What I've Learned...

This unit has been an eye opener to me because it has made me go to the cinema to see films I wouldn't normally choose to watch such as 300: Rise of an Empire but actually realise that I can enjoy films like that and I should try broaden my genre's and at least sometimes go to the cinema to watch a film I wouldn't normally choose or watch something different on the T.V. Moreover it has also made me think more about the films I'm watching during and after, normally I would just see a film and say if I liked it or not but now I go into more detail and research more about the films I'm going to see or have seen and also analyse them more and realise whether or not a film was really that good or not. However the only film I really didn't enjoy and I would never watch again was Under the Skin despite enjoying the book and once researching realise it was quite interesting how it was made. I found the lectures that we had really interesting and helpful especially the ones given by Noel Mellor he really helped me realise how to write a blog and what to include and also how to make it different to others, as I'd never written a blog before. However I would of preferred if we'd has a few more lectures in the later weeks of the unit on different subjects because I found them really interesting. The seminars were interesting because it gave us a chance to listen to what other people thought of the same film you'd seen and be surprised when someone had a completely different view on it, which helped me to look at it from a different perspective. It was also interesting to hear what other people had been watching that week and made me watch programs or films people recommended that I would never of thought to watch but actually turn out to enjoy such as Catfish. However the seminars could of been more helpful on how to improve my blog such as if we looked at each other's blogs on a screen to help each other improve and also get new ideas for ourselves. Also I think I could of improved more myself in the seminars by sharing more of my ideas and thoughts. I found the reflective writing tasks helpful as it has helped me realise what I have enjoyed and done well in and also where I could improve. I especially enjoyed the group tasks as that gave us an extra chance to ask each other about our blogs and give each other ideas. It also made me realise how much I enjoy working in a group for a creative task. The media I choose to include in my blog is very varied I made sure I left my comfort zone and included films we saw each week even if I didn't enjoy them and made sure I didn't praise a film I liked too much when it actually had a few flaws. Moreover I also included live events I'd been to see over the period of this unit such as Jeremy Kyle and Rock of Ages theatre show which were interesting to think and write about after in detail. The unit has been a great opportunity for me to try out and practice writing less academically and more creative and informal and made me realise although at first I didn't think I would actually been able to do it, but be able to give it a go and actually really enjoy it. However although I did enjoy it as a unit it has made me realise also that I don't want to go down the path as a journalist and reviewer but I want to focus on other more creative areas of the course. I think this unit was a good idea because I think there should be more young bloggers out there writing about their true opinions on films because when I read reviews of films I never normally agree with them because they normally have different opinions and tastes to me because of the age difference.

Word Count: 650

There's No I in Team!

I was very lucky to be give the option to choose me group, so I chose a group of people that I worked with before because we worked really well together last time when making a film and presentation so I knew we'd work well together on this as well. We decided to work as a group on each of the four infographics instead of do one each individually and spread them out doing once a week so we had a clear mind for each of them and also new stories each week that were happening in the news for ideas for our infographics. To decide what we were going to base our infographic on we looked on news websites to get ideas from recent events that were happening that week and which appealed to us and intrigued us. We each took turns in our roles two people doing the research on one computer and the other two making the infographic on the other, one reading information out and the other typing. Once we completed the research and typed out the information, we all gathered round to decide between us the style of infographic we wanted i.e. colour, text and pictures. The only minor disagreements we would have in our group is deciding how to lay it all out but all came to agreement on each of them sharing our ideas and deciding which looked best. On most of the infographics it was easy to decide to lay it out though because we tried to relate the style to what the infographic was about for example the infographic on Same Sex Marriage we choose the colours of their gay pride flag and used scrolls to relate to the law. Also for the infographic on the Top Grossing Films of 2014 we made the text look like credits and the text to look like a film style. I think this task has made me realise I prefer working in a group especially when it is something creative because you can bounce off each other's ideas, constantly improving your idea so it is the best it can be; not just the best in your opinion but in everyone's opinion. The only thing that I believe could of been improved in our work is if we decided to look at our infographics the next day with a clear mind to check we were still completely happy with our work and change any minor details if we wanted to. The reason we work so well as a group is because none of us are a bossy leader and we all welcome and accept each other's ideas to the group and try them all out so then we can decide together whether it works well or not.

