Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn- Thriller for all!

Well perhaps not all... as this creepy thriller is not for the faint hearted!

However, it is Flynn's brilliant debut novel... therefore everyone MUST love it.

Addictive, dark, creepy and psychological!

If you like the gore and psychological thriller element of Gone Girl you will LOVE this! However if you hated the 'creepy' or 'sexual' bits of Gone Girl do.not.read.this.book.
(But maybe try Dark Places as that is brilliant too- just not as incestuous/creepy.)

Sharp Objects follows journalist Camille's journey pack to her home town where she has to report on two mysterious murders. However, Camille doesn't just delve into the stories she is reporting on, but has to face her dark past too.
P.S: The book contains a few sharp objects.

Sharp Objects is a complete page turner, I'd find myself cringing at about 20 pages of it at time, but was still glued to the bloody thing and had to find out ...

• what was going to happen next
• what went on in Camille's past
• who the murderer was
• why the WORDS!! (You'll see what I mean sorry for the teaser...
• when did this all happen (I didn't really wonder that, I just felt the urge to complete the A Level who/what/when/why structure- ever the faithful student.)

I'd be eating my cereal thinking 'I need to read Sharp Objects now!' If that's not a sign of a well-written 'who dunnit' I don't know what is. (I mean interrupting food time- shocking stuff.)

If your an over-reader like me you'll love the female characters and re-evaluation of feminism/female stereotypes. (If you read it and notice this stuff please message me so we can geek out about it!)

However I have to warn you-read with caution! This book will get under your skin stay with you long after you read it!

Over all a well-written and hauntingly addictive read! Highly recommend. 

Natural Collection Eyeliner Review

I always loved liquid eyeliner on everyone else but could never find one right for me! Everyone I tried either was too thick and made me look like a wannabe 14 year goth or only lasted about an hour at the most!

So I thought I'd give Boots natural collection liquid eye liner ago as it's only 1.99 so wouldn't burn a hole in my bank balance!

I have been so pleased with this product I've worn every day since buying it ! The pigmentation's great and it's easy to apply (can easily do thin or thick lines- the thicker lines take longer as the brush is pretty thin but I prefer thinner strokes anyway.) 

What I love about it the most is that it lasts all day! I apply it at 7.30 in the morning, it lasts all day at work and even when I go to the gym it stays put! Can't argue with that for 1.99!

I decided to do a test patch on my arm to prove how long the product lasts for.

Start of the day - (sorry about the blurry photo but you can see it lasts all day)

End of the day

If your looking for an eyeliner that's long lasting, easy to apply and won't break your bank balance this is the one for you!

Get your book fix with 'Thirteen Reasons Why'

Firstly sorry for the lack of posts (I know you've been on the edge of your seats ;) ) 

I read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher after frantically searching the old inter-web for a book that will get me hooked and that I will read in one sitting. (It was one of them moods.) 

Thirteen Reasons Why kept popping up (even on goodreads a great site for bookworms needing a fix) and the plot intrigues me!

The story starts with the narrator Clay Jenson finding a package with 13 tapes on it... these tapes turn out to be from his ex-class mate Hannah Baker who recently committed suicide. Each tape reveals one (or several) reasons that led to Hannah's suicide. 

Asher uses Hannah and Clay's dual narration to capture Hannah's struggle towards her suicide. 

As you can imagine it's a slightly heavy read!

What the book does fantastically is remind us that you never know what’s going on in a person's head and how one careless (or horrifically cruel) incident can have terrible consequences.

I couldn't put the book down and had to find out what drove Hannah to her heartbreaking conclusion. What’s also great is it’s one of them books that you get a sense of achievement from reading and you feel you have a pure nugget of gold from reading it. (Am I the only one who gets this?)

But- on the down side it is not the best written book in the world and the story definitely does the talking over the style.

In saying this I would definitely recommend- I read it in two sittings which I think speaks for itself!

We're the Millers Film Review

This is the lighthearted feel good comedy of the year, filled with laughs from start to finish (and I mean deep in the belly, laugh out loud laughs), this is a must see summer flick!

In a nutshell the film follows a small time drug dealer David (Jason Sudeikis from Horrible Bosses), being forced to turn into a drug smuggler (‘there’s a difference’) to settle a debt. However, David quickly realises he will get across the boarder to Mexico easier if he enlists a fake family to help him. This includes Stripper Rose (Jennifer Aniston), a homeless girl Kacey (Emma Roberts) and his simple neighbor Kenny (Will Poulter).

Clearly things don’t run smoothly for the family and mishaps and plenty of comedy genius and slapstick occur.

Despite the fact that the film is filled with ‘stupid humor’, the film doesn’t lose its emotional ties with the audience. A good way to describe it is a more meaningful and believable version of Hangover 3!

Jennifer Aniston played her role as a stripper brilliant, but still presented the usual Jennifer we know and love. (Trust me you will not forget her roots!) And I’m not being funny but if you weren’t’ in love with her already you will be after you see her banging bod!! Sudeikis also played his role down to a treat, capturing the battle between selfishness and selflessness.

