X-Men Days of Future Past - New poster!

Well, the new poster for X-Men: Days of Future Past has been released and it's got all the good (and deliciously bad) characters on it - Mystique, Wolverine, Xavier, Magneto, Beast, Shadowcat, Storm and everyone else. Whilst the poster may look a bit cramped and has a rather weird composition, it certainly is rather dramatic looking. So, what do you think of the new poster, and are you looking forward to the film's opening in May? 

The Immortality of Talent Shows

And here's another cracker for you - The Immortality of Talent Shows. You can also check out this article online via Venue on Concrete, and this one discusses why Talent Shows seem to never die - seriously another X Factor? So check out this one, because it mentions all the favourites - X Factor, BGT and the death of Dancing On Ice. 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/immortality-of-talent-shows/

Do you suffer from the Fear Of Missing Out On Television?

I recently wrote another article for Concrete & Venue, about whether YOU suffer from the fear of missing out on television (or FOMOOT, for short) - check out what this new phenomena is and whether you have all the symptoms - and what you can do to tackle it - below!

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/fear-of-missing-out-on-television/

Lady Gaga - G.U.Y. - An ARTPOP film [+ Review]

Lady Gaga's new music video/mini-film for her track G.U.Y. was released last night; reminiscent of her 'Born this way' music video from the Haus of Gaga. (scroll down for video) The short film is an explosion of dazzling visuals and kaleidoscopic patterns that transport the viewer straight into 'Gaga's world'. The video has everything: high energy routines, synchronized swimmers, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills playing musical instruments - and more! Gaga has certainly outdone herself as she resurrects the dead in the video; bringing back to life Jesus, Ghandi and Michael Jackson. The sets of the video are gorgeous and truly sublime, the costumes are imaginative and breath-taking and the overall feel of the video is ethereal. 

With so many people involved in such a high-scale production, the credits are extensive - spanning over 4 minutes to be precise - but hey, it's Gaga, right? Ms Gaga dons several outfits in the video including a dark-winged angel get-up, a white bodysuit (pictured), a white two piece, a golden bathing suit, a black strapped suit, her birthday suit, a red dress and more! With Gaga at the helm of the piece (credited as the director), it was sure to be a wacky but interesting conceptual piece to follow the theme of combining art with popular music and culture (what the album is all about). So, in the words of Gaga, lay back and feast as this audio guides you through new and exciting positions! 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - Final Trailer (OFFICIAL)

The new, and final, trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has appeared (watch below) and Garfield's Parker is prepared to tell you all the reasons why he loves being Spider-Man. Dane DeHaan's Harry Osborn is getting up close and personal with Parker in the trailer, as the two talk about what each other has been getting up to (Parker says 'web design'). As is known, Emma Stone reprises her role as Gwen Stacy in the upcoming movie (due for release in the UK on April 18th and in the US on May 2nd) and so does Sally Field with her role as May Parker. New faces include the aforementioned Dane Dehaan as Harry Osborn and The Green Goblin, Jamie Foxx as Electro/Max Dillon and Paul Giamatti as The Rhino/Aleksei Sytsevich. 

Things really heat up in the new trailer; with an array of explosions and web-slinging action for all to enjoy. The villains also appear to be out in their numbers in the new trailer, with appearances from The Rhino, The Green Goblin and Electro 'electrifying' our screens. The whole trailer does echo of sense of gravitas and 'epic-ness' and combined with the overtly operatic music, it does what every good trailer should do - hype up the movie. 

So what score out of 5 do we give the trailer?

4/5 Trailer Stars - Whilst the overall epic scale is off the charts, we can't help but think there's just that little something missing. 

Once Upon A Time - Season 3, Episode 13 'Witch Hunt' [Review]

 Ok, it's time for everyone to get their 'Once Upon A Time Family Trees' out, and pencil in a new addition - The Wicked Witch of the West - or Zelena, for short. Yes that's right, in this week's episode of the fairytale-based hit show, we find out that good ol' Greenie is in fact, related to the Evil Queen. Shock, horror. Yes, they're sisters, yes, one's green and now we have the two halves of the same Cora-based coin. Unsurprisingly, Regina and Zelena are half sisters, same mother - apparently different father. It comes as no suprises that the speculation mills have begun turning and fans are quickly speculating whether Rumplestiltskin could be the dad. However, it seems pretty unlikely since Rumple appeared to only first meet Cora right before Regina was born, and Zelena claims she was born first and then discarded by Cora - so it seems like maybe he isn't. But anyway! If that wasn't enough to shock you or mildly inspire you to watch the episode/keep reading this lovely review - then there's more! Read our incredibly spoiler-filled recap below: 

Does this necklace compliment my green skin?

