The Help, film review

The Help by Kathryn Stockett is an iconic book, so it comes as no surprise to see it arrive on the big screen. A touching, heart-wrenching and very real story, it sheds light on the difficult situation regarding white ladies and their black maids in Mississippi in the 1960s. An aspiring author during the civil rights movement decides to write a book detailing the lives of African-American maids, the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.

I cried throughout.. no, I'll be totally honest.... I sobbed throughout. The film is convincing and, despite the slow storyline, gripping. I was delighted to see a cast of such superb female actresses. Particular stand out performances for me come from Emma Jones as leading lady Eugenia ‘Skeeter’ Phelan who is frank and inquisitive; Bryce Dallas Howard as mean girl Hilly Holbrook and Octavia Spencer as outspoken Minny Jackson are also brilliant to watch on screen.

The translation from book to film can be a problem, but not in this case. I rarely go to the cinema, but The Help is definitely worth the effort and the extortionate ticket price!

Breakfast at Tiffany's for Valentines Day

My Valentine's night was spent visiting the darling little Ritzy cinema for a second time. After seeing Black Swan there I was eager to go again, but to see something, well more watchable, a film to smile at rather than flinch at. Avoiding the rows of gruesome twosome tables at restaurants, I rudely informed my date that I wanted to spend the evening watching this iconic girly film, despite having seen it over and over again.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is similar to a vintage wine – it just gets better and better. I seem to enjoy it more every time, noticing new details and perfectly picturesque moments. Because I saw Anna Friel in the stage version last year, I understand the narrative more, stories always seem better when they are familiar.

For those who don’t know (if there are any B.a.T. virgins out there?) the story is about bemused and unaware Holly Golighty, a girl flitting around New York City with her feline companion, ‘Cat’. She charms all she meets, and in particular one promising young writer, Paul Varjak (though Holly decides to call him Fred) - watching their mad adventures is an utter delight. Doe-eyed Audrey Hepburn performs as Miss Golightly which is arguably what made this film such a hit.

Sadly I returned home after the film to watch Chelsea waste away the remaining moments of their match. This would not usually dampen my mood – however a £33.47 betting win was imminent if Chelsea had won. They didn’t and I therefore lost out on my pot of gold, very very disappointing. Apart from that, I think it was one of the nicest Valentine's evenings I’ve ever spent, thanks to my lovely date, and the romantic film.

Book to see something at The Ritzy here.

The Black Swan at The Ritzy in Brixton

I promised myself I would be brave for Black Swan, I was going with two boys so had to be to avoid massive embarrassment!

Director of ‘Requiem for a Dream’ and ‘The Wrestler,’ Darren Aronofsky presents us with a new psychological thriller that exceeds all expectations. Starring stunning Natalie Portman in her most impressive performance to date, this is a must-see. The story revolves around a production of the famous Tchaikovsky masterpiece Swan Lake at the prestigious New York City Ballet. In this version the leading ballerina must dance as the white and black swan showing the contrasting personalities with equally convincing power and compassion. Nina (Portman) is a perfect white swan, but Lily (Kunis) is a better match for the fearless black alter ego. We watch as Nina struggles to embody both personalities, fighting forces within herself to reach a terrifying outcome.

We decided to see the film at the Ritzy cinema in Brixton. I always glanced at this arty venue from my passing bus and was intrigued about it so was glad to be finally visiting. Turns out this is the place to be on a Saturday night in Brixton, the building was packed and with good reason, the Ritzy seems to have it all: great food, casual bar area, and best of all fabulous old school screens for showing films.

The film itself is horrific and magical at the same time. Showing the beauty of the ballet entwined with a shocking story of mental illness, a twisted tale that at times is too gruesome to watch. Portman certainly does throw herself into the role, I didn’t doubt her character for one moment, and her dancing is quite sublime, especially considering her non-ballet background. Aronofsky’s vision is quite beautifully realised with every detail attended to. There are parts towards the end that I couldn’t watch and I heard squeals around the auditorium from other spectators having a similar reaction. Warning: this is not a film for the faint-hearted, but if you can bear it, it is a wonderful piece of cinema.

And with Black Swan comes a sudden increase in ballet's popularity. It seems the Royal Opera House has cleverly cashed in on this opportunity staging Swan Lake at the time of the film’s UK release. Tickets have completely sold out for the entire run, an unusual occurrence for the ROH, I can only guess it is due to the film’s success.

Book tickets to see something at The Ritzy here.

The King's Speech

I implore you to go and see The King’s Speech. The film hit our screens on January 7^th - it has already been tipped to be the film of 2011, and the year has barely started! I managed to get tickets for the first day, and sat with the excited crowd – which incidentally was enormously varied in age. It is an illuminating account of our Queen’s father, and his noble journey to the throne, succeeding despite his crippling speech impediment, an incredible true story. Stephen Fry calls the film ‘flawless, funny and very moving’, and all the major newspapers have awarded it 5 stars. The film already has seven Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture.

Colin Firth has come a long way since frolicking as prim Mr Darcy in Bridget Jones’ Diary. He gave an inspiring performance in Tom Ford’s debut ‘A Single Man’, and now a Golden Globe worthy show in The King’s Speech. He has a quiet charm as the monarch, and is painfully moving as the embarrassed man who is desperately trying to cope with an unfair stammer. Last week Firth was presented with an actor achievement award in Palm Springs by fellow actor Helen Mirren who appropriately won an Oscar for playing The Queen, King George VI’s daughter.

Helena Bonham-Carter fills the screen with supportive smiles as the then Queen. It is strange to see her as an upstanding citizen after seeing her as the large-headed tyrant in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland but once I got used to the idea, I was impressed by her great versatility. I recognised one of the adorable royal children (Princess Margaret) to be Ramona Marquez from TV programme Outnumbered.

Geoffrey Rush warms the heart with his portrayal of Lionel Logue, the unorthodox speech therapist who helps the King (Bertie) find his voice. A great struggle, but through unlikely techniques and endearing challenges Lionel makes Bertie’s all important speech possible and begins a lasting friendship.

The King’s Speech is a real lesson in our country’s history as well as being a highly intelligent and witty motion picture.

The toys are back in town: Toy Story 3

At last the third and final part of the Toy Story trilogy has arrived. Be prepared with a box of tissues.

Toy Story came out in 1995, the first Disney/Pixar film to be made. It received an outstanding reception wherever it showed, which led the makers to continue the story for two further films.

There has been considerable gaps between each film, increasing the hype. I saw the second instalment for my parents honeymoon celebration when I was just 11. Now, at double that age I enjoyed it just as much. Unlike many series of films, Toy Story has excelled in each instalment, introducing new characters, carefully constructing new plots and developing the animation. Unlike the recent flop, Sex and the City 2, Toy Story 3 perhaps even betters the earlier films.

Toy Story 3 sees the return of Andy’s toys Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) but also introduces some hilarious new characters. My favourite of these is the preened Ken doll (Michael Keaton) who shares some hilarious moments with Barbie. Lotso, the cuddly bear is this film’s villian, and the scariest yet, providing some darker humour. There are lots of laughs, but the highlight would have to be Buzz’s language problems leading to side-splitting consequences.

Director Lee Unkrich and writer Michael Arndt include all the usual ingredients in Toy Story 3, but with a little extra. This film is designed to move as well as to entertain and it certainly does that. The subject of growing up and changing is present throughout the story. Both Andy and this group of toys must be brave and undergo the biggest transition of their lives. Changes that all of us constantly encounter.

It may have taken 11 years, but Toy Story 3 is well worth the wait.