Shutter Island DVD Film Review

Some say this is better (and more mind twisting) than Inception. I like psycho thrillers and Leonardo DiCaprio's recent films have been good, so I decided to give this one a go.

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Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) are marshals who go to Shutter Island to investigate a mysterious disappearance of a murderess Rachel Solando, a patient of the famous Ashecliffe hospital for the criminally insane. 

Teddy reveals to Chuck that he is on the island for another reason. Having heard about inhumane experiments that are being conducted at Ashecliffe, he decides to expose the hospital for what it really is when he returns to the mainland; but when Rachel Solando mysteriously reappears and he starts having hallucinations about his past, Teddy questions whether it was all a trap to prevent him leaving the island and exposing the truth.

Little Fockers Film Review

I like that this series has a different theme and there is definite progress (engagement, pregnancy and then children) though wasn't entirely sure how this film would turn out.

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Jack Byrnes (Robert DeNiro) is looking for a new successor to take over his crazy psycho family circle and with his eldest daughter's recent divorce; he seeks out Greg (Ben Stiller) to take over his role. With pressure from Jack, his wife's ex Kevin (Owen Wilson), his children's education and temptation in the form of drug sales rep Andi (Jessica Alba), will Greg be able to become "The Godfocker"?

I Am Legend Film Review

When I first heard about the movie I thought it was a disaster movie but wasn't entirely sure what it was about. The suspense of Will Smith being a lone survivor in NYC was somewhat interesting, but this film tries to be too many things at once and the result is none of them.

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Humanity thought they could cure cancer by harbouring measles. "Imagine a very fast car being driven on a highway by a bad man. Replace the bad man with a cop, and you have a different picture." (An analogy of what they had done) Three years later, this disease mutated into both airborne and contact strains which caused rabies-like symptoms in both animals and Humans.

Doctor Robert Neville (Will Smith), immune to this disease, remains in NYC to try to find a cure, his only companion being his dog (apparently canines are only affected by the contact strain). Battling mutants, raiding houses for food and talking to mannequins puts strain on his mentality. Just as he reaches breaking point, when he thinks he has lost everything, he is given a sign of hope.

Lord of the Rings Return of the King PS2 Game Review

This is the game I've been playing with my sister for the most part of last week; it follows the basic storyline of Return of the King through three story paths- Gandalf; Frodo and Sam; and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. There are also additional characters to unlock, though they are only unlocked at the end of the game, by that time, you wouldn't really want to replay the whole story arc. The game can be played single player as well as Co-op. There are around 15 levels in all of varying difficulty.

Cute Animals: Baby Flamingoes

 

Flamingoes are known by their bright pink appearance, but their babies are actually white and fluffy! I wonder what makes them go pink :3 Anyway there are six species of flamingo and some are currently threatened by industrial development and Human pollution.

The babies are extremely cute and the full grown flamingo is very beautiful, though the intermediate is a bit weird, I'll have to admit! 

Enjoy more pictures below:

Allison Harvard by Zachary Chick

Despite not winning America's Next Top Model, Allison knew she had fantastic modelling potential. Whilst I wished she had pursued a career in fashion because she'd rock, she participated for the artistic side of things being an artist herself.

Here are a selection of shots her boyfriend Zachary Chick (whose a Photographer) took of her which show her stunning eyes and features. She is definitely high fashion and could give Ann Ward a run for her money if she participated a few cycles later!

Check out Allison's portfolio from the show here.

Nicole Linkletter for "The Smartest Thing She's Ever Said"

Nicole Linkletter is one of the most successful winner's of America's Next Top Model and I really like this recent shoot she did for "The Smartest Thing She's Ever Said" which I think is some sort of online blog site!? Anyway, I love the artistic elements, obstructions and shadows used.

Ann Ward in Beauty in Vogue / Vogue Italia (May 2011)

 

America's Next Top Model Ann Ward has won a cover of Vogue Italia and also a spread in "Beauty in Vogue". Whilst she shot these images in Italy during the competition, we have not seen any of the photos yet and here are some of the shots for her "Beauty in Vogue" Spread!

Ann definitely has the quirky look for the spread and her "differences" make her stand out which works for this shoot- I love that it is in Black and White. I feel the artistic side definitely takes over but glimpses of fashion retain; I want that shirt she is wearing at the end :W

Merry Christmas 2010!

Unfortunately I didn't have time to do themed Christmas weeklies this year, but you can check out the interesting posts from last year:

Chrismas Baubles

Christmas Trees

Christmas Lights

Snow Sculptures

So wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Valentine's Day Film Review

Valentine's Day is another one of those films that try to "show the different sides of love" from different perspectives and try to cover many different themes through a big cast- a bit like "Love Actually". For some reason, this film works for me. It could be better, but I didn't hate it after seeing it, unlike film "New York I Love You".

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IMDB's summary for the film is "Intertwining couples and singles in Los Angeles break-up and make-up based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine's Day" and I just thought there was really no better way of putting it.

Just some of the topics and themes include "marriage", "sex", "infidelity", "homosexuality", "friendship" and "commitment". 

