21 Jump Street (2012) Review

              "We're like, in the end of 'Die Hard' right now, only it's our actual life!"

2012 saw the unlikely unison of two actors, Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, whose bromance blossomed in the undeniably funny and incredibly self-deprecating film, 21 Jump Street. Based off the television series of the same name (you know, the one starring Johnny Depp!) and with Lord and Miller at the helm of the production, 21 Jump Street raised the bar for action comedies, packing plenty of punch in an affectionate, self-mocking manner. With the release of the sequel, 22 Jump Street, recently we have enjoyed copious amounts of the original, going back to the place it started. 

The transition from television to film can often be a rocky one, with many productions just not managing to carry off the same level of charm that the small screen can encapsulate. In an effort to produce successful blockbuster films, it seems that the film industry is looking back to past television programs to adapt for the big screen, and with this comes an incredible amount of risk. In an age of revivals, reboots and adaptations, the main problem with these ventures is that some of them just simply don’t work and can end up offending fans of the originals with their half-hearted attempt at big screen success. Fortunately, this is not the case in the matter of 21 Jump Street.

Starring as Officer Morton Schmidt in this riveting cinematic ride is funny-man Jonah Hill, who portrays an intentionally stereotypical ‘nerd’ whose obsession with Eminem and chemistry rivals none other. Filling the role of the intentionally stereotypical ‘jock’ is Channing Tatum, whose character loves nothing more than sports and girls and is a little slow-witted. Former rivals in high school, the two unite together in their police training as each needs help from the other to pass the training courses. Fresh out of the academy and in uniform, and after a brief encounter with drug dealers (who mostly escape), the two are quickly reassigned to an old chapel on 21 Jump Street, where they are to go undercover at a local high school. Their mission is simple: find the suppliers and dealers of a new dangerous drug, H.F.S, and stop those responsible, whilst blending in with the local students.  Portraying the tough-talking Captain Dickson is none other than Ice Cube, who is so hilarious and purposely offensive that you can’t help but genuinely laugh. 

Hill and Tatum make for a surprisingly dynamic duo; the two have such a electrifying on screen chemistry that you almost start to think they are actually brothers in real life. It’s true; the bromance level is set to maximum levels, as the two cause chaos pretty much wherever they go. From bizarre drug hallucinations to wild parties and a hilarious car-chase scene, 21 Jump Street can’t be accused of not being funny. Possibly one of the greatest things about the film is that it clearly doesn’t take itself seriously. Where this meant to be a hard-hitting drama then it would be an entirely different story, but its own self-mocking nature makes you realise that this is a far more witty film than you may have first anticipated. Whereas some films can only claim to be ‘funny’, opting for the cheap gags and minor thrills, 21 Jump Street manages to achieve genuine laughs for more than its just slapstick humour.

If all this wasn’t enough for you to enjoy, then you can also look forward to a cameo of the original ’21 Jump Streeters’ as older Johnny Depp and Peter DeLuise make an appearance as their original characters, Tom Hanson and Doug Penhall. Full of in-jokes, an abundance of satire, and a few touching moments to boot, 21 Jump Street makes sure it will make a mark on its audience long after they have left the cinema.

With the sequel to look forward to (which will hopefully prove just as funny and be as cleverly written as the original) the Jump Street series looks unstoppable, and rightly so. 21 Jump Street brought us something that is desperately needed in the latest Hollywood domination – a comedy which is genuinely funny.

Stromae - ta fête & Papaoutai [New Music Discoveries!]

In the latest addition of 'New Music Discoveries', we move onto Belgian singer-songwriter Stromae (Paul Van Haver)! We've been aware of Stromae for quite a bit now, since 'Alors on danse', and he seems like a suitable addition for our new section. 

You can check out our other additions below, from Indila to Lindsey Stirling:
Our segment on dubstep violinist Lindsey Stirling 
Our segment on French music artist Indila 

Anyway, back to Stromae. The young musician has established himself in electronic music genres (and hip-hop), and came to wide attention with his smash hit 'Alors on danse', which was popular in a variety of countries. 'Alors on danse' was an electronic/house mix with elements of classical instruments, which made for an interesting combination. His latest musical outing, however, comes in the form of 'ta fête', which is now the official song for the Belgian football selection at the 2014 World Cup. Pretty impressive. The track itself has caused much debate between fans who are unsure of its hidden meaning; whether it be about football or society and life. 