The episode kicks off with Zelena/Wicked Witch trying on Regina's bling while her flying monkey pal compliments her. Because you know, flying monkey's have a killer fashion sense. Meanwhile, Regina/Evil Queen is ready to mount an attack on her castle, until the gang are once again interrupted by a flying monkey who is gunning for Regina. 

Unfortunately, Hood's son, Rolan, is in the way and looks pretty set to be eaten/cut up/one of the above, until super-Regina bursts through and sweeps him to safety. And if that wasn't 'good' enough, she turns the monkey into a cute little toy for the boy - awwwww. We're then transported back to Storybrooke where Emma and Co. are trying to decide who cursed them. All evidence points to Regina but Emma is apprehensive. Back in the Enchanted Forest, Regina says she can sneak under the tunnels and disarm the castle's barrier and that the Wicked Witch of the West is behind this. She sets off by herself, but insists she doesn't know her personally. 

You've got a cinnamon kind of face.  

Back in Storybrooke, at Granny's diner, Henry is eating and Ruby is trying desperately not to remember that he likes cinnamon - such a good job. Emma introduces Henry to Mary Margaret and David and Mary Margaret says she knows Emma because they were in prison together, and that she was in for 'banditry'. Seriously, such a good line from the Snow princess. Anyway, Regina is suffering from severe Henry-withdrawal as Emma tries to explain that Henry can't remember her or anything about what happened. 

Regina is clearly hurt and is adamant that she didn't cast the curse as it would mean she wouldn't get to see Henry, as he wouldn't remember her. Meanwhile in the woods, Robin Hood and the merry men are hunting turkeys when Little John gets hauled away by a flying monkey - oh jeez. Emma organises a meeting in the town hall where everyone turns on Regina, believing her to have cast the curse, and she leaves in a puff of purple smoke. 

The Queen and the Thief.

Back in the Enchanted Forest, Regina/Evil Queen prepares to enter her castle through the tunnels, when it is revealed Robin Hood tagged along to make sure she was OK. 

Back in Storybrooke, it is revealed that the whole scenario at the town hall was fake and that Emma and Regina are working together to uncover the truth. They attempt to make another memory potion to help everyone remember. Regina is curious as to why Emma trusts her and she says she knows that Henry is important to her and that she isn't lying. Back in the Enchanted Forest, the Evil Queen and Robin Hood continue their journey into the tunnels and talk about each other's lives, leading to Hood to comment that Regina has a mother's touch so he knows she was a mother to someone before. Regina says that part of her life is lost forever. She is also surprised to find that someone has managed to break her blood magic seal and open her door to the castle crypt. 

I'm a midwife - I swear! 

Back in Storybrooke, Snow is approached in Granny's diner by none other than the Wicked Queen (quite clearly), who claims she is new to this world and was a midwife in the past realm. Snow is eager to learn more as she is expecting her baby and the Wicked Queen says she can help deliver it. Really Snow, really?! This can only end badly. 

In the forest, David, Hood and Hook find Little John and bring him back to the Hospital for treatment - until he turns into a giant flying monkey. No surprises there, then. Back in the Enchanted Forest Regina concocts a sleeping potion in order to sleep away her time without Henry in the hopes that he will wake her up again. Hood tries to stop her but she sticks him to the ground. Regina goes out onto the balcony and is about to administer the potion when none other than the Wicked Queen shows up. 

Sister, Sister! 

It is soon revealed that the two Witches are sisters and that Zelena is jealous of her sister for being brought up by her mother - OK seriously? This woman clearly has no idea what Cora was like, and she should be grateful she wasn't. It also seems that Zelena is annoyed that Rumplestiltskin chose Regina to cast the curse instead of Zelena (wonder what history is there then). The usual ensues, with Regina exclaiming 'Bring it on Greenie!' and Zelena vowing to make Regina's life a misery. The battle is officially on! 

