Film Review: 'Pitch Perfect 2'

When, just over a week ago, a friend of mine suggested that we book tickets to go and see this film on the day it was released (also the same day as our Advanced Higher English exam) as a post-exam treat, I jumped at the offer! I had loved the first one, although I didn't actually see it in the cinema, but on DVD later.

Pitch Perfect 2 did not disappoint, and I was particularly pleased to see that almost all of the original cast members returned for the sequel, including Anna Kendrick (Becca) and Skylar Astin (Becca's boyfriend Jesse) as well as many of the 'Bellas' including Brittany Snow (Chloe, and, as I only just realised, Snow plays Amber in 'Hairspray'!) and, most notably, Rebel Wilson (Fat Amy).

The storyline was similar to the first film, in the sense that it followed the high-school A capella group as they had an early disastrous performance, lost their true 'sound' and had to find themselves in order to recreate the group, to then go on be deservedly victorious in a major competition. You may think that to use the same plot skeleton would be boring, but this WAS NOT the case. The trick actually allowed the film to stay true to what was loved about the first film, but had a few spin-off storylines to keep the audience interested. For example, Becca's new internship which keeps her kind of busy, a fierce German group whose all about the competition, the prospect of graduating and having to find what they want to do with their lives after Barton University and, of particular interest, the admission of a new Bella, Emily, who is also referred to as 'Legacy' because her Mother was a Barton Bella too.

The character of freshman  Emily is played by the stunning actress Hailee Steinfeld, who I recognised but don't believe I have seen her anything before. It is incredible to see that she already has a fantastic career at just 18 years old and her character, an overly enthusiastic but very talented singer-songwriter kept the film interesting... and provided a little bit of Romance for Benji (Ben Platt) who you have to love!

I would comment that there were a couple of moments when I felt that the humour of the film verged on racism, but I think I may have been reading a little too far into it, because it certainly wasn't pitched (no pun intended) in a vicious way or anything. In fact, Ben Platt can be quoted as describing, in interview, the humour as "...at nobody's expense".

All in all, I definitely think that Pitch Perfect 2 is as much if not more so of a feel-good film as the first one, with a definite air of friendship, inclusion of every type of person and a sense of being on the brink of life and opportunities.

As I said the two friends I was seeing it with when it finished, I feel as though they ended it in a way whereby they could theoretically make a third one at some point, but with a different cast (probably with Emily at the centre of it as opposed to Becca) but they wouldn't need to in order to conclude it. Personally, although this is probably just e being my cynical self, I'd be a bit wary of making a third film. While number 2 wasn't a disappointment, its wasn't THE Pitch Perfect, and I don't think even the best team could capture the essence of the film for a third time.

I say, GO AND SEE IT! It's funny, loving and the perfect break from thinking about study and exams!!

Writers' Block

So, during the time I've been regularly blogging (which tomorrow will be exactly 1 and 1/3 years!) I have mentioned on a couple of occasions that one of my reasons for blogging less often, aside from being generally busy, has been lack of motivation or inspiration.

Thankfully, I've fallen in love with my blog again each time this has happened, but, throughout this school year, I've experienced a similar issue in terms of my creative writing folio.

I have always enjoyed writing fiction, but it is one thing to talk about enjoying it and another thing to keep it up. Sometimes, my style of writing comes across as childish or simplistic because it is, but other times it is because that is simply my style, and a lot more thought and craft has gone into it when you dig a little deeper.

As I'm getting the final pieces together for my Advanced Higher English folio, to be submitted at the end of this week, I worry that my writing this year has not exceeded or even met the standard of the writing I produced last year and the year before. I had an idea for a story which I feel I could have developed further but have struggled to do so, both due to lack of motivation to devote the time to doing it, and lack of inspiration on how to develop my writing.

I think it's what people call 'Writers' Block', but in its broadest sense. There is a difference between days when I just can't get the ideas to flow onto the paper and screen, and longer periods of time, such as several months, when I'm just not achieving my full capability.

Hopefully, the work I submit will adequately reflect my ability, although I know it will  not be my best work. As the prospect of finishing exams and school being completely over draws nearer, my love for writing returns and I hope to get cracking and write far more over this summer.

Does anyone else experience or have thoughts on writers' block? Is it all in our heads? Let me know in the comments!

Catriona xx

Book Review: 'All I Know Now' by Carrie Hope Fletcher

I've mentioned Carrie a few times on this blog, because she is a Youtuber who not only got me into watching Youtube, but also continues to inspire me to be me and to write. Along with the rest of her following, The 'Hopefuls', I've been looking forward to the publication of her first book since she announced it in May 2014. It is a non-fiction book which acts as an advice-bible, predominately for teenage girls but has something within it for everyone- no matter your gender or age.

I pre-ordered a Hardback copy for half price (£6.49 I think) from Waterstones. My dad wasn't able to pick it up on the day of publication and I was ridiculously disappointed haha. But he picked it up the next day. It's taken me a week to read, but only because I've HAD to break away to study for exams. Otherwise, a night or two would have done it!

