2015- Top 5 Films

If there was one thing to characterise film in 2015 for me it would be the return to old territory. In this year alone we have seen the successful return of franchises such as Star Wars, Mad Max and Jurassic Park (and less successful ones like Terminator: Genysis), it acted as a way for fans old and new to join together to share these exciting cinematic experiences. Aside from that there has been a wide range of fantastic films that excelled in their own respects, which makes it safe to say that 2015 has been a great year for film. This has made it very difficult for me to narrow it down to just 5 films but I've managed to do so. So here's my pick for the top 5 films of 2015.

5. Macbeth (Justin Kurzel)

I'm not the biggest Shakespeare fan to be honest so normally I wouldn't be that hyped over an adaptation of one of his plays. However I am a Michael Fassbender fan so seeing him as Macbeth gave me a bit of an interest in this film, and oh was I satisfied. I came for Fassbender but what I got was so much more, everything about this film is visually stunning, the beautiful locations, the gloomy cinematography from True Detective's Adam Arkapaw and the whole grittiness of it all. Marion Cotillard also excelled as the cunning Lady Macbeth and her and Fassbender really made the roles their own. Along with a fantastic score from director Justin Kurzel's brother Jed, the film is extremely captivating from start to finish even if you hate Shakespeare. It has gotten me extremely excited for the trio of Kurzel, Fassbender and Cotillard returning next year for the film adaptation of Assassin's Creed.

4. Sicario (Denis Villeneuve)

It took me a while to get around to this one but I was so glad when I did as French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve gives us a remarkable thriller in Sicario. The film follows FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) as she is recruited to join a team to take down a powerful Mexican drug dealer, what ensues is a tale of deception, revenge and betrayal. I was really impressed with Sicario, from its chilling score by Jóhann Johánnsson to its beautiful cinematography from the acclaimed Roger Deakins and to top it all off, its stellar cast. Benicio Del Toro especially stands out as the mysterious Alejandro Gillick while Emily Blunt is quite successful in giving us a strong female lead. It is a suspenseful film from its grizzly opening scene to its tense climax and along with some beautiful shots and an excellent story, Sicario is one of the best thrillers I've seen in a while.

3. The Gift (Joel Edgerton)

Joel Edgerton is a man you may recognise from his roles in films such as The Great Gatsby, Warrior and Black Mass, this year the Australian actor showed that he was equally as talented behind the camera as he is in front of it. Edgerton both wrote and directed The Gift while also starring in it and it was one of the most impressive debuts since Reservoir Dogs. The film follows Simon Callum (Jason Bateman) as he runs into a figure from the past in the form of Gordo Moseley (Edgerton) who proceeds to leave gifts for him and his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall) which bothers Simon. Gradually as the film progresses we learn more about the characters' past and whats really going on with the mysterious Gordo. The film is a slow burner but keeps you guessing right up until its shocking climax which literally had me on the edge of my seat and by the time it was over I was thoroughly satisfied. The film has more twists and turns than a country road and along with its dark tone and talented cast it is one of 2015's most underrated films and I hope to see Edgerton in the directors chair again soon.

2. Mad Max: Fury Road (George Miller)

Australian filmmaker George Miller has had quite a diverse career from his original Mad Max trilogy to the Babe films and Happy Feet, so to see a director who is capable of making such differing films is great to see nowadays. Fury Road however, sees a return to his roots as he continues the story of Max Rockatanksy in this insane post-apocalyptic action film. The film boasts some of the best practical effects in years while sticking to minimal CGI and it is extremely effective, combined with the cinematography of previously retired John Seale, Fury Road is a visual marvel and is a pleasure to watch. Tom Hardy is mad as ever in the titular role, following in the footsteps of Mel Gibson, however this film is not about Max. The film is essentially a feminist movie and focuses on Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) as she helps to liberate the young brides of the villainous Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) with the help of Max. You know a film is going to be good when it features a man on a moving vehicle playing a flaming guitar, but Fury Road is more than just good. I dare say that it is perhaps the best action film of the decade so far and shows that despite Miller's age, he has definitely not lost his touch.

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (J.J. Abrams)

I was so conflicted between this and Fury Road for the top spot but I chose this mainly because it was one of the best experiences I've ever had in the cinema. The sheer hype and excitement around this film already made it the most anticipated film of the year and although many feared it would be another Phantom Menace, director J.J. Abrams did not disappoint. The film is set approximately thirty years after Return of the Jedi and sees the return of old faces such as Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) along with new faces such as Finn (John Boyega) and Rey (Daisy Ridley) as they combat the sinister First Order in the race to find Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill).  The film is full of nostalgia for fans of the franchise while also bringing in new characters and stories to help bring it into the next generation and although at times it feels like a remake of A New Hope, it has enough new material to establish it as its own film. Abrams' decision to use practical effects over CGI really pays off and along with its beautiful locations, it is a stunning film to watch. Never have I been at a film where there was so much applause and admiration, watching the film felt like being a part of some historical event and was an amazing experience. There is so much I can say about The Force Awakens which you can read in my review here, but trust me when I say it is an excellent film that caters for fans both old and new and for me, was one of the highlights of 2015.

Some honourable mentions include Ex-Machina, Jurassic World and all of the films in my top 5 horror films list, but those 5 were my personal favourites this year that really stood out for me. With just hours until 2015 is over I would just like to thank everyone who reads this thing along with my fellow film fans and bloggers and with 2016 looking just as promising in the world of film I can safely say that I will be continuing this blog. I hope you've all has a great year and I wish you all the best in 2016, until next time!

 

2015- Top 5 Horror Films

With 2016 getting closer and closer by the day I've decided to look back at my favourite entries in the world of television and film. My last post looked at my favourite TV shows of 2015 and I am already kicking myself for leaving out some shows, but I will address that eventually. Today I will be going through my 5 favourite horror films of 2015, and what a year it has been for horror. Although there has been the usual stuff this year like the new Paranormal Activity and Insidious 3, there have been a number of new and original horror films from all around the world that have stood out among the rather tedious drawn out franchises. These films all stand out in their own respects and for me were a real treat to watch so here we go.