But the real star I have to say is Will Poulter. His scenes were pure comedy genius, you will never listen to TLC the same again!

I can’t wait for the DVD to come out and this will definitely be my go to hungover/ ill/ lazy DVD. (It’s up there with Forgetting Sarah Marshall.)

And whatever you do stay during the credits, as the last scene is the funniest part of the film!

If you enjoyed this blog and you are a gym dodger/cake consumer who wants to get fit fast please check out my sister blog http://healthylass.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Kick Ass 2 Review

So I finally went and saw Kick Ass 2 and I have to say it did not disappoint me! However I have had a little gander on the old inter-web to see what other people were thinking of the film and I was shocked to find the majority does not love the film!

One guy actually says that the film is: ‘A cancerous pretender promising something different but only offering up crass costumed zeroes’. Wow! (Here’s his review so I don’t get done for plagiarism http://thepopcornjunkie.com/2013/08/24/review-kick-ass-2/ … My English Literature degree has clearly been imprinted on my brain!)

So I may be on my own in liking this film (well me and my boyfriend may be alone in liking it), but I’m going to put forward why I don’t agree with the other reviewers floating about.

So before going into my rant I’ll briefly go over the plot… basically since Kick Ass was last about tonnes of masked ‘superheroes’ have appeared on the streets and Dave has come back to his ‘superhero’ ways and joins his new ‘heroes’.  However, Mindy is struggling to live a normal high school life and let go off hit Girl for good. Then Red Mist comes back into the picture as a new ‘super villain’  ‘The Mother Fucker’. Lots of fighting goes down.

So the main objection from the blogger-sphere is that the film is unoriginal and too gruesome. My counter-point to this is,

1.     It’s a sequel- therefore has to follow on from the previous film.

2.     If you don’t like violence/ gruesome stuff- don’t watch Kick Ass 2! There’s no excuse you’ve seen the first film with murder and people dying in giant microwaves!

I personally didn’t think the film was ‘un-original’, yes it didn’t have the shock factor of the first film, but that’s because the first film was completely original and nothing like any other film. (Apart from spoofing other superhero films.) Whereas this film is a SEQUEL so there’s going to be similarities with the first film. However I liked the way the film basically showed how the fucked up Kick Ass kids dealt with adolescents. (My personal favorite bit was the Union Jay section- mindless teenage girls will understand.)

I found it extremely funny and would def watch again. It’s got characters to love, super villains to love to hate and Jim Carey without the stupid faces. Class.

If you’re easily offended don’t watch this film, but if you can enjoy the lighter sides of the film and bare some violence then watch Kick Ass 2 as it won’t disappoint.

Gone Girl aka Literary chocolate (dark, addictive, mind blowing)

Firstly sorry for lack of blog-age, a life of unemployment is surprisingly taxing!

I jumped on the bandwagon and started reading Gillian Flynn’s ‘in’ book at the moment ‘Gone Girl’. And I have to say there’s a reason all eyes are on this book… it is Amazing! (And not just because of Amy.)

I won’t give away any spoilers or plot twists but basically the story is about a wife that goes missing (hence the title, admittedly not that creative ha) and the narrator alternates from Nick and Amy’s point of view (the husband and wife).

This book had me hooked from the word go (or more accurately ‘When’). It is extremely clever and full of plot twists along the away. You think you’ve worked it out then boom there’s a never layer to the onion. (Shrek reference.) I was constantly questioning everything in the book, never sure quite what was going on. (Love a bit of literary mind games in a thriller.) Aaaannnndd the best bit is there is a serious bit of modern feminism going on. (Hoorah for bra burners.) Flynn addresses some real issues and stereotypes … ‘Cool Girls’ beware the jigs up.

If you are looking for something that will have you hooked and you’ll probably read in two sittings. Read. This. Now!

Ohhh and it's going to be turned into a movie, so there's even more reason to read this NOW.

Summer Reading!

So as I have finally finished my English Literature Degree (hoorraaaahh) I can finally start the big pile of 'I will read these when my degree is finished' books! I'm going to post regular reviews on these books so if you're interested in widening your summer reading please follow by email. (Which boys and girls you should be because reading is cool.)

I'm going to kick things off with a few books I read during my degree (as the big pile takes time to read I'm afraid) but don't worry I wont be reviewing Dickens or anything (although he's great if you've got a spare year), but if you're interested in reading something other than 50 shades or Twilight these will be a good selection for you.
But here's a little list of some that I will be reviewing fairly soon (and there will be more to come)
The Hunger Games Trilogy- (may be very commerical but they are amazzzing.. literary crack)
'Benjamin Button'
White Queen- Phillipa Gregory
The Counterlife- Philip Roth
The New York Trilogy
The Things They Carried

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. (Forewarning: get ready for digressions.)

I personally love this book because it's made up with short stories that all inter-link in some form. You're probably thinking- wait short stories- why would I want to read them? But stop right there- I don't know where this short-story-ism began but short stories can be great and there are plenty of them out there. If you don't have a lot of free time then short stories are perfect and can be just as exciting and enthralling as a novel. Sometimes even more so as short stories tend to get to the point so you don't have two chapters of waffle about a handkerchief (The Hobbit I'm referring to you here.)

