Top 10 Johnny Depp Films

This is a list of my favourite Johnny Depp films, what is surprising about Depp is that despite people being of the opinion that he plays the same role repeatedly, this is not the case. Depp has been in some great films and from many different genres.

What can't be denied is that he is capable of creating such memorable characters. Many of which have great one liners and quirky costumes.

It doesn't hurt that Johnny Depp is considered one of the most attractive men on the planet.

So here is my list of my favourite Johnny Depp performances.

10 - Dark Shadows (2012)

Running Time: 1 Hour 55 mins
Genre: Comedy/Horror
Director: Tim Burton
Stars: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter

Tim Burton was the perfect choice to helm this film version of the kooky 1966 TV show about a vampire desperately out of his times. And who better to star as said vampire but Burton's best collaborator. As a fan of the show Depp had obvious fun hamming it up with his descendants after waking up 200 years after being imprisoned by Eva Green's witch. All star cast, lots of fun.

9 - From Hell (2001)

Running Time: 2 Hours
Genre: Crime/Horror
Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
Stars: Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm

A dark thrilling turn from Depp, in his semi-serious days, not a huge hit but for cinematography and subject matter alone it is an interesting watch. Plus Depp was at his best, charming and gorgeous, what girl could stay away from that.

8 - Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Running Time: 1 Hour 40 mins
Genre: Family/Fantasy
Director: Tim Burton
Stars: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway

Another collaboration with Burton, Depp shows a side to the Mad Hatter that audiences have not seen before. Though hilariously funny with some great one liners there is also a dark side to Depp's Hatter giving more depth and more than the one dimensional Disney character. A great ensemble cast, expanding the story and visuals to new heights.

07 - Whats Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

Running Time: 2 Hours
Genre: Drama
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Stars: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis

Personally I watch this film for Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscar nominated performance, but never-the-less this is Jonny Depp's film. What can only be classed as an indie film, W.E.G.G. shows Depp at his best dramatically as the titular character

06 - Ed Wood (1994)

Running Time: 2 Hours 5 mins
Genre: Biography/Comedy
Director: Tim Burton
Stars: Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker

A largely underrated Biopic about Ed Wood considered the worst director in Hollywood. Pairing with Burton again who chose to film in black and white, this is a very clever film. Reportedly Depp is extremely close to portraying exactly what the real Ed Wood was like. A must see for old Hollywood fans. This is a hidden gem.

05 - Finding Neverland (2004)

Running Time: 1 Hour 40 mins
Genre: Biography/Drama
Director: Marc Forster
Stars: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie

Another underrated drama from Depp, it seems a pattern that many people over see his dramas for his more outlandish characters. But Finding Neverland is a subtle and moving film where Depp plays author and play-write J. M. Barrie. It follows his relationship with a young family who inspire him to write his most famous work; Peter Pan.

04 - Sweeney Todd (2007)

Running Time: 1 Hour 55 mins
Genre: Musical/Horror
Director: Tim Burton
Stars: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman

Probably once of his most memorable portrayals, an odd decision for both Burton and Depp who would not be the first choice for a musical, though the style and setting are perfect for both. As Sweeney Todd Depp brings a cold menace but one which we sympathise with due to the circumstances which drove him to a complete personality change. Not the best singing in the world but better the Mamma Mia's Pierce Brosnan and thats definitely something.

03 - Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Running Time: 1 Hour 45 mins
Genre: Drama/Horror
Director: Tim Burton
Stars: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson

An odd film, a restructured version of the short story by Washington Irving. Depp plays Ichabod Crane here an investigator instead of a schoolteacher up against Christopher Walken's headless horseman. Depp gives an enjoyable performance bringing hilarity to the horror displaying all of Crane's faults; his eccentricity and squeamishness.
The gothic style seems to suit both Burton and Depp and they make great films in that style.

02 - Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Running Time: 1 Hour 45 mins
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Director: Tim Burton
Stars: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Diane Weist

The film that made Johnny Depp famously, this is probably one of his greatest performances. As the manufactured Edward who's inventor died before giving him hands, he is stuck instead with menacing looking blades and scissors. Very quiet and unassuming Edward is brought down to the town by the local Avon woman (Weist) after being isolated for years in a gothic mansion. He falls in love with her daughter and gets into all sorts of funny but sympathy drawing mishaps. A very uplifting film, Burton and Depp's best.

01 - Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)

Running Time: 2 Hours 20 mins
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Director: Gore Verbinski
Stars: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom

Undoubtedly number one is the film which brought the world one of the most loved and recognisable characters in the world; Captain Jack Sparrow. For a film based on a Disney ride this was an extremely successful film. Everything you'd want from a pirate movie, sword fighting, romance, treasure and a feisty female who gives as good as she gets.
Depp claimed he based his character on a drunk Keith Richards (who they got to play his dad in the third film) whatever it was it worked. Depp has by far surpassed his previous characters with Jack Sparrow, people can't get enough. Incredibly good looking, some say (I prefer Orlando Bloom myself) and with some of the most quotable lines in movies, he could do no wrong. With the fifth instalment recently announced, it looks like Jack is back and Johnny Depp is still as hot as ever.

So there it is, my list of favourite Johnny Depp Films. What do you think of my list? Do you agree?
Let me know in the comment box below.

The Quiet Man (1952)

Running Time: 128 mins
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Awards:

Director: John Ford
Stars: John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Victor McLaglen

I have always dreamt of visiting Ireland, it is on the top of my list and this year I will get there. I think one of the most prominent reasons for my love of anything Irish is John Ford's The Quiet Man.

John Ford was one of the greatest directors of all time, he won 6 Academy Awards for his film-making. He is most famous for films like The Searchers (1956) The Grapes of Wrath (1940) The Man who shot Liberty Valance (1962)  and many many other films, mostly westerns. But my favourite John Ford film by far is The Quiet Man. Something about the idyllic setting and the pairing of his greatest leading man; John Wayne and his greatest leading lady; Maureen O'Hara strikes gold with me.

This is such a beautiful film; the cinematography still stands up today. Green, the national colour of Ireland can apparently be seen in every shot in the movie though not on any of the actors. Excluding the green dress worn by O'Hara in the graveyard scene. Many criticize the film for giving a false and idealized portrayal of Ireland. But I think the innocence and warmth this version displays is what makes the film so successful, plus who wouldn't want to go to a place like that.

