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Showing posts with label Culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Culture. Show all posts

Monday 5 October 2020

Film Review: Enola Holmes

Sherlock Holmes postcards

The tale of the infamous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes is one that has captivated the world since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first put pen to paper way back in the 1800s. Ever since countless adaptations and spin-offs have been released, covering books, films, TV shows, events, and much more. It seems we can't get enough of Sherlock! 

However, Enola Holmes, the latest release to feature the great super-sleuth, leaves Sherlock as a supporting character. Instead, this film focuses on the adventures and exploits of Enola Holmes - Sherlock's younger sister.

Monday 24 August 2020

Review: The Umbrella Academy Season 2

Camden Market Umbrella Installation

The Umbrella Academy has swiftly become a cult hit since the first series landed on streaming giant Netflix in 2019. With millions of viewers around the world left wanting more - especially with the last episode of season one ending on such a cliffhanger - it was a long wait for many until season two was finally released on July 31st 2020.

So, nearly a month later, what was season two's reception? Many eager fans have already headed online to read up about the show and beg for a speedy release for series three, but just how good was season two? Did it manage to live up to the high standards set by the first series?

Monday 17 August 2020

Film Review: The Kissing Booth 2

Kiss

The Kissing Booth 2 is a fun teen rom-com movie and the sequel to 2018's The Kissing Booth. This film is the perfect antidote to counteract the washout that is summer 2020. It has plenty of humour, excitement - and, kissing, of course - in-store and ready to offer you a fun-filled escape from reality.

So, if you're in the mood for a little romance, buckle up! The Kissing Booth 2 is the film for you this summer!

Monday 3 August 2020

Film Review: Eurovision The Story of Fire Saga

Eurovision Lightbox

Sadly, this year's Eurovision Song Contest had to be cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, all is not lost for Eurovision fans as a brand new movie is here to fill the gaping hole left by the absence of Eurovision 2020!

With an explosion of fun and crazy antics, enter Eurovision Song Content: The Story of Fire Saga

Monday 27 January 2020

5 Reasons Why Thor is the Best Avenger

Thor

Marvel comics have been around since 1939 and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) now features 23 films, a global fanbase, and a whole host of unique characters. With so many characters across all those movies, how can you possibly pick out a favourite?

For me, the answer was simple. Look to the Avengers, arguably the MCU's biggest success story, and then go from there! Now that the universe has drawn to a natural conclusion following on from the events of Avengers: Endgame, it only felt right for me to look back and reflect on the film series that accompanied me through my teenage years and into adulthood.

Thor has always been my favourite Avenger - here's why.

Monday 30 September 2019

Theatre Review: Les Miserables - The Staged Concert

les-miserables, the-writing-greyhound

While the Queen's Theatre, the West End home of Les Miserables, undergoes renovation work, the show has moved a few doors down Shaftesbury Avenue for a limited 16-week run at the Gielgud Theatre.

Billed as an all-star staged concert, this short run brings together some of the biggest and most noteworthy names who have been associated with the show over the years. However, it's not all massively successful stars, as some new names and potential stars of tomorrow have also joined the cast for these unique performances in the intimate surroundings of the Gielgud.

I'd been looking forward to seeing this show for months, but did it manage to live up to my expectations?

Friday 5 July 2019

Album Review: Happiness Begins by Jonas Brothers

jonas-brothers, music, cd, album, the-writing-greyhound

As you can probably tell from the above image, I'm a massive fan of the Jonas Brothers and have been for over ten years. I was 15 when they were in their heyday and since then, they've always been one of my most favourite bands - even after they split up.

So, as anyone who knows me can attest, I was over the moon earlier this year when the brothers announced that they were getting back together. I eagerly bought tickets in the pre-sale to see them when they tour the UK next year, I signed up to Amazon Prime just to watch their Chasing Happiness documentary, and I fell in love with their music all over again when Happiness Begins dropped through my letterbox on release day.

Oh my Jonas (OMJ), I was hooked. Now, just under a month down the line, I'm ready to share my thoughts on the album with you.
"Come back to me, baby, I'll come back to you."

Tuesday 12 February 2019

Film Review: How to Train Your Dragon 3 - The Hidden World

how-to-train-your-dragon-three, the-hidden-world, film, cinema

Weighing in as one of my most highly anticipated films of the year, How to Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World promised to be a fantastic tale and a worthy new addition to a much-loved animated movie series. 

