Hugh Grant’s Love Affair

Hugh John Mungo Grant born in 1960 on the 9^th of September, a British actor and a film producer, who has earned recognition has acting as a womanizer or a hopeless romantic. Through his hard

work he has gained a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. This post explores his best work in romantic comedy, a genre which he is no stranger.

Music and Lyrics

Based around the bouncy Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) who lives off his 80’s pop group's success by performing at school reunions and theme parks. An opportunity to write and record with the teen idol, ‘Cora Corman’ arisen, leaving Alex in need of a lyricist. Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) his plant girl is noticed for her wittiness and her skill for poetry and together bond on a journey to create a hit song. The melodies created by this film will be stuck in your head along with Grant’s charismatic impression.

Quote of the Character:

Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant): “The best time I've had in the last fifteen years was sitting at that piano with you.”

Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore): “That's wonderfully sensitive... especially from a man who wears such tight pants.”

Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant): “It forces all the blood to my heart.”

Bridget Jones Diary:

A film adaption of the book brings a British woman in order to improve herself keeps track of her life by a diary. Starring alongside two Oscar winners Colin Firth, Renée Zellweger this movie brings complete laughter. Grant stars as a dishonest by charming boss who takes the interest of Bridget (Zellweger)

Quote of the Character:

Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger): “Daniel, what you just did is actually illegal in several countries.”

Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant): “That is one of the reasons that I'm so thrilled to be living in Britain today.”

Love Actually

Following the lives of numerous couples and their tales of Christmas. Hugh Grant stars as ‘The Prime Minister’ who falls in love with the newly staffed secretary Natalie. Grant’s screen time is what keeps me watching the long epic love movie.

Quote of the Character:

Not really a quote but his dance scene, displayed below

 

Two Weeks Notice

The plot involves Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock) a environmentalist neurotic attorney who is working her two week notice to George Wade (Hugh Grant) a charming, irresponsible and extremely wealthy. Similar to his character in Bridget Jones, this underrated movie is fanciful entertainment which is worth the watch.

Quote of the Character:

George Wade (Hugh Grant): “I own the hotel, and I live there. My life is very much like Monopoly.”

How Great is Gatsby?

The talked-up film “The Great Gatsby” finally was released in Australia on the 30^th of May.  Originally based on the book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, brings the classic into the light of a new generation. 

Irony is part of the foundation of the film; the American Dream is based on the fact that money equals happiness, however even with the impressive house and lavish parties, Gatsby is still not satisfied. This leads him to pursue his forever longing dream, Daisy.

The relationship between Gatsby and Daisy leaves the audience yearning for the happy ending to Gatsby’s hard life. Fitzgerald has romance as the main basis of the film to make it more contemplate and heartfelt ultimately engaging the audience. Leonardo did a great job of capturing the essence of the title character, with his introduction to the screen making every girl swoon. 

Take a moment during the movie to appreciate the colours of the movie. The vivid picturesque sets, filled with colours Baz Luhrmann creates, makes you stare at the screen with wonderment. Luhrmann’s director skills were evident and as everything appears to be ‘zooming in’. 

The soundtrack creates another aspect to the movie, featuring a wide range of renowned artists such as Jay Z, Beyonce, Sia, Gotye and more.  Some may argue and say the genre of rap music doesn’t belong in a movie set in the 1920’s, but the iconic rapper makes some key references to the movie such as “yellow cars”.

I would recommend reading the book, as you will have more understanding of the story line and will find ‘insignificant’ parts in the movie, more intense.   Set to be one of the best movies of 2013, I couldn’t agree more.

Great Gatsby's Release

Tomorrow the highly anticipated film ‘The Great Gatsby’ is to come out in cinemas in Australia. The literacy legend written by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic tale that explores the aspects of the American Dream layered with illusion. Baz Luhrmann directs his own interpretation of the story with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio starring as the title character. This movie is sure to bring charm and relive the well-known tale.  

Are you looking forwarded to the new take on the story of 'The Great Gatsby'? Leave your comments below

Movies' Valuable Lessons

“Everything I learned I learned from the movies”- Audrey Hepburn.  Movies are the best teachers, who needs school? Read along to find out the valuable lessons taught by movies.

If you’re a detective get suspended from duty as that’s the only time you can solve the case.

