Sunday 16 February 2014

2014 BAFTA Awards - The Winners and The Losers

First of all we want to say well done to everyone involved in the BAFTAs and also to all those nominated for the great films that have been produced for this years event.  Here we will discuss the winners and losers of this years BAFTAs.


Here are our winners and losers of the Awards but please note when we say 'loser' we mean those unlucky in not winning when we feel they deserved to. 

Winner - Gravity

Sandra Bullock in Gravity
Sandra Bullock in Gravity

Gravity came away with no fewer than 6 awards.  The film won Outstanding British Film, Best Director for Alfonso Cuaron, Best Cinematography,  Best Music, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. We are yet to see the film but it obviously touched a chord with the voters as it ended up as the most successful film of the night.  A true winner on awards night, Gravity goes into the Oscars full of confidence.

Loser - Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio caused a racket of screams on the red carpet before the awards but unfortunately the actor came away empty handed from the BAFTAs. Nominated for the Best Actor award for his role in "The Wolf of Wall Street" many thought this would be his year to win the BAFTA's before heading to the Oscars next month.  DiCaprio still looked good as always and is still a contender for the Oscars.

WinnerStephen Fry

One big winner from the BAFTAs did not even win an award and that was the host, Stephen Fry.  It was the comedians 9th time hosting the Awards and he really has perfected it.  Charming, funny and honest, Fry really delivered a great BAFTA Ceremony, one that was worth all of the talent that had come together to celebrate film.

Loser - Lupita Nyong'o  

Lupita Nyong'o was up for two awards individually; Best Supporting Actress and Best Rising Star.  Unfortunately she did not win either losing out to Jennifer Lawrence and Will Poulter respectively.  This was a shame for Nyong'o who we felt really deserved an award for her outstanding performance in "12 Years a Slave".


Winner - The Great Gatsby

Brilliant production and costumer design in The Great Gatsby

Baz Lurhman's "The Great Gatsby" for us was a surpise winner at this years BAFTAs, winning 2 awards.  The film won Best Production Design as well as Best Costume Design and for us this was a surprise.  However, it was not a surprise because we though it did not deserve it but because no one really predicted it.  We loved the film and are glad to see it win these awards.


Loser - Her & Dallas Buyers Club

Whether you can count "Her" and "Dallas Buyers Club" as losers is difficult as they were not nominated for an award between them.  However, we have chose to include them in our list.  These two films are definitely up there with the rest and in our opinion should have been nominated at least for something, however they were both snubbed and we felt they were harshly done by in this regard.

Winner - 12 Years a Slave


Ultimately, the film that won the 'BIG' awards, "12 Years a Slave" was the front runner for this years BAFTAS.  Based on the true story of Solomon Northup the film picked up the Best Film and Best Actor Award for Chiwetel Ejiofor. It is hard to argue with these as the film was incredible. As we have said before it truly was a powerful masterpiece that deserves the success it gets. You should not need any reasons to watch the film but in case you do we have compiled 12 reasons why you should go and watch "12 Years a Slave".

You can see a full list of winners for this years BAFTA Awards here.

We hope you have enjoyed reading our winners and losers of this years BAFTA Awards and if you agree or disagree feel free to comment below and join in the discussion before the Oscars next month.













Best Film Winner: 12 Years A Slave
Best Film Winner: 12 Years A Slave
Best Film Winner: 12 Years A Slave
Best Film Winner: 12 Years A Slave
Best Film Winner: 12 Years A Slave
Best Film Winner: 12 Years A Slave

Thursday 13 February 2014

Top 5: Love Films That Are Perfect To Watch On Valentines Day

Valentines Day. Valentines Day. The Proposal, Romeo + Juliet, Titanic, The Notebook.

It is that time of year again and Valentines Day is upon us.  There are hundreds and thousands of films based on love and relationships so we have decided to narrow that down for you.  Here is a list of 5 films that would be perfect to watch on Valentines Day. We admit, they are not all Valentines Day related but are all related to love. They will make you laugh and cry and are perfect for Valentines Day:

5. Valentines Day (2010)


Perfectly named, "Valentine's Day" is the perfect way to start Valentines Day.  The movie is great for the day itself as it follows a large cast as they all try to find love for Valentines Day.  It is a good film and features a huge ensemble cast so there is bound to be someone you like. Names include, Jessica Alba ("Honey"), Taylor Lautner (The Twilight Franchise and "Grown Ups 2"), Jamie Foxx ("Law Abiding Citizen" and "Django Unchained") and Anne Hathaway ("The Dark Knight Rises").  That's only four and the list continues, but we won't give them all away.

4. The Proposal (200)


Another rom-com and it's another fun loving film,this time it stars Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side") and Ryan Reynolds ("Green Lantern"). A very suggestive title for any relationship that is quite serious this film will certainly ease any tension and make the mood a lot lighter.  Bullock's character is being deported so persuades her assistant, Reynolds, to become her fiance. Lots of fun awkward scenes, it certainly is worth a watch.

3. Romeo + Juliet (1996)


Now what film is better than the greatest love story ever told for Valentine's Day and that's not all; this is the modernized version directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio ("The Wolf of Wall Street" and "The Great Gatsby") and Claire Danes ("Stardust"). This entertaining take on William Shakespeare's famous tragedy is perfect for Valentines Day with romance, desire, action and very competent acting. It also features some incredibly romantic scenes and an awesome soundtrack.