The setting for this Irish tale is the tiny made up village of Inisfree (Cong, County Mayo was used to double for the make believe village) in the 1920's. Sean Thornton (Wayne) is an American who steps off the train and is looking for directions to get there. He is, it turns out a retired boxer and has come home to where is was born after hearing tales from his mother about the idyllic village and cottage he lived in. He is also running away from America after accidentally killing a man in the ring and has never fought since. Sean is picked up by Michaleen Flynn (Barry Fitzgerald, who could not be more suited or adorable in the role). On their way to buy his family cottage he reveals who he is and sees a life changing sight. Mary Kate Danaher (O'Hara) walking through the fields, he is immediately attracted to her and wants to marry her.

The problem is Mary Kate's brother 'Red' Will Danaher has taken an instant disliking to Thornton and itching for a fight because Sean has bought the cottage that Danaher himself had his eye on for some time. He makes life very difficult for the pair who are obviously madly in love at first sight. Through sneaking and trickery members of the village trick Will Danaher into accepting the marriage, only for him to then find out about it. He is too late to stop the wedding but he can refuse to give Mary Kate her traditional dowry. This puts a wedge in the marriage before it even begins, Sean must decide whether it is worth fighting again for the honour of himself and his wife or accept being a coward in the eyes of his new love.

Sounds like quite heavy stuff, but this is essentially a comedy, the chemistry between all the actors involved is perfect as is the script . A story like this handled by Ford can be made into so much more than it seems on the page, and this is a film that Ford had spent 30 years trying to get made. It was an extremely personal film for him. John Ford was Irish by birth and he had always wanted to make a film in and about Ireland, this was his tribute to his home country and his roots.

John Wayne's character is called Sean in the film, John Fords real first name was Sean. Maureen O'Hara's character is called Mary-Kate reportedly named after 2 of the great loves of John Ford's life; Mary McBryde Smith - his wife and Katharine Hepburn; whom he reportedly fell in love with whilst making Mary of Scotland (1936). John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara had great chemistry in The Quiet Man, more so in this than in any other movie they did together. They were very good friends off screen and had worked together before on Rio Grande (1950) which incidentally was the deal breaker Ford, Wayne and O'Hara made with Republic Pictures to get The Quiet Man made; if they delivered a Western, Republic would finance their first feature outside the United States and make a departure from their usual speciality which was low budget Westerns and War films. Their deal paid off as it was the only picture Republic made that received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Wayne and O'Hara worked together again 3 times in The Wings of Eagles (1957), McLintock! (1963), and Big Jake (1971)

John Ford had a stock company, he used the same actors in most of his films and many familiar faces can be seen in The Quiet Man. But they were more than just a stock company they were a family, and they loved working with this temperamental genius of a director. The actors Ford worked with kept coming back for more because they knew how great Ford's films could be. The part of Mary Kate Danaher was written for Maureen O'Hara who had worked Ford twice before. John Ford  idolised her in this movie, most obviously by the shots he chooses to use, catching all of her beauty, Ford was said to have been in love with O'Hara for many years. I adore Maureen O'Hara, she was such a stunning beauty and a great actress, she stood equal to the men and not many could do that in those days; especially not next to the likes of Duke Wayne. She is feisty and fiery with a great energy, her character in this film is as close to how I would like to think she is in real life.

John Ford was notorious for being difficult to work with, and few people ever understood him, but nobody can deny that he was an absolute genius. The proof is in the pudding as the expression goes, 6 Academy Awards how many other directors have achieved that? Many of the greatest directors working today the likes of Steven Spielberg, Peter Bogdanovich and the great Martin Scorsese all revere Ford and admit to learning their craft by watching his movies. Maureen O'Hara said of John Ford with whom she worked many times "He could be kind, gracious and gentle, with a wonderful sense of humour but he could also be vindictive and mean. All one can do with John Ford is accept him with all of his faults and virtues, and love him" And I for one do love him for giving us such amazing cinema to aspire to and repeatedly enjoy.

John Ford's The Quiet Man was a departure for Ford, but like his other departures; The Grapes of Wrath (1940) and How Green was My Valley (1941)  (the latter also starring Maureen O'Hara) this is a classic film for the ages. It is just as watch-able today as the day it was released, with an innocent story full of fun and warmth. Which could certainly show the modern comedies and romances a thing or two.

Nothing but the best for my favourite John Ford film 10/10, and thoroughly deserved if I say so myself. If you do nothing else this week watch The Quiet Man. You'll be very satisfied and humming the score, which is as beautiful as the scenery, for days.

The Call (2013)

Running Time: 94 mins
Genre: Thriller
Estimated Budget: $13, 000,000
Estimated Gross: $51, 872,378

Director: Brad Anderson
Stars: Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Michael Eklund

Just watching the trailer for The Call had me on the edge of my seat, so imagine what I was like watching the film. There is nothing very complex about the plot to this film. A 911 emergency worker Jordan (Berry) is confident and capable until she has one unfocused moment during a break-in call from a young girl. The mistake she makes in this moment happens to be a fatal one, so we begin the film with Berry's character taking a serious emotional blow, one that effects her so badly that she takes six months off, is taking prescribed medication and is no longer on the call floor (nicknamed the Hive) but teaching new recruits the ropes.

When showing some new recruits the Hive, a call comes in to a fairly new staff member. A teenage girl (Breslin) has woken up after being abducted to find herself in the boot of a car (trunk if your American). The young member of staff taking the call cannot handle the pure fear and emotion coming from this girl shouting into the phone. Jordan must step up, this is her worst nightmare, she doesn't think she is ready but she is flung in at the deep end and musters up the courage to fight her urge to run and just help this girl. Halle Berry gives a stunning performance in this film, a great tribute to the men and women who are at the forefront of accident and emergency services. You have to marvel at the way the emergency services is run - how fast they have to work and collect information. Berry's character states that they are well guarded because if they go down the whole city goes down, you can readily believe this fact.

The script is very clever, there are not many locations, a lot of it takes place in the claustrophobic boot of a car. But Anderson never lets the audience get ahead of him, he builds the tension to breaking point and then switches direction and starts all over again. I was literally biting the ends of my fingers in anticipation. How was this poor girl ever going to get out of this situation. Abigail Breslin is the damsel in distress and she plays it exactly as you would expect a kidnapped teen to handle the circumstances, in complete panic and despair. It is when she begins to listen to Jordan's soothing words and to fight back against her kidnapper that she shows some spark.

