Five Movies & TV Shows That Will Delight Your Inner Child

I'm not sure if it's because I'm still a 12 year old trapped in a 25 year old body, but I absolutely love watching kids movies and shows. These day shows or movies aimed at children are so much more different than what I grew up with, but I love that advancements in technology have made it so that animations are a lot more impressive. Here are some of my favourite kid-friendly and super fun shows and movies.

The Willoughbys (2020)
Netflix

This has been the latest addition to my favourite kid's movies! The Willoughbys is based on Lois Lowry's book with the same name. The story follows the 4 Willoughby children in their quest become a perfectly happy family, by devising a plan to get rid of their selfish and unloving parents. I loved the overall message this movie delivered as well as the animation quality to it. Also Ricky Gervais as the narrating cat was a great addition.

Cinderella - Live Action (2015)

DisneyPlus

Amongst the many Disney live action remakes, Cinderella really does fly under the radar. For me though, it's the most enjoyable of the bunch to watch, mostly because of the direction of the remake and the incredible performance by the cast. It's interesting to see the live action attempt to re-tell Cinderella, a very well known story, without it being a boring repeat but I loved every moment of it. It strips back on the musical element that is a large part in the original animation, which didn't bother me surprisingly, and portrays the stepmother's character through a different lens. I actually quite liked that as it added a layer to the stepmother beyond just being evil and makes her seem human. If anything, Cinderella is beautifully shot and Lily James was a great choice to depict Cinderella in real life.

Carmen Sandiego (2019 )
Netflix - Seasons 1-2

I was absolutely engrossed with the Carmen Sandiego series after discovering it on Netflix. I quickly learnt that it's based on the well-known educational kid's game, that now has a large and ever-growing franchise. The series is based on Carmen Sandiego who has escaped V.I.L.E, the one and only place she's ever known, to use her bad-ass fighting skills to take down the academy. It draws on the franchise's emphasis on learning about geographical locations and facts to not only get kids excited but also teach them about other nation's cultures. Recently, Netflix released a movie, continuing on from the series. It's an interactive experience, which is basically a choose your own adventure.

Into the Woods (2014)

DisneyPlus

For older viewers, this musical brings together a number of well-known fairytales and intertwine them to build a story on what really matters in life and how to truly find happiness or your "happily ever after". It features a blockbuster cast, including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Cordon and Anna Kendrick, all of whom put on an amazing performance. Seriously Meryl Streep is amazing.

Ever After High (2013-2016)
Netflix - Seasons 1-7

The Ever After High franchise is actually a Mattel production, in line with the Monster High line (which I have never seen). It originally appeared on YouTube before having 7 seasons with 4 episodes each appear on Netflix. Ever After High is a boarding school attended by children of the most famous and infamous fairytale characters. In the Netflix series, the premise revolves around Apple White (Snow White's daughter) and Raven Queen (the evil Queen's daughter) and how each have they, and their friends, struggle to accept their pre-determined stories. Honestly, I wish I had this show to grow up with as a kid and really admire how most children's shows now aim to introduce ideas of determining life goals and finding oneself. It's also just a fun show overall with some pretty cool characters adapted from well-known fairytales.

Notable Mentions: Zooptopia, No Good Nick, Totally Spies, Maleficent

What Are You Favourite Kid's Shows or Films?

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Film vs. Novel: The Girl On The Train

Title: The Girl On The Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Publication Date: January 13th, 2015
Add to Goodreads | Buy from The Book Depository

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be happy.

And then she sees something shocking, and in one moment everything changes. Now Rachel has a chance to become. part of the lives she's only watched from afar.

Now they'll see: she's much more than jut the girl on the train ...

Review

Between the book and the film, I can easily say that I found the movie to be a better experience in appreciating the story and its characters. I know, scandalous. I wouldn't exactly say the movie is better than the book, but that the method in delivering the story was more suited for me.

I struggled to engage with the plot and the characters because of the narration of the novel. It's written in first person, through the three female protagonists, in a stream of consciousness type of way. However, for the most part I found it to be stagnant and dry. I couldn't really relate to any of them and because of it being in first person, they were all so unreliable that I just didn't like any of them. For me, at least, I found the characters to be vehicles that drove the story rather than individuals with a story to tell (if that makes any sense). In saying that, the ending was gripping and I definitely did not expect the plot twist at the end. It made the novel worth the read, which was a relief. 

I preferred the movie for it's storytelling and acting. The events are told through flashbacks and voiceovers done by the characters, whilst the storyline progresses, which I liked. It made it more suspenseful and as a viewer I felt like I was right next to the characters, trying to figure out the mystery of the disappearance as well. Rachel, Anna and Megan also felt more alive. This is definitely due to having actresses play them, but the acting really made me believe that they were real life people recounting their stories. I actually empathised with them a lot, as opposed to despising them like I did in the book. All three are bound by a significant moment, but their past and present are marred by horrendous events that make them flawed in such saddening ways. 

Verdict

The Girl On The Train is still worth the read. Even though I enjoyed the movie more, I appreciated the novel for providing me minor details around the plot and characters that the movie didn't have. In particular the character Scott I found to be portrayed in such a bad light in the movie. You learn more about him in the book. Definitely watch the movie though. I really did like it.

Book Rating

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Page to Screen: Fifty Shades of Grey Trailer

Ever since hearing that Fifty Shades of Grey would be turned into a movie, I was really curious to see what the movie would be like. Now that the official trailers been released, we've got some insight into the mysterious world of Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) and his encounter with Bella Swan Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson).

Source: Universal Pictures UK Official Trailer

The trailer doesn't really give off much - it's tame and the scenes a little disjointed. I guess because Christian Grey is all about being mysterious, the trailer's turned out that way, but also because they've probably had to tone down things a lot. It starts off with the first encounter between Anastasia and Christian in his office. I've never enjoyed Anastasia as a character, because she is the generic Candy - the girl next door who's invisible and plain, only to be noticed by the alpha male. Seeing her on screen and hearing the dialogue really made me even more irritated.

"I'd like to know more about you." 

"There's not much to know about me (giggle). Look at me." 

"I am." 

Like really, really?! I don't remember everything about the novel but just seeing real life people those lines makes me cringe and eye-roll.

Then comes all the other moments between them, from when Christian gives her joyrides in his helicopter and airplane, to their more heated encounters - cue elevator kiss and thigh grabs. I do love the scene where Christian tells her that he "exercises control in all things" and she replies with "you must be really boring." It's the smirk on his face that gets me, because we both know nothing could be more boring than what he's actually doing.

Source: Universal Pictures UK Official Trailer

I wasn't interested enough in the movie to find out who the actors were, but right now I am feeling very underwhelmed with Christian. I did not picture Jamie Dornan to be Christian, and whilst he may be a fabulous actor, he just doesn't seem right. I'm not saying his unattractive, just that he doesn't have that manly, charismatic look. In fact Jamie looks more like the guy next door, sort of rugged and cute - not at all "intimidating" as Anastasia describes him.

The trailer doesn't hint at the kinkier side of things until the last 30 seconds, where the red room is (barely) revealed and then all his toys come out to play. There's nudity as well, although for the trailer it's just Dakota Johnson's naked back. Surprisingly, the trailer actually puts this aspect of the story into a better light. It comes off as a logical and romantic as opposed to just being erotica. In fact, dare I say, it looks almost classy or at least not as explicit as I thought it would. There's more of a sultry feel to it, which definitely comes from the background music - a remixed version of Crazy in Love by Beyonce - that sets the tone and puts viewers in the mood. I think the best part of the trailer was the song actually.

I'm not going to lie, this trailer has actually increased my interest in this movie. It's certainly not a film I'd want to see in a cinema, but I'm not outright against watching it. I actually think the cinematography is pretty well done, which boosts the quality of not only the film, but the plot. I mean Fifty Shades of Grey pretty much lacks depths in terms of storyline and plot development, and its characters are pretty flat, but at least with the film the actors might be able to give some in life into the story. If it's filmed in a visually appealing and tasteful way then it has a big chance of turning people's opinions from being a pornography disguised as movie into an actual movie, just with a bit more sexual scenes - if that makes sense.

Source: Universal Pictures UK Official Trailer

I think my biggest interest lies in how everything will be filmed, what will be omitted and kept in the books, and if it'll actually be better. This trailer really does make me feel like the movies has some potential. I know I'm not the only one interested as the trailer now sits at around 17, 800, 000 views! 

Fifty Shades of Grey will be released on Valentines' Day, 2015. Watch the trailer below and tell me what you think!

If erotica isn't your thing though (trust me, it's not mine either) check out my reaction video to Mockingjay Part 1, the teaser trailer titled "Our Leader the Mockingjay". Video here!

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[Film] The Fault in Our Stars Review

Plot:

Hazel Grace has lived most of her life with terminal cancer. She doesn't partake in normal teenage activities because she knows she is anything but. Yet, when her parents advise her to attend a Cancer Kid Support Group she meets Augustus Waters and life seems to right itself again.

Their relationship blossoms into something that neither could expect.

Review:

Ok, so the movie comes out in a week (I think?) and finally I have managed to do a review for it. I'm not sure it'll do the movie justice but just know that it is a must see!

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Film vs. Novel: Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead

Plot:



Rose Hathaway and best friend Lisa Dragomir are vampires. Lisa is the last of her royal family, a Moroi who could take up the throne. Rose is half human, half Moroi making her a Dhampir. Like other Dhampir her main purpose is to protect the Moroi from blood sucking, immortal vampires - the Strigoi.

When they get caught on the run, Rose and Lisa return to the St. Vladmir's Academy, the school that houses majority of the other Moroi and Dhampir. Behind those walls it seems Lissa is safe, but there are other dangers beside Strigoi who are waiting to bring Lissa down.

Review:

I was very, very skeptical about this movie right from the moment I watched the trailer. It was borderline silly and overdramatic and knowing that the director did Mean Girls really put me off. I was pleasantly surprised then, to find that Vampire Academy was thoroughly enjoyable and nothing like what I expected.

Now, I am writing this review based off the fact that I have read the series. I've seen reviews from critics absolutely bashing the movie, and I think I do understand some of their points. They felt as though it was choppy and viewers had to guess some things for themselves. The movie does move at a very fast pace considering the novel was not that long. I felt like it was condensed down quite well though. It's been awhile since I've read the book but I could remember all the scenes in the movie because they were basically the major parts. They did try to make up for missing parts with Rose narrating introductions and other moments. I didn't mind that though because I really couldn't see them showing it in any other way. Probably one thing that didn't get explained properly was some relationship developments. It was just a given after awhile.

What really had me breathe a sigh of relief was how well the tone was balanced as opposed to the trailer. For a series that had a more darker tone, I was worried that the movie would be humourous the entire way through. Instead, it was filmed with patches of snappy and sarcastic comments spread throughout to ease the tension. When it does come to the darker moments, there was enough suspense and background music to quicken my heartbeat. It did get creepy in some moments, especially when the Strigoi appeared (although I don't remember that happening in the book, I suppose it was used to explain the type of creature). Also a heads up for some gory moments.

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Film vs. Novel: The Book Thief

Plot:

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

(Source: Goodreads)

Thoughts:

I think there can only be one word that describes this movie: beautiful. I was worried at how well the movie could portray the amazing novel but I think it was done very well.

Watch here for the rest of the review.

