One Rule For Women, Another For Men.

This post is not going to be my usual make up, film or book review as I am opting for a more serious topic this time.

 

Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens and Jennifer Lawrence are just three women out of many who have had photos stolen from them, all of which show the stars being naked or being caught in intimate moments. Long story short on August 31st nearly 200 photos of nude celebrities (mainly women, mind you) were posted online and started circulating around social media websites like Twitter and Tumblr. Rihanna, Cara Delevingne and Ariana Grande were also victims amongst this scandal. They were taken from Apple's cloud services suite iCloud and text messages, address books and various other data was also most likely to be stolen as well.

I think this is absolutely disgusting, it is completely humiliating for them. People think it is hilarious to look and share them with their friends, objectifying the very person in the photos. Thankfully many celebrities and public figures have spoken out about this outrage like actress Lena Dunham who told people over Twitter not to view the pictures as it "violates these women over and over again" and The Amazing Spiderman star Andrew Garfield also had plenty to say about it "It's this violent, abusive violation of womanhood -- of divine woman hood.. it's violent, and it's misogynistic, and it's revolting.."

He's completely right. And not only that, I am absolutely outraged at how two faced people can be. 

Last year, former Disney star Dylan Sprouse had his nudes leaked all over Twitter and many complimented and went gooey eyed over him yet during this 2014 scandal, I've seen hundreds of tweets slut shaming the women in the photos, calling them whores, sluts, slags and disgusting for taking such photos. Yet everybody was either laughing with Dylan or worshipping him in his photos. How is that fair? You don't even know these women and what they do in their private lives.

Take away all the glitz, glamour and fame these women are just human beings at the end of the day. Their pride and dignity have been damaged because some idiot decided to hack them. People are victim blaming, saying 'it's their fault' and/or 'they're in the media spotlight, they should be used to it' no, no, no. It is NOT their fault and it doesn't matter what their job is, their privacy has been violated and these photos are clearly things they've shared with a husband, a lover or even just for themselves.  

The fact men and women can get two completely different reactions over the same thing just angers me. We say that we're are overcoming patriarchy and women are respected more and more these days. We're not. Women are still being degraded, objectified and viewed different completely to men. We're still a hugely patriarchal society and it doesn't help that the media are ready to leap onto anything that could tarnish a celebrity's image. 

If you look at the photos and/or share them, you are further degrading the very people you idolize. Don't be a part of this mess and have some respect for the women. Don't look, don't share and definitely don't slut shame.

Thankyou for reading.

Laura.

Film Review: Guardians Of The Galaxy.

 

So I've just seen Guardians of the Galaxy and I actually really, really liked it! I wasn't too keen at first to see it when the first teaser trailer came out because it was a completely new Marvel film altogether and didn't include any of my favourites like Iron Man, Captain America or Thor. But as it's a Marvel movie, I just had to see it to see what they had in store for us.

If you don't already know, Guardians of the Galaxy is about a superhero team made up of Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) who finds himself in the middle of the conflict unknowingly, Gamora (Zoe Saldana) who is a powerful assassin out for revenge against her master, Drax the Destroyer (Dave Batista) who is avenging the death of wife and daughter, Groot (Vin Diesel) who is an alien tree of royal descent and of course, Rocket (Bradley Cooper) a genetically engineered, foul mouthed raccoon. They fight against extraterrestrial enemies after reluctantly making an alliance together and defend a desired orb.

Directed by James Gunn, the plot of the movie is far from original as it's the same old thing of an unlikely team of misfits all struggling with their own troubles, fighting against enemies who are determined to obliterate them. Enemies that include Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), Nebula (Karen Gillan) and at times Thanos (Josh Brolin). It was actually quite terrifying to finally see Thanos in all his glory after we only caught a 5 second glimpse of him at the end of The Avengers.

I'll be honest, Chris Pratt really surprised me in this film. I have always liked him after seeing him in What's Your Number? and the TV show Parks and Recreation, being the supporting player and never taking the lead role.. his scenes always allowed him to steal the spotlight for a couple of moments, making him an unforgettable character. Here, he turns it around and becomes the leading man and definitely shines in all his magnificence. It was like he was born to play Star-Lord as he made the character his own by playing both emotional and comedic parts which displayed his versatile acting skills. His introduction to the film is pretty cool as he makes his way through an ancient temple by putting on earphones that blast Redbone's 'Come and Get Your Love' as he moves across the path in style, fighting off creatures. His effortless shift from a struggling loser to hero is brilliant to watch.

