Little Women is the classic that has many of us giggling, crying or putting a smile on our face. I find that the story makes us grow a sentimental attachment to one or more characters, because their personalities are so relatable. It really makes you think of what you can take for granted and what matters most, and the loving warmth you can feel from the March family and other characters such as Laurie really puts that into perspective. I bought probably the most recent version from Blackwells Bookshop and it looks like the book that was used in the latest Little Women film adaptation (aka, best film of 2019). I highly recommend this version, because it has black and white pictures of scenes from the film and it is in that really nice old-fashioned hardback book style. Just a short blog post today, but I hope you enjoy this little video montage I put together below. See you soon!

Star Rating: ✩✩✩✩ "If you fail, it will be a massacre" A walk in the life of a soldier... literally! Director Sam Mendes' new movie, 1917, will take you on a historical, blood, sweat and tears journey that will have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath with every step these heroic soldiers take. The cast, crew, audience and soldiers have never felt more connected, due to the collaborative work from all film departments, creating a memorable, emotional experience for the audience and not just something to view. 1917 is loosely based on inspiring true stories from Mendes' grandfather, who fought in the First World War and who never spoke of his experiences until his 70s. The film follows two soldiers, Lance Corporal Schofield ( George Mackay ) and Lance Corporal Blake ( Dean-Charles Chapman ) who have been set a mission by General Erinmore ( Colin Firth ) to find another regiment and inform them not to go into battle, as ...

Star Rating:✩✩✩✩✩ A timeless story, Little Women by Louise Alcott, has been rebooted by director and screenplay writer Greta Gerwig - the genius behind the award-winning film  Ladybird . There have been quite a few versions of Little Women, but this adaptation is number one in my eyes as Greta has maintained a traditional yet modern version, and the whole cinematic production is faultless and empowering! As most of us know, the story is set in 1933 and revolves around the four 'March' sisters and their journey of what they want in life and how they will get there. While waiting for their father to return from the American Civil War the girls spend time with their neighbours, a mysterious, slightly rebellious boy and his generous, kind-hearted tutor. All hope lies on these women to pick a rich husband, so that their family isn't destined to live in poverty. Well that is what their Aunt Marge thinks, but with love, ambition and talent, these Little Women still h...

Picture from IMDB Star Rating: ✩✩ Andrew Lloyd Webber's award winning musical, CATS, based on the poems by T.S. Elliot hits the big screen this Christmas. It may have been spectacular on stage, but on screen it was a  CAT astrophe!  This im-purrrfection is mainly down to the flow of the film, as it felt disjointed and as an audience member I felt disconnected from the story and characters. From what I gathered, the plot revolves around a community of Jellicle cats wanting to perform at the annual ball, to see if they are chosen for a fresh start at life,  "Are you going to try for a different life?" says Victoria .  There are many A-list stars that are relevant to all generations in this film, such as James Cordon ( Bustopher ), Taylor Swift ( Bombalurina ), Idris Elba ( Macavity ), Rebel Wilson ( Jennyanydots ) and more. You could tell that they were stars but they didn't inhabit the characters. For example, in one scene it felt like watching one of ...

Picture from IMDB Star Rating: ☆☆☆ It's that time of year again to get the warm knitted jumpers out, the decorations up, enjoy a hot choccy or two, and to get started on the Christmas movies! Speaking of Christmas films, why not pop along to the cinema to watch the latest addition. Last Christmas is a traditional English romcom centered around many people's favourite festive song, shall I say it again... "Last Christmas" by Wham. All in all, it's a warm, silly and spiritual Christmas movie, but if I'm honest it doesn't compare to "Love Actually" or "The Holiday". Lets say that it's not terrible, but it's not good either. I am a huge fan of Emma Thompson, but her screenplay with co-writer Bryonny Kimmings is quite poor. However, the acting is good and director Paul Feig give the actors a lift, as we see them like we've never seen them before. For instance, Emma Thompson portrays brilliantly a mother from the for...

Already a best seller, this French fairytale of a story will have your tastebuds itching to have some 'Chocolat', while you read along with Vianne and the tests and trials she encounters as she starts her new life in a very traditional and religious village. Travelling is Vianne's oxygen and Lansquenet-Sous-Tannes is her and her daughter, Anouk's, next stop. Having a passion for food, she opens a chocolateire and uses her unique creativity to conjure up recipes that are too mouth watering to read without enjoying a mug of hot chocolate. Most people would find this exciting, however the author (Joanne Harris) has introduced religion as one of the main theme's in this story and it shows the values the Catholic community, particularly the priest Reynaud, has against a sweet treat knocking on their doorstep, especially as it is lent. Although they are against change, curiosity takes over and the people of this village want to see what Vianne, as an atheist, has in ...