5. The Hallow (2015, Corin Hardy)

In the past, the closest things to Irish horror were those horrendous Leprechaun movies with Warwick Davis but this year director Corin Hardy brought us something fresh and new. As an Irish person myself I was delighted to finally see a decent horror film come out of this country and The Hallow did not disappoint. It follows a conservationist surveying a forest in Ireland only for the demonic forces within to strike back at him and his family. The film has some great creature effects, offering a new breed of terror instead of sticking with the usual vampires and zombies nowadays, it also has an extremely talented cast including Michael McElhatton and Joseph Mawle. Although it does seem very slow at times and can get a bit repetitive when things do kick in, The Hallow was something fresh and different all set against the beautiful Irish countryside. You can read my full review here.

4. The Green Inferno (2015, Eli Roth)

After waiting patiently for Eli Roth's cannibal romp to finally be released and after the rather disappointing Knock Knock I was finally treated to The Green Inferno earlier this year. The film follows a group of activists heading to the Amazon rain forest to stop a logging company from destroying the land, however when their plane crashes the group are taken and tortured by the very people they tried to save. The film has everything you'd expect from an Eli Roth film, blood, guts and the odd laugh here or there although unlike his previous films there is no sex in this one. It wasn't exactly what I expected as it is a bit of a slow burner, but I suppose so was Hostel, however Roth does not disappoint and he has just as many cringe enducing moments in this as his previous entries (eyeballs, that's all I'll say). There is also that clever blend of comedy and gore that you'd expect from a Roth film so if you're into that this is definitely for you.

3. Deathgasm (2015, Jason Lei Howden)

Once upon a time, New Zealand was the motherland for splatter films with directors like Peter Jackson dishing out films full of excessive gore. Deathgasm sees a return to those days and sees a group of Metalheads accidentally unleash a horde of demons upon their small New Zealand town. Imagine The Evil Dead but set in New Zealand and much more metal, that's essentially what Deathgasm is. The film has a comedic tone like many splatter flicks and also contains some pretty impressive practical effects too, there is a really cool looking demon towards the end. Watching this reminded me of the first time I watched Braindead and I imagine that Deathgasm will become a cult classic itself. A throwback to classic Kiwi splatter flicks, Deathgasm was one of the most entertaining films that I've seen this year.

2. Goodnight Mommy (2015, Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala)

One of the most anticipated horror films after the release of its chilling trailer, Goodnight Mommy centers around twin brothers who become suspicious of their mothers behavior when she returns home after receiving facial reconstructive surgery. I watched this film expecting it to be exactly what was given in the trailer and to be honest, it isn't but that is the whole beauty of it, it catches you off guard and presents you with something completely unexpected. Full of twists and turns this Austrian isolated thriller is clever and suspenseful all set against the backdrop of the Austrian countryside. The two young actors who play the twins are extremely talented and excel in their roles while the eponymous mommy is creepy and imposing, but I don't want to give too much away about this film. It is best watched without knowing much about its plot so that the shocking climax has all the more impact. You can read my review for Goodnight Mommy here. 

1. It Follows (2015, David Robert Mitchell)

This indie horror from American filmmaker David Robert Mitchell was quite a pleasant surprise for me as I was not expecting something so fresh and original when I walked into the cinema months ago. The film takes place in a rather gloomy looking Detroit and centers around a girl who finds herself being followed by a mysterious shape shifting being after a sexual encounter with a boy. It Follows reminded me a lot of John Carpenters films from its cinematography to it's fantastic score, and as a John Carpenter fan it was nice to see another director use similar elements to him without totally plagarising Halloween. Yes, It Follows was a real pleasure to watch primarily because of its suspense and that's something I feel a lot of modern American horrors lack. Nowadays it's either all jumpscares or all gore with little suspense throughout, It Follows builds up the perfect suspenseful atmosphere while throwing in the odd jumpscare and keeping the gore at a minimum. Yes that does sound a lot like Halloween and although stylistically it may seem like a John Carpenter homage, It Follows is something entirely original that really works and was definitely my favourite horror film of 2015.

So those were my top 5 horror films of 2015 but what were yours? It certainly has been an eventful year for film so I'm sure there were plenty other great horrors throughout the year. Not only that but in general 2015 has seen a great deal of excellent films and in my next post I will be discussing my top 5 films of 2015, I will hopefully have that one up before the year ends anyway. Until then I hope you all had a great Christmas and will have an equally great New Year!

2015- Top 5 TV shows

With 2015 coming to an end I thought I'd go through some of the highlights from film and television this year. Over the next few days leading up to the new year I will be going through the top 5 films of 2015, the top 5 horror films and now the top 5 television shows. It has been an eventful year for television, some shows have began, others have ended, and some have just been outstandingly good. The following 5 shows have been my personal favourites of the year and I encourage you to take the time to give them a watch because they all stand out in their own brilliant respects. WARNING, may contain spoilers.

Hannibal

This year we sadly saw the end of Bryan Fuller's TV adaptation of Thomas Harris' Hannibal novels, and what a season it was. The show started back in 2013 with Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen in the titular role, Hugh Dancy as FBI agent Will Graham and Laurence Fishburne as Jack Crawford and was acclaimed for it's clever writing and its aesthetic. This season was split into two parts, the first being a loose adaptation of Harris' novel Hannibal and followed Doctor Lecter hiding out in Florence from the FBI and sadistic maniac Mason Verger (Joe Anderson). The second part was essentially the plot of Red Dragon and saw Hannibal help the FBI to track down the sinister Francis Dolarhyde (Richard Armitage), a serial killer who targets families in their homes. It's always a shame to see a great show cancelled before its time and although some of us fannibals had hoped to see a continuation on the big screen, those hopes were put to rest in the climax of the final episode. Hannibal made the most of its three seasons and although it is pretty shit that we'll never see Dr. Lecter meet Clarice Starling, it's safe to say that Hannibal had a good run and will live on in spirit through the fans.

Game Of Thrones

The fifth season of HBO's acclaimed series based on the works of George R.R. Martin failed to disappoint as usual and left viewers in shock on multiple occasions throughout. The divisions between the show and the books is becoming more and more clear now and although this may annoy the hardcore fans, it leaves audiences with a sense of ambiguity, especially considering the show is now ahead of the books. Things were as tense as ever in Westeros this season as Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) faced conflicts at the wall between his brothers of the watch and the would-be King, Stannis Baratheon along with the terrifying army of White Walkers slowly advancing on Westeros. The season had some excellent scenes such as that epic battle between the knight's watch and the White Walkers and that arena brawl with the dragons. It also had its controversies such as Sansa's (Sophie Turner) brutal rape scene and Cersei's (Lena Heady) walk of shame. With that chilling final shot of Jon Snow lying dead (?) on the ground, the finale left many fans wondering what would happen next and that was the real beauty of this season, anything was possible even outside the confines of the books. Definitely one of the best seasons.