Who taught us: Pink Panther, Johnny English

If you decide to become a bad guy explain your evil plans so it gives the good guy more of a chance to succeed.

Who taught us: Taken 2

Women wake up with their hair and makeup perfectly

Who taught us: Any Disney movie

Parking is never a hassle; you can generally find a parking space exactly where he wants.

Who taught us: For every hero

Plunging into a glass window or smashing a car window is fun.

Who taught us: Indiana Jones, Zombie Land

When a tornado occurs, just find a thin piece of leather and tie yourself to a pipe to survive.

Who taught us: Twister

You can outrun an explosion and police, nothing is impossible.

Who taught us: James Bond, Mission Impossible, Fast and Furious.

The good guy will generally get the girl

Who taught us: Superman, How Do You Know

People can fall from roofs and magically not get hurt.

Who taught us: Iron Man, Spiderman, Thor 

If you want to break out singing and dancing in the street, everyone you meet will join in with the knowledge of the dance moves.

Who taught us: Enchanted

*Recognition to the website: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/535557/posts

5 Classic Movie Couples

Who isn't a sucker for a love story. The next five couples will forever remain in cinematic history as some of the most romantic couples. 

 

1. William Thacker & Anna Scott from ‘Notting Hill’

Actors: Hugh Grant & Julia Roberts

Starting dating each other after Anna, a Hollywood actress walks into William’s book store. The humorous and romantic connection we see form throughout the movie between the two, makes us fall in love for them.  Despite influence from the media and public humiliation they still end up together.

Love Quote: (Anna Scott) “After all, I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

2. Jack Dawson & Rose DeWitt Bukater from ‘Titanic’

Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio & Kate Winslet

Rose comes from a rich foundation and in order to keep the money in the family she needs to marry Billy Zane, a. Jack wants a lifetime adventure and wins enough money to score a ticket on the majestic Titanic. The pair are brought together all the way to an icy end, which pulls are heart strings.

Love Quote: (Rose DeWitt Bukater) “He saved me... in every way that a person can be saved.”

3. Scarlett O'Hara & Rhett Butler from ‘Gone With The Wind’

Actors: Vivien Leigh & Clark Gable

The original on-screen love affair, in the American classic a double-dealing man and a scheming woman find love during the Civil War. This historical love couple is recognised throughout the world and set an example on how to create lust on-screen.

Love Quote: (Rhett Butler)” No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That's what's wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.”

4. Allie Hamilton & Noah Calhoun from ‘The Notebook’

Actors: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams

The best Nicholas Sparks couple by far. The classic story of a rich girl falling for a poor boy who teaches her the values of freedom, but are up against the challenge of social difference. The lead-up to the passionate kiss in the rain makes this a timeless couple we all inspire to be.

Love Quote: (Rachel McAdams) “I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. ”

5. Frances 'Baby' Houseman & Johnny Castle from ‘Dirty Dancing’

Actors: Jennifer Gray & Patrick Swayze

An everlasting movie created in the 1960’s, Baby holidaying with her rich family is taken by Johnny the resort’s dance instructor. The affair is complimented by the dancing giving this movie a lusty angle.

Love Quote: (Johnny Castle) “Somebody who's taught me about the kind of person I wanna be. Miss Frances Houseman”

10 Iconic Movie Quotes

Words can make or break a movie. If a movie has the ability to create an unforgettable quote, it can make a movie a classic. Iconic for reason, follow a long as we go through 10 memorable quotes, where they originated from and possible options of when to use them in everyday life.

1. "My momma always said, 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.'"

Movie: Forrest Gump

Said By: Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks)

When to use it: For motivation or explaining the meaning of life

2. “You had me at ‘hello”

Movie: Jerry Maguire

Said By: Dorothy Boyd (Played by Renée Zellweger)

When to use it: In a really corny and cheesy pick-up line

3. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner"

Movie: Dirty Dancing

Said By: Johnny Castle (played by Patrick Swayze)

When to use it: When someone tries to make you  do something, which you really don’t want to do

4. “I’m the king of the world!”

Movie: Titanic

Said By: Jack Dawson (played by Leonardo DiCaprio)

When to use it: When you have just achieved the impossible

5. “You can’t handle the truth”

Movie: A Few Good Men

Said By: Col. Nathan R. Jessup (Played by Jack Nicholson)

When to use it: When someone is harassing you about something and you don’t want to tell them.

