The Damned United

Micheal Sheen steals the show...

This film as all about Brian Clough's 44 day reign over Leeds United football club. Despite the short time period it was probably one of the most significant times in the club's history.

Being a Leeds girl and a Leeds United fan I found this film gripping, however you certainly don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this masterpiece.

Micheal Sheen gives an eerily perfect performance as Clough. It was mesmerising. The film is more about a man who happens to be a football manager that the other way around. You see more of Clough's character than the ins and outs of football. However if you are a Leeds fans there a few little gems in there just for you.

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the film, which was adapted from the book 'The Damned United' by David Peace. One ex Leeds player, Johnny Giles, sued the author and won because he strongly disagreed with some of the 'poetic licence' used in the book.

This controversial piece is a must watch, even if just for Micheal Sheen's jaw dropping take on Brian Clough.

5/5

The Young Victoria

Just beautiful!

This film was perfect in every way. It didn't blow me away but I cannot find a single fault.

You are thrown into the life of Queen Victoria from the day she was born. Although it may not be factually correct and filled with embellishment I feel like I was witness to a true story. A story of beautiful romance, politics, families and deception.

Even if period pieces are not your usual thing give this a try. It is shorter than most for a start at just 105 minutes. Nothing like your normal 3 hour epic. This film had a totally different feel to others in the same genre such as Pride and Prejudice or Emma. It's quick paced, clever and easy to follow.

The viewer is witness to the battle Victoria went through to keep her crown in sights as a young girl, how she and Albert fell madly in love and the trials of tribulations of being a young Queen. The on screen passion between Emily Blunt (Victoria) and Rupert Friend (Albert) is incredible and really holds the film together. Produced by Martin Scorsese you can expect nothing else but a perfectly contrived piece of genius.

As someone who is not all that interested in the monarchy and all that surrounds it did make me want to learn more about the feisty Queen and her life with Albert. Perhaps I just want to check what parts of the film are thought to be true and which are not but I hope it all was!

As I said, I don't think this was an outstanding or groundbreaking film but it is beautiful empowering and really enjoyable to watch.

5/5

Enjoy a taster of the film below...

Marley and Me

Do not go to see this film...

Now you may think this sounds a little harsh but trust me it is not. I was so excited about this film as an avid dog lover. However for adults it is vacant and depressing but it is also far too upsetting for children!

As the lights came on in the cinema I realised the room was filled with children...all in floods of tears. I have to admit they were not the only ones, Titanic I can cope with, perfectly dry eyes after The Notebook and not a peep when Bambi's mother dies but this film made me wish I had a large box of Kleenex.

This films introduces you to John and Jenny Grogan, two journalists who we watch get married, get a dog and have babies. We are witness to their stresses, heartache and happiness. Basically we watch their everyday life. Ups and downs, jobs, houses, kids and middle age. Is this what we want though? Is a film escapism if it just shows you your own life through a mirror?

Admittedly to begin with I really enjoyed the film, brilliant comedy dog moments despite having seen them all in the trailer. Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson both gave a good performance but even two huge a-listers couldn't save this film.

It just didn't work. It wasn't suitable for children despite the PG rating, not because of sex or violence, it is just too distressing. However it wasn't entertaining enough for adults either, I left feeling unsure who the film was aimed at but I know for sure it wasn't me.

I can't quite explain why I feel this way as it will ruin the film (although this review may do that anyway) but if you're like me half way through the film you will have an awful moment of realisation and then you will wish you had saved your money for a couple of cream egg McFlurry's instead.

I was promised a happy go lucky family film and it sadly disappointed.

Keep your eyes peeled I am going to see Young Victoria this week so the verdict should be up by Friday.

1/5

He's Just Not That Into You...

I went into this film with low expectations but I was pleasantly surprised!

There was some typical chick flick humour in there as promised, but the glimpses of gritty reality gave the film more depth than your average hour and a half of girlie gossip.

The film covers divorce, marriage, affairs, families you name it. The few serious story lines are still laced with humour, making the film comfortable easy watching.

I really enjoyed the Love Actually style of the film and the fantastic mix of actors and actresses from Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck to Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson. A cast I think this film is worthy of.

The film follows several characters and their interlinked lives. The main focus of this is Gigi, she like many other woman has been led to believe that when men treat women badly it's because they like them. This film follows her search for Mr Right and how wrongly she goes about finding him.

Overall I enjoyed watching this film, it gives you a little bit of hope and a few belly laughs along the way.

4/5