Film Review - "Footloose" directed by Craig Brewer

Footloose (2011)            ★ ★ ★

I was suprised at the little amount of dancing in this year's remake of the old 80s dance classic, but the storyline was very similar. Initially I was confused at how it would still be relevant for dancing to be banned in an American town, but the first few minutes of the movie answer that- after a dance party, five teenagers die in a fatal car crash, and the town's leaders subsequently ban dancing, drinking and going out late.

The cast was credible, at least their accents didn't seem too over-the-top and the two main characters are a more tanned and toned version of the 1984 Ren and Ariel. Ren's angry solo dance was a bit of a cringe in the film, with some country fusion rap soundtrack, but showcased his gymnastic talent. Ariel was a believable character, only because we understood her motives for being so reckless, after the distressing car crash.

With a slight element of predictability in regards to the romantic element of the film, it is an otherwise entertaining look at the problems teenagers face and have always faced with parents and friends. The inclusion of some hip-hop music slightly works in updating the film for today's culture and even the line-dancing scene makes it seem a little bit exciting for the audience. Overall, its easy on the eye and might even make you think about how we judge people.

Favourite quote: I just don't know if believe in everything that you believe in. But I believe in you. (Ariel)

Film Review - "Crazy, Stupid Love." directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)            ★ ★ ★ ★

This film is part of a new kind of American romantic comedy which is wittier, less sentimental and more authentic in its realization than its predecessors. The cast fits together well, with playboy Jacob (Ryan Gosling) opposite dull dad, Cal (Steve Carell) and Emma Stone playing her usual quirky role, as Hannah, a budding lawyer. The film draws attention to conventions of modern dating and 'picking up', which allows the audience to examine each generation of love story in a different way.

The film begins in an unusual way when Cal's wife of 25 years, Emily, (Julianne Moore) proposes a surprise divorce. Setting up young, idealistic love against an established married relationship, with kids and a house involved, creates a sense of perspective. The younger actors weren't as endearing as their adult counterparts, but nevertheless gave heartfelt performances.

There are some uncomfortable moments - when we repeatedly witness 13-year-old Robbie's (Jonah Bobo) professed love for 17-yearold Jessica (Analeigh Tipton). Or when Cal attempts his first one-night-stand with an ex-alcoholic teacher, who is far too emotional around strangers. However, it sticks true to the "crazy" in the film's title. Love does appears to be crazy at times.

Ryan Gosling's performance is impressive. He manages to maintain his cool, suave persona as Jacob -the charming womanizer who understands the bar scene- while maintaining a sense of integrity and innocence. He is definitely a lovable character.

The final half-hour or so becomes overdramatic, with an attempt at a profound speech on love (by the 13-year-old!) at a school graduation, and a family backyard brawl. All the noise and outpouring of emotion becomes a bit overwhelming and breaks the previously cool atmosphere - but it’s an entertaining watch. 

Favourite quote: The war between the sexes is over. We won the second women started doing pole dancing for exercise. 

Happy Birthday Brigitte Bardot!

Brigitte Bardot turned 77 this week. Most famous for her iconic sixties sex symbol photos, she has influenced the realms of art, music and film and been an inspiration to many, including Lennon, McCartney and Andy Warhol.

Brigitte Bardot, born 28 September 1934 in Paris, has starred in about 50 films, recorded 80 songs and performed in several musical shows. The former model, actress and singer retired from the entertainment industry in 1973 and transferred her passions to animal rights activism.

Bardot changed the way western society sees teenagers by immortalising and celebrating the stylish, youthful teenager. Children became adults with no labelled transition in the early 20th century, but Bardot trigerred the fashion world for les jeunes filles. In time, French intellectuals began to identify her as a symbol of liberal and postmodern France - a provocatively free woman.

Bardot popularised short shorts, bikinis and revealing necklines. However she is known for her stylish French dress and is an icon of the 20th century with her carefree, laissez-faire St Tropez lifestyle.

Brigitte on Brigitte: I gave my beauty and my youth to men. I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals.

R.I.P. Robert Whitaker

Renowed British photographer, Bob Whitaker, passed away this week. He was most famous for his controversial Beatles "butcher" album sleeve (Yesterday and Today), where the band was pictured holding mangled cuts of meat, and disfigured baby dolls. His father and grandfather were Australian, yet he grew up in the UK. As well as many photographs of the Beatles between 1964 and 1966, especially during their America tour, Whitaker also took some shots which were later used on Martin Sharp's Disreali Gears album cover for the band Cream. Whitaker passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer at age 72.

