer but can add actor to his list. Mila Kunis also delivers in this film, she has really grown since we saw her as “Jackie” in "That's the 70s show". And this combination! Wow you either want to sleep with Timberlake, Kunis or both, they have chemistry, charm and they are so bloody sexy!

There is a lot of funny random things in the scenes, everything from comments from random people in the street, for example the rude taxi driver with 2 lines. Its also hilarious that Jamie's mum is a complete “nut-case”, she is really funny and say the weirdest things that will crack you up. Not to mention Woody Harrelson as a gay sports editor. There are so many things in the film that you would never expect and it makes it even funnier.

The director has used the filming in a good way in this film. They have close ups that give you a genuine feel to what the characters are going through, it makes the film kinda come out and get more realistic. Also, when in the big cities, they have used the camera and filming to give you a real impression of the city life.

However, there are a couple of negative things about this film. It is a pretty standard romcom, where you can kinda predict what is going to happen. There a couple of clichés, and from time to time it sounds like they have added a recording of the lines. i.e. when there is loud music in the film it sounds like they have added the characters conversation from a studio as well.

Rolling the dice: 5