Right now off my short story rant back to the actual text! Goon Squad is primarily about the music business and how it has changed over time so from the 60s to the noughties. There's quite a bit of sex, drugs and rock and roll during the ride. This may seem like a light hearted affair but it does have a sad element as even for me (someone who doesn't know a lot about the music business) I found myself pining for the times when music was raw on records and not just mindless computer generated garbage.

I really enjoyed the chronology of the book as Egan doesn't stick to the usual linear affair. In an interview she states that she has done this on purpose and doesn't want the reader to read the stories in a different order. (At least on the first read.) Personally I find this form very exciting as your constantly building a picture of the different characters in your mind and once you think you have that character pinned down in a story blows that out of the window.

Despite that fact that Goon Squad uses a number of different characters, Egan's characterisation and ability to make the reader empathise with characters is brilliant!

Overall this book is a great read! I particularly love the flash forwards and flash backs throughout. Egan is able to portray so many lives and how time moves perfectly.

The only negative I can find is the PowerPoint presentation chapter... I have loathed them since every teacher at school insisted on using them and lost interest in that chapter.
But apart from that set back it's a great read and I recommend it! Apparently Sky is making a TV series of it so now would be a great time to read!

4/5

Evolution of the tan!

With exam period ending (hoorah) and summer/partying season looming... it's that time of year again... the legs are coming out! As much as I am not against paleness with my thunder thighs pastiness is not an option! (They need every bit of camouflage they can get.)
The easiest and quickest way to get a tan is sun-bedding. However, as an ex tanorexic I have had to give up sun-bedding (the risk of skin cancer, premature wrinkles have put me off- sob sob) and turn to fake tan. Now I love a bit of fake tan- but as we all know it can go extremely wrong! 'Attcked by a dorito' is the phrase often used!
So as I love a tan I thought I'd share my tanning tips of how to look tanned... without the orange residue. But I'd rather see a shade of dorito than skin cancer on a girl any day!

Here's a few pics of my own tanning evolution... so you can vouch that I am an expert in all things tan-related and you are in safe hands.

Au Nauturelle ;) ... my skin as nature intended (pastey and gross)

 After a SERIOUS sunbed addiction! (Disclaimer: I am not recommending sun-beds)








And finally... the natural tan from the sun... (yes this is not fake tan but is in fact tan induced from sun bathing. Hello vitamin D.)







... OR not finally as unfortunately winter has been and gone.. the tan has faded and peeled and I am now left with the inevitable pastey look. And I am no Kirsten Stewart- I cannot rock this look.

So here are my top tips for tanning fakely but safely :)

1. Exfoliate- Yes we all know this one- the mags tell us it repeatedly. But it is imperative if you want to avoid that streaky tan look! How will you tan look even if it's not on a clear surface!

2. Moisturise- Now I've heard rumours (terrible terrible lies) that putting moisturiser on before fake tanning actually makes your tan not stick. This is not true! Your fake tan is less likely to fade by applying moisturiser, as like with exfoliating, you need a soft surface to start on to avoid the streaky look!
If you find elbows, knees problematic areas put extra moisturiser on!!

I (who love all things orange) like to use moisturisers with gradual tanner in... two of my favourite products are Garnier's gradual tanner and Palmer cocoa butter's gradual tanner. I'd recommend Palmer's for the winter as it is very thick- but that's perfect for dry winter skin. And it smells like chocolate... really how much more in heaven can you get? It does have quite an orange tinge after a few applications- but don't worry it's not dorito rapped!!

For the summer I'd recommend Garnier's gradual tanner, as it's much lighter than Palmer's.


It works quickly and comes in three different shades from light-dark. It quickly builds a noticeable light, natural looking tan if applied every- every other day. The only problem I find with it is your hands! As you have to wash them after every application so you're left with paler hands! (I've tried applying directly to my hands but with washing up and washing your hands 24 7 it's impossible to keep!) Anyone knows a solution to this comment below!


Now you're all prepped... here comes the easy part... the tanning!

3. Wear a tanning mit- You can pick one of these up for a pittance in Primark so no excuses! No one likes orange hands! Trust me I've had them people laugh and point! And you end up rubbing fake tan on everything you touch! They also allow your tan to go on smoothly... so no streaks (very important).

4. The product- This is the cheapest but best value fake tan! St Moriz... you can pick it up from 3-4 pound online (amazon, eBay where ever) and I actually think it works just as well as St Tropez, which would set you back about 20 squids.

It comes in three different shades, I'd recommend medium for the majority of skin tones. It comes out in a foam texture so is very easy to apply compared to gel, sprays or cream based fake tans. If your new to tanning this is a good fake tan to start with as you can create light, medium or heavy coverage by layering the amount you put on. The bottle recommends putting the tan on before showering- but I say screw that and stick it on after the shower. I'm guessing you want your tan to be noticeable!

