The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Show!

 

The Greatest Showman was released on Boxing Day and has become a global phenomenon overnight.

The story of P.T Barnum has been conveyed in various ways over the years with a TV movie in 1999 P.T Barnum and the Broadway hit musical “Barnum” but this new Movie Musical has brought the story into the 21st Century.

Stars such as Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Zac Efron to name as few, excel in this toe-tapping, blockbuster. With new musical from “Pasek and Paul”, who have brought you the hits from “La La Land” and Tony-winning “Dear Evan Hansen”, the film is in the running to win an Golden Globe with the iconic track “This is Me”.

Personally, this film can do no wrong.

1. Talented Cast- Check!
2. Amazing Choreography- Check!
3. Star-crossed lovers- Check!
4. Romance- Check!
5. Diversity- Check!

The film concentrates of the theme of diversity with a focus on the racism and bullying of outsiders in the community. These themes are so poignant, especially with the racial slurs and backward stance American Leaders is taking at the moment. It is allowing younger audiences to see the struggles of repression and encouraging them to be whatever they want.

“But I won’t let them break me down to dust
I know that there’s a place for us
For we are glorious”
(This is Me)

“This Is Me” has become a global phenomenon, with vocals by Keala Settle, the song focuses on personal battles of self confidence and how to overcome these emotions and embrace who you are.

It seems the film has been released at the appropriate time and for so many fantastic reasons. A film about standing up and overcoming trials of the time is timeless and relatable in every context.

 

The Movie is still showing at all major cinema chains.

My Rating: *****

 

Crazy for Christmas

Top 5 Films to keep you cosy at Christmas!

Christmas is a period when spending time with family, cosying up with a hot chocolate and watching some great classics is in order. So for this Christmas season, here are my top 5 Christmas Movies to enjoy over these wintery weeks.

1. The Holiday (2006)

This might not be particularly child friendly however has to be one of my favourites of all time. This rom-com is based on two woman (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet ) swapping lives over the festive period due to dissatisfaction in their own lives. With wonderful plot twists and a lovable old man, this film is light hearted and exactly what you need with a glass of wine on a cold winter night.

 

2. Its a Wonderful Life (1946)

This is the ultimate classic Christmas movie and is clearly timeless with a large following still to this present day. James Stewart is a desperate businessman who is sent an angel from heaven to show what would happen if he had never existed. This Oscar winning piece is a hard hitting film of its time but full of love and showing the audience how wonderful life is.

3. Elf (2003)

This family masterpiece is a hit with people from all ages! Buddy the Elf played by the hilarious Will Ferrell is told he is not an elf but a human and goes on a quest to find his father, From the North Pole to New York City, Buddy ventures to the “Big Apple” naively believing it will be an easy ride. As he gets to NYC he realises the lack of Christmas spirit belief in Santa Claus in the city. This comedy explores family, love and Christmas spirit. This is a small excerpt from the movie which I think you will all enjoy!

 

4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 & 1994)

This movie is so good they made it twice and I can’t fault them! Set in New York, the story focuses on an elderly man named Kris and a mother and daughter duo. Although both films vary in character names and script they are primarily the same plot and context. Once again- family, love and believing in the christmas spirit are exactly what makes a winter family classic sparkle from year to year.

 

(Flicker, 2017)

 

5. Love Actually (2003)

This film may not appropriate for the family to watch but for me, one of the most heart-warming and hilarious Christmas movies. Based in London, on the countdown to Christmas, this British masterpiece intertwines several stories of love and loss. With a Star studded cast and brilliant direction from Richard Curtis this movie will make you laugh and cry.

 

Musical Madness

Tapping troubles away!

Having danced myself from the age of 2, I have always enjoyed watching Musical Movies.

Unlike most children these days, I spent my time watching Singing In the Rain and My Fair Lady. These movies excited me far more than Postman Pat or Peppa Pig.

What makes a musical so popular?

Well I have created a check list of what is needed in a musical to make it pop!

• Large ensemble numbers.
• Heart- warming solo ballad.
• Lovers Duet.
• Quirky best friend character.
• Dancing in the street.

These are just a few of the must haves!

60 years and counting…

Personally, the some of the best musicals were made in the 1950s-1960s. This was a time in Hollywood when stars could do it all- Act, Dance and Sing! One of my favourite excerpts from a movie is a scene from Singing in the Rain. “Make them laugh” performed by Donald O’Connor is a masterclass on showmanship. With very little edits and no body doubles, O’Connor’s performance is spot on. With dozens of jumps, falls and 2 backflips, physically the piece is incredibly difficult. O’Connor was a chain-smoker and it was said was bedridden with exhaustion after the shoot.

 

Modern musicals such as “La La Land” and even the Disney hit “High School Musical” use ideas, stagecraft and inspiration from the Hollywood Classics.

I leave you with a small list of movies that any budding musical fans will enjoy!!

• La La Land (2016)
• The Sound of Music (1965)
• Chicago (2002)
• Cabaret (1972)
• Into The Woods (2014)

 

It’s back, Pitches!

In less than a month its Christmas, the festive holidays be in full swing and for me, most importantly… the long anticipated movie Pitch Perfect 3 is being released.

Its been over 4 years since the first movie invaded our screens with a lovable all-girl a cappella university troupe competing for the Championships. Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow were among the star-studded cast who transformed the public opinion of a cappella and have made this third movie the most anticipated movie of 2017 for millions of fans.

What is Pitch Perfect?

The trilogy follows the Barden Bella’s, an a cappella group who, due to a public embarrassment, had to start again and recruit a less polished version of their once superior troupe.

Anna Kendrick’s plays sarcastic freshman “Becca” who accepted her place at Barden due to her fathers influence in the school however wants to do and produce music in New York. With her father leaning over her shoulder to join clubs and make friends, Becca begrudgingly joins the Barden Bella’s and then the fun begins!

Acca-believe it, how do they do it? 

After such a successful first movie, grossing over $113,042,075 world-wide, Pitch Perfect made a cappella more popular than ever with TV competitions and rising stars such as Pentatonix becoming main stream music.

The reaction to the first film was extremely positive and had a large following from the start. When they announced a second film, the fans waited with baited breath to see if the producers could follow such a massive success. Yet they did.

Pitch Perfect 2 was released in 2015 and was an instant hit in the box office, grossing $287,506,194 world-wide. Fans were not disappointed with new foot-tapping tunes and witty banter from the cast who all came back to reprise their roles.

The last song?

The cast have confirmed this last instalment of the Pitch Perfect movies shall be the last. Boo! Understandably the cast are eager make different movies and have trouble with scheduling to continue the films however it will be sad to see the end of this musical triumph.

With that said, Pitch Perfect is left their fans with new knowledge of music, relatable characters and fantastic mashups of songs.

We thank you Pitch Perfect, and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the girls in the finale.