Word Count: 470

Great Leads and Great Balance!

Title: The Lone Ranger (2013)

Rating: ****

Director: Gore Verbinski

Genre: Action/ Western

Review:
When Johnny Depp is in a film you expect it to be good and this film delivered. Depp as usual played a fantastic lead as the delirious yet hilarious Tonto and Depp alongside Armie Hammer who was also a great lead made each other performances even better you could see they had a great bond of stage which reflected in their performance making their strange relationship in the film even funnier that it would of been if anyone else was chosen to play the characters. If Tonto was played by anyone else but Depp the film would not have the same success and would not have been as funny as it had been. The film had its great balance between action and adventure but also the right amount of humour throughout to keep its light hearted side. Some action scenes were a little dragged out and the fighting scenes could of been cut down a little but when Tonto's was fighting with his slick and funny fighting style you just wanted more. Overall it was great to see a Western updated for the 21st century and had the great balance between the classic element of a Western but also brought new elements that made it relatable and funny for today's audience.  

Word Count: 211

Relive Your Youth!

Title: McBusted Tour 2014

Rating: *****

Genre: Music - Pop

Review:
I know not everyone is or was a fan of Busted and Mcfly, but even if you're not keen on their songs they really delivered through their performance. Their whole energy and bond as a group really got the whole crowd on a buzz; dancing and singing along to every song. Even if at first you didn't think the seat you were in was that good like me on the floor right at the back and even struggled to see them on my tip toes due to a tall girl in front of you, you still had a great time as the excitement and performance filled the whole room and even by just watching them on the big T.V. screen you still got the same amazing experience by just being there in the buzz of the arena. But to top that I was very lucky and got right near them when they came to the back of the arena on a UFO singing Star Girl, very cheesy I know, but that's the great thing about McBusted they can be cheesy and get away with it because they don’t care. Their song selections were perfect and a great balance between Busted's greatest hits and McFly's early days. The strange thing I found was why were girls as young as 11 there? I felt this was a time for late 80's and early 90's kids to relive their childhood the real lovers of Busted and McFly's early days (the best days) not kids who never had a Walkman or watched VHS's. Overall a great night to relive your youth and take you back to the great and cheesy times of the 90's!

Word Count: 280

Infographic: Top 15 Grossing Filmd of 2014 in the UK

Funny, Sexy and Awesome Music!

Title: Rock of Ages: West End Tour

Rating: *****

Genre: Musical/ Comedy

Review:
I was very lucky to have a great seat in the Dress Circle and could see the show from a great perspective and didn't miss anything, but he palace theatre in Manchester isn't that big so you are guaranteed to get a great seat wherever you sit. The great thing about the narrator character is that he didn't just play for the people in the Stalls but also the Dress Circle and the Grand Circle. The cast did a fantastic and enthusiastic performance getting the whole audience to join in and clapping throughout and even standing up for the last song, the Narrator also kept great interaction with the audience throughout talking to us all directly. When the right cast is not chosen the whole show can be ruined but the acting and singing was brilliant all round and the dancing was so energetic. However I'd say this is not a show for children and more for couples and groups of friends who want to go out for a good time as the show has several innuendos and slightly erotic dancing. But the song choices are perfect and them alone will guarantee you to have a great time if you love classic rock. The thing that surprised me was that some scenes and songs are slightly different to the film but were the still the same great standard and didn't spoil it in anyway. Overall it was fantastic and everyone should see it!

Word Count: 243

It Does I'ts Job!