 

 

And finally... 5. Don't forget your face! There's no bigger tell tell sign of fake tan than an orange/tanned bod and white face! So either get a face tanner or match your make up to your fake tan. I'm not a big fan of fake tan on the face as I have sensitive skin, but if you're gunna give it a go make sure you moisturise first paying extra attention to,your jawline, neck and hairline. (Those are the elbow and knees of your mug.) For me I just chuck on the bronzer, the more bronzer the better!

I'd recommend Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzer (it smells like chocolate- score). It's perfect for adding colour and matching pasty faces to fake tan without clogging up your pours.

 

If you've made it to the end of this post you really care about your tan and deserve to glow! ;)

 

 Follow these tips you could look like this ...

(Disclaimer: fake tan will not turn you into Jessica Alba...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

The Great Gatsby- Baz Luhrmann film review

 Now this is a blog close to my heart... The Great Gatsby... my favourite book, Fitzgerald... the author I wrote my dissertation on (eek) and a film adaptation by Baz Luhrmann.. my favourite director. The pressure is oonnn.

For you crazy kids who haven't read the book (why?) I won't give away any plot spoilers! However I would recommend reading the book before watching the film anyway! Even though the film does follow the plot closely I always think you understand a book better by reading it first because you make your own interpretation of the characters rather than regurgitating someone else's vision. Like Harry Potter... you simply don't get HP if you watched the film first!

In terms of reviewing I don't like to be overly negative ... strike that I try not too be too critical... so I'll start with the bad not so good then get to the good stuff. End on a high ;)

Mistake number one: Music!
This is the fatal flaw of the film I'm afraid. The book embodies The Jazz Age- what does that entail- you guessed it Jazz music! What does the film use? Contemporary rap music. Really?
For a film that tries to show context in the setting and costume and supplies extra historical information for the reader, why oh why didn't it use Jazz music! I may sound as if I'm clutching at straws here, but music is surprisingly imperative to a films success, just think about Jaws for a minute here. Change da dum da dum to dum dum de dum. You get the picture.
The whole atmosphere of the film would have been altered by the change in music.

Mistake number two: Symbolism.
Now Fitzgerald is all about the symbols, he loves a good symbol as much we love a nandoes. Buuuuttt Bazzy old boy a symbol is suggestive not literal. Fitzgerald may have written about 'the green light' but in a film (which is visual) you do not need to state 'the green light' because we can see it! I'll admit there's a lot of white billowy imagery in the book, but the amount in the film is laughable! The symbols in the novel build tension, imply plot twists and work as a back drop to the plot. A symbol does not need a big red sign above it saying 'look at me I am important', it's a matter of interpretation.

I'm also worried that viewers that haven't read the book won't enjoy the film... I'm not sure why and would be very interested to know what non Gatsby readers thought of the film! So please tell me. Despite Fitzgerald's emergence and fascination in Hollywood I don't think the novel lends itself to the cinema. The plot is fairly simple and for me it is the writing that really makes the novel stand out.

Right now to the positives! :)

• I loved the visual elements to this film! (minus the symbols ;) ) The settings were breath taking, much like Baz's Australia. The film really brought the roaring 20s to life. Quote my boyfriend: 'I wish I was a rich man in the 20s'- with houses like that wouldn't we all!
• The film also highlighted the less glamorous aspects of the 20s, the Valley of Ashes, (any Wasteland studiers will get that) the racist undertones of the period and the lower classes 'survival'. Love a bit of historical context me. Cough*nerd*cough.
• It highlights the corrupt and materialistic world and most importantly- caught the atmosphere of the 20s parties!
• The best part of the film must be the costumes though! They are absolutely stunning! And Gatsby's pink suit is particularly enjoyable! I believe that there is a showing of the costumes in London- but you'll have to do the research for that if you're interested. Cosmo's done alot of online articles regarding the cosutumes too. :)
• Ohhhh and it quoted dirctly from the text. Love a good quote me.

Best Actor award goes to... Carey Mulligan. I'll admit she is my current girl crush. But she really held up Daisy's complex role. And she looked amaaazzingg.

I would definitely recommend this film to all you old sports and I really enjoyed it. (Despite the teen couple sitting next to me and flashing their phones every 5 minutes. Cinema decorum anyone?) If this film does one thing I hope it is to encourage people to read the book. It's an American masterpiece for a reason you know! So please go read then watch.

'They're a rotten bunch. You're worth the whole damn lot.'

