Film & Music Reviewed #4

 

Music // Just The Beginning by Grace VanderWaal

This was probably my favourite album purchase from 2019 although the release date was a couple of years before then. I like nearly all the songs on the album but my favourites are Moonlight, and So Much More Than This. I found her voice and the general sound of the album unique and quirky.

Rating: 5/5

Music // Superwoman by Rebecca Ferguson

Another 2019 favourite, I can always rely on Rebecca for music that I know I will love. I’ve liked everyone of her albums to date. Originally Rebecca became well known on a music reality TV show, years back now. Her sound is soulful and her lyrics are often empowering. Bones and Stars are a few of my album favourites.

Rating: 5/5

Film // Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again 

Sophie Sheridan learns more about her mother Donna's history on the island of Kalokairi with her three possible fathers as she reopens the family hotel.

I haven’t watched the first Mamma Mia until recently on TV but my Nan bought me Mamma Mia two on DVD for my birthday and I thought it was fabulous. I appreciated the costume design, music, and breath-taking scenery. This is one of my favourite musicals.

Rating: 5/5

Film // Paddington 2

Paddington takes up a job to accumulate enough money to buy the perfect gift for his aunt on her 100th birthday, but it gets taken.

Sequels can often be a bit hit and miss but this was such an entertaining film, and as good as the first film. Paddington’s character was well done, and I liked his sweet voice.

Rating: 5/5

Do you have any recommendations for me?

What music and films have you been reaching for lately? :-) Xx

Film & Music Reviewed #3

Film // The Breadwinner

The Breadwinner tells the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl growing up under the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001. When her father is wrongfully arrested, Parvana disguises herself as a boy in order to support her family. With dauntless perseverance, Parvana draws strength from the stories her father told her, and ultimately risks her life to discover if he is still alive. Equal parts thrilling and spellbinding, The Breadwinner is a timely and inspiring tale about the transcendent power of stories, and their potential to unite and heal us all.

A special, heartfelt story with beautiful animation and an important message. My Dad bought me this DVD at Christmas, and as he has quite good taste in films I was intrigued to watch it. The film was a bit outside my normal comfort zone but I enjoyed it. If you have children, I would recommend this film as it’s quite educational.

Rating: 4/5

Music // Long Live The Angels by Emeli Sandé

Firstly I love Emeli. She has a style of music which she tends to stick to but she always brings out some really lovely tunes. This album has a gospel, emotional feel to it which I appreciated. There’s not really any standout tracks as the songs are all consistently good. I can see this album being popular with her fans and anyone who’s keen to listen to the album.

Rating: 4/5

Do you have any recommendations for me?

What music and films have you been reaching for lately? :-) Xx

Film & Music Reviewed #2

Film // Me Before You

A girl in a small town forms an unlikely bond with a recently-paralyzed man she's taking care of.

A film released in 2016 that was originally a book. I have to say I’ve read the book and preferred the film. In parts the way the story told was problematic but I enjoyed the emotional, heartfelt journey Lou and Will took us on. I think the acting was quite well done and I loved Lou’s fashion choices for example the bumble bee tights.

Rating: 4/5

Music // Man of the Woods by Justin Timberlake

Justified is one of my all-time favourite albums, so I’m always keen to listen to anything new by Justin Timberlake. He took a new direction with this album, which I enjoyed and appreciated. The electronic sound featured on a few of the tracks is really unique. The story telling lyrics and artistry involved in the production is noteworthy. I like most of the songs but my favourites are Filthy, Midnight Summer Jam and Say Something.

Rating: 4/5

What music/films have been your go-to recently?

Do you like to listen to albums or do you make your own playlist? :-) Xx

Film & Music Reviewed #1

After a little break I’m back with a new series featuring film and music I’ve been listening to lately with short reviews. There will be a mixture of current and slightly dated stuff but each DVD and CD will be new to me as a treat to myself. Please let me know what films and music you’ve been currently loving and any thoughts on my picks.

Film // La La Land

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star as Mia and Sebastian, an actress and a jazz musician pursuing their Hollywood dreams and finding each other in a vibrant celebration of hope, dreams and love.

I remember when this film came out at the cinema a few years back, and there was a big buzz about it. I never got the chance to see it at the pictures so I purchased it on DVD. I was highly impressed by this film even though I’m not big on musicals. The acting particularly by Emma Stone was outstanding. I really enjoyed the 50s setting and cinematic photography.

Rating: 5/5

Music // Younger Now by Miley Cyrus

This was a 2017 release that seemed to get some good reviews on Amazon. After Bangerz, Younger Now took a different direction, with a more laid-back, country sound. Miley’s gone back to her roots, as her music has matured. Malibu, Thinkin and Bad Mood are a few of my favourite tracks. I’m also appreciative of the retro, funky CD cover design, as it’s really eye-catching.

Rating: 3/5 

What are your favourite film and music genres? 

Do any of my picks interest you? :-) Xx