Pacific Rim (2013) Review

Directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba, amongst others, Pacific Rim centers around the guise that it is the 2020's and the earth is under attack by monsters which have emerged from an interdimensional portal, conveniently located at the bottom of the pacific ocean (hence the name).

The film sports some incredible visuals - aesthetically the film has a nice feel. Del Toro however, did not want the film to lose a message behind all the graphics - he does not condone war and he wanted this to come across; he included shots that show buildings being evacuated before they are destroyed, to try and draw away from the mass death and destruction scenes that are so popular in Hollywood blockbusters nowadays.

On method, he is commendable. The film however, can drag at certain points and at times can feel a bit hollow. However, the writing is good, the graphics are good and this holds enough weight to carry the film. Pacific Rim is definitely high in style as opposed to substance, but this is not always bad - it is interesting to appreciate the visual draw of the film.


Think of the film like a better version of Transformers - the same basic premise but Pacific Rim is of a higher caliber - there's no Megan Fox, but there's no Shia LaBeouf either, so that's a good thing.


If you want deep and meaningful scripts with complexity and creativity I would suggest you look elsewhere. This is less of a human drama piece and mainly centered around the monsters that grace the screen. Although well intentioned, the film comes across as mildly simple minded, however, if you are an action fan i'm sure you will come away feeling satisfied with this creation by Del Toro.

3.5 stars

Reviewed by Yaz 

Selena Gomez - Slow Down

Selena Gomez is back (without her 'scene') with a new song 'Slow Down' from her debut studio album Stars Dance (2013). The new song and accompanying music video sees Selena continue her maturing image and developing musical style but still maintaining the previous themes of her music, such as relationships. 'Slow Down' was produced by The Cataracs and Dave Kuncio and possesses a mix between electronic dance music/dance-pop with undertones of dance rhythm and dubstep influences. As previously stated, the track revolves around relationships and 'taking things slow' as opposed to rushing straight into it. There's a certain element of sass to her voice and lyrics - 'Now that I have captured your attention' and 'If you want me I'm accepting applications' - which I kind of like. The tone of the track sounds more mature but still retains its club vibe and funky rhythm. 

The drop in the bass after 'go' prompts the dubstep influences and offers a catchy hook to the song. The song features classic dance-pop elements such as repetition in the chorus of the words 'slow' and 'song' (this will inevitably be the point in which everyone can/will get up off their seats and have a crazy dance off/rhythmic expression through bodily movement). Overall the song is rather catchy and it's interesting to see how Gomez's music progresses and how she evolves as a solo artist; her new track although typical of dance-pop, shows a more mature sounding Gomez who is still able to recreate the fun, carefree sounds that she's known for. And this is what this track is all about. It's fun, it's meant to be easy to dance to. It doesn't over-complicate things or try to be something it's not. Sometimes we all just need something to dance to, and this certainly fits the bill. Now onto the music video: 

Ok, as I'm sure you will have already guessed, the music video was filmed in Paris, France (the Eiffel Tower didn't make it obvious at all did it?) and features Selena driving around in a Mercedes-Benz, in a club and on a street. Riveting stuff. The scenery that accompanies the video is quite nice from a visual perspective and certainly sets the scene. Selena enters the scene inside the car as she sings, dressed in an embellished black dress and giant emerald earrings. The video switches between Selena in the vehicle and in a club where neon lights flash repeatedly. It certainly possesses a sultry tone and club vibe which matches the music nicely. Likewise, the video changes pace with the track and Selena has a little dance with herself; cue wild arm flailing. 

Suddenly we're on the streets and Gomez is walking down an empty street with more arm movement and singing. And now we're back in the club again. Aside from the fact that I'm getting dizzy with all these cuts to different places, the video is fairly tame so far and pretty typical of a young female pop artist like Gomez, it's sultry, fun, but it's certainly not too 'out there' or crazy, which could be a good/bad thing depending on what you're looking for, but my guess is you're not looking for Gaga or Ke$ha type stuff. I like the composition and framing of the shots and along with the lighting it helps the video to achieve its cool and funky tone. I particularly like the montage of scenery shots and the shot though the tunnel as it reflects a form of escapism. 