Doctor Who

The reboot of the iconic sci-fi series entered its ninth season this year and Peter Capaldi was truly outstanding in the role of the titular Time Lord. I'm a massive fan of the show and was rather underwhelmed with Matt Smith's run as The Doctor so when Capaldi entered last season I was eager to see what he had in store, and he did not disappoint. From his guitar solos to his outstanding speech in The Zygon Inversion the Scottish actor proved that just because he is an older Doctor does not mean he can't be cool. It was also a shame to see Clara's (Jenna Coleman) departure from the show as her chemistry with Capaldi was excellent. Other gust starts included Maisie Williams, Reece Shearsmith and a brief voice cameo from Slipknot's Corey Taylor. It certainly was my favourite seasons since Moffat took over as head writer and Capaldi was amazing to watch, he has this energy about him that just captivates the audience entirely. Although the finale was a bit underwhelming, the season definitely restored my faith in the show.

Jessica Jones/Daredevil

Okay so this technically makes it 6 shows but I've decided to put these two together just for reasons. I was curious to see how Marvel faired with their new Netflix series' this year and how they differed from the films of the MCU and they certainly didn't disappoint. The first was Daredevil and saw the eponymous blind vigilante (Charlie Cox) face off against the formidable Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'onofrio) in the streets of Hell's Kitchen. The second was psychological thriller Jessica Jones and saw the sarcastic superhuman/PI (Krysten Ritter) being tormented by past demons in the form of Kilgrave (David Tennant). Both shows brought out the grittier side of Marvel and differed greatly from the more lighthearted films in the MCU, they were more violent and mature than films like Iron Man and Thor. The dark tone of the shows opened new oppurtunities for Marvel studios along with attracting a wider fanbase. With season two of Daredevil already in production, it's safe to say Marvel are beginning to dominate the small screen as well as the big screen.

Fargo

Without a doubt the best thing on television this year, Fargo entered its second season a couple of months ago and although many were skeptical that it would not match the first, those worries were soon put to rest. Writer Noah Hawley gave us a new story set in the seventies and following a young Lou Salverson (Patrick Wilson) as he is caught between a gang war between the Gerhardt family and the Kansas City Mob. The real highlights of the season were the native American, Hanzee played by Zahn McClarnon and Mike Milligan played by Bokeem Woodbine, definitely matching Billy Bob Thornton's performance in season 1. Hawley makes clear links to the first season the way the first season made links to the film and there are also references to other Coen Brothers' films on the soundtrack. He really displayed his writing talents this season and set up multiple plot lines that were carefully woven together over the ten episodes, it was a true pleasure to watch from its characters to its clever dialogue and its beautiful cinematography. Fargo was undoubtedly the best thing on television this year and you can read my full review in my friends article which you can find here. 

So those are my highlights of this years television and I encourage you to give them a watch if you get the chance. That's just me however, what were your favourite TV shows this year, be they only new, returning or ending, it has been a great year for television and I'm sure you all have your own highlights. I'll have my next top 5 post up soon but until then I hope you've all had a great Christmas!

What If - 'Fox Force Five'

So this is the first in a series of monthly posts which I like to call 'what if'. The idea of these posts is to look at films that almost happened but never did, films that people have expressed interest in happening or films that have happened but were a bit shit and to ask, 'what if they did happen or what if they were good?' In honour of Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film The Hateful Eight, I'm going to be looking at an idea that QT fans have longed for ever since Mia Wallace spoke of it in Pulp Fiction. That's right, it's Fox Force Five. For those of you who don't know, Fox Force Five is a fictional pilot for a fictional show that never happened, Uma Thurman's character Mia Wallace was involved in the pilot and talks about it to John Travolta's character Vincent Vega.

"Fox Force Five." Fox, as in we're a bunch of foxy chicks. Force, as in we're a force to be reckoned with. Five, as in there's one..two ...three..four..five of us. There was a blonde one, Sommerset O'Neal from that show "Baton Rouge, she was the leader. A Japanese one, a black one, a French one and a brunette one, me. We all had special skills. Sommerset had a photographic memory, the Japanese fox was a kung fu master, the black girl was a demolition expert, the French fox' specialty was sex...
The character I played,Raven McCoy, her background was she was raised by circus performers. So she grew up doing a knife act. According to the show, she was the deadliest woman in the world with a knife. But because she grew up in a circus, she was also something of an acrobat. She could do illusions, she was a trapeze artist -- when you're keeping the world safe from evil, you never know when being a trapeze artist's gonna come in handy. And she knew a zillion old jokes her grandfather, an old vaudevillian, taught her. If we would have gotten picked up, they would have worked in a gimmick where every episode I would have told a joke.

Sounds cool right? Well to me and to a lot of fans, Fox Force Five is movie material and although Tarantino has never really expressed any interest in making it into a film, one can't help but speculate what it would be like if he did. So first of all let's look at the plot, I imagine the film to be a grindhouse-esque Charlie's Angels with elements of Tarantino's previous films Kill Bill and Death Proof. I think the film should begin with the force disbanded after an incident on a previous mission, however when the director of the force is kidnapped by an old adversary the girls must reunite for a new mission to rescue their old friend. It's only a bare bones plot summary but I think it could work and with Tarantino's realistic filmmaking style and his clever dialogue it could really be something great. However like any Tarantino movie one of the most important elements is the cast.

The Blonde Fox

The only things we know about the blonde fox is that she was portrayed by fictional actress Sommerset O'Neal, she had a photographic memory and that she was the leader of the team. As the leader she is supposedly a tactical and skilled character both in intelligence and fighting, sort of like a certain Black Widow..? In this case I believe that Scarlett Johansson would be perfect in the role. Being one of the only female Avengers, Johansson has showed that she is excellent at playing a string female character within a male dominant cast which more than qualifies her to do the same in a female dominant cast. She has experience in combat from films like Avenger's Assemble and her portrayal of Black Widow is more than enough proof that Johansson can lead the team.