And speaking of the kidnapper, Michael Eklund plays the obviously troubled man who kidnaps Breslin's Casey. It sounds horrible to say, but he just has the face for it, or maybe he can just distort his face into the menacing but emotionally void expressions he pulls. He switches from both anger to panic as his plan begins to unfold and he is forced to do things he apparently doesn't want to do. Throughout the film there are hints or patterns in his behavior that hint at something under the surface; a reason for his actions. Towards the end of the film we do discover the reason but really I think his character would have remained much more menacing if they had left us in the dark so to speak. The ultimate reason for his behavior is rather too extreme and doesn't make that much sense.

What is fantastic about the film is the tension and the realism that the film-makers bring to this story. The tension is built and keeps building throughout. Until unfortunately and maybe inevitably it peaks towards the end and it becomes predictable and unrealistic. From the beginning though until the last 20 minutes or so, the situation is so real, so believable. Everything Jordan says and does you can imagine being said in that circumstance. Everything that Casey does desperately trying to escape stays within believability, you can imagine doing them yourself if god forbid you were in that situation. So really it is the realism that cements the films success, that goes for story location, timing, set-ups, all as true to life as possible.

Therefore the end is quite disappointing, it is spoiled slightly by the unrealistic actions of the main character. I as a person totally approve of the actions she takes but in a story like this which had held such a great balance from the start, her actions then take you out of that and into the relatively ridiculous, her character/real person in her position would never attempt her actions.

Despite the lack of realism though, the ending is still gripping, exciting and satisfying. I suppose you can't really ask for more than that. If you love a good thriller then give this a go, pretty scary stuff, you'll look behind you when your walking alone for a while trust me. An 8/10 for this effort.

The BAFTA's 2014 - Winners

So last night we had this years Bafta awards at the Royal Opera House in London, in the presence of Bafta's president Prince William who in a highlight of the night high fived performer Tinie Tempah (I don't think any of us expected that). And hosted once again by Stephen Fry (who is definitely growing on me I have to say). My personal favourite moment of the night was Leonardo DiCaprio blowing a kiss into the camera (I'd like to kid myself and think it was for me alone but I can't have everything).

The In Memoriam section of the evening was quite moving, it is astounding how many huge stars both young and old we have lost this year. Many classic movie stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, some of the stars paid tribute to included Shirley Temple, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Peter O'Toole, Joan Fontaine, Paul Walker and Esther Williams.  How sad that the list was so extensive.

So a few surprises with the award winners but not many, one of the greatest and probably most grateful wins was Will Poulter who won the EE Rising Star Award voted by the public, his was a heart-warming speech with a great mention of Finding Nemo in there. He was genuinely surprised and affected by his win.

So with Matthew McConaughey mysteriously absent in the Leading Actor category it was not too surprising to see Chiwetel Ejiofor win for his role as Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave (though I would have liked to see Leo win it).

Cate Blanchett as she has at every awards show so far and definite frontrunner for the Oscar won the Leading Actress Bafta for Blue Jasmine, no question that she wouldn't win it, starting to think I should have bet money on it. In the most moving moment for me she dedicated her award to the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, ending; "Phil, buddy, this is for you, you bastard, I hope you're proud". She was quite emotional as she left the stage, but it was a fitting tribute to a great talent who will be missed in the Film Industry and worldwide.

Gravity was the big winner of the night with 6 awards including Outstanding British Film and Best Director for Alfonso Cuaron. Although it was 12 Years a Slave which won the Best Film Award.

Steve Coogan was a surprise win for Best Adapted Screenplay with Jeff Pope, beating out more likely films as 12 Years a Slave and The Wolf of Wall Street (which unfortunately and may I say scandalously took home no awards).

A momentous and joyous moment was seeing newcomer Barkhad Abdi winning Best Supporting Actor for Captain Phillips. Going from a limo driver to a Bafta winner in just a year after going to an open audition is absolutely inspiring and should be a lesson to anybody; you can make it if you give it a shot.

Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Supporting Actress Award which I have to admit I was surprised about. I know she won the Golden Globe but after 12 Years a Slave's popularity in Britain I expected Lupita Nyong'o to win it. Though Lawrence is deserving non-the-less. David O. Russell accepted the award on her behalf. 

Director Peter Greenaway won the 2014 award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, a look at his work shows how unique a style and vision he has.

Dame Helen Mirren was presented with 2014's Bafta Fellowship by Prince William (jokes about her being his granny did come up). Mirren has won four Bafta's during her career and contributed tremendously to the British Film Industry. She gave an interesting speech, taking the time to make a tribute to inspiring teachers. In doing so the room momentarily, ironically resembled a classroom. Grateful, inspiring and still with a great flair for dramatics she ended her speech with an apt quote by William Shakespeare.

With a fantastic host in the form of Stephen Fry, whose play on words, quirky anecdotes etc. were a highlight of the evening and the expected glitz and glamour from Hollywood this years Bafta Awards were a resounding success.

For the full list of winners see the link below:
BAFTA 2014 - Winners

Up next the Oscars (ridiculously excited for these) on Sunday the 2nd of March.
Don't forget to tune in to my Pre-Oscars article a few days before the big night.

The Monuments Men (2014)

Running Time: 1 Hour 50 mins
Genre: Biography/War
Estimated Budget: $70, 000,000
Estimated Gross: $43, 670,000

Director: George Clooney
Writer: George Clooney, Grant Heslov (Screenplay)
Stars: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman

Tonight I had the very inspiring and pleasant pleasure of seeing The Monuments Men. I believe it has not been getting the best of reviews from many critics. Well I am here to tell you that critics don't necessarily know everything.

The Monuments Men is a great directorial effort from the incomparable George Clooney who also stars in the movie. The film is based on real events that took place in World War 2. The screenplay is adapted from the novel by Robert M. Edsel: The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History. The title of the book gives you a clue as to what the story is about. Clooney plays Frank Stokes an American Art Historian who implores President Roosevelt to allow him to take some experts into the field to recover the stolen art, sculptures and statues that were being stolen by Hitler. His plan was to create the Fuhrer Museum in his homeland made up of the greatest pieces of art that have ever been created, from all over Europe. Stokes gets the Presidents approval and he gets his team of 6 men together, goes through basic training in England and then heads off to the front with all the clues they can find as to where Hitler has hidden the art. It is when they are fruitlessly searching Europe that Hitler signs a directive that states if he should be killed or Germany lose the war all of the art that has been stolen is to be destroyed. This means the men are on a race against time to find the treasures, as it is inevitable at this stage in the war that Germany will lose.

