9

9

Format: Film

Stars: Elijah Wood, Christopher Plummer

Director: Shane Acker

Released: 9 September, 2009

Certificate: 12

Running time: 79 minutes

My rating: ★★★

"The world’s machines have turned on mankind and sparked social unrest - decimating the human population. But as our world falls to pieces, a mission begins to salvage the legacy of civilization, and a group of small “stitchpunk” creations is given the spark of life by a scientist - and they successfully survive the apocalypse! With their group being so small, these creatures must summon individual strengths well beyond their own proportions in order to outwit and fight against the still-functioning monster machines." (Extract taken from amazon.co.uk)

Hmph. This is a difficult one. I dithered between rating this film two stars or three, but I went with three in the end because I felt two was a bit too harsh.

Now don't get me wrong, this is a good film. In fact, some areas are outstanding, the animation being the key factor. For a film that is packed full of action, the quality is crisp and clear and wonderous.

However, for me, the story really lets this down. Originally being an 11 minute short, I was excited to see this and thought the idea sounded brilliant. But, despite the amount of action scenes, this film really did bore me a bit. Too many parts dragged on and I was nearly falling asleep during some of the quieter moments. 

It's a real shame that I didn't enjoy this film as much as I'd hoped, as I was really looking forward to it, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. Looking at other reviews online, whilst some rate it 5 stars others rate it 2 or 3 like me also, so thankfully I'm not alone in my thinking. However, some really did enjoy this, so give it a watch regardless - it's only 1 hour 19!

The Long Walk

The Long Walk

Format: Book

Author: Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman)

Released: July, 1979

Certificate: Teens & up

(Note: this review is spoiler-free.)

My rating:  ★★★★★

"On the first day of May, one hundred teenage boys meet for an event known throughout the country as "The Long Walk." If you break the rules, you get three warnings. If you exceed your limit, what happens is absolutely terrifying." (Extract from amazon.co.uk)

Okay, let me start off by saying this is an AMAZING book. Really, really amazing.

This is the first Stephen King novel I've ever read, and I know it certainly won't be the last. The writing is impeccable, with every line keeping you hooked and the characters finding a small place in your heart - and when they go, you really don't want them to go. They are all strong, very independant characters who are forced to find comfort in those around them, whether they like it or not.

I can't say much about the plot without ruining the basis of the story. It is a very simple storyline, which King manages cleverly to turn into a deliciously gruesome tale - admittedly, parts might make you squeam a little, but it just adds to the tortureous theme that is the basis of the plot.

Despite this tale being one of the best novels I've read in a while, the ending did let me down a little. I felt it was slightly predictable due to lines said earlier in the book, and almost a little rushed, though I suppose it adds to the effect that the Walk is, indeed, very long and tiring - almost never-ending - which is a strong contrast to the abrupt ending these boys never deserved. Despite my beliefs on this, the last few lines are very cleverly written and you do have to re-read them a few times to take in what has really happened.

In conclusion, this book is incredible. The characters musings on life and death really make you stop and think about these inevitable themes and the importance of them. Everything is so simple at the start, yet turned magnificently into a twisted tale of complication - characters and story line alike. I can only applaud King on this wonderful dystopian novel, and I cannot wait to get started on some of his other works!

Allegiant

Allegiant

Format: Book

Author: Veronica Roth

Released: October 22, 2013

Certificate: Teens & up

Note: 'Allegiant' is the final book in the 'Divergent' trilogy, but this is a spoiler-free review.

My rating:  ★★★★★

"When offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's known, Tris is ready. But Tris's new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature – and of herself – while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love." (Extract from amazon.co.uk)

I would like to start this off by saying the 'Divergent' trilogy is one of the best series I have read, so if you have stumbled upon this somehow I highly suggest reading them, especially if you are a fan of 'The Hunger Games', 'Gone', or any other distopian adventures. 

I believe Allegiant is an outstanding end to this series. Veronica Roth delivers, yet again, beautiful writing which gives you every emotion you could possibly think of. This book will make you want to cry, scream, and punch everybody inside the story. But give them justice. They have their reasons.

And, my God, are they reasons. The plot to Allegiant is so cleverly designed - filled with plot twists that will make you gasp in terror and grab your hair in endless frustration. It is packed with non-stop action and devasting heart-break that will leave you feeling bummed out for days (especially if you are an addicted and slightly obsessive fan such as myself). Once again, the characters are written perfectly, and with so much emotion that you feel it yourself at times, wanting to comfort the character in empathy or join them whilst they prepare to destroy everything in anger for the things they hold most dear.

I admit I had slight difficulties breaking into this book, but I am basing it down to the fact I had read the two previous books around a year before, meaning I was slow to remember facts and plots that led into the beginning of Allegiant. I highly suggest re-reading Divergent and Insurgent again before starting this book, or at least a scan through of the plots on Wikipedia to refresh your memory. 

However, I can safely say that without a doubt, Allegiant is an incredible end to an incredible series. Love, loss, and desperation are the main themes that will break your heart and tamper with your emotions as you reach the devasting conclusion of a remarkable final installment to what has been a breath-taking trilogy.

Philomena

Philomena

Format: Film

Stars: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan

Director: Stephen Frears

Released: November 1, 2013

Certificate: 12

Running time: 98 minutes

My rating:  ★★★★★

"Falling pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena (Judi Dench) was sent to the convent of Roscrea to be looked after as a "fallen woman". When her baby was only a toddler, he was taken away by the nuns for adoption in America. Philomena spent the next fifty years searching for him but with no success. Then she met Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a world-weary political journalist who happened to be intrigued by her story. Together they set off to America on a journey that will discover the truth behind Philomena's son." (Extract taken from amazon.co.uk)

My mum has been waiting to see this film for a while, so when my local cinema started to show it again before its DVD release I was dragged along to watch too. I had seen and heard rumours and comments made about this film previously, along with watching it snatch up the Best Adapted Screenplay award at the recent BAFTAs, so I had high hopes for this film and thankfully it did not disappoint.

Based on true events, Steve Coogan has done a wonderful job of co-adapting this tale into a magnificent story, with injections of humour throughout that are uplifting among the theme of loss and tragedy but do not take it away completely. Judi Dench provides an incredible performance in the title role that truly makes you emphasise and feel for Philomena, and constantly takes you back to remember the harsh reality that young mothers went through at that time.

Overall, I am extremely impressed with this film. Dench and Coogan are magnificent, and the story is incredibly moving - filled with tragedy and heartbreak, but the hope that there is light even in the darkest of times. This film has proved suprisingly enlightening and inspiring, and I have no doubt it is a tale that will stay with me for a while.