My dream table

If you could invite any five people past or present to sit at your diner table, who would you pick and why?

1.JK Rowling
My first invite would have to go to JK Rowling, with out a doubt, she is probably my biggest hero. She is a modern day rags to riches story, she went from being almost in poverty to being the first ever billionaire author. She not only wrote a series of books that completely changed my life It taught children and adults alike about good and evil, love and the values of being a good human being along with so many other invaluable life lessons. Apart from that though the amount of charity work that she has done is insane. Despite the fact that as I previously mentioned she was the first author billionaire, she has given away so much money that she is now down to being a millionaire, if that doesn't spell a wonderful human being then I really don't know what else does. She has also completely changed the way children (and adults) perceive literature, she has got children reading in a way no other modern day author has done.

2. Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith is one of my favourite actors, not only is she incredibly badass, I mean she's 87 and still going strong and stealing every single scene that she is in but she continued to film Harry Potter despite the fact that she had breast cancer all because she didn't want to let anyone down. I feel like she would be up for a good laugh and I would just absolutely love to see her in the flesh even just for a fleeting glance.

3. Colin Morgan
Colin Morgan is my favourite male actor. When I saw him in the summer it was amazing, he is captivating when he is on stage and completely embodies the role that he takes on and you forget that you are watching Colin Morgan but envision the character he is preforming as. He was also extremely nice and modest when I met him after the show, he seems to have so much time for his fans and that to me is something that really needs to be valued more.

4. Margaret Thatcher

She is a slightly controversial person to invite to a tea party but that is exactly why I wanted to invite her. I want to find out from her account of what she was up to when she was prime minister, lets face it she is a very remarkable character in British history and even if you like her or you don't no one can take away from the fact she was the first woman prime minister that Britain has had and thats something pretty interesting. I'd like to find out if she really is quite as much of an iron lady as she is preceived to be.

5. Winston Churchill
Of course I had to invite an extremely poignant figure in British politics, this man is an absolute hero to any Briton. He guided Britain through the Second World War and his speeches are ones that you cannot forget, he was the voice of the war. I think it would be ridiculously interesting to have him at my tea party because I would just be fascinated to hear his stories about the war and how it felt to run a country at a time of such misery.


Quite a random bunch, but if I was being totally greedy I would also invite a few more

6. Alex Vlahos
When I met him at Comic Con he was so nice and I just would love to get to have a longer conversation with him.
7. The Queen
She is an absolutely amazing amabasdor for Britain, I mean shes 80 odd and still going strong with no signs of slowing down any time soon.
8. Prince Charles
I find him really funny I'm not sure why but for a royal he's pretty down to earth and I think all he's done for charities like the Prince's Trust is amazing.
9. Barack Obama
He would be a pretty amazing character to have a tea party, he's an extremely likeable guy and of course being the first black president is something amazing.
10. Jennifer Lawrence 
Who wouldn't want to have Jennifer Lawrence at a dinner party? She is one of my favourite people in Hollywood, she's ridiculously down to earth despite her success and I would love to meet her.

Parked FILM REVIEW

A few weeks ago I watched the film Parked. It was one of those films that really stays with you even after you've finished watching. The film itself is a small, independent film, I don't even think it was in the cinemas (although I could be wrong). The cast was small and the plot simple: simple, but by no means any less intriguing.

This is a synopsis from IMDb "Fred Daly returns to Ireland with nowhere to live but his car. Then dope-smoking 21-year-old Cathal parks beside him, and brightens up his lonely world. Encouraged by Cathal, Fred meets attractive music teacher Jules. Growing closer, these three outsiders are set on a course that will change their lives forever."

In essence that is exactly the plot, there is no sidelines its just that. Cathal is played by Colin Morgan who is outstanding in the part. Not only is Colin a master of accents but he is able to convey emotions with a simple look. Colm Meaney also plays a brilliant part, he is obviously the more reserved out of the duo but he certainly can hold his own. Despite the fact that these two characters couldn't be any more different they are thrown together and have each other for company. Cathal hasn't had anyone in his life that he can look up to and I truly believe that he wanted to give up the drugs for Fred because he loved and admired Fred, but he was just too far gone.

I am going to make an effort to watch more independent/small films in the future because theres something so special about them. I think that its amazing that small films like Parked are just as brilliant (if not better) than films that have Hollywood backing. Its solely based on the actors and the storyline without all of the theatrics that comes with high budget films. The actors are also more passionate about it because they are not doing it for the money they are purely doing it because they believe in the story and film. Jennifer Lawrence once said that "I love doing independent films, I love being on that 20th hour of free overtime in the freezing cold with the rest of the crew and the only thing that’s keeping you there and motivating you is not money. It’s just the belief and a story that you love enough to do almost anything for…that’s why I do what I do." and I think thats the perfect way to sum up an actor's view on independent films.

I'd definitely recommend Parked, its and emotional and strangely heartwarming film, however do be warned that there is drug use, swearing and sexual references so don't watch if you don't like any of that, however, don't be put off because it is all done beautifully and played out extremely well. 

4/5 STARS

The Hunger Games: the book VS the film

Seeing as Catching Fire is now only months away I’m going to share with you my opinion on how I thought Lionsgate did (or did not) do justice to the world wide best seller books that is the Hunger Games trilogy. The film was released in March 2012 after much anticipation from fans and critics alike; the books benefited greatly and saw a massive increase in sales and you literally couldn't turn anywhere without being reminded that something big: something that could reach Harry Potter big was about to land on our doorsteps. As a huge fan of the books I too could hardly bare the excitement of one of my favourite books being made into a film with an all-star cast and a very promising trailer: I was not disappointed when release day came around.

Jennifer Lawrence was flawless as Katniss Everdeen the heroine in the book and really captured the character well: she was mesmerising to watch; and if her recent success is anything to go by she will be around for a very long time and Lionsgate were lucky to grab her whilst they could because I don't think that anyone could have fitted the role just as well. Josh Hutcherson who plays the smitten Peeta Melark from District 12 was fairly decent but did not have the same scene grabbing effect as Lawrence. 

In the books the relationship between Katniss and Peeta is poignant and it is clear that Peeta is in love with Katniss. However, Katniss is just playing along for the Games so that she can play off the 'star-crossed lovers' that the Capitol love and gain sponsors during the Games; this aspect of the film was disappointing. There was very little build up and almost no emotion, if you hadn't of read the book, you certainly wouldn't be hoping that Katniss would realise how much of an idiot she is being by faking her love for Peeta.

Another let down was Katniss' relationship with Rue, the small girl who reminded Katniss of her little sister Prim and who was the District 11 tribute; this was hardly developed at all, in the book their relationship and allegiance to each other goes on for several chapters and shows the vulnerable side to Everdeen which is lacking in this film. When Rue got killed, I think that in the film, it was the longest period of time that the two characters spent with each other: this should have been developed more thoroughly to get more of a reaction from the audience over the death of character that impacted Katniss’ life a lot when she was in the arena. It could have highlighted the severity and impact that these games had on normal people; it should have showed you that your innocence could be taken away from you at any moment during the Games and a child you befriended could die so very easily in your arms had the relationship been more developed.

However, apart from those two points, Gary Ross (the director) has done a pretty good job in bringing the text to life. I am somewhat curious to how Catching Fire will turn out seeing as Ross is no longer the mastermind behind it all; I do hope that the new director has taken some notes down from him so that he doesn't lose the integrity of the books that we have all grown to love. In all honesty I don't think that you can get a much better adaptation of a book than this film and if that doesn't convince you: the awards speak for themselves. 

Favourite actors, actresses, films, TV shows and books.

Favourite actors: 

• Daniel Radcliffe

He brought to life my all time favourite fictional character and therefore he will always be a very special part in my heart. I also admire that although Harry Potter is over, he has continued to work and branch away from the franchise but still completely smashing everything that he does. 

• Colin Morgan

The way that he puts so much emotion into every single thing that he does is incredible. I also really love his personality and I think he is just genuinely a nice guy. I don't think I could say enough good things about Colin. I would give anything to meet him face to face.

Favourite actresses:

• Dame Maggie Smith

I simply cannot put into words how much I love Maggie Smith; not only is she Professor McGonagall another of my favourite literacy characters but her part as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey is brilliant, she takes such a brilliant part in the show and completely steals the lime light from every other character in the shot. I also seriously admire her so much, the fact that she carried on filming the Harry Potter films despite the fact that she had breast cancer, is something you really must tip your hat off to.

