The Awkward Moment, Pitch Perfect 2 and Love, Rosie | MOVIE REVIEWS

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"It's a rollercoaster of emotions and a movie that's my favourite"

There have been many-a movie reviews on BBXO recently, but you seem to like it (*I hope so, otherwise this is quite annoying!*), but I had a movie day a little while ago so decided to combine the 3 reviews in one. We watched That Awkward Moment (only because Mr Zac Efron was in it, and who would say no to Zac time?), Pitch Perfect 2 (how could you not?) and Love, Rosie (Lily Collins is absolutely stunning!). In case you're either running out of movies to watch, or just want to hear my thoughts, read ahead and then conclude whether you should add the title to your movie list! 

The DUFF Movie Review | THE VERDICT

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Every time I see the word 'DUFF' I cannot help but think of Duff Beer. The Simpsons basically owned that word in my head, but apparently there was another use for it. Oh, and needless to mention, the gorgeous Bella Thorne is in the movie, yet not going to lie, she wasn't the reason I'd watch the movie. The main guy, however, called Wes (Robbie Amell), is the reason you should watch the movie. He's the charming, super cute guy that you see in practically every chick flick/teen movie, yet he plays it very, very well. 

Paper Towns, John Green | BOOKS

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"almost as though the book is written with the idea that Cara will play Margo"

After hearing about Cara Delevingne getting into acting, I had to read this. Why does Cara have anything to do with Paper Towns by John Green? Well, she's going to be acting in the movie. I guess a model acting doesn't sound like anything new - anyone going to see Rosie Huntington-Whitely in Mad Max and the Fury Road? Yet, there's something about John Green and Cara colliding that made me feel as though something is not right... until I read the book.

"If I was reading it in public, I'd probably seem like a lunatic"

The minute (or should I say line) that Margo Roth Spiegelman popped up in the book, I knew it was going to be Cara's role. It's almost as though the book is written with the idea that Cara will play Margo. The fun, adventurous and super pretty but care-free girl - yep, that seems a lot like Cara. Although I (obviously) don't know her personally, it's what I'd expect her to be like.

"It's the ultimate movie-in-your-head"

The book is out-of-nowhere. By that, I mean it's a super random storyline, and it seems like things like that never happen in real life - i.e. breaking into Sea World? But it is super fun to read, and there are parts when I actually found myself laughing out loud and smiling. If I was reading it in public, I'd probably seem like a lunatic. Either way, if you're up for a super fun, enjoyable and want a book you can't put down, then this is the one.

"there's something about John Green and Cara colliding that made me feel as though something is not right... until I read the book"

It's the ultimate movie-in-your-head about an ordinary guy taken away on an adventure. "Margo Roth Spiegelman loved mysteries so much, she became one" - I think that sums up enough without giving too much away. Oh, and having just watched the trailer, it seems very much like the book - a lot of the lines are exactly the same as in the paper copy. It's also quite amusing to see how Cara pulls off the American accent! All in all, a great read, and after having read Abundance of Katherines by John Green a matter of weeks ago (which I did not finish by the way, so didn't review it for you), my expectations for this was low. Yet, it did not disappoint!

Here's the Trailer:



Have you read Paper Towns? What do you think of the trailer? 

G.B.F, Gay Best Friend | MOVIE

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"a feel-good, humorous film that was super fun to watch!"

If you've seen this post, you'd know I'm a bit of a Netflix fan. Hey, I'm a LOT OF A Netflix fan. Not only because of the incredible quality, but also because of how easy it is to access on the telly.

I have a few shows that I like to keep up with on there, i.e. PLL, but then there are times when I fancy a movie. They don't have the newest of films, and some of which I've never heard of, but it's nice to click on a title I wouldn't have if it didn't exist on Netflix. This was one of them.
G.B.F was the title and I had no idea what it was about. Sure, there was a little description, but who really reads them anyway (okay, I do but this was not one of those times!)? Well, "why click it then?" you ask, because Allison from PLL is in it and I thought I'd give it a shot.

I didn't know G.B.F stood for Gay Best Friend, and the movie was about the first guy in a high school in America to come out. It wasn't a serious documentary or anything, it was a feel-good, humorous film that was super fun to watch!

The protagonist is gay and accidentally came out. He wasn't ready for the entire school to know, as he was one of those people that like to stay on the DL, but it all happened so fast and before he knew it, he was one of 'the populars'.

It's a typical high school drama, American chick flick kinda film and I really enjoyed it. In the world we live in where homosexuals are able to finally feel comfortable, which they should, it's nice to see it from a different perspective. Don't get me wrong, I don't really have much to say in this whole debate, and I wasn't planning to watch an entire film about it, but I do agree that every one deserves to be whoever they want to be, and it shouldn't be much more complicated than that. I don't even know why it is - just let people be.

Anyway, it's a movie that's super light-hearted, feel good and will make you laugh - what more could one ask for? Sure it may not be the best movie of all time, but if you're looking for a simple movie that's readily available on Netflix (and you're a PLL fan), give this a shot!

Tell me, what do you look for in a movie? 