Whilst some movies force all the intertwining relationships, I thought this movie did it with ease. Some of the links are very subtle and unexpected, though the most obvious links include Ashton Kutcher the florist. In this way, the stories do link in some way and the flow of the movie is not compromised trying to shove all these stars into one movie.

Tom and Jerry: War Of The Whiskers PS2 Game Review

I have always loved watching Tom and Jerry the cartoon when I was young and it definitely translates well into a "Street Fighter" style game with a whole range of cool features.

Firstly, there are nine playable characters for you to unlock by playing the Tom and Jerry story mode with subsequent character's stories being unlocked as you progress the game. Characters include Spike, Nibbles and Butch. Other things to unlock are the different fighting arenas and special costumes characters will wear on particular levels such as swimming trunks on the beach level.

So what does the game itself involve? After choosing a character to play, you are paired with a series of opponents to beat. At the end of each story mode, there is also a boss- defeating them will finish that particular path and have characters unlocked.

Crazy Taxi PS2 Game Review

 

Originally in arcades and Dreamcast, Crazy Taxi was ported to the Playstation 2 in 2001, which features all the original game play, but unfortunately no extras.

There are several game modes: Arcade, Original and Crazy Box. Arcade and Original are identical in terms of game play, but feature different maps and courses. You can select arcade rules or just play for three, five or ten minutes. Crazy Box Mode features a series of challenges and minigames you can beat to try and get the top record.

To start off, you select one of four characters, which as far as I'm aware is only different in terms of aesthetics and the things they say (more on that later) and their driving plate. The skills are all down to how you play! The aim of the game is to pick up as many passengers and deliver them to their destination, whilst earning the highest fare. You have a "per customer" time limit as well as an overall time limit which you must race to get the most money.

Hanna Movie Trailer Preview

In the wilds of Sweden, Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) has been trained by her father (Eric Bana) to become an assassin. When she is ready, her father sends her out on a mission. Left on her own to face a world she has never experienced, Hanna must face the dangers she was trained against in order to do her father's bidding, but also learn about life and relationships with others. 

A top level agent (Cate Blanchett) seems to be behind all this and as Hanna nears her final target, she discovers the truth of her existance and that all may not be as they seem.

Case 39 Film Review

I was sceptical when I first heard about this movie. Renee Zellweger in a thriller? I wasn't too keen on the trailer, it seemed like it wouldn't end well with the demonic paranormality that somehow manages to procure bugs from within Bradley Cooper. But anyhow, I like thrillers and thought I'd give this one a go.

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Emily (Renee Zellweger) is a social worker who stumbles on a mysterious case surrounding a young girl Lily (Jodelle Ferland), whose parents tried to kill her, believing she was a demon. Emily applies for custody of Lily and takes her into her own home, like her own daughter. All is well until the people close to Emily mysteriously die after receiving a phone call from Emily's phone. If she didn't call them, who did?

Lily's parents tell Emily that the past ten years they've lived with her, their family have all died off one by one and they have been plotting to kill her- it is the only way. With that advice at hand, Emily fights with her conscience and sanity to put an end to this once and for all.

Gemma Arterton in Vogue Italia (December 2010)

Gemma Arterton has been featured in Vogue Italia in a stunning new shoot for the magazine. Looking like a porcelain doll in some and an alien in others (Yes, I'm thinking like the seductive one from Mars Attacks), Gemma gives us quirk and sass, though the hot pants shot is a bit too "Tamara Drewe" but like the polka dots.

I can't wait to hee her again in movies (Clash of the Titans 2, Nicola Six and perhaps another Prince of Persia movie).

In an upcoming issue of Italian Vogue, Ann Ward, winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 15 will feature on the cover- so looking forward to that as well.

Cute Animals: Birds of Paradise

 

This week's "Birds of Paradise" is inspired by a National Geographic Magazine issue I read quite a few years ago in which these birds were featured. There are about forty species that are currently classified as a bird of Paradise, most of which are located in New Guinea.

They aren't the cutest thing, but they are surely beautiful and definitely WOWs me. Such beautiful shapes and forms, with colourful feathers and extravagant plumes. They are a threatened group of birds, so hopefully this raises a bit more awareness for them!

Check out all the stunning pictures:

 

My Snow Sculptures

I always try to make the most of snow days so I try to make something new each time. Here is a collection of all the things I've made~

Dec 2010- Table + Food
I didn't manage to go out and play on the day it snowed, so when I finally had the time to go out, the snow was all powdery. This was the best I could do- I was planning to make candlesticks and all sorts of crazy tableware but oh well, maybe next time :) The slushie tasted goooood though and I hope you can tell that's pie! :S

Jan 2010- Big Igloo

Following on from the smaller igloo I made two years ago, I decided to make a big one, which was SO much harder as it kept collapsing, but it can be done!

 

Jan 2010- Bucket Snow Pyramid 

This took so much longer than expected. We had SO much snow we just thought we'd so SOMETHING with it... So we created this pyramid by making snow bricks using a bucket of snow and then building upwards- consists of 91 hand made snow blocks.

