Amelia Lily - Shut Up (And Give Me What you Got) (Single/Video Review)

2011 X Factor finalist Amelia Lily is to release a second single from her album early next year. The song has an added spark and attitude that You Bring Me Joy didn't have. She seems to be alot more comfortable in rock chick mode.

The darkish setting of the video reminds me of Miley Cyrus' Can't Be Tamed. However that was a few years ago now and I'm sure her fans are open to something new. The vibe is fresh and everyones able to sing along. Its just a shame she had to put on the American accent to make it like every other Teen artist in the states. It would be nice if she kept to her British roots and wasn't made to be too Americanised.

As I heard the song before seeing the video I was glad to see something that matched the song visually. Full of Girl Power. As for her vocals? Can't be faulted really. Look forward to seeing it in the UK Top 5 as least.

I wouldn't be too surprised if she goes down the Cher Lloyd route of trying to take over the US. We could then possibly await the release of a song with Amelia Lily featuring Owl City or Adam Lambert?

What to Expect When You're Expecting (Review)

Usually I'm not too fussed about an all-star cast because I sometimes think they were all shoved into one film, to draw in an audience and it never seems to end well. However I was quite surprised at the turn out of this Rom-Com. Not only did we have A-listers such as Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez and Dennis Quaid but we had up and coming actors such as Anna Kendrick (who's performance was also notably high quality in cop movie, End of Watch) and Rebel Wilson. The mix of cast made it spot on in the middle of overwhelming and underwhelming.

As I didn't know beforehand, the film is based on the New York Times bestselling book with the same title. We follow couples in various different stages in their pursuit and journey to parenthood. We get to see a range of challenges such as the difficulties of getting pregnant, the complications of adoption and the heartbreaking trauma of miscarriage. Everything in the film is dealt with appropriately but the light-hearted humour makes it particularly enjoyable. The characters are likable, believable and not too over played like in some Rom-Coms. You've got to love the park-walking Dads (which includes comedian Chris Rock) with their all-function buggies and baby carriers reflecting this new era of "stay at home Dads". Cameos from Cheryl Cole and a couple of others give the film an orginal edge too.

Dont bother watching if your're expecting a deep & meaningful, touching story. And I wouldn't bother watching if you're sitting at home pregnant yourself either. You' probably end up screamimg at the TV at the whining, leaking, hormone raging Elizabeth Banks wanting to ask her what the hell she was expecting! A good watch on a Saturday night with your girls. If you like that sort of thing.

Angel - Time After Time (Single/Video Review)

Versatile Angel knows how to create a beautiful song with touching lyrics. His melodic, soothing voice does the song a whole load of good too. Be prepared to be instantly in love with this tune.

Its your typical heartbreak, "I will never be able to find someone else like you, so please take me back" kind of song but somehow Angel and the video do it so classically. Its got your usual cutesy collection of Angel and the pretty, innocent girlfriend scenes cuddling and playfighting. Cheesy. But you can't deny that you love it. The sudden change between seeing them together and watching them fight and the other girls he'd been with previously is what really connects you to the song. The video is refreshing, very real and also includes an appearance of Conor Maynard.

Make sure you take note of the down to earth lyrics and the instrumental which is particularly nice as it hasn't been too over-worked.

I have to some this song up as effortlessly beautiful.

Emmy Awards - Top 3 Best Dressed!

I was able to catch some of the Emmy Awards Live on the Red Carpet on E! last night. I loved their new idea of the Mani-Cam (a mini red carpet for the celebs perfectly manicured fingers)...

Here are my top three best dressed, not in any order...

Heidi Klum

Heidi looked effortlessly stunning in a sea-foam thigh-high slit gown. Her sunkissed skin and minimal make up complimented the dress perfectly. I like the fact we can see her cleavage but it isn't too in-your-face. I'm glad she didn't do anything too complicated with her hair and accessories as she already looks classy enough. Love the colour and she really rocked the high slit!

Sofia Vegara

This is one of the dresses that really stood out for me on the night. The dress has really shown off Sofia's curvy figure. Its a very unusual but exciting colour and the material almost reminds me of a mermaids tail. It was a good idea to keep her hair down her back instead of over the shoulders which would have made the front look messy and take away the attention from the lovely reverse halter. She kept it simple with silver earrings and a matching bracelet which brought out the silvery tones in the dress. The dress did unfortunately give way and split but was quickly pinned back together, just after she tweeted the revealing picture of the broken zip which was positioned on her bum!

Claire Danes

I absolutely LOVE this dress. Its plain and simple yet so elegant. You might take one look at it and think "boring", but if you look at it in detail the material picks up the light nicely and has a really luxurious look about it. It sits on her chest nicely and tucks in at her waist creating pleats which give her the right amount of curve. It very rare for blondes to pull off yellow however he blonde has made her look fresh and fun. I also love how a subtle smokey eye has been used which is again rare for blondes to do. In a way, the whole look is daring but Claire has done it well.