To us, we believe it is both. The song was written and released long before it ever had 'football' linked to it, and although the music video (watch below) incorporates elements of football into it (the man in the green suit is the ball for instance, with the other 'team mates' tackling him whilst he tries to reach the goal), it has clear elements of society in it - with one player being dressed up as a judge and the other dons a wedding veil. We feel the track is about societal expectations and doubles up as a form of social commentary, whilst also being relate-able to the popular sports game. Football can often be used as a metaphor for life, with its wins and losses, and the difficulty in reaching where you want to be, whilst achieving your aims. 

Stromae is of course also responsible for other popular hits such as 'Papaoutai', which has a variety of meanings (that can be interpreted), whilst its music video is filled with high-energy filled and intrinsic dancing. A popular interpretation of the video is that it relates to Stromae's absent father (who was killed in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide), and it is quite a poignant and striking piece. The latest music video from Stromae (ta fête) is particularly cinematic and is rather visually enticing, and we love the way it plays out so dramatically on screen, with Stromae lurking rather ominously in the background above the players. 

What you can always expect from Stromae's music videos and songs is a deeper meaning and the videos for the tracks always end up being that much more brilliant as they are new and exciting, and always imaginative. Other favourite tracks from Stromae include the lesser known 'Te quiero', and the likely more known 'Tous les mêmes'. If you haven't heard of Stromae before, we suggest you check his videos out on VEVO or YouTube, as he is a really intriguing musical artist and certainly one to keep your eye on. 

Lana Del Rey - Shades of Cool (Official Music Video) [+ Review]

Just released, Lana Del Rey's new music video (watch below) for her track 'Shades of Cool' is a length visual affair. Taken from her album, Ultraviolence, 'Shades of Cool' is the second track release from the singer. Featuring plenty of blue hues, the music video sees Lana take a dip in a pool and also be incorporated into many retro editing effects, which see the sultry singer spinning around in a psychedelic effect, and feature in a cross-over between her 'man' and herself smoking whilst the American flag plays over. The whole affair is quite cinematic and vintage, which is typical from the singer. 

You can read a review of the track itself here

The video also features a dream-like sequence (which we particularly love), where we can see the singer be engulfed by fireworks whilst whimsically twirling as she coos her lyrics; 'Your heart is unbreakable'. Featuring a montage of imagery (from the American Flag, to a sunny landscape adorned with palm trees, and of course, Lana's effortless twirling), the music video is heavily stylized to fit in with the album's vibe and influence, as it reflects the singer's love of that era. The track itself is sophisticated and the video aptly brooding to reflect that, and the whole affair is certainly a feast for the eyes. Watch Del Rey's music video for 'Shades of Cool', below: 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) Review

      'Everyone has a part of themselves they hide, even from the people they love most
                               And you don't have forever, none of us ever do' 

Webb’s Spider-Man is back, and reunited with Gwen Stacy, for this 142 minute long adventure. Yes, it is 142 minutes long – that’s 2 hours and 22 minutes. While the running time is problematic for a variety of reasons, there are some redeeming factors of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which has received a mixed reaction from critics since its release, despite grossing over $700 million to date. Back along for the web-slinging adventure is of course Andrew Garfield who dons the iconic suit to play Spider-Man, and Emma Stone, who portrays the confident and determined Gwen Stacy.

In the prologue of the first film, we saw that Parker’s parents abandoned him in mysterious circumstances, and this sequel opens with that perspective, as we are able to see what truly happened to his parents. Flashing forward to present day, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 follows Peter Parker (Garfield) as he continues to battle crime in the city whilst being involved in a relationship with Gwen Stacy (Stone). However, this relationship is put under continual strain as Peter constantly questions whether he should be following her Dad’s wishes (about not being together) as he keeps seeing visions of her Dad around. With the arrival of Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), Parker’s old friend, Parker’s life quickly descends into chaos as he struggles to deal with new villains, not to mention the questionable future he might have with Gwen.

If you there’s one thing you can count on audiences and critics alike to do, its compare original films with the reboots/spin-offs/sequels. So, for those who delight in battling it out between Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy and Webb’s series, it has to be said that the two series seem to falter when they over-pack their plot with too many villains - in this case, the incredibly tedious Spider-Man 3 on Raimi’s part – which featured Venom, New Goblin, Sandman and a dose of Green Goblin (seriously, why?) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s Green Goblin, Electro and Rhino (seriously people, is it too much to ask for just one villain per film?).