Picture from IMDB Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ A timeless tale from the beloved TV drama series that had most of the world sitting down in front of their TV screens on a Sunday evening and maybe enjoying a scone or two. Downton Abbey, now a major motion film, will have people enjoying a nostalgic moment with the wit and beauty of the characters and the old English ways of society. The opening scene will be familiar to those fans who have been watching since series 1, as we see multiple shots of a steam train, along with other English iconography heading towards an established shot of Downton Abbey. Additionally, let's not forget the classic theme tune by John Lunn playing through the opening credits. As fitting with a period drama, there is romance as a new maid captures someones eye and a love triangle forms between three servants. Furthermore, will Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) finally find true love or will the tests and trials of society intervene? Crime and my...

This non-linear narrative, set in the 1930s, 1950s and 2014, will take you on a fashionable mystery of love and loss that ties two different stories together with one thing in everyone's mind, 'The Dress'! With one storyline set in 1950s New York, you will meet a married couple, Frank and Joy Fitzpatrick living the ' American Dream', with all the glitz and glam intertwining their lives. However this high lifestyle isn't what everyone thinks it should be, as love is tested, alcholism is portraying its toxic effects on their relationship, and a haunting past that still holds a dark shadow on one of their lives. Author, Kate Kerrigan really shows the depth of these life situations and those that are to come as you read through the story. It shows that she has undertaken thorough research to make her story relatable to people of all ages. A third significant character in this era is a young woman called Honor who befriends Joy over their passion in fashion....

Star Rating: ✩✩✩✩ A romantic comedy centered around a world where the 'The Beatles' don't exist and only one man, Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) remembers them! Struggling to make it in the music world, Jack jumps at the chance to bring back some of the world's greatest music by going solo and re-educating the human race with what it had lost 'Yesterday'. However would he risk giving up being the legends that were 'The Beatles' for the women he loves?! Director, Danny Boyle and screenwriter, Richurd Curtis combine all elements that portray into a romantic comedy, love, laughter, silliness and unique whacky storylines. This story may entail the mystery of 'The Beatles' disappearing from life along with some other significant factors, such as Coca Cola and more importantly Harry Potter, ummm, sorry, WHAT?!?! However, we have a romantic side to the storyline between musician Jack and his manager Ellie (Lily James), who have grown up together...

    A historical read about the high class family that is the Carnarvons. It is written in a non-linear narrative by the current Eighth Countess of Carnarvon, Fiona. She has focused on the late 1800s to the 1920s, covering the fifth Countess, Almina Carnarvon, her family, friends and the events that took place in that period, such as the rules of that society, war and the discovery of Tutankhamun. She really captures the raw emotion, style and many other details from her husband's ancestors and that period. It is factual, but has the rhythm and attributes of a story. For example, a couple sections remind me of a 'Cinderella moment', where a young Almina isn't included fully into society, until she attends a ball and the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon, George, catches her eye. You will further notice that many events reflect upon the well known television show 'Downton Abbey', such as motor incidents, war, women and politics. For example, Lady Almina gives stron...

Based in an Italian setting that holds jealousy, beauty, love and violence is a friendship that is just as powerful as the writing of this story. Elena Ferrante truly is the Jane Austen of our time and portrays just how far you might go to retain a close friendship/sisterhood. This story continues from the first book of a four part series, 'My Brilliant Friend', and takes you on a journey with two best friends, Elena Greco (Lenu) and Rafaella Cerullo (Lila) and the events that challenge their friendship. For instance, relationships between the many Italian families and friends in their neighbourhood seem to empower or tear them down. An example of this is the pressure of both of the girls' parents, Lila has been forced to drop out of school, becomes a shoemaker and then marries at sixteen. This book then explores a new chapter in her life with her husband, Stefano, that explores luxury, abuse, adultery and motherhood. Whereas, Lenu is encouraged to continue further...

I'll let the cover speak for itself, 'Story' that's the key in creating a fantastic screenplay. This is the perfect book to learn about the behind the scenes written work that exports us to the world of film. Robert McKee is truly the one to get advice and knowledge from when wanting to know how it all works, as he has written screenplays, is a lecturer, has been a project consultant across film and television, has won a BAFTA, and his articles on Story have appeared in many magazines and newspapers. Therefore, if you're wanting to write screenplays, this is a must read book and you'll be learning from the best of the best. McKee still does seminars on Story, so if you are interested, here is the website:  https://mckeestory.com/seminars/story/ .   Imagination is the ingredient that sets you off on your journey the culmination of which is a finished screenplay. Therefore, this book is a great guide to breakdown all that imagery and teach you what to include ...

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ A flamboyant, haunting, passionate and humorous musical about the legend that is Elton John. This film captures Elton at his most lowest point, with him starting out at a rehab centre dressed in a red all-in-one with horns and feathers sticking out and lets not forget his signature platforms and funky glasses. Addressing all the problems he has faced in his life at that point including drug and sex addiction, being a alcoholic and shopaholic and coping with bulimia and anger issues, we experience flashbacks throughout his life from when he was a child to his 30s/40s. Taron Egerton was the perfect actor for conveying Elton’s most deepest feelings and mannerisms and using the most powerful tool of all which is his voice. Taron is truly a great singer and ironically auditioned for RADA (drama school) singing an Elton John song. The director Dexter Fletcher, captured each moment in Elton's life beautifully showing the pain he suffered to his thea...