This really echoes the tone of the video, it is a dance-pop song which is just meant to be fun and offer a reprieve from the day to day. It's a get up and dance type of song and the video emphasises this, it's not too complex or pretentious and it's not unnecessarily vulgar or boring. There's also some interpretive dance 'breathing' movements which are interesting to watch. Overall, it's not too 'in your face' and suits the track perfectly and it'll be intriguing to see the development of the music as Gomez progresses as an music artist. 

Music video and track reviewed by Mel. 

Tinie Tempah - Trampoline

UK singer and rapper commercially known as Tinie Tempah has released the music video for his lead single 'Trampoline' from his new album Demonstration. Demonstration will be released fully later this year.

The track is produced by Diplo and Tempah has said that the track 'serves as a transition between the first and the second album' quoting that 'he didn't want to think too much about it'. Musically, the song is not bad - it is catchy and clearly a party tune designed for clubs, however it does not quite capture the same feel as his previous hit 'pass out' but that's to be expected. It certainly is not a bad song. The tempo is fast paced, there's a lot of repetition in the lyrics but this serves to make the song catchy and supplies it with a rhythm that you 

could certainly dance to.

However, the music video is nothing ground breaking. As you might expect from the style of music, the video focuses heavily on sexualised themes - there are lots of young women, lots of close up shots of young women and lots of scenes of  young women dancing. This is nothing new. Even Tempah acknowledges that the song is supposed to be cheeky, describing it as 'a climax'. 

The video is also full of colour, throughout the video, the scenes transition through a rainbow of colours. It's all very retro-futuristic looking. The sets are not elaborate - mostly dark rooms, but the odd splash of colour aids to distract your mind from thinking it all looks a bit ordinary.

Ultimately, the music video is just what you'd expect and you are unlikely to be surprised or indeed shocked by it; I can't help thinking a better concept would have aided the music video somewhat and therefore better promoted the song. On music video alone, it is likely forgettable. The song has a ring to it, but it is not clear whether this will help increase sales enough to make it incredibly successful, however I doubt that it will do too badly.

The explicit version of the music video below:

Reviewed by Yaz.

Lady Gaga - New Applause Cover artwork (+ Artpop)

The new cover artwork for what will be the first single from the new album 'ARTPOP' by Lady Gaga has been released. The poignant image (shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin), sees Gaga's face positioned in between two pieces of white fabric; her face decorated with a mix of aqua, blue, yellow and turquoise paints. The song is set to be released on iTunes on the 19th August and subsequently will be the first day fans will be album to pre-order the ARTPOP album. This will set Gaga up nicely for her appearance on the 2013 MTV Music & Video Awards (VMA's) on August the 25th, where she will perform the new single. This will no doubt be a highlight of the evening and I'm sure eager eyed fans will not want to miss what is without a doubt going to be quite a spectacle. 

The upcoming single is said to reflect a more vulnerable side of Gaga which will please her fans who have yet to see this side of her. Following on from this, she has described this new venture as 'something more human, something more honest', however, the song itself (which was co wrote with DJ White Shadow) isn't sombre, in fact Gaga states that the song is 'full of happiness' and touches upon the idea of 'living for the applause' and the effect her fans, music and performing have on her. This is no more apparent in a statement where she cited her upcoming album as a fusion of 'electronic passion and fury' which 'mirrors Gaga's creative process'. Whether you're a fan of her past work or not, Gaga is most certainly back and it's sure to be an unmissable ride. I for one, am excited to see what Gaga and ARTPOP has in store for us over the next few months. 

Dexter - Season 8 Episode 5 'This little piggy' (SPOILERS)

Hey there, if you have not seen Dexter Season 8 Episode 5 and want the plot summary to remain fresh and unspoiled for you, I suggest you stop reading this now.

OK for everyone who did watch this episode - thoughts? Season 8 so far has been a gentle introduction to what will ultimately be, the end of the Dexter run. Since there will be no more episodes after Season 8, the writers have to wind down Dexter's story to a (hopefully) satisfying conclusion, here's hoping we get that.

