Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014)

So, Steve Rogers comes back after being frozen in ice, to a completely new, modern world where he faces adjustment, the prospect of dating, and battling with a new enemy of course. The cast continues to set the standards high with both Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson effortlessly playing their parts as Captain America and Black Widow. Similarly, Anthony Mackie as Falcon is introduced, bouncing off Chris without any bother. The plot itself is, expectantly, not quite as good as the first, at times feeling slightly rushed, however it's pretty similar to the expected standard of recent Marvel movies, being easy enough to watch and relate to on a basic level.

Divergent (2014)

After hearing a lot of good things about this series, with a fair few 'Hunger Games' comparisons, I thought I'd give it a go, starting with the books, which I really enjoyed. Knowing that no movie can ever compare to the book, they gave it a pretty good shot. Shailene Woodley has been going from strength to strength with her choices and is a perfect fit for Tris, mastering her Divergent personality. It's a shame however to see some of the deleted scenes that failed to make it, particularly Peter's revenge scene.

In general, it's preferable to read any book before watching the film, however, I think to really grasp an understanding of the film and to enjoy it, its pretty much vital to have read the book. I think that without, it's difficult to appreciate each character.

It's a series worth reading, and hopefully with the first film laying down the basics, the next four films will similarly be worth the watch, and can make up for the lack of detail explored.

Her

When I first heard what this film was about a while back, essentially a man falling in love with a computer, even despite other people's high recommendations and positive reviews, I instinctively lowered my expectation and put myself off seeing it until now. I'm so thrilled that I finally worked up the courage to watch it though, as not only has it proven to be entertaining, earning itself a few laughs, but more importantly, an emotionally captivating experience. There is little else you need to know about the plot of the film, other than that it is set in the future, where technology has advanced to the point at which it can develop beyond its creators.

Joaquin Phoenix portrays Theodore, a soon to be divorced writer, and does an amazing job at drawing the audience in to actually feel the emotional roller coaster he goes through. On top of this, the cinematography is beautifully captured and whilst, admittedly, the plot is not for everyone, the engineering behind it all genuinely makes it worthy of seeing.

In Your Eyes

In your eyes is a film about two individuals, leading different lives that develop the ability to speak to one another as well as see, hear and smell what the other is experiencing. That said, it is a unique indie film that holds a lot of talent. Both Zoe Kazan and Michael Stahl-David do an incredible job at making this film almost believable and create a genuine connection.

The ending to a certain extent is slightly rushed in comparison to the rest of the film, however overall this does not spoil the romantic feel of the film which proves to be a different, easy to watch and brilliantly executed film.

The To Do List

Set in the 90's this is a comical teen, slightly cheesy and predictable romance film. The film revolves around Brandy, who believes that she needs to have more sexual experience before going to college, and so decides to write a list of 'things' to 'do' and complete it before she leaves.

There are several awkward scenes, especially if you're watching with other people, but that being said, it is a genuinely funny film and differs from from the more modern forms of comedy with its classic wit. Although, it does come across as a film that is appreciated for the era more so than its content.

The Fault in Our Stars

This adaptation from John Green's book tells the story of a young girl with cancer who is forced to attend a support group where she meets Augustus Walters. Whilst being a tragic romance story, the important message it attempts to get across,  particularly to teenagers, is that despite imminent death, we should value life.

It's a film that had me on the edge of tears pretty much throughout although did slightly fail to deliver towards the end. There are significant parts missing from the book, such as the personal life and past relationships of Augustus and not enough screen time of his best friend. Despite this, and considering that it is impossible to fit a book into a film, this adaptation has been one of the best I've seen in a long time. It manages to capture the emotional journey of Hazel whilst touching on the often delicate subject of cancer.

The Kings of Summer

This is a super cute coming of age film about two best friends, and another random boy named Biaggio thrown it, who decide to leave their homes to live out in the woods after building their own house.

It's got an awesome message for youths, that things don't always work out the way you imagine them, and how it's important to accept that sometimes, but it does so with a pretty witty script. It portrays young teenage boys well and is one of those easy-going, lazy sunday films, that definitely cheered my day up.

The Call

This is an attention-catching film that actually offers some handy hints, if you ever happened to be kidnapped and put into the boot of a car! Call Centre operator Jordan, played impressively by Halle Berry, answers the emergency call and works with the young girl that's been kidnapped to try and find her, as her kidnapper drives around LA.You do have to have some patience with this film as it's not one full of action until the very end, however I found the storyline to be pretty gripping and interesting, though it's probably not for you if seek a realistic plot.