I was extremely excited about the ensemble cast in this movie, this year has seen some incredible actors gather together to make some masterful contributions to cinema and The Monuments Men is no exception. Joining Clooney's Stokes are Matt Damon as James Granger a curator at New York's MET, Bill Murray as Richard Campbell an architect, John Goodman as Walter Garfield an art historian, Jean Dujardin as Jean Claude Clermont the only Frenchman in the group, Hugh Bonneville as Donald Jeffries representing the British, a disgraced drunk who is given a second chance and Bob Balaban as Preston Savitz another master of his field. Together they pair up and travel to locations across Europe where they search tirelessly.

While they do this Damon's Granger travels to Paris and meets Cate Blanchett's Claire Simone who worked in the Jeu De Paume art museum as its curator, she also happened to work for the resistance and kept tabs on all of the art that came and went from the museum during the German occupation. Blanchett is superb in this small but pivotal role, (watch out for the faultless French accent - the Australian actress is a wonder to behold) Claire is bitter, art is her life and she has watched it slip through her fingers. She is not about to trust some hotshot American who claims to want to help save it. She does not doubt his intentions but she does not believe that the art will be returned to its rightful owners, as the Russians were claiming all the art and treasures they found as compensation for their losses. Eventually she agrees to help when faced with the directive signed by Hitler, she would rather it be saved than destroyed.

The pairings of the other monuments men is where the comedy comes into the script. Bill Murray and Bob Balaban get the most laughs as a pair, Balaban's character is not a fan of Murray's Campbell and Campbell gets great pleasure from gently ridiculing Savitz. John Goodman as usual is a joy to watch and has both comedic and heart-breaking scenes in the film, I for one was quite impressed with his performance. He was paired with the charming Frenchman played by Dujardin, the chemistry was definitely evident. I was equally impressed with Bonneville as Jeffries, he played an inspired man who is grateful for his chance and passionate about art. But I would have gladly sat for another hour to see the ensemble as a whole develop, all of the characters have been well written ( you have to remember they are all based on real people, though the names have been changed, it makes some of their actions all the more extraordinary) it is just a shame you do not get to see more of them. There is simply not enough time to get through the story and focus on the characters all at once. They are slightly bypassed at times by the importance of telling the story.

And the story is a great one, the fact that it is based on fact is so inspiring, these men knew that they would not be a part of this war in any other way than to join this group, that is one of the reasons they sign up in the first place, for the honour to help do something. But more importantly they believe in a resounding factor; art is the basic fabric of our culture, without it, we lose the trace of who we are and who we have been, it is not up to one man to own it and it is definitely no right of any man to destroy it. Art is so important to who we are and they believed that strongly enough to risk their lives to save it. It is this plain and simple truth that Clooney drums into the audience throughout the film. It may seem ridiculous that 7 middle-aged men travelled to the front lines just to save some paintings, and even more ridiculous that they believed it was more important than their lives. But I have to agree with the sentiments of the characters and Clooney himself who has jumped on the bandwagon since the films completion and has been imploring countries to return pieces of art to their origins. Art is so important, the arts in all forms are a way to express ourselves and have the ability to sway nations and bring about change.

The film does not romanticise the war, there are casualties, the set pieces and locations are fitting but it is not as raw as other war films in the passed have been. In some ways the film focuses rather more on the art and only scratches the surface of the circumstances of war and being in those situations. The score was very noticeable, a mixture of inspiring patriotic pieces and gentle, moving composition, all very fitting to the scenes in which they were used. Clooney's direction is no Hitchcock or Scorsese piece but this is not a technically focused film, the screenplay is first and foremost the focus.

So The Monuments Men is not the greatest film ever made, god knows, but it has a very important message to deliver to its audiences, one which I believe we should all take the time to listen to. 8/10 for Clooney's best directing gig to date in my opinion. Check it out.

BAFTA Nominations 2014

The BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards take place tonight. London will be the home to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for the night.

With so many amazing films on offer this year as with the previous awards shows this will be a tight competition. I am always very interested to watch the Bafta's as they can often surprise people. Many times winners at other awards shows will not have as much luck with the British, maybe we have different taste.

Below is a list of some of this years nominees.








Best Picture
12 Years a Slave
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Gravity
Philomena


Best British Film
Gravity
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Philomena
Rush
Saving Mr Banks
The Selfish Giant


Best Director
Alfonso Cuaron - Gravity
Paul Greengrass - Captain Phillips
Steve McQueen - 12 Years a Slave
David O. Russell - American Hustle
Martin Scorsese - The Wolf of Wall Street


Best Actor
Christian Bale - American Hustle
Bruce Dern - Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor - 12 Years a Slave
Tom Hanks - Captain Phillips


Best Actress
Amy Adams - American Hustle
Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock - Gravity
Judi Dench - Philomena
Emma Thompson - Saving Mr Banks


Best Supporting Actor
Barkhad Abdi - Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper - American Hustle
Daniel Bruhl - Rush
Matt Damon - Behind the Candelabra
Michael Fassbender - 12 Years a Slave


Best Supporting Actress
Sally Hawkins - Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence - American Hustle
Lupita Nyong'o - 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts - August: Osage County
Oprah Winfrey - The Butler


So Paul Greengrass and Oprah Winfrey will be feeling the love as they have been snubbed at most other prominent awards shows. Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks have been nominated for a Bafta for Saving Mr Banks but have been snubbed at this years Academy Awards. I can't wait to see who will be successful tonight.

The full list of nominations can be found on the link below:

BAFTA Nominations

BBC One will be showing the Bafta's tonight at 9pm. Enjoy people.

Top 20 Film Scores

This is my Top 20 list of Film Scores, this is a collection of scores ranging from full albums to just single amazing contributions to soundtracks.
So this goes against my usual Top 10, but how do you pick only 10 scores from the unbelievable choices out there.
I have said many times and will no doubt repeat again, that I believe the score is one of the most important elements in film making, without music be it a soundtrack or an instrumental a film is a completely different thing. A score can add so much to a scene, create different feelings within the audience and discover an emotion that was not there previously.
I listen to movie scores a lot and I have a whole playlist of favourites. To get onto this list the scores had to be moving in some way, whether it be inspirational, sad etc. and as this is a personal list, it had to have a great melody, I can tell immediately if I like a piece of music and with every choice on this list that is the case. So here is the list of my Top 20 Film Scores.

20 - Raiders of the Lost Ark 

Released: 1981
Composer: John Williams
Length: 43 mins
Look out for: Main Title: South America 1936, Marion's Theme, Flight From Peru

There is not a person I know of on the planet who does not know the Indiana Jones Theme. Like any score from the genius that is John Williams, this is a score full of excitement, thrills and the full scale of emotions. It perfectly compliments the film.