• Jennifer Lawrence

Seriously though when have you ever seen a bad film that Jennifer Lawrence has been in? Never.

• Emma Watson

She completely is Hermione Granger and she flies the flag high for all of the nerds. I love how much she loves acting and not only was she brilliant in Perks but it just shows that actually, yes, she can be a diverse and brilliant actress, who is such an incredible role model for young girls.

Favourite books:

(I am excluding Harry Potter from this one, but if you want to read why it is my favourite of all time click here)

• The Hunger Games (series)

Its a crazy popular book for a reason: It has some truly brilliant writing and anything that has such a big franchise as The Hunger Games; deserves to be credited. This series is the type where I can see myself re-reading them for years and years to come. 

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Totally cliché of me I know: However, this book seriously captures the crappy and the good parts of being a teenager and shows the vulnerable experiences of 'teenhood' that we find so hard to describe brilliantly.

• The Woman in Black

How a book can scare me so very much I will never know however, this book captures your heart in your mouth so brilliantly that you can literally envision the Woman In Black creeping up behind you. (argh, it still sends shivers down my spine) Definitely don't read before bed!

• Here Come the Girls

A completely harmless, obvious but such a feel good book that whenever I am cheesed off  is one of the first books I pick up off my shelf. If you have been on a cruise before then you will love this book as it is all described so well you can just imagine yourself on the boat with the girls in the story.

Favourite films:

(again excluding Harry Potter)

• Any and all Disney films

I couldn't name all of my favourites because to be honest I just love them all and so if you put a Disney movie on I will quite happily sit there and watch it. Although my absolute favourites include Tangled, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Monsters INC.

• Just Go With It

Yes, its a chick flick and obviously the two main characters fall in love at the end; but with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in it then you really cant go wrong. It's light hearted and funny and is just a generally good film to watch with anyone.

• The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror

Another Disney film, but an old one. In fact the ride at Disney is based on this film and I do believe that they used the very same ride as a set (although I could be making that up, I'm not too sure). Anyway, its not scary at all (it is a Disney film after all) but its a film I never tire of watching, my only problem is that I cant find it on DVD anywhere! *sad face*

Although I have only listed three, I am a major movie junkie and will watch probably anything that you sit me down in front of, just hand me some food and I'm set!

Favourite TV shows:

• Merlin

Possibly and this is a very bold statement but I think Merlin could be my favourite TV show of all time *gasp*. It will come as no surprise to you all of course, but I just simply love it and my love for the characters, plot, actors and the clear affection between the cast both on and off screen is getting slightly ridiculous. (read more about why I like it here in a five series review)

• Downton Abbey

I simply cannot stress to you how much I love Downton, its one of those shows that should be boring but is so exciting and just amazing that you simply cannot stop watching. I am craving series four extremely badly right now after the cliffhanger on the Christmas episode (which I reviewed here). It is a program for everyone and is only going from strength to strength.

• Doctor Who

More so the older ones from series one to about series 5, but I am still enjoying the show a lot despite some dodgier ones in the most recent series'. I don't really need to go too much into detail because I'm pretty sure every human in the world has at least seen one episode of it!

• Call the Midwife

Again, very much the same as with Downton but I really just cant seem to get enough of this kind of show. It really warms my heart and again here is review I have done of the show previously.

So thats it for now, but I will be doing another post shortly on more things that are my favourites (link to follow).

My most attractive celebrities

In no particular order...

Daniel Radcliffe, 
In my opinion I think he is the most attractive man to walk this earth

Zac Efron, 
Sorry but who wouldn't have him on their most attractive list?

Ed Sheeran, 
Ed is mainly on here for his amazing personality and the fact that I am completely in love with him in a non-dirty way. Aw.

Logan Lerman, 
Probably isn't the best photo, but this guy is so cute I just want to hug him all day long

Robert Sheehan,
 Primarily for his role of Nathan in Misfits but he is still extremely attractive

Top girl crushes- 
because they are just simply flawless and I would die to look like them.

Emma Watson 
She is just Hermione personified, and I love her for that so much

Jennifer Lawrence 
Probably my ultimate 'girl crush' I just love how she doesn't conform to the Hollywood standards and is such a badass actress.

 

Mila Kunis
Everyone knows why shes on here, and if you don't think she is the most unfairly stunning girl in the world, then you are kidding yourself.