What I've Been Watching In September

Hey guys!


I know it's a bit late, but here are my mini reviews of the films I watched in September. I didn't get to watch much TV because I've cancelled my Netflix subscription for a while. I have, however, resumed watching Awkward, and started Scream Queens. I'll admit that they're not the most intellectual shows on TV at the moment, but they are quite funny, and Scream Queens does have a great cast. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a legal way of watching Scream Queens and Awkward here in the UK, so I was only able to see a few episodes. They should really be on Netflix - I mean, Awkward has been on for a few years now, and there has been a lot of buzz about Scream Queens. This is why I shouldn't watch American TV shows!


1. How to Deal

Source: Google

I can't believe that I only just recently realised that a film has been made of Sarah Dessen's books. Talk about being behind the times! It just shows how much of a flop it was. I mean, How to Deal does have a rating of only 5.7 (out of 10) on IMDB. Part of the reason I watched How to Deal (rather than waiting to read the books first) was to see if the film was really as bad as the reviews suggest. I wanted to enjoy this film, but it turned out to be rather mediocre. Disappointing, since Sarah Dessen is a brilliant author. Hopefully, the books (Someone Like You and That Summer) are better.



2. Tangled



Source: Animation Begins
 

I have seen bits of Tangled before, but I finally sat down to watch the film in its entirety at the beginning of September. I'm so glad I did. Tangled is a funny film, and I love the songs. It's such a cute movie and perfect for both kids and adults.



3. The Falling

Source: The Dull Wood Experiment

This was a very strange, and I agree with Nigel that it isn't really clear what the message of the film is. The Falling was quite different to how I expected. However, Maisie Williams was great.


4. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Source: Fanpop
 

I am so useless at watching films when they are in cinemas! It's taken me two years to watch The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones! To be fair, I did only read the book last year (again, useless!). The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones has a load of negative reviews, but I really enjoyed it. I love Lily Collins and Robert Sheehan (he was hilarious in Misfits). Jamie Campbell Bower is great too (I recently saw him performing on stage in Bend It Like Beckham the Musical). I like all the action and effects in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, though I do think that some things weren't explained well enough (e.g. 'the Clave'). However, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is an enjoyable film, not just for fans of Twilight.


5. Safe Haven

Source: Rogerebert

Safe Haven is one of the few films that stay very close to the book it's based on (Nicholas Sparks's novel of the same name). It's about a woman who flees to a small seaside town and soon falls in love. The reason why she has to escape from her previous home is quickly revealed. They may not be the best actors, but I do love the chemistry between Julianne Hough (Katie) and Josh Duhamel (Alex). Lexie is soo cute too! Tierney (a.k.a. Kevin, in the book) is very creepy! Safe Haven is undoubtedly a lot different to other works of Nicholas Sparks, but it's still fantastic.


6. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Source: The Atlantic

This is such a moving film, and cute too. However, I didn't find myself crying, which is what I thought would happen before watching the film. Nevertheless, Greg and Rachel are lovely characters.


7. Chasing Liberty

Source: Tumblr
 

Keeping up with the Mandy Moore theme (How to Deal and Tangled), I also watched Chasing Liberty in September. It had been on my list for a while. Chasing Liberty is very much like First Daughter - they pretty much revolve around the same idea: the overprotected daughter of the president longs for freedom, and falls in love in the process, not realising the guy's true identity. However, Chasing Liberty is my favourite of the two movies. I enjoyed watching Anna's adventures in Europe with Ben (Matthew Goode, who is so good looking!). It made me want to visit some of those places!


8. Bend It Like Beckham

Source: Planet Bollywood

Having seen the musical recently, I thought September would be a good opportunity to re-watch the film. I love Bend It Like Beckham - it's hilarious! I'm not the biggest fan of football, but that really doesn't matter with this film! I'd definitely recommend watching Bend It Like Beckham!



Let me know if you've seen any of these films!


Hasta luego!


Serena

10 TV Shows and Films to Look Forward to this Autumn

Hey guys!


Today's post will focus on some of the upcoming TV shows and films that are being released this Autumn.


TV Shows

1. Scream Queens

This isn't the type of programme I'd usually watch but I'll give it a chance because Emma Roberts, Lea Michele, Diego Boneta, Lucien Laviscount and Jamie Lee Curtis. Also, Keke Palmer, Nick Jonas and Ariana Grande. You'd be crazy not to think that that's a perfect cast. (By the way, isn't this out now? Where can I watch it?!)


2. Wicked City

It stars Ed Westwick. Need I say more?


3. Blood & Oil

This photo reminds me of Gossip Girl!

This series looks quite intriguing, and it stars Chace Crawford. Definitely going on my watchlist for this Autumn.


4. Heroes Reborn

I never did watch the original series of Heroes, but this looks like it could be good.


5. Supergirl

This show focuses on Superman's cousin. It's different to other superhero stories as the main character is female.



Films

1. The Scorch Trials

This is actually already out in cinemas at the moment and I haven't even read the book yet. No, just no. I want to read the book first so unfortunately I won't be watching The Scorch Trials for a while.