Whilst the excessive amount of villains makes The Amazing Spider-Man 2 seem a little overdrawn and laboured in some places, it is still entirely more bearable than Spider-Man 3. Not to mention that Dane DeHaan’s performance as the Green Goblin/Harry Osborn is pretty impressive. His character is so deliciously twisted and DeHaan does an amazing job at emulating the intrinsic quirks to his character through his subtle movements and facial expressions; from his recoiled reactions, maniacal laughter and strained voice, his is able to fully capture the illness of his character and the desperation he faces which eventually proves to be his undoing. Jamie Foxx also suits up for the sequel, starring as Electro/Max Dillon, an electrical engineer who just wants to be noticed and idolises Spider-Man. Foxx is unassuming and introverted as his character initially, and he is able to convey the transformation his character goes through with ease.

Headlining as the ‘Amazing’ Spider-Man is of course Andrew Garfield, who teams up with Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy in order to bring down the villains in this latest extravagant action film. Whoever cast those two as Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy has surely been congratulated on numerous occasions as the two have undeniable chemistry on (and off) screen and this is a true delight to watch. In a sequel which has ultimately more heart and emotional weight than the previous instalment, it seems greatly fitting that these two should be the epicentre for emotion, with all their natural chemistry. Garfield’s Parker is as unashamedly awkward as ever and his pairing with Stone’s Stacy is no less than perfect, as she isn’t afraid to say what she wants and what she is thinking, especially when Parker cracks one of his cheesy jokes. It’s fair to say that watching those two is ultimately one of the highlights of the film and their performances together carry the film across its excessive running time (not to mention they are ten times more watch-able than Dunst/Maguire).

In a world where CGI animation and visual effects seem to have become the norm, it is difficult for a film, which relies on the ‘amazing’, to establish itself amongst the numerous spectacles out there. For audiences who have come to expect such wondrous visuals it becomes increasingly difficult to entertain, and this will inevitably be the case for some audiences and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. However, Marc Webb’s follow-up to 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man is undoubtedly incredible in the visual sense, even to those who may now see special effects as common-place in movies; from the dramatic clock-tower sequence to the ‘Electro’ magnetic battle (see what we did there), the film is beautifully envisioned on screen.

Whilst The Amazing-Spider Man 2 suffers from its over-packed narrative and extensive running time, it is on a whole a more emotionally heavy piece, backed up by the outstanding performances from its actors, and the overwhelming chemistry between its two leading characters. This elevates the film above average status and combined with its dazzling visual effects, makes sure that whilst The Amazing Spider-Man 2 may not be as ‘amazing’ as people would have hoped, it is certainly worth watching and still thoroughly entertaining. 

Game of Thrones - Season 4 (Finale), Episode 10 'The Children' [Recap + Review]

As Game of Thrones Season 4 triumphantly ends, we look back at the episode in this incredible, spoiler-filled recap/review. Once again - SPOILER FILLED. So y'know, don't read if you haven't watched (or maybe you're intrigued - so go right ahead!). Yes in the land of Westeros, the major events of the fourth season finally end(ish) and we see some actual conclusions. In an episode where most audiences (who have read the books) were dying to see the ending, you would think that you may have got more than a little bored watching the rest of the 50-ish minutes beforehand. However, this week's episode of Game of Thrones managed to sustain its entertainment for the entire 66 minutes; as audiences were left astounded and no doubt delighted by the events. The episode offered some serious character progression that lacked in its episode as the writers tried to stretch out the dramatic conclusion until the end episode (here's looking at you Battle for the Wall). For our recap of the night's dramatic episode, read below: 

Dad, I have something to tell you 

In darling King's Landing, Cersei (Lena Headey), Pycelle (Julian Glover) and Qyburn (Anton Lesser) watch over Ser Gregor (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson), as he lays dying from his wounds inflicted by Prince Oberyn (a.k.a exploded head). Qyburn suggests he can try something different and possibly heal Ser Gregor, but Pycelle is reluctant and states that there is nothing more they can do for him, but Cersei instruct Qyburn to do whatever it takes. Cersei then departs to see her father, Tywin (Charles Dance), to tell him that she will not marry Ser Loras and pretty much says that she will kill herself and her boy before she lets anyone take him away from her. 

She then rather boldly admits that the rumours are true and she has slept with Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and that her children are in fact theirs. This leaves Tywin startled and he says he doesn't believe her (but we all know he does) and Cersei leaves to go confess her love/have sex with Jaime. 

After the battle, in Narnia 

In the aftermath of the war, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) meets with Mance Rayder (Ciaran Hinds) to discuss terms of a 'truce', but Mance figures out that Jon only has the intention to kill him. Before either can get in a brawl, horns sound and it is revealed that a large army is attacking - led by Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane). Stannis captures Mance upon the insistence of Jon, who requests that he not kill him, and later Jon burns Ygritte's (Rose Leslie) body at her funeral. 