Yesterday and Today album cover (1966)

Robert Whitaker photography used on Disraeli Gears

Album Review - "Junk of the Heart" by the Kooks

Junk of the Heart (2011)            ★ ★ ★ 1/2

This week the Kooks' latest album has been released -it has been 3 years since the last (Konk). As one of several big 2000's bands this year releasing a long-awaited album (including RHCP and The Strokes)- I wasn't sure what to expect, if the band would stray from it's catchy songs about love, or experiment. "Junk of the Heart" isn't going to be a major album in the band's career but there are a few singles which stand out.

There is a nostalgic feel to this album, with the traditional Kooks-style songs reflecting on happy times with loved ones, and the newer, more experimental ones delving into semi-psychedelic sounds. Overall Luke Pritchard's voice sounds a little less youthful, less 'naive' and a generally more composed. The album doesn't deal with extreme emotions or sport amazing lyrics, but it seems to be the sort of album that will be enjoyable in summer, or at least should be listened to outdoors on a lazy afternoon.

Title track Junk of the Heart is an upbeat, enjoyable tune with a more electronic feel than previous Kooks numbers but not as rough as Konk. Second single Is it me has the most playful lyrics, I think, in the album: "Bring me a pig's heart and a glass of wine"..."We're both still playing with shadows in our hands."

There is a mix of slower ballads and cheerful, lively songs but the Kooks have not completely disbanded from their love of sixties tunes. Rosie is a fast-paced, old-fashioned style serenade to a girl from afar. Runaway is almost the opposite with an innovative blend of synth and vocals, moving away from their literal storytelling approach to music.

My favourite is Petulia, a quiet achiever towards the end of the album, with its Paul-McCartney-ish soft rock style and smooth vocals. This album is definitely about "junk" or tales from the heart, although most are rather agreeable.

For now, the Kooks may be overtaken by newer, more alternative bands in the British Indie scene but I'm sure that there is a band of loyal followers that will taking a liking to the new album by this bunch of sentimental Brits.

Karlie Kloss for Fall 2011

Karlie Kloss goes mod in New York City for Vogue Japan this month

Karlie Kloss just turned 19 in August and already she has modeled for the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Micheal Kors and Chanel on runway, in countless magazine shoots and campaigns. I admire her unique but classic look and have particularly taken note of her stride at this fall's runway shows. Karlie is famous for cat eyes and arching eyebrows (never mind the endless legs) which see her hired for both fashion and beauty. Her ballerina training lends her a sense of grace and elegance and although she is skinny, she appears strong, not frail. I first heard about her as an emerging schoolgirl model a year or so ago, but since then she has caught my eye with her growing number of campaign contracts. Karlie has headed to the top pretty quickly but her youthful charm and talent in front of the camera convinces me that her career is far from over. We'll be seeing a lot more of this Chicago-born sophisticated girl in the future.

Chanel Runway - Resort 2012

Michael Kors Runway - Ready-to-Wear 2011

Elle Saab Runway - 2011 Couture

Adele on the Jonathan Ross show

After watching Adele's television appearances this weekend, I've gained a sense of her personality, past the powerful voice (and powerful hair). Her working-class British accent and cackling laugh in between questions makes her presence feel more familiar than a record-breaking pop star, and breaks away momentarily from the vintage-inspired heartbroken soul singer.

Adele signals the return to strong voices and sincere personalities in pop music. Her songs sound real and are a welcome break from the auto-tune effects which many other singers use. She is talented enough to be praised for her voice but also to be played constantly on radio stations around the world.

Adele has just turned 23 this year and already has left her mark on the world. At first, I was a bit tentative about listening to her music, song after song about misery and despair. However, after buying her album 21 off iTunes (less commitment than a CD), I've decided that Adele will stand the tests of time.

Her recent performance at the VMAs was touching, during "Someone Like You" she was close to, if not already, in tears. For an entire album that was written about one breakup, 21 can communicate with many, and it's the mix of both emotional resonance and catchy tunes that makes Adele's music so attractive.

Adele told Jonathan Ross that she'll be back in the studio by November but as there's no man around, it will be interesting to see what we'll be hearing from her next.