An inspiring and admirable true story about survival and the will to live.
Ever since the advertisement at 3.07AM on Living while watching CSI and pulling an allnighter, I have waited for this movie. At first patiently and then since the last two weeks, I have been pulling strings, taking time off school and blowing off friends and family to see this movie in the cinema.
I was sat with my popcorn and coke, tutting at all the people coming through the doors, I had the best seat in the house. I was ready.
No, I wasn't.
I didn't come prepared for this movie. I heard stories on Ellen about amputating his own arm and as much as I was looking forward to seeing that part, nothing could have prepared me for this movie.
I was absolutely flabbergasted at the intent and the thrive the live and the attempts Aaron [played by James Franco] does for the smallest hope to survive that much longer.
There was actually a woman next to me, in her mid twenties, who was complaining about the slow and boring pace of the movie. It got the part when Aaron saw the hallucination of Scooby Doo that I actually politely but seriously told her to 'shut up and watch.'
You don't disrespect such a genius movie like this and get away with it, sorry Miss.
And that was what this film was, genius. Genuinely expetise. The acting was incredible and Danny Boyle really captured the whole concept of on the brink of dying and hopelessness and then suddenly bursting into this new person and so determined to live.
I think that the hallucinations and the dreams he has is the motivation and I think without them, the movie wouldn't exactly make sense because you would constantly be asking, 'so what gave him the drive to cut his own arm off and prosper through the canyon to live? Why not give up?' 'What inspired him to do that?'
And the answer was, because of the dreams. His brain was constantly giving him inspiration and a reason to sacrifice something to achieve the better part. In this case he sacrificed his own arm to live and that, to me, is admirable.
The acting was like I said, incredible. Considering it's based on a true story there is a lot of pressure on the main actor always, in this case James Franco to portray Aaron and do his best to show the audience and show us how difficult it was to gather the will and the courage to do that. James had to give it his all and because he hadn't personally experienced something like that, it would be an acting challenge. But he performed and conquered and really did an amazing job and fairplay to accept that kind of role and deliver so convincingly. Completely genius.
It's hard to comment on the two girls or any other actors in the movie because James/Aaron had the main part so therefore had a much bigger part to play resulting in more to say.
So, the entire movie is about him and his life and death situation which takes you on a journey through Aaron's eyes; his life. As he sits there stuck he ponders about his regrets in life and his good memories and most importantly, his family. His future and where it would go if he came out of this alive. The movie goes on to show how Aaron dealt with simple things like, tying his hiking rope to a rock above so he was able to sit down and rest. He ate his contact lenses. He savoured water and even reached the desperate measures to drink his own urine. He gnawed away at the rock and took into consideration the things he took for granted like, sunlight. Warmth, the raven that constantly appears every morning.
I rate this movie a 9/10.
Favourite Scene: The part when he has finished amputating his arm and he drinks water for the first time in like three days.
Least favourite: The actual amputating. Even though I was hugging a pillow and saying, 'do it, do it,' it's pretty difficult to sit through and watch without squirming just a little bit.
I absolutely DO recommend this movie to everyone to watch at least once. It will give you a completely different outlook on life which everyone needs once in a while. I don't, however, recommend this movie who prefers action straight away and finds it difficult to sit through a movie with only one main character and not much killing or shooting, and for the ladies who prefer a romance and a hot and steamy love scene, definitely not the movie for you.
Saturday 15 January 2011
Thursday 13 January 2011
Song: Rescue Me - You Me At Six ft. Chiddy Bang
A new twist to the pop rocker band, featuring rap verses by new Philadelphia rapper Chiddy Bang.
It's good. Cannot get much better than that. Although Josh's [lead vocalist] parts are very catchy, the song doesn't really get more of an extravegant descriptive word.
It's not that I don't like a good rap once in a while. But it's the fact of rock and rap meshing together. Doesn't really appeal to me. I'm not saying you have to stick to liking just one genre of music but seriously?
