Quite a few years ago, I would say late-2012, I came up with an idea that circulated with some people I knew that developed into what is now The Rising of The Elements. This initial idea was called ‘Occulta’ and was set in a school called The Occulta School for Driven Children.
I wasn’t too fond of the whole ‘school’ thing, feeling it had been done before (Harry Potter). I had character names and plot lines that I was really fond of so I carried them over to TROTE. The school even had a motto:
Later on, after I completed my GCSE’s and prior to the start of my A-Levels, I developed the Occulta story into what is now TROTE. The theme was still the same – an element was designated to each student/TROTE has elements chosen/given to the characters because of a genetic mutation. Characters were carried over also, here’s a list of the Occulta characters (complete with pronunciation):
Clause Victus Bellator (kl-or-s vik-tus bell-a-ta) *
Ange Eliza Valora Perdu (ange ell-i-zah vall-or-a pur-doo)
For those aware of the characters in my upcoming book, quite a few of these are carried over, some with complete name changes but still remaining the same characteristics I had defined their previous namesake with. To be specific (no spoilers) –
Clause Victus Bellator (Occulta) became Claude Bellator (TROTE)
Ange Eliza Valora Perdu (Occulta) became Ange Bellator (TROTE)
Dea Forma Allstrong (Occulta) became Deatra Allstrong (TROTE)
Owen Osborn (Occulta) became Oscar Perry-Evans (TROTE)
Dexter Isaac (Occulta) became Isaac Williams (TROTE)
The story of Occulta is pretty much the same as TROTE, however, as mentioned before, I found the school setting quite repetitive because there wasn’t much of an opportunity to ‘explore’. In the Occulta story, I had some teachers who also went on to become part of the TROTE’s Uprising gang:
Late night antics lead to bizarre ‘Hunger Games simulators’…
So, after spending a bit too much time on Pottermore on a cold winter night (30th January, to be precise), I stumbled upon a Hunger Games simulator by BrantSteele, the confusion continued as I went through a ‘simulation’ with the original Hunger Games characters (Jason (who?) ‘won’, by the way). As morbid as it seemed, I decided it would be a stupid good idea to add some of my favourite celebrities in and see how they’d do in The Hunger Games. Spoilers – I got even more confused about what was happening as the ‘games’ continued. I had no idea what was going on and what I was doing but I think I might have the final gist, a few days after playing.
Warning, it’s a bit bizarre, and… this didn’t actually happen. I swear, Margot Robbie has not participated in The Hunger Games.
I added in my favourite people in the ‘reaping’.
And then it started!
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Savage.
In a Joker like fashion, Jared’s taking this method acting a step too far.
Day 1 is over, the cornucopia bloodbath is VERY real.
I’m still very very confused at this point.
Day 2
Damn.
Margot Robbie dies of ‘dysentery’, after a quick Google I discovered what it meant. Bloody diarrhoea. Gross.
Day 2 is over.
Day 3
Well, damn. Glad Oscar’s having a fun time doing his archery.
Day 3 is over.
Day 4
Day 4 started off with lots of explosions.
Day 4 is over.
Jared, Florence, John and Oscar remain. I’m still very confused at this point about what I’m doing.
Day 5
Savage Oscar.
Wait…
Is that it?
Florence won!
“What’s happening” I shout as this pops up and confuses me yet again.
… and, I’m still confused. But, it was slightly fun so I played again. No shame.
It’s a new year, and a new set of monthly soundtracks.
1. Be The One – Dua Lipa
I love the youthful ‘vibes’ I’m getting from this song. It’s fun and loving, a really unique take on modern pop music and definitely worth your time.
2. You – Coasts
I’ve been a fan of Coasts for a while, I pre-ordered their album on vinyl as soon as I could. I then heard You on Radio 1 and enjoyed the nostalgic and confessional, yet upbeat, sound. I then got a lovely voicemail from Ben, a member of Coasts, and received the album with a handwritten lyric sheet for Tonight, which is one of my favourite Coasts songs. The album is totally worth checking out and You is an excellent example of how great it is.
3. Love Is Blind – Låpsley
I’m obsessed with Låpsley, after first hearing Hurt Me a while ago I’ve been waiting for a song to hit me like Love Is Blind has. It’s atmosphere and general sound is so soft and gentle, I can’t stop listening to it.
