FILM | Dallas Buyers Club

I went to see this last night with my uni friends, and we took up the whole row.. felt like we were on a school field trip! Usually when I go to the cinema with so many of us, we end up just messing around and not really watching the film at all, but this had me gripped. It would have been utterly disrespectful to even consider having a mini conversation at any point. It moved and shocked all of us, and the acting was undoubtedly award worthy.

Matthew Mcconaughey plays a drug and sex addicted, gambling rode, Ronald Woodruff, who is diagnosed with HIV. This true story is an iconic tale that I hadn't known about before seeing this film, which I think is a shame. Ron Woodruff was a sleazy troublemaker who had no real purpose to his life, and remarkably, the diagnosis gave him purpose. In the 80's, there was human drug trials for HIV/AIDS treatment, and only a handful of people were given access to the drug. Ron Woodruff wanted it. He only had 30 days to live, and he wasn't ready to die, so was willing to do anything to survive. 

Around the world, there is a huge stigma against people who contract this disease, because it is often related to homosexual activity and promiscuity. Many people lose their family and friends when they are diagnosed because of the social issues involved with it. Ron himself is homophobic, but through his friendship with a transexual, Rayon/Raymond (Jarod Leto) he comes to accept everyone, making him a kinder and more open person. 

Through many twists and turns, he began smuggling pharmaceutical drugs into Texas and selling them to others also suffering from the disease. Instead of selling each drug separately, people had to buy their membership to the Dallas Buyers Club. This was, of course, illegal. He struggles and fights against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help those whom he previously would have ostracised. His journey is incredible.

For me, there is nothing better than a film with good acting (as you may have guessed from my other reviews). Mcconaughey's dramatic change in appearance is desperately apparent. By running for at least three hours a day to lose weight, it is painful to watch as he becomes screamingly thin. But it was all part of getting into the skin of his character, Ron Woodruff. Jared Leto's performance is also astonishing, after being used to seeing him as lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, to cross dressing as a transexual. In an interview Leto admits he stayed in role of Rayon the whole way through filming as he loved her character so much. Both Mcconaughey and Leto deserve their Oscar nominations. 

Jennifer Garner plays Dr Eve Saks, who goes against her responsibilities as a doctor to help Woodruff, and their chemistry on screen is fascinating. There are moments where a voice inside your head screams at them to kiss, and I'll leave you to find that out for yourself. Admittedly, I'm not Garner's biggest fan, because in many films she seems insincere, but her performance was also brilliant. As a viewer, you have total respect for Dr Saks, as her kindness and selflessness are rare attributes.

This isn't a film for those in search of an exciting thrill ride. It is long. There are moments when "not much happens". But if you're looking for an emotive, powerful, real portrayal of this epic story, then this is the film for you.

It envelopes you and convinces you into believing the journey in which they take. Although it is not your typical "happy ending", I left the screening feeling strangely uplifted with a sense of contentedness.

It points to many important social issues that we have in our society today, such as homophobia, and the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS. Definitely a must see, it will be a classic for decades.

Have you seen this film? What did you think of it?

Amy xi

CHAT | to all you single pringles..

The dreaded "V-Day" is just around the corner, and for all us singletons, this isn't the greatest day of the year. Whether you've just come out of a relationship or haven't had one in years, it is undoubtedly a painful time. Everyone wants to be/feel loved, and Valentines just reminds you of something you don't have. It almost makes you feel like you've failed. You've failed at life because you can't be involved with a world-wide event, and it seems everyone but you is celebrating their love. Well, this is how I can feel. 

Last year I had a boyfriend for the first Valentines in ages, and we had the loveliest, romantic evening. And there is something in me that wants to sadly reminisce, wishing things were the same this year, but I'm not going to let myself do that. A lot of my single friends are really feeling the loneliness this year as they are in search of a boyfriend, but I don't seem to be feeling it. Is it because I don't care? No, I do care, and would love to have someone who loves me, but I don't. You shouldn't let a consumer obsessed day get you down. I understand that it is just another reminder that you're alone, but you're not! You have so many people in your life that love you and care about you, that just because you don't have a boyfriend/girlfriend doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate Valentines. Celebrate the love that you have with your friends and family! Buy your mum some roses or your brother/sister. Go out for dinner with your friends. Have a bit of retail therapy to give you something to smile about. Buy yourself a treat or do something you've always wanted to.