Stake out! 

Meanwhile in Storybrooke, Regina and Emma have failed to make the potion correctly so they come up with a plan to lure the culprit out by claiming that they are close to completing the potion and finding out who is behind this. Thus, Emma and Regina stake out in Emma's yellow bug and soon enough, they see someone rummaging through Regina's stuff. 

Regina casts a spell on the door that means the person can't leave, and they enter to see a cloaked figure who disappears into a green cloud of smoke. Regina is baffled as to who could overcome her blood magic (hint hint, a family relation!). In the Enchanted Forest, the Evil Queen arrives back to Hood and exclaims that she now has something to live for, and that is to make sure the Wicked Queen gets what she deserves. 

You feed the madness and it feeds on you.

Back in Storybrooke, Emma takes Regina to meet Henry. Regina offers to take Henry on a trip around the town, when Hook and David show up. They tell the gang (bar Henry) about the people being turned into flying monkeys. This leaves Emma to come to the (albeit sarcastic) conclusion that it is the Wicked Witch of the West - which Regina confirms. Emma, needless to say, looks a little 'surprised'. 

Emma is curious as to why this Queen wants to come to Storybrooke and we cut screen to see Zelena in some shabby house walking across her back garden with a tray. She goes into a cellar/basement type thing in her back garden and says that someone should eat up. Rather unsurprisingly, look who it is - Rumplestiltskin. He says that she should have never have brought him back and then begins to talk to himself. OK, he's lost it - someone get Belle in here, quick. 

Now that the whole gang (apart from Neal) are back in the town it can only get more intense from here. You'd think now that the gang know they are looking for a Wicked Queen, the 'mysterious' midwife would look like a pretty good suspect right now. Alas - we shall see! Overall the episode was full of snappy remarks by Regina and it was good to see that they didn't prolong Rumplestiltskin's 'departure'. So the pretty big questions at the end of this episode were: 
Who is Zelena's father?
Where the hell is Neal?
Why is Zelena interested in Snow's baby?
Will the townsfolk + Henry regain their memories?
How long will Rumplestiltsin be stuck in his cage for until people realise he's still alive?

The next episode will air next Sunday and is entitled 'The Tower'. You can watch the promo below: 

Les Misérables (2012) Review

                'I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I'm living!'

Taking us on a journey back to 19th century France, and in the run up to the June Rebellion in Paris, is the film adaptation of Les Misérables. This particular version is primarily adapted from the popular West End musical production (which is in turn adapted from the novel by Victor Hugo - confused yet?). Les Misérables is directed by Tom Hooper and features what can only be described as a ‘show stopping’ cast. Set in France, it follows the journey of Jean Valjean, (Hugh Jackman) a convict who is released from prison on parole by Javert (Russell Crowe) and after breaking parole, Valjean sets off seeking a better and more honest life. Eight years later and Valjean is now Mayor and owns a factory, which is where we meet other characters such as Fantine, (Anne Hathaway) who works in the factory, and learn of her suffering child Cosette, (younger version portrayed by Isabelle Allen and older version by Amanda Seyfried) who resides with the treacherous and swindling innkeepers the Thénardiers (played by Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen). Also featuring in the film - Eddie Redmayne, who portrays Marius - Cosette’s love interest, and Éponine, the Thénardiers daughter who secretly pines after Marius’ affections.

What is clearly the driving force of this production are the memorable and beautifully envisioned performances from all the actors involved. Hugh Jackman, in his leading role as Jean Valjean, is able to captivate the audience’s attention, connecting viewers to the core nature of his character as a convict who is trying to lead a better life, but is struggling to escape the demons of his past, and in particular, the officer who knows him from that time. Russell Crowe provides a key counterpart to Jackman’s Valjean in that of Javert, a police officer who effectively has dedicated his entire existence to once again imprisoning Valjean. This tense relationship between two men who have ‘known’ each other for a long period of time, with one trying to escape and the other pursue, is portrayed cleverly by both Jackman and Crowe, and the audience are truly enthralled by the ‘cat and mouse game’ that the two men have found themselves in. This can be no more epitomized by the song ‘Confrontation’ in which the two characters sing jointly and passionately. It is the above song in which the two actors are able to fully emulate the dedication and desperation of their characters, whose paths continually entwine, causing conflict for everyone around. The score is suitably tense and Jackman and Crowe really provide some of the best thrilling, heart-stopping and climactic moments of the film when their two characters meet again.

