#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.

Film Review: The Fault In Our Stars.

 

If you don't know already, this film was originally a novel by the incredible John Green. It is about a young sixteen year old cancer patient called Hazel Grace Lancaster who attends a support group and eventually meets and falls in love with a boy called Augustus Waters who has battled cancer himself, leaving him with one leg. This is their poignant, touching journey that won't leave one dry eye in the house.

This film adaptation was simply stunning and I don't think I can fault it at all. Shailene Woodley was amazing as Hazel with her taking-no-crap attitude over her terminal disease and I have pretty much fallen in love with the charming Ansel Elgort who portrayed the charismatic Augustus Waters. The film followed the book more or less perfectly with a few parts left out.. even though they weren't particular important scenes, you do feel a tad bit disappointed when scenes are left out as you want to see how they're played out just how you imagined them but I suppose they don't always have enough time to fit those types of parts in when they don't add anything to the storyline.

Having lost a relative to cancer myself, this film left me absolutely sobbing all of my makeup away for almost all of it. There were many moments where I had to literally hold my sobbing in because I didn't want to make a show of myself. It was beautifully acted and you felt the rawness, the emotion of not just Hazel and Augustus but their families and friends around them who all try to carry on in their daily lives while trying to come to terms with the fact their loved one will die of cancer. 

Apparently the director, Josh Boone, was quoted to have said "This story is Titanic.. and cancer is the iceberg we're going to hit eventually." And he was so right. 

I suggest taking alot of tissues with you to see this film! I hope you enjoyed my review and maybe leave a comment on what you thought of the film or what you thought of my review.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 Teaser Trailer Released!

"If you resist the system, you starve yourself.

If you fight against it, it is you who will bleed."

Oh my God, what a way to introduce a film! This fantastic teaser trailer for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 features a menacing warning from President Snow, brilliantly acted by Donald Sutherland. This one-minute video hints at the uprising that is building for the final installment of the franchise.

It also leaves you wondering why the hell Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) is obediently standing next to him and allowing Snow to deliver such a threat. If you haven't read the books, you are in for a shock. I cannot wait to see what's next for The Hunger Games as I was blown away and so impressed by the second film Catching Fire after being disappointed by the first one. I do know what happens from the books and I can only hope the director follows suit and delivers it properly.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is set to be released on the 21st of November and I, for one, cannot wait!

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Album Review: Ed Sheeran, X

So as I have mentioned before Ed Sheeran is one of my favourite artists and I literally have every song he's ever made, including covers of other songs, some of which completely throw the original out of the window. The English singer-songwriter has finally dropped another album, x (pronounced 'multiply') and I just.. love it. I have listened to nothing else but this. It was released on the 20th of June for Australia and New Zealand before coming out worldwide on the 23rd of June. His song Sing (which I am obsessed with!) was the lead single from the album and it was his first UK number 1!

As many people know Ed Sheeran is very talented young man.. he can rap, play guitar and make you swoon with ballads because of that beautiful, calming voice. Raised on folk, R&B, hip-hop and rock, Sheeran incorporates all of these genres in all of his albums. In 2012, he went multi-platinum with his album + and singles like The A Team and Lego House were international hits. This album takes him away a little from the simple genre of acoustic pop-rock, his love songs and sees him in the waters of hip-hop with the help of a plethora of well known producers like Rick Rubin and Pharrell for some of the tracks. Pharrell even stars in the leading single Sing's video.

Pharrell Williams, the man everyone is talking about right now, fresh from an album of his own, after two mega hits Get Lucky with Daft Punk and Blurred Lines with Robin Thicke; he co-produced Runaway and Sing. I love these two songs in particular because Sheeran and Pharrell work so well together as the beat from Pharrell, the shredding of Ed's guitar interlace and shine flawlessly.

Some of my favourite songs from the album are Photograph; written with Snow Patrol member Johnny McDaid, I'm A Mess, One, Take It Back, Tenerife Sea and many more. I just love each song in a different way whether it'd be for his sublime rapping, his heart melting love songs or his guitar shredding anthems.. it's probably topped + in my eyes but I love anything this man sings.

Here are some of the songs that should hopefully get you listening to the rest of the album!

I hope you liked my review and the album too! 

Please leave a comment on what you thought of the album yourself, was it good? Was it better? Worse? Or maybe leave a comment on what you thought of my review.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

       

The Inbetweeners 2 Coming This Summer!

 

Is anyone excited about this as much as I am!?

I absolutely love The Inbetweeners and I have followed it religiously grow from a television series to a full blown movie with a sequel coming this summer!