How to fake flawless skin ... foundation reviews

Right I know it's exam period and we all look haggard/drained/zombie-fied (well I do), but with the invention of foundation this is no excuse! We're not all part of a Cullen clan that can pull of the half dead/ blood drained look.
So I've done the leg work and reviewed some of the big brand versions of the push up bra! From cheap to no so cheap *cough* the reviews are here...(No excuses ladies) ;)

Star Product! 1st place goes to ;)
 Mac Studio Fix fluid
Price: £20.50

Now I am sorry to say that in this case splurging those extra few pounds pays! I have wanted to try Mac make up for years but have been put off by the price tag. So luckily I got Mac credit for my birthday (thanks boyf) ..hoorah!
This foundation is by faaar the best I have used, it covers up dark circles, spots, freckles and general uneven skin. It lasts all day unlike pretty much every other foundation I've used in which I come home looking a hell of a lot worse than I left the house!
However due to the full coverage you might assume you look 'overdone', but because the make up is so good you only need to use the smallest amount. So if you put it on properly you wont look as if you dunked your face in a pot of make up!
The only downside is it does smell pretty industrial! Kind of like paint! At the moment I only wear it very sparingly because of the cost and I don't think I could recommend for daily use as I think it would dry your skin out and cause more blemishes. And then you'd be hooked!
But I have to admit it is the best foundation I have used by a mile!
Oh also they don't sell the pump with the foundation so you have to add an extra £3.50 for the pump... bit of a con! But once you buy it once that's it if you stick with this foundation.

2nd place...
Maybelline Fit Me foundation
Price: £7.99

Now I've always been a Maybelline fan when it comes to foundations, I was once a die-hard matte mouse fan until I decided liquid foundations gave better coverage! (But if you're looking for very very natural foundations and don't plan to use much powder or blusher I would recommend matte mouse!) And this foundation did not disappoint! Firstly it feels really soft on your skin, not heavy or greasy! As long as you get your shade right (a faux pas I'm sure we've aaallll been guilty with) it blends evenly to your skin and gives great coverage. However, this foundation isn't great for long wear! It comes off as the day goes on... which isn't great if you're on the go! However, for value for money it is a great product and my day wear foundation at the mo!

 

 



3rd place...
No 7 Stay Perfect Foundation
Price: £14.00

Now I tried this product because of the cool machine thing they use to match your skin tone! After going on several holidays during the summer I had a mix-match of different foundation shades that were all either too sun kissed or winter bare for my fading tanned (wah) skin. And this foundation does match your skin perfectly! It's so weird how they make it match perfectly.. your skin really does look like your not wearing foundation (except much better than barefaced skin!) So it gives a really nice natural finish. However, I have horrible dark circles (alas) and this foundation didn't cover it as much as I wanted! And although it didn't look 'shiny' exactly... as the day went on it did come off quite easily! Which for £14 (big bucks for me) I'd expect better! However, in saying that if you want a foundation that actually matches your skin and isn't too heavy this is your go to bottle!

And finally 4th place...
(By putting this 4th does NOT mean it is bad or the worst foundation here, as I am only reviewing my favs on here... collection foundation you know why you're not on here!)
Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow
Price: £25.50

This is another product I got courtesy of a present (thanks Nan!) and I re bought this one so it must have been pretty good! It has no oil in it and has factor 25 in it, so it's a great summer make up and unlike the Mac foundation I don't think it will cause any unwanted blemishes! It has a very light coverage, but you can put extra on to give a more 'night out' look. I loved this product in the summer because it was so light and I didn't need to wear suncream! However, it is pretty shiny so for day time every day wear you need a good powder. Also because it's so fine you need to use loads and as usual Benefit never give you enough in the bottle! I think it's a good holiday foundation or good for people that like light coverage, but other wise it's not worth the extra cash!

Two other products that are not foundations but are definitely worth mentioning for anyone who has blemishes/ tried/dull skin but doesn't want to wear a foundation...

1. Benefit Boi-ing Concealer
Price: £17.50

DO NOT LET THE PRICE PUT YOU OFF THIS PRODUCT.. IT 100% WORKS! This is my go-to survivor product which I literally cannot live without! If you have relatively clear skin like me and your main problem is dark circles... this is the product for you! Anyone with dark circles nos the pain of trying to find a concealer that A) Actually covers them up! and B) Does not make you look like a pre-maturely wrinkled freak! This product works like a dream and completely covers up my dark circles. I often just use this product during the day and mascara... ideal and low maintenance! Especially if you've got a post summer hol tan and don't wanna cover it up! 5 *s! My only disclaimer is that it is industrial strength! So if you don't suffer from dark circles don't waste your money because of my persuasive review ;) I've heard good things about Garnier's concealer!





2. Mac Strobe Liquid Lotion

Price: £22.50

 

Another pricey product! It's not an essential but if your not a fan of foundation this is a good investment as it will last foreveeerrrr ... you only need to use the tiniest amount. It's not a BB CC or any other double lettered type of cream! But it does help revive the appearance of dull, stressed out skin... and again another perfect product for a tan! Especially on holiday when you don't really want to wear foundation. It can also be used on top of foundation for a highlighter/bronzer effect. (Well I don't know if it's recommended but I use it like that!) Definate 4* if you have the money! If not a good tinted moisturiser should be fine!



I hope this is helpful and I now expect all students to stop moaning about their examination skin (me included) and start rocking flawless skin ;)



Will you be blown away by Tom Cruise's Oblivion?

 

Forewarning: Worry not, I will not give any of the plot away that would not be shown in an advert.