Last episode we left Debra Morgan and Dexter Morgan driving along in Dexter's car. This is where promptly Debra went a bit bat-shit crazy and proceeded to grab the steering wheel and swerve the car into a nearby lake/pond/river/whatever. Cue courageous passer by who dives in after seeing the car crash and saves Debra from the car, pulling her to shore. This is obviously where the passer by thinks 'well I've done enough hero work today' and doesn't bother to attempt to save the other passenger - namely Dexter. Debra seems to have a pang of guilt and dives in to save him, episode ends with them both emerging from the water. It all seems a bit pointless - if you're going to try and murder him Debra, at least COMMIT to it, y'know, take a leaf out of Dexter's book and all that. But anyway, this is where we are coming into episode 5.


The scene opens with an apparent 'intervention' style family counselling session between Debra and Dexter mediated by Evelyn Vogel. Oh, so they are totally fine from the car crash then, cool, I thought you know they might have at least some injuries from the impact but whatever, writers. Dexter brings up the very good point that not only did Debra try and kill him (and herself) but if she succeeded she would also have left Harrison an orphan. Debra shrugs it off (clearly she didn't think this through) and Dexter makes clearly the most groundbreaking announcement: that he's 'not perfect' - well no shit, Sherlock. Dexter eventually leaves angry and frustrated telling Vogel not to forget to 'write it all down'. Clearly Dexter is not a family therapy fan.

Later, cut to the police station and the main revelations are: Masuka apparently has a female child and the girl Dexter saved from the basement is alive. Woo-hoo, score 1 for the supposed 'good guys'. Quinn and Miller head over to the Hamilton's house (accompanied by Dexter, although it's not really necessary for him to be there) and Dexter gets to eye up the Hamilton's very creepy and suspicious son who protests his Dad's innocence.

Cut back to Vogel and she's having a little dance party in her house, playing her favourite reserved, folky stylings and BAM Yates crashes through the window. It's all very dramatic. Dexter is investigating Yates' burial plot, with victims planted in the garden with rose bushes growing on top. Each victim has broken toes and were eventually killed with a stab to the chest. Meanwhile Deb turns up at Vogel's house, sees the carnage and goes running to Dexter - we can see the anguish in Deb's face, she 'couldn't imagine life' without him in it, that's why she saved him. Team Morgan get rolling on to find Vogel.

Quinn and Miller investigate Norma's death and find that Hamilton Junior was at the scene - possible eyewitness or possible killer? However, after reporting it in, the witness recants, Quinn is angry, he thinks Matthews had a hand in this. Masuka grows more suspicious of his daughter's appearance and Dexter's frankly unwanted date turns up at his house, however he eventually manages to get out of the date and

leaves.

Yates is threatening Vogel with cutting off her toes; Vogel, distressed attempts to gain the psychological upper hand by impersonating Yates' mother. She manages to call Dexter on her phone allowing him to listen in. Deb gets her boss to track the number and team Morgan promptly roll out to the address. However Yates has found the phone.

Team Morgan arrive on location but Vogel is tied up and Yates is nowhere to be seen. Dexter enters his zen mode and promptly stabs the bed with a pole, killing Yates who was hiding underneath - why was he hiding? Who the hell knows, he could have just escaped.

Cue happy ending: Vogel praising the Morgans for working as a team - everyone seemingly happy and satisfied even though they are literally clearing up a body and for any normal person this would be a harrowing experience, but for these people it's like family bonding. They dump the body and all is well - it's a very weird scene with everyone looking increasingly creepy in the pale moonlight on Dexter's boat.

Next time: Who killed Norma, was it the creepy son? How will Vogel cope now that Yates is gone, how will she fit into the Morgan's lives? And most importantly, will Dexter and Cassie eventually have their date?

Review by Yaz.

Ke$ha - Crazy Kids ft. Will.i.am [Review]