6. “A martini. Shaken not stirred”

Movie: Goldfinger

Said By: James Bond (Played by Sean Connery)

When to use it: When you want to give the impression, that you have acquired taste

7. “Say ‘hello’ to my little friend”

Movie: Scarface

Said By: Tony Montana (Al Pacino)

When to use it: When you want to state something unexpected your about to do or when introducing one of your friends

8. “Go ahead make my day”

Movie: Sudden Impact

Said By: Harry Callahan (played by Clint Eastwood)

When to use it: Can be used in a sacrastic tone when your day is already hell.

9. “Houston, we have a problem”

Movie: Apollo 13

Said By: Jim Lovell (played by Tom Hanks)

When to use it: In a crisis, which requires other people to acknowledge the problem  

10. "There's no place like home."

Movie: The Wizard of Oz

Said By: Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland)

When to use it: When you finally come home after a long day and want to state your happiness verbally.

What's your favourite movie quote and when would you use it? Please leave comments below

Classic Musicals

Musicals, a blend of a story line with singing and dancing. We are all secretly jealous of these characters in the following movies get to live out their lives through song. This classic list will have you singing and dancing along like you are right there on set!

The Sound of Music

The almost three hour long movie is based on true story of the Trapp Family Singers. Julie Andrews plays the governess to a group of children, whose father is a naval officer widower. This is confidently one of the most popular musicals to date and will continue to be with it’s classic songs’ lyrics and the skilful tones that compliment them.

Dance Factor: 5/10 (too emotional to dance, most of the time)

Best Song of the Movie: My Favourite Things

Rocky Horror Picture Show

The 70’s B- Grade movie is based around a newly engaged couple who have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere and have no choice but to stay at the residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The controversial movie is the longest-running theatrical release in film history and will be a movie that will continue to be love by the generations to come.

Dance Factor: 7/10 (mainly due to Time Warp)

Best Song of the Movie: Over at the Frankenstein Place

Grease

The highest grossing Musical film ever, Grease the original musical love story. This film is in my earliest memories, according to my parents I would watch this religiously. It stars the versatile John Travolta and the Australian Olivia Newton John brought together after their summer love. I guarantee this movie will remain forever iconic.

 

Dance Factor:7/10

Best Song of the Movie: Grease Medley (too hard to pick)

The High School Musical Series

Featuring Zac Efron in his breakout role, Troy Bolton brings the teenage love story brought together by the power of music. This decade’s Grease will surely continue to create the impact it generated from the first movie.

Dance Factor: 8/10

Best Song of the Movie(s): A Night To Remember

Mamma Mia

Based around the songs from ABBA brings the story of Sophie trying to find out who is her father. Starring household names like Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Colin Firth it’s no wonder the success that has come from this musical masterpiece and has been declared as the biggest selling DVD ever in the UK, with one in every four households owning a copy. The humour and ABBA melody will make you want watch this movie over and over again.

Dance Factor: 9/10

Best Song of the Movie: Our Last Summer

What's your favourite musical? Please leave comments below

Historically Accuracy in Films

Historical Accuracy in Films

When movies claim it is “based on a true story” it automatically identifies with the viewer and entices them to watch the film, but how historically accurate are these films. Hollywood is known for manipulating facts in order to make a story more interesting. Today’s post is dedicated to exploring the accuracy of two critically acclaimed historical movies, “The Last Samurai” and “The Patriot”.  

The Last Samurai

The film ‘The Last Samurai’ was produced in 2003 by Edward Zwick. It covers the period from 1876 to 1877 in Japan. In many ways ‘The Last Samurai’ is historically accurate with its view on the emperor and who controlled the orders of the country. As shown in the film the Meiji Emperor tries to banish the Samurai class in order to modernise Japan.  The film also represents the culture and the Japanese environment fairly accurately, by the detailed scenic. ‘The Last Samurai’ is also accurate historically in the way it captures the life of a samurai. Many samurai lived by Bushido which is a philosophy, known as the way of the warrior. In the film, seppuku was performed; it is a ceremonial suicide which includes cutting open the abdomen with a tanto, a small dagger. Then having a higher ranked samurai slices the head off the Samurai, they do this when they are disgraced or sentenced to death. This traditional suicide ritual was performed in honour of Hirotaro (Taka’s husband) and involved Katsumoto slicing Hirotaro’s head off. 