19 - About Time 

Released: 2013
Composer: Nick Laird Clowes
Length: 47 mins
Look out for: About Time Theme, Golborne Road

OK so the theme is practically the only instrumental track on the album apart from one. But it is a piece that is integrated throughout the film, if this was a list of single pieces this would be in the top 5, it is such an emotional piece from a composer I was not previously familiar with. The album itself is quite indie but there are some great songs on there, check it out.

18 - The Young Victoria

Released: 2009
Composer: Ilan Eshkeri
Length: 53 mins
Look out for: Marriage Proposal, Honeymoon, Victoria and Albert

This is a lovely soundtrack from the 2009 film starring Emily Blunt as the young Queen Victoria, coming to the crown and meeting her future husband Albert. The score is full of beauty, portraying the beauty of the settings and most importantly the blossoming relationship with Albert. The love theme is played throughout the film and it is very moving.

17 - Love Actually

Released: 2003
Composer: Craig Armstrong
Look out for: Portuguese Love Theme, Glasgow Love Theme

An audience favourite since it's release this is the second Richard Curtis film on this list (the 1st is About Time). He pays great attention to the music in his films. It is an important part of his process, and that explains why he has chosen such great composers and pieces for his films. The Love themes in Love Actually are so heart-warming.

16 - Patch Adams

Released: 1998
Composer: Marc Shaiman
Look out for: Butterfly, Main Theme

This is a really beautiful score from, Shaiman it brings tears to my eyes during some parts of the score especially the end of Butterfly. This score perfectly pairs with the film bringing emotion, sadness and humour to the audience.


15 - Jaws

Released: 1975
Composer: John Williams
Length: 35 mins
Look out for: Main Theme, Sea Attack Number One, Hand to Hand Combat

Steven Spielberg's most successful pairing with John Williams created the most well know film score of all time. What is amazing about it, is that it is made up of only a few notes, and with those notes Williams has managed to put in more menace, fear and tension than many composers can create with a whole score.

14 - Jurassic Park

Released: 1993
Composer: John Williams
Length: 1 Hour 13 mins
Look out for: Theme from Jurassic Park, The Raptor Attack, T-Rex Rescue and Finale

Typical John Williams score, moving, exciting and thrilling. Perfectly captures the enormity of the visuals Spielberg has created. It was a very well received score.

13 - The Addams Family

Released: 1991
Composer: Marc Shaiman
Length: 37 mins
Look out for: Main Title, The Mooche, The Rescue

Shaiman has created a brilliantly kooky score which fits with the re-imagining of the famous gothic family. The score has some gentle moments but also energetic, one of my childhood favourites.

12 - Hook

Released: 1991
Composer: John Williams
Length: 1 Hour 15 mins
Look out for: Main Theme, The Lost Boy Chase, The Banquet, The Ultimate War

One of my favourite childhood films, I always remember being excited by the score. A good piece of music can impact so much on the emotions of the audience, this had a big impact on me.

11 - Free Willy

Released: 1993
Composer: Basil Poledouris
Length: 32 mins
Look out for: Main Theme, Friends Montage, The Gifts

My favourite animal is a Killer Whale, I'm almost certain this is because of Free Willy. Since a very young age I always loved listening to the score. It is very personal to me, I love the emotion in the music and it has a beautiful melody.

10 - The Lion King

Released: 1994
Composer: Hans Zimmer & Elton John
Length: 46 mins (Re-release longer - more Score)
Look out for: This Land, Under the Stars, King of Pride

No doubt about it, the best scored Disney film of all time. With Elton John and Hans Zimmer at the helm, how could you fail. The songs are monumental but the score is equally as powerful.

9 - Robin Hood Prince of Thieves

Released: 1991
Composer: Michael Kamen
Length: 1 Hour
Look out for: Training, Maid Marian at the Waterfall, The Abduction and Final Battle at the Gallows

Maybe not the greatest film in the world, but Michael Kamen really went all out with the soundtrack, it adds a powerful punch to the action sequences and that extra spark of feeling to the love scenes. Definitely one to listen to.

8 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Released: 1982
Composer: John Williams
Length: 1 Hour 42 mins
Look out for: Abandoned and Pursued, Flying Theme, Escape/Chase/Saying Goodbye

One of Spielberg's most successful films and by far one of Williams superior scores, this is the fourth Spielberg and Williams pairing on this list. You only have to listen to a partial section of any of the scores to realise why. There is obviously a close bond between the two and Williams seems to understand exactly what Spielberg is trying to portray and he can emulate this through his score. This is one of the most amazing scores I have listened to especially as it nears the end.

7 - Back to the Future

Released: 1985 (re-release 2009)
Composer: Alan Silvestri
Length: (re-release) 1 Hour 29 mins
Look out for: Main Title, 85 Lone Pine Mall, Skateboard Chase, It's Been Educational/Clocktower

I don't actually think I know anyone who doesn't know the score to Back to the Future, even if they haven't seen the film. It perfectly suggests the adventurous journey that Marty Mcfly goes on. It perfectly reflects the feeling of the audience at the best moments of the film (the clocktower sequence in particular).

6 - Ghost

Released: 1990
Composer: Maurice Jarre
Length: 55 mins
Look out for: Ditto, Carl, Sam, Unchained Melody Orchestral

This score is a puzzling one, it is so high on this list due mostly to sentimentality, I am sure I watched this film when I was far too young to see it. As this score still to this day terrifies me, I struggle to listen to many of the tracks. But Jarre has created a score that mixes terror and love to the biggest success, and Unchained Melody was revitalised for the most famous pottery scene.

5 - Kindergarten Cop

Released: 1993
Composer: Randy Edelman
Length: 38 mins
Look out for: Children's Montage, Rain Ride, Kindergarten Cop, Closing

I watched this film so many times as a young kid at my auntie and uncles house that they eventually gave me their copy of the film. This has always been my favourite Arnie film and the score is brilliant, fun and exciting at all the right moments.

4 - Forrest Gump

Released: 1994
Composer: Alan Silvestri
Length: 1 Hour 36 mins
Look out for: I'm Forrest.... Forrest Gump, Run Forrest Run, Jenny Returns

For me this is Tom Hanks at his finest and definitely the best work Alan Silvestri has ever produced. It packs such a wallop, it is inspirational and lip bitingly sad at times. But it leaves you feeling satisfied, you will know that you have just listened to a great musical masterpiece and will be able to visualise all the greatest scenes through listening to each track.