I had purposely avoided watching teasers and trailers in the run-up to the film’s release, as the last thing I wanted was to end up inadvertently spoiling a major twist or key plot point for myself before getting a chance to see the movie in full. Luckily, I managed to succeed, and after watching the film last Friday evening, I am especially glad that I did!

Monday 22 October 2018

Theatre Review: War Horse at the Milton Keynes Theatre

I have wanted to see the stage production of War Horse for years, ever since I first heard that it would soon be coming to the West End. I watched the film (a definite must-watch, by the way) and was lucky enough to attend the War Horse-themed prom at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall a few years ago. So when I heard that the production was doing a UK tour and was coming to Milton Keynes, I knew it would be rude not to go along!

Thursday 6 September 2018

Theatre Review: School of Rock, The Musical

school-of-rock, musical, london

As regular readers of The Writing Greyhound will doubtless already know, I am a big fan of both theatre and musicals. In the last few months, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see a number of shows - some for the first time, others for another visit. So, when I headed down to London to catch my latest theatrical experience, I was understandably looking forward to the night ahead!

Thursday 16 August 2018

#KeeptheSecret - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

harry-potter, cursed-child

First things first, if you are looking for a review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that is full of spoilers, then you've come to the wrong blog. Theatre reviews may be the usual fare on The Writing Greyhound, but on this occasion, I've got the tricky task of writing about a production without really sharing much about it at all. Unquestionably a difficult task, but since seeing Cursed Child for the second time, I really can't put off writing about it again!

Like so many others around the world, I've been a big Harry Potter fan for years and I still love re-reading the original books even now. When Cursed Child was first announced, I was excited to find out more about the wizarding world and discover if the long-awaited sequel could live up to my (extremely high) expectations.

When the playscript was released, I went to the midnight launch party at Waterstones - my first and only experience of a midnight release. I read the book in under a day and then had to wait over six months to finally get to see the stage show for the first time.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was probably one of my most-anticipated theatre visits ever, and with two showings and a whole day of Potter ahead of me, I couldn't wait to finally see the show. Without going into too much detail, let's just say that I was completely blown away. Characters, acting, staging... it was all brilliant. In fact, you could even say that it was magical!

Upon leaving the Palace Theatre at the end of Part 2, I knew without a doubt that I had to see the play again.

Fast-forward to July 2018 and my wish was fulfilled.

Seeing Cursed Child for the second time allowed me to take in the little details and parts of the show that I didn't notice the first time around. Thanks to the cast change, I also got to see different actors' takes on the roles, something which was definitely interesting. Some plays and performances can seem dated or stale with multiple viewings, but Cursed Child definitely avoids this. In fact, I'd certainly recommend going to see it more than once, if you can.

Although my status as a big Harry Potter fan perhaps subconsciously skews my thoughts and opinions of the play, I am happy to say that Cursed Child is a brilliant theatrical spectacle in its own right, regardless of its close connection to the infamous wizarding world.

#KeeptheSecret

Have you seen Harry Potter and the Cursed Child yet? What did you think of the play? Let me know in the comments below!

Friday 10 August 2018

Film Review: Incredibles 2

When Pixar released the original Incredibles film, I was 10 years old. Now, 14 years later, the animation studios have unleashed the sequel on the world and given countless people like me the perfect opportunity to relive a classic childhood movie. So, when I finally went to watch the film a few weeks ago, I was full of expectations and couldn't wait to get back into the world of the Incredibles!

The story continues on from the events of the original film, catching up with all our favourite characters while introducing some great new ones. Of course, the Incredibles themselves are back, along with popular fan favourites like Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) and E (Brad Bird). This reintroduction of familiar characters and crime-fighting scenarios helps to create a feeling of continuity, bridging the 14-year gap between Incredibles and Incredibles 2.

When it comes to the plot, action and adventure are top of the bill, yet there is also a healthy dose of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. With the high-tech, fast-paced action sequences perfectly juxtaposed against the comparatively routine mundanity of everyday home life, this film manages to perfectly encapsulate both worlds and spread a message highlighting the importance of family.