Title: Bad Neighbours (2014)

Rating: ****

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Genre: Comedy

Review:
This comedy to appeal to everyone both women and men of all ages, because everyone always love a bit of sweet revenge and see people playing each other. The hard thing with this film is you don't know which side you want to be on, because we are introduced to Seth Rogen and his family first and their a fun and likeable family we feel inclined to be on theirs but then who doesn't like Zac Efron and doesn't want to be on his side. This film is guaranteed to getting you laughing and if don't at least laugh when Rogen gets chucked about the room by sitting on an air bag you need to find yourself a sense of humour, I know it's mean but you can't deny it other people's pain is always funny. This film does it's job and has you laughing throughout and wishing you could join in on their fun. The cast is great even all the frat house boys who all have their individual traits and likeabilities. Also Rose Byrne is yet again hilarious in this film despite actually being likeable in this unlike in Bridesmaids. Rogen and Efron also pull of great performances as always and actually work really well together and you can see they have a good and humorous relationships off stage which reflects in their performance. Overall it is guaranteed to getting you laughing!
Word Count: 234

Infographic: The Truth Of Halal Meat

Girls It's What You've Been Looking For!

Title: The Other Woman (2014)

Rating: ****

Director: Nick Cassavetes

Genre: Rom Com

Review:
If you haven't seen a good, simple and funny girly film in a while this is what you're looking for. If I were to describe it, it is almost like an older version of John Tucker Must Die. It may not be the best film ever made but thing is to not think about it too much and just take it for what it is a comedy that is there just to make you laugh and smile for a couple of hours. It's not a film that you will have to think about too much and it won't get you questioning life, its only aim is to make you forgot about everything else that is going on in the world right now and make you laugh for a bit. All I can say is if it didn't make you laugh at least once then these are not the kind of films you want to be watching. The great thing about this film is that it could also appeal to men as well not just women because everyone always finds revenge funny. Another great thing is the cast not only are they all really pretty to look at but they all pull off a fantastic performance and all suit their characters very well. You can tell that the women's bond is real not just for show which reflects in their performance making it even better. Overall if you have seen a chick flick which is funny and has a good storyline in a while this is what you're looking for.

Word Count: 259

Something Completely Different!

Title: The Jeremy Kyle Show: Live

Rating:*****

Genre: Reality

Review:
The other week I saw Jeremy Kyle Live and I know it's not something everyone else might want to see but I really would persuade you to see it even if you think you wouldn't like it. It's something different to anything else I've ever experienced and what's better is it's free! The only problem is if you don't have priority tickets or aren't as keen as other people and get there super early then you might not get in as there's only limited space and sometimes they have to leave room for special guests i.e. family members. Obviously the show that you see is unpredictable whether it will be good, bad or utterly indescribable but I was very lucky with what I got. I saw 5 different scenarios and 2 lie detector tests which was even more exciting when you're there because you feel like you know the people better. One of the most exciting things about being is that you don't miss anything like you might not realise you do on the T.V. because the audience can hear what the family members are shouting from the side the stage and we also don't miss out on any of the swearing. The studio is actually a lot smaller than it seems on the T.V. and the audience are closer than you'd think so you feel more involved. Jeremy is also surprisingly likeable even in person and added to the experience talking and involving the audience even when the cameras weren't rolling. One thing that you have to remember which sometimes I didn't and other audience members is not to laugh as it is people's lives and it also makes Jeremy angry.

Word Count: 282

Infographic: World's Deadliest Animals

Didn't Disappoint!

Title: Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014)

Rating:****

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Genre: Action

Review:
As soon as I'd seen the first Captain America I couldn't wait for them to bring out another and once I'd seen The Avengers I couldn't wait even more and although I'd been waiting ages to see this film it didn't disappoint. If you love a good superhero film and haven't seen a good one in a while this is what you're looking for. I wasn't expecting what this film gave at all the twist was completely unpredictable and had you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. As usual the graphics of this marvel film were yet again amazing they just seem to get better and better and the dialogue had the best balance between serious but also used the witty comical lines at the best times that just made them funnier. The film also had it's sad parts in there that might make you well up a little. Overall if you are looking for a good film to see this is the film you need to see it won't disappoint and even if you haven't seen the first one it will still be understandable and fantastic! As usual marvel give you a teaser for their next and also all new superhero film that leaves you feeling intrigued.