First, let's begin with B.O.B featuring Hayley Williams from Paramore with Airplanes. Again, it's catchy and it's quite good. But do I feel a 'just to get in the charts' anywhere? It was obvious that Hayley did this just to be noticed by the modern music listeners right? She wanted a few seconds of fame in the chart limelight? I admit, there is in no way, enough press on rock music than there is pop, rap, RNB or even jazz. There's only around three magazines' that cover rock music and only one music channel; the ever loving, Kerrang!
Paramore is known worldwide by most rockers. They have won awards and Hayley was voted prettiest female singer in K! Reader Poll 2010, she did not have to resort to the measures of collaborating with a rapper just to get noticed. When I heard about it I thought positive. Maybe she put her own Paramore-esque twist on the song? Maybe she will rock out to rap and become my heroine? Nope.
Instead, she made her debut by singing the chorus. Bored, monotone and repetitive.
Now, moving on to You Me At Six. Like Paramore, they're not known for being full on rock artists such as, Metallica, Slipknot or Bring Me The Horizon. Which, I may digress, Josh featured on Bring Me The Horizons new album, (TIAHBMISI, TIAHLKIAS - abbreviated) on the very subtly tited song, Fuck.
But then, I am hearing about their band collaborating with an unknown rapper. I was, however, interested. I YouTubed that shit as fast as Grease Lightning. I was hooked from the beginning, and then... Chiddy Bang started to rap. I tried to get into it, nodded my head along, but then Josh began the chorus again and I felt something die in me. I was just asking the world, is this is? I got all hyped up for, chorus, rap, chorus rap?
I know what you're thinking, well Noxin, that is generally how a song goes. Right! But that doesn't mean you can't spice it up a little. Also, I was very disappointed to be told that Josh's beautiful and heart melting voice was AUTO TUNED? Whoever's bright idea THAT was needs to hear YMAS's new album, Hold Me Down which was absolutely genius.
On with the title, Rescue Me, was not unexpected. But they might as well have just named it, Rescue Me by Chiddy Bang ft some dude from some band.
I understand it may hit the charts and be played on the radio but, how will anyone know who Josh Franceschi is just by his name? Even if some listener did google him, would they be disappointed if they heard YMAS's music, their original music and realise that after all, Josh doesn't sound like some auto-tuned singer and has an awesome band? And none of their songs feature rap at all?
Who knows? All I know is, as much as I love You Me At Six, I was not impressed with this song, Josh. You nor Hayley need the charts to be noticed, to be popular, to be famous. You guys are awesome, follow your fans advice and do what you want to do because seriously, if you continue like this, what's next?
Slipknot and Miley Cyrus?
Bullet For My Valentine and Michael Buble?
And ever rock fan out there complained when Matt Cardle covered Biffy's Many Of Horror.
I rate this song a 4/10
Because however catchy it was to begin with, it's just another attempt at getting noticed. By changing yourself. I thought the whole point of rock music was to let everyone know you don't have to change to be liked.
It's good. Cannot get much better than that. Although Josh's [lead vocalist] parts are very catchy, the song doesn't really get more of an extravegant descriptive word.
It's not that I don't like a good rap once in a while. But it's the fact of rock and rap meshing together. Doesn't really appeal to me. I'm not saying you have to stick to liking just one genre of music but seriously?
First, let's begin with B.O.B featuring Hayley Williams from Paramore with Airplanes. Again, it's catchy and it's quite good. But do I feel a 'just to get in the charts' anywhere? It was obvious that Hayley did this just to be noticed by the modern music listeners right? She wanted a few seconds of fame in the chart limelight? I admit, there is in no way, enough press on rock music than there is pop, rap, RNB or even jazz. There's only around three magazines' that cover rock music and only one music channel; the ever loving, Kerrang!
Paramore is known worldwide by most rockers. They have won awards and Hayley was voted prettiest female singer in K! Reader Poll 2010, she did not have to resort to the measures of collaborating with a rapper just to get noticed. When I heard about it I thought positive. Maybe she put her own Paramore-esque twist on the song? Maybe she will rock out to rap and become my heroine? Nope.
