Noah (2014) and Maleficent (2014) - New trailers!

In this instalment of new trailers, we see emerging images of epic flooding and numerous animals; it can only be new biblical epic Noah! Noah, set for release in 2014, stars Russell Crowe as the titular character, and also features Anthony Hopkins, Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Jennifer Connelly. This new trailer for the picture certainly airs to the more dramatic side, and sets the film up in all of its gloriously epic proportions:

So, what do you think of the new trailer for Noah? Does this get you fully excited for the upcoming film? Next up on the list of 'new trailers' is the dark fantasy film (not-so-coincidently produced by Walt Disney Pictures) Maleficent, a 'untold story' of Disney's most iconic villain from Sleeping Beauty. The magnificent Angelina Jolie stars in the titular role, whilst rising star Elle Fanning stars as Aurora/Briar Rose. Also featuring are Imelda Staunton and Juno Temple. We're not going to lie, this one looks notably good. Jolie certainly seems to be loving the role in this new teaser trailer which you can watch below: 

That concludes this particular round-up of 'new trailers,' and they're certainly two interesting films for 2014. 

Film news by Mel. 

Castle - Season 6, Episode 8 'A Murder is Forever' [Review + Recap]

Well, if ever you needed an answer for the question 'are diamonds a girls best friend?' then the answer is surely no, according to the latest episode of Castle. The episode centres around the murder of Alice, a high-profile couple's therapist who is seemingly murdered for her client list. But of course, things aren't always so simple and very quickly Beckett and Castle uncover some glittering secrets. In the form of a mysterious diamond. So, sound interesting? Well, read the recap below for more information! So, things kick off in a parking complex with aforementioned women Alice, sitting in her car, dead. 

Beckett and Castle arrive at the scene and discover she is a couple therapist and has some pretty high profile clients, possible motive perhaps? Meanwhile, there is an underlying theme to the episode in the form of Rick's lion (Linus) which gives Kate the creeps, and she would like him to move it out of the bedroom to somewhere where it can't stare at her so unnervingly. Rick objects (naturally) as he is rather fond of the lion. Hmm, wonder who will win this war? Anyway, back to Alice Clark, and the team discover her car and apartment have been ransacked, suggesting someone was looking for something. They interview Alice's boyfriend but he is next to useless, however he does bring to light the idea that she had a disgruntled client. Meanwhile, the boys in blue, Ryan and Espo manage to uncover who ransacked the apartment and it turns out to be Barrett Hawk. Just as they catch him, he destroys pretty much all the evidence that connected him to Alice using a handy shredder in the back of his car - how convenient. 

Back at base, Alice's assistant has uncovered that only one file is missing, is it relating to a couple called 'The Spencers,' but this leads no where, until they see Mr. Spencer and he reveals that he let Alice use one of his hotel rooms for a couple of days, and low and behold, in the room, Castle and Beckett discover a safe, and inside the safe - a whopping great diamond. No, it's literally huge. Ryan and Espo get it valued initially at $60 million. The diamond specialist who they have taken it to says that he will conduct further tests but he has no idea where it came from. On the ride back to base, Ryan and Espo are suddenly attacked by armed gunmen who fire several shots, but eventually get back into their car and ride off, having failed to acquire the diamond. Phew. Back at base, good ol' Captain Gates sends the boys out to track down their attackers, whilst Kate and Castle debates theories over the diamond. 

Whilst Rick comes up with an elaborate (as usual) but not entirely implausible theory, Kate discovers that one of Alice's clients owned the diamond. So close Rick! Whilst the Warners (suspected diamond owners) deny all knowledge of the diamond, apparently Hawk(eye) was seen as their place. Kate goes back in for round 2 with Hawk, and he goes off the record and states that they hired him to get the diamond back, but he didn't kill anyone and he wasn't involved in the shoot out. He also says the Warner's were mugged and a hit and run leads Ryan and Espo to get a print off the car that hit the suspected mugger. It is revealed to be Alice's boyfriend who is some sort of anti-diamond cartel missionary who is hoping to bring an end to the bloodshed caused by diamond cartels. He says that himself and Alice were working together. 

So, back to the Warner's. It is revealed that the diamond is flawless and man-made, which would put an end to the diamond cartel's as people could produce their own. It is revealed that Steve Warner created a technology that could do this, by he sold it to the cartel's initially, but then when he tried to make a gift for his wife, he realised that he could make flawless stones. He chose to keep this from the cartel's, but insists that he didn't kill Alice. It turns out that Mrs. Warner is the guilty one, and she crumbles like a cookie. 

Back at Chateau du Castle, Rick has replaced Linus with a mounted display of seashells that himself and Kate collected on their first walk on the beach in the Hamptons. Kate is thoroughly pleased and the episode ends. Overall, the episode contained lots of fun little references which fans will now doubt enjoy, and the plot progressed nicely at a steady pace. The quirky theme of diamonds and the namesake James Bond movie were well received. Next week's episode is entitled 'Disciple' and looks to be a good one! Watch the promo below: 

Recap and review by Mel. 