Word Count: 212

Under My Skin

Title: Under The Skin (2014)

Rating: *

Director: Jonathan Glazer

Genre: Drama/ Sci-Fi

Review:
Under the Skin if I'm completely honest was probably the the biggest waste of time and most terrible film that I've ever seen. I had read the book before I saw the film so I did kind of know what I was letting myself into, when I read the book I didn't always understand what was going on so I thought it'd be interesting to see the film and because Scarlett Johansson was in it I thought it'd be quite good because I like most of the films she's been in. However now I'm thinking what was she thinking when she signed up to this film, maybe she just wanted to try something different to her usual style. Although I can't deny her performance was good as always and she did play the strange role quite well, I dread to think what the film would of been like without her. However after researching upon the film after I'd seen it, it did become more interesting, I found out that most of scenes when on the streets in Scotland were filmed without the people knowing even some of the people Scarlett stopped to ask for directions from the van she was driving. But I don't think a film should only be interesting once you've researched it, it should intrigue you from the actually film and picture from the very start to the very finish. Overall I really don't  know how to explain this film and the only reason I'd advise someone to see this film is if I wanted them to know what a truly bad film really is or if I didn't like them very much.

Word Count: 276

Infographic: Same Sex Marriage

My Cup of Tea!

Title: Miranda Hart: My What I Call Live Tour (2014)

Rating: *****

Genre: Comedy

Review:
About a week ago now I saw Miranda Hart Live, I know she's not everyone's cup of tea however she is mine, her humour is so simple but at the same time so utterly hilarious. Her stories and jokes are so easily relate able which is sometimes hard with comedians, she uses simple everyday topic and stories which makes you look at life in a very silly and bizarre way and realise how stupid some things are in life. For example how it's not acceptable to skip down the street and how everybody finds it awkward to suddenly turn in the street when you realise you're going the wrong way despite the fact everybody probably does it. My favourite thing about Miranda's show which comedians don't always do was get the whole audience involved. The reason Miranda is so likeable and funny is because she doesn't care what people think of her and isn't bothered if she makes a fool of herself she is just a comedian trying to have fun and make a few people laugh and have fun for a night. Her main audience is probably single women aged late 20's to 40's but when I was at the show in Newcastle Metro Radio Arena the was a varied audience of all ages from about 12 to 60 both male and female. Overall if you like weird you'll love her!

Word Count: 232

In the Middle

Title: A Long Way Down (2014)

Rating: ***

Director: Pascal Chaumeil

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Review:
A Long Way Down was a very mediocre film, it did have its high points and I did get more from it than I expected personally, but it just never seemed to really go anywhere. I was expecting a more of a dramatic ending seen as though it was a film about suicide I thought it might of actually included it, however I did find it quite cute that two of the characters ended up together despite it being quite predictable. However I did realise that it wasn't the dramatic kind of film but more a sweet comedy that was just made to leave you smiling about life and that it can be kind sometimes. The film is humorous at times but only if you have a very light and dry sense of humour and most of the humour only comes from the character Jess but without her character it wouldn't be the same. But being a film based around suicide the humour does come at the right times and doesn't make you feel uncomfortable, it makes you look at suicide in a different light. Overall the film can be summed up in one of Jess's lines "Quite cute but infinitely forgettable". It's a film that will leave you smiling and content at the end if you are the kind of person who can just accept a film for what it is and try not to question it to much otherwise you will be left feeling more disappointed from it.

Word Count: 250

Exceeded My Excpectations!

