Favourite Christmas Films

Hey guys!

 

I can't believe Christmas is only two days away! I can't wait! I'm really looking forward to spending time with my family, exchanging presents, and of course watching lots of Christmas films! Which brings me onto the topic for this blog post.

 

One of the best things about Christmas is cosying up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate (or fruit tea, but please no coffee) and binging on festive films. Overall, they're really uplifting and will put a smile on your face. I personally tend to stick to the same movies around this time of year - there's something about Christmas films that makes them so rewatchable. There are 6 films that really stand out, and I've written why I love them so much below:

 

 

1. Home Alone

Home Alone is a film I always watch around Christmas time. It's hilarious and never fails to make me laugh, even though I've seen it several times. It's a classic Christmas film and Macaulay Culkin's character Kevin is so smart and cute. I also love the setting. I've never been to New York, let alone at Christmas, but it sure does look amazing!

 

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is another favourite Christmas film of mine. I've loved it since I was a kid (although I haven't seen it nearly as much as Home Alone). Jim Carrey is perfect for the role of the Grinch, and Taylor Momsen is adorable as Cindy Lou. I still can't believe that's her!

 

 

3. Gremlins
 

 I love Gremlins. I could watch it over and over again. I always wanted a pet mogwai, especially one like Gizmo! He is so so so adorable (until he touches water, of course)! Gremlins can be described as a horror-comedy, but it's not scary at all. All the mischief the mogwai get up to is completely hilarious!

 

4. The Holiday

I only saw this film for the first time last Christmas, but it's definitely one I'd watch again. Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz are four of my absolute faves, and I love the idea of a house swap. The Holiday is also the kind of film you can watch at any time of year.

 

5. Love Actually

Love Actually is a film you hear every blogger rave about and it's not surprising. The film is hilarious and has an all-star cast, which includes Julia Roberts, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson and Keira Knightly. I like how the stories of several different characters are interconnected and explore every aspect of love. I particularly love the story with  Sam (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and Joanna (Olivia Olsen). It's such a feel-good movie.

 

 

6. Frozen

Okay, so I know Frozen isn't a Christmas film per se, but it's still worth mentioning. With it's snowy setting and catchy soundtrack, watching Frozen always gets me in the festive mood, and it's the kind of film I wouldn't be embarrassed to watch with the rest of my family (pretty much everything makes me embarrassed). I love how independent Elsa is, and Anna is so determined. Olaf is adorable too!


And here are the ones I need to rewatch (1-7) / watch for the first time (8-14):

1. Happy Feet
2. Polar Express
3. Miracle on 34th Street (the one with Mara Wilson of course)
4. Elf
5. Narnia
6. Little Women
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
8. Christmas with the Kranks (I'm sure I've watched this before but can't really remember!)
9. Edward Scissorhands (seen a bit before but not in full)
10. Four Christmases
11. Arthur Christmas
12. Fred Claus
13. A Princess For Christmas
14. Krampus

 I recently watched Happy Christmas, when I had some spare time last week. It was alright, and I love Anna Kendrick, but it wasn't nearly as good as the films in this post!


So those are my fave Xmas films! What are your fave Christmas films? Let me know in the comments!


Hasta luego!


Serena

What's On My Netflix List in November

Hey guys!

 

 

I hope you're all having a great weekend! I went shopping yesterday and treated myself to some goodies from Superdrug and Tesco, which you can find over on my Instagram. As it's been a while since I last did a  Netflix-related post, and it's nearing the end of the month, I thought I'd share with you a few of the latest movies and TV shows I have added to my Netflix list.


1. Dreamgirls

Youtube

I've already watched Dreamgirls a couple of times, but since that was a while ago, and it's such a brill movie anyway, I might as well watch it a third time. I love the songs in Dreamgirls - especially 'Listen' and 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' - and Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson are both fantastic


2. Bride Wars

Pinterest

How have I not seen Bride Wars yet?! I've been meaning to watch it for ages! It seems like such a great chick flick.


3. Violet & Daisy

Wikipedia

I need to watch this film asap! I love Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel! It's based on a Japanese comic and focus on two teen assassins.


4. Little Black Book

IMDB

Can you believe that I've only ever seen Brittany Murphy in 2 films?! Well, this is going to change soon since Little Black Book has been added to Netflix.


5. Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life

Wikipedia

I seriously cannot wait to see this! I would've watched it as soon as it came out, but unfortunately I'm still at the beginning of Season 7! It's so hard to avoid all the spoilers - I already know some of the things that happen during Season 7 thanks to Facebook and Twitter - but I've managed to keep away from them so far! I've heard mixed things about the revival but I'm sure it'll be great!


What have you been watching recently? Do you have any recommendations? :)


Hasta luego!


Serena

Alternative Films to Watch This Halloween

 

Hey guys!