The Japanese Fox

Said to be a 'kung fu master' the Japanese fox is someone that would have immense skill and knowledge in her field. Someone who I think would be great in the role is Japanese actress Chiaki Kuriyama who is known for her roles in Battle Royale and Kill Bill: Vol I. Kuriyama excelled as the psychotic Gogo Yubari in Kill Bill showing off her ball and chain skills and for me was one of the films best characters. I think the actress would be great as the Japanese fox as not only has she worked with Tarantino before but she is no stranger to combat as seen in her previous films. Kuriyama would be an excellent addition to the cast.

The African-American Fox

The African-American fox was supposedly a demolition expert which implies that she is a strong woman and has no problem breaking things. For this role I'm going to look at another past QT collaborator Tracie Thoms who played Kim in Death Proof. Thoms' character was one of the highlights of the film being one of the first to take on Stuntman Mike and having a badass attitude. I can think of no better actress to play the demolition expert of the force as Thoms has proven in Death Proof that she can portray a strong female with no problem dishing out some violence when the time is right.

The French Fox

The French fox' specialty was described as being sex, the character has to be one who is charming and seductive and of course.. French. The first actress who sprung to my mind was Léa Seydoux who has both the looks and the talent to take on such a role. She has shown that she can be a sensual character in films such as Blue is the Warmest Colour while also showing that she can be quite the badass in films such as Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol. She also had a minor role in Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds so she too has had experience working with the director. I believe her talents would be an excellent addition to the Fox Force Five.

Raven McCoy, The Brunette

Mia Wallace's character as described by her in Pulp Fiction was supposedly an expert with knives, an acrobat and the comic relief of the team, telling a joke in each episode from her grandfathers joke book. Now for me I think that Uma Thurman would have no problem portraying McCoy, although she has aged since Pulp Fiction there is no doubt that she still has the looks and talent for the role. However, if she didn't return for the role I believe that Krysten Ritter would be a worthy replacement. Not only does she look like Mia Wallace but she also has proven to have the wit and attitude to take on the role. If Thurman did not return as McCoy I think it's only right that she have some role in the film as she was the one who introduced us to Fox Force Five.

The Director

No not Tarantino, the director would be the former director of the force similar to M from the Bond series or Charlie from Charlie's Angels. The character would be kidnapped by an old adversary which would set the films plot into motion. For this role I imagined that perhaps an ex James Bond could fit into the shoes, or maybe even Adam West, just some veteran of film or television that would be iconic and recognisable in the role. 

The Bad Guy

The main villain is an old adversary of the director who abducts him for whatever reason. For this role I think Kurt Russel would do a good job as he has shown us his villainous side in Tarantino's previous film Death Proof. He could be both a psychotic and charismatic villain with elements of old bond villainy, perhaps residing on a private island or something.

Other cast members could include Samuel L Jackson as the director's right hand man who could reunite the force, Bruce Dern or Christoph Waltz as Raven's grandfather, Tim Roth and Michael Madsen as the villains henchmen and Sigourney Weaver or Uma Thurman as an old friend of the force who helped to train them. 

Could it Happen?

Most likely not. Tarantino has expressed no interest into making Fox Force Five into a film or television series which is quite unfortunate. Also, a lot of the elements discussed in the concept for the show were used in Kill Bill so it may bare too much similarities to that film. Tarantino has also stated that his next film after The Hateful Eight could be his last so I doubt he would use the idea for his final film. Perhaps Fox Force Five is best left to the imagination and may lose it's charm if ever adapted to the screen, but if it ever was I am sure that Tarantino could do an excellent job.

'The Force Awakens' Review *spoiler free*

As a massive Star Wars fan I was faced with both skepticism and excitement as I sat down in the packed cinema this evening. The skepticism was mainly due to the disappointment of the prequel trilogy but the excitement of returning to the Star Wars universe quickly overpowered that and as the iconic screen crawl began and the crowd erupted into applause I felt a new sense of hope. By the time the film ended all those worries were gone; the days of long winded council meetings and excessive CGI are long behind us and director J.J. Abrams takes us back to everything we loved about the original movies. That is essentially one of the things that made The Force Awakens what it was, it's return to its source material.

 Between the excellent use of practical effects and the returning actors from the original trilogy, the film is successful at reconnecting us with the Star Wars universe that was thought to be a thing of the past. Even the original cast members, despite their limited screen time, show that they still have the talent to bring back the characters that they had made so iconic all those years ago. Harrison Ford in particular shines as the now aged but just as roguish Han Solo and is friendship with the loveable Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) is just as strong as it was when we first met them in Mos Eiseley Cantina. At times the plot seems very similar to A New Hope, the droid with important information landing on a desert planet, the rescue of a rebellion member from the enemy, it sometimes does feel as though we've seen this all before. However, it is the new cast members that help to establish this film as it's own individual one.

There is a lot to say about the new cast, initially I was worried that they would be overshadowed by the veteran actors but thankfully this is not the case and most of the new characters get a chance to develop and establish themselves for future installments. Firstly the two leads John Boyega and Daisy Ridley who play Finn and Rey respectively are both flawless in their performance and definitely have a promising career ahead of them. Boyega manages to bring humor to the plot which is something which I feel was poorly executed in previous films (here's looking at you Ahmed Best). The chemistry between him and Ridley's character Rey is very convincing and the two work well together. They are both characters who are lost in their own respects but when they run into each other they find a sense of meaning in their lives. Rey is the essential strong female lead that I feel the prequels lacked, she is a character who shows that she is capable of defending herself and does not depend on the male characters to get her out of tough situations. As expected Oscar Isaac delivers once again despite his limited screen time as the wise cracking X-wing pilot Poe Dameron. His character echoes aspects of Han Solo, humorous, roguish and a talented pilot but having said that, he is his own individual character and not a cheap imitation.