Rolling in with her giant gold-rimmed sunglasses, a mountain of golden accessories and cornrows, it's Ke$ha, in her latest music video, with her latest techno-pop/hip-hop track - 'Crazy Kids'. The new song sees Ke$ha dip in and out of two vocalistic personalities, for example, the chorus is certainly catchy and easy to sing along to. In this verse, she adopts a rather sweet sounding tone 'hello, wherever you are, are you dancing on the dance-floor or drinking by the bar' in which she performs some of her more impressive vocals. I like this softer side of Ke$ha, as it shows a different side to her music and has a summery sound to it, which works rather nicely with the contrasting hip hop beats that follow. In this version, Ke$ha returns to her usual insane, snappy self, hitting listeners with verses like 'They know my zodiac, I'm no virgin or no Virgo, I'm crazy that's my word doe'. The track is also laden with various whistling (which in all admission, will either drive you insane or be on repeat for days) which adds the eclectic rhythm that is trademark Ke$ha. Overall, I find the track one of Ke$ha's more appealing, and actually it is rather sharp, snappy and whimsical, making it easy to listen to over and over again. A classic Ke$ha track mixed in with a few surprises. However, the disappointing and somewhat annoying addition to the track would be 'will.i.am'. Quite frankly, his verses in the song were irrelevant, tedious and out of place, in what is, a good composition. I would recommend listening to the acoustic version or simply skip over/switch off when will.i.am's segment comes on. 

 

Now onto the wonderfully ludicrous music video. It would appear Ke$ha has gone for some sort of geeky, ice-cream coloured get-up, laden with and excessive amount of gold coloured jewellery complete with grill, customised rings and plenty of illuminati symbols to boot. Ke$ha can also be seen sitting surrounded by two dogs, which reminds me of 'vintage gaga' in her 'Just Dance' video where she can be seen with two great danes, and similar to that of Lana del Ray's video for 'Born to Die' where she is accompanied by two tigers. 

During the minute Ke$ha performs some impromptu dancing in what can only be described as a golden room, backed by what seems to be golden bullets and golden lions. Additionally, she flutters around shaking illuminati symbols left, right and centre, incorporating psychedelic effects and lasers. However, next up in will.i.am's pitiful contribution where, he isn't actually physically in the video, but instead projected onto a  golden spaceman who just walks around the place. Fortunately, his brief stint doesn't last very long and we can once again return to the magical land that is Ke$ha's imagination where pool parties with donut rings (the aquatic kind), old people and paralytic dancing occur. Ke$ha and her ol' biker pals then treat us to some wacky dance moves complete with hand shaking and rhythmic body movements. 

Cue montage of Ke$ha in her various outfits (featuring a more evening-wear look where her hair is fashioned into glossy curls, and she is dressed in a fringed black and gold dress) singing the ending lyrics. In the ending sequence Ke$ha flashes some seriously 'tricked out' nail art in the signature pastel colours, complete with rings with the words 'crazy' and 'kids' embellished onto them, while she stares rather madly at the camera. I mean, what more could you want from a Ke$ha video? Yes, it's completely bonkers but at least it's interesting to watch and really, what are you expecting? So, if you're a fan of the weird and wonderful previous songs and videos of Ke$ha's, you won't be disappointed with this latest release. 

Music video and song reviewed by Mel. 

The Worlds End (2013) Review

At first, I was apprehensive about seeing Pegg & Frost's new addition to their 'Cornetto Trilogy' - The World's End (2013). I have seen the two previous instalments, Hot Fuzz (2007) and Shaun of the Dead (2004) and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed them (especially Hot Fuzz) but I was wary as to whether Pegg and Frost could pull off another successfully snappy and humorous addition, and live up to the hype. I need not have worried, however, as the last instalment is quick, witty and hilarious - without feeling like it has distanced itself to far away from the previous films in terms of structure, dialogue and style. I wont spoil it for anyone who has yet to have seen it, as it's release in the United States isn't scheduled until late August, but I have to say that one of the most memorable scenes take place inside a bathroom, where Pegg performs his part perfectly as Gary King - a rebellious, often inattentive man who wishes to regain his lost youth by completing a failed pub crawl he attempted as a teenager. 

The World's End directed by Edgar Wright and written by Wright and Pegg, follows Gary and his friends Andrew Knightley (Frost), Steven Prince (Paddy Considine), Oliver Chamberlain (Martin Freeman) and Peter Page (Eddie Marsan) on a apocalyptic-style bar crawl which sees them face off against many different obstacles in order to survive, and for Gary, in order to reach The World's End, the final pub on the golden mile bar crawl.

Ultimately, the film will prove a hit to those who have enjoyed Pegg and Frost's previous partnerships and has the comedic flair to appeal to those who have yet to embrace the anarchy of the pairing. The films shifts in its style and tone throughout the film, but slows down at crucial moments in order for the action and events to set in properly enough for the audience to grasp them. The dialogue is as always superb, and the script is well-written; there are points where you are on the edge of your seat, eagerly adhering to the monumental detail of the piece. As always, the film proves that it is funny, and utterly ridiculous at some points, which is what makes it even more so. If you have yet to see The World's End, you will not be disappointed as it's well worth the time. 