For those who usually find themselves untouched by overtly emotional scenes in a film (ie. you don't tend to get weepy), you may have found your kryptonite in the form of Anne Hathaway. Her performance of the distressed factory worker Fantine, (especially during her rendition of ‘I dreamed a dream’) is inspired, and you can see the dedication she has with the role. Hathaway is able to capture the raw emotion of the character, which is particularly hard to do; it is almost like she was born to play that part. She really made it her own, and once again, especially during her rendition of the afore mentioned song, the true grit and hope of her character is echoed through her voice whilst she breathes heavily and tears cascade down her face. The performance is truly memorable, and although she features (all too briefly) in the first half of the film, you find yourself watching the rest of it, still engulfed in the drama and emotive performance of the character before. You may need to shake and remind yourself that you still have the rest of the film to watch.

If you're looky for a 'happy' moment of relief, then you can be sure to find it with the arrival of the wacky and deliciously deceitful Thénardiers. One of the very few humorous moments of what is a very tragic film was really brought to life by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham-Carter.Their rendition of ‘Master of the House’ is hilarious, and provides a comical reprieve to the dramatic events of before. It seems awfully fitting that Hooper chose to cast the roles of the dastardly and always entertaining crooks to Baron Cohen and Bonham Carter, as they are able to portray the characters swindling ways with such finesse that it almost appears second nature to them, which makes you wonder whether anyone else would have truly been able to capture the characters sense of immorality as well as them. One things for sure, if you happen to find yourself watching a scene with Bonham Carter and Baron Cohen as the Thénardiers, you are sure to be treated to the very few genuinely funny moments of the film and the more lighter hearted ones. The level of conviction of which Bonham Carter delivers her lines in retaliation to Baron Cohen is so straight-faced, dry and utterly convincing, you find yourself wondering whether the two have been married for years. Baron Cohen is equally as magnificent in his role and his lack of empathy, care or even attention to the details is truly one of the most entertaining moments – after all, Colette, Courgette and Cosette are so similar, right? This over the top drama and deceit from the two ‘love them and hate them’ characters is a wonderful combination of over the top and absurdly amusing which has the audience clinging onto the lighter and more humorous moments while they can.

The other three main actors all give particularly poignant and unforgettable performances, especially Samantha Barks who portrays older Éponine, a self-loathing girl who holds an unrequited love for Marius, (Redmayne) a revolutionary who is in love with an older Cosette (played by Amanda Seyfried). Barks, who has played Éponine before in the 25th Anniversary concert in the West End, is able to convey the similarities and difference between the feature film’s Éponine and the novel’s. Barks’ rendition of ‘On my own’ is thoroughly moving and heart breaking, as she sings solemnly in the rain about her love for a man who does not return the same affections she has for him. Redmayne and Seyfried portray beacons of light and love in a highly tragic film, and all three actors in ‘In my life/ a heart full of love’ represent the complex relationships between the three characters beautifully.

In contribution to the stunning performances given by the entire cast, the overall sense of the film is that of spectacle; an epic adaptation to the novel, which has the ability to combine dramatic special effects and celestially envisaged scenery shots, which truly capture the hardships facing the citizens and revolutionaries at the time.

Possibly, and rather ironically, one of the few faults with the film lies within its actual construction. Granted, it's an adaptation of a musical, so you expect some singing and the like, but this is borderline neurotic. It does start to grate after a while, and there are a few moments that you can't help but think would have sounded better and added to the cinematic feel, if they were simply said, and not 'sung'. Having said this, this is of no fault of the actors and is more of a fault of whomever decided that the whole piece would be sung (even the stage version doesn't do this). Unfortunately, this detracts attention away from what could have been a formidable film, all round. However, Hooper's Les Misérables is fortunately carried by the excellent performances of its cast. So, if you have a few hours spare, you should make time for this adaptation, if only to witness a master-class in acting.