On the dark side we have the formidable Kylo Ren played by newcomer Adam Driver. Ren is not simply a monster under a mask, he is a character with immense depth and a fundamentalist of sorts due to his devotion to the dark side. He faces an inner conflict between his infatuation with the dark side of the force and the life he left behind, something that becomes pivotal in the final act. Although driver was flawless as Ren, the other villains in the film felt a bit underutilised. I was excited to see Gwendolyn Christie as Captain Phasma as I love her in Game Of Thrones but alas, there was not much of her in the film which was a bit disappointing. Similarly, Domhnall Gleeson's character General Hux seemed a bit underused although his Hitler-esque speech helped him to stand out. A character who I was very curious to see was Supreme Leader Snoke portrayed by Lord of The Rings alum Andy Serkis but his appearance was quite underwhelming. Physically he is quite mediocre looking and his onscreen presence is not much better but he retains this sense of mystery around him that makes me want to know more about him.

One thing which I loved about the film was its limited use of CGI and its emphasis on the practical effects. So much detail was used on both production design and character design and this is highly evident in the scene at Maz Kanata's bar (one very reminiscent of the iconic Cantina scene). There is a wide range of various aliens scene all carefully designed and realistic looking which really shows how much care went into making this film. Beautiful Locations such as Skellig Michael and Abu Dhabi were also used to give a more natural look to the various planets in the film and it certainly pays off as there are some stunning shots in the film. The CGI in the film is actually not so bad, although characters like Lupita Nyong'o's Maz Kanata is a bit cartoonish looking, they are a big improvement of those awful gungans from the prequels. The droid effects are also impressive and the new droid BB-8 is a loveable character especially for the younger viewers. Continuing this natural feel of The Force Awakens, the lightsaber duels are no longer flippy and jumpy, instead they seem a lot more like the older duels of the original trilogy.

So if you are worried that this will be a repeat of the prequels then you can put those worries to rest as The Force Awakens is exactly what one could want from a follow up to the original trilogy. It manages to balance the old with the new while not placing too much emphasis on the veteran cast members. Its more natural looking effects make it feel more like the original trilogy and make it a lot more visually appealing too. Although the plot is something we've seen before and certain characters such as Phasma and Dameron seem underdeveloped, it opens many doors for new stories and room for development in future installments. All of the films flaws for me are just nitpicking as I genuinely found it amazing in both style and substance and although that may be my fanboy bias talking, I'm pretty sure it will appeal to those who aren't die hard fans too. Most importantly it is a film for fans of all ages, offering something for long time fans while ushering in a new era for younger ones too. The Force Awakens truly is the Star Wars film we have been waiting for.

15 Greatest Christmas Films

With all this Star Wars mania I almost forgot that I promised to do a post about the best Christmas films of all time. Now with Christmas just over a week away it seems like an appropriate time to finally get around to that post, so sit back with a nice cup of hot chocolate or whatever that eggnog shit is as I take you through the 15 greatest Christmas films of all time!

15. Black Christmas (Bob Clark, 1974)

First on the list is Bob Clark's festive slasher flick Black Christmas. Predating films like Halloween and Friday the 13th, this Canadian horror film sees a group of sorority girls facing a psychotic killer who terrorises them over the phone before killing them. It truly is a macabre masterpiece and is among the best horror films of all time. Elm Street alum John Saxon also makes an appearance as the local law enforcement.

14. A Christmas Story (Bob Clark, 1983)

Another Bob Clark film only with less homicidal maniacs and more bunny suits. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200- shot Range Model air rifle, but due to his mothers fears of it taking his eye out he may not get his wish. I've only seen this pretty recently but watching it took me back to being a little kid, Ralphie's child perspective on the holiday season is something we could all once relate to and this film will make you experience it all over again. 

13. Bad Santa (Terry Zwigoff, 2003)

Billy Bob Thornton embraces his festive side as the Fargo star brings his talents to this obscene Christmas comedy. He truly shines as the foul mouthed Willie Stokes, a thief disguised as a department store Santa with a penchant for sex and booze. Joining Thornton are the always entertaining Tony Cox and the late Bernie Mac in a comeidic Christmas farce, a sequel is also apparently in the works.

12. Gremlins (Joe Dante, 1984)

Not much is heard of Joe Dante these days but back in the 70's and 80's he was at the top of his game with films like Gremlins. Written by Chris Columbus, it follows a group of small creatures who when fed after midnight transform into grotesque little monsters who terrorise the small town of Kingston Falls over the holidays. Gremlins had the perfect blend of comedy and horror along with that 80's charm that many of us love and is a must for the Christmas season.

11. The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1993)

It is often debated whether this is a Christmas film or a Halloween film, to me a macabre Christmas film makes more sense than festive Halloween one. Based on a story by Tim Burton, the film sees Halloween Town resident Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon) as he tries to incorporate the festive holiday of Christmas into Halloween. A perfect treat for aspiring goth kids and Burton fans everywhere, The Nightmare Before Christmas is bound to bring some scares to your Christmas.

10. Miracle on 34th Street (Les Mayfield, 1994)

Now I chose the 1994 remake for two reasons, the first being that I actually haven't seen the original so sorry about that. The second is because of Richard Attenborough, for me he is the perfect Santa Clause; the white beard, the pleasant demeanor, he basically is Kris Kringle. Since I haven't seen the original I don't really have much to compare it to but I will always remember this as being a funny and heartwarming Christmas film with one of the greatest portrayals of Santa Clause ever. I mean come on, even Siskel and Ebert gave this one two thumbs up.

9. The Muppet Christmas Carol (Brian Henson, 1992)

There are plenty adaptations of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas tale, but for some reason this one is my favourite, perhaps Muppets just make things more festive. It really works well and Michael Caine is both menacing and sympathetic as Ebenezer Scrooge. The combination of Christmas spirit (haw haw) and Muppet humor has made for excellent family fun in this hilarious A Christmas Carol adaptation.

8. Elf (Jon Favreau, 2004)

Will Ferrell has played some odd characters in his time, but Buddy the Elf was by far one of the best. Elf sees Buddy leave the North Pole in search of his father (James Caan) in New York City, only Buddy's customs are slightly different to normal people. This hilarious fish out of water comedy sees Ferrell at his best and also marks an early appearance for Zooey Deschanel who displays both her acting and singing talents. Definitely one of the funniest Christmas movies out there.

7. Jingle All The Way (Brian Levant, 1996)

Whether you like him or not, Arnold Schwarzenegger is the undisputed king of one liners, and this Christmas caper is packed full of them. It sees Schwarzenegger as a father looking for the perfect gift for his son (played by Jake Lloyd, that's right, Anakin himself) in the form of a Turbo Man doll. Things don't go so easy for him however as he finds himself competing against psychotic postman Myron (Sinbad) who also wants the doll. There is also an appearance from the late Phil Hartman, you may know him as Troy McClure on The Simpsons.