If you don't know about The Inbetweeners already, it is basically about four young lads, foul mouthed Jay, nerdy Will, idiotic Neil and hopeless Simon, trying to fit into a 'cool' society while hilariously failing to do so. The television series was based around their time in sixth form and trying out life as teenagers. The film was all about a massive over hyped lads holiday which all goes down the pan for them! You should definitely check those out and get up to date with what everyone is talking about.

On The Inbetweeners Facebook page they released a new full length trailer where it shows they are now based in Australia on their gap year, a place where they've dubbed it as the 'sex capital of the world'. The writers Iain Morris and Damon Beesley have promised that the trailer doesn't ruin any of the best bits and we will be surprised in the cinema and enjoy it more.

So click on The Inbetweeners Facebook page and check out the trailer!

The film comes out 6th of August.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura. 

Quote of the Day.

"Don’t take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering."
-Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements.

(via wanduring)

Tom Hiddleston To Sing And Play Country Icon Hank Williams!

33 year old British Actor, Tom Hiddleston is set to play Country and Western legend Hank Williams in a film titled I Saw The Light which will be directed by Marc Abraham. It has come together as a co-production between RatPac Entertainment, Bron Studios and Creative Wealth Media Finance and these will all fund the film. It'll tell of Williams's rapid rise to fame which eventually took a toll on his personal life resulting in his death at 29 from heart failure.

The script is based on the Colin Escott biography of Hank Williams. Aaron L. Gilbert, Brett Ratner, G. Marq Rosell and James Packer will all be producing the film itself. It is said that production is due to begin in Louisiana in October of this year. Tom Hiddleston will actually sing some of Hank Williams' songs like Your Cheatin' Heart, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry and Hey Good Lookin' after the film's backers sealed a deal with Sony ATV to secure rights to Williams' music catalogue.

Tom Hiddleston is one of my favourite actors so this is very exciting news. He has starred in varied projects such as Midnight in Paris and War Horse and of course, his break-through role as Thor's adopted brother Loki in the two Thor films and The Avengers which are just some of my much-loved films. At the moment, he is shooting Crimson Peak which is directed by the incredible Guillermo del Toro.

I am so excited that Tom is getting the recognition he so well deserves! His acting is sublime and I love everything he's in. I cannot wait to see these films and hope to hear more for him in the future. Hopefully more films as Loki in the Marvel franchise Thor, but we'll see. 

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Film Review: Maleficent.

 

I wasn't too sure about seeing this film as it didn't entirely appeal to me however I have loved Angelina Jolie for as long as I can remember. She is one of my favourite actresses and is just brilliant in every film that she is in. Especially this one.

To give some background, Maleficent is about one of Disney's most iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. This is essentially the untold story of the once kind hearted baddie. Maleficent was a beautiful, young woman with a heart of gold and grew up in a peaceful forest kingdom, living a tranquil life. However one day an invading army threatens life in the forest and Maleficent rises to be the land's biggest protector but she ultimately suffers a heartbreaking betrayal which sets her heart to stone. Hell-bent on revenge and driven by a fierce desire to protect the moors where she resides, she faces a battle with the invading king's successor and in time, places a curse on his newborn baby, Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realises that Aurora is the key to bringing peace in the kingdom and perhaps the key to her own happiness.

Angelina Jolie as Maleficent was an absolutely fantastic choice. She was stunning with her sharp cheekbones (seriously, they could cut glass!) and gleaming eyes. Her performance as the titular character pretty much overshadowed everybody else, including Aurora. You would literally not miss any other character if they weren't in the film and they seem to be just standing around watching her doing the work. Which is alright by me because I could've happily watched Angelina as Maleficent for hours. For 98 minutes, you are amazed by her presence, creeped out at times by her intensity and taken away by her impressive wings.  

Despite all the hype about this film and Angelina herself, I wasn't that impressed by it really apart from her. The story is a bit of a muddle, just literally a thread of sequences that move the characters back and forth between the two sole locations; a castle and a magic forest. The characters don't really have much of a presence like Maleficent herself but I think this is due to poor screenwriting by Linda Woolverton who seems to not have given the others characters much to do that is challenging and attention-grabbing. 

Also when Aurora meets some boy who is deemed to be her 'true love', there is literally no connection between them within their two scenes that they have (yes, TWO SCENES) that make you believe that they could have any love for each other whatsoever. It is pretty unbelievable and a bit sloppy really. Furthermore when Aurora falls asleep, she is literally asleep for about five minutes and woken up instantly by a true love's kiss (which is a predictable scene by the way when you see it).. this is not enough time to make you feel the devastation that everyone seems to feel within the film and not quite like the death-like sleep that seems to be in the Disney animation.

All in all, every scene without Angelina Jolie leaves you lingering for more of Maleficent. Whether it be a mischievous twinkle in her eye or a flick of her hands whipping up some more brilliant magic, she is clearly the film's power and is the only thing that seems to make up for what the film lacks.