2. Titanic (1997)


Staying with Leonardo DiCaprio and adding Kate Winslet ("The Holiday") we aboard the Titanic. This film is great if you are wanting a more serious love story. An epic movie of all proportions that will guarantee to  have you on the edge of tears if not a blubbering wreck by the end of the film. The tragic story of the shipwreck is entwined with the love story of DiCaprio and Winslet's characters.

1. The Notebook (2004)

 

Now this is the ultimate film to watch on Valentines Day, but, be warned you will definitely end up in tears.  A true love story and adapted from the novel by Nicholas Sparks, "The Notebook" stars Ryan Gosling ("Gangster Squad") and Rachel McAdams ("Wedding Crashers"). An incredibly emotional and moving film this one is not for those looking for an easy watch.  This film is a depiction of what real love is and it certainly is emotional.  An excellent film for the couple who are truly in love.

This concludes our list of films to watch on Valentines Day. Let us know your thoughts and what you choose to watch by commenting below.

Wednesday 12 February 2014

Top 5 Films to Watch During the Winter Olympics


As you well know we are currently in the middle of the Winter Olympic Games of 2014 in Sochi, Russia.  We love the winter Olympics and throughouly enjoy watching events that at other times of the year we would rarely see.  What we also love to do is watch films that are related to the winter Olympics in some way.  So here is our list of Top 5 Films to Watch During the Winter Olympics for when the competitons are over and you are waiting for the next events to start.


5. Donwhill Racer (1969)

The oldest film to feature in our list, "Downhill Racer" stars Robert Redford and Gene Hackman. The story is based around a downhil skier who joins the US team but does not get on well with the coach.  This is going on as the character is aiming to achieve highly at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. A definite watch.




4. Blades of Glory (2007)

Love Will Ferrell? Then this is the film for you.  It is based around two Olympic ice skaters who are banned for life from the Winter Olympics.  However they manage to find a loophole in the rules which enables them to compete again but only as a pair.  Produced by Ben Stiller, this film is great fun to watch and perfect to get you in the mood for the Sochi Winter Olympics.




3. The Cutting Edge (1992)

Another ice skating film and this time it is a rom-com.  A washed up ice hockey player is paired with a figure skater as they aim for gold while also falling in love.  Starring D. B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly "The Cutting Edge" is a family fun film to watch and enjoy. It also features LOST star Terry O'Quinn (John Locke).




2.  Cool Runnings (1993)

Now, there won't be many of you who have not watched or let alone heard of this film.  Based on the real life true story of the very first Jamaican bobsled team who try to make it to the 1988 Winter Olympics.  An exciting, easy going film that is funny and even emotional it should definitely be one you watch while the Winter Olympics is on. Away from the film, Jamaica have a two man bobsled team ready to go on the 16th February 2014 having support and funding raised by people all over the world.



1. Miracle (2004)

Our top film to watch during the Winter Olympics is "Miracle". This is based on the real true life story of Herb Brooks.  An ex-ice-hockey player who changes his focus to coaching. He aims to take the US Olympic Team to victory over an invincible Russian team.  Brooks, is portrayed by Kurt Russell. The film is both inspiring and majestical and will really get you rallying behind the competitors at this years Sochi Winter Olympics. For all of the FRIENDS fans out there, Eddie Cahill (Tag Jones), stars in this film as well.



That concludes our top 5 list and we hope you enjoy watching these films and the remainder of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.  If you have any comments on our list we always welcome them as well as hearing your own top 5!

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Enemy Movie Preview

We have not heard much about "Enemy" starring Jake Gyllenhaal but luckily we stumbled across the trailer last night. Not only does it star Gyllenhaal but it is also directed by the same person who directed "Prisoners" (2013), Dennis Villeneuve

From what we can tell from the trailer it certainly looks very similar in style to "Prisoners" with a dark overlook on each shot.  It seems like it is quite an interesting story line and hopefully it can match "Prisoners" and the suspense that brought.  We are certainly looking forward to being able to watch "Enemy". 

Have you been lucky enough to see "Enemy" already? If so let us know your thoughts by commenting below.

You can view the trailer for Enemy here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVvgt3jIUsc&feature=share

Monday 10 February 2014

Do You Watch Movie Trailers?

Recently there has been a bit of a spotlight on movie and film trailers.  Why? Well firstly because of the Super Bowl Half Time show which featured many new and extended trailers for upcoming movies.  And secondly, because of a news story that broke recently where cinema owners have asked for shorter movie trailers.

This raises an important question that we like to ask all movie fans - Do you watch film trailers?  For us answers can fall into three categories:

100 % Yes - I make a point of watching movie trailers as soon as I hear they have been released.

50 % Sometimes - I am not fussed whether I see them or not. If one comes on I will watch it but make no real effort to.

0 % No - I make every effort to avoid catching a glimpse of a movie trailer.  It gives too much away and ruins the film for me.

We fall into the first category. We love films. We love trailers. We will look for the latest news to see when a trailer is released to make sure we see it as soon as possible. However, we do know some people who are totally the opposite of ourselves and they will sit at the cinema with there eyes shut and hands over their ears during the trailers to make sure a film is not spoiled.  

What are your views on film trailers? Do they give away too much or do you love them as they are? Does it matter whether it is a film that's not released yet? If the film has been out for a few years but you are yet to see it does it make a difference to you about watching the trailer.

Let us know your thoughts but commenting below. We will of course reply and look forward to the discussion.