 

 

I'll be honest, I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to scary films. I mean, I've watched some horrors, like Let Me In, A Haunting At Silver Falls, Ginger Snaps and Carrie, but that's pretty all I can bear. I've even avoided watching films like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer because I think they'll give me nightmares! I'm also not keen on blood and gore, and anything involving mirrors or spiders is an absolute no-no for me. I prefer to watch comedy horrors, fantasy films or mild horrors that make you jump once or twice, rather than full-on scare fests. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, so here are my recommendations for some alternative films to watch during Halloween:

 

 

1. Maleficent

 

Maleficent isn't a film you would normally associate with Halloween, but it's perfect to watch if you're not into horrors since it combines magic, revenge and an evil villain. The cast is brilliant too: Maleficent features big names such as Angelina Jolie as the lead role, Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora, Ella Purnell as the teenage Maleficent, and Imelda Staunton and Juno Temple as two of the 'good' witches.

 

Watch with: Family / The girls

 

 

2. Dark Shadows

 

Halloween isn't complete without a Tim Burton film, and since most of you are probably aware of Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas, I thought I'd suggest Dark Shadows instead. This film was released in 2012 and stars Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, a vampire who has just been set free after 200 years of imprisonment. He returns to his previous home, which is now occupied by his ancestors. Unfortunately, Barnabas is still haunted by Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green), the witch who cursed him all those years ago.

 

Watch with: Family

 

 

3. Carrie

 

I was expecting Carrie to be really scary, but it wasn't at all. There were only a couple of moments that made me jump, and I wasn't phased by all the blood. I'd recommend watching the original 1976 Carrie with Sissy Spacek first, and if you enjoy it, then watch the 2013 remake with Chloe Grace Moretz. There are a couple of other remakes, including a sequel, but they're a bit hit and miss.

 

Watch with: Friends / SO

 

 

4. Tuck Everlasting

 

Alexis Bledel is best known for her role as Rory in Gilmore Girls, but she's also appeared in a number of films, one of which is called Tuck Everlasting. It's a sweet movie about a girl who comes across an unusual family and falls in love with the youngest son.

 

Watch with: Family / The girls  

 

 

5. Gremlins

 

I love this film! Gizmo is so adorable! I know some people like to watch Gremlins at Christmas, but it doubles up as a Halloween film because it's quite dark and violent.

 

Watch with: Friends / SO

 

 

6. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies

 

Who would've thought that you could watch Jane Austen at Halloween? Okay, so technically this wasn't written by Jane Austen herself, but it is based on Pride and Prejudice. Lily James doesn't disappoint as the protagonist, and there are plenty of gruesome creature to keep you entertained on Halloween.

 

Watch with: The girls

 

 

7. Donnie Darko

 

Donnie Darko is more fantasy / psychological thriller than horror, but it's still a good film to watch on Halloween due to its dark elements. Jake Gyllenhal plays a troubled teen who is haunted by visions of a giant bunny. Look out for Jake's older sister Maggie, as well as Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore and Ashley Tisdale.

 

Watch with: Friends / SO

 

 

8. Ella Enchanted

 

Ella Enchanted is a childhood favourite. It stars Anne Hathaway as a girl who was visited by her fairy godmother when she was a baby and was cursed to be obedient. Unfortunately, her nasty stepsisters try to use this to their advantage. Ella Enchanted is filled with fairies and elves, and is perfect for a girl's night in.



 Watch with: The girls

 

 

9. Teen Witch 

 

Teen Witch is a lighthearted flick in which Robyn Lively, Blake's older sister, finds out that she is a witch. As Louise is a bit of an outcast, she immediately try to make herself popular and be noticed by Brad Powell, but she has to decide whether that is really what she wants or not.

 

Watch with: The girls

 

 

10. Ginger Snaps

 

This cult classic centres on two sisters who are obsessed with death. After one of them is bitten by a werewolf, their lives change forever. Ginger Snaps is a unique film that uses werewolves as a metaphor for puberty. I'll admit it's not really for the faint hearted, but I managed it so it can't be that bad!

 

Watch with: The girls

 

 

11. Practical Magic

 

Practical Magic is one of the less well-known Halloween flicks, but it's worth the watch. It deals with magic, witch craft and sisterhood, and features great performances from Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.

 

Watch with: The girls

 

 

12. Life After Beth

 

In Life After Beth, Audrey Plaza is transformed into a zombie and causes havoc in an American town. Like the majority of the films on this lists, Life After Beth is more funny and silly than scary.

 

Watch with: Friends / SO

 

 

If you've watched these films already, it's worth checking out Enchanted, Innocence, Warm Bodies, Red Riding Hood, Bewitched, The Moth Diaries, Heathers and The Craft, which are other tame fantasy / horror / thriller films I enjoyed. Oh, and don't forget classics like Hocus Pocus and The Addams Family!