If there is any reason to go and see it, it's her.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Book Review: One Million Lovely Letters By Jodi Ann Bickley.

 

"We are all extraordinary.
We are capable  of extraordinary and remarkable things,
we can all make a difference."

This is actually my first book review and I couldn't wait to tell you about this amazing book. I actually cried a few times reading it as I felt I could relate to many of the things the author went through. I found out about One Million Lovely Letters through Carrie Hope Fletcher on Twitter. I could not recommend this book highly enough. If you're looking for something new to read, then this is it.

It even came with a recommendation from Ed Sheeran, one of my favourite artists!

The story is about a young woman, aged only 22, called Jodi Ann Bickley who contracted a serious brain infection from a tick bite from a festival (Camp Bestival) in summer 2011 in which she had been performing at. It would change her life forever and turn her world upside down. She endured a mini stroke and had to essentially learn how to walk and write again which was only just the beginning of the battle. Throughout the book, Jodi tells us about the following months that she and her loved ones struggled with. Some days led to Jodi feeling whether she could carry on like this or not, leaving her with two choices: either to give up after everything or do something meaningful with her time she has been given. Thankfully, she chose the latter. She chose to use her time to inspire and touch the lives of millions through letters and the warmth of her heart.

I cannot stress enough how much I loved this story. I cried at her low points, laughed at her wit and even cheered for her when she decided to turn her life round. This heart-warming, inspirational, witty and uplifting story of one woman's journey to recovery is absolutely beautiful.. and shows that even in your darkest moments you can still provide others the light to carry on. 

It is stories and people like this that remind how beautiful humanity can be. If we can just take one moment to look away from all the horror and violence going on in the world and read a story like Jodi's.. it reminds you why love and kindness are the strongest things a person can have.

I really hope you go and check this book out and love it as much as I do!

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

R.I.P Rik Mayall.

"Other people get moody in their forties and fifties - men get the male menopause. I missed the whole thing. I was just really happy!"

I am so sad and gutted to hear that Rik Mayall has passed away at the age of 56. If you don't know, Rik Mayall was a legendary English comedian, writer and actor. He is best known for his comedy partnership with Adrian Edmondson, his manic, lively and over-the-top portrayal of characters and was one of the comedians who established alternative comedy in the early 1980s. He has appeared in many sitcoms including The Young Ones, The New Statesman, Bottom and Blackadder. He also appeared in big screen comedies such as Drop Dead Fred and Guest House Paradiso.
He was absolutely phenomenal in his line of work and stole every scene he was in whatever the sitcom was. In 2005, he was voted among the top 50 comedy performers of all time and placed 91st in the 2010 poll of Top 100 Stand-Up Comedians. Now I will admit I wasn't even born during Mayall's era of brilliance and was too young to appreciate his more recent works. However, thanks to the older generations in my family like my dad and my mum, I was able to watch re-runs of Bottom and Blackadder both which I thoroughly enjoyed and cried laughing at. Thankfully, I was able to take pleasure in watching Rik Mayall's hyper acting and laugh at it until my stomach hurt just like my parents.

Celebrities, comedians, friends and fans have all flooded websites and the news with their condolences and tributes. Here are a few:

@davidwalliams - I am heartbroken that my comedy idol growing Rik Mayall has died. He made me want to be a comedian..

@edgarwright - Shocked & saddened that a comedy hero is gone; for those who grew up on 'The Young Ones', Rik Mayall was one of the funniest performers ever.

@kevinbridges86 - Very sad news about Rik Mayall. Loads of great nights growing up watching 'The Young Ones' and 'Bottom' A funny, funny guy. Respect.

@thescript - R.I.P. Rik Mayall :( Can't believe that. A genius + inspiration, my fav comedian, I'm shocked 2 hear this 2day. Luv+Prayers 2 his family X G

And comedy actor @simonpegg simply tweeted this:

"R.I.K"

I am so sad that he has died but I know his comedic talent and crazy energy will never die and will never be forgotten.

R.I.P Rik Mayall.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Theatre Review: The Lion King!

So I saw The Lion King musical last night and it was literally everything I could've ever wished for. The original film has always been my favourite of all time and it has been one of my dreams to see it in the theatre. 

Produced by Disney Theatrical, it is based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name with music by Elton John and lyrics provided by Tim Rice alongside the incredible, dramatic soundtrack created by Hans Zimmer with choral arrangements by Lebo M. Directed by Julie Taymor, the musical has the actors suited up in various animal costumes in conjunction with giant, hollow puppets which were absolutely astounding to see. It is Broadway's fourth longest-running show in history (still running after more than 6,700 shows!) and the highest growing Broadway production of all time, having gross more than $1 billion.