4/5 stars 

Shakira - Empire (Lyric Video)

New in for this week is the lyric video for Empire, by sultry Colombian singer, Shakira. The video (which you can watch below) is probably one of the best, and most atmospheric lyric videos (no weird graphics and menagerie of pointless images here, folks) and also actually fits the song - shock horror. The problem with some lyric videos is that they can be so off-topic it begs the question as to why they even bothered. But fortunately, which ever clever clog designed this video knew firmly which direction he should take, and the output is a poignant and delightful video featuring nature. 

Relating to the theme of worlds, unity and being alive; 'Empire' features a beautiful showcase of things coming 'alive' as Ms Shakira belts out her track. The track evokes a rather feel-good sensation and is one of the more uplifting songs that reflects more of Shakira as an artist, than some of her more recent works. 'Let the empires of the world unite, we are alive' is particularly invigorating verse which, paired with the images of nature being alive, is pretty inspiring. So, if you're feeling a bit down and want to perk yourself up a bit, then this is probably a pretty good choice. It's interesting to see what the music video for the track will end up looking like, considering the lyric video pretty much sums up the whole general premise and feel of the song - so stay tuned to see our comments on that! 

Once Upon A Time - Season 3, Mid Season Spring Premiere - 'New York City Serenade' [Review]

 Oh yes, it's back! The spring premiere of Once Upon A Time graced our screens last night, and oh boy, was it full of surprises. Sassy Regina was out in full force, hook was in full stalker mode trying to pursue Emma (you know, to save her family and stuff...) and Neal and Belle were totally convinced that Rumple isn't dead (seriously, we know he 'died' but come on, he's still in the posters, so he's obviously coming back). And in case that wasn't enough for you, there's an eerie air of green mist lurking over the Enchanted Forest, New York & Storybrooke (did we mention there's flying monkeys?!). Let's start from the beginning. In the fall finale, we saw that Hook had managed to crawl his way back to New York, and was in pursuit of Emma and trying to get her to remember her 'past.' Well, it didn't exactly go well, but this time Hook manages to stalk Emma to a restaurant where she is dining with some creepy looking dude who proposes to her through her dessert. 

Give me a break - he's so not right for you Emma! As her date leaves the table, Hook sits down (thank god) and tries to convince Emma that her life is built on lies. He gives her an address and tells her that if she wants to remember, then she should go there. He tells her that he will wait in central park for her if she goes there and has more questions. Prior to this (exactly one year ago), Aurora and Prince Philip are getting cosy in the woods, when - low and behold - the Storybrooke residents arrive! 

Throughout the episode we switch back on forth between a year ago in the Enchanted Forest and present day in New York with Hook, Emma and Henry. In New York, Emma temporarily rejects Walsh's proposal and asks for time to think. Back in the Enchanted Forest, Snow and the gang agree to head to Regina's old castle. Aurora and Philip reunite with Snow and Aurora is pregnant. Regina is needless to say 'overjoyed' - so much so - to the point on nausea. She has a pretty classic line here which just highlights why so many people love the Evil Queen (displayed through this gif below). 

However, when they head to leave, Aurora argues with Philip about how they have to tell 'her' or she will hurt their unborn child. Back in New York, Emma arrives home and tells Henry that she didn't answer Walsh's proposal and he encourages her to take a chance on him. Back in the Enchanted Forest, Prince Charming gathers the troops and advises them to all head to the castle, and notices Hook leaving separately. He approaches the dashing pirate and asks him where he is going. Hook exclaims that he has always been a pirate and needs to return to his ship, as according to the Evil Queen, all belongings should return to their owners in the Enchanted Forest. This inspires Neal, who believes that Rumplestiltskin's dagger might return and him and Belle talk over the idea that Rumple might not be 'dead'. They agree to swing by Rumple's old castle to search there. 

In New York, Emma plucks up the courage to go to the address while Henry is in school. She arrives at the address and realises that the apartment belongs to Neal and finds a bloody rag there (left by Mr.Gold/Rumple) and Henry's camera (from their trip to the apartment previously). This leaves Emma confused and she heads to central park to meet Hook. Hook tries to convince her to drink a memory potion that he has acquired, but she refuses to believe him and has him arrested. In the Enchanted Forest, Snow finds Regina burying her heart because she is struggling to deal with the pain of losing Henry. Snow advises her that it will pass and she will find happiness; something Henry always wanted for her. Regina puts her heart back in her body. Upon leaving, Regina and Snow are attacked by a flying monkey, who cuts Regina's arm. The monkey is shot by Robin Hood and flies away. Robin Hood (who was said to be Regina's true love by Tinkerbell) offers his hand to Regina to help her up, but she declines and also mocks him for not calling her 'majesty'. Back in New York, Emma drops Henry off at her apartment and opens an envelope from the drug store. She is visibly shocked and heads over to the jail to bail Hook out. 

