The other night I spent an evening at home, watching Remember Me. The only reason I initially wanted to watch it, was to see if Robert Pattinson could play any other role than that of Edward Cullen. And I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised and am hoping to see more of him on the big screen.
The story follows Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson) and Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin, LOST). They have both suffered tragedy and are brought together in a ruse that starts out as a bet and ends in love. This movie touches on many sideline themes: the tumultuous father-son relationship, dealing with the loss of a loved one, as well as 9/11 thrown in for good measure. Its definitely a serious, thought-provoking movie and one that is best watched sans The Boyf :) All in all, a good movie!
I have just finished this book. It was my first read in my new bookclub, where each month someone picks a book and we all read it. Previous bookclubs have involved too much wine and gossip, whilst a pile of books lie discarded in the corner, so its nice to have something intelluctual to report back at the end of each month, with a glass of wine :)
Unfortunately I missed the last meeting and decided to blog my thoughts instead.
The story is set in London in one week in December in 2007. Living in london and reading this book, whilst on the tube, made it very real and I loved saying in my head "I've been there!" The story is made up of various characters, who are linked in some way or other. It has a little bit for everyone; the soccer star, the radical Muslim, Reality TV, a love story and a few dinner parties.
My favourite character was the Tube driver and following her romance. I kept waiting for a big climax in the book and it never came. I was a bit disappointed at the end of it, but loved every moment and page.
One of my birthday wishes last week was to watch the much talked about movie, Black Swan.
I was absolutely blown away by this movie and it was one of the BEST movies I have ever watched. The cast is star-studded, the costumes are beautiful and the dancing..........to die for! I swear that this movie will have a huge effect/backlash on the "uncultured" public, who will reconsider going to the ballet to watch a Swan Lake production, so kudos to the producers of Black Swan for having a positive effect on the Arts.
I am looking forward to seeing it again, so I can fully appreciate the intricacy of the details, the portrayal of the black vs white characters and the final transformation into the Black Swan.
If you haven't watched it yet.....watch this trailer
This movie has something for everyone.....the most exquisite ballet, thrilling moments that make you hide behind your hands in fear, a tiny lesbian moment for the guys and a lot of crotch touching (which I did not enjoy).
Be warned, Natalie Portman's body is a bit scary at times. She is literally just made of muscle and sinew. Apparently she trained for 18 months to get the dancing perfect, and does it all herself (I have heard talk of CGI use, but I am not going to believe it!). I know nothing about ballet, but OMG she is brilliant! And besides learning some kick ass moves and raking up the awards, she has shacked up with the dance choreographer and is expecting his baby, so all in all not a bad run for little Nat.
I heart Mila Kunis. I think she is stunning and I love her cheeky, relaxed character in this film. She might just make it onto my girl crush list.
I am slowly making my way through the list of Oscar movies, so come the big night, I can sit on couch and give my own two cents worth!
VOTE: Natalie for Best Actress......haven't watched any of the other movies, but my money is on her!
The White Woman on the Green Bicycle
by Monique Roffey
This is my latest read, which was on the Orange Prize 2010 Shortlist. It was an interesting read and I have mixed feelings as to whether I loved it, or liked it. It is set in Trinidad and spans the 60 years of George and the main character, Sabine's immigration to Trinidad. It is full of the politics of the West Indies, the heat and the disintegration of their marriage, as each one becomes more entwined into their seperate lives. George revels in the freedom and tempting lifestyle, whereas Sabine battles with the sweltering humidity and the racial toils that are rife in the country.
I fully escaped into this life and could feel the intense heat of the country, even though I was bundled up in my duvet, amidst the snow. Monique Roffey has a wonderful way with words, that makes the sentences effortlessly fall off the page. all in all a great read.
Spent this Saturday afternoon curled up on the couch watching the latest in the Saw series. I have been an avid fan of all the movies, although the last two have left me a bit disappointed. This one however, is BRILLIANT! Just the right amount of gore and twists. It begins with a gruesome scene of two loan officers who have to go head to head to cut off some of their own flesh. The one who hacks off more flesh in weight, wins and ultimately survives. Sounds repulsive, but I was on the edge of my seat, and it was an exceptional opening!
This movie answered a lot of questions and I loved finding out about Jigsaw's widow and how it all started with Amanda. But yet again, there are so many unanswered puzzles that there is undeniably going to be a SAW VII. Woo Hoo!