Tulisa ft Tyga - Live It Up (Single/Video Review)

"We should pop more champagne this year, than we did last year."
Creative lyrics Tulisa. Although that's as bad as the lyrics get to be fair. The verses are sort of slow and whiny and make you impatient for the hook. The hook is definitely and probably the only part of the song that will help it sell. And maybe the fact that US Rapper Tyga features.

This is Tulisa's second single on her album "Tulisa", set to be released on the 9th September. Its got a very different style and almost reggae sound compared to the first single Young but I suppose it sticks to the theme of "Celebration". The video is set on a beach in Hawaii (that looks like it could do with a bit more sunlight) complete with Hawaiian dancers and bikini bodies.

There is one thing that bugs me the most about this video; the stylist should be sacked. Tulisa's opening black stringy outfit doesnt flatter her in any way, shape or form. They tried to make her look sexy but instead its verging on tacky. As for those high-waisted, cotton looking cheapo shorts. Awful! A pair of worn denim shorts would have fitted the scene much better. The only outfit I approve of is the flower print leggings and pink crop top.

The night-time setting is a slight improvement with the fire jugglers especially when Tyga steps on the scene and gives the visuals and song some oomph. Except the dancers he has beneath him are slighty cringy and old school but not as annoying as Tulisa's dancing and chav hands waving about.

Overall the summery fun track and video has a good vibe but I don't think it's to The Female Boss' full potential and it will become more irritating than it will catchy.

                                             

Taylor Swift - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Single Review)

I had noticed yesterday that County artist, Taylor Swift's new single We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together had entered the Official UK Top 40 at a surprising number 5. This is her first single release of her fourth upcoming studio album Red, out in October.

The song features Swift's well-known story-telling lyrics about an ex wanting to re-kindle their romance. Every word is sung in an "im-so-over-it" tone, relatable for most teens. Listening to the joyful hook, I can picture girls everywhere chanting it together with Taylor at the tops of their voices. An original touch is the spoken parts of the song which give it an effective hint of Real.

I don't believe that Taylor's voice was at its usual purest on this track and I can't help but think of it being more suited to the likes of Katy Perry. A part of me worries that she may have lost her Country edge and I'll probably have to listen to the other version made for Country radio to keep myself content.

I can honestly say after listening to her previous album, Speak Now, almost everyday for several months, it's probably not one of her best musical masterpieces. Its lacking something. The lyrics are catchy but maybe not deep enough. I'm very used to hearing Swift express her true feelings however I didn't feel she did in this song. It's more of a radio-friendly, sing-a-long girly anthem rather than a heart felt soulful record.

Im pretty sure I will be singing this song for the rest of the week but I hope this tune doesnt reflect what's to come on the album Red (that I'm very much looking forward to). Although, I'm loving the single artwork. Classy and simple. Very Taylor.

The Woman In Black - Review

I entered the screening to watch The Woman in Black expecting a deep, psychological horror and left the screening having watched what was like an old-fashioned, lengthy episode of goosebumps. I was genuinely looking forward to watch this film as I had only heard good comments stating how "scary" it was. I admit I did jump a few times but I was hardly curled up on my seat with my hands covering my eyes as I was hoping.


The basic storyline was about a solicitor, Arthur Kipps (Radcliff) who must visit a small village, leaving his son at home with the nanny, in order to sell an empty "haunted" house. As he arrives he has a few strangely awkward run ins with some village people. He then finds out there has been an epidemic of children dying in the village which they believe is down to The Woman In Black, taking revenge on the death of her own child years ago.


It was a very stiff performance from Daniel Radcliff. We're all very used to him in clutching a wand and defeating the baddies and during this film he made it seem that Harry Potter was the only character he was comfortable playing. Maybe I should let him off as it is his first starring role outside of Harry Potter, however I'm not saying his acting was dreadful it was, well, average.


It was a typical horror film and I don't think for a moment that it was possible to believe any of it. I was never lost in the film nor had any sympathy for any of the characters. I never really believed that Daniel Radcliff was scared either. I was disappointed by the film and regret using money to pay for my ticket. This is one of those films where when the credits start to roll and you think, "Is that it?". Its not one that I'll be watching again.

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a First Step

My blog title has probably only a slight reference to what I want to write in my blog. I came across Anna Wintour Quotes and read one written about her; "she would go to the opening of an envelope". You may have your own opinion on what this really means, but I just love the quote and thought that with my own twist, it would fit perfectly. My blog will include pieces of work and on the Media course I am doing in college, my own film reviews, my own thoughts and opinions, some creative writing that I like to do in my spare time, how much I would love to work in a magazine industry and possibly a few quotes here and there. *takes first step into blogging world*