Another person that surprised me was Zoe Saldana. Covered entirely in green makeup and long flowing locks of dark hair with a hint of pink, she remained a complete and utter badass throughout the film. Of course, she was still in a skin tight suit that showed off her curves but I didn't actually mind this time because she proved she can handle herself and take care of anything that stands in her way regardless of what she was wearing. This is probably thanks to the fact the film's screenplay was actually co-written by a woman, Nicole Perlman, for the first time ever in Marvel history. She writes Gamora and her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) as tough, strong, and unforgiving characters that kick ass which is something refreshing and great to see!

The film did well to incorporate all five of the Guardians actually and fit in their individual stories to allow the audience to see them for who they really are. To be honest, they did it so well that none of the villains ever stood out for me. Sometimes, I forgot who was the real enemy and who was double crossing who. Lee Pace as Ronan the Accuser did well to play the baddie but I felt they didn't use his power to its full potential.

The comedy was actually on point for most of the film, I thought. The script (written by James Gunn himself and Nicole Perlman) was brilliant in dividing moments of catastrophe and moments of amusement. The dialogue was quick witted and a bit tongue-in-cheek at times ("pelvic sorcery" "he's an a-hole but not 100% a dick" hahaha!!). I was surprised, however, at the amount of swearing in the film. Yes, I know this may seem a little bit conservative of me but considering it's a 12A I was a little shocked at some of the language they used and especially when Chris' character gives the finger at one point!

But this film just shows that there are definitely no limits to Marvel's ideas for films as there are clearly other worlds to explore and other extraterrestrial enemies that we are still in the dark about, especially Thanos who still remains a mysterious, sinister villain. Not only that, at the end of the film there is a sureness that the five misfits will return as James Gunn boldly announces that "The Guardians of the Galaxy will return" which is a daring move considering there was an uncertainty of how the film was going to be received by the public. Apparently the second one has already been announced to be coming to cinemas in 2017!

Thankfully for Gunn, the film opened to a very big $94m going ahead of X-Men: Days of Future Past ($90m) while being just a bit behind Transformers: Age of Extinction ($100m) considering it's one of the lesser known franchises from Marvel. I've also reviewed both of those films as well by the way if you fancy checking them out!

So did you see the film? What did you think of it?

Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Film Review: Transformers - Age Of Extinction.

 

So I finally saw this film last night and I was very disappointed with a lot of things but also still a bit satisfied as I got my fill of robots fighting robots which always seems to be a hit for me. But there were so many things wrong with this film that I literally don't even know where to start.

Well first I'll give you a bit of background if you don't already know yet, Transformers: Age of Extinction is the sci-fi, action film based on the Transformers franchise directed by Michael Bay and executive produced by Steven Spielberg. This fourth instalment had an all new cast unlike those prior and its leading man was surprisingly (or was that just me?) Mark Wahlberg. It takes place after the attack in Chicago five years earlier in Transformers: Dark of the Moon which leaves the humans picking up the pieces. A group of controlling, inventive scientists and businessmen attempt to rid the world of all Transformers, both Autobots and Decepticons, by using their new technology as well as pushing the boundaries on their new creations which are soon out of their control.

The film came out on the 27th of June this year and its reception wasn't the best it has had with its other films apparently. Of course there was the usual admiration for the stunning visual effects and the tremendous action scenes which involved huge robots fighting other huge robots which is pretty much everyone's cup of tea. But it was a very a plot heavy film which soon became tedious and far too long with its run time ending at 165 minutes - even longer than the previous films. 

Mark Wahlberg's character is a Texan inventor called Cade Yeager (yeah, I know.) who is always looking to find junk that he can mould into other things. He finds an old truck which soon seems to be more than a vehicle. To be honest, Cade is probably the only character you just about care for. He is instantly likeable, probably because it is Mark Wahlberg after all, I haven't seen a bad film from him yet. He's portrayed as this underdog who just wants what's best for his daughter who's unbelievably annoying, grating and whiny. As well as her, there was her patronizing and incredibly smug boyfriend played by Jack Reynor. Both of them are so pointless and unnecessary in this film because all the daughter, Tessa, does is whine, scream for help and defy her father and all the boyfriend does is act cocky and push the fact he's dating Tessa and that she's all grown up now in Cade's face while apparently being the only one who can drive really, really well (this will make more sense if you go and see it).