6. The Grinch (Ron Howard, 2000)

Before Mike Myers came along and ruined live action Dr. Seuss adaptations, another Canadian comedian starred in a surprisingly decent one. Jim Carrey plays the mean green anti-Christmas machine as he plots to terrorise the citizens of Whoville on Christmas Eve. It's en extremely fun film for all of the family and a surprisingly entertaining performance from Carrey. Taylor Momsen is also in it as the young Cindy Lou Who, this was before she discovered eyeshadow however.

5. The Polar Express (Robert Zemeckis, 2004)

I've been watching this film religiously every Christmas Eve for almost ten years now and it never gets old. Forrest Gump director Robert Zemeckis gives us this mysterious computer animated film about a boy losing his faith in Santa who hops aboard a magical train to the North Pole. Tom Hanks is brilliant as usual however and there is an air of mystery about the whole film with references to ghosts on the train. It will make you think but it will also make you laugh and will certainly get you in that Christmas mood.

4. Christmas Vacation (Jeremiah Chechik, 1989)

The Griswold family get together for the holidays in the most festive of the National Lampoons films. This one sees Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and co. making it through the holidays while Clark anticipates his Christmas bonus. The film has an ensemble of talented actors along with Chase such as Brian Doyle Murray and Beverley D'Angelo, however the real highlight of the film is Randy Quaid as cousin Eddie who causes chaos from start to finish in one of his funniest performances. Since it's release, Christmas Vacation has become a modern classic.

3. The Santa Clause (John Pasquin, 1994)

What better way to celebrate Christmas than watching a film about the big man himself? Tim Allen stars as the eponymous Saint Nick, well sort of anyway. You see this Santa Clause is a bit like the wolfman, a curse of sorts, and when the first Santa falls off the roof of businessman Scott Calvin, he becomes the new Santa. It's a pretty odd concept but it works and is an original take on the Santa story, along with teenage elves (including a young David Krumholtz) and the technologically advanced North Pole, it's a film that retains that old-fashioned Christmas spirit and still does over 20 years later.

2. Home Alone (Chris Columbus, 1990)

If I told you about a film where two burglars are repeatedly tortured while attempting to rob a house you'd assume it was a horror film right? Well Home Alone is far from horror but that's essentially the plot. When his idiot parents forget him while going on holidays, young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is left to fend for himself when two burglars (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) attempt to rob his house. With Chris Columbus directing and John Hughes writing, it's safe to say that Home Alone is one of the greatest family comedies ever, along with it's worthy sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Merry Christmas ya filthy animal!

1. It's A Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946)

The undisputed big daddy of Christmas movies, It's A Wonderful Life is one of those films that makes even grown men cry. Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, a beloved member of the community of Bedford Falls who hits a rough patch during the holidays. After saving an angels life, George wishes that he was never born and so Clarence the angel (Henry Travers) shows him what the world would be like if this was the case. This is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you smile and make you burst into tears by the time it's over as we see how much George Bailey truly means to those around him. If you haven't seen this one I highly recommend that you watch it this Christmas as it is by far the greatest Christmas film of all time.

So when you're done re-watching the Star Wars saga and have watched The Force Awakens I suggest you make your way through this list to get yourself into the Christmas mood, there are plenty more festive films but there but in my opinion these are the best of the best. So when the weather outside is too frightful to leave the house why don't you stick on a pizza (because pizzas are for all year round) and watch a couple of these. Enjoy and have a great Christmas!

5 Reasons To Be Excited For Episode VII

One evening in November 2014 I sat in my kitchen eating a spice bag from the Chinese when I almost choked on a piece of salt and chilli chicken after watching the first official trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Now over a year later the countdown to Episode VII has been wittled down to mere days and the world has been overcome with an epidemic of Star Wars fever. As a fan of the franchise it is great to see people young and old waiting in anticipation for the beginning of the sequel trilogy and literally wherever you go there is bound to be something Star Wars related this time of year. Whether you're on the internet, in a shop, even the spire of Dublin city center has been transformed into a giant lightsaber (about time that eyesore is being put to use). However, there are some fans who are still skeptical about the return to the Star Wars universe, hoping that this will not be a repeat of the now infamous Phantom Menace. Fear not fanboys, as here are five reasons why you should be looking forward to The Force Awakens. 

1. A New Hope

So this isn't the first attempt to return to the Star Wars universe on the big screen. Almost twenty years ago the first installment of the prequel trilogy hit our screens leaving the majority of fans with a sour taste in their mouths (You can read my article on the prequels here ). Since then, there have been a few attempts to return to the galaxy far far away between video games and animated series', but none captured the same essence that the original trilogy did. However, when Disney acquired the rights they took it upon themselves to bring the franchise back in full force (heh) by announcing not only a new trilogy of films, but also a variety of anthology films too. I believe that Disney is the new hope for Star Wars and it is evident from both the marketing and the reactions to the new film that the franchise has been placed in capable new hands (Sorry George).

2. Faces old and new

The cast of The Force Awakens is a combination of old and new cast members, making the connection to the original trilogy while also managing to establish itself in its own trilogy too. Returning faces include the likes of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill as Han Solo, Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker respectively, along with many other prominent figures from the original trilogy. Along with the Star Wars veterans, there are also new members joining the cast including Attack The Block star John Boyega, newcomer Daisy Ridley, Ex-Machina star Oscar Isaac and academy award winner Lupita Nyong'o. Max Von Sydow will also appear but as of now his role is unspecified. These, along with the new set of villains (who I'll get to next) will join with the older cast members to form an ensemble of epic proportions and immense talent.

3. Bad to the bone

Along with the previously mentioned cast members, a new array of villainous characters will make an appearance. After the collapse of the Galactic Empire in Jedi a new evil threatens the galaxy in the form of the sinister First Order led by Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). It has been confirmed that Snoke will be motion captured and looking at Serkis' history with mo-cap he seems like the perfect choice, however Snokes appearance has been kept under wraps. One villain who has been dominating the marketing campaign however is the formidable Kylo Ren (played by Oscar Isacc's Inside Llewyn Davis co-star Adam Driver), a figure who is obsessed with the dark side of the force and the Sith. Ren's appearance is similar to that of Darth Vader and it is evident where he draws his inspiration from, let's just hope he gets more screen time than poor old Darth Maul. Other villains include stormtrooper Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) and General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). As the villains were one of the redeeming qualities of the prequels and judging by what we've seen so far of these villains, it's safe to say things won't be easy for our heroes this time round.

4. In Abrams we trust

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away we would have been delighted to have George Lucas back on board for a sequel trilogy, then the prequels happened and now some of us can't help but breathe a sigh of relief knowing that his involvement is minimal. The man taking the helm for this film is none other than J.J. Abrams and judging from his work on the Star Trek franchise, he is the perfect man for the job. Not only is Abrams a skilled writer and director, he is also good at keeping things under wraps which I think is important when it comes to such an anticipated project. He has managed to reveal little about the plot while building up a level of anticipation that I've never experienced with any film before. Along with that, he has stated that he will be taking the practical effects route, something the prequels severely lacked. Of course there will obviously be some CGI required but it won't be as excessive as it was in the prequels. I believe that Abrams is the perfect choice to bring Star Wars back to the big screen.

5. The initial reactions

Last night the world premiere for The Force Awakens took place in LA which means by now there are a small number of people who have seen the film. Thankfully they were sworn to refrain from putting up spoilers on social media so that those of us who haven't seen it can still wait in spoiler free anticipation. However, many celebrities have taken to twitter giving their spoiler free reactions, Rob Lowe called it "a movie that DELIVERS" while the likes of Patton Oswalt and Rainn Wilson praised Abrams' work. Judging by the initial reactions, the film will not disappoint and it looks as though we may get that long awaited follow up that we deserve.

So if that hasn't got you in the Star Wars spirit then I guess the only thing that will is the film itself when it hits theaters within the next couple of days. I think it's safe to say that this film will not disappoint, judging from it's cast, the numerous trailers and tv spots along with the initial reactions, The Force Awakens is looking out to be one of the biggest films of the year. Not only that but many believe that it could become one of the highest grossing films of all time. All will be revealed when Star Wars: the Force Awakens hits cinemas this Thursday!

Wonderfully Weird Christmas Specials

Okay so I was going to write about the best Christmas films of all time but when I realised how many there actually were I decided to take more time to work on that. In the meantime lets look at the Christmas special. Almost every show has at least one Christmas episode; from Friends to The Office, even The Simpsons has a few. They are usually funny and heartwarming and sometimes send viewers a message about 'the true meaning of Christmas' or something like that. This is not what this post will be about. Instead it will look at the darker side of the Christmas specials, ones that may be too scary or too weird for family viewing, some of the best ones. So join me as I take a trip into the unconventional side of the Christmas special. (WARNING: may contain spoilers)

The Sopranos - 'To Save Us All From Satan's Power'

So it's not the strangest Christmas special on the list but it certainly is dark. The Sopranos is without a doubt one of the greatest TV shows of all time, pre-dating shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, following the life of gangster and family man Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini). The Christmas special focuses on Tony's guilt after killing one of his former allies, Pussy (Vincent Pastore), who was secretly an informant. He has recurring nightmares about his old friend who is on his mind a lot around the holidays as he used to dress up as Santa at the Christmas party. There are some comedic moments in the episode such as Bobby Bacala (Steve Schirripa) attempting to take up the reigns as the new Santa at the Christmas party, but the episode is dark and deeply psychological. Having said that, it is extremely festive too.

Supernatural - 'A Very Supernatural Christmas'

Supernatural is very similar to shows like Buffy The Vampire Slayer as it manages to find the balance between comedy drama and horror all within a single episode. Some are more dramatic or more terrifying that others but A Very Supernatural Christmas is one of the episodes that manages to find the balance between the three. The episode sees Sam and Dean Winchester (Jared Padelecki and Jensen Ackles respectively) hunting what they believe to be Santa's evil counterpart during what could very well be their last Christmas together. The real highlights of the episode however are the flashbacks to the younger versions of Sam and Dean (Colin Ford and Ridge Canipe respectively) to the Christmas when Sam discovered the true nature of the family business and gave dean his iconic amulet as a gift. Despite not being the most conventional of Christmas specials, it is a very festive episode nonetheless. 

American Horror Story - 'Unholy Night'

The second season of the chilling anthology series was set at Briarcliff Asylum where aliens, serial killers and crazed Nazi doctors (to name a few) took residence and not even Christmas could escape the madness. The real highlight of this episode is Ian McShane's performance as Leigh Emerson, a homicidal maniac who killed people while dressed as Santa. After being released from solitary confinement by possessed nun Sister Mary Eunice (Lily Rabe), Emerson seeks revenge on the woman who put him there in the first place, sister Jude (Jessica Lange). The episode is one of the darkest ones of the season, taking inspiration from films such as Silent Night, Deadly Night and Black Christmas to add a sense of macabre to the holiday season all taking place inside the gothic sanitarium. McShane is both humorous and psychotic in his role as Emerson and although this is his only major appearance in the show, he has certainly left his mark forever.

Doctor Who - 'The Christmas Invasion'

Ever since it's reboot in 2005, Doctor Who has been known for it's Christmas specials that air each year on Christmas Day and none are more iconic that the reboots first special The Christmas Invasion. Not only is it the first Christmas special but it also marks the first appearance of David Tennant's Tenth Doctor and my personal favourite Doctor. It followed his struggle through regeneration while his companion Rose (Billie Piper) went up against evil Santa's and killer Christmas tree's all while aliens decided to invade London, who said excess is a bad thing? It was extremely entertaining to see the Tenth Doctor save London from the Sycorax in his pajamas and marked the beginning for the annual Christmas special each December, it was also quite terrifying to see such innocent things like Christmas trees go homicidal, it is Doctor Who after all.