4. DNA – Lovespeake
I love Lovespeake’s sound, it’s so fresh and nostalgic. DNA is a well-balanced song with, to put it simply, happy vibes. It genuinely makes me feel happy when listening to it.
5. Gone – Day Wave
Summertime roadtrip vibes, anyone? I mean, sure, it’s January, but Gone makes me very excited for Summer (even though I have nothing exciting planned). It’s a nice and easy listen, simply a great piece of music.
6. Here – Alessia Cara
The ultimate introvert song, I can relate to this song very much. Although, I guess some would say I’m an ‘ambivert’ (?) I love the Alessia’s sound, it’s very inviting and intriguing.
7. Stay – Kygo
Kygo’s music always bring me out of reality whenever I listen to it, making me feel euphoric and ‘free’, Maty Noyes’ vocals really compliment this track also, such an intriguing voice!
8. Such is the House – Jarbird
I’m new to this sound but I’m really feeling it. It’s a unique and atmospheric sound that’s actually quite infectious and endearing. The vocals, also, ‘on point’ as the kids would say.
9. Keeping Your Head Up – Birdy
Is anyone else really digging the new Birdy sound? Kind of getting Foxes and Florence sounds from this but Birdy completely rocks this new style. The chorus is so darn catchy and it’s a nice departure from the typical Birdy ballads.
10. Choke – King Charles
I was super fond of the Mumford vibes I got from this when I first heard it so I wasn’t at all surprised when I found out that King Charles’s album Game For A Rose was produced by none other than Marcus Mumford. It’s a super nice song to listen to!
So, when I write I tend to listen to a variety of different music, which all help with creating different tones in the book’s narrative. I thought I’d list out some songs/albums that I find motivate me.
Also, read Book Update 1 for an explanation on why Countdown by Beyoncé helps me when writing death scenes, as morbid as it sounds.
Matangi – M.I.A: I’ve listened to this album a lot while writing TROTE, especially during chapter 2 and 4 which are pretty abstract and bizarre in what happens (I shan’t spoil it but I’ll give one word – dreams).
Good Morning – Amber Run: This song is the inspiration behind a lot of the ‘happy’ parts of the book, it feels so youthful and free that it resonates with the ultimate motive for the protagonist.
Countdown – Beyoncé: This song is one I listened to while writing death scenes because it helped me ‘speed the death up’, I couldn’t have prolonged death scenes because the action is so fast-paced.
Coming Home – Sigma: This song I’ve listened to when writing the final few pages, the story takes a refreshing turn in the ending and isn’t too morbid despite what’s happened in previous pages. The protagonist is ‘coming home’ to whatever it is that’s waiting for him (can’t mention what exactly this is because of spoilers).
Army – Ellie Goulding: The ‘battle’ in TROTE is fueled, on the Uprisers part, by strength and unity, the antagonists side being fueled by power and jealousy. Army motivates me when writing scenes of conflict by helping me remember the reason behind why Isaac, the protagonist, is doing what he’s doing.
Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro) – Andrea Bocelli: This is a bizarre contradiction of no. 3, this song stood out to me when writing two particular deaths that are extremely moving which I do ‘drag out’ through the book. The deaths embody hope and courage, but also sadness which is alluded to and a major plot point later on.
Lykke Li: I’ve listened to a lot of Lykke Li while writing, her music is powerful yet tender and was a good source of motivation and inspiration for a particular character in this book.
That Black Bat Licorice – Jack White: Angsty and energetic, this song was listened to A LOT during chapter 5 and 6.
I fear I can’t say a lot because I know of a few people who are looking forward to read it and I want them to go in ‘blind’, as ridiculous as that sounds, I know.
The new Suicide Squad trailer is out! My most anticipated movie of 2016 and it looks AMAZING!
Here are 11 highlights from the brand new Suicide Squad trailer, along with the brand new posters released this week.
1. Harley sips her tea
While Cap. Boomerang rages in the distance in his cell, Harley Quinn sips a petite cup of tea as if she’s just completely sassed out some guards Kermit the Frog style.
2. Boomerang breaks free
Jai Courtney’s (Captain) Boomerang was a surprise highlight in this trailer, and in true Aussie fashion (sorry) he breaks out and just… punches a few people in a truly awesome and comedic manner.
3. Harley’s voices
What else is there to say? Crazy Harley in full force.
4. Action!
Finally, we get some badass action!