A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks | BOOKS

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"They're right when they say he has a special flair with writing - he really does"

A little while ago I told you about my experiences with The Lucky One (see post here). It was a no-brainer to pick up another Nicholas Sparks book, and this was the one that I chose. Quite frankly, it's another movie I have not yet seen, so I wanted to flick through the book before watched the film. Was it as good as The Lucky One?

"It was cute, romantic and heartwarming"

Well, it was another easy read - one that I found I did not get bored of, and I get bored of a lot of books quite easily. If it keeps me on my toes, and I'm not thinking about stopping reading mid-book, it's a good one!

"this one leaves a little more to your imagination"

It had the Nicholas Sparks flair you'd know and love if you've read a book by him before. It felt personal, as it was written in the form of Landon retelling his 17th year, which made it more relatable. It was cute, romantic and heartwarming to see the character grow as the storyline developed. It really does make you realise that there is more to a person than what meets the eye - and it's completely true.

"an overall lift in my mood after every reading session"

Slightly different to The Lucky One, this one leaves a little more to your imagination. I do like the shocks you're given throughout the book, which just leaves you wide-eyed wanting to read on to the next chapter. It was another one of those that you just cannot put down. Yet, when you do put it down (because your eyelids give up on you right before bed), you're left with a smile on your face.

"just leaves you wide-eyed wanting to read on to the next chapter."

I tend to connect a lot which characters in a book that I'm reading, and as weird as it sounds, if they're having a bad day, I feel a little low too, and if they're super happy, I'm super happy.
Put it this way, this book caused an overall lift in my mood after every reading session - and I loved it.

Great book, but if you're to choose one Nicholas Sparks book to read, I'd say go with The Lucky One. Maybe it's because of my slight obsession with Zac Efron, or maybe it's due to my admiration for the character Logan (the protagonist of The Lucky One) - either way, my love for The Lucky One was not taken over by this one. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading both, and am now officially a fan of Nicholas Sparks. They're right when they say he has a special flair with writing - he really does.

Have you read any Nicholas Sparks books? What do you look for in a book? 

The Lucky One | MOVIE

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"Did you read the book or just watch the film for the hunk (a.k.a. Mr Zac Efron)? Trust me, I won’t judge. ;)"

The other day you saw the book review. Now it’s time for the movie to be reflected upon. I must say, I was so excited to see this movie, not only because Mr Zac Efron was part of the deal, but because of the incredible story I had yet only finished a couple of days before.

There are no big spoilers in this post, and when there is, there’ll be warning ;)

I was expecting to see the opening scene that they had in the book, of Keith by that creek being a creep on those college girls. I did understand they weren’t going to keep the scene exactly the same, as the movie didn’t want an “18” age restriction, yet something of the sort would have stuck to the story. So that was tick number 1 next to the not-the-same-as-the-book tally we’re keeping.

Another thing: Logan was meant to have long hair! If you read the corresponding book review, you’d have known I always imagined Zac to play Logan, yet, I did find it a little difficult imagining him with long hair and was intrigued to see how he’d pull it off in the movie! Next thing I see, he doesn’t have long hair!! What?!

Now that the little rant is over, lets get on with the good things. Logan, being the protagonist, was played very well. I also like the selection of Taylor Schilling playing Elizabeth. Ooh, that reminds me: in the book, Logan was the only one that called her Elizabeth and the others called her Beth. This was a little detail that was so cute in the book, yet the movie missed it completely. It was only Beth. Either way, Taylor pulled off the slight naïve, but uber gorgeous-but-doesn’t-know-it kind of character. She did a good job!

Overall the movie was touching and Keith did make your blood boil, just as he did in the book! It was a good watch, and one of those that you’d like to watch on a chilled out night!

Although it was a good movie, I just wish they made the ending better. In the book it was slightly rushed, but it was better than the movie. The movies ending was very much rushed, in my opinion, and there was so much potential for a better way to end it. 

*SPOILER ALERT: In the book, both men were very much injured when trying to save Ben from the crazy river. We, as readers, knew that they both got hurt and Ben was saved. Then we read about Beth going to the graveyard with two bunches of flowers. At this point we don’t know whether the flowers are for each Logan and Keith and that they had both died, or Logan and Drake meaning Keith had survived at the risk of Logan's death, or what happened at all! The whole suspense of it really gets you worked up. Then she comes home to Logan and Ben, and you’re literally over the moon! THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is how the movie should have ended.
*END OF SPOILER

Gosh I feel I totally deserve the role of director and producer now! Only joking, they did a great job of creating the film, and there are a few bits here and there that I wish they did include from the book, but that’s just the perfectionist in me talking! 

Right, so that was a bit of a ramble, but it definitely summed up my deep feelings I had for this book. I don’t exactly know why, but The Lucky One still makes me feel slightly giddy, and it’ll be a story I’ll never forget!

This one is definitely for the dreamers!