2. Mockingjay Part 2

I can't wait for this film! I love The Hunger Games!


3. Jem and the Holograms

Jem and the Holograms is another film I'm really looking forward to. Trailer looks great.


4. Pan

Amanda Seyfried and Rooney Mara! Yes! Plus, it's based on Peter Pan! Yes, yes!



What films and TV shows are you planning to watch this season?


Hasta luego!


Serena

What I've Been Watching In August

Hey guys!

Today I'm going to share with you the films I've been watching in August.


1. From Prada to Nada

When I first heard about From Prada to Nada, it sounded like the kind of film I'd enjoy. However, after watching the trailer and reading the reviews, I thought it would be some silly teen flick and decided not to watch it for a while. Eventually, I decided to give From Prada to Nada a chance, and I'm glad I did. From Prada to Nada is a decent film, and both Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega are brilliant. I loved the Latin twist on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.


2. Love, Rosie

Although this film is full of clichés, and somewhat ridiculous in parts, I really enjoyed it. Lily Collins is great, as is Sam Claflin.


3. The Art of Getting By

Such a lovely, sweet film. Emma Roberts and Freddie Highmore are two of my favourite actors, and the chemistry between them in this film is good.


4. Ever After: A Cinderella Story

Yep, it's another retelling of Cinderella. If you read my What I've Been Reading in August post, you will see that there's a bit of a theme to some of the things I've been watching and reading this month. Anyway, Ever After: A Cinderella Story is a beautiful retelling of Cinderella. I loved that one of the Ugly Stepsisters was actually quite pleasant. Anjelica Huston is great as the evil stepmother. The ending of the film was satisfying too. I'm uncertain as to whether I preferred this retelling of Cinderella, or the new one starring Lily James, but they're both amazing films.

One of the best parts!


5. Melancholia

This film is so overrated. After reading several reviews, I thought Melancholia would be amazing, but it turned out to be rather boring. Justine, played by Kirsten Dunst, is infuriating and annoying. Nothing really happens for a lot of the film. I wanted to enjoy Melancholia, as it seemed like it had a lot of potential to be a great film, but it turned out to be very strange and tedious.

My reaction to the film went something like this:

6. Never Been Kissed

Before watching Never Been Kissed, I did NOT expect to see so many familiar faces in the film! Drew Barrymore (of course), Jessica Alba, James Franco, Octavia Spencer and Sean Whalen (Unfabulous) all make appearances. I have absolutely no idea why I didn't watch Never Been Kissed years ago - it's better than you'd expect, and Drew Barrymore is great!

So I've ticked off another three films from my 15 Chick Flicks I Want to See posts. Yay! 15 down, 15 more to go! Have you watched any of these films? Let me know in the comments!


Hasta luego!


Serena

What I've Been Watching In July

 

Hey guys!

I've finally finished my post on what I watched in July! It's a bit later than anticipated, but here it is!


1. Insurgent

Just over a week ago I finally sat down and watched Insurgent. I had been planning to watch it at the student cinema months ago, but unfortunately it was showing the night before my final exam. I did want to watch Insurgent when it first came out but seeing it on campus would save over £5. Why are cinema tickets so expensive?!

Anyway, for those of you who don't already know, Insurgent is the second instalment in the Divergent series. It stars Shailene Woodley (The Secret Life of the American Teenager and The Fault in Our Stars) as Tris Prior, a teenager who lives in futuristic Chicago. Insurgent picks up from where Divergent lift off, and follows Tris as she searches for allies and answers, with the help of her boyfriend Four (Theo James). They are on the run from Jeanine (Kate Winslet), the leader of the faction Erudite. Together, Tris and Four try to figure out why Jeanine is so interested in them.

Insurgent is a fantastic film. It's action-packed, with some amazing effects. While you would need to watch the first film in order to understand what's going on, Insurgent is nevertheless an enjoyable film. The casting is great - Shailene portrays her character's inner struggle really well, while Theo James, Mils Teller, Ansel Elgort and Kate Winslet are good too. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Insurgent is worth watching, if just for the cast.


2. Paper Towns

You can read my review for this film here. I went to a preview screening last weekend, but it will be out in cinemas in the UK on 17th August.


3. Belle

This was a lovely film. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is fantastic as the protagonist, Dido. The costumes are beautiful too.


4. 500 Days of Summer

I've wanted to see 500 Days of Summer for ages. I don't know why I didn't watch it sooner. However, I finally got round to seeing it a few weeks ago. Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are truly amazing - they're two of my favourite actors. I would have to say that 500 Days of Summer wasn't as brilliant as I expected - the story is good, and the acting is great, but I did think that the plot was a bit confusing at times.


5. Pretty Little Liars

PLL is my favourite TV show at the moment. I absolutely love it! The outfits are lovely and the cast is perfect! I can't wait to see the finale of Season 6! Hurry up and show who is under the mask!!! (yep, I'm one of the unfortunate people in Europe who has to wait hours before watching each episode on Netflix)


What shows and films have you watched lately? Do you watch PLL? Who do you think Charles is (probably already revealed by now - ha, as if!)?


