Jessica Jones [Series 1] Review

Marvel is known for its brave, dashing superheroes who, despite their difficult situations, always seem to come out on top in the end. The shiny exterior of its films never seems to delve into murkier waters or attempts to tackle more dangerous and disturbing subjects – that is until, Marvel’s series deal with Netflix. Known for accepting slightly more risky and taboo series, Netflix allowed Marvel to explore some more gritty and realistic storylines – or, at least, about as realistic as you can get for a superhero genre.

We first saw this change with Daredevil, the first instalment in the deal, which saw blind lawyer Matt Murdock face up to some of Hell’s Kitchen’s most ruthless villains, as well as tackling his own inner demons. The vibe of the show was far more harsh, bloody, and violent than anything Marvel had produced before. The darker tone was duly noted, especially when compared against the backdrop of more peppy Marvel films, which have always had a certain sense of light-heartedness.

This is a little excerpt from the full review of the series, including thoughts on the diverse female relationships, performances and much more, which you can read here: 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/not-your-supergirl/

It's always great to write about such an interesting topic, and this series was no exception, if you haven't checked it out already, then it's definitely deserved of a watch on Netflix, if you have it. Plus Krysten Ritter, need I say more? 

Melissa x 

Demi Lovato - Confident [Album Review]

Already on her fifth studio album, Demi Lovato’s Confident claimed to provide listeners with something that was strictly Demi; a self-assured pop album that was confident in who Lovato is as a musical artist and one which shows what she can truly do.

And with the release of ‘Confident’ and ‘Cool For The Summer’, the singer certainly seemed to be setting up the album successfully. The two tracks were somewhat of a marvel, with the slick and sassy nature of the former title track illuminating a feisty and more daring side to the singer, whilst the latter proved to be a tempting and alluring summer sensation that anyone would be proud of.

However, this all seemed to be short lived, as it quickly becomes evident that the released tracks are somewhat of a rarity and that the album on a whole is more disappointing. Despite the few intriguing additions like ‘Kingdom Come’ ft. Iggy Azalea, which is a haze-heavy trap mix with plenty of atmospheric beats, and the soulful ‘Stone Cold’, there is very little in the form of musical excitement on this frustrating album.

This is a little excerpt from the review I wrote, you can read the rest below (where I talk about the other songs on the track, the overall vibe of the album and, of course, the final verdict! Exciting stuff!). 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/album-review-confident-demi-lovato/

What do you think of Confident? Tell me your thoughts in the comments (on either this blog post or the comments on Concrete!) 

Melissa x 

Evie Frye & Assassin's Creed Syndicate - The Real Revolution

OK let's get one thing straight. One of the best things about Assassin's Creed Syndicate was it's inclusion of a female character in a main story game (no, Assassin's Creed Chronicles China doesn't count). And she was a twin - need I say more? Sister of Jacob Frye, Evie was 100% badass while also being a competent assassin, kind and generous. There is literally no reason to not like her. 

She was the unsung hero of the game. Now, if you think this sounds a little bit much (or perhaps you agree?) then you can read my full cohesive thoughts on this below, including the general gender inclusion of the game, below:

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/assassins-creed-and-the-real-revolution/ 

And by all means, let me know what you think. Do you think this is a step forward for game-makers and Assassin's Creed in general? Are we going to get our first solo female assassin in the next game or will there be a pair again? 

And in case you love Evie just as much as I do, here are several ass-kicking gifs. You're welcome. 

Melissa x 

Crimson Peak (2015) Review

"A house as old as this one, in time, becomes a living thing." 

It’s not outlandish to say that Crimson Peak is Guillermo del Toro’s baby. Conceived in fits of madness and passion, it bears much resemblance to its horror-obsessed father. Infused with a sense of gothic styling, this baby quickly transforms into a monster, baring its fully-grown teeth and lashing out in violent outbursts at the audience. For those who think the film might skimp on its horror, you’d be severely mistaken, as all manner of gory ghosts, blood-dripping apparitions and axe-wielding killers bombard the screen. The film truly benefits from this commitment to horror; every visual is stylishly constructed to evoke pure fear, every performance from its cast brimming with sinister undertones and executed with a chilling delivery.

Starring Mia Wasikowska, the film centres on Edith Cushing – daughter of self-made industrialist, Carter Cushing (Jim Beaver) – who is haunted by her ghost mother, warning her to ‘beware of Crimson Peak’. Edith’s fascination with ghosts, however, attracts the attention of Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), a visiting aristocrat who travels with his sister, Lady Lucille Sharpe (Jessica Chastain). The Sharpes’ mysterious aura soon attracts the attention of Dr. Alan McMichael (Charlie Hunnam), and things quickly prove deadly.

Read the full review over on Concrete, which gives you the low-down on performances, style, themes and horrifying elements. 

Hope you enjoy the review. Also, Kristiana Sizinceva did an amazing illustration for the print version of this review, which you can see below. Seriously an amazing job.

Illustrator; Kristiana Sizinceva. 

You can check out the theatrical trailer for Crimson Peak, below: 

Melissa x 

American Horror Story: Hotel - The Hotel of Horrors [Review]

If you’re on the lookout for something disturbing, bizarre and a little bit gaga, then American Horror Story: Hotel has got you covered. In its fifth season of delectable horror anthologies, American Horror Story comes straight to you from the minds of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, who have enlisted some big name stars for the latest creepy addition.

That brings us to Hotel, an even darker and more depraved series that centres on the Hotel Cortez, a lavish, art-deco inspired abode that is home to quite the eerie occupants, including a ghostly drug-addict named Sally (Sarah Paulson), a mysterious Addiction Demon, and of course, two bloodthirsty haemophiliacs with a penchant for wild sex parties: The Countess (Lady Gaga) and Donovan (Matt Bomer).

It sounds like something out of a nightmare; and that’s because it is, but Hotel is also a vision of aesthetic beauty. Adorned with lavish retro furniture and draped in vintage hues, Hotel is a slice of pure imagination and takes great care to film its stars in the more exquisite of ways, complete with interesting camera angles and breath-taking close-ups. Undoubtedly, one of the characters who benefits from this is Gaga’s Countess, as she saunters around the hotel like a decadent muse admiring the fading beauty of her hotel, and its occupants. While some may not enjoy Gaga’s feature or be sceptical of her appearance, she actually performs rather well, assimilating perfectly into this bizarre series, creating some of the most memorable scenes. The Countess’ partner, Bomer’s Donovan is also an intriguing fellow, a drug addict who perished on the grounds of the hotel, he was brought back by Countess Elizabeth and has spent the last 20 years being her partner in visceral crime. The storyline is captivating and the two play out the steamy tension well, especially with the addition of new toy-boy Tristan (Finn Wittrock).

To read the full review, with more about the show, its disturbing contents and other key characters and themes, look here. 

What does everyone else think about Hotel so far? You loving it/hating it? Let me know in the comments below and go check out the full review. Promise its something to die for (OK, it's not really, but I'm trying to follow the deadly theme, guys). 

Melissa x