Instead, she made her debut by singing the chorus. Bored, monotone and repetitive.
Now, moving on to You Me At Six. Like Paramore, they're not known for being full on rock artists such as, Metallica, Slipknot or Bring Me The Horizon. Which, I may digress, Josh featured on Bring Me The Horizons new album, (TIAHBMISI, TIAHLKIAS - abbreviated) on the very subtly tited song, Fuck.
But then, I am hearing about their band collaborating with an unknown rapper. I was, however, interested. I YouTubed that shit as fast as Grease Lightning. I was hooked from the beginning, and then... Chiddy Bang started to rap. I tried to get into it, nodded my head along, but then Josh began the chorus again and I felt something die in me. I was just asking the world, is this is? I got all hyped up for, chorus, rap, chorus rap?
I know what you're thinking, well Noxin, that is generally how a song goes. Right! But that doesn't mean you can't spice it up a little. Also, I was very disappointed to be told that Josh's beautiful and heart melting voice was AUTO TUNED? Whoever's bright idea THAT was needs to hear YMAS's new album, Hold Me Down which was absolutely genius.
On with the title, Rescue Me, was not unexpected. But they might as well have just named it, Rescue Me by Chiddy Bang ft some dude from some band.
I understand it may hit the charts and be played on the radio but, how will anyone know who Josh Franceschi is just by his name? Even if some listener did google him, would they be disappointed if they heard YMAS's music, their original music and realise that after all, Josh doesn't sound like some auto-tuned singer and has an awesome band? And none of their songs feature rap at all?
Who knows? All I know is, as much as I love You Me At Six, I was not impressed with this song, Josh. You nor Hayley need the charts to be noticed, to be popular, to be famous. You guys are awesome, follow your fans advice and do what you want to do because seriously, if you continue like this, what's next?
Slipknot and Miley Cyrus?
Bullet For My Valentine and Michael Buble?
And ever rock fan out there complained when Matt Cardle covered Biffy's Many Of Horror.
I rate this song a 4/10
Because however catchy it was to begin with, it's just another attempt at getting noticed. By changing yourself. I thought the whole point of rock music was to let everyone know you don't have to change to be liked.
Wednesday 12 January 2011
Song: Do It Like A Dude - Jessie J
A hip hop sound to an inspiring brand new artist. This is Do It Like A Dude by Jessie J.
Admittedly, not the kind of music I like. But this song, is probably the most catchiest song of 2011. I know it's only been 12 days of the new year but that's still a very good start. I am glad this year started off with a bang. Almost literally if you count the amount of times I knocked into something by singing this tune with my eyes shut.
Lyrics - Something every artist usually writes themselves. There will always be part of the song you skip, don't sing along to or simply forget because it's really bad.
This song is terrific until Jessie reaches the bridge near the end, it begins with, 'boys - do it like you wanna...'
I can sing every word but I cannot bring myself to sing that part. It's terrible.
The chorus is catchy as hell, with the whole, 'do it like a brotha, do it like a dude.' It's something every girl, whichever stereotype can pure their lips and act 'bad' in front of the mirror. Make dirty dance moves to the dirty parts in the song and more importantly, act like a right goon and follow the advice of the song.
I am guessing the meaning of the song isn't some deep, meaningful life motto. The title; 'do it like a dude,' is included in the chorus. 'We can do it like a brotha, do it like a dude,' and then it goes onto the stereotypical type of guy, 'grab my crotch, wear my hat low like you.' It's typically something every guy does in their life. I mean, personally, I don't imagine my boyfriend grabbing his crotch 24/7 or wearing his hat so far down his face that I can hardly see it. But I have, in my lifetime, seen teenagers do that. In my college, the standard male usually wears a hat which covers most of his face.
There are many songs in the market right now about this type of thing. Sung by a chick about a dude.