The Purge

The tagline given to this film really sums up the entire plot, 'One night a year, all crime is legal'. So basically, anyone is free to commit any crime without being punishment in order to purge and for the rest of the year crime is pretty much non-existent. The plot focuses on one family in a neighbourhood as they go into 'lock down'. The idea behind it is rather clever, though as horror goes it is fairly predictable in places. That being said, it is one that gets you thinking of what you'd do in that kind of situation and does have a few decent jumpy scenes.

The Bling Ring

Taken from npr.org

Right then, The Bling Ring, I saw this the other day despite hearing quite negative things about it I thought I'd give it a go. I can see where some people are coming from, especially if they're part of an older generation, as it very much tries to relate to younger minds. However, I have to say it is an enjoyable watch and is filmed in a way that makes the audience feel as if they were another member of the group. Alexis Nears, played by Emma Watson, has stated on her blog, found here, that the true facts will never be known so I wouldn't look into the film as being too accurate, but it does show an insight into how easily the lifestyle can rope people in. All the acting is pretty solid though I wouldn't say there's anything challenging about the roles. And as much as I love Emma Watson, i'm not quite sure she can pull off an american accent, which to me, seemed to stick out quite a bit. Other than that, its definitely one to watch, especially if you're a fashion lover.

We're the Millers

We're the Millers is a refreshing new comedy that's recently been released, that I have to say I really enjoyed. It's based on this middle-aged drug dealer who gets himself into trouble and ends up attempting to smuggle drugs into America, by finding a goofy 'family' to get across the border. The plot isn't the most original and it does have a little 'Hangover' feel to it, though the writers have done well to ensure that it doesn't go over the top or spiral out of control. I think it's simple comedy that'll give you a good few laughs; there isn't that much more to say about it!

Kick-Ass 2

When I first heard this film was in the making I was really excited, as the original is probably one of my favourite films around, with some brilliant comedy held within. Typically, as with any sequel, the script just isn't as quick witted, though the introduction of several peculiar characters unsuccessfully attempts to make up for this. The plot follows Kick-Ass, Dave Lizewski's homemade superhero, who joins a team of others that have been inspired by his actions. Cue, Chris D'Amico, a.k.a The Motherfucker, whose seeking revenge for his fathers death. The plot still manages to hold a couple of suprises which are quite good, and the film does have some laughs in it,with Chloë Moretz and Aaron Taylor-Johnson both give stable performances throughout. I'd say it's one to watch if it's on television on a lazy afternoon, but it's not quite worth forking out for the DVD.

American Psycho

Taken from FanArt.tv

I've had to do a bit of research since watching this film as it left me in such a state of confusion! So I've only just managed to get round to watching American Psycho as I've always heard good things and I was a bit scared I wouldn't enjoy it. The film has a very basic plot, in which we follow round a business man played by Christian Bale, doing business-y things, however he holds psychopathic tendencies which slowly progress. Bale acts with a real feel for the character and portrays the role with attention to detail, giving the audience a love/hate relationship with his character, Patrick Bateman. The script is very well written, with clever anecdotes, though it did not hold as much dark comedy as I was expecting. If you haven't already it's definitely a film worth watching if you need something that's going to get you thinking. The film shows, albeit in an exaggerated way, how people, both inside and outside the business world, have a careless attitude towards others.

Trap for Cinderella

First Review!

Taken from TimeOut

So, I thought I'd start it off with a lesser known film that's come out this summer called Trap for Cinderella, which is mainly a thriller and crime movie. The story revolves around a young woman trying to work out her own history, after suffering amnesia following a fire. The film then twists back and forth in time to tell this story, of how her and her childhood friend 'Micky' are reunited and eventually how the fire is caused. The acting is pretty flawless from all the characters, with Tuppence Middleton doing a brilliant job of playing her character, before the incident as a grungy-type wild model, as well as after, as she tried to figure out who it is she really is. The film as a whole is a little rough round the edges and little eccentric though it manages to pull this off by fluidly keeping the audience at bay.  I'd say that it's definitely worth the watch for anyone whose into easy going films that keep you guessing. For me, it was a really enjoyable film with a pretty decent soundtrack.

IMDb- Trap for Cinderella (2013)