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...