She confronts him with the envelope, which contains pictures of them in Storybrooke and New York. She exclaims that he could have photoshopped them (but he has no idea what that even means) and he encourages her to take a leap of faith and take the potion. She eventually agrees, and remembers everything that had happened before. 

Back in the Enchanted Forest, Robin Hood reunites with Belle and Neal and Regina and Snow discuss Robin Hood. Snow exclaims that he is 'cute' and Regina exclaims that he smells like forest. Classic. The gang reach the castle but Regina is surprised to find a green force shield replacing hers. They cannot pass, but Robin Hood offers them refuge in his camp. Regina looks like she wants to stab a bunch of people, and she swears revenge on whoever did this to her. Back in New York, Hook and Emma discuss how they are going to explain this to Henry, as there is not enough memory potion for him to drink (convenient). Emma then realises that Henry has invited Walsh over for a romantic meal while he is at a friend's. Emma goes up to the roof to tell Walsh that she can't marry him. 

Walsh looks put off - until he tells her he wished she didn't drink the potion, and proceeds to turn into a giant winged monkey. Hands up if you knew the guy was bad news. Emma wrestles the monkey off the roof and he turns into a cloud of smoke. Hook arrives on the roof and Emma says that her life could never be what is was because she is the saviour. Hook tells her that he family is trapped in a new curse in Storybrooke but he doesn't know who's behind it. The next day, Emma tells Henry they will be going on a trip to Maine to solve a new case and that he will miss school for a while. Emma says that she just needs one thing before her journey - which turns out to be her lucky (or unlucky) red jacket. The games have officially begun! 

Henry, Emma and Hook arrive in Storybrooke and Henry has fallen asleep in the back of the car. Emma and Hook exit her car and Hook triumphantly puts on his hook and Emma tells him to try and avoid giving Henry nightmares. Emma goes off to find her parents. She arrives at Mary Margaret's/Snow's old apartment and finds David/Prince Charming and Mary Margaret there. Charming and Snow reveal that Snow is pregnant - like we didn't see that one coming. They say that they cannot remember the last year of their life. Back in the Enchanted Forest, the flying monkey that attacked Regina earlier returns to a woman who asks him if it is the Evil Queen's blood. The monkey gestures yes, and the woman says that she will get her revenge, dropping the blood into a potion bottle. She then turns to face the mirror and says that whilst the Queen may be Evil, she is Wicked, and Wicked always wins. 

Phew! Now wasn't that an intense episode. Overall, it was great to see Snow and the Evil Queen teaming up for Team Storybrooke/Evil and Team Wicked being helmed by this episode's new addition of the Wicked Witch of the West. It was interesting to see how they incorporated Ginnifer Goodwin's pregnancy by making Snow pregnant as well - certainly makes for a convincing baby bump! Of course, the Evil Queen was back on tip top form, making a whole heap of sarcastic and snide remarks about her fellow travellers and reminding us all why she is number one (at least while Rumple is gone). It was terribly bittersweet to see the life Henry and Emma could have had together, and her having to give it up was pretty poignant. Although, it was a life built entirely on lies and a bit of Regina magic. Hook really brought the charm to this episode and adds a touch of leathery sneakiness to the series (seriously - he must be boiling in that outfit). In other news, the Wicked Witch of the West looks seriously prepared for a fight, leaving everyone to question who will win out - Evil or Wicked? (and of course, how many episodes will pass until Rumplestiltskin returns.) 

Tune in next Sunday to see the next episode, entitled 'Witch Hunt'. 

