5 Films That Will Make You Laugh

5 Films That Will Make You Laugh

It has to be said, comedy is a very subjective genre. Most people can watch The Shawshank Redemption or One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and agree that they are pretty much the best films ever made. However, everyone has their own sense of humour and thus devising any kind of 'best comedy' list to fit all is near impossible. So, here is my list of the top 5 comedies and if your in the mood for a laugh, give them a try:

5. Hot Rod (Schaffer, 2008)

This off-beat comedy isn't for everyone but has provided me with some of the most memorable quotes - "cool beans" and "I like to party". The film follows the life of Rod Kimble (Andy Samberg) who aspires to follow his deceased fathers footsteps in becoming a successful stuntman.





4. Stepbrothers (McKay, 2008)

When spoilt, unemployed 40-somethings Brennan Huff and Dale Doback's parents decide to marry, the two are forced to live together as step brothers. Starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.






3. Shaun of the Dead (Wright, 2004)

The first of the Wright-Pegg-Frost cornetto trilogy (followed by Hot Fuzz and The World's End). The antics (going to the Winchester) of Shaun (Simon Pegg) and Ed (Nick Frost) are disrupted by a zombie invasion. 

2. This is the End (Rogen/Goldberg, 2013)

A star line-up including Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and cameos by Michael Cera, Emma Watson and Rhianna this film sees the actors all play versions of themselves in the aftermath of a global apocalypse. I was surprised as to how funny this film was and the exaggeration of certain characteristics of Hill and Franco in particular were clever. 

1. Four Lions (Morris, 2010)

An intelligent and brave yet controversial satire about four homegrown terrorist jihadis set in Sheffield, England. A group of four male radicalized young British Muslims aspire to be suicide bombers, the London Marathon being their ultimate target.






Coming in at 6th and 7th but too good not to mention are the 21 Jump Street (2012) and 22 Jump Street (2014) films starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum about two police officers who are sent to work undercover at a High School then University.

The Inbetweeners 2 - Film Review

The Inbetweeners 2

Director: Damon Beesley        Staring: Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas        Genre: Comedy

"Muff before mates is actually a crime in Australia"

With this sequel to The Inbetweeners: The Movie, a spin-off of the hugely successful E4 TV Series The Inbetweeners, comes the on-going tale of four teenage friends Will McKenzie, Simon Cooper, Jay Cartwright and Neil Sutherland and their attempts to convince the people around them - but more importantly themselves- that they are 'cool'.

Seemingly with a conscious decision to separate itself from the TV series this film is set abroad, and to separate it from it's predecessor, it is set in Australia. Fans of the middle-class suburban foursome (like myself) may spot the humorous coincidence that Jay (Buckley) who used an Australian fake ID in one of the episodes to purchase beer from a pub is the character that perpetuates the unexpected 'lads holiday' and reunion of the 'Pussay Patrol' Down Under.

One element I really liked was that the main characteristic of Jay, his plain lying, is exaggerated to the fullest during the exposition stage, visualizing his 'experience' in Australia through a long dramatic sequence; "I've banged all the famous Aussie Birds... A threesome with Kylie and Dani? I did that ten minutes after getting off the plane". For me, this demonstrates the tongue-in-cheek nature the creators wanted to portray relating to the big-budget of the film. The writers being aware that this movie format is something entirely different to the origins of the small E4 show. Utilizing the big-screen to not make the characters appear as "Hollywood icons" but on the contrary mock the opportunities a large-scale production can offer.

As can be expected the film is littered with sarcastic comments and clever puns. An obvious one being Neil's (Harrison) repetitive use of the word 'bants' - again highlighting that the characters despite their continuous attempts are not 'cool'. The 'Archbishop of Banterbury', 'Bant and Dec' and 'Banter of the Opera' being just some of the few 'banterous' puns the film has to offer. Along with Simon (Thomas) and Will's (Bird) infantile feud where they both need to 'grow up' and Will's usual sarcastic narration of prior events provide linear comedy. Along with new outbursts of humour arisen from clashes between the four protagonists in their new-found circumstances, there are also long-running jokes drawn out from the previous film and series. The three boy's infatuation with Will's mum being a prevalent one; highlighted during an awkward Skype conversation between Will and his mother and her incapability to use a laptop (when you see it, you will know what I mean).