Though the film was able to capture some historically accurate views on Japan’s movement to modernise the country, it was not accurate in the way that a U.S. advisor was sent to help their military. Nathan Algren is a fictional character added into Japan’s haunting history. The Japanese leaders did recruit help from foreign advisers but from the Prussians (later formed as Germans). America’s military, at the time was only ranked 18^th in the world whilst the Prussians had the number one military. Details like that, limit the historical accuracy of ‘The Last Samurai’.

Historical Accurate Factor: 8/10

The Patriot

“The Patriot” directed by Roland Emmerich follows a farmer, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibison) who is driven to fight in the American Revolution by leading the Colonial Militia, for revenge for his son. As this movie was made for an American audience it captures British to be the worse villains ever. In a devastated scene in the movie where Tavington (Lieutenant for Britian) locks the town in a Church and burns it down, killing those inside. This was in actual fact a Nazis Crime that happened in Oradour-sur-Glane France, in World War 2.  Another significant historical accuracy is the movie was set in the 18^th century but mainly 20^th century ethics were used, lowering the reliability of this historical film.
The historical accuracies is this films, is some of the characters are loosely based on historical figures such as Tavington is based on Lieutenant Colonel Banstre and Villeneuve, is partially based on the young French fighter, Marquis de Lafayette. However making out like the British were responsible for such a horrific crime, when it was actually a World War 2, lowers the historically accurate standards for this film.     

Historical Accurate Factor: 3/10

 

 

The Best Films Since 2010

The start of the new decade marked the beginning of an array of phenomenal films.  Follow along as I count down the top movies since 2010.

2010:

“Social Network” was an obvious triumph for 2010, with 4 Golden Globe and 3 Academy Wins. The movie explored Mark Zuckerberg’s revolution of communication known as Facebook. The Sci-Fi Thriller “Inception” was a mind-binder for movie goers. The film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was based around a skilled extractor, who has to complete an impossible task in order to regain his old life. “Black Swan” a knot-twisting thriller about a ballerina, who in order to star in the leading role of ‘Swan Lake’ must find her dark and seductive side.  The best movie of the year was “Toy Story 3”, as mentioned in the previous blog, is the highest grossing animation film ever.  ”Toy Story 3” features it’s worldwide known endearing characters, like Woody and Buzzlight Year, be accidentally delivered to a daycare centre and encounter an adventure they never expected.  Along with it’s two Oscar wins, “Toy Story 3” takes out the title of the best film of the year.

Best film of 2010: Toy Story 3

2011:

 

2011 saw the end of a saga with a two hour action packed film entitled “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part Two”. The ending of this long loved story brought many of us to tears when we see the death of Ron’s brother Fred and the end of the finally united married couple of Tonks and Lupin. ““The Help” demonstrated to the world a different aspect of the civil rights movement in America in the decade of 1960’s.  The movie stars an aspiring author who publishes a book detailing the hardship of African-American maids. I would rate the top romantic comedy of the year to be “Crazy Stupid Love” with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone acting out the Dirty Dancing scene; it is one of my favourites. “Crazy Stupid Love” features Steve Carell as a middle-aged man, who after is asked for a divorce from his wife, begins a hunt for his manhood by learning how to pick up girls with the help from his newfound friend Jacob (Gosling). As 2011 was high-quality year for films and featured the highly anticipated finale of Harry Potter, it was hard to decide a final winner, however the highly acclaimed “The Help” takes the win. 

 

 

Best Film of 2011: The Help (sorry die-hard harry potter fans)

2012

“The Hunger Games” revolution started when the highly awaited film version of the book arrived.  Starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to take her younger sisters’ place in a televised fight to the death known as The Hunger Games.  Lawrence also starred in “Sliver Lining Playbook” playing a mysterious problematic girl who comes into the life of Pet Solitano following a stint in a mental institution. This film scored an Oscar and a place in our hearts with it’s problematic romantic theme. “The Avengers” was the fastest movie to ever gross $1 billion and now is the third highest ever grossing movie. “The Avengers” saw all your favourite Marvel characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, etc come together in order to save the earth. Many comic fans would argue against this but “The Hunger Games” was the best film of the year with it’s emotive action-packed storyline.