3 - Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End

Released: 2007
Composer: Hans Zimmer
Length: 55 mins
Look out for: Up is Down, What Shall We Die For, One Day, Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho

Apart from re-introducing and considerably improving the pirate film, this franchise has one of the best scores from one of the most successful composers working in film today. Hans Zimmer has created an energetic, vigorous score which fulfils every estimation the film-makers could have had to create a new and exciting adventure movie. The soundtrack for the first movie was great, the second one maybe not as good, but the third in my opinion surpassed both. Adding more motifs to the original this score had more layers, more depth and plenty of feeling.



2 - The Holiday

Released: 2007
Composer: Hans Zimmer
Length: 48 mins
Look out for: Maestro, Light Fire, Gumption, Cry

This is a score I could listen to day or night and on repeat over and over and over. It cannot fail to make you feel good, it just has a shining, uplifting quality and brightens your day. Again a Hans Zimmer score, this is different to many of his other more action genre films and shows his versatility. Listen to this one if your having a down day, or in fact when your having any kind of day.

1 - Titanic

Released: 1997
Composer: James Horner
Length:
Look out for: Rose, The Portrait, Unable to Stay Unwilling to Leave, An Ocean of Memories (Basically All of Them)

OK so anyone who has previously read this blog will be aware that I am just slightly obsessed with Titanic. The film is number one on my list, has been for the past 15 years and will be for the next 15. So it will be no surprise to those people that Titanic is my favourite score. What is surprising is that although this is number one on my list of film scores James Horner does not appear at any other position on this list; other composers beat him out. Every piece of music on this score is hauntingly good, and every piece has its own individuality unlike some scores which follow the same riffs and motifs throughout many tracks. You cannot watch Titanic without marvelling at James Horner's work, it is nothing short of phenomenal and the film would not be the same without it. Many of the pieces hit you somewhere so deep that you can feel the emotion flooding through you, something all good scores should be able to achieve. This score never fails to reduce me to tears, it is by far some of the most moving music I have ever heard, and it continues to astound me with every fresh listen.

So there you have it, that is my list of favourite film scores, as previously stated it is very personal to me, with a lot of sentimentality involved in the choosing. So I can only imagine your list would be wildly different. John Williams beats all with 5 scores on the list followed by Hans Zimmer with 3, what stands Williams apart from so many composers is that the majority of his film scores are considered classics and will rightly remain so due to their utter genius. Let me know what your favourites are by commenting below.

Postcards from the Edge (1990)

Running Time: 101 mins
Genre: Comedy
Estimated Gross (USA): $37, 963,281

Director: Mike Nichols
Stars: Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Quaid

Postcards from the Edge is based on the semi-biographical novel written by Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia for those who don't know) in 1987. Fisher herself then adapted the book into a screenplay which was directed by Mike Nichols.

The plot revolves around Suzanne Vale (Streep) a movie actress who is suffering from a drug habit. The film starts with her having an overdose and being rushed to hospital by a one night stand (Quaid). She wakes up to find that her mother has enrolled her in a rehab program. Once released she is told that to continue working the insurance company want her to live with a responsible adult, ideally a parent. So Suzanne finds herself living back at home with her mother Doris Mann (MacLaine) herself an ageing movie star from the 50's with her own set of issues and insecurities. This is not good news for Suzanne who has struggled for years to get out from underneath her mother, she feels like a child when in her mother's company and the relationship is quite a strained one. She is also trying to deal with her love life which is turned upside down in a flash by Dennis Quaid's movie producer who comes back into her life and causes chaos. There are 2 brilliant cameos from Gene Hackman as a film director and Annette Bening as an actress, (coincidently Bening and MacLaine would soon become sisters in-law after this movie was released as Bening married MacLaine's brother Warren Beatty.)

The film is definitely at it's best when showing the world of Hollywood, there is a feel for the harshness and ruthlessness of the film-making world and it is portrayed very well here. The film centres completely around Meryl Streep who as usual is completely hidden beneath her character. Shirley MacLaine is also fantastic as Doris Mann, she shows how unrealistic she can be and the selfishness that has come from having a career in the spotlight and everyone looking and talking about her. She has an alcohol addiction herself but unlike Suzanne is unwilling to accept that she has a problem. Doris is in competition with her daughter and in a heart to heart near the end of the movie (one of the best scenes) she admits that she is jealous that her daughter has it all to do and her experience is nearly over.

What is truly interesting about this film is how much of it is fact and how much is fiction. It is no secret that Carrie Fisher is the product of 2 famous stars from the 50's (singing sensation Eddie Fisher and Actress Debbie Reynolds) and it's also no secret that she has battled with addiction for most of her life. The character of Doris Mann has many similarities to Debbie Reynolds, who actually wanted to play the part in the film but was reportedly told by Nichols she wasn't right for it (how ridiculous right). These similarities are all the more evident to those fans who have read or watched anything to do with Reynolds and Fisher. So it makes those of us in the know very curious as to which events actually happened.

However even if you are not knowledgeable  about the stars behind the characters this is still a fun comedic drama with 2 of the industries best performers. 7/10 for this adaptation.

The Rare Breed (1966)

Running Time: 97 mins
Genre: Western

Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Stars: James Stewart, Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith

This is not your usual Western, in fact its not really much of a western at all, it has a few of the defining features, cowboy types, cattle drives, guns and horses. But really it stands on its own, the story centres around an English bull called Vindicator.

Sound strange.... yeah it kinda is, but with a cast like this one who cares. Maureen O'Hara plays Martha Price a headstrong English woman who's husband has died on the way to America to fulfil their dream of introducing English cattle into the American West. Martha and her daughter Hilary (Juliette Mills on top form) intend to carry out this plan. They meet Sam 'Bulldog' Burnett (Stewart) who is enlisted to help them cross the country with the Bull to get it to its new owner safely. He however is being paid by an alternative group of questionable men to get the bull to them.

So here starts the Western part of the story; Martha, Hilary and Sam travel across the plains on their way to Texas. However they have a ruthless man on their tale who intends to take the bull by force if necessary. There are many fist fights in this film, one or two too many, once you've seen one your really set for the rest of the movie, there at least four in The Rare Breed. All proving that, yes James Stewart can be a tough guy too, he changes heart on the trip and decides to help the two women. On the road they help a young man named Jamie who gets injured by stampeding cattle and happens to be the son of Vindicator's new owner. Another check to the list young man, young girl, romance likely to ensue (my favourite parts).