 

Frankly the answer is no. You may be confused, disjointed and somewhat on the edge (not quite off your seat ), but not 'blown away'.

However, if you're still deciding on what orange Wednesday film to see do not rule this one out.

In terms of  'America saves the world again- guns, prostitutes and more guns' action films which are so popular (why) this film has far more creative flare. It does not revolve around Tom Cruise shooting everything in sight despite the above picture. However, the creativity in this film is limited, the 'shocks and twists' are not quite  at Sixth Sense level. Although I did not expect the plot twists to occur once they did happen I had that faint feeling of de ja vu ... like I'd seen it all before- with that other actor guy, like Tom Cruise, maybe even him. You get the drift, not quite Vanilla Skies.

My favourite part of the film was Tom zooming around his ship Top Gun style. The fact I keep referring to Tom as Tom rather than his character's name, is simply because I cannot remember the name! Jack maybe? This shows the level of connection I felt to the characters!

The characters themselves did not seem to have any real chemistry. Tom and his love interest (remains nameless in my mind) seemed to show nothing for each other apart from coldness! Apart from the ginger bird who clearly fancied the pants of Tom, on screen chemistry was low which for me always weakens a film as it removes it's believability.

 

However, despite this I was left thinking about the film after I left the cinema ( a late night showing which must have made approximately 24 quid by the empty cinema seats!) For me this is the sign of a good film, a film that leaves you wondering after the credits. Oblivion does touch on some real human feelings and the nature of humanity that big corporal American action films can't quite catch these days. And if you're not a film nerd like me, the twists and turns will be genuinely shocking and exciting!

 

 

'There is nothing in life that signifies failure better than fat'. My response to Samantha Brick's claim

Disclaimer: This blog will contain feminist ranting. It may be written for your entertainment, but Brick's claims are all real and NOT ironic... much to my dismay!

Dear Samantha Brick,

Firstly, you're dietary habits are not healthy! The fact that you lived on two packs of polos, and a slice of marmite on toast for years is diabolical and incredibly unhealthy, as unhealthy in fact, as being overweight. Your breathe and teeth must be revolting.

Secondly, your whole article is a cry for help. Clearly the issues you have from being apparently overweight as a teenager have dominated your outlook on your life and therefore disrupted your perception of a normal healthy weight and life style. It's not all work, starvation and no play you know... if your friend gives you a box of posh chocs eat one!! Also the fact you throw coffee granules all over food in your bin suggests that you would be tempted to search through your bin for chocolate... this sounds very normal and healthy.

My main reason for my dislike towards your article however is not to warn you about your unhealthy life style, but to inform you that your article is insulting to other women! You clearly suffer with your weight and feel judged based on what size you are... so why are you actively judging women and trying to make women feel inferior because of their weight?
Newsflash: fat does not connote failure.. failure is summed up by your article... a tapestry of insecurities hiding themselves by trying making other people feel bad about themselves. In other words a school yard bully. Your weight does not determine your success, your actions and state of mind do. What do yours say Samantha?

Finally, on the note of your boyfriend and husband being your 'weight coaches'... this is not the sign of a normal, happy relationship, if you want a 'weight coach' get a personal trainer. If your husband truly loved you he would love you no matter what, and definitely not threaten to divorce you if you gain a pound or two!

The fact that the daily mail published this sham of an article merely highlights the extreme levels the media will go to to create controversy and get extra rantings. No intelligent person in their right mind would deem your article as sound advice.

Respectfully yours,
Every sane woman.


p.s I'm eating chocolate as we speak and it is glorious :)

Hair care products put to the test!

Like most girls who are partial to GHDs, curling tongs, bleaching or dying their hair, (unless you're hair God Jennifer Anniston) I have brittle, easily split, frizzy hair! And since chopping my straightener ruined wisps off I have become addicted to buying hair products!
But do any of these products actually work? So for anyone with hair woes you are in luck, as I am going to review the products that you will get duped into buying ... unless you are a shopaholic like me who probably has them all...

Disclaimer: I am using some of these products simultaneously so it can be hard to tell which products are giving results.

Product Number One... Organic Root Stimulator Hair Fertilizer
Price: £4.99

This is what I brought after I went for the chop and a few weeks later inevitably decided I wanted to grow my hair back! It claims that it will 'help strengthen and nourish damaged hair' and 'create the perfect environment for hair to grow stronger.' Firstly it is advertised for Afro-Caribbean hair, but I've seen reviews from girls with fine hair like mine using it and noticing an increase in hair growth, and fine colourless hairs gaining pigmentation and thickness. However, I don't know how anyone can put up with the smell! It smells worse than mosquito repellent and actually made me gag and feel woozy. Not only that, there is no way you could keep this product in during the day unless you want your hair to look like it has been dipped in deep-fat fryer! I was pulled in by the fact that it is described as 'organic'... this bad boy has 34 ingredients in it.. all with strange names that I'm pretty sure no one but a pharmacist would understand! However, I have to admit that after using it my hair did feel more bouncy than usual. But I could not commit to using this product due to the vile stench! Oh and for a product that claims it will help your hair grow, why does it need to warn you about hair loss as a possible side effect? One for the back of the bathroom cupboard I'm afraid.