 

 

What are your favourite Halloween films? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 

 

What's On My Netflix List in October

 Hey guys!

 

 

Sunday is supposed to be one of the days I post on this blog (along with Tuesdays and Fridays), but I didn't have one planned for today. However, I had a post about Netflix sitting in my drafts so I thought I'd publish it today. I went to the first event organised by The Bloggers Hub and Bloggers Who Brunch UK yesterday, which I really enjoyed - I'll be doing a post about it later this week!

 

 

Here is a list of the films and TV shows on my Netflix list:

 

 

1. Stranger Things

 

 

 

Stranger Things is different to the shows I usually watch, but since I've heard so many great things about it, I'm curious to see what all the fuss is about. I have to finish Gilmore Girls and Full House first, so I'll probably start Stranger Things in late November or December.

 

 

2. Brooklyn

 

 

 

This film has received so many good reviews, and I've been wanting to watch it for a while. I have to read the book first though.

 

 

3. Remember Me

 

 

 

I can't believe I haven't watched this yet! It was released so long ago! The film stars Robert Pattinson and Emile de Ravin, who plays Belle in Once Upon a Time.

 

 

4. Ashby

 

 

 

Because Emma Roberts and Nat Wolff are two of my absolute faves. In the film, Nat Wolff portrays a teenager who befriends a retired CIA assassin.

 

 

5. Jessica Jones

 

 

 

Jessica Jones is a TV series that stars Krysten Ritter as a woman with strange abilities. David Tennant also makes an appearance.

 

 

6. X+Y

 

 

X+Y focuses on a maths genius (Asa Butterfield) who forms a friendship with a girl during the International Mathematics Olympiad competition.

 

 

7. A Royal Night Out

 

 

A Royal Night Out is a historical drama about the lives of Queen Elizabeth and Margaret when they were young.

 

 

8. Horns

 

 

 This film has received mixed reviews, but it's been on my Netflix list for aaages, so I'm going to finally watch it nearer Halloween!

 

 

I'd also like to watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Erin Brocovich, Clouds Of Sils Maria, Akeelah and the Bee, The Woman in Black, An Education, Precious and Adventureland if I get the chance.

 

 

What's on your Netflix list? Have you watched any of the films / TV shows I've mentioned?

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena 

 

 

My Favourie Films of 2015

Hey guys!

Today's post will be about the best films I've watched this year. So, here they are:

From 2015

1. Cinderella

 

Cinderella is my favourite fairy tale, and this version was amazing. I love the costumes, and Lily James is amazing!

2. Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2

 

Such a fantastic ending to the films! So sad it's over :(

3. Inside Out

 

This film is so cute, and it made me cry!

4. Jurassic World

 

The effects are amazing! So realistic!

Other

5. Ever After: A Cinderella Story

 

Another amazing retelling of Cinderella. If you love fairy tales, you definitely have to watch this!

6. Finding Neverland

 

Simply amazing!

7. Blue Lagoon

 

Brilliant film!

8. Soul Surfer

 

Such an inspirational film!

As always, there are lots of films I didn't get round to watching this year, such as Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (need to read the book first!), Pan, Fantastic Four, Tomorrowland: A World Beyond, The Longest Ride and The Diary of a Teenage Girl.

What are your favourite films from this year?

Hasta luego!

Serena

And I STILL haven't seen these Disney and Pixar films...

Hey guys!

 

 

You're never too old for Disney, right? Well, this week I will be sharing 10 Disney and Pixar films I never got round to watching. You may be thinking, "What?! How has she not seen these?!" I'm surprised myself, but don't worry, I will sit down and watch them...sometime...soon...

 

1. Anastasia

 

Source: Impawards

 

I just can't...it's ridiculous I never saw this as a kid.

 

 

2. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

Source: Whatculture
 

Unacceptable, pretty sure everyone has seen this.

 

 

3. Robin Hood

 

Source: IMDB

 

How is that even possible?!

 

 

4. The Rescuers

 

Source: Disney

 

I'm sure I saw a bit of this once...but can't really remember :/

 

 

5. The Fox and the Hound

 

Source: Entertainment Weekly

 

 

6. Oliver & Company



Source: Wikipedia

 

Yeah, again, unacceptable. THE MAIN CHARACTER IS A CAT! And it's based on Olive Twist.

 

 

7. Up

Source: The Guardian

 

It's on Netflix now so really no excuse.

 

 

8. Brave

  

Source: ANU Women's Department

 

 

9. The Princess and the Frog

 



Source: Wallpaper Pixel

 

10. Monsters University



Source: The World of Disney Magic

 

 

So that's my list! In terms of non-animated Disney films, I still have yet to watch the original versions of The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday (the remakes are two of my favourite films), as well as Hocus Pocus (one for Halloween methinks) and Tuck Everlasting.

 

Are there any Disney or Pixar films you haven't watched? If so, what are they?

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena