Film Friday #5 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (Young Adult, 10/10 E)

Family is the central theme of Twilight, especially now. This is one of my favourite scenes

2013, Rated 12A 

Personal copy 

Themes

vampires, werewolfs, extreme conflict, special powers, being a new vampire, all the assets of vampires, blood-lust, good self-control, imprinting, having a daughter, cherishing every moment of life, some romance, an involved hunt for food from animals, meeting family after a separation, having to explain to family that you are different yet still the same, seeing the unbelievable parts of life, extreme danger, abandonment, grief, loss, tragedy, the future, sparkling vampires, lots of smiles, a mother's intuition and foresight, super strength, super speed, getting really annoyed with a friend's 'choice' in life, fearing the worst, combatting innuendos from a brother-in-law, family betrayal, misunderstandings, lots of tension

Content

Occasional strong romance (I skipped the scene), hunting scene is intense, strong violence (semi-frequent near the end), feeling of helplessness/terror, tissues needed

Summary from Amazon UK (I don't benefit by mentioning them) 

Transformed, Bella (Kristen Stewart) stands alongside Edward (Robert Pattinson) as a vampire. Experiencing phenomenal powers she thrives in her new life… but danger is never far away. Facing the wrath of the Volturi, led by the menacing Aro (Michael Sheen), can Edward, Bella and Jacob (Taylor Lautner) find the strength for one last stand to live the life they dream of?

Nayuleska's thoughts

My worries proved unfounded. I adore this final installment in the incredibly true to the book Twilight saga - Bella rules as a vampire and Nessie is adorable! 

Suggested watch

Definitely watch the rest of the series. I suggest reading the whole book series by Stephanie Meyer too, at the very least read Breaking Dawn (which got split into 2 films). 

Film Friday #4: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (Children's, U, 8/10)

2009, Rated U (suitable for all) 

Personal copy 

Themes: friendship, honesty, happiness, never giving up, magic, owning up to mistakes, forgiveness, some laughter, a tissue is needed

Summary from Amazon UK (I don't benefit by mentioning them) 

This year's Autumn Revelry promises to be something special. A blue harvest moon will rise, allowing the fairies to use a precious moonstone to restore the Pixie Dust Tree - the source of all their magic. But when Tinker Bell accidentally puts all of Pixie Hollow in jeopardy, she must venture out across the sea on a secret quest to set things right. With some help from her friend Terence - and a charming rascally firefly named Blaze - Tink braves an astonishing new world and discovers the greatest treasure of all.

Nayuleska's thoughts 

This is my least favourite movie of Tinker Bell, which you can see from the 8/10 reading. It's pretty neat, especially with all that happens but I think I liked it less because Tink's friends aren't with her most of the time. There's a while when she spurns all help after she mucks life up extremely badly. She gets some company, but while on that particular journey I wasn't wowed by the story. It didn't have that extra zing which makes me adore Tink's life. The firefly creature is cute though! 

I liked how this movie emphasised creativity, thinking outside the box and not panicking when things don't go to plan - there's almost always an alternative way. Tink discovers that all is not lost permanently (especially lost things), and that it's with help from others that we can achieve our true potential - we can't do it on our own. The movie highlights how friends can be a little annoying at times (as Tink's red cheeks prove!)

Suggested watch 

Definitely check out Tink's debut movie, Tinker Bell.

Film Friday #3 Tinker Bell (Children's, U, 10/10)

2008,Rated U (Suitable for all)

Personal Copy 

Summary from Amazon (I don't benefit by mentioning them) 

The world’s most beloved fairy is back for a brand new adventure in Disney's Tinker Bell. Given a voice for the first time on screen, the tiny star of Disney's classic Peter Pan, Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman)--longs to work beautiful magic like her friends, but as the fairies bring Autumn to the world there are more important matters at hand. Join Tink and her friends as they embark on a quest to save Pixie Hollow in a family adventure that’s sprinkled with pixie dust.

Nayuleska's thoughts 

I adore fairies, and Tinker Bell (two words, rather than one) is a very famous fairy. In an ideal world her trademark green dress would be a little longer and looser, but it is cute. I love the way she goes red when she gets mad. The way that fairies are created is inventive - I thoroughly enjoyed the ritual when Tinker Bell saw which magic she would have because you get all the other fairies who have funky outfits. 

This tale is all about being proud of who you are and what you can do, rather than wanting to look at the greener looking grass. This is important because often you may not think you're special or do anything amazing, but in reality you are, which is exactly what Tinker Bell learns in this 10/10 film. My favourite scenes are when Tink is trying of her friends' magic - she tries so hard to be good at the tasks and fails spectacularly. 

Suggested read 

If you love fairies, check out the Glitterwing Academy fairy series, which includes Clitterwings Academy #1: Flying High by Titania Woods

Film Friday #2 Princess: A Modern Fairytale (Children's, PG, 10/10)

2008, I think it would be a PG as some of the monsters are a little scary and occasional adult references are used (although most went over my head - I only saw this in other reviews)

Summary from IMDb

A few years after their graduation from Princeton, Louis Baxter, who retired having sold his dot.com business, takes in college-buddy William, who desperately nears the end of his trust fund after several fully failed career-attempts. Louis takes William along to L.A.'s weirdest society event, the annual endangered animals benefit. This year, to raise more money she auctions a single dinner, which William bids his last capital on. He wins, according to Louis a shrewd business networking opportunity. But he's love-spelled by Ithaca, while she believes him to be the seeker, a long-awaited savior for the castle's most secret reality.

Nayuleska's thoughts

This was the last princess theme film on a film streaming website I'm a member of had. For some reason I avoided it for a long time - I don't know why! It's wonderful! I adore all the different dresses Ithaca has - they have full skirts, are dainty and exactly how I imagine a fairytale princess to dress. At first Ithaca is very mysterious about herself. William manages to say something that makes Ithaca believe he knows all about her life. I kept waiting for the moment to fall when he told her the truth - when it happened it wasn't a happy moment. However, Ithaca had so few options that predictably she eventually let William help her. 

I was blown over by the major plot twists of who Ithaca is and what she does. All the fairytale creatures blended into the film without looking fake. Ithaca's successor hasn't a clue what's going on but she's extremely brave and helps save the day. I really wish there was another film which delved more into the daily life of Ithaca and her successor (& William, I guess!) as I felt there were many stories to be explored for each fairytale creature. 

I've seen a lot of negative reviews online regarding some of the occasional adult content. I think I vaguely remember them, but to be honest a lot went over my head and I was more focused on Ithaca's dresses than paying attention to the dialogue between  William and his friend. What Ithaca does promotes conservation and caring for all creatures. She has a enviable wardrobe, and is intelligent and brave. It's an exciting film worthy of a 10/10 rating.

Film Friday #1 Barbie & the Diamond Castle and Barbie Princess and the Popstar (Children's, U rating, 9/10)

After several title attempts I finally settled on one for my film reviews. Film Friday means that I shall review a film or an anime episode(s)/series on a Friday. I won't necessarily watch the films on the Friday, but it just so happens that for my first post I did. 

Barbie films in general 

I never had Barbie as a child. I wouldn't pick her as a good role model, although she does have some reputable characteristics. However, I was intrigued by the movies when I was trying to find some new French films to watch. I thought I'd give them a go. Some are ok, some I love. I hate the guys in them. I always watch the French version. They are good for a fun film.

Barbie et le Palais de Diamant/Barbie and the Diamond Castle

 (Liana (left), Alexa (right))

Film Summary from Amazon (I get nothing from mentioning them) 

 Barbie™ and Teresa™ tell us the fairy tale story of Liana™ and Alexa™, best friends who shared everything including their love of music. One day their simple lives change when they are given an enchanted mirror and befriend the girl trapped inside! To save their new friend, Liana™ and Alexa™ embark on a dangerous journey to the hidden Diamond Castle that will put their friendship to the test. But through the power of song and with the companionship of two adorable puppies, the girls face their challenges together and learn that friendship is the true treasure.

Nayuleska's thoughts

I watched the French version, since for me that's more fun than the English version. There's heaps of singing and dancing which was pretty good. I loved the strength of friendship between Liana and Alexa. All they want to do is be happy and help others. Unless they are enchanted by an evil Muse, who is the main enemy in this film. Her sidekick is a dragon who was scary but also a little cute (had he been good) who is a bit dim-witted. 

I was totally enchanted by the outfits the girls wear - they were elegant and colourful, and somehow never snagged on anything or got muddy. Funny, that! The puppies were distinguishable and added extra humour. I was chuckling away at the two guys who rescue Liana & Alexa - they are twins and very full of themselves. I cheered when the girls managed to ditch them. I'll definitely be watching this film again. 

Barbie La Princesse et La Popstar/The Princess and the Popstar

 (Which is which?)

Film Summary from Amazon (I get nothing from mentioning them) 

In this sparkling musical adventure, Barbie™ stars as Tori™, the kind-hearted princess of Meribella who would rather sing and dance than perform her royal duties. When her favorite pop star Keira™ visits the kingdom, the girls discover they have much in common, including a magical secret that lets them look like one another.

At first, swapping places seems like a great idea, until each girl realizes that the other’s life isn’t as easy as it seems! But Meribella also has a magical secret, and when it’s stolen, the whole kingdom is put in danger. Will true friendship save the day?

Nayuleska's thoughts 

This is a take on the classic story, The Princes and the Pauper. Personally it's the funniest one I've ever seen. It's nice and girly. Tori works hard as a princess. I enjoyed the fun she had the younger ones in her family - it was carefree, unrestrained by rules and regulations. I didn't know why she (or Keira) had magical objects  and other people didn't, but who cares! What the objects did was very entertaining - Tori has an amazing sense of humour. Keira also works hard as a popstar, yet is feeling constrained by being told what to do all the time, and not being free to sing her own songs. 

Both girls have a blast when they change into each other. Yes there are hiccups, but they merely add to the humour - until it goes wrong. Then each girl uses what is unique to her to get through the dangers. Once again I adore all the costumes - come on, who wouldn't love the all purple Keira? It would have been awesome if her purple hair was her natural colour. Their two dogs are so different in character, but manage to help the girls out in their swapped roles. I got a tiny bit bored when the focus wasn't on Tori or Keira - that's because they have a blast! Definitely a film to rewatch, with good values about helping others and being true to yourself.

Nayuleska's conclusion 

The reason both films reviewed get 9/10 is because the guys are stupid in both films. Seriously stupid. It's a good thing I'm more interested in friendship and fun. They made me laugh and cringe a lot.Thankfully the rest of the films more than make up for the inadequate male cast.