5. Joker in full force
Looking as original and maniacal as ever, The Joker looks to be the villain in the film.
6. Enchantress has some fun
“Let’s do something fun” Enchantress says to what appears to be Amanda Waller. Enchantress actually looks pretty impressive and badass. Boomerang’s expression is what makes this. This looks like a scene where Enchantress finally gets recruited into the Squad, perhaps being a secondary antagonist before the finale.
7. Boomerang has a drink
Boomerang is me whenever there’s ‘beef’ at a social gathering. Just have a drink and hide.
8. More action!
Katana, Harley and a rogue helicopter. What more could you ask for?
9. Diablo lets loose
I wasn’t really too bothered about Diablo but this instantly changed my mind.
10. Joker creates Harley
Harley Quinn origin story, anyone?
11. Harley steals a purse
In typical Harley fashion, “we’re bad guys, it’s what we do”.
Captain Boomerang, Enchantress, Harley Quinn, Katana and Joker character posters.
The newly-released Suicide Squad poster.
Rick Flag, Deadshot, El Diablo, Slipknot, and Killer Croc character posters.
Full cast poster.
How many people are going to whine about Harley Quinn not having her traditional accent or animated series costume before they realise that an over-exaggerated Brooklyn accent and a ‘harlequin costume’ wouldn’t work AT ALL in a live-action movie?
Hello! If you weren’t aware, I’m writing a book. I often get asked by a number of people about the book, so I’ve decided to start a ‘book update’ series on my blog until it’s published. It’ll motivate me and keep anyone who wants to know updated. If you’d like to read all the updates I’ll be adding them to this page as I continue to post them.
Synopsis/blurb
Water, Air, Fire, Earth, the four elements that plague a dystopian Great Britain. From the age of 17 a teenager is required to battle an element, those who survive are returned to civilization, and those that fall to the element are taken to a reclusive community, but who’s better off? Isaac Williams and his friends must overcome their fears and doubts to lead a revolt against Deatra Allstrong in a mission to bring back the elemental powers and end Deatra’s reign of terror over the quarter.
Who will survive the battle of the elements?
So, obviously, I’m currently still in the writing process, currently in the build up to the ‘finale’ of the story. I’ve worked in a particularly bizarre way in that I’ve already written the final few pages which will resolve a few plot points and twists that are introduced throughout the book and then working back to weave in these plot points and hints to twists as I write.
Also, I’ve found it strangely hard to write a dedication. While I do have one written now, I struggled with how personal it was and how I should commemorate people who have supported with me. I actually had this following dedication written and saved for a few days.
I thought I’d tell you some things about the book
Whenever I’m approaching/writing a character death (the story has quite a few deaths because of the danger and threat which you’ll see if you read it, in fact *spoilers* there are two deaths within the opening pages), I tend to listen to ‘Countdown’ by Beyoncé, which is pretty strange I must admit. You wouldn’t think that such energetic music would compliment writing a death scene, but I’ve found that it helps me speed the writing process up, especially as I’m not too fond of every character having a death scene that takes up so many pages, In the context of the story, which you can get a glimpse of in the synopsis/blurb above, most of the deaths hit from the middle of the book and onwards to the end, and these deaths are mostly in fast paced scenarios. I must admit, however, that a very small amount of deaths (I would say 2) are dragged out because they have such a major impact on the story.
As I continue to write the story, I’ve noticed that Isaac Williams, the protagonist and first-person narrator, develops in immaturity which I, even though I’m the one writing is, find really strange. The book starts off abruptly and pessimistic and as the story gets darker, Isaac becomes a lot less serious as a team develops around him (including Darcy Cassano, who’s a particular favourite of mine). I’ve shown this in a way where the words the reader reads become a lot more inviting and colloquial, whereas Isaac at the start is very straight-foward and has a ‘everybody sucks and I hate the elite’ viewpoint.
There’s a tonne of social and political commentary in the first few chapters and the final few chapters. I have to admit a stream of consciousness took over for a while.
I thought I’d leave you, if anyone is still reading, with some character notes. These following four characters are the ‘core’ group of New Uprisers (attempting to overthrow Deatra Allstrong who is the antagonist of the book).