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Film Vs. Novel - Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Plot:

Both Katniss and Peeta now hold privileges beyond that of a normal civilian, after becoming victors to the 74th Hunger Games. They both tour the country to share their glory but are instead met with sullen districts, threatening to defy the Capitol. President Snow, from fear of a rebellion, threatens Katniss to prove to the people (and him) that she belongs to the Capitol. Desperate to quell the people though, Snow decides to celebrate the 75th Hunger Games with a change in the system, one that will leave Katniss fighting for her life once again.

Review:

Boy was that a movie to watch. If you ever wanted to see a proper book to movie adaption this is the movie to choose. Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, was an incredible watch. The change in directors was a great idea and I loved every minute of it. Of course there were a few moments of errrr but overall it was such an enjoyable movie. I am now onboard to watch  Mockingjay only because the same director will apparently be working on that one as well.

Anyways, watch here for a better discussion.

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Film: Better Man (SBS)

Source: The Herald Sun[/caption]

Plot:

Based on a true story, Better Man is a four part mini-series retelling the execution of Van Tuong Nguyen. Van was an Australian born Vietnamese, raised in the South East of Melbourne. He is famously known for being the last Australian to be executed overseas in an attempt to smuggle drugs back into Australia.

Starring Australian actors David Wenham (The Lord of The Rings), Remy Hii (Neighbours) and Jordan Rodrigues (Dance Academy), Better Man portrays the sorrows and dangers of Van's life.

Review:

The story of Van Tuong Nguyen would perhaps not be unfamiliar to most Australians, especially of the older generation. Initially, the mini series was met with opposition from Nguyen's family but SBS still went ahead an aired it.

I would have to admit I didn't know much about him even though it happened late into my primary school years. Still, it really intrigued me to see how Nguyen would be portrayed especially under a Vietnamese director as well. The series opens up to the moments before Nguyen travels to Cambodia and ends with his hanging. During that time viewers are given flashbacks to the moments in his life that lead up to and eventually determine the choice he makes.

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Vampire Academy - The Trailer

A couple of months back I wrote a post about upcoming movie adaptions of books including the supernatural series by Richelle Mead, Vampire Academy. I was pretty unsure about it just from hearing the rumours, but I just stumbled upon the trailer today and had to share.

Thoughts:

Hmmm. My initial excitement about the movie quickly subsided and I have to admit, I'm kind of disappointed. The trailer starts out with the Rose's voiceover  introducing us to the world of vampires. Cut to her best friend feeding from her and then a speech about blood. Then some other scenes that look a little too sexualised for my liking.

I really don't know where to start with this. Everything just seems wrong, which is pretty harsh but that's just how it is. The mood, setting and actors.

It's like the director is attempting to create a comic and sensual feel to this, which doesn't exactly mirror the novels tone. It's suppose to be a lot more dark and adventurous. There are quite intimate scenes in the novel but compared to the larger scale of things, I wouldn't have expected it to make it into the trailers. Although it can be an attention grabber for more mature viewers. I'm not sure that make out scene was actually done under gaudy red lighting. I think I've pinpointed the feel down to being a little bit like Gossip Girl but the supernatural version. Instead of actually being about a battle between the different types of vampires, it just seems to be about high school drama. Something I do not want this series to be turned into to.

The actors are also not what I personally imagined the characters to look like. Lissa Dragomir (the blonde girl in the trailer) is suppose to be breathtakingly gorgeous. Whilst Lucy Fry is pretty, she doesn't fit that supermodel-like appearance Lissa is suppose to have. Although maybe it's the fangs that make her mouth look funny. I'm still not sure about Zoey Dutch but I think it could work. So long as she can portray the perfect badass then I'm all cool. There wasn't the appearance of Dimitri although I've heard he's actually Russian so at least he can pull off the right accent.

From what I've seen, I think the movie is just covering what is in the first novel. I've made a pretty a big judgement from just a 1:27 video and so I dearly hope that I am wrong. I guess adaptions from novels are always going to be risky, especially if there is a large fan base. Too many expectations to uphold basically.

Watch the trailer here

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