If you don't know already, it is about a young, cocky cub called Simba who is desperate to be like his father, Mufasa, the king. However, Mufasa's brother and Simba's uncle Scar is jealous and resentful of his brother being the king.. and in time, succeeds in murdering Mufasa. Having failed to kill Simba too, he fools the young lion into believing that he is responsible for his father's demise thus making him flee into exile in despair and misery. In his isolation, two friendly characters called Timon (a meerkat) and Pumbaa (a warthog) befriend him and help him learn and grow in his new world. When he becomes a majestic, mature lion his childhood friend Nala finds him and gives him some valuable perspective that makes him rethink about returning to Pride Rock. With a push from his shaman Rafiki, a spiritual baboon, he returns to Pride Rock to challenge Scar and end his tyranny.

The film is full of vibrant, brilliant songs such as; Hakuna Matata, Circle of Life, Can You Feel The Love Tonight? Throughout the years they have won and been nominated for many awards. Elton John's Can You Feel The Love Tonight? won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe while Circle of Life and Hakuna Matata were nominated for both. Hans Zimmer's impressive score earned him an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA nomination.

The musical was absolutely fantastic. They followed the entire script from the film completely with a few changes and a few new songs introduced. The music really uplifted you and really brought home the emotion for certain poignant scenes. Some even brought a tear to my eye just because of how fantastic it was. The actors who played Scar, Timon and Pumbaa scarily sounded exactly like the characters from the film! It all flowed perfectly and you found yourself singing, clapping and tapping along. 

I would not advise you to miss this for anything. Even if you have never seen the film, this is definitely a musical you should put on your to-do list! One of my dreams came true as I have always wanted to see it live on a stage and I go to do so in the prestigious Empire Theatre in Liverpool. It is a night I will always remember. I hope you liked my review and please leave a comment on what you thought of the musical or what you thought of my review.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

The Fault In Our Stars Already Breaking Records!

So if you haven't heard already, where have you been?!

John Green's fantastic book, The Fault In Our Stars, has been made into a film and I, amongst many, cannot wait to see it. The book was John Green's fifth novel, published in January 2012 and its narrative is a 16 year old cancer patient called Hazel. She's forced by her parents to attend a support group where she meets and falls in love with 17 year old Augustus Waters who's an ex-basketball player and amputee.

In January 2012, the film rights to the book were optioned by Fox 2000 and eventually on February 19th back in 2013 it was announced that the film would be directed by Josh Boone alongside a great cast; Shailene Woodley (who's also in the fantastic Divergent), Ansel Elgort and Nat Wolff.

The film is only just coming into theaters this weekend and yet has already become the biggest pre-selling romantic drama in Fandango's history! Although they haven't said how many seats have been reserved to see the film but it has now surpassed The Vow, Safe Haven and Dear John at the same point in their lead-ups to release. The previous record holder was the 2012 film The Vow starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams which opened to $41.2 million! It is said that The Fault In Our Stars is to debut to more than $30 million just this weekend. 

It won't matter whether you've read the book or not (although I do recommend you do!), it is bound to be one of the best, if not the best film of this year so far. It'll break your heart and those who have already read the book will know what I mean.

I can't wait to see the film and hope it is as exactly like John Green's remarkable novel which is emotional and jarring. His writing was stunning and beautiful, making The Fault In Our Stars one of my favourite books. It is the most talked about book and film right now and I wouldn't advise you to miss out.

Go and see it this weekend!

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Song of the Day.

"In a moment, you were everything to me.

In this moment, we're living in a heartbreak dream."

I love, love, love Betty Who so much right now!

This song is fantastic and has such a brilliant beat to it and the lyrics are just beautiful.

I first heard it through Tyler Oakley's YouTube channel and have been hooked ever since.

She is my new obsession at the moment.

I hope you take a few minutes to listen to it and enjoy it as much as I do!

Thankyou.
Laura.

Lupita Nyong'o and Gwendoline Christie to Star in Star Wars: Episode VII!

 

Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o and Games of Thrones' star Gwendoline Christie have been announced to cast in Star Wars: Episode VII. Lupita Nyong'o's breakthrough performance in 12 Years a Slave saw her receive an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress while Gwendoline Christie currently stars in the hit television show Game of Thrones.

Gwendoline will also appear in the next film of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2. Lucasfilm president Kathleen says she could not be more excited to have Lupita and Gwendoline on board for Episode VII; "it's thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape."

The original stars of the saga will be returning also, namely Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker. Joining them will be actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andey Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow and now Lupita Nyong'o and Gwendoline Christie!

Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams and Bryan Burk are said to be producing it and John Williams will return as the composer.

The movie will open worldwide on the 18th of December in 2015.

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.