The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

The Fault in Our Stars, 2014. Directed by Josh BOONE.
USA: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation  

The Fault in Our Stars is a romantic drama based on the bestselling novel by John Green. After falling in love with the book just over a year ago now, I was extremely excited to see how the movie would turn out. I wasn't disappointed. Living in the UK, I had to wait longer than many audiences to be able to see the movie however I was lucky enough to be able to attend a special fan screening a week early at my local Odeon.

The film follows the story of a superhero of a different kind; Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley). A bright and intelligent 16 year old who was diagnosed with cancer at 13 who has since been connected to oxygen tank that she must carry with her everywhere. But this strong female protagonist will not let her illness define her. Every week Hazel reluctantly attends a support group for cancer survivors and it is here where she meets Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort); a strapping teenage guy who has lost part of a leg to cancer. He and Hazel connect almost instantly and before you know it become the most lovable couple you have ever seen on screen.  

For me, what makes this film so incredible (aside from how true it is to the novel) is the amazing cast. Woodley has been a favourite actress of mine since The Decedents and The Spectacular Now. I am extremely grateful that she begged for the part, I cannot imagine anybody else doing a better job of it. She is wise, funny and vulnerable. Meanwhile, Elgort portrays an incredible Gus. In his first big movie role aside from playing Woodley’s brother in this years’ Divergent, Elgort does a flawless job at making the entire audience fall in love with him. Dishing out adorably romantic lines such as “It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you” and giving off a perfect blend of practicality and optimism, audiences of all ages will appreciate this enchanting character. And not to forget Nat Wolff's superb portrayal of Isaac. He will never fail to make you smile even when all you want to do is cry your heart out. (Be sure to look out for Wolff in the leading role of Paper Towns; another fantastic John Green story being adapted for the big screen).

For me the film was perfect however many people who have not read the book often criticise a particular scene in Amsterdam. I have heard on more than one occasion people assume that the story is comparing cancer survivors to Jews in World War II, particularly Anne Frank. However I believe this is a misreading. Hazel and Gus are not being compared to the Frank family in a way that suggests they are similar. They are compared to the family in a way that suggests that if the family could live in hiding and still make something of their lives, still enjoying themselves and staying optimistic, then Hazel and Gus have no excuse not to live their limited lives to the full. I think this is important to understand during the sequence.

All John Green’s fans will know that this story is an emotional roller-coaster with plenty of twists. I cannot go into any more detail than that without giving away spoilers however; it is a poetic yet realistic take on the beauty and unfairness of life. It celebrates the special moments in life but never tries to avoid the difficult times. But the beauty doesn't stop there. It has a fantastic soundtrack featuring some of my favourite artists including Tom Odell, Ed Sheeran and Grouplove.

This wise teen romance is a story that will hit all ages in the heart. I have seen the film twice now and both times there wasn't a dry eye in the house so have a box of tissues at hand. I cannot wait to see more of John Green's incredible stories on the big screen.

Bad Neighbours (2014)

Bad Neighbours, 2014. Directed by Nicholas STOLLER.

 USA: Universal Pictures.

Bad Neighbours (or Neighbors) is a hilarious comedy that tells the story of a couple with a new born baby who have to face new challenges when a fraternity moves in next door. Whilst the trailer made me chuckle, I went into the cinema expecting just another comedy but I was pleasantly surprised.

Adorable couple Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne) are living in their lovely suburban home with their new baby daughter Stella. They’re constantly trying to adjust to life with a baby; they can’t go out with their friends, they fall asleep constantly and they very rarely have uninterrupted sex (this is shown in a very comical sequence in which they constantly have to pause to turn Stella to face the wall). However life gets more challenging when the house next door goes up for a sale and a fraternity, led by Zac Efron and Dave Franco, moves in. In an attempt to avoid chaos and persuade their new neighbours to keep the noise down, the couple try to bond with them. However when the couple betrays the fraternity by calling the police, a war is declared and all hell breaks loose leading us into the main storyline as the frat and the couple fight back in turn.

The film is simple and a lot of fun. Whilst the narrative isn’t at all complex the characters are loveable and never fail to gain your support. Right to the very end, no matter how much I wanted the couple to win the battle, I still found myself loving the fraternity and attempts to seek revenge. The main cast are brilliant and supported by an extremely talented supporting cast including Lisa Kudrow, Sumbarine’s Craig Roberts and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Whilst I’ve always found Rogen a talented performer, I was amazed to see Byrne prove herself to be just as capable and a fearless comedic actress throughout the movie.

As a whole, Bad Neighbours is a playful film, packed with jokes, well filmed party sequences and a well-chosen cast of comedic performers. Whilst it is not as perfect as 2011’s Bridemaids, it is silly, adventurous and never failed to make me laugh.

300 (2006)

300, 2006. Film. Directed by Zack SNYDER. USA: Warner Bros.

After months of being begged to watch this film, this week I finally gave in. It was worth the wait.

Most basically, 300 tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. Over the years many of the specifics have been clouded in legend however the facts remain unquestioned. An alliance of Greek city-states fought the invading Persian army in the mountain pass of Thermopylae. A group of 300 Spartan soldiers under the command of King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) stood up against a vastly superior Persian force led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). Xerxes waited days for Leonidas to surrender or withdraw was left with no option but to move forward. It is well known that the Spartans were greatly outnumbered and therefore did not win the battle. It is one of the most famous last stands in history. 300, is an American action/fantasy film based on the comic series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. The film stays true to the graphic novel, consistently emphasizing the mythology of the battle rather than attempting to be completely historically accurate.

300 is a film about heroism and standing strong in the face of impossible odds. It perpetuates an ideology of masculinity and machismo. The movie ignores aspects such as characterization only ever allowing the audience to know a few characters as types. There is a great warrior/King, a strong independent wife, a traitor and an enemy. I am a big fan of character development however in this situation I could let it pass. There just isn't the time or a reason to let us get to know the protagonists, we just want to know the story. Besides, the story is most simply about a group of 300 warriors and that's exactly what we are given. Knowing how the story ends for the Spartans doesn't lessen the excitement of getting there.

Director Snyder uses desaturated colours and a combination of blue and green screen backgrounds to craft the film's artistic appearance that is so similar to that of the graphic novel. Aside from the story, this is my favourite thing about the film. It makes this basic story look so beautiful and really emphasizes the fantasy elements of the legend.The acting is also brilliant. Butler's performance is full of passion, strength and power and Lena Headey plays Leonidas' queen as a woman of equal strength and emotion.

Overall, the powerful characters, beautiful visuals, energetic action sequences and the strong reflection of comic books makes 300 something very enjoyable. While it doesn't offer an in-depth, conventional retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, it does make a worthwhile viewing for everybody.