In addition, it's clear that the scriptwriters for Incredibles 2 had a clear series of messages and morals in mind during the writing process. From the importance of maintaining strong family relationships and keeping a healthy work-life balance to highlighting the risks associated with the modern world's increasing reliance on technology, it seems as though the film contains a little bit of everything. However, we can't move on without making time to mention one of the biggest themes of the movie - equality.

While individual viewers will always take different messages from films, for me, one of the biggest themes tackled in Incredibles 2 was equality and the role of women in society. Of course, it's no secret that women are traditionally portrayed as housewives and mothers - women whose main role is to support the hero of the story. Incredibles 2 takes that stereotype and completely turns it on its end - here, it is the women who take charge and it is the women who absolutely steal the show. Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), Violet (Sarah Vowell), Evelyn (Catherine Keener), Voyd (Sophia Bush), E... the list of strong, independent women goes on. In 2018, who says a woman can't be a great superhero?

Sure to be a big hit with children and adults alike, Incredibles 2 is a breakneck ride and a real rollercoaster of action. Pixar's animation is flawless and faultless as always, while the storyline happily lives up to the high calibre set by the original movie. Offering the perfect way to escape the summer heat, Incredibles 2 is a fun-filled family-friendly film that certainly won't disappoint - no matter how much you loved the first film!

Have you seen Incredibles 2 yet? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

Monday 2 July 2018

Theatre Review: Matilda the Musical

matilda, musical, the-writing-greyhound

As a musical theatre lover and a long-time Roald Dahl fan, I've been wanting to see Matilda the Musical for quite a while. So, when the UK tour was announced, I immediately snapped up tickets!

On 30th June 2018, I headed along to Milton Keynes Theatre to catch the show - super excited to finally get a chance to see it! So - did Matilda live up to my high expectations?

The Origins of Matilda

The show is based on the original children's book Matilda by treasured author Roald Dahl. Matilda was always my favourite Roald Dahl book growing up - probably because I could easily relate to Matilda, being a massive bookworm myself! The musical follows the plot of the book, granted with a little artistic license here and there, but overall, the story remains the same.

Everyone's favourite characters return in the musical, with music and lyrics provided by the fantastic Tim Minchin and the musical script written by playwright Dennis Kelly. Although it is billed as a family-friendly show, there is still plenty to keep people of all ages entertained - the hallmark of a perfect all-around hit musical!

Filled with catchy, memorable songs that stick in your head for days, the music perfectly captures the true spirit of Roald Dahl's traditional Matilda. Quirky and creative, it's clear just how much work has gone into perfecting and preserving the magic of the original story for the children of today to enjoy. My personal favourite song is 'When I Grow Up' in Act Two, but there are plenty of top-notch songs to sing along to!

An Outstanding Cast

The set design is kept relatively simple and straightforward, allowing the focus to remain on the young actors, who absolutely steal the show. Despite their young age, it's clear that each and every one of the younger cast members are seasoned professionals, keeping calm, cool and collected and delivering a stellar performance night after night.

However, for me, the unsurprising star of the show was Matilda herself. The young actress playing the role of Matilda on the night gave a flawless performance, injecting real emotion into her voice and completely owning the stage. This was my first experience seeing a show where a child actor takes the lead role, so it's safe to say that I was completely blown away by the high quality of this performance.

Among the adults of the cast, the stand-out performance was Miss Trunchbull (Craige Els). Portraying the tough-as-nails headmistress, Els' performance was absolutely spot-on, providing the perfect balance of menacing villainy and more light-hearted family-friendly humour.

Matilda the Musical is a real heartstring-tugger - even those who are familiar with the story will still feel emotional at the end of the show! Playing on the emotional bond between children and their parents, at its very core, this is a story about love and family.

Ideal for families and equally well-suited to children and adults alike, Matilda the Musical is a real must-see musical.

If you are interested in seeing the musical yourself, tickets are available from the official website.

Have you seen Matilda the Musical? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Friday 29 June 2018

My First Experience Watching Anime

Confession time - up until very recently, I didn't know the difference between manga and anime.

(For anyone else reading this who is unsure of the difference, anime is an animation whereas manga is usually a comic or graphic novel).

My tastes are usually pretty varied when it comes to entertainment (for instance, just look at the sheer variety of books I read and genres of music I enjoy) but when it comes to film and TV, there are certain genres that I know I enjoy and therefore don't often stray from.