Another component, and an obvious intention by the writers to hone down the importance of each of the four characters is their individual problems throughout the film - all of which somewhat distastefully provide screech-worthy comedy. Will with his interest in backpacker Katie and his need to 'fit in' with her and her 'spiritual' friends results in some of the most noteworthy humour in the form of Will's serenade by the campfire; Simon's many failed attempts to break up with his physco girlfriend which ultimately leads to an engagement; Jay's lip problems and denial for his on-going love for ex-girlfriend Jane (it should be pointed out that both Simon and Jay's love interests are the same girls from the first Inbetweeners movie) and Neil's stupidity (feeding a dolphin a hamburger and fried chicken) landing him in sticky situations (dead dolphin).

This movie despite the big-budget and foreign setting that inevitably provides a different feel to the one found at Rudge Park Comprehensive School, undoubtedly stays true to it's origins. Compact with jokes and physical comedy I wouldn't say it is too far off the state The Inbetweeners 2 is start-to-finish funny.

Alt J - NEW Singles Review

ALT J 3 New Singles

Released: Out Now     Genre: Alternative Rock     Available: iTunes, Spotify

Some indications of the much anticipated second album of English Alternative rock (now trio)  Alt-J were revealed earlier this month in the form of 3 new singles 'Hunger of the Pine', 'Left Hand Free' and 'Every Other Freckle'. Following the release of their highly successful debut album An Awesome Wave (released May 2012) the band has gone world wide. Reaching #1 in the UK Indie Album Chart, #9 in the Australian Albums Chart and #18 in the US Alternative Albums Chart - Alt-J were certified platinum and have sold over 40,000 copies.

Alt-J (L-R) Thom Green, Gus Unger-Hamilton, Joe Newman

Hunger of the Pine
This song appears to be a lot more commercial than their previous music despite having the familiar electronic feel and the echoey vocals of Newman. It starts off slow and builds to a beat (same percussion found in almost every Alt-J song) and introduces an entirely new element to their sound - a female voice. This voice unusually belongs to Miley Cyrus (the band integrating the lyrics "I'm the female rebel" from her song '4x4' in an almost remixed manner). The usual harmonies can be found within the song as well as a new collection of instruments.

Left Hand Free
On a very different note, Alt-J have managed to create a Jazzy, 1960's feel that still somehow manages to retain the original Alt-J-esque sound. This song has a very distinctive up-beat vibe in comparison to the generally depressive resonance their other songs formulate. The lyrics (although true to band's style) are unclear with what appears to be a minor distortion on Newman's voice. Additionally, subtle guitar riffs and a creative keyboard solo add an extra twist. I can envisage this song being played in an open top convertible - perhaps a deliberate intention as the title of the song itself is 'Left Hand Free'? All in all, it's a feel-good song (never thought I'd say that about Alt-J) and will leave you knee-tapping and finger-clicking.

Every Other Freckle
Their most recent single seems to be somewhat heavier than previous material with a more dense bass line. It is good to hear the return of absurd yet ingeniously creative lyrics with "I want to share your mouthful" and "turn you inside out and lick you like a crisp packet". The songs mournful sound seems reminiscent of Fleet Foxes however the off beat percussion and backing add lib's reassert the original Alt-J element; the band fully cementing their own distinctive style.

It would seem that Alt-J are definitely heading in a new direction but not losing sight of their own unique sound - a positive progression with no inkling of 'second album syndrome'. Thus, leaving us wanting This is All Your's (release date: 22 September 2014) to come sooner!