Ciara with Like A Boy. It was catchy, had the same meaning and she even went all the way to dress up as a guy. The meaning of this song though was to emphasize to all the guys watching how much it means to a girl when you stand her up, don't answer your phone and the endless excuses you use. 'If I played you like a toy,' pretty simple but yet holds so much meaning. It's probably a song, every girl can relate to. That jerk of a boyfriend that did the same old excuse, 'phone on silent,' when he didn't call back.
Next up was Beyonce with If I Were A Boy. It was a bit on the slower and ballad type side but other than that, it was pretty catchy but the meanings were slightly different. This particular song was supposed to tell all the girls how much they sometimes wish they were their boyfriend so they could show them 'how to love a girl one day.' A guy can probably put themselves in the boy's shoes in this video and know that sometimes, they overreact over the smallest thing and the longer into a relationship you're in, it can sometimes get tedious.
Do It Like A Dude however, is partially different. It's branding every boy a typical boy. Weaing the hat low, grabbing the crotch, acting like all girls are for sex, drinking the strong drinks. There's hardly any indication to a love song whatsoever and I am glad for that. It's original and I am sure this song will go far.
Jessie J is new to the scene and I have to be honest, this is the first I have heard of her. I am really glad I caught her song on TV during the adverts to CSI though. I hope Jessie continues more songs and doesn't change hers style or music taste because so far, it's getting her very popular.
I rate this song a 7/10.
Because as much as I do like it, it's not the kind of music I prefer and I know that sometime, I will get bored of this song and continue listening to the heavy metal that I am used to.
Nonetheless, it's a genius song, brilliant lyrics and very unique. Fairplay to Jessie J.
Admittedly, not the kind of music I like. But this song, is probably the most catchiest song of 2011. I know it's only been 12 days of the new year but that's still a very good start. I am glad this year started off with a bang. Almost literally if you count the amount of times I knocked into something by singing this tune with my eyes shut.
Lyrics - Something every artist usually writes themselves. There will always be part of the song you skip, don't sing along to or simply forget because it's really bad.
This song is terrific until Jessie reaches the bridge near the end, it begins with, 'boys - do it like you wanna...'
I can sing every word but I cannot bring myself to sing that part. It's terrible.
The chorus is catchy as hell, with the whole, 'do it like a brotha, do it like a dude.' It's something every girl, whichever stereotype can pure their lips and act 'bad' in front of the mirror. Make dirty dance moves to the dirty parts in the song and more importantly, act like a right goon and follow the advice of the song.
I am guessing the meaning of the song isn't some deep, meaningful life motto. The title; 'do it like a dude,' is included in the chorus. 'We can do it like a brotha, do it like a dude,' and then it goes onto the stereotypical type of guy, 'grab my crotch, wear my hat low like you.' It's typically something every guy does in their life. I mean, personally, I don't imagine my boyfriend grabbing his crotch 24/7 or wearing his hat so far down his face that I can hardly see it. But I have, in my lifetime, seen teenagers do that. In my college, the standard male usually wears a hat which covers most of his face.
There are many songs in the market right now about this type of thing. Sung by a chick about a dude.
Ciara with Like A Boy. It was catchy, had the same meaning and she even went all the way to dress up as a guy. The meaning of this song though was to emphasize to all the guys watching how much it means to a girl when you stand her up, don't answer your phone and the endless excuses you use. 'If I played you like a toy,' pretty simple but yet holds so much meaning. It's probably a song, every girl can relate to. That jerk of a boyfriend that did the same old excuse, 'phone on silent,' when he didn't call back.
Next up was Beyonce with If I Were A Boy. It was a bit on the slower and ballad type side but other than that, it was pretty catchy but the meanings were slightly different. This particular song was supposed to tell all the girls how much they sometimes wish they were their boyfriend so they could show them 'how to love a girl one day.' A guy can probably put themselves in the boy's shoes in this video and know that sometimes, they overreact over the smallest thing and the longer into a relationship you're in, it can sometimes get tedious.
Do It Like A Dude however, is partially different. It's branding every boy a typical boy. Weaing the hat low, grabbing the crotch, acting like all girls are for sex, drinking the strong drinks. There's hardly any indication to a love song whatsoever and I am glad for that. It's original and I am sure this song will go far.