Isaac Williams: (Element redacted for plot reasons) DOB: 20th July 2040 Age: 17/18
Darcy Cassano: Fire Age: 18
Warren Potes: Earth Age: 19
Jenna Sutherland: Air DOB: 20thJuly 2241 Age: 17/18
Here are some small, unspoilery notes on the two main buildings of the Uprising Quarter (where the Uprisers and New Uprisers are located):
Elemental Centre = operations and conduct, Reformation Building = planning, deformulation, meetings, experiments and general events. The Elemental Centre has a secret underground tunnel (dark and damp) that leads to the Uprising Station, to access this a leader of the Uprisers has to access a door on the bottom floor that leads to a spiral staircase which goes straight to the tunnel.
And finally, here’s a paragraph I’m fond of from a character called Clark Liu, one of the Uprising leaders. Spoilers, if, you know… you care about spoilers.
“When we are born, we develop the elemental gene. This allows us to obtain the elemental powers, which stays dormant until the elemental fight which triggers at least one of the elements to develop further and give us the powers. This gene arose as a result of genetic mutation caused by the use of nuclear weaponry in the war of 2039. Now, so many years later, we use this gene to rebel against those who inflicted this on us. The innocents against the perpetrators, history repeating itself.” – Clark Liu
With a rumoured 67 characters planned, Avengers Infinity War seems to be one of the biggest movie events of all time. But, who’s going to appear? Here are my predictions?
Of course, not all of these characters will appear. 67 major characters can’t be made up of pre-established characters, we’ll indeed have new characters we aren’t yet aware of who will play key roles in Phase Three. But for now, lets try and get a general idea of who can appear, as well as some characters who we could get easter eggs or cameos for, because not all the characters will get a tonne of screen-time. I can’t explain each characters reasonings because it would take forever to explain but these following 67 characters are characters who I reckon have a chance at appearing.
———-
The Original Avengers
1.Iron Man 2.Hawkeye 3.Captain America 4.Black Widow 5.Thor 6.Hulk/Bruce Banner
The New Avengers
7.Scarlet Witch 8.The Vision 9.Captain Marvel 10.Black Panther 11.Spider Man 12.Doctor Strange 13.Ant Man 14.Wasp 15.War Machine 16.Falcon
Guardians of the Galaxy
17.Groot 18.Star Lord 19.Gamora 20.Drax 21.Rocket Raccoon 22.Mantis
61.Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel 62.Squirrel Girl 63.Nova 64.America Chavez/Miss America 65.Spider Woman 66.Wiccan 67.She-Hulk Who do you think will appear in Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and Avengers: Infinity War Part 2? Thanks for reading. Bye!
From Suicide Sqaud starring Margot Robbie and Jared Leto to Finding Dory starring Ellen Degeneres, here are my 10 must see movies of 2016, in order of anticipation.
Sorry for the late post, I’ve had this all prepared since December 20th but I forgot to schedule the post and I’ve been writing quite a bit recently so didn’t realise (oops).
After such an exciting end to 2015 with Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Poe Dameron is my hero, just saying) not Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Roadchip, I felt even more excited for the upcoming films of 2016. It’s THE year of comic book movies with 7 Marvel and DC adaptions on their way, as well as a whole army of huge films on their way also. Let’s get started…
10. Moana
Moana seems to be a necessary addition to the Disney Princess franchise as the first Polynesian princess played by Auli’i Cravalho, a native Hawaiian herself. I really like the look of this film, the setting and story seems really impressive. Besides, I’m really hoping for a cameo or easter egg for Lilo and Stitch.
9. Doctor Strange
When I heard that Benedict Cumberbatch had been cast as Doctor Strange I was a bit perplexed, admittedly. However, seeing photos from set and seeing official images (like above) has made me so very excited. I’m really looking forward to see how Marvel will make Doctor Strange work, and how it will fit into continuity.
8. Me Before You
First impressions may make you think it’s just another ‘rom-com/drama’ but, while I haven’t read the book itself, the plot seems super interesting and the cast is superb with Daenerys Targaryen, Finnick Odair, Neville Longbottom and Clara Oswald, otherwise known as Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Matthew Lewis and Jenna Coleman respectively.
7. Ghostbusters
Goodness me, don’t get me started on those middle-aged white men complaining about how ‘Ghostbusters with women is so unnecessary WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER REBOOT’ while they lap up Jurassic World and the new Star Wars movie. I personally love the fact that we’re getting a new Ghostbusters movie, the cast is great; I mean, Kristen Wiig is awesome AND Chris Hemsworth is in an office-role?! See how you like that middle aged misogynists.
6. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice
I mean, come on, it’s Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and possible Flash and Cyborg IN A HUGE MOVIE TOGETHER. Could this be any more exciting? (Chandler Bing style) DC are seriously going straight in with their movie universe, hitting out Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad (see later on in the post), it took Marvel ages to get some crossovers happening, if that’s a good thing or a bad thing for DC, we’ll find out when the movie comes out.
5. Finding Dory
After 13 years, we’re finally getting the sequel to Finding Nemo and it’s all about our favourite blue fish Dory, voiced by Ellen Degeneres. I’m glad we’re getting a Dory-story, she was always the highlight of Finding Nemo for me so it’s nice to finally be getting some development on Dory. I can’t believe I’m saying this about a fish.
4. Captain America: Civil War
Having read the Civil War comics, I was so so excited to finally get a Civil War movie. While perhaps on a smaller, but understandable, scale, the movie looks insane! I mean, Spider-Man AND Black Panther being introduced, Scarlet Witch VS Vision, Scarlet Witch FLYING/LEVITATING, Ant-Man, Iron Man VS Captain America, EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING. Nevermind the fact we might get a post-credits scene with Doctor Strange (maybe even Spider-Man, Wasp or Captain Marvel).
3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Following the success of The Force Awakens, we’re getting another Star Wars movie this Christmas, however this time part of the Anthology series. While we don’t really know too much about Rogue One apart from the cast which features Felicity Jones and the story being somewhat about retrieving the plans of the first Death Star, I feel like my anticipation for this movie is because of how good The Force Awakens was. I’m so ready for more Star Wars in my life!
2. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
A recent trip to the Warner Bros Studio Tour reignited my excitement for Fantastic Beasts, which fortunately stars my favourite actor Eddie Redmayne.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the Wizarding World come back to life and possibly start a ‘Wizarding Movie Universe’ of some kind. I love the look of this film, seeming slightly more spontaneous than the Harry Potter film series but still carrying the same feel and magical touch that we all fell in love with the first time.
Honourable mentions
Deadpool, Passengers, Alice Through The Looking Glass, The BFG, Inferno, The Jungle Book, X-Men: Apocalypse, Divergent: Allegiant, A Monster Calls, Zootopia, The Promise.
1. Suicide Squad
Anyone that knows me personally and speaks to me regularly will know just how excited I am for Suicide Squad. I speak about it daily. I’m ridiculously excited for Suicide Squad, the trailer was released during my 18th birthday and I genuinely stood in the garden watching it with one or two other people while everyone else was inside having fun.
Every time I see this trailer, I squeal. Seriously. I do. Jared Leto’s take on The Joker looks so menacing and sinister. The cast itself is killer, with Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne, Viola Davis, Jared Leto, Scott Eastwood, Ben Affleck and Karen Fukuhara to name just a few. My most highly anticipated character is, of course, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn. Harley looks perfect, looking fun and energetic but equally as evil and bad as needed to faithfully depict such an iconic comic book villain.
I’m extremely excited for Suicide Squad, and I’m interested to see what it does for comic book movies as a whole, being the first major villain-centric movie. The success of Suicide Squad could go either way, it could be a huge hit or it could go somewhat like 2015’s Fantastic Four and be panned by critics and audiences alike. However, whatever way it goes, I’m so ready to spend all my money on Suicide Squad merchandise (posters, Funko Pop figures, soundtracks, t-shirts, everything).
There have been so many fantastic albums this year, it’s genuinely been a good year for music. Here are my top 15 albums of 2015, along with a notable song from the album.
Some aligning in this post didn’t work, sorry!
15. Anthems for Doomed Youth – The Libertines
I was rather nervous when I heard The Libertines would be returning, but, they pulled it off. The Libertines’ Anthems for Doomed Youth restores the band in Brit culture successfully.
14. My Love Is Cool – Wolf Alice
Each song is unique and each song is produced with care. Wolf Alice’s debut album is refreshing and youthful, seeming intelligent and the band coming across as genuinely passionate about the music they release, with each track on the album being worthy of your time.
13. Beauty Behind the Madness – The Weeknd
2015 was The Weeknd’s year (for the most part), right? While tracks like The Hills and In The Night stand out a lot, not only on the album but in the music industry for this year, the album felt underwhelming for me. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic album and well-deserving of it’s insane applaud.
12. Our Own House – MisterWives
(Sorry if the video isn’t aligned, I spent ages in HTML and Compose mode trying to centre it but it just wouldn’t work with me)
MisterWives’ fresh, dynamic sound appealed to me a lot in spring this year, I swiftly recommended their music to some friends after discovering Hurricane on Spotify. I then discovered their album which released a few months before, I was impressed by the indie pop sound and thoroughly enjoyed how energetic their music was.
11. Unguarded – Rae Morris
Having been familiar with Rae Morris through her work with Bombay Bicycle Club, I decided to check out her own music. Rae Morris’ Unguarded capitalises on her smooth vocals in the best way possible, the songs are accomplished and the song-writing is immersive and creative which leads to a pleasant listening experience.
10. Pharmacy – Galantis
I first discovered Galantis’ hit Runaway (U & I) back in November whilst looking up music videos for college, I quickly discovered Peanut Butter Jelly and found I had a taste for Galantis’ music. Runaway, a few months later, became a hit worldwide, followed by Peanut Butter Jelly. Having looked into Galantis even more, I pre-ordered their album and enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a nice, albeit insanely entertaining, deviation from everything else that tops the charts nowadays.
9. Wishes – Rhodes
Rhodes is one of my favourite artists to have ’emerged’ in 2015, it’s refreshing to hear something so unique come from somebody so talented, with such a combination being lost so often in the production process. Wishes is a thought-provoking, creative debut album that is so, so appealing and pleasant to listen to.
8. Surrender – Hurts
While the album is a lot more energetic and euphoric than it’s predecessors, Hurts’ Surrender still manages to pay tribute to Hurts’ unique and known sound. Every sound is harmonic and every word is sung with passion, additionally adding some fun to Hurts’ often melodramatic sound. The album flows nicely and easily, meaning it’s easy to get lost in the sound.
7. Get to Heaven – Everything Everything
Get to Heaven is fun, energetic and… slightly bizarre? The pacing of the album is particularly appealing, with tracks like No Reptiles and Distant Past exploring indie pop meeting pop in such an abstract, artistic way that can often become unrecognised when listening to the album.
6. Froot – Marina and The Diamonds
Marina and The Diamonds’ third album Froot is a complete deviation from her previous music that works in Froot’s favour, as we hear a much more personal album from Marina. Admittedly, my first impressions weren’t good, however after a few more listens the album grew on me. It’s worth noting that Marina took complete creative control over this album; she produced and wrote the album with as little ‘big-name’ help as possible which is absolutely admirable when you consider the quality of the songs, which progresses throughout the album. Froot is a naturally powerful album, the lyrics are thoughtful and the sound is unique in the current music industry.
5. What Went Down – Foals
This album was one of my most highly anticipated, and it lived up to expectations. What Went Down is an outstanding, must-have album in which Foals embrace their sound and nurture it, becoming slightly more mature in the music they create while maintaining the sound we all know and love.
4. Chaos and The Calm – James Bay
James Bay’s Chaos and The Calm feels genuine and tender, sounding gentle and compassionate. James Bay thrives on a sense of intimate familiarity in his confessional lyrics and emotionally honest vocals. Chaos and The Calm is poignant and intimate and thus worthy in being one of the best of 2015.
3. 25 – Adele
Adele’s long-awaited, surprise, return was huge; and, while perhaps slightly overhyped, was stupidly excellent. My particular favourites on the album are Water Under The Bridge, Remedy and When We Were Young. 25 is full of heart-wrenching, stylistically-different songs that perhaps show a lighter, reflective perspective from Adele that deviates from two previous albums full of sad songs crafted to make you want to cry.
2. Communion – Years + Years
Years & Years’ Communion is a masterpiece, shining in the light of a new wave of popular music. The music feels authentic and personal, despite the dancefloor-filling sounds that accompanies it (which in this case, is a good thing). Going track-by-track, it’s difficult to find one that isn’t underwhelming, because each song is unique in it’s own way that it’s difficult to compare.