Top 5 Must-Watch Horrors

For those that know me... you probably wouldn't put me down as being a huge fan of horror films. In fact on the contrary, I rather detest them. Not so much the genre itself but more my reaction and how I personally deal with them... it's not brilliant.

Nevertheless, as an avid cinephile I watch a variety of films new, old, foreign, animated and within a variety of genres romance, comedy, action and of course horror. It hasn't escaped me that in recent years there have been some films within the thriller/horror genre that deserve recognition for merely being good films. Thus here we are, my top 5 must-see horrors:

1. The Conjuring (Wan, 2013)

A very good film. Period. Regardless of the genre this was an all round success. It has everything you could want: fully rounded characters (some portrayals of real people), a back story and antagonist that is well thought out, an easy-on-the-eye male lead in the form of Patrick Wilson and to finish it all off a full-on old-skool exorcism and  a terrifying clap game. The same director as Saw I and Insidious -Wan clearly knows what he is doing.

2. Dark Skies (Stewart, 2013)

I feel the success of this film relies on what you don't see as opposed to what you do. The mystery of the apparent antagonist in the film is what drives the fear. For any fans of sci-fi (or general films involving Aliens) this is perhaps a film that may introduce you into a whole different genre.

3. Insidious: Chapter 2 (Wan, 2013)

I personally prefer this film to it's predecessor as the focus on the father (note: return of the easy-on-the-eye Patrick Wilson) as opposed to the son as seen in the prequel provides an interesting twist. Also, I saw this before Insidious and found it relatively easy to follow, so if you haven't seen the first one... that's not an excuse.

4. Mama (Muschetti, 2013)

Jessica Chastain (as always) is exquisite as the lead. However, I was not particularly impressed with the ending as it gives too much away (believe me it is still disturbing). I feel that the main thing that constitutes the fear is the unknown. Hearing, knowing, half-understanding the being that is "Mama" but never actually seeing her (until the very end) is what makes your eyes twitch and your palms sweat.

5. Haunting in Connecticut  (Cornwell, 2009)

An old favourite (I say that with complete sarcasm). This film was one of the very first to disturb me to the point of sleepless nights. From the maggot infested walls to the weird, gross substance that grows out of your mouth (on poster) this film is beyond messed up. And apparently a true story.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Heaven - Book Review

Corey Taylor - A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Heaven

From Slipknot and Stone Sour front man Corey Taylor comes this Sunday Times Bestseller book for atheists (or religious people with a sense of humour).

Taylor has not just accomplished a vastly entertaining collection of ghost stories, but an intelligent blend of memoirs and the relationship between the supernatural and it's paradoxical sister - Faith. His second attempt at authorship (his first being the similarly successful Seven Deadly Sins) is a smart yet (borderline) respectful way of dissecting religion and it's many shortcomings in the dirty, humorous but relativity eloquent manner that is to be expected.

As aforementioned, this book is not for the light-hearted (by that I mean the religiously ignorant). Taylor referencing infamous biblical events in such a way: from "Noah and his weird cruise ship" to "Jesus and his magical fruit punch trick and walking across ponds". Also my personal favorites, he describes God as an "ancient, invisible stalker" and the "original paranormal activity" and his childhood Sunday-Church-going as "doing time in the holy holding pen"; demonstrating his terrifically sarcastic tone.

Throughout the book there are nice interjections of philosophizing, Taylor raising brave questions such as - "What is religion" and  "why atheists are the way we are". These points break up the vivid and humorous anecdotes and recollections of Taylor's paranormal experiences - most of which never fail to scare and adds an intelligent fluidity to the overall piece.

There are also attempts of justification using science to explain some things that are discussed. Going to show that this is not some doctrine (pardon the irony) that has an aim to brainwash and manipulate people into believing in the supernatural. But the beliefs and subjective opinions of one man.