Hasta luego!


Serena

Paper Towns Film Review

 

Hey guys!


On Saturday I went to see an advanced screening of Paper Towns. It was a film I'd been wanting to see for a while, and I was so happy when I found out that I could watch it over TWO weeks before general release!


For anyone who doesn't know, Paper Towns is based on John Green's bestselling novel of the same name. It follows Quentin (also known as 'Q'), a senior who goes on a road trip to find the whereabouts of Margo, the girl who lives next door. Quentin is joined by his best mates Ben and Radar, as well as Lacey (Margo's friend) and Angela (Radar's girlfriend). The five high-schoolers travel from Orlando to a town near New York, with the aid of clues left by Margo. The town is fictional, hence the title of the film.


 

While I was quite sceptical about the casting of Cara Delivingne as Margo, she actually did a good job at portraying Quentin's mysterious neighbour. I also thought that Nat Wolff was a great choice for shy Quentin. Austin Abrams (Ben) and Justin Smith (Radar) were good as supporting characters. Ben added an element of humour to the film.

 

Overall, Paper Towns was an enjoyable coming-of-age film. There were, of course, some changes from the book, but that didn't seem to matter too much. It's undeniable that Paper Towns will be compared to The Fault in Our Stars, the first novel by John Green that was adapted into a film. However, they are two completely different films (and books). The Fault in Our Stars is more of a tear-jerker, while Paper Towns is a journey of self-exploration. Despite seeming like a typical high school film at times, and deviating from the book in parts, Paper Towns is worth watching. It's funny, different and entertaining.

Have you watched Paper Towns yet? Did you enjoy it?


Hasta luego!


Serena

My Summer Reading List

 

 

Hey guys!

 

As I have finished all my exams and university work, I have plenty of time to read for pleasure. There are many books I want to read and here are the ones I am planning to read this summer:

 

 

1. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants

I've actually finished this book (already!) and it's quite good.


2. Stolen

I'm reading this book at the moment and I find it so hard to put down!


3. Bright Young Things

This has been on my list for a while and I'm planning to read it after Stolen. I love the cover. Bright Young Things is by the same author as The Luxe, a book I enjoyed reading a few years ago.

4. The Host

I've read pretty much all of Stephenie Meyer's books except this one. The Host is such a huge book so I keep putting it off! However, it's been on my shelves for quite a while so I'm going to read it this summer.


5. Safe Haven

I loved The Last Song so I've been keen to read another Nicholas Sparks book. Safe Haven looks like quite a good book and I want to see the film.


6. Ash

Ash is a retelling of Cinderella but it's very different since the protagonist falls in love with a huntress rather than the prince. It sounds like an unusual book and I'm looking forward to reading it.

7. The Summer I Turned Pretty

Seems like a good summer book.


8.  Entangled

This is quite a dark book. I was drawn to it by the cover.


9.Ransom My Heart

I've been waiting so long to read Ransom My Heart!

10. Torn

Another book I've wanted to read for a while, and the second book by Cat Clarke I'll be reading this summer.


11. Perfect Chemistry

I guess this is kind of like a modern version of West Side Story. It's about a girl who falls in love with a gang member.


12. The Miniaturist

This book looks so good! It's set in Amsterdam in the late 17th century.

13. The Invention of Wings

The Secret Life of Bees is one of my favourite books. I'm keen to read one of Sue Monk Kidd's other works. I love the cover of The Invention of Wings.


14. Easy

I haven't read many new adult / college books, only Losing It, but it's a genre I want to read more of.


15. Emma

I've read most of Jane Austen's books apart from Emma and Mansfield Park. I want to read Emma first as I quite like the story (and I absolutely love Clueless!).

16. The Scorch Trials

After reading The Maze Runner, I was aching to find out what happens next to Thomas and the other boys (and girl). I'm so glad there's a sequel! Can you believe I still haven't seen the film?!


17. Romiette & Julio

Modern retelling of Romeo and Julio? Yes please!


18. Where She Went

This is a sequel to Gayle Forman's brilliant If I Stay. It's told in Adam's point of view. It would be interesting to see what has happened since the accident.

19. Sister, Missing

I must've read Girl, Missing over seven years ago! I'd definitely like to read the sequel!


20. Before Midnight

This is a retelling of Cinderella and it looks like something I'd enjoy.


21. Solace of the Road

This has been on my to-read list for ages! I was just searching this book on Google to find images and I didn't realise there was a stage production of it! Rebecca Ryan, who played Vicky McDonald in Waterloo Road stars as the main character! I wonder if I could still see it after I've read the book!


22. Every Day

Every Day sounds really unusual. It's about a boy who wakes up in a different body every day. Strange!



I realise that 22 is a lot of books to read in just under four months, but I should get through most of these books :D What books are you planning to read this summer? Have you read any of the ones I have mentioned? What did you think of them?


Hasta luego!


Serena