When we first got together, my partner and I adopted an unofficial policy of taking turns choosing TV shows to watch. Among others, we made our way through Game of Thrones (my choice), Scrubs (his choice) and Firefly (my choice). As for his next choice, he picked Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. 

Prior to watching Full Metal, I had never seen an anime before. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, nothing in the same genre to compare it to and certainly no initial preference when faced with the 'sub or dub' question.

However, although I quickly got informed that it is an entirely different thing from anime, I have previously dabbled with manga.

As a child, I absolutely adored W.I.T.C.H. I began collecting the books (before quickly running out of money) and bought as many issues of the magazine as I could afford. I loved the girls, I loved the idea and the storyline, and above all, I loved the artwork. I would read books and magazines and do my best to replicate my favourite scenes in black pen and felt tip.

Much later in life, I dipped my toe into the world of manga once more when I borrowed volume one of Bakuman from my then-boyfriend. I passively enjoyed the story and liked the concept of it being a manga about manga, but it was far from my favourite read.

Apart from those few incidences, I was completely in the dark about the entire world of manga and anime... Until we began watching my first-ever anime.

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Full Metal Alchemist is widely regarded as the 'perfect' anime, making it the ideal choice for my first foray into the genre. As one of the best animes out there, Brotherhood was probably a good choice to get me into anime!

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who (as the title suggests) have the powers of alchemy. After a misguided attempt at alchemy goes wrong, the story follows the brother's journey to find a way to restore order and reclaim what was lost. Along the way, the pair find themselves caught up in the crossfire of a much bigger power play and must use every ounce of their alchemical studies and knowledge to join forces with their allies and emerge victoriously.



Despite my initial misgivings, it only took a few episodes before I properly got into the story. With my partner as my trusted guide, anything I didn't get was immediately explained to me and it wasn't long before I was well and truly hooked - as we neared the end, we were watching it every night!

The story had everything that I look for - likeable yet flawed characters, three-dimensional villains, complex relationships, a cracking storyline and a healthy dose of magic! From the world-building to the artwork, nearly everything about this anime was flawless.

Although it took a while to adapt to the cultural differences and customs associated with anime, watching Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood was an experience that was certainly worth it.

If you're looking for something a little different to binge on Netflix, give it a go - you will be hooked before you know it! Plus, if you need a little something to sweeten the deal, Brotherhood has an absolutely outstanding soundtrack (Period by Chemistry is my personal favourite).

Are you an anime fan? Have you seen Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood? Let me know in the comments below!

Monday 25 June 2018

Gig Review: Ed Sheeran at Wembley Stadium 2018

ed-sheeran, wembley-stadium, divide-tour, the-writing-greyhound

With three chart-topping albums under his belt and an MBE to his name, Ed Sheeran is arguably one of the biggest musicians in the world right now. Coming to his Divide tour straight off the back of the album of the same name, Suffolk-raised Sheeran has every right to be pleased about his musical success - something which is certainly not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon!

Named as 2017's bestselling global recording artist, 2018 has continued to be another outstanding year for the 27-year-old singer-songwriter. Sheeran's eagerly-awaited Divide tour, the tour accompanying the hit album, officially kicking off in March 2017 in Turin, Italy.

Returning to the UK for the second British leg of the tour (the first taking place in April/May 2017), the sell-out stadium crowd at iconic Wembley were waiting with bated breath for Sheeran to take to the stage. Heading along for the final night of Ed's four-night residency at the stadium, spirits were high and the air of anticipation among fans heading to the venue was tangible.

This was my first time visiting Wembley Stadium for a music event. Although I've previously been multiple times for American football games, the feel is completely different when the hallowed Wembley turf is hidden away! Although the large capacity is handy and the atmosphere undeniably electric, it's clear that the stadium wasn't designed to maximise sound quality. Wembley's circular design almost seemed to distort the sound, bringing waves of music and crowd noise all around you in an inescapable whirlwind of audio overload. It's just as well that everyone was too engrossed in dancing and singing along to mind!

Before the main event, we were treated to not just one, but two support acts. The first was Jamie Lawson - a personal favourite of mine and an absolutely lovely guy. The second was popular English singer-songwriter, Anne-Marie. Although I like some of her songs, her music isn't really my cup of tea, but luckily, it wasn't long before the stage was set and the crowd were poised ready and waiting for Ed to begin.