Tell me, what did you think of The Lucky One? Did you read the book or just watch the film for the hunk (a.k.a. Mr Zac Efron)? Trust me, I won’t judge. ;)

The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks | BOOKS

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"Many times, I caught myself physically smiling as I was reading"

Everyone knows of the oh-so-famous Nicholas Sparks based movies. You know, the ones with Ryan Gosling, Liam Hemsworth, Channing Tatum and in this case, Zac Efron. I must say, good choice of actors! Although I had known of the films, and watched a few in my day, I never really thought about picking up the book. Then came a day I decided to take a read of this one, and I've never looked back.

"yet there's something about it that just makes real life seem that much more magical"

Seeing as I hadn't yet watched the movie, I thought it'd be a good idea to flick through the book first. Let me tell you, once I picked it up, there was no way I was putting it down. I must admit, the moment I read about Thibault, Zac Efrons' face jumped into view, and he totally fits the character. Thibault is an awesome guy. He's done so many great things but is so modest. I don't know what is it about those kind of characters, but they are my favourite. So every time his good nature was mentioned, it made me feel somewhat 'warm and fuzzy' on the inside. Many times, I caught myself physically smiling as I was reading. And that's just one of the myriad of things I liked about the book.

"I don't know what is it about those kind of characters, but they are my favourite"

The overall story is quite interesting. It really does make me believe in destiny, and as cliché as it may sound, I guess I am a believer of fate. Don't get me wrong, I totally understand how this is a book and only a story, not real life, yet there's something about it that just makes real life seem that much more magical. Am I going crazy? I don't really know what it is, but the book gave me a sense of hope, the idea that 'good things are to come' - okay, this is just proving how much of a dreamer I really am!

"Then came a day I decided to take a read of this one, and I've never looked back"

I'm going to watch the movie and give you a verdict, was the book better than the movie? Keep your eye's peeled for that post later on in the week! However, to round this post off, let me just tell you, if you're looking for a nice escape, a good read and overall a lovely story rammed in a neat little book, this one is for you! 

Tell me, what do you think of Nicholas Sparks' books, any suggestions?

The Netflix Tag

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The Netflix Tag has been floating around and if you know me, you know I love a bit of good ol' Telly!
So, seeing the Netflix Tag, how could I not. hey? How. Could. I. Not.?
Right, so lets dive in!

1. What are your favourite series' to watch on Netflix ?

Sherlock is an incredible series. It's full with intelligent details, and I can't believe I started the series as late as I did! If you haven't watched Sherlock, you're missing out! Run to your Netflix account and watch all 6 episodes currently on there! You can thank me later! ;)

2. What are you currently watching on Netflix ?
At the moment, I'm up to date with Pretty Little Liars. Actually, on Monday we had a little chat on here on all things PLL. Here's the link, incase you missed it! 

3. If you could have any series, old or new put on Netflix, what would it be ?
Suits. Although it is currently on there, I would love up-to-date episodes on Netflix, like they've recently done to PLL. I love Suits, definitely my favourite show (it's up there with Sherlock!). 

4. What is your one peeve about Netflix ?
Just the fact that Suits episodes are not up to date. Also, the third series of Sherlock is not on there either. I did catch the first two episodes of the third series on BBC iPlayer, but by the time I got around to the final one, it was no longer available! I was gutted. 

5. What are your essentials for a perfect night in with Netflix ?
A cosy blanket, my go-to furry pink roses blanket is my favourite. I was catching up with the latest PLL episode on Netflix today and the blanket was in the wash - definitely not the same experience. Good, nonetheless! 

6. Recommend one series or film for someone else.
I have yet to watch a film on Netflix, there aren't any that catch my eye but in terms of series, Sherlock! (These questions are all interlinking, aren't they?)

7. Name a series on Netflix you keep meaning to watch but haven't yet.
Hmm... none off the top of my head. I think I keep up with the ones I am a die-hard fan of, and happy with my selected few. (I say few, but there are quite a lot! *shh*)

8. Did you discover anything awesome because of Netflix ?

Homeland was a series I found only due to Netflix. Although, I have watched every single one on there, so there's none left to watch. To be honest, I'm just super happy Suits is back so Homeland is not missed!

Is there any show you cannot recommend enough on Netflix? Would love suggestions! 

& I Tag YOU to do it too! 

The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part 1 :The Verdict

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"As my friend would say: 'The movie was just her whining all the time'."

Mockingjay is one of those movies that has mixed reviews. Many people were absolutely disappointed by how the movie turned out, and then there were others that loved it. Me? Well, I'm on the fence... and here's why:

The overall movie was not so bad. It had certain parts which really grabbed my attention, especially the ending... without any spoilers, let me just say: Peeta Mellark :O
There were, however, certain parts of the movie that were just simply a bore! Those parts were quite slow and had nothing interesting going on. As my friend would say: 'The movie was just her (Katniss) whining all the time'. So, this movie was definitely not as action-y as the other 2, and I'd day Catching Fire was better than this one, in my books anyway.

Gale's appearance was a lot more prominent in this movie, and who doesn't like a little Liam Hemsworth time? Although, Liam's character was kind of all over the place, and the voice you heard 85% of the time was Katniss'. The storyline didn't have much to it, either, but I did like the way they incorporated Peeta. I feel the messages they were also portraying about wars was also very good, and it gave you a hint of the true