Black Mirror - 'White Christmas'

One of the most underrated and best written shows of the decade, Black Mirror is an anthology series reminiscent of the likes of The Twilight Zone and penned by British writer and producer Charlie Brooker. This feature length episode features guest appearances from Jon Hamm and Rafe Spall as two men stranded at a snowy outpost during Christmas who tell each other stories of their lives in a dark anthology of festive terror. However, not everything is as it seems and as the episode goes on we gradually learn what's really going on at the mysterious outpost. It is an extremely clever piece of television from Brooker, full of twists and turns that you won't see coming until the last few minutes. Although it is a bit bleak like every episode of the show, it oddly put me in the Christmas mood last year and if you're into dark sci-fi then it may do the same to you. It will also have Wizzard's I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday stuck in your head for days to follow.

So if you're looking to watch something unconventional this Christmas I suggest you have a look at those to add that extra bit of strangeness to the holiday season (Although you might want to watch earlier episodes of some for context, or not, it's up to you). So I will have that post on the best Christmas films up sometimes during the week but until then there's plenty of weird festive fun to find in those specials, until next time!

At the Movies This Christmas

As the holiday season gets into full swing it looks as if there will be a large selection of films hitting the theaters. From the force awakening to the return of Charlie Brown and his pals, there is a wide range of films for all the family out this December and January which will appeal to cinema goers everywhere. The following films will say both farewell to 2015 an hello to 2016 as we make the transition into the new year. So sit back and relax by the fire as I take you through what's in store this Christmas.

Christmas With The Coopers

The obligatory festive family comedy with an all star ensemble cast, it seems like we get one of these every year. This year we see the all star cast including the likes of John Goodman, Diane Keaton and Alan Arkin unite for this light-hearted family comedy about a family coming together for their annual Christmas celebration. Although the film has received generally negative reviews, it's talented cast has been praised and it looks like something that will be sure to get you into the Christmas mood (that's if the Coca-Cola and Marks & Spencer's ads haven't done that already). Christmas With The Coopers is in cinemas now.

Krampus

In 2007 writer/director Michael Dougherty brought us the frightful dark comedy Trick 'r Treat and now he's back with his festive horror comedy Krampus. The film follows a family getting together for the holidays but due to their fighting and lack of Christmas spirit, they accidentally summon the demonic Krampus who sets out to punish them. Krampus is a figure from folklore known for being Santa's essential opposite or 'the anit-clause' who punishes naughty children on Christmas. If Trick 'r Treat is anything to go by then Krampus will be a unique blend of comedy and terror that will have you both laughing and hiding behind your wrapping paper. With a cast including Parks and Recreations star Adam Scott and Golden Globe winner Toni Collette, Krampus is looking out to be a cult classic. It is in cinemas now.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

Undoubtedly the most anticipated film of the year, The Force Awakens is only less than two weeks away and has people all around the world, including myself, hyped for the return to the galaxy far far away. Taking place after the original trilogy it sees the return of familiar faces such as Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford along with newcomers Daisy Ridley and John Boyega in the long awaited follow up Return of the Jedi. It looks as though there is a new evil in the galaxy in the form of the First Order commanded by the very Vader-esque Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). There is little known about the plot although fans everywhere have fabricated their own theories as to what will happen in the new installment, one thing we know for certain is that Jar Jar Binks will not be present. You won't have to wait much longer as The Force Awakens will hit cinemas on December 17th.

The Peanuts Movie 

Snoopy and the gang return as Charles Schulz' beloved Peanuts franchise finally makes it to the big screen. The film will follow Charlie Brown (Noah Schnapp) as he tries to win the affections of the Little Red-Haired Girl (Francesca Angelucci Capaldi) while his dog Snoopy writes a book about the Flying Ace. It will see the return of Charlie brown's friends too along with Snoopy and his bird friend Woodstock. Fans of the Peanuts franchise have no need to worry as the film is written by both Craig and Bryan Schulz, the respective son and grandson of Charles Schulz so it looks as though it will remain faithful to the original cartoons. The Peanuts Movie is out December 22nd.

In The Heart Of The Sea

Director Ron Howard brings us the adaptation of Nathan Philbrick's novel of the same name about the true story that inspired the iconic Moby Dick. The film follows the unfortunate crew of the whaling ship Essex and their experiences after being left shipwrecked by a large sperm whale. It will be interesting seeing how these events inspired Herman Melville's iconic novel (Ben Whishaw portrays Melville himself in the film) in a more realistic tone and judging by the events depicted in Philbrick's novel it will get gritty. The films cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy and the soon to be Spider-Man, Tom Holland and will sail into theaters on December 26th.

Joy 

Director David O. Russell returns with frequent collaborators Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro in this biopic about Joy Mangano, the inventor of the miracle mop, over four generations. The film will see Lawrence as Mangano in her third collaboration with Russell after the successes of Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. It will be interesting to see her portrayal of the character over the years but Lawrence has proved that her talents are beyond capable of taking on the role and along with her strong co-stars it looks as if Joy will be just as successful as Russell's previous films. Joy is in theaters on New Years Day.

The Hateful Eight

The ninth film from controversial director Quentin Tarantino that almost didn't happen after that infamous leaked script. In 2012 Tarantino proved he could do westerns with Django Unchained and now he brings us another one which is looking out to be just as violent and clever as his previous works. The film sees an ensemble cast of frequent Tarantino collaborators such as Tim Roth, Michael Madsen and Samuel L Jackson and will follow the deception and betrayal among eight individuals who take shelter together during a blizzard. As a massive Tarantino fan I cannot wait for this and the fact that it will be scored by none other than Ennio Moricone himself gives all the more reason for excitement. The Hateful Eight will be released on January 8th.

The Revenant 

Okay so this one's a bit of a push considering it will be out when a lot of people will be finished their Christmas holiday's but it's looking like one of the most anticipated film of the next few months so it's on the list anyways. The film is inspired by the life of Hugh Glass (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in this film), a frontiersman who is left for dead by his colleagues and is forced to survive the harsh wilderness alone. After the success of his film Birdman last year, it seemed as though it would be hard for Alejandro Gonzalez Inárritu to top that, but The Revenant looks as if it will do just that and many believe it will get DiCaprio his much deserved Oscar. The film also stars Tom Hardy and Will Poulter and will be released on January 11th.

It looks as though there will be plenty to keep us occupied when it's too cold to go outside this Christmas as there will be plenty in store in cinemas for all ages. Personally I'm dying for The Force Awakens and The Hateful Eight and have been waiting in anticipation for them both for over a year now. So whether you like sci-fi, snoopy or festive family comedy, there will be something for everyone in theaters this holiday season. Until next time!