You have the rest of your life ahead of you to have a lovely romantic Valentines day, who knows whats round the corner? Next year you could be with the love of your life, so just sit back and wait, because there is someone out there for you, and one year you will have the best Valentines Day of your life, and all these years angsting over being alone with have disappeared. So do yourself a favour, instead of sitting at home crying and eating all the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream that was available in the nearest Tesco (Bridget Jones style), get all dressed up and go have cocktails with your girls! Instead of mourning the love you don't have, think about the people you do have, and trust me, you'll feel happier than ever. 

FILM | American Hustle

American Hustle is a film that I reaally wanted to see. I was drawn in my the actors, Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, some of the best in the business. The style of the period also intrigued me, the outfits were just incredible, although on many occasions, Amy Adam's was awkwardly close to suffering a nip slip. 

Christian Bale plays a moderately successful hustler, with the help of the savvy Amy Adams, but when they are caught by the FBI Agent, Bradley Cooper, they are convinced into co-operating with the police to bring down corrupt politicians.  I know I have a major crush on Jennifer Lawrence, so I am slightly bias, but her character was just amazing. She seemed like the typical 'bitch wife' to start with but layers of her personality reveal themselves throughout, which I think epitomises a brilliant actor. 

I expected to feel stunned at this end of this feature, but I didn't. Unfortunately it was slightly underwhelming. On the contrary to the plot, the acting was excellent. Director, David O'Russell received 11 Oscar nominations for Silver Linings Playbook, and I'm certain there will be more nominations coming his way soon.

I wouldn't recommend this film for cinema viewing, although the cinematography is beautiful, but definitely a watch for a movie night in. 

Have you seen this film? What did you think of it?

Amy xi

STYLE | Leather and Pastels

So as winter slowly transforms into spring, I want to bring some lighter colours into my wardrobe. Living in Newcastle means that it is still very dark when I wake up, and when I get home. The plus side is that it's still dark when I come home from a night out, as I always hate it at the end of a night when it gets light and you don't quite look the same as you did at the beginning (never a good thing). 

Although nothing will ever compete with the trusty colour black, I always want to add a little something lighter to it! But I love the juxtaposition (ooh clever word!) between the black leather and baby pink. Its like a sort of princess goth.. 

I would wear the cream skirt with the pink textured jumper, and the black boots perhaps with some cream frilly socks peeping over the top of them. And of course with the ol' leather jacket to finish it off. The pink jumper would also be perfect with the gold patterned shorts, and the metallic element means this outfit would be brill for girly drinks. 

Loving the 'Petal' lipstick from Topshop. Which isn't really a statement colour, but I would team it with soft eyes, maybe a thin flick at the corner of my eyes. I also love the half up, half down small bun, as I always think it gives your outfit an edge. 

The little satchel is the perfect size to fit the necessities, such as lipstick and money to shop of course! 

Teaming up any of these pieces would make the perfect combination for a day out, and even a date, especially with valentines coming up (wink, wink). 

Do you like the pastel and leather combo? Where would you wear this look?

Amy xi

STYLE | think I have enough winter boots?

1. These are the newest addition to my black boot collection. I love the chunkyness of the platform, and they always transform any outfit to look edgy. I have started wearing them on nights out and they are soo much more comfy than 6 inch heels! Means my night can go a lot longer!

2. I just love these peeptoe All Saints boots. I got them as a birthday present in the sale for £98, which is still expensive, but much less than its original £260 price tag. They instantly vamp up my outfits to become more stylish, and are perfect for girly drinks.

3. These are the oldest pair of my shoe collection as I got them last winter. They started falling apart slightly this year, so I was going to buy a new pair of day shoes, but when I was shopping I just couldn't find any that compared to these. So I got them resoled and they felt as good as new!

4. Yes, these shoes are as painful as they look. But the height of the heel makes your legs look so much longer and adds that much needed (for me anyways) couple of extra inches. However, I do end up avoiding them because the gradient of the heel killlls my feet. But on a special occasion they are perfect.

5. These are great daytime shoes if you need an extra bit of height.. which I do, at only 5ft 2 ha! They also look great for a chilled night out.