The Big Bang Theory - Season 7, Episode 7 'The Proton Displacement' [Recap + Review]

After a week's hiatus, The Big Bang Theory was back at it was a battle of the science professors (sort of). Bob Newhart and Billy Nye featured in the episode as Professor Proton and Bill Nye The Science Guy, respectively. The episode featured a whole heap of funny moments from Penny playing around with glue like a 4 year old, to Raj getting upset about girls night, to Amy trying to explain to Sheldon that he is annoying and of course, Sheldon interrogating Professor Proton about what type of medication he is taking. For a more in depth recap, see below:

Ok, so the episode kicked off with Sheldon, Amy and Leonard perusing the isles at a convenience store for Sheldon's medication, and surprise surprise, Sheldon is super happy about all the options available. But who else could possibly be shopping at the store but Professor Proton/Arthur! Sheldon bounds over to Arthur like a happy spaniel, despite the insistence from his friends not to. Sheldon introduces Amy as his girlfriend leading Arthur to be bewildered that he has one, however, as soon as Amy starts talking he realises why (also, Amy and Arthur are wearing matching shoes - how lovely!). Leonard re introduces himself and then Sheldon interrogates Arthur about his medication. Later on, Raj and Howard discuss Raj going to girls night, and Howard mocks him. Leonard and Sheldon come over and Leonard receives an email from Arthur who wants him to look over a science paper, leaving Sheldon bemused and slightly annoyed as to why he didn't ask him.

Back in Sheldon's apartment later, Amy tries to explain to Sheldon why this may be, but Sheldon rebuffs the idea saying he has learnt the three social necessities which include a coy face, a friendly chuckle and an air of sympathy (which Sheldon can't really master). Amy explains that he may have found Sheldon a bit too much, leaving Sheldon to pester Amy about whether it's because he is annoying, and he pretty much chases her straight out of the door. Later, Raj and the girls are making bracelets and Penny is getting en-ravelled in the glue. It's a pretty sticky affair. 

Howard then shows up and says he can find better equipment for the gang to use, leaving Raj annoyed. Sheldon later goes over to Arthur's house to try and apologise for being annoying, but it doesn't really end well, leaving Sheldon to outsource to another science personality, Bill Nye The Science Guy, who Professor Proton doesn't receive well. Back at another girls night, Howard arrives with more fun gadgets for everyone to use and continues to joke about Raj, who then exclaims how upset he is, leaving Howard to comfort him and Amy to remark that they'll probably have sex before her and Sheldon do. 

Also fun in the scene was Penny's eagerness to use the blow torch, leaving Bernadette to exclaim that its probably best she doesn't, if she can't master glue. Back at Caltech science labs, Arthur is continuing to receive help from Leonard whilst Sheldon sends him pictures of himself and Bill Nye drinking smoothies. Arthur asks Leonard why he is still friends with Sheldon and Leonard says its because they need each other, no sooner than he says that, he receives another text from Sheldon needing Leonard to come get him because he has been abandoned by Bill Nye. Later on, Arthur stops by Sheldon's apartment and apologises and asks for his help on his science paper, which Sheldon agrees to. Arthur then sees that Penny is in the apartment and eagerly wanders in for some company. The episode ends with Arthur asking Penny is she has any single grandmothers. 

Oh Professor Proton! The next episode is entitled 'The Itchy Brain Stimulation' and here is a brief synopsis: 'Leonard attempts to try and keep Sheldon from overreacting to a mistake, forcing Sheldon to make Leonard experience first hand what it's like to be him. Penny runs into Raj's ex-girlfriend Lucy.' So, what do we think will happen? Will Penny chide Lucy for ditching Raj and will Leonard be able to cope being essentially Sheldon? Only time will tell! 

Recap and review by Mel. 

The Big Bang Theory - Series 7 Opener [Review]

You may have already read a more specific recap of The Big Bang Theory Season 7 Episode 1 on this site, but I recently followed this up in a more general matter for Concrete TV's online section. You can check out the swanky new review below on their website:

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/big-bang-theory-seven-review/

Once again, I've attached a little excerpt from the review to get the momentum going! Enjoy! '...American sitcom The Big Bang Theory is back for its seventh season, featuring the return of the weird but wonderful group of friends...'

Reviewed by Mel. 

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013) Review

I recently wrote another review for Concrete (UEA's student newspaper), about the new food-themed sequel to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (aptly named Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2). If you'd like to check out my review on the site, click the link below! 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs-2-review/

I've attached an excerpt of the review below: '...Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is the animated adventure follow-up to the original 2009 surprise hit. The sequel sees the return of Flint (Bill Hader) and his friends, with Flint finally being recognized for his whimsical inventions. The celebrations don't last very long as the gang are forced to go off and battle food/animal hybrids that are being produced by Flint's old machine...' 

Reviewed by Mel.