4.5/5 stars 

The World's End, reviewed by Mel. 

One Direction - Best Song Ever

It's out! One Direction's music video for their 9th Single 'Best Song Ever' has finally been released after long awaited anticipation by fans. The single features Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall and Zayn blasting out very similar lyrical stylings to their previous singles; there is nothing new here with this up-tempo song, not to say that subsequently it is a bad song, it is just very in keeping with their preferred pop genre of music. The song is upbeat, has a catchy chorus (that you would find hard to forget) but ultimately some of the verses lack memorability. Zayn Malik performs an incredible falsetto note 3/4 of the way through the song, something to be commended. The band is bound to please its more youthful fans with this new song, however the song structure and composition is nothing to be marveled at by the more experienced listener. It is a catchy pop song designed to have a beat that you wont forget for a while after having listened. If this is what you seek from a musical piece, then this might be the song for you.

What the band mostly succeed on is their rather hilarious parody styled video in which each of the band members play an alternative character, as well as their true selves. The video opens with Louis and Niall portraying Jonny and Harvey, two studio executives talking about show business (the video is set in Hollywood). Their conversation is interrupted by Zayn, playing Veronica the 'sexy' assistant, who informs the two that one direction, the band, have arrived. Cue all 5 band members entering the office to speak to the studio executives. The performance given by Louis and Niall is probably the most credible, although Harry (who then enters as Marcel the marketing director) gives a good show. Liam subsequently enters and portrays Leeroy the choreographer - he has clearly taken his inspiration from Pineapple Dance Studios star Louie Spence.

Hilarity ensues (they aren't going to win any awards for their performances acting wise, but it is funny to watch) and the boys begin destroying the studio and mocking all the ridiculous suggestions for wardrobe and image that Marcel has created for them. The video then fades back into usual One Direction style: them pulling various unusual faces, lots of jumping, cheesy dancing (although I think in an ironic sense) and video of them around the world on their tour - bearing in mind this song will accompany their movie due to be released in late August.

Overall, the music video is really where this song triumphs and is much likely to be more memorable on that basis alone. The song is not bad, but it's not overwhelmingly good either - if you have liked the previous musical stylings of this band then it is likely you will enjoy this song just as much as you have enjoyed any of their others.

Song and music video reviewed by Yaz.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) - New Theatrical Trailer!

It's here! The new theatrical trailer (released during the 2013 San Diego Comic Con) for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) is finally here! The new film takes its lead from the first, where Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) won the 74th Annual Hunger Games and now have to return home to the what will inevitably be trouble. The new trailer opens to Katniss lonesomely walking through Victors' Village, there's snow falling, and we are being set up for some dramatic tension. Cue dramatic family embrace between Katniss and younger sister Primrose. Cutting away from that we see Peeta and Katniss chugging along and as they whizz past we are treated to more mockingjay symbols as a sign of 'hope.' Next, a Morgan Freeman lookalike raises his three fingers in the air as we have previously seen from the former film, and also we are treated to some awkward Peeta/Katniss exchanges as the former protests against the notion that they have to have different on/off screen relationships. Oh Peeta bread, when will you learn? Riots and outbreaks emerge and then we are thrust into a conversation between Mr. Crazy Eyebrows (President Snow, portrayed by Donald

Sutherland) and his friend, who are talking about eliminating Katniss. Then more rioting ensues and Morgan Freeman lookalike is dragged to the front of the stage and people are being beaten left, right and centre. Rather predictably, Mr. Crazy Eyebrows then announces that the 75th Hunger Games will be comprised of previous champions, uh oh, better go hide Peeta. 