Product Number Two... Loreal Paris Elive Extraordinary Oil
Price: £8.38 from online websites.. pretty sure I paid more in Boots!


This product has had a craazzzzy advertising campaign, claiming it can be used

before shampooing as a hair mask, during styling for protection and as a finishing touch! This is a pretty pricey product (for me anyway), and although I can't say it has drastically improved my hair condition, I would definitely recommend it and would buy it again. Whenever I use it my hair feels softer, has less fly aways and looks less frizzy. It is brilliant for a finishing touch after straightening for anyone who's hair is less then perfect! However, I would not recommend using it as a hair mask, as it is not thick or rich enough... but perfect for use when blow drying to tame frizzy hair and add gloss! But don't put too much in or you may end up looking like you've been out for a walk in the rain...

Product Number Three...TRESemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray
Price: £5.50

We all need a good heat protection spray in our lives! And this is a life saver product for me. I know the 'keratin' buzz has gone down and it's all about argan oil now, but I would not trade this product! I blow dry my hair pretty much every other day and have gone through phases of straightening my hair every day! (I have managed to wean myself off those hellish but beautiful irons!!!) But just a few sprays of this before blow drying my hair makes my  unruly hair  easier to manage and softer. Combining this product with straighteners makes my hair looks less frizzy and feels silkier than when I have used other heat protectors. Definitely worth a buy!



Product Number Four... Superdrug's Coconut Oil
Price: I got this on a two for one deal with my friend so only spent £1.50 on it! Think it's about £2.00 usually

First thing to say about this product is that it only has three ingredients!! Pretty sure you cannot get any more natural than that! Especially when you compare it to the apparent 'organic' product that has 34 ingredients in it! It can be used for the skin, dry hair or scalp so it's a useful little buy. It smells amazing and after one use of it as a hair mask my hair felt softer and smoother! Of all three products this is the best value for money with the best results! Four of my friends have bought this product and swear by it. The only down side of this product is that it's hard until it touches the skin, thus living in a freezing student house it's a nightmare to get out of the pot! But well worth the effort ;)



Product Number Five... Phil Smith Total treat Argan Oil
Courtesy of Cosmo magazine... cheers for this gem ;)
                                                      I have been wanting to try out the magical wonder that is argan oil for a while now... but on students salary (unemployed) alas it was not deemed to be. So this freebee came as a welcome surprise! First it smells great! An important factor for any hair product! But it actually did leave my hair feeling silkier and easier to manage. I dread to think what the price of a full bottle is .. but if you fancy a mag.. pick up Cosmo!

                                                                                                                 

Unfortunately I still have more hair products I could review! (My bank account is screaming right now!) But I think I've covered most of the basics for any hair horrors you need to face! If you've made it to the bottom of this beast of a blog you must really care about your hair ;)

 

 My hair has improved and grown since trying out new products. However I have cut down how often I blow dry and straighten my hair which would have an effect. No product can be a substitute for a healthy diet and regularly washing and cutting your hair. But if your hair is fine and splits easily like mine and you need that extra support make it coconut oil that you buy... it's the cheapest product and gives the best results.

 

Perks of Being a movie and book geek... a lot of meaningless self righteous opinions and ability to rant

Perks of Being a Wallflower... film & book review!

I realise the logical way of writing this would be to start with the film and then talk about the book, however, the catch is I watched the film (alas) before I read the book, so to me it makes better sense to talk about the film first.

I completely fell in love with this film when I watched it in the cinema, to the point where I would not shut up about it (my flatmates will testify to this). I went with my boyfriend who has the complete opposite taste in films to me, but even he loved it, that on its own should give credit to the film!

What I loved about it was that it was the first new film in forever that actually made me think. And I don't mean in a Inception or Matrix this has blown my mind kind of way. I mean that this film really made me think about issues that every day people go through and the need for compassion. (Howeverrrr, this reading of the story changed when I actually read the book. Not the needfor compassion that was central to the book, but the realisation that shit happens and life moves on seemed like the most important message to me)

The film portrayed the relationships between the characters so well and you really believe that everyone is friends. The Mary Elizabeth/Charlie relationship is particularly hilarious. This definatly benefited the film, as although it shows some pretty hard hitting issues, the relationships keep you hooked to the film rather than merely crying at the terrible state of the world.

The portrayal of Patrick and Brads relationship was also senstivly done. However, the fight scene and Patrick's emotion added that raw egde that was needed to get the audience to invest in Patrick's pain. I actually found some of these scenes pretty shocking, which only revealed how gay relationships need to be shown more often on the screen! It should not be a shock, it should be the same as any other relationship. What should be shocking is abusive relationships.

On a lighter not the music wasss imense, The Come on Eileen dance (excuse the shoddy spelling) is unmissable and you can't help smiling and singing along! Or you know, pretending to sing along if you sound like me.

