Conspiracy Theories: From Marilyn to Malaysia Airlines

It seems that the media loves a good conspiracy theory, and they love even more when the public believe them. Some, such as the theory of Marilyn Monroe’s death, are solid theories with evidence to support them; however, there are so many outrageous, stupid and completely unnecessary conspiracies that make me want to throw my laptop at someone.

For example, the new conspiracy theory of the Malaysian MH370 flight that went missing a few days ago. There has been all this fuss because after three days the passengers phones continue to ring despite the authorities stating the plane is “underwater” somewhere. There are some believable theories, such as a terrorist attack, but then there are ones that say the plane spontaneously exploded and disintegrated? Really?

It gets worse. Apparently, it is possible that the crew and passengers are being held hostage at an abandoned airport in Vietnam. If this was actually a possibility, why haven’t these ‘abandoned airports’ been searched? I’m sure someone would have seen a giant plane land.

Oh, but hold on a moment. They could have been abducted by aliens! When in doubt, assume they were abducted. Or, instead, it was a Hollywood promotional stunt for the remake of Lost. Yes! That was it! Let’s hijack a plane, make it completely disappear, reappear and announce it was just a hoax to announce the remake of a TV series.

I’m pretty certain there are hundreds of other conspiracy theories regarding the missing Malaysian flight. If you know any, comment below.

– Amber

Please share and like my post!

How Hay Day is the devil in the form of an app

Have you ever played Hay Day? It’s a cute little game available on iOS and Android that allows you to build your own farm, sell and grow crops, harvest things like milk and eggs… It seems relatively harmless. I hear you ask, “so, why is it the devil in the form of an app?”

Addiction. It is literally the most addictive game I have ever played. You feed your chickens and pigs so they produce eggs and bacon, and then by the time you’ve done that your wheat is ready to be harvested. There is no escape from this never-ending cycle!

Not only this, it traps you further by allowing you to sell your produce to other players online. I have probably wasted days, weeks and my degree on this thing. First Farmville, now this.

I urge you all to avoid this game if you value your precious social life and have high ambitions. If not, go ahead and indulge!

– Amber

Please share, like and follow my blog!

The Wolf of Wall Street: Critical Review

Do you have three hours to spare? Do you want to analyse and judge the morals and lifestyles of some of America’s most disturbingly revolting and outrageous Wall Street brokers? Watch this.

The story of Jordan Belfort’s rise and fall in Wall Street, combined with the raw unveiling of the shadowed American capitalist society makes this a must watch film for 2014.

With The Wolf of Wall Street impressively setting a new record for the most occurrences of the F-word in a non-documentary film – with 506 uses of the word – the movie has been highly criticised for its lack of ‘moral centre’? Let’s be honest, who really cares? It’s a film that depicts the immoral, perverted life of a Wall Street stockbroker and is portrayed just as it is in Jordan Befort’s memoirs, so to those critics, I ask: “what’s the issue?!”

Although it’s evident that The Wolf of Wall Street does celebrate villainy, it’s an exhilarating rollercoaster of a film, taking us through the life of the foul-mouthed, hilarious stockbroker who marvellously transforms a small group of losers into an enormous company of millionaire brokers. Jordan Belfort founded a “boiler room” brokerage firm in the 90s under the misleading name Stratton Oakmont and hit the big bucks by his ingenious but criminal “pump and dump” scheme. Continuing this lifestyle until 1996, Belfort was imprisoned for fraud and money-laundering; however, through ratting out his colleagues, Belfort served just 22 months and was ordered to pay back $110 million.

It was not until Belfort was encouraged by Tommy Chong whilst in prison that he decided to write his memoirs, which were published in 2008. Many who read the book understand how he became such a charming, money-sucking broker, as well as noticing how the autobiography is never apologetic. The movie pays respects to the book, never straying far from the true story. Rather than the film being about Belfort, it is more Belfort’s film.

DiCaprio hooks us with his absorbing performance. DiCaprio gives his all and ensures he does not restrain himself at all, something that we can thank director Scorsese for. His impressive performance of the effects of drug-use are worthy of all awards. Combine this with his outstanding acts of rage and angry energy, you have one heck of an actor!

It may appear as though DiCaprio is the one carrying the film, but upon further reflection it’s evident that his seedy sidekick Donnie (Jonah Hill) is just as outrageous and revolting as Belfort. This film is definitely a must-see if you’d like to explore the corrupt, disturbingly outrageous minds of 20^th Century Wall Street brokers (and you have 3 hours spare).

-Amber

Please share this post and follow my blog!

Robocop, or Roboflop?

I know that perhaps my title was a little bit harsh, but it’s half-justified. The over-the-top in-your-face speed of the film takes away the story of  the movie; and, combine this with the unnecessary gore that comes with the unveiling of Robocop’s “body”, you’re left with a confused and disgusted audience in some parts.

Admittedly, the film captures your attention with the intensity and anxiety that comes with all action thrillers; however, I’m still uncertain on my stance on this film. These days, action movies generally follow suit and throw in some black humour, and a sprinkle of satire – Robocop doesn’t.

