Newfound Film Favourites

I don't have just one favourite film. How can you? There's too much choice and too many genres. My all time favourites range from The Day After Tomorrow and War Of The Worlds to Rocky Horror and The Blair Witch Project to Dodgeball. And my love for the Ice Age films and The Jungle Book will never really die. But recently I've been watching a lot more films and I've seen so many that were amazing enough to become firm favourites. There's a fair few, so hang in there. 

Anchorman

I know it's pretty old now, but I'd never seen the film until a few weeks ago. I cried with laughter. Multiple times. It's literally about four famous anchormen who get a female reporter in the studio and hilarity ensues as they try to woo her, then rid of her. With names like Will Ferrel, Steve Carrel, Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller, it was always going to be a hoot. 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

I'll admit, I liked the first film but felt that far too much of the book was missed out. And then I saw Catching Fire when it was released in November. A much more accurate depiction of the book counterpart, it had me on the edge of my seat, in tears and my heart racing. Also the soundtrack made the whole film that bit more atmospheric. And the acting of every character was so true to form. 

The Paranormal Incident 

I'm always on the lookout for a new horror: they're my little guilty pleasure. I'd never even heard of this film prior to purchase, but I'm so pleased with it. Admittedly it starts as if it should be another badly done teenagers-in-an-abandoned-asylum film, but this one pulls you in as it's got that Blair Witch 'filmed on a camera' appeal. While this one actually does show the events happening, there are a few twists in the story that lead to one massive mind bend at the very end. Prepare to be confused and sickened. 

Dark Skies

Another horror, another instant love. This one is exploring extra terrestrial activity in a family home but not quite how you'd expect an alien film to play out. It's eerie, it's creepy, and there's another twist at the end that just changes everything you thought you'd found out. 

Carrie

This horror is just blood blood blood; a brilliant remake of the Stephen King classic. I'm encouraged now to see the original for comparison, as the film featuring Chloë Mortez and Ansel Elgort (*ignores fan girl screams*) was shot brilliantly and captured every bit of the gore incredibly. Definitely need to purchase the original DVD and the book, methinks. (Apologies for the ugly sticker and attempt at peeling one off *sigh*)

Ender's Game

Another based on a book, this time based in a futuristic world where children are trained from infancy to protect the Earth against attack from an alien race. Anyone else remember Asa Butterfield? Little British actor who was in The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and countless other films? Well, he's all grown up, a genius and fighting the bad guys in this film. He acts alongside Harrison Ford, just to pique your interest further. Another need-to-read-the-book, too. (By the way, it's not a blurred photo, it's a holographic sleeve. Yes.)

Sweeney Todd

It's a horror mixed with a musical. It's directed by Tim Burton. It stars Johnny Depp, Helena Boham Carter, Alan Rickman, Sacha Baron Cohen and Timothy Spall. If those aren't reason enough to watch it I don't know what is. I've fallen in love with it. 

Review: Thriller Live

As a surprise present for my brother's 10th birthday, he received tickets to see Thriller Live at the Theatre Royal Newcastle on the 27th June (the day after his birthday). So on the Friday night, we got all nicely dressed and headed over to the theatre to watch the Michael Jackson musical. 

Our tickets were for seats in the Gallery, meaning we should have had 'partial view'. However, simply leaning forward slightly solved this issue, and for £19 each the tickets were a complete steal. A very affordable way to spend a family night out, especially for the theatre! 

 Onto the actual show, though. Firstly, the way that it was presented was actually very entertaining and factual. A brief X Factor style overview of Jackson's successes and awards started us off, and then the show was handed to the hosts/singers, who interacted with the entire audience and inserted more facts about the star's life and songs. On many occasions they got us to clap along, shout certain lyrics and get up to dance, which kept the entire thing from being static for the spectators. Also, the show was not following order of song release or a particular plot, meaning a lot of potential cringyness was eliminated.

The four lead singers can only be described as incredible. Rachel Adedeji was flawless as the only female, adding a feminine flair to the songs yet keeping them every bit as smooth and soulful. Jesse Smith was the powerful rock voice, belting out songs like Dirty Diana with a strong, deep vocal. Tyrone Lee and Lascel Wood kept the sound of Jackson's voice, but threw in unexpected notes here and there that kept the songs from sounding CD-like. And the way the four very different voices complemented each other on shared songs worked fantastically. 

We all know Michael was a complete showman; he delivered unbeatable dancing as well as singing. And the dancers for Thriller Live certainly did not disappoint! Every number had different choreography to any other, keeping the audience watching in awe, but they kept all the signature moves and styles of MJ. The synchronisation was so polished and refined that every dancer's footfalls matched the others' perfectly. Anyone could appreciate the obvious effort and talent that has gone into the dancing for this show! 

In terms of memorable performances, however, three in particular run through my mind clearly. 

As my favourite MJ song, I was elated to see that the cast's version of Smooth Criminal was not only amazingly performed and sung, but made to look very similar to the original in terms of props and costume choices. 

Smith's solo rendition of She's out of my Life was a true tear-jerker. With only the singer on stage, no strobe lights, gimmicks or dancing, the convincing sadness in his voice shone through and made the whole audience sympathise with the song's meaning. 

Now, for the song everyone wanted to see done right: Thriller. As one of the most successful songs and videos of all time, the cast couldn't afford to mess it up. And mess it up they did not. It payed perfect homage to the famous video, following the choreography and costuming to a T. Even the spooky atmosphere and cold chill filled the room! Or maybe that was just the smoke machine...Nonetheless, the performance was an incredible tribute to the original. 

I went into Thriller as someone who liked Micahel Jackson songs somewhat, but wouldn't really have considered myself a fan. I left completely converted, wanting to go back in and relive the whole experience again and again. I would wholeheartedly recommend the show to anyone, mega fans and occasional listeners alike. The excited atmosphere and brilliant performances make the entire show honestly one of the best I've ever been to see in a theatre.