Once again, Katniss sees herself and Peeta be chosen, and in comes Purple Ponytail aka Caeser Flickerman (played by Stanley Tucci) looking as fabulously flamboyant as ever and introduces a reluctant Katniss, who emerges in a white ensemble. Then begins the ever dramatic montage of people fighting, backing track blazing and people training to survive. We are reminded that this is what we have been waiting for, and as the trailer concludes, a close up of Katniss is accompanied by the suitable words 'remember who the real enemy is' and in she dives into the deep depths of the unknown. The trailer also features Gale (Liam Hemsworth) trying to muscle in on Peeta's fantasies, Effie (Elizabeth Banks) looking particularly dashing in gold and beautiful Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and Cinna (Lenny Kravitz). All in all, it's looking like a good one, so don't miss out when The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is set to be released on the 22nd November 2013. 

New Trailer reviewed by Mel. 

Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop [Review]

Oh yes, it seems only fitting that we should take a look at Miley Cyrus' new song AND music video for 'We Can't Stop.' If you haven't been living under a rock recently, you will have probably have heard that Miley Cyrus aka Smiley Miley aka Hannah Montana aka whatever else you can think of, has a new song and a lovely new music video to go with it - she also has a new look, incase you haven't noticed. I'm all for people expressing themselves in whatever way they want, for as Miley points out in her new song, she can pretty much do whatever the hell she wants. Now, in my opinion, I don't necessarily have a 'problem' with her song per say, the lyrics are a bit hit and miss at times, but the track is smooth and the beat is relatively catchy, and it's certainly different. There are some lyrics which are fairly questionable morally 'trying to get a line in the bathroom', 'shaking it like we at a strip club' obviously reference drug use and the like, however, the rest of the actual song is pretty tame in terms of explicit language. So, it would seem Ms Cyrus has come up with a fairly (what is in my opinion a rather pop-esque track) well rounded song which can be a bit infectious. It is clear she is trying to shy away from her clean-cut image and this can often be a hard and challenging time for young singers, so I say that's her business and she can do what she wants to in regards to that. However, the music video is a whole another world of weird. Incase you haven't seen it, here it is. 

 

So. I'll just give you a moment to collect your thoughts. Right, we've all got it? She's clearly going for a more edgy, grown up image, but for me it just doesn't seem genuine enough. I feel as if this could come off as a bit much for her fans to have to adjust to such a massive change. I'm sure the music video will please some who will praise her for being edgy, taking a risk and being purposefully provocative in terms of her sexuality and the conceptual idea of the video. On the other hand, I'm sure there will be people who will thinks she has gone a bit over the top (to put it nicely, as the internet is a cruel, cruel place) and maybe they feel like they can't relate to her anymore. The video is almost like a parody, (in fact I have a link to a rather hilarious parody incase you wish to see what people are making of this) and contains rather high levels of product placements, people chopping off fake fingers while pink fluids spill everywhere, french fry skeletons and of course, booty shaking. Oh, and its very sexual. We're talking humping, people wrestling and lots of Miley butt in your face. 

The choice of attire for this piece is Miley's pyjamas, I mean, er, white crop top and white leggings. For some reason as soon as I saw this I instantly thought of a quote from the movie 'Never Been Kissed (1999) where Gibby says something along the lines of how people shouldn't wear white pants after 1983 (if you haven't seen the film, I would recommend it). But anyway, back to the video. Personally, I felt a bit let down from the video after hearing the song, I was expecting something relevant and interesting. What I got was what can only be described as some sort of budget Gaga, with certain things thrown in for pure shock value (two tongue guy, lip art lady, Taxidermist Miley etc) without any actual thought put behind it, although if anyone has any possible reasoning or ideas about these, I'd love to hear about it. All in all, I think you could describe the video as an explosion of random thoughts and ideas added to what is, not a bad song, but its so jumbled together I had troubled deciding what I'd just watched. I'm far from a prude, but I felt a bit uncomfortable watching Miley gyrating all over my screen, maybe because it's so different and out there from her, but then again that's just an opinion. I'm aware this video is clearly meant to provoke thought and talk, to shock and promote discussion which ultimately garners more money for Cyrus if more people watch her video, whether they like it or not. So I suppose its a clever ploy in a way. Although leave the beats from Dr. Dre and your eon lip balms at home Miley, no one needs shameless product placement. Oh and please lose the fake golden teeth? It looks tacky on both genders in my opinion, you're better than that Miley. 