Also I won't give the ending away but I was shocked! However, not as shocked as the ending when I read the book, as although I knew what was coming, the twist was more cleverly disguised than in the film.

Now on to the important bit the book! (Tom if you are reading this- which I doubt you are ;)- Sorry I read it before hol, I'll bake you the best flapjack ever :)... and maybe buy you a terrys choc orange :) )
So although I should be revising and writing my dissertation this hol, I spent a weekend reading POBAW insted! (Well worth it.) It was a slow start I have to admit.. I started reading it and was like.. what the hell- how is this a cult book the writer can't write!! But I stuck with it and I'm so glad I did (as are the publishers I bet) as the writing gets better! As Charlie's essays improve so does his letters, in such a subtle way you barley even notice the transition, and yet the book is so much more enjoyable for it. Wierd comment on writing I guess.

There are two main differences between the book and the film...
1) Charlie's waaaay more fucked up in the book
2) The book gives much better depth and emphasis on family life than the film

I know that the writer of the book did direct the film, so technically you could not get a better representation of the book, buuuuuut, in my (oh so grand and right ;) ) opinion the film would have benefited from showing more of Charlie and his sister's relationship. It is definatly a central and important part to the plot and shows a real genuine realistic portrayal of siblings. Also his sister's just cool.
Annndd I don't want to give the plot away but to anyone whos read it .... WHY DID THEY MISS OUT THAT BITT?? You'll know the bit I mean.

Also note to Charlie from the book.... stopppp cryingggg!!!!!

Ah and in reference to Charlie's messed upness... I guess it is hard to portray on film as you can't see inside his head like you can in the novel. But he does pretty much come across as a bit of a looney. I thought I over thought, no no no, hats off to charlie for that!

I have to admit I really enjoyed this book, and I loved the fact it kept referring to other great classics (including my all mighty author crush Fitzgerald twice.... score). Promoting reading is always a good thing in my mind!

So on that note, if you made to the bottom of this long rambling blog, go read POBAW.

Does Oz the Great and Powerful live up to expectations?

With a budget of $215, 000, 000 you'd expect this film to stand out!
However, does it this film live up to the mark?

Firstly, I am a huge Wizard of Oz fan, so I loved the black and white old school start to the film! I literally felt like I was watching an old school black and white movie... granted with better banter and irony. I was waiting for the Dorothy-esque ending... 'and you were there and you...', but luckily it never happened!


James franco was absolutely brilliant as Oz and a completely loveable character. His cheeky smile will get hearts racing! I also love the fact that the director didn't cast a 'wacky' Johnny Depp style actor for Oz and opted for a more normal, lady's man instead!
 Oz's banter with his assistant and efforts with the ladies had everyone laughing in the cinema, especially the Dad's that got dragged along with the family.

The transition from the real world to Oz was terrifying and I couldn't take my eyes off the screen! I was convinced Oz was going to die! (Ridiculous as we all know the story!) But I was! And then the film's visual effects really took of! Oz was breath taking... that is the only way to describe it.

Now for the down side.. ironically Mila kunis' part in the film is one the main reasons I wanted to see the film (apart from my love of all things wizard) as I think she is a great actress and was excited to see her in a new role. However for me she just didn't pull it off. Her character was pretty complex in terms of fairy tale characters and I just don't think she could pull of that complexity. But in saying that she adds a nice amount of eye candy for the blokes so I wouldn't sack her off just yet.

The best aspect of the film was it's ability to question who's good and who's bad, and question whether there ever really is a distinction between the two. This is where the film's strength lies, which is why Mila's bad portrayal of her character does lessen the film. Also the cackle... hush.

Ohhh.... and I must add Michelle Williams was brilliant as Glinda! I loved her in Blue Valentine and literally could not believe she was playing this role. But she pulled it out of the bag and increased my girl crush on her massively.

Overall, it's well worth a watch, especially in the cinema for the visual effects. However, it didn't quite live up to my expectations, as I don't think the characters complexities were well presented enough. But that might just be my over analytical mind on overload ;)

Looking for Alaska, John Green

'I go to seek a Great Perhaps'

Looking for the perfect spring read, to distract you from the lack of sunshine?

Look no further than John Green's masterpiece Looking For Alaska. Although it's advertised as a 'teen-flick', I believe this book will speak to all ages. Not only is it beautifully written, the character's are all consuming and you actively want to become part of Alaska's world. This book will have you screaming, laughing and crying in an emotional roller coaster. Not only is it pretty much literary crack that will have you hooked in a matter of seconds, but Green also engages with literary and philosophical traditions. This combination of readability, humour and intellect has imprinted this book on my brain years after my first reading. Big claim alert...For me the romanticism of Alaska's character mimics the romanticism of Gatsby. And if that's not enough to get book worms twitching nothing is!

However, even I who adores this book has to admit that the first half of the book overshadows the later half. The obsessions with the 'prank' seems to take away the stories simplistic nature which really makes it stand out. But don't let this put you off reading it! Even with the second half of the novel, the book is still enticing and exciting. I've also heard rumours of a movie in the making... so watch this space...