They take Jamie and the bull back home to Scottish settler Alexander Bowen (an unrecognisable Keith) he looks similar to a hermit and probably smells like one too. Used to getting his own way he is struck dumb by this feisty woman who puts him in his place immediately with a good slap. He doesn't seem to want Vindicator and is determined that introducing Hereford calves in the current climate would be impossible. Which leads to the question, if he doesn't want the bull and the last hour has been about getting the bull to him, why on earth is the bull in the story at all except to set up the location and relationships of the characters. It makes Vindicator a bit null and void to be honest, the rest of the story seems slightly pointless after hearing Bowen's views.

Sam Burnett has had a change of heart during the travelling and he cares for Martha and is determined to see them succeed even when Hilary and Martha give up themselves. Bowen in the meantime cleans himself up, looking slightly more like the Brian Keith we are used to, and intends to marry Martha. Despite her having feelings for Sam. But like all good films everything has a way of working itself out in the end.

I absolutely love Maureen O'Hara, she is such a great role model for women. What I love about her is that in an era where female roles were mostly confined to damsels and understudies for men, especially in Westerns, Maureen O'Hara was out there playing determined fiery women who could stand up for themselves and stand equally next to the men. Which is exactly what she does in The Rare Breed, though much more relaxed than usual. James Stewart plays the western character he perfected during his career, grizzled on the outside but with a good heart which shines through with a bit of a push. Juliette Mills plays a great role in this film, though I'm partial to the other sister (Hayley) I did enjoy her performance as the honest no nonsense daughter who like her mother could stand up for herself against the men. She also had a very touching relationship with Vindicator the bull (who only listens to those whistling God Save the Queen).

Check it out, 7/10 for this one. Not at all what I expected, but a nice simple film, a mix of genres and with great stars doing what they do best.....shining.

Top 10 Shirley Temple Films

Shirley Temple began her career at 3 years old and by the age of 5 in 1934 she was the biggest and most successful star in Hollywood. She was the biggest box office draw for four consecutive years; 1935-1938.

For such a young person she was an amazing dancer, she could listen to a choreographer with her eyes closed and learn the steps through listening to the sounds of the taps. How many people can do that? I doubt even Gene Kelly could manage it. She was a great fan of Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson who she worked with in four films and broke down many racial barriers, they were the first inter-racial couple in Hollywood. She is also responsible for many catchy tunes; On the Good Ship Lollipop and Animal Crackers being the most famous of these.




As a tribute to the great screen legend Shirley Temple Black who passed away at her home in California at 85 years old yesterday, this is my list of favourite Shirley Temple Roles.


10 - Stowaway (1936)

Running Time: 87 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Robert Young, Alice Faye

Temple stars as Ching-Ching a little orphan who gets lost in Shanghai, she is befriended by a playboy Tommy Randall (Young). She falls asleep in his car and ends up on a ship heading for America. On board Randall meets a young woman, both are enchanted with Ching-Ching and each other and decide to get married so they can give her a family.







9 - Fort Apache (1948)
Running Time: 125 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Henry Fonda, John Wayne

One of the last film roles Temple took, she played Philadelphia Thursday daughter of Henry Fonda's Lt. Col. Owen Thursday who comes to blows with John Wayne's Captain about the way to run the Fort and treat the Indians. Temple played one of the few women on the fort who falls in love with a young soldier (John Agar, her real life first husband).

This was a character that really showed Temple as a grown up, and in a very successful film. It was the only western she was in, all her other adult roles were in romantic or comedy films.



8 - Wee Willie Winkie (1937)


Running Time: 100 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Victor McLaglen

Temple is Priscilla Williams who travels to India with her mother to live with her grandfather a colonel in the British army. Her grandfather is a strict gruff man, Priscilla learns the ways of the soldiers nicknamed Wee Willie Winkie and is even given a uniform but her grandfather disapproves. She eventually charms him and the Indian leading a rebellion. As the hostilities rise Priscilla travels to the rebels base and is able to help settle things. Temple has great chemistry with Victor McLaglen who plays a sergeant in the army.
Directed by the great westerns director John Ford.



7 - Dimples (1936)

Running Time: 79 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Frank Morgan, John Carradine

Temple is Dimples Appleby  a young girl who lives with her grandfather (Morgan) in 19th Century New York. He is a pick-pocket and she entertains crowds while he makes his way around. That is until a rich woman makes it possible for Dimples to live a better life.
Frank Morgan was reportedly a notorious scene stealer and would try many tricks to draw attention away from Temple in a scene. But no matter who the co-star these were Temple's films and she is the true shining star in every role.



6 - Curly Top (1935)

Running Time: 75 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Jane Darwell

Temple is Elizabeth Blair who lives in an orphanage with her older sister Mary. A wealthy man by the name of Edward Morgan becomes charmed by her and aims to adopt her. He does this under the alias Mr. Jones, as he gets to know the two he begins to fall in love with Mary.
This is the film in which Temple sings Animal Crackers, which is one of her most popular songs.






5 - The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)

Running Time: 95 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Cary Grant, Myrna Loy

Temple is Susan a teenage girl who falls in love with a much older playboy Richard Nugent (Grant) she is caught in his apartment by her sister who happens to be a judge. Nugent is threatened with jail but agrees to date Susan until the crush passes. Temple's best adult role, a very funny film.





4 - Heidi (1937)

Running Time: 88 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Jean Hersholt

Darryl F. Zanuck bought the great tale of a young orphan girl who melts the heart of her grandfather and becomes the friend of a young invalid girl just for Temple who plays the title role. This was the perfect role for Temple and suited her on-screen persona completely.








3 - The Little Colonel (1935)

Running Time: 81 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Lionel Barrymore, Hattie McDaniel

Temple plays Lloyd Sherman whose mother a southerner is disowned by her Colonel father when she decides to run away and marry a young Yankee man. 6 years later when they run out of money mother and daughter return to a small cottage near the house of the colonel whilst the husband is away looking to make them some money. Lloyd is stubborn and has a temper which rivals her grandfathers, but after spending some time together she mellows him. This was the first time Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson and Temple danced together. It was a memorable moment.

2 - Captain January (1936)

Running Time: 77 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, Buddy Ebsen, Jane Darwell

Temple plays Star who rescued by the lighthouse Keeper Captain January when she was a baby and her parents drowned. She is well liked around the harbour dancing with Ebsen's sailor to 'At the Codfish Ball'. A new truant officer in town demands that Star go to a boarding school away from Captain January's influence. Relatives come to her aid and she is reunited with the captain.

With a lot of heart and humour this is ranked high on my list due to the great story and heart-warming performance by Temple.