Iggy Azalea - Fancy [Official Music Video] (+ Review)

Time to kick it like Marty McFly and enjoy a blast from the past, with this Clueless-inspired video from Iggy Azalea. The track entitled 'Fancy' features Ms Azalea rocking some seriously old school attire, inspired by the aforementioned sleeper hit (look its Dionne and Cher all over again!). In case you aren't familiar with the 1995 film, a quick google search can fix that. Iggy really brings home the nostalgia with her seriously inspired costumes and scenes. Whatever you might think of the rapper, this is pretty clever and a whole heap of fun, and I'm loving the checked yellow ensemble! The video is fresh, vibrant and colourful and fits in with the nature of the track. In other news, a nice surprise addition on the track is Charli XCX (who did a kick ass track with Marina from Marina and The Diamonds) who sings the chorus in her usual manner. Bottom line - they all look like they are having a blast and no doubt die hard fans of Iggy's and Clueless will appreciate this video. In case you haven't already watched the video, you can check it out below: 

The track (which has already been released in the UK and North America) will be available worldwide via Digital Download on the 6th April. 

The Big Bang Theory - Season 7, Episode 17 'The Friendship Turbulence' [Recap + Review]

 Friendships went for a bumpy ride on the latest episode of The Big Bang Theory, with Sheldon and Howard trying to make their friendship more amicable and less, well, insulting. Go figure! The episode kicked off with good ol' Penny informing the gang that she had recently turned down a role in a sequel to that awful(ly funny) ape movie that we saw when Leonard went on his expedition. Penny was dead certain that the film wasn't right for her future career, but Leonard (forever the optimist) reminded her that she actually has no money, and therefore has no right to be picky. Rather unsurprisingly, this angers Penny, who storms off with Leonard rushing behind her. 

Meanwhile, Sheldon takes to insulting Howard (as per usual) until Bernadette asks why he would do such a thing. Sheldon then proceeds to reel off several occasions where Howard was mean to him, which makes Bernadette angry at Howard. 

Oops. In the saga of Penny & Leonard, Penny's car breaks down and in this moment, she realises she may have to return to the cheesecake factory, or risk severe debt. She prepares herself to go back to her old job, until herself and Leonard get outside and it is revealed that Leonard bought her a new car. Penny is overjoyed at the fact that she doesn't have to drudge it all the way back to her former house of employment and hugs Leonard excitingly. 

Meanwhile, Howard has been guilt-tripped into inviting Sheldon on an out of town trip to Houston, and the two end up on a plane together. Howard notices that Sheldon still refuses to acknowledge him as the successful astronaut (sort of) that he is - that is until, the plane starts to exhibit some turbulence. And when we say 'some', we mean a whole heap of turbulence. Sheldon grips on for dear life, whilst Howard pretends that he is fine with it because he's been in space (we all know how well he coped up there), until he eventually breaks down too. 

They both join arms in solidarity and whilst experiencing the turbulence admit to each other that their friendship matters and their lives would be empty without each other. Awww. Whilst this is all going on, Raj and Amy have a little 'adventure' together. And by 'adventure' we mean 'Raj tries desperately to pursue women via online dating and Amy's help'. Raj exclaims to Amy that he has found a nice girl on his online dating profile, but is too scared to talk to her himself. He persuades a reluctant Amy to talk to her and try to convince her to go out with him. Amy does so, but finds she has more in common with the woman than Raj and ends up going out for coffee with her, which makes Raj jealous. 

The woman in question is named 'Emily' and rejects Raj because she views him as too shy and passive. Later, whilst Emily and Amy are having coffee, Raj bursts in and starts to make a scene until Emily makes a bee-line for the exit and ditches both Amy and Raj, leaving Amy frustrated, as she had hoped to go to a Chaucer reading with Emily later that week. And thus ends another chapter in Raj's sketchy love life and Amy's quest to find more friends. The overall episode was pretty classic - some good snide comments from Amy about her lack of a sex life, some classic Sheldon facial expressions when he is on the plane (his face is a picture of inner woe and sheer terror), and it was nice to see Howard and Sheldon spending some bonding time together, which gives us more insight into their friendship (after all, we've seen the whole Leonard/Sheldon relationship, what about Howard?). We give this episode 7 'big' bangs out of 10. The next episode is entitled 'The Mommy Observation' - so - who's mother do you think we will be seeing more of? Place your bets now! Tune in on March 13th to see the next episode of The Big Bang Theory.