In the other section of the land where time forgot, Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) and his companions finally reach the tree, but are attacked by reanimated skeletons. Jojen is killed in the attack, but the others are saved by a child of the forest who offers them shelter in the tree. They are greeted by the three-eyed Raven (Struan Rodger), who says to Bran that he will never walk again, but he will fly. 

Dragons be crazy 

Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) meets with her subjects, including a man who wants to be sold back to his master so he can be a teacher again. Daenerys reluctantly agrees, but only if he makes a contract with his Master that lasts no more than a year. Unfortunately, Dany also meets with a man whose 3 year old daughter has been incinerated by one of the Khaleesi's dragons. 

Daenerys is distraught, and with a heavy heart, chains her other dragons in the catacombs below the Great Pyramid, whilst she searches for her other dragon, Drogon. 

You ain't nothing but a hound-dog

In the Vale, Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) and Podrick (Daniel Portman) notice their horses are missing and wander around to find them, coming across Arya Stark (Maisie Williams). The Hound (Rory McCann) appears and demands to know their business, but Podrick recognises him and Brienne deduces that the girl is in fact Arya Stark. She insists that she was loyal to Arya's mother and that Arya should come with her, but The Hound is insistent that she should not, noticing the Lannister sword she carries. A fight quickly ensues between Brienne and The Hound, and after receiving some pretty heavy blows, Brienne manages to push The Hound off a cliff ledge. The Hound is gravely injured and Brienne and Podrick search for Arya, who is no where to be found. 

After they depart, Arya appears and sits and talks with The Hound as he lays dying. The Hound begs Arya to kill him, but instead, she takes his gold and goes, leaving him to die alone. Arya arrives at a nearby harbour with a ship that is destined to sail to Braavos, and using the coin that she has been given and the words that she knows, she boards the ship. 

Happy Father's day, Dad! 

Later in the day in King's Landing, Jaime frees Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) from his cell before he can be executed, and tells him to knock at the door for Varys (Conleth Hill)so the latter can escort him out of the city to safety. However, Tyrion delays leaving, and instead goes to his father's quarters and finds Shae (Sibel Kekilli) in Tywin's bed. Shae sees Tyrion and startled, grabs a knife and tries to kill him, but Tyrion overpowers her and strangles her to death. 

After having murdered Shae, he arms himself with a crossbow and locates his father on the privy. Aiming the crossbow at his father, who insists that he won't kill him, he talks with his father about family and Shae. His father calls Shae a whore and says that it doesn't matter if Tyrion killed her. Tyrion warns his father not to call Shae a whore, but he does and Tyrion shoots him in the chest. He then loads the crossbow again, and kills Tywin, after which he locates Varys and departs King's Landing on a ship in a crate. 

Filled to the brim with drama and tension, 'The Children' was an enthralling episode in the Game of Thrones saga, with stand-out performances from Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke and Lena Headey. The fight between Brienne and The Hound was particularly captivating, and the action suitably dirty (lots of Crotch shots and low-blows, with Brienne biting off The Hound's ear - bloody!), which is sure to delight audiences. The Hound's death was particularly poignant as we never fully got to see him die, with Arya not giving The Hound the satisfaction of a quick death, we shows how far her character has progressed. Maisie Williams portrayed Arya beautifully in this episode, and in the closing scenes where she stood at the helm of the ship as it sailed of into the distance, was particularly memorable and wonderfully acted. The undeniable star of the episode was of course Dinklage, who finally got his revenge, and it turns out it is a dish best served with a bolt to the heart. Dinklage's Tyrion was incredibly emotive and you can't help but get behind him and feel a certain sense of satisfaction when he finally breaks free with the help of Jaime (and their brotherly embrace was pretty heart-warming). 

Emilia Clarke makes sure to pull at audiences heart strings as her character is forced to lock away her babies (dragons) for fear they might hurt someone, and the look on her face says it all; beautiful and raw acting from the starlet in that particular segment. In a surprising twist of fate, Lena Headey manages to garner some sympathy for her character as she locks horns with her Father and confesses her undying love for her brother (a little disturbing), and we can't help but feel a little bit sorry for her - her son is dead, her daughter gone, and now her other child must be king and be fought over like some sort of prize. Charles Dance, as always, put in a stunning performance as Tyrion, and his death scene, whilst not the bloodiest, was perhaps one of the most memorable in its sense of justice; from the son to the father. 

Overall, 'The Children' was a memorable episode and tied most loose ends off nicely, setting us up for the fifth season (even if we have to wait another year!).