1 - Bright Eyes (1934)

Running Time: 85 mins
Stars: Shirley Temple, James Dunn, Jane Darwell

Shirley Temple is by far at her cutest in this film as Shirley Blake a young flying enthusiast whose father, a pilot died in a crash. She lives with her mother, a maid for a horribly snobbish family with a brat of a daughter. Shirley spends a lot of time with her Godfather Loop Merrit (Dunn) another pilot and the other aviators at the air base. When she is orphaned after a car accident involving her mother, the family Smythe are doing what they can to get rid of her but their Uncle Ned has taken a shine to her. Both him and Loop begin fighting for who will get to take care of her. It is in this film Shirley sang the song most connected with her; On the Good Ship lollipop.


Every one of the films on this list show how great a performer Shirley Temple was, a truly talented all rounder who could, sing, dance, act and melt the hearts of even the most miserable person. She was one of the brightest screen legends in Hollywood. She has left us a great legacy. Enjoy the films on this list.

RIP Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple RIP

I like my mother before me am a huge fan of Shirley Temple. The first true child star and an icon of a generation. So I was terribly sad to hear that Shirley Temple Black died yesterday at her home in California surrounded by her loved ones and caregivers. She was 85 years old.

Shirley Temple was born in 1928 in California, she made her first screen appearance at aged 3 in a series of short films called Baby Burlesques. By the age of 5 Shirley Temple was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, she could sing, dance, act and many more things besides. She was the biggest box office draw for 4 consecutive years 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938 beating out the likes of Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper and Joan Crawford.

Her face is and was one of the most recognisable in the world, she was famous for her big golden curls. Her mother was responsible for her hair; exactly 56 curls every time. She was the role model of many famous stars who entered the business after watching her films as children. Shirley Jones and Shirley MacLaine were both named after her. She even has a soft cocktail named in her honour; the Shirley Temple consists of Ginger Ale, grenadine and orange juice, topped with a Maraschino Cherry and a slice of lemon.

She was named #18 on The American Film Institutes 50 Greatest Screen Legends. She holds 2 Academy Award records, she is the youngest presenter at the awards ever, presenting the Best Actress Award to Claudette Colbert at the age of 6. She is the youngest person to receive an Oscar; she was awarded with the first juvenile award at 6 years old. She was a very important figure not just in cinema but for America as a country. During the depression of the 1930's people desperately wanted to escape their own struggling lives, they flocked to Shirley Temple films which were full of innocence, joy, music and laughter and the cutest little girl you could ever see.

One of her biggest films was the Fox picture Bright Eyes (1934) which gave the public her most famous theme On The Good Ship Lollipop which will be forever connected with her. She melted hearts with huge successes such as Little Miss Marker (1934), Baby Take a Bow (1934), Curly Top (1935) and Dimples (1936). Darryl F. Zanuck the head of Fox Studios brought properties especially for her like Heidi (1937) and The Little Princess 1939) which were very successful films.

When Shirley began to grow up and her youthful cuteness began to evolve into young adulthood, audiences began to move away from Shirley's films. The Studios wanted to keep her as a child for as long as possible but the roles no longer fitted her. As a teenager she took roles in successful films such as Kiss and Tell (1945), Honeymoon (1947) The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947) and a part in the ensemble Western Fort Apache (1948) Shirley Temple retired from movies at the age of 22 knowing that she could no longer fit the roles which the studios wanted her to do, that audiences wanted her to be a little girl, which she obviously could no longer be, also because of her wish to have a family.

On the set of Fort Apache Shirley met her first husband John Agar, she got married at 17 and had her first child 3 years later. Unfortunately the marriage didn't last they were divorced in 1950, but that same year Shirley set eyes on Charles Black and she has since wrote that it was love at first sight. They were married for 55 years and had 2 children, Black also adopted Susie from Temple's previous marriage.

Shirley Temple Black returned to the limelight but not as a film star but in the world of politics, she was appointed by President Nixon to be the US ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. She had a long and successful career in politics she has also worked for many charities including the National Wildlife Federation. She wrote an auto-biography in 1988 titled Child Star, I have read it myself, it is a brilliant book with an amazing insight into the world of Hollywood during the 1930's and 1940's and into her life. She is very frank and honest, it was an immensely enjoyable read.

It is for her career as the worlds first and greatest child star for which Shirley Temple will always be remembered, she was awarded the Screen Actor's Guild Life Time Achievement Award in 2006 and received a standing ovation. She brought smiles to millions and has been the ultimate role model. An icon and a true star in every sense of the word, she will be sorely missed

If you ever have a bad day or feel down on a rainy afternoon sit and watch a Shirley Temple movie, it will brighten your day immediately. I will leave you with the words her family made public today "We salute her for a life of remarkable achievements as an actor, a diplomat, and...our beloved mother, grandmother [and] great-grandmother"

RIP Shirley Temple.

Dallas Buyers Club (2014)

Released: 2014
Running Time:
Genre: 115 mins
Estimated Budget: $5,500,000
Estimated Gross (January 26th USA): $22,542,486

Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner

Dallas Buyers Club is the true story of Ron Woodruff who in 1985 was diagnosed with the relatively new disease Aids. He was given 30 days to live, but defied the odds and survived for another 7 years through researching the disease and finding alternative methods of treatment that were not FDA approved. He began the Dallas Buyers Club which HIV patients could buy a membership into for $400 a month and receive all the medication they would need.

This is a fantastic film, it is raw and real and brings to light the stigma that is still surrounding Aids despite the years of support and research going into curing it. The Performances are nothing short of incredible; Matthew McConaughey plays the unlike-able Ron Woodruff the Texan Rodeo Cowboy/Electrician who is addicted to drugs, sex and money.  There is something about McConaughey's performance that simply pulls you in despite your dislike and disapproving of Woodruff's manner. He captures the energy, aggression but also the magnetism that the real Ron Woodruff reportedly had.

Jared Leto in his first on-screen performance in 5 years is unrecognisable as the cross-dressing homosexual Rayon who becomes Woodruff's partner. He lost 30 pounds for the role and reportedly stayed in character for the entire shoot, on and off-screen. He gives a soulful and heart-breaking performance, a great tribute to all those who are going through what Rayon went through.

For my full Review of Dallas Buyers Club see The Awesome Update Website on the link below.
http://www.theawesomeupdate.co.uk/index.php/films/256-why-dallas-buyers-club-is-awesome

For the sake of raising awareness, let alone seeing some masterful performances you should watch this film as soon as possible.