Despite these things – and despite the fact that the movie is not classified as “ground-breaking” – it was created by someone who understood the true Robocop. It appears to be a crowd-pleasing film, rather than a critically genius, amazing, perfect, “best movie ever”, sort of film.

Just have a watch, it’s a pleasing film.

– Amber

Please follow my blog and share this post!

The inevitable death of Flappy Bird

I’m not sure if you have heard, but the creator of ‘Flappy Bird’, Dong Nguyen, announced on various social networking sites that he is removing the game and discontinuing its sale.  I doubt this will really do much, seeing as all those who have the game installed on their device can still play it freely.

What did this spawn? Idiots. It spawned rich idiots. Rich idiots who are buying standard iPhones and Android phones for thousands of pounds simply because it has ‘Flappy Bird’ installed on them.  I wish I was joking, but I actually found an iPhone 5 with ‘Flappy Bird’ installed being sold for £3,500. Who is buying these?!

For the sake of humanity, everyone should just agree to delete ‘Flappy Bird’ forever and move on with their lives. It’s time to face reality and leave the world of the disabled bird.

– Amber

Please share and follow my blog!

Flappy Bird is ruining my life!

I need an intervention. “Flappy Bird is the easiest game I’ve ever played” – said no-one ever.

It’s frustrating, it’s maddening, and it’s somewhat wonderful; but what is it about it that makes it so god damn addictive? I would one hundred percent like to clarify that it actually is ruining my life, mainly by causing me to procrastinate and avoid all work. At one point or another, everyone who has played this game as thrown their phone. Whether it’s against a wall, out the window, down the toilet – you’ve all thrown it. Admit it!

Yet, it is still dominating the App Store and Google Play. What is wrong with humanity? Do we just enjoy torturing ourselves and damaging our smart phones/tablets? Despite its deceptive appearance as an easy Mario-like game, it’s possibly one of the most difficult games you will come across.

There is no story to the game. Here is a scenario I have made up for the love-to-hate Flappy Bird:

One day, Flappy the Bird was rolling around in Mario-World thinking that his entire life will be dedicated to the art of rolling, wondering what his life will become: “will I be a bowling ball? Or perhaps I’ll be a football?” After contemplating this depressing lifestyle, Flappy rolled upright (you see, he has no legs) and decided he wanted to fly. Unable to fly like normal birds, he flapped and flapped as hard as possible and raised one inch off of the ground. Astounded, he continued to do this and work his little wings as hard as possible until he was flying!…

What a thrilling possibility for a story. Anyway, for those who love the feeling of disappoint and feeling as though you can never accomplish anything, this game is for you suckers. After playing the game around two hundred times, I am still only achieving a score of 5.

Enjoy.

Mandela: Long (very long) Walk to Freedom

The perfectly-timed movie based on the South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, released only months after his death, chronicles his education, fight for freedom, 27 years in prison and his presidency.

The film appears to have a tendency to blast through his entire life at lightning speed, but it still takes two and a half hours? Still, a good attempt at condensing 96 years into one film! Director and filmmaker Justin Chadwick does a fantastic job at depicting the challenges Mandela faced, beginning at his family roots in the South African countryside and ending with his election to President and the end of black oppression.

Other than teaching us the importance of Mandela and what he did for his country, it teaches the audience something that not many knew unless they were present at the time: the impact of the revolutionary Winnie Mandela. The film offers an insight into his personal relationship with his hard-core wife and the many marches she led and the people that followed her. Naomie Harris is an excellent Winnie Mandela, showing the strength and the violent actions that the real Winnie experienced herself. Whilst Nelson is in prison, the film begins to become Winnie’s story as her tale becomes fiercer, depicting the burden of politics that she endured and the nastiness of activism and racism.

What the movie does fail on, however, is the depiction of Mandela. In reality, Mandela was no saint. He did in fact belong to a “terrorist group”, the ANC, and they did take many innocent lives for their cause. Despite this, it does pay homage to the dedication and suffering that Mandela endured and has been described as a film that is a “decent, respectful and respectable account of Nelson Mandela’s life”.

Chadwick does a good job at squashing in all important events of Mandela’s life, but still manages to miss so many aspects of his life that would have influenced the film entirely. One that many critics have mentioned is the tender love story of his third wife, Graça Machel. Perhaps another film should be made based on the later part of his life? To offer an opinion, I would say that it is an excellently acted movie, a well-written story with only a few major events cut out. I would highly recommend this film if you think you can handle the 139 minutes!

By Amber Standring

Another Praising Review: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is an extremely well-directed, highly addictive and thought provoking movie that is supported by outstanding acting on the parts of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Having seen it twice within two days of it’s release, it is definitely a must-see movie that you can just watch over and over again.

Catching Fire begins after Katniss’ return home after the 74th Hunger Games, which she and her fellow tribute, Peter Mellark both won. Winning meant they must embark on a “Victor’s Tour” across the twelve districts, before the annoucement of the 75th Hunger Games (the Quarter-Quell). Katniss observes that there is a rebellion simmering throughout the districts and knows that the next Hunger Games will change Panem forever.