Title: 300: Rise of an Empire (2014))

Rating: ***

Director: Noam Murro

Genre: Action

Review:
After watching the 1st 300 which I didn't enjoy very much I wasn't expecting to like 300: Rise of an Empire but it did exceed my expectations. However this may have been because I watched the first one on line so  the cinema experience and the fact that it was on the big screen may have made it more exciting and intriguing because you feel more involved.  Although the fight scenes yet again involved too much slow-motion and because we'd already seen it in the first film they weren't as interesting and new as they were before and its just what we expected. However they were a lot more exciting and intriguing through simply the fact they were fighting on boats and on the water and gave them more opportunities to make the fighting more unique and exciting to other war films. I also enjoyed the fact that this time it wasn't purely about fighting they told the background stories of some of the characters which actually to me made the enemy Eva Green more likeable once you knew her story of why she turned evil. I also found it very clever how they overlapped it with the 1st movie; and the good thing about this film is that you don't have to have seen the 1st one to understand it. Overall I do think it's worth a watch and even if you don't like these type of films there's plenty of pretty faces and bodies to look at.

Word Count: 249

When You Expect More...

Title: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Rating: *** 

Director: Wes Anderson

Genre: Comedy

Review:
I saw The Grand Budapest Hotel last week which I'd only found out about the week before and so I was only going off the trailer. But despite that I was expecting it to be a very funny comedy but like all movies they always put the best bits in the trailer so when it comes to watching the film you're expecting a lot more and something a lot funnier but it turns out you've already seen the only funny parts so aren't as good once you see them the second time and when in the context are dragged out too much for them to be as funny as they were in the trailer. However being the easily pleased girl I am I still managed to laugh and smile and the film despite already laughing at it from the trailer. So I would advise you if you're are going to see the film and if you already haven't don't watch the trailer! I was also expecting a better story line it always seemed like it was going to go somewhere very exciting but once it happened it wasn't as exciting as I expected it to be and the ending was very dull and to be honest  pointless. Although I think this is mainly down to the strange style of Wes Anderson which I do happen to quite like it is different from other directors and can be uniquely identified as him. However the famous faces do make up for the mediocre film; its always exciting recognizing someone in a film and they also give very good performances even the new face Tony Revolori. 

Word Count: 273

The Real Me Through Media

Keeping a Media Diary was very interesting because I got to see what typical programs I like to catch up on online and how often I watch them and realize how bad and cheesy my usual taste in programs are such as musicals like Glee and The Vampire Diaries, but realise I still love them. I can't help going back to the same programs every week at the same time they are too addictive and I can't wait to see what happens next. I also realized how addicted I can get to programs as I just started watching a series called Once Upon A Time and couldn't stop once I'd seen the first episode. It shows exactly the type of person I am even in the title, that I love fairy tales and fantasy and a good romance. It's exactly the program I've been looking for I can't believe I've only just started watching it now, I've always loved Disney princess movies and stories and this is the perfect series to satisfy my taste with the right amount of cheese and romance but also the mystery and adventure side to it that keeps you on edge and unlike films it lasts longer to keep the excitement and drama going. This week has also made me realize that action is not my favourite genre, but when in a cinema it does make the experience more exciting and intriguing on the big screen. However the fight scenes in action films are still too dragged out for me and it leaves my mind wondering to other places and thinking I’d rather be spending my time watching a fantasy and or comedy. Watching The Grand Budapest Hotel made me realize I am very easily pleased and amused in a comedy even the simple things make me chuckle and smile and when there's a famous face it does make the film more exciting and intriguing it can’t be helped, but it does help when their performance is good. I think my media diary does reflect my gender as it's mainly focused on girly programs that would probably interest very little boys and men and even older women. My taste does also reflect my age especially through the sit-coms I watch, I think they would probably only be enjoyed by people my age as they reflect on younger/ 20 something’s issue rather than middle aged and married. I think my blog is different in a way in that I'm an older teenager who's not embarrassed or afraid to say she enjoys watching cheesy programs and films and doesn't just enjoy the things that everyone loves and watches (but I do love The Walking Dead). I don't think there are enough reviews and blogs on typical girl programs like Pretty Little Liars and Vampire Diaries apart from describing basically what happened and what might happened next or criticisms. I think I can contribute to the blogging world and tell people what I’m really thinking about my favourite programs and try and show people how good they can be and tempt other types of people into watching them.

My Media Diary

Word Count: 520