Both of them could have been easily cut out of the film and no one would have missed them. Speaking of characters being cut out, when one of the Autobot favourites Bumblebee comes flying into the screen there is literally no mention of his friend Sam Witwicky who he has been protecting so fiercely for the past three films. Now I don't know if this is because Shia Lebouf has gone all weird recently and you certainly don't miss him in this film but you find yourself wanting an explanation, as it's only been five years in the storyline between the two films, as to why it feels like they're just acting as if the last three films never happened.

While we're on the subject of story-lines, this film was simply stuffed with them. So stuffed that you become confused as to what is actually central to the film and who is being really targeted. They all desperately try to link up somehow and fail to do so, leaving things unclear and not easy to follow. It starts off with the story of Optimus Prime and his crew fighting against the human-hating Transformers seemingly at the centre of the film then it turns to Cade's constant unnecessary battle with his petulant, insufferable teenage daughter and her swaggering boyfriend which had so many pointless scenes, including an ACTUAL scene where they discussed statutory rape laws. Utterly ridiculous. Not only that they then switched to some plot of Transformer hunting for homeland security to then a more bigger, not-introduced-until-the-last-hour-or-so undeveloped plot of Optimus Prime's mysterious beginning and where he came from.

But there was one thing all the way through the film that really got on my nerves and it was Michael Bay's leering camera shots that trailed up and down Nicola Peltz's (Tessa) long legs in those bloody short shorts. Now I don't know if this is just the feminist within me but seriously, it is 2014 people! Why are women still being sexualized in these types of films? Literally ALL of the female characters in this movie were sexually objectified and wore tight, revealing clothes. No women in this, especially the daughter, were of any help and literally ran around screaming and making things worse.

I could rant about women being constantly sexualized but that's another post.. another problem I had was how they used Stanley Tucci's character. Seriously, I love this actor and he completely shines every time in any film but in this he was so annoying and massively unfunny. I don't believe this is his fault but it is of the screenwriter Ehren Kruger. There was just a constant flow of crap jokes and scenes that could've have been easily removed thus shortening the film's length of time!

Not only that, when the fight takes place in Hong Kong (I won't spoil the reasons why they're there) there seems to be a racial stereotype in place. It's suddenly implied that all Chinese people are magically amazing at martial arts. For example, a certain elevator scene with Stanley Tucci and a chinese woman, a bystander in the elevator has no significance but suddenly becomes involved when Tucci and the lady are attacked. Out of nowhere, he seems to be a sudden expert in martial arts and takes out a few of the attackers for no reason at all when it's nothing to do with him. It just seems like a lazy and clichéd plot device which served no purpose at all.

I could go on more about the mistakes in the film but in the end, I just sort of tuned out and just waited for the action scenes. In the end it just becomes a big blur of robots where you can't even make out who's fighting who, falling buildings/bridges and crushed cars. I heard there was supposedly a surprise ending but I certainly wasn't surprised, just disappointed and things were left unclear and it was just a shambles at the end really. Basically if you're a fan of loud, robot fighting action scenes full of effects and nothing else then this is for you.

To tell you the truth, I'm usually a big fan of big action movies and Transformers has always been right up my street and while the fighting scenes were great as always, it wasn't enough to overpower the jam-packed storyline, the annoying characters and the laughable dialogue ("my face is my warrant" "I knew you had a conscious  because you're an inventor like me!" seriously???). 

I'm sorry if this review seems long to you but I can only be honest and I just felt like I was cheated with this film as I was pretty excited to see it.

So yeah go and see it for the usual fantastic, effects-driven robot fighting but don't be expected to be blown away by anything else.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Marvel FanGirls Unite!

 

(Photo Source #1)

(Photo Source #2)

If you haven't already heard, I am ecstatic to bring this news to you that MARVEL ARE INTRODUCING THE FIRST FEMALE THOR IN A NEW COMIC BOOK SERIES.

They introduced this new announcement by turning to ABC's "The View" by revealing a new female Thor in a new comic book series. Written by Jason Aaron and with detailed art by Russell Dauterman, it'll be published in October.

"No longer is the classic male hero able to hold the mighty hammer, Mjönir, a brand new female hero will emerge who will be worthy of the name Thor." Marvel said when making the statement.