A post shared by Lorna Holland (@themaxdog) on


Unceremoniously arriving on stage with a short behind-the-scenes live video, Sheeran was immediately greeted by an ear-splitting roar of sound. Fans who had queued up for hours outside the stadium, standing in line to secure front-row spots, screamed their adoration and appreciation at the top of their lungs. Even high up in the stands where I was sitting, anticipation for what was to come filled the air.

Despite being just one man armed with a guitar and a loop pedal, Ed Sheeran truly managed to fill the impressive venue of Wembley Stadium. Sheeran is renowned for his one-man-band approach to gigs and famed for his dedication to performing solo on tour dates. In his own words, "if it isn't broke, don't fix it!"

The setlist featured a carefully pieced-together mixture of old classics and new favourites, with long-standing crowd favourites like Lego House, Sing and Thinking Out Loud, the most well-received song of the night, performed side-by-side with Divide tracks including Galway Girl, opener Castle on the Hill and, of course, Shape of You. Effortlessly flicking between emotional heartstring-tuggers and bouncier floor-fillers, the arrangement of the setlist was a real work of art and a surefire credit to Sheeran's skill as a songwriter.

Leaving the stadium and seeing Wembley's infamous arch lit up in Divide blue, there was a real party atmosphere as the crowds dispersed and headed home. Since fighting to get our hands on these tickets, we waited almost a year to see the icon that is Ed Sheeran performing live at one of the most recognisable venues in the country, if not the world, and it's pretty safe to say that 17th June 2018 is an evening I will not forget any time soon!

Have you seen Ed Sheeran live? Did you head along to see him on the Divide tour? Let me know in the comments below!

Friday 4 May 2018

Film Review: Avengers Infinity War

marvel-avengers, infinity-war, thor, loki, groot

Regular readers of The Writing Greyhound will most probably already know that I am a big Marvel movies fan. Although I don't read the comics, I enjoy watching every instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when released and accordingly, joined fans across the world eagerly awaiting the latest and most intense film yet - Avengers: Infinity War.

Rumours about this movie have been swirling for months, with everyone wanting to share their own thoughts and theories about their favourite characters. And there was certainly plenty to choose from - almost every Marvel superhero you can imagine was part of the star-studded lineup for Infinity War. However, much as it was great to watch different parties come together and interact for the first time (offering ample opportunities for fun, games and humour) the reality was that it felt a little stretched at times.

With such a large cast of A-list actors and actresses, not to mention a list longer than your arm of larger-than-life characters all demanding a fair share of the film, it isn't difficult to understand why it felt like many of the characters ended up fighting for screen time.

Understandably, this meant many different intersecting story arcs, often progressing simultaneously, and a whole heap of jump-cutting between them all. Fast-paced, yes; difficult to keep up with; sometimes.

Characters aside, the overall plot of the movie comes as no surprise to MCU fans and those who have done their homework. Our main villain and the antagonist of the film is the Titan Thanos, who is intent on collecting all six Infinity stones which will then enable him to wield unimaginable power. We have already been introduced to Thanos in previous instalments and the whole concept of the Infinity Stones has been ongoing throughout many separate MCU films - Infinity War is the final chapter which ties the main overarching plot threads together.

Of course, it is difficult to mention much about the plot for fear of spoilers. To avoid them, all I will say is that this is a film which should really be watched multiple times to ensure you don't miss anything important. At 2 hours 40 minutes running time, it can seem a long film, especially during the rare slower moments, but anything shorter and the storyline would definitely have struggled to be condensed any further.

Featuring an awe-inspiring mix of top-class action sequences, comedic gags and a few tender moments which take you by surprise, it's no wonder why Infinity War is already a record-breaking film. At the time of writing, the movie had already enjoyed the biggest global box office opening - ever. Not bad for a humble superhero movie!

As for what will happen to our much-loved heroes in future films, this remains to be seen. However, one thing is for certain - this chapter may be over, but the MCU is far from finished yet.

Have you seen Infinity War? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Tuesday 13 March 2018

Interview: Leapfrogtown

leapfrogtown-music

Leapfrogtown is all about distinctive diversity - who said all music had to be the same? I sat down for a quick catch-up with Christopher Guard from the band to find out what their unique sound is all about.