Having been described as “one of the best sequels of all time” and gaining an excellent 89% on RottenTomatoes.com, it is evident that Catching Fire was an enormous success. Director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine) has really stepped up the mark and has established himself as one of the hottest hollywood filmmakers at the moment, with all eyes waiting on his future films.

Jennifer Lawrence plays an exceptional role and emits eyes that express her rage and intelligence, involving the audience and providing the film with a deeper and more involving meaning. Lawrence is one of cinema’s greatest rising stars and really stepped up the mark from her level of acting in the first Hunger Games. She is perfectly complemented with some equally talented co-stars, most importantly Philip Seymour Hoffman who plays the role of the motivated and manipulative Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee.

Although the running time is 2 hours and 26 minutes, the film keeps moving and time flies by so quickly you wish it would continue for another 2 hours. The film is a solid sequel, supported by incredible acting and focused on the political struggles of Panem. Definitely a must-watch film, and having not read the books, I am dying to know what happens in the follow-up Mockingjay.

By Amber Standring

The Butler: A Praising Review

Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey perform outstandingly in this American historical drama film, based on the true story of the ex-butler to the President, Cecil Gaines. Forest captures the personality of the calm Cecil and director Lee Daniels captures perfectly the life of a black man during the American civil rights period.

Lee Daniels superbly illustrates the transformation of America: changing from a country that denied all rights to its black citizens, to becoming a country led by a black citizen. Following the life of Cecil Gaines, we see as an audience the horrors of the American civil rights movement throughout the twentieth-century and experience the heartbreak and emotion of living in America as a black citizen.

Lee Daniels’ The Butler illustrates the story of a White House butler who has served eight presidents and experienced the fluctuating social-political changes throughout the twentieth century in America. It traces the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and other huge events during this century and reveals its impact on this one man’s life and family. With an A-List cast, this is definitely a film you cannot miss. Robin Williams plays the role of Dwight Eisenhower, John Cusack as Richard Nixon, Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan, James Marsden as J. F. Kennedy, Liev Schreiber as Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other soaring actors.

Forest Whitaker fully emotionally envelops the character of Cecil Gaines and transforms what could have been simply a documentary or a biographical film, into a gut-wrenching and heart-tearing emotional rollercoaster. The use of the true story of the butler to eight-presidents just causes the movie to tug on your heartstrings more, therefore making this a film you must see. Oprah Winfrey supplies terrific support for Whitaker through her subtle yet effective subplot of her alcoholism and almost-affair with her next-door neighbour.

Many critics praise Daniels’ The Butler, with one defining it as “electrifying” and “gripping”, two apt descriptions of the star-studded movie. If you are unsure of the events of the civil rights movement and the pain it caused to America, then just experience this and you’ll become an expert. This may sound like simply a history class, but I can assure you it is quite the opposite!

The Butler is an extremely well-made, visually engaging and excellent acted historical drama that transforms a subject that is currently studied in A-Level History into an informative and emotionally moving feature about the civil rights movement. My verdict is that it is 100% definitely worth a watch.

By Amber Standring

Runner Runner: You Better Runner Runner Away From This One!

Ben Affleck becomes hugely successful with his new role as batman and winning Best Picture Oscar, and then makes “Runner Runner”. This strikes up some questions Mr Affleck.

Admittedly, my first opinion of the film as I was watching it was “hmm, this isn’t too bad, just like most other casino movies”. I was wrong. The film got progressively worse and so did the acting with it. The movie has an A-list cast and the concept of it is refreshingly new, but why isn’t it good?

To start with, there is so much that can be said about the attitudes to online gambling and addiction and although the use of online poker tables makes this film a definite 21^st Century casino movie, it’s skimmed over far too quickly. We see too little of Timberlake’s gambling to understand what is going on: one minute he is at college, the next in Costa Rica.

Timberlake plays Richie Furst, a college student who tries to win his university tuition fees on an online poker site. Furst goes bust and realises he’s been cheated so sets off to get his money back by confronting the owner of the site, Ivan Black (Affleck), in Costa Rica. Affleck offers Timberlake a new life with him in Costa Rica.

The second issue I will confront with this movie is this: why does Furst take a gamble to win his tuition fees because he is so desperate to continue college, but yet is willing to throw it all away to chase a rich casino king in a different country? This film struggles with skimming and it appears as though the whole film rushes to Costa Rica that it forgets that Furst should have a back story. After this (it gets worse), an FBI agent, Agent Shavers (Anthony Mackie), persuades Furst to work for him undercover infiltrating Black’s company. It all seems a bit far-fetched!

Despite all the negative comments, there are some positive aspects of this film. The dark world of Black’s casino empire is well executed as you would expect: corrupt police system, dodgy deals and bribery. However, the scene lacks danger considering the amount of money that is supposedly meant to be involved. Top critic from “Slant Magazine” agrees, stating that “Runner Runner” is “for a gambling film, markedly risk-averse”.

“Runner Runner” offers no reason to rush to the cinemas with its bland storyline and poor performance by Timberlake. Instead just sit back and watch a classic like “Casino” if you’re looking for that type of film (because you won’t find it here).