If you have a vivid imagination (like myself) I would highly advise against reading this book at night. With most horror films you can just about get over what you've witnessed by repeating to yourself "it's just a film!" However, this is a true documentation of true events (whatever you believe)that happened to this man. Even myself - someone who has the same relationship with ghosts as they do with religion- a disbeliever, was partially turned by this book. It 100% got the mere notion and idea of a spiritual post-death being's existence etching into my mind.

I have to admit, I did get particularly paranoid about halfway through the book, as semi-strange occurrences began to happen as soon as I started reading it. Our washing machine broke (yeah.. maybe not that weird but still). The sound on my laptop would randomly decide not to work (not an earphone nor water damage problem in contrast to popular belief).

But all that aside one thing happened that really messed me up -I was sitting in the living room with the book propped up against the sofa and as I was reading mid sentence THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF.
Like, they just switched off not because the bulb had ran out, they just turned off...

WEIRD.

Control- Film Review

Control  (2007)
Rating: ★★★★

Director: Anton Corbijn    Starring: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton    Genre: Biographical, Drama 

"Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?"

For any real fans of Joy Division who haven't already heard of/seen this movie will undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised, as it respectively investigates the tragic life of front man Ian Curtis and incorporates all their best music. 

For any "fans" of Joy Division, I strongly suggest giving it a watch to: A) learn more about the iconic band and B) be introduced to more (than one) of their songs. Thus, amassing knowledge that surpasses only knowing 1/2 the lyrics to 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. 

A brave performance by the lead Sam Riley as the legendary singer, with the uncanny resemblance and spot-on Curtis-esque stage presence, Riley is stand-out brilliant. 

Ian Curtis

Sam Riley

Directed by photographer-turned-director Anton Corbijn (who actually personally knows the remaining Joy Division members). Despite the entire film being shot in black and white, the colours of  Riley and Morton's performances and the solid script provide a more than an adequate substitute. 

As a Joy Division fan, one particular element I was happy made it into the film is Curtis' infamous dance (which due to his public suffering of epilepsy is now referred to as the 'epileptic dance'). Here is the real Ian Curtis vs. Sam Riley's depiction of the front man's iconic stage presence:
(Bare with, these are the shortest videos I could find...)

All in all, even if you are not familiar with or that particularly bothered about the life of Ian Curtis or even Joy Division, this film displays a variety of relatable themes. Including the pursuit of  dreams, the pressure that comes with responsibility and even the distracting nature of lust; Control is on the whole a film for many.

But particularly people with good music taste.

Top 10 Favourite Movies (Ultimate List)

This is my top 10 films:

10. Billy Elliot (Daldry, 2000) A working-class boy from North-East England balances his passion for ballet with the need to please his left-wing, traditional miner father.
                                       

9. Inglorious Basterds (Tarantino, 2009) A young Jewish-French woman and a group of Jewish-American soldiers during an alternate World War Two plan to kill Nazi Germany's political leadership.

8. Intermission (Crowley, 2003) An independent Irish film that follows the individual lives of people living in Dublin that become interlinked following a kidnap and robbery attempt.

7. Sunshine (Boyle, 2007) In an attempt to reignite the sun, spaceship Icarus II embarks on a dangerous mission to save mankind with a massive stellar bomb.

6. Control (Corbijn, 2007) Joy Division front man Ian Curtis biopic.

5. The Social Network (Fincher, 2010) Biographical film presenting the real story of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator or Facebook.

                                      

4. Gangs of New York (Scorsese, 2002) A historical epic drama dealing with the two principle issues in New York's history - Irish immigration and the Federal governments execution of the ongoing Civil war.

3. The Beach (Boyle, 2000) American college student discovers the mystery of 'the island' on a summer vacation in Thailand.

2. Fight Club (Fincher, 1999) A cult classic that follows the life of unnamed protagonist discontented with his white-collar job who forms a 'fight club' to fight recreationally.

1. Trainspotting (Boyle, 1996) Following the lives of Heroin addicts in an impoverished area of Edinburgh during the 90's.