How would you sum up your music in three words?
Dreams, drums, lyrics.
Tell me a little about yourself.
My birth took 36 hours. I was a child TV star. I learned piano to Grade 5 then bought a guitar. My mum is a published poet.
Where is your music career at now?
Busting to be back on festival stages with Leapfrogtown; looking at labels for acoustic subdivision What the Fox.
Tell me about your latest release.
One-take What the Fox recordings, jahon, vox, guitar - back to the songs. Leapfrogtown remixes on Soundcloud.


What can listeners expect from you?
Songs and wherever they take me; delicate like Nick Drake, raw like the Stones. Now not then.
Are there any particular musicians that inspire you?
Lennon; my daughter Tallulah.
What music do you draw inspiration from?
Silence; everything; I’m an ornithologist.
What are your musical guilty pleasures?
Musak in lifts if I’m lucky enough to be in a posh hotel.
What is your ultimate goal when it comes to music? 
Freedom without poverty.
What do you think of Leapfrogtown? Let me know in the comments below!

Wednesday 10 January 2018

Film Review: Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle

cinema-movie-ticket, jumanji

Before I get stuck into my review, cards on the table - I've never seen the original Jumanji film.

Of course, I knew about it; it's a classic, after all. However, as the majority of my regular readers will doubtless already know by now, my education is significantly lacking when it comes to classic movies. I have my favourites and, with very little free time (or money) available to watch films or go to the cinema, I have to pick what I want to watch very carefully.

I saw the trailer for the recent reboot, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, several times over the last few months when making trips to the movies. However, opinions seemed to be divided among the people I spoke to about it. Some said it would be a poor imitation of the original - "you can't beat a classic," was mentioned several times - whereas others thought it could be a modern refresh of a classic film.

So, going into the screening with a mixed reception yet an open mind of my own, I sat back, enjoyed the show, and allowed myself the freedom to form my own opinions about the film.

Quickly becoming one of 2017's top-grossing films in the global box office, it's clear that Jumanji is more than just your average remake. Although the movie does rely extremely heavily on the talent of its lead cast members, the concept is just as unique and quirky as ever, only further added to by the up-to-date backdrop.

Speaking of the concept, if you aren't familiar with the basic story, the whole narrative of the film can be summed up as follows: four teenagers are sucked into a video game and become the on-screen avatars they chose, forced to work together and overcome their fears in order to beat the game and attempt to win their passage home. Put like that, it's an incredibly simple idea, yet it's undeniably innovative and still just as exciting as it was back when the original Jumanji movie was released.

However, it's not just the action-packed sequences and adventurous elements that keep you glued to the screen. Strip away all the fluff and its core this is a coming-of-age story, where the characters must grow and develop, working alongside one another and becoming better people as we progress through the film.

Of course, there is also a liberal dose of humour, largely related to the scenario the teenagers have found themselves in. Jack Black undeniably steals the show as Bethany/Professor Shelly Oberon, somehow managing to perfectly portray all the emotions of a selfie-mad teenage girl who suddenly finds herself trapped in the body of an overweight middle-aged man.

That being said, it's no secret that this whole movie is held together by its stellar lineup. Jack Black is joined by the powerful trio of Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson, Karen Gillan and Kevin Hart to complete the main quartet, yet Nick Jonas' Alex provides the perfect finishing touch.

Fresh, exciting and exhilarating, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is certainly no shoddy remake.

Have you seen the film? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Saturday 16 December 2017

5 Things Cheaper Than a Cinema Ticket

cinema-ticket

Over recent years, the price of the average cinema ticket has seen a massive hike. While going out to the movies is still a popular activity, this popularity is gradually dropping as people give the big screen a miss in favour of watching their films on DVD or streaming services.

However, this is a big shame, as a trip to the cinema provides a much more special, cultured experience. You get to share all the fun, excitement, action and adventure with fellow movie-goers, watching the film from the shelter of a darkened theatre and becoming totally immersed in the movie experience. Of course, the cinema also has its drawbacks (prices aside, for the time being) and some people do prefer to stay home and watch films at their own pace from the comfort of their own homes.

But in spite of this, the cinema is a real cultural institution; one which is becoming increasingly at risk of dying out due to the ever-increasing ticket price rises.