Honourable mentions Blue Neighbourhood – Troye Sivan, Caracal – Disclosure, The Way Back Up – Prides, True Colors – Zedd, A Head Full of Dreams – Coldplay, Wilder Mind – Mumford & Sons
1. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence + the Machine
Florence’s return to the music industry is the best thing that could have happened in 2015, I could not have been any more excited than I was for this album. Florence’s new rock/pop sound is intriguing and worthy of attention and praise. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful is a force to be reckoned with, the album flowing so easily. I’d recommend listening to this on vinyl, also, it’s even more stunning than you’d expect. The emotional depth and charismatic sound is worth noting, with Florence now being much less reliant on operatics to convey a powerful message that also makes you want to jump around and dance.
Amy is an interesting perspective into the life of Amy Winehouse who passed in 2011 as a result of alcohol poisoning. It’s a documentary that simply cannot be missed, it’s heartbreaking and incredibly moving while highlighting the highs and lows of Winehouse’s life (and subsequent death). It’s an honest look into the life of a celebrity and one that cannot be looked over.
The visuals for Jurassic World are a stand-out here, likewise with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas-Howard’s performances in the movie. The general nostalgia is perhaps lessened which works in it’s favour as it provides a more sophisticated and developed perspective on the ‘Jurassic’ movie series.
Big Hero 6 arrived in the UK quite late, at the very start of 2015, two months after it’s US release. The heavy influence of culture in the film is awe-inspiring, and seeing the relationship between Hiro and Baymax develop was particularly heart-warming also. The action in the film is particularly fun as well, especially with it’s source material being Marvel, the villain is compromising and intriguing, and the main characters are compelling and loving.
Apart from a STELLAR soundtrack (ABBA, David Bowie, Gloria Gaynor, and Donna Summer), The Martian, starring Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig and Jessica Chastain, is a genuinely entertaining and thrilling movie with grounded emotion that provides a sense of humanity when so often this is lost in a film like this. The visual effects are particularly worthy of praise, also, it’s simply an awe-inspiring movie.
This was my most highly anticipated animated movie of 2015, I found the concept of a Pixar/Disney film about what goes on inside the mind fascinating and knew it would be a success (considering Pixar has made films about Cars, robots, and bugs). Being one of the more conceptually ambitious movies in this list, the animation and storyline is likewise ambitious which boosts the quality of the film in a delicate and simply superb manner.
Having read the book, I was most excited for the film. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is charming and beautifully articulated to feel personal and charming while touching on the heart-wrenching story of cancer without being too focused on the dramatics and solemnity, bringing in some light-heartedness and comedic value.
While Age of Ultron was fine (and grossed a lot more), Ant-Man was the true MVP for Marvel Movies in 2015. The visual content was superb, and the use of ordinary household objects to emphasise ‘size’ in the film is admirable, perhaps even more so when Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) first puts the costume on and shrinks down in a bathtub. Furthermore, the storyline is entertaining and fitting for a ‘smaller’ Marvel movie, likewise the characters and comedic value of the film boosts it to one of Marvel’s best.
Seeing Felicity Smoak speak in an Irish accent was a bit of a culture shock, however this was rectified by such an amazing film. Saoirse Ronan’s perfomance is simply outstanding in Brooklyn, as is the supporting cast with the likes of Domhnall Gleeson and Julie Walters. The production on Brooklyn is also worth praise, which easily guides the movie and makes it flow effortlessly.
The Theory of Everything was released on the 2nd of January here in the United Kingdom, so it applies to this list, which is fortunate because it is a superb film. Eddie Redmayne is one of my favourite people, and his portrayal as Stephen Hawking was awe-inspiring and moving, as was Felicity Jones as Jane Hawking. The Theory of Everything is carefully articulated and portrays Hawking’s story in such a heart-warming and tender way.
Honourable mentions
Avengers: Age of Ultron, Creed, Mad Max: Fury Road, Carol, Bridge of Spies, Dope.
I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the 21st December with some friends and I fell in love. I smiled throughout the entire movie (apart from a few moments but no spoilers), I thoroughly enjoyed the cinematography and direction J. J. Abrams took with the film, which resonated a lot stylistically with the original Star Wars trilogy. BB-8 lives up to the hype, being the wonderful droid we expected, and more. Unfortunately, I didn’t go into this blind as it had been spoiled for me on Twitter whilst I was reading the replies on a BBC Breaking News tweet (a lack of connection between the two but some people just want to watch the world burn) so I didn’t have the anticipation because I was aware of what would happen. However, even if you’re aware of the story, it’s still a fantastic film and engages you no matter what, with old and new coming together to bring Star Wars back to life.
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