I love my films so when I saw that the V&A, my favourite museum, had an exhibition of Hollywood Costumes I got on the internet and booked tickets straight away.
It was simply amazing the costumes they have on show include some of the most recognisable costumes through the history of film.
Over 100 of the most iconic costumes from across the century of film-making.
It was mesmerising two dresses from Gone with the Wind - two Scarlett O'Hara dresses which were beautiful. Indiana Jones' iconic outfit was slightly different from what I was expecting but instantly recognisable.
I was surprised just how small some of the stars were, Robert DeNiro was very narrow and short, Russell Crowe's Gladiator suit was also smaller than I was expecting.
There were costumes from Matrix, Twilight: New Moon, Moulin Rouge, Chicago and Atonement. Just so many that it is hard to recount them all.
My favourites include a Marilyn Monroe dress from Some Like It Hot, which was just beautifully made.
The black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's was really simple and if not made by Givenchy and worn by Audrey Hepburn would not be that amazing but the fact it is makes it breathtaking.
The two major pulls of the exhibition are THE white dress from The Seven Year Itch, which looks quite small when you think Marilyn was meant to be a size 14 and also I never realised that it has a bow on the band.
The other is Dorothy's dress from The Wizard of Oz worn by Judy Garland. It was quite small and very prim, nothing special but like the Holly Golightly dress what it was in and who wore it madke it amazing. It also had two pairs of ruby slippers a replica pair and also the actual pair. Now The Wizard of Oz is my all time favourite film and I was a little disappointed in the slippers but also a little fascinated. They are covered in sequins I don't know what I was expecting though, actual rubys.
One of best costumes I think is the black ballerina outfit worn by Natalie Portman in Black Swan, I didn't really like the film but the craftsmanship and detail in that dress makes it look beautiful.
My one criticism though is in relation to the Batman, Catwoman, Superman and Spiderman outfits. They were placed high up so you couldn't really get a good look at them something I would love to have done to the Batman outfit from The Dark Knight Rises.
The exhibition is on until January 27 for more information check out http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-hollywood-costume/ if you love films you will love this.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Jake Bugg, The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth - 13/11/2012
Jake Bugg is a name that many people may not have heard of but next year he will be the name on everyones lips.
He recently came back from a tour in America with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and has now embarked on his own UK tour. He also played at quite a few festivals over the summer, and you may have also heard his song Lightening Bolt during the Olympics.
Having seen him a few times on TV me and my boyfriend decided to get some tickets as he was coming to Portsmouth.
Jake came on about quarter past ten and played for about an hour maybe a little bit less.
He didn't really interact with the audience just saying the song titles but I can't fault his performance, he is only 18 but he does have a modest stage presence and you can't deny that voice has a unique quality to it.
He is frequently compared to Bob Dylan, and I can see that in his early days. He has quite a country style singing voice and also his lyrics are honest and sometimes a little brutal.
I did feel that most of the people in the audience probably didn't have his album as when he performed songs such as Lightening Bolt, Taste It and Two Fingers the crowd erupted.
However with his album tracks you could hear people talking in the audience and atmosphere was a bit flat. There is nothing wrong with Jake's performance he could be a front man with swagger when he gains more confidence.
He is touring again next year so if you get the chance do see him. He has a great voice and has the potential to be a great performer, as you have to remember he is only an 18 year old from Nottingham.
On another note he had two support acts but by far my favourite was singer Findlay who has an old style amazing voice, simply brilliant.
He recently came back from a tour in America with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and has now embarked on his own UK tour. He also played at quite a few festivals over the summer, and you may have also heard his song Lightening Bolt during the Olympics.
Having seen him a few times on TV me and my boyfriend decided to get some tickets as he was coming to Portsmouth.
Jake came on about quarter past ten and played for about an hour maybe a little bit less.
He didn't really interact with the audience just saying the song titles but I can't fault his performance, he is only 18 but he does have a modest stage presence and you can't deny that voice has a unique quality to it.
He is frequently compared to Bob Dylan, and I can see that in his early days. He has quite a country style singing voice and also his lyrics are honest and sometimes a little brutal.
I did feel that most of the people in the audience probably didn't have his album as when he performed songs such as Lightening Bolt, Taste It and Two Fingers the crowd erupted.
However with his album tracks you could hear people talking in the audience and atmosphere was a bit flat. There is nothing wrong with Jake's performance he could be a front man with swagger when he gains more confidence.
He is touring again next year so if you get the chance do see him. He has a great voice and has the potential to be a great performer, as you have to remember he is only an 18 year old from Nottingham.
On another note he had two support acts but by far my favourite was singer Findlay who has an old style amazing voice, simply brilliant.
Friday, 16 November 2012
It's a marathon but not as we know it... The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn Part 2
Yesterday I spent twelve hours in the cinema, watching a total of five films.
If you have read this blog before you will know I am a Twilight fan and as the last film comes out me and my friend decided a while ago to do the marathon and watch all five films.
It started at 2.50pm , Thursday, and ended at 2.10am, Friday.
In between all the films there were interviews with fans and cast members and music videos.
I forgot how good the films are. Also watching them back to back I realised how much Robert Pattinson has aged where Kristen Stewart practically looks the same.
My favourite film is still Eclipse, in it you have action, the love triangle at its worst and Edward proposing what more could you want.
Then at midnight we were welcomed by Breaking Dawn Part Two, and...it was actually pretty good.
I really didn't like the Breaking Dawn book, especially the ending. However, Part one of the film was really good so I had high hopes for part 2 and I wasn't disappointed.
The shortest of the five films it was great to see Bella strong and kicking some butt, in particular Emmett.
It was interesting to get other vampires involved.
Many fans will know that the ending has been changed, and it is a lot better. Stephanie Meyer wrote it so I really don't know why she couldn't have done that ending in the book in the first place.
With the ending I have never heard an audience reaction so loud and surprised than the one I heard in the cinema last night. The audience clapped, cheered, gasped and laughed over the last fifteen minutes which was just amazing.
The atmosphere in the cinema was brilliant, a load of Twihards looking forward to seeing the final instalment. It felt more like an event then just a cinema outing making it all the more special.
The cast were great Mackenzie Foy spookily looks like she could be Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's child. Robert Pattinson has the right amount of brooding to make Edward just as irresistible and Kristen makes an easy transition to vampire.
Imprinting in the film has been kind of glazed over a bit so Jacob imprinting on Renesmee is more like a older caring friend then creepy relative. But Taylor Launter does a great job again of Jacob.
I think my favourite character throughout the films has to be Charlie, Bella's dad played by Billy Burke, great comic timing and just fantastic.
If you are a Twilight fan you will love the film, it delivers on all accounts and with director Bill Condon again who did Part one (and also Dream Girls) it is a great end to the franchise.
The only question left on your lips will be how many times to go see it.
If you have read this blog before you will know I am a Twilight fan and as the last film comes out me and my friend decided a while ago to do the marathon and watch all five films.
It started at 2.50pm , Thursday, and ended at 2.10am, Friday.
In between all the films there were interviews with fans and cast members and music videos.
I forgot how good the films are. Also watching them back to back I realised how much Robert Pattinson has aged where Kristen Stewart practically looks the same.
My favourite film is still Eclipse, in it you have action, the love triangle at its worst and Edward proposing what more could you want.
Then at midnight we were welcomed by Breaking Dawn Part Two, and...it was actually pretty good.
I really didn't like the Breaking Dawn book, especially the ending. However, Part one of the film was really good so I had high hopes for part 2 and I wasn't disappointed.
The shortest of the five films it was great to see Bella strong and kicking some butt, in particular Emmett.
It was interesting to get other vampires involved.
Many fans will know that the ending has been changed, and it is a lot better. Stephanie Meyer wrote it so I really don't know why she couldn't have done that ending in the book in the first place.
With the ending I have never heard an audience reaction so loud and surprised than the one I heard in the cinema last night. The audience clapped, cheered, gasped and laughed over the last fifteen minutes which was just amazing.
The atmosphere in the cinema was brilliant, a load of Twihards looking forward to seeing the final instalment. It felt more like an event then just a cinema outing making it all the more special.
The cast were great Mackenzie Foy spookily looks like she could be Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's child. Robert Pattinson has the right amount of brooding to make Edward just as irresistible and Kristen makes an easy transition to vampire.
Imprinting in the film has been kind of glazed over a bit so Jacob imprinting on Renesmee is more like a older caring friend then creepy relative. But Taylor Launter does a great job again of Jacob.
I think my favourite character throughout the films has to be Charlie, Bella's dad played by Billy Burke, great comic timing and just fantastic.
If you are a Twilight fan you will love the film, it delivers on all accounts and with director Bill Condon again who did Part one (and also Dream Girls) it is a great end to the franchise.
The only question left on your lips will be how many times to go see it.
Monday, 5 November 2012
Cupcakes - My own creation
When it comes to cupcakes I always try the recipes from the book, word for word.
However, my boyfriend wanted something a little different.
I made vanilla cupcakes with chopped up dark chocolate took the middle out and spread chocolate orange spread, with chocolate orange icing. All what the boyfriend asked for.
I used the basic vanilla sponge from the Hummingbird Bakery book and other bits from other ones.
I have only tried the sponge which was nice but I worry that the filling and icing may be a bit too much.
I just hope the boyfriend likes them.
with added cocoa powder
pre-icing
However, my boyfriend wanted something a little different.
I made vanilla cupcakes with chopped up dark chocolate took the middle out and spread chocolate orange spread, with chocolate orange icing. All what the boyfriend asked for.
I used the basic vanilla sponge from the Hummingbird Bakery book and other bits from other ones.
I have only tried the sponge which was nice but I worry that the filling and icing may be a bit too much.
I just hope the boyfriend likes them.
with added cocoa powder
pre-icingSunshine shorties - biscuit heaven
I have had a couple of days off and even though today is my boyfriend's birthday he is in uni all day so leaving me at a loose end I decided to do a bit of baking.
My first go was sunshine shorties from Lisa Faulkner's cook book Recipes from My Mother for My Daughter.
The recipe is really simple - you melt golden syrup, butter, bicarbonate soda, caster sugar, and water together on the hob. Then take it off the heat and add porridge oats and self-raising flour, mix them together, make teaspoon balls and then cook for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
I was a little concerned as the mixture was a little tricky and after they were cooking they were a little 'flexible' but after cooling they got harder.
I had a cheeky taste of one and it was delicious! Buttery, sweet and a little piece of heaven.
Also quite nice warm out of the oven.
If you are unsure about if you can bake try these, they are really good and easy to make.
My first go was sunshine shorties from Lisa Faulkner's cook book Recipes from My Mother for My Daughter.
The recipe is really simple - you melt golden syrup, butter, bicarbonate soda, caster sugar, and water together on the hob. Then take it off the heat and add porridge oats and self-raising flour, mix them together, make teaspoon balls and then cook for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
I was a little concerned as the mixture was a little tricky and after they were cooking they were a little 'flexible' but after cooling they got harder.
I had a cheeky taste of one and it was delicious! Buttery, sweet and a little piece of heaven.
Also quite nice warm out of the oven.
If you are unsure about if you can bake try these, they are really good and easy to make.
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Skyfall - James Bond 007 - the review
I will admit from the onset that I have only seen two (well three after today) Bond films from beginning to end - Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace but I did really enjoy them.
I won't give away too much about the film as it is amazing and I wouldn't want to spoil it, this means that this review will probably be quite short as I don't want to ruin it.
First I will say that it doesn't follow on from the previous two films so you don't really need to have seen them before seeing this.
Javier Bardem plays the baddie Mr Silver and he is amazing! Blonde hair, blue eyes and slightly too large teeth. He is a real good baddie, a classic baddie, a little camp but equally brilliant. It did remind me a bit of the Joker and Batman in that they need each other but need to beat each other. Bardem is just an amazing baddie.
Daniel Craig is again a brilliant Bond and Judi Dench's M fantastic.
I love that the film has proper opening titles, it gives the opportunity for Adele's theme song to be played in full. I just wish they did it with more films.
The Aston Martin DB5 is beautiful and makes a welcome return. This film does celebrate Bond's 50th anniversary and if you are a Bond fan I don't think you will be disappointed.
Visually this film is phenomenal, the depth and colour in some scenes. The use of light and dark, shadows and the smallest details just add the pieces. Sam Mendes is a genius.
I also love that they filmed parts in London, with many recognisable sights.
Go see this film if you love action films, Javier Bardem or Bond, or Daniel Craig as you won't be disappointed.
I won't give away too much about the film as it is amazing and I wouldn't want to spoil it, this means that this review will probably be quite short as I don't want to ruin it.
First I will say that it doesn't follow on from the previous two films so you don't really need to have seen them before seeing this.
Javier Bardem plays the baddie Mr Silver and he is amazing! Blonde hair, blue eyes and slightly too large teeth. He is a real good baddie, a classic baddie, a little camp but equally brilliant. It did remind me a bit of the Joker and Batman in that they need each other but need to beat each other. Bardem is just an amazing baddie.
Daniel Craig is again a brilliant Bond and Judi Dench's M fantastic.
I love that the film has proper opening titles, it gives the opportunity for Adele's theme song to be played in full. I just wish they did it with more films.
The Aston Martin DB5 is beautiful and makes a welcome return. This film does celebrate Bond's 50th anniversary and if you are a Bond fan I don't think you will be disappointed.
Visually this film is phenomenal, the depth and colour in some scenes. The use of light and dark, shadows and the smallest details just add the pieces. Sam Mendes is a genius.
I also love that they filmed parts in London, with many recognisable sights.
Go see this film if you love action films, Javier Bardem or Bond, or Daniel Craig as you won't be disappointed.
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