The book is spit up into sections and set out like a play or show, with acts etc. (because Carrie is also a West End actress!). Each section covers a different area of life- love, friendship/relationships, self-confidence, stress, mental health and many more sub-topics are all given their own place in its pages.

What I loved about 'All I know Now' is that Carrie does not claim to be a professional councillor or doctor or to know all the answers, she's fully aware that what she writes is only her advice. But after going through the ups and downs of being a teen, she's found herself at a very content point in her life and chosen to share her advice for reaching that place with an audience who already view her as their 'Honorary Big Sister'.

The style of her writing is very informal and lade back. She writes almost as though she was making another of her popular vlogs. 'All I know Now' actually began as a blog and her tone and structure remind me quite a bit of my own blogging style: writing for myself but also for others.

It is clear that Carrie made the decision to be very honest in this book, as she shares a handful of her own experiences in an attempt to remind us all that we are not the only ones who suffer anxiety, embarrassment, heartbreak etc. However, in no way is she too open, there is nothing shocking or deep in there!

I think its fair to say that some parts of the book are a little bit cliché, or the kind of advice we hear time and time again, but not a lot of it. And those parts that are work perfectly well alongside Carrie's fresh ideas and takes on different situations. It's like, you may have heard similar advice before, but when it's all there in front of you, in one place and backed up with real stories and examples, it forces you to think differently.

What I especially admired about Carrie's approach was her metaphors! She comes up with some hilarious ones, and others which you almost struggle to follow. But each and every one of them is very accurate, and its a gift to be able to relate real feelings to something else and effectively describe it.

A lot of what Carrie had to say struck a very real chord with me, because I have, at times, struggled with channelling the best person I can be as being the person I am. I don't know if that made sense? But basically being a good person with positive relationships, self-confidence and the motivation to chase my dreams (cheesy I know!) is something that I do find difficult at times, as I'm sure is the case for most people. I know that life isn't easy, especially when your still trying to work out what kind of a person you want to be and I think that's why I'm allowing Carrie, who I admire a lot, to give me the advice. I think it's almost easier to accept it from someone you don't know and hopefully reading 'All I know Now' will be the light switch I needed to make necessary changes to continue on the happy path. One day I hope to thank Carrie for that help.

Ok, enough with the deep! Haha. 'All I Know Now' is a great read for any age- there were elements I thought both my sister and mum could take from it too. If you're just looking for a wee push to find your feet or even just fancy a wee giggle at what life throws at us then pick up your beautiful copy (wow I didn't even fangirl over how gorgeous a design of book it is, with illustrations from Carrie herself!) today!

Catriona xx

Film Review: 'Cinderella'

So I just wanted to start this post by thanking everyone for the amazing support  I received on my last post, 'I am a Feminist... (I think!)' It was amazing to watch the view count slowly creep up! I know it

was a bit more of a serious tone than my usual but your response has given me the confidence to start thinking up more posts where I give my opinions on issues...

However, for just now I thought I'd break off from exam revision to review a film I went to see with a friend on Friday night. I had wanted to go and see it for ages, but so far had been unable to justify the time out of revision. However, I needed to go into town anyway to shop so my friend and I scheduled a pizza hut and cinema catch-up!

I don't care that I'm 18 years old, I have a special place in my heart for Cinderella and this new rendition did not disappoint.

One of my main reasons for wanting to go was because, from the trailer, I knew that Lily James was playing Cinderella, and I loved her from seeing her in Downton Abbey.  She was a perfect Ella, beautiful and gentle and mesmerising. And I'm not going to lie, Richard Madden as the Prince may have been another motive! Not having seen Game of Thrones, I was unaware of Madden and had not come across him before, but he was perfect in the role and his attractiveness helped a lot! Similarly, Cate Blanchett was the ideal Stepmother... make no mistake, she remained as stunning as always, but her beauty was warped by her wonderfully cruel character. You feel genuinely heart-broken for poor Ella, and that indicates excellent acting both on Blanchett's part, and on James' part, for making you empathise with her. The Step-sisters too were adequately pretty, ditsy and plain air-heads!

The storyline was heart-warming and stuck very true to the original tail. But seeing it in 'real life' as opposed to motion picture was beautiful. Within the first 5-10 minutes I was literally crying (I won't give it away but the sadness at the beginning struck a very emotional chord with both myself and my friend!) and had the kind lady next to me give me a pat and say "U ok Pet?" haha. The plot made you value what you have and literally made me glow inside!

It wasn't a musical version, but there was one song which was sung on a couple of occasions, by Ella's mother and by Ella. I don't know if it was Lily James herself who sang or someone else, but the voices were gorgeous- you could hear a pin drop! The song went: "Lavender blue, dilly dilly, lavender green...." and this in itself contributed to my love for the film as this was a song my mum sang to me when I was little.

The costumes (one beautiful ball gown in particuly!) were absolutely stunning- the costume department did an incredible job!

I would say that, overall, 'Cinderella' is possibly the best Disney Princess re-make I've seen so far (I am now very excited to see Emma Watson star in 'Beauty and the Beast'). No matter your age, go and see it and remember, all you need is "to have courage, to be kind, and a little bit of magic..." <3