"The inscription on Thor's hammer read 'Whosoever holds this hammer, if HE be worth, shall possess the power of Thor.' Well it's time to update that inscription," said Wil Moss, the Marvel editor. "The new Thor continues Marvel's proud tradition of strong female characters like Captain Marvel, Storm, Black Widow and more. And this new Thor isn't a temporary female substitute - she's now the one and only Thor, and she is worthy."

This is absolutely exciting news. This new female character, Thor, is said to be the 8th title to feature a leading female character, this will aim at women and girls more so as they weren't the target audience for such a long time.. female Thor joins the growing list of female-centric titles that allows new readers to join the Marvel world of superheroes.

As a genuine female Marvel fan myself, this is great news and I cannot wait to see it published and enticing women around the world to join in. It is about time women are recognised as strong human beings and not weak, feeble side characters or worse, damsels in distress/boring love interests.

I hope you are thrilled with this as much as I am so leave your comments below.

Who run the world? GIRLS!

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

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Rape Is Rape.

 

This disgusting, supposedly human being is called Lee Setford who seemingly 'lost control' and raped a drunken woman who was passed out/sleeping at his home. The judge seems to think he doesn't fit the 'classic rapist' image and excuses his behaviour! Setford, 29, claims the 24 year old consented to having sex with him but thankfully, the jury believed the woman's story that she had woken up on his sofa to find him having sex with her. They took two hour and half hours to unanimously find Lee Setford guilty of rape following a trial last week. He got five years in jail.

But despite this decision Judge Michael Mettyear, the honorary recorder of Hull and the East Riding, decided to comfort the defendant and believed that Setford didn't rape the woman but just couldn't 'resist' the temptation.

He actually went on to say:

"It's sad to see a man of generally good character in the dock for such a serious offence. I do not regard you as a classic rapist. I do not think you are a general danger to strangers. You are not the type who goes searching for a woman to rape.

This was a case where you just lost control of normal restraint.

It was almost out of the blue that two girls turned up late at night very, very drunk at your home. The victim was the worst for drink out of the two of them. She was completely out of it. I accept that evidence.

She was a pretty girl who you fancied. You simply could not resist. You had sex with her." 

A JUDGE in a COURT OF LAW actually said all of this and incredibly ignored the effects this incident has had on the woman. She has been unable to work for a while, she's had to take anti-depressants and she's no longer happy and has lost her outgoing spirit.

Lee Setford does NOT have 'good character', he has been in prison before in 2009 for battery. He is a rapist. There is no denying it. There are no excuses for it.

There isn't such a thing as a classic rapist either. There aren't different types of rapists, like a bloody chocolate box where there are different flavours of chocolate sweets! This idea completely undermines rape survivors and completely degrades them more than they already have been.  

Rape is not about losing control or restraint. It is full on assault.

It doesn't matter if the person is drunk and/or passed out.

It doesn't matter if she was pretty and you fancy her.

If the person says no or doesn't give consent, you stay the hell away from her.

Rape is rape.

It is NEVER okay.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

#LikeAGirl.

For as long as I can remember, doing something 'like a girl' was pretty much an insult and you are seen as weak and pathetic. Always' fantastic video, which has gone viral, shows an advert representing their campaign on the confidence crisis that is currently affecting millions of young adolescent girls. Instead of showing the ridiculous notion of doing something 'like a girl' they turn the tables and show how awesome it is to do something like a girl because you ARE a girl.

For over 30 years now, Always have been bringing back girls' confidence worldwide and bringing puberty education to millions of adolescent girls which is much needed. "In my work as a documentarian, I have witnessed the confidence crisis among girls and the negative impact of stereotypes first-hand," said Lauren Greenfield, filmmaker and director of the #LikeAGirl video. "When the words 'like a girl' are used to mean something bad, it is profoundly disempowering. I am proud to partner with Always to shed light on how this simple phrase can have a significant and long-lasting impact on girls and women. I am excited to be a part of the movement to redefine 'like a girl' into a positive affirmation."

This advert is amazing because as I said I have heard the term 'like a girl' for years and years now. I never thought anything of it until seeing this.. I wish this was around when I was in my teenage years. Turning 20 in couple of months, I am no longer taking things lying down and I'm standing up for myself and my gender. Yes, my self-confidence or esteem isn't high enough yet for me to feel entirely secure with myself or my body but I am in a hell of a better place than I was 5-6 years ago. So I want to keep this video going viral by passing it around wherever I can because I want young, teenage girls to see this because I wouldn't want them to feel like I did.

So let's redefine the term 'like a girl' and kick ass.

Girl power!

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.