To put things into perspective, I've come up with a short list of just a few things which are cheaper than the average cinema ticket in the UK today. From the fun to the essential, here are my thoughts!

Coffee

A cup of coffee is often used as a comparison by charities looking to guilt people into donating to their cause, but it's true that the price of your humble cup of morning coffee is a great place to start. Whether you prefer a bog-standard coffee or a fancier, custom drink, the fact remains that you could buy at least two hot drinks for the price of a typical cinema ticket. Food for thought?

Dinner

Sticking with the foodie theme, when was the last time you went out for dinner? Whether it's a relaxing takeaway, a restaurant date or a meal out with friends or family, going out for dinner is a great way to escape the usual kitchen chores for a night! Depending on where you go and what you eat, you can easily get a filling meal for less than the cost of a standard cinema ticket. Dinner and a movie? With prices like these, it might just be time to give the movie a miss.

A Book

Granted, as a book blogger, I may be a little biased here, but finding a good book to get stuck into is one of the best ways to relax and spend your free time. Unless you're after a just-released hardback, many paperbacks and downloadable books are both affordable and enjoyable. If you're really looking to save money, you could visit a second-hand or charity shop, or even better, head down to your local library for a wealth of reading materials on hand for free!

Charity Donation

While we're sitting here debating the cost of cinema tickets, it's easy to forget about the many people around the world who are less fortunate than us. Whether it's the homeless or people who are struggling to get by in our own communities or those in need further afield, sometimes we all need to do our bit to help out. Whether it's dropping some spare change into a collection box or setting up a regular donation, just think - how much do you really want to see that movie?

Movie Streaming Service Subscription

Finally, it's time for the most interesting one of the five. Although the price of film streaming subscription services like Netflix do vary, many monthly memberships will cost you the same, if not less, as one single cinema ticket. Why pay to see one film when you can pay less and have access to a whole host of movies and TV shows at your fingertips?

Of course, this is just a fun list, but the reality is that the situation is getting worse. Thanks to the price hikes, many people are simply getting priced out of a visit to the cinema, with what used to be a fairly regular activity now being reserved only for the most special of occasions. Couples, friends and families are avoiding the cinema and waiting for films to be released on DVD or streaming services - if something isn't done soon, will the money-grabbing people at the top end up spelling the beginning of the end for UK cinema?

One thing's for sure - between cinema ticket price rises and the increasing popularity of big-budget TV shows like Game of Thrones, we're fast approaching a crisis for the future of big-screen cinema here in the UK.

What do you think? Should cinema ticket prices be lowered? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Tuesday 12 December 2017

Introducing Almost Autumn

almost-autumn, singer, musicianWhen the weather is cold and Christmas songs are played on repeat almost everywhere you go, sometimes, all you want is something fresh, exciting and a little different to listen to. Luckily, I have the perfect antidote to cure your winter music blues - say hello to Almost Autumn.

Almost Autumn is the performing name of Joelle-Marianne, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Liverpool, UK. At the tender age of just 20 years old, Joelle is in her final year of studying towards a music degree, an impressive feat considering the high quality of her songs already.

Working primarily within the pop, folk, and indie-acoustic genres, Almost Autumn is an audio diary project, recording Joelle's daily life from a musical perspective and documenting the student experience from a whole new angle. Love, lust and heartbreak are just a few of the signature themes, set against a shining city backdrop to a classic, feel-good pop melody and catchy lyrics. It's fresh, it's different and it's unique - the perfect way to stave off the cold winter weather.



It's clear that Joelle is certainly no stranger to the music scene, appearing in various bands and projects throughout the North-West music circuit for over seven years. She won her place at the prestigious Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts after appearing live on BBC Introducing and from there Almost Autumn was born.

Perhaps even more remarkably, each and every track was recorded from the confines of her student flat in Liverpool city centre, a fact which only further contributes to the homegrown student-led feel of the music.

Almost Autumn's debut release is 'A Little More', the perfect soundtrack for the transition between autumn and winter. It's simple and sweet yet memorable in all the right ways, serving as the ideal introduction to her sound as we enter the New Year.

You can find Almost Autumn on YouTube and Bandcamp, or to catch up with Joelle herself, follow her on Facebook.

What do you think of Almost Autumn? Let me know in the comments below!