Best Film of 2012: The Hunger Games

2013 (so far)

The trend for great movies will surely continue in 2013 and has already released an amazing movie. “Oz the Great and the Powerful” tells the story of how the Wizard of Oz, came to be. James Franco beautifully portrays the illusionist that gets swept away to Emerald City.  

What are your picks for the best movie since 2010? Feel free to comment and ask questions

DreamWorks Vs. Pixar

A debate which could win either way. Disney Pixar is the heart of many childhood with it’s debut release in 1995 with “Toy Story”, and it’s top competitor DreamWorks came onto the scene with “Antz” in 1998.

For every Pixar release, DreamWorks brings out two. In 2001, DreamWorks released it’s box office smash, “Shrek”. The animation studio has now grossed $6.4 billion worldwide, earning the top spot in box office with CGI Features in 2010. However every one of Pixar’s releases has been a box office hit, with the average gross of $550 million worldwide. Though Pixar might not release as many films as DreamWorks, Pixar has better quality resulting in better box-office performance per film.

In further depth of which animation studio is better, I will compare three DreamWorks’ movie with three Pixar’s movies and discuss which animation studio is the winner.

Antz Vs. Bug’s Life

The animation studios both produced film focusing on ants wanting to break from their totalitarian society. “Bug’s Life” displayed the importance of teamwork and embracing individuality whilst “Antz” delivered more of a love story and the focus on the need to be different. Nevertheless “Bug’s Life” wins with it’s humanity characters that tug your heart into falling in love with the story.

Winner: Bug’s Life

Kung Fu Panda Vs. WALL-E

Have hardly any similarities but were both released in 2008. “Kung-Fu Panda” stars Jack Black’s voice of the lovable, novice, obese dragon warrior, Po who is presented with the challenge of protecting his village.  The reception of the Warrior Panda was high, with the film being DreamWorks’s top grossing non-sequel film. “WALL-E” did make an impact with it’s angle of the consequences of global warming and the loneliness that WALL-E felt was so profound, it took many of us in. Nonetheless “Kung-Fu Panda” won in the box-office wars and takes the title in this debate.

Winner: Kung-Fu Panda

Shrek 2 Vs. Toy Story 3

Are both the animation studios’ highest grossing films. Shrek 2 delivers the sequel to the parody of fairy tales and held the title of the highest grossing animated film for 6 years. This was later supressed by “Toy Story 3”.”Toy Story 3” has received acclaimed reviews worldwide with it’s lovable characters established in 1995. “Toy Story 3” catches such life-like qualities in the toys it delivers a storyline no matter what age you are, you will be captured by the film’s heart.

Winner: Toy Story
Which animation studio do you think is best? Leave comments below

Close-up of Leonardo DiCaprio

World-known heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the predicted hit box-office maker, “Great Gatsby”. Born in Los Angeles, California on the 11th of November, 1974. His beginnings of his acting career started when his parents signed him with a talent agent, and later scored small roles in the TV series such as “Roseanne” and “The New Lassie”. His breakout role was in 1993, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” which confronted him with the task of acting as a mentally-challenged teenager. Baz Luhrmann (directed of Great Gatsby) and Leonardo have worked together in the past in “Romeo + Juliet”. Leonardo played the legendary love-struck doomed character Romeo, similar to the characteristics of Jay Gatsby.  In 1997 is when he scored the heart-tugging character Jack Dawson that escalated his career into becoming a household name. Titanic held the highest grossing film for 12 years, until overtaken by Avatar in 2009 and “Great Gatsby” has the same expectations. In 2011, he starred in J.Edgar leading him to receive a Golden Globe nomination. Leonardo has other loves besides acting which involve his passion for the well-being of the environment. Since 1998, Leonardo has setup his own foundation which is “Dedicated to protecting Earth’s last wild places and fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world” His caring basis as a person, is part of the reason why many people fall in love and are taken in by, whatever role he perceives.   Great Gatsby is to be released in Australia on the 30th of May, with mixed reviews all over the globe it should be one to watch.