Monsters University (2013) Review

It's been almost 12 years since Pixar introduced Monsters, Inc in 2001 and after all this time, finally, a prequel has been released this summer. This being the first time Pixar has ever made a prequel, fans of the original film might be slightly apprehensive as to whether the resulting product will bring justice to the first. I, myself, had such concerns, however it is with great relief that I say by the end of the first scene my worries were diminished. The prequel is in keeping with the funny and original writing of the first, the look is the same, the feel the same, the film acts as a genuine telling of a story, rather than something that has been concocted purely for the purposes of making money. This, in itself, helps the film to critically succeed.
Billy Crystal and John Newman return to voice the iconic characters, Mike Wazowski and Sulley Sullivan, respectively. It feels strange to hear their voices voicing the younger university-going versions of their respective characters, but of course authenticity could not be achieved by anyone else voicing them. The premise of the prequel is the telling of how the two became best friends and ended up working for Monsters, Inc. This although a basic idea, is achieved well through the combination of voice acting by Crystal and Newman and is propelled by the excellent script writing of Daniel Gerson, Robert Baird and Dan Scanlon. The film is funny, without losing any of its integrity. It is a film not just aimed at children but incorporates humour for the older generation making it enjoyable for adults; it is clear the writers had this demographic in mind and thankfully realised that many of the prospective audience for the film will be those who saw the original over 10 years ago. 

The animation is of the same high standards that Pixar pride themselves on and the soundtrack composed by Randy Newman compliments the various scenes well, as Newman composed the soundtrack for the first Monsters film, the sound of the film is genuine and is guaranteed to make fans of the original feel a little nostalgic. 

Overall, Pixar has created a truly family friendly movie - one that everyone (no matter the age) can enjoy. The gap between original and prequel has worked in their favour - fans of the original will feel satisfied with another story that encompasses their favourite characters and feel intrigued by the insight the film gives into the backstories and behaviours of those who eventually end up working at Monsters, Inc. Even those who have not seen the original can enjoy this film perfectly adequately; the university story arch is one that is relatable to most, even in a basic 'school' sense. This makes it an easy story-line to follow and one that does not require the 'inside knowledge' given by watching the previous film to enjoy.

4/5 stars

Reviewed by Yaz

Iggy Azalea - Bounce [Review]

 First post in, and yes, we're going to look over Iggy Azalea's track 'Bounce' and the accompanying music video. Miss Azalea (who is a female Australian singer, rapper and model) reminds me of a mix between Gwen Stefani, Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha and Missy Elliot, and her music reflects this, and thus ‘Bounce’ is born. Let’s first start off with the song itself - Iggy’s ‘Bounce’ has the sharp, almost addictive, catchy lyrics similar to that of Minaj; ‘Shake it, break it, make it bounce’ drop with the beat and emulate an up-beat party track, suitable for any club atmosphere. Like her previous track ‘Work’, ‘Bounce’ will have you twitching and twerking it everywhere, through the lively backing and the way in which Iggy spits out her raps at super-sonic pace. It’s clear that this is designed to be a feel-good club track as the lyrics reflect this - ‘Real real good, hands to the ceiling, Dancin’ we dizzy, we spinnin’ we spinnin’ all about money, the night’s never ending, we part till morning, tomorrow we kick it.’ If you’re a fan of quick beats, catchy raps and are looking for your next ‘jam’ then this is one to get up and dance to.

Now lets delve into the world of YouTube and go and peruse the music video. 

Ok, everyone gathered his or her thoughts? Well, the music video features a type of Bollywood theme and references Indian culture and in which Iggy Azalea is dressed in full Indian dress. Now, you could argue for an eternity whether or not this is offensive or not, but it’s worth stating that Miss Azalea has stated on numerous occasions that she is very fond of India and Indian culture. So, I'll leave you to debate that amongst yourselves. The video is certainly bright and colourful, featuring lots of dancing by various people, an elephant pounding down the street and some psychedelic effects that are about as trippy as the song. Clearly this music video is meant to be a bit of fun, a form of escapism for its viewers, and you can’t deny that it is certainly COLOURFUL. No, seriously, there are paint fights, people in a whole menagerie of vibrant fabrics, Iggy switching between red, green and white garments etc. Overall the music video reflects the song well in that it’s meant to be fun and interesting and visually pleasing, and the infusion of colour and culture certainly reflect this. I wasn’t too keen when Iggy Azalea first came on the scene but she’s vastly becoming a bit of a guilty pleasure.