December 2009 - Iron Man Kitty 

Possibly the most creative thing my friend and I made- Hello kitty head and a weird body + Iron Man energy core thing... just an extra touch to make it more unique! ;)

April 2008- Snow Seat

Follows the furniture theme of the last snow day, I made a sort of snow seat slash throne which is fit for human use :) Didn't get that much snow plus I was on my own so didn't make much else.

February 2008- Small Igloos + Toilet

This was my first "creation". Thought I'd make something different other than snowmen and constructed this sort of furniture set. A small enclosed igloo, a bath tub and a toilet! :D

The Blind Side Movie DVD Review

I love Sandra Bullock in movies (Miss Congeniality, Premonition, Speed) and upon hearing her win an Oscar for this movie, I just had to see it.

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This is the true story of American football player Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) who is from a poor background, taken in by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) who treats him as her own son and guides him to obtain an education and a future he deserves. Although no one else would give Michael a second glance, Leigh Anne's faith in his character pushes her to pull all the stops to change his life, but he is also changing hers, opening her eyes to a world she will never forget. 

Water for Elephants Movie Trailer Preview

Reese Witherspoon stars in the upcoming movie adaptation of the bestseller "Water For Elephants", in which she plays a circus performer Robert Pattinson falls in love with. The film revolves around the relationship the two develop whilst caring for an elephant and face opposition from her husband.

The music in the trailer is stunning and really pulls you in. I'm not sure how well Robert Pattinson will do in this film but for sure Reese Witherspoon is stunning- Oscar worthy? I'm excited to see this film given Reese Witherspoon hasn't had any recent movies lately, but she will be back with "How Do You Know" and "This Means War".

Watch the trailer here:

Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides Film Trailer Preview

The trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean 4 has been released and tells of Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp, most recently seen in The Tourist) trying to beat Blackbeard to the fountain of youth. Seems like quite a typical storyline and will follow pretty much the same themes and action sequences as the previous films has shown us. I'm surprised it took them this long to bring out Blackbeard, who hopefully will be more villainous.

The absence of Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom's characters and story arc allows this movie to have a new beginning but the two will surely be missed, given their [tragic] and sad ending. I'm glad they're not in this though, because I'd hate to see them be part of a sinking ship. I was also surprised Penelope Cruz agreed to star in this movie- she looks great and I'm sure will bring some latino flair to the female lacking film.

Whilst this movie will undoubtedly do well at the Box Office just because it carries the POTC name, I wished they'd stopped at 3, but since it's already been made, I guess it's best to just embrace it and enjoy it as much as I can.

Watch the trailer here:

Avril Lavigne Forbidden Rose Fragrance Campaign

Avril Lavigne's Forbidden Rose campaign has some really beautiful shots of her. This is her second fragrance, her previous one being "Black Star", the song for the ad I really liked (damn, I wish she'd release it or let the demo leak)!

There was quite a lot of controversy surrounding the name of the fragrance when it was announced, but Lavigne stated in an interview she had no intention of it being misconstrued- she thought the name was cool. 

Her new album "Goodbye Lullaby" will be released in March, with a new fragrance planned to come out in 2011.

Check out the ad below:

The Tourist Film Review

I was extremely interested when I first heard of the film's release and when the first leaked set image of Jolie in a cafe looking glamourous, I was quite ready to see it regardless of it's content. Bonus for meafter watching the trailer to find out the film soon materialised as an action thriller. YIPPEE!

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Frank Tupelo (Johnny Depp) meets a mysterious woman named Elise Ward (Angelina Jolie) on a train to Venice; she invites him to her hotel and kisses him before dismissing him to sleep on the couch. Who is she and what does she want? The next morning he wakes up and find that she's gone, but instead two Russians come to capture him.

Being "just a maths teacher", Frank enters a sticky situation, only to be rescued by the glamourous Elise, who reveals she has been using him, but realising he has fallen in love with her, decides to "stick around", despite the dangers that await the both of them.

Angelina Jolie at The Tourist New York Film Premiere

Angelina Jolie appeared at the New York premiere of her new film "The Tourist" at the beginning of the month with Brad Pitt. Looking stunning in a long draping cotton white dress, she showed a lot of leg- some photos seemed to show her desperately trying to show them off... 

Anyhow, she looked amazing just as she does in the film and these few years we've seen at the height of her glamour- can she get any more glamourous? Johnny Depp wore an array of stuff which made him seem like he jumped from his "Secret Window" era.

Lady Gaga in Vanity Fair Magazine (September 2010)

Lady Gaga was featured in September's issue of Vanity Fair, and I have to say, some of the images from her shoot are STUNNING, whilst some are a total flop... I have hidden the less successful ones after the break, so click for more at your own risk.

Whilst I have gone off her new music, she is still a leader on the fashion front and these photos are just undeniably beautiful. I love the movement and the styling! Let's hope new album "Born This Way" will redeem the mediocrity "Fame Monster" was.