Jessie J is new to the scene and I have to be honest, this is the first I have heard of her. I am really glad I caught her song on TV during the adverts to CSI though. I hope Jessie continues more songs and doesn't change hers style or music taste because so far, it's getting her very popular.
I rate this song a 7/10.
Because as much as I do like it, it's not the kind of music I prefer and I know that sometime, I will get bored of this song and continue listening to the heavy metal that I am used to.
Nonetheless, it's a genius song, brilliant lyrics and very unique. Fairplay to Jessie J.
Movie: The Terminator 1984
This is a sci-fi action thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn.
The first time I watched this was around ten years ago. Back then, I remember falling asleep through it. But after watching Aliens, and falling in love with the young and gorgeous (not now) Michael Biehn, I bought this movie from CEX in town for £2.50 and now I am wondering how the hell I managed to fall asleep during this movie. Not only does it begin almost immediately, it packs a punch of a whole new idea of the future. Will there be evil indestructible robots? Will all boys be like Kyle Reese and travel through time absolutely adamant he has always been in love with you? -Swwoooon. <3 I hope so.
But then again, we have to listen to Arnold's monotone and annoying robotic voice as he struts around weilding a massive laser weapon and a melting face.
So, a few problems I had with this movie. Nonetheless, James Cameron did an amazing job.
He took the whole futuristic idea to a whole new level and including a little bit of everything, horror, guns, blood, robots, fight scenes and even a romance.
Make-Up was not bad and the famous quotes; 'come with me if you want to live.' And the infamous, 'I'll be back.' Genius.
However, there were problems, every movie has them.
First off, what's up with Linda Hamilton's acting? Okay, from time to time, back then acting was a little on the off side. But sometimes I could never get a clear image of what kind of character Sarah Connor was supposed to be. A damsel in distress? A superhero? A mother who sleeps with her sons best friend? Okay, too far.
Seriously though, I really hated the Sarah Connor character but I think a majority of it has to do with Linda's acting. I know what you're thinking; 'you're just jealous because she gets to sleep with Michael.' Okay, I am but that's not why I am criticising her acting.
Near the end of the movie, Michael's character Kyle blows Arnold up and then what really ticked me off was when Sarah was all like, 'WE did it.' Okay, you sat there and cowered in a corner, you did an excellent job. -Round of applause-
Another thing, again, near the end of the movie. I hated the fact how defenceless she was. Kyle Reese had managed to drive The Terminator's car off the road, shoot him a few times, blow him up.. twice, and leave him split in half from the waist down.
Sarah was left with his slithering half body, a robot barely working, weaponless and not in the least bit dangerous. And she was still complaining.
On the plus side, I really liked her terrified state when she was sort of kidnapped by Kyle. She acted like, I think, everyone else would. Yelling, frightened and trying to fight him off.
Now, Arnolds turn. Brilliant acting despite the fact that it mostly was just him under a lot and lot of make-up. Evidently since after the first twenty minutes, you no longer see him but his sick melting face. It's not something I would expect James Cameron to do. Cover a very famous actor like that.
Michael - overall, an excellent actor. Nowadays, not so much. Him in Aliens was mind blowing and this was even better. It had me hooked for days. His acting, in places, was a little wooden but it was good and he expressed the story-line through his life story very professionally and seriously.
Apart from the whole romance thing:
Falling head over heels in love with your best mates and boss' mother just through one lonely picture? A little unrealistic but I guess, it's pretty sweet.
Their sex scene, was very hot, I have to admit. The fight scenes were genius although there were times when I would say, 'okay, Arnold getting up every five minutes after a clear shotgun blast to the back is annoying.'
As you can probably tell, I am very critical about this movie but it's because no movie is ever perfect. There will always be something that knocks the movie off the 10 outta 10 scale.
Acting, is a main part of this. It's the 80's okay, so was Breakfast Club. So was Pretty in Pink, so was Mannequin. So was Warriors. The acting in those movie classics will go down in History.
I rate this movie a 8/10.
Favourite Character: Kyle Reese
Least Favourite: Sarah Connor
I do recommend this movie, for everyone. Anybody who has never seen the Terminator will die incomplete and never know the true meaning of robots. Forget Wall-E, forget Iron Man. The Terminator is where it all began and is where it will stay.
The first time I watched this was around ten years ago. Back then, I remember falling asleep through it. But after watching Aliens, and falling in love with the young and gorgeous (not now) Michael Biehn, I bought this movie from CEX in town for £2.50 and now I am wondering how the hell I managed to fall asleep during this movie. Not only does it begin almost immediately, it packs a punch of a whole new idea of the future. Will there be evil indestructible robots? Will all boys be like Kyle Reese and travel through time absolutely adamant he has always been in love with you? -Swwoooon. <3 I hope so.
But then again, we have to listen to Arnold's monotone and annoying robotic voice as he struts around weilding a massive laser weapon and a melting face.
So, a few problems I had with this movie. Nonetheless, James Cameron did an amazing job.
He took the whole futuristic idea to a whole new level and including a little bit of everything, horror, guns, blood, robots, fight scenes and even a romance.
Make-Up was not bad and the famous quotes; 'come with me if you want to live.' And the infamous, 'I'll be back.' Genius.
However, there were problems, every movie has them.
First off, what's up with Linda Hamilton's acting? Okay, from time to time, back then acting was a little on the off side. But sometimes I could never get a clear image of what kind of character Sarah Connor was supposed to be. A damsel in distress? A superhero? A mother who sleeps with her sons best friend? Okay, too far.
Seriously though, I really hated the Sarah Connor character but I think a majority of it has to do with Linda's acting. I know what you're thinking; 'you're just jealous because she gets to sleep with Michael.' Okay, I am but that's not why I am criticising her acting.
Near the end of the movie, Michael's character Kyle blows Arnold up and then what really ticked me off was when Sarah was all like, 'WE did it.' Okay, you sat there and cowered in a corner, you did an excellent job. -Round of applause-
Another thing, again, near the end of the movie. I hated the fact how defenceless she was. Kyle Reese had managed to drive The Terminator's car off the road, shoot him a few times, blow him up.. twice, and leave him split in half from the waist down.
Sarah was left with his slithering half body, a robot barely working, weaponless and not in the least bit dangerous. And she was still complaining.
On the plus side, I really liked her terrified state when she was sort of kidnapped by Kyle. She acted like, I think, everyone else would. Yelling, frightened and trying to fight him off.
Now, Arnolds turn. Brilliant acting despite the fact that it mostly was just him under a lot and lot of make-up. Evidently since after the first twenty minutes, you no longer see him but his sick melting face. It's not something I would expect James Cameron to do. Cover a very famous actor like that.
Michael - overall, an excellent actor. Nowadays, not so much. Him in Aliens was mind blowing and this was even better. It had me hooked for days. His acting, in places, was a little wooden but it was good and he expressed the story-line through his life story very professionally and seriously.
Apart from the whole romance thing:
Falling head over heels in love with your best mates and boss' mother just through one lonely picture? A little unrealistic but I guess, it's pretty sweet.
Their sex scene, was very hot, I have to admit. The fight scenes were genius although there were times when I would say, 'okay, Arnold getting up every five minutes after a clear shotgun blast to the back is annoying.'
As you can probably tell, I am very critical about this movie but it's because no movie is ever perfect. There will always be something that knocks the movie off the 10 outta 10 scale.
Acting, is a main part of this. It's the 80's okay, so was Breakfast Club. So was Pretty in Pink, so was Mannequin. So was Warriors. The acting in those movie classics will go down in History.
I rate this movie a 8/10.
Favourite Character: Kyle Reese
Least Favourite: Sarah Connor
I do recommend this movie, for everyone. Anybody who has never seen the Terminator will die incomplete and never know the true meaning of robots. Forget Wall-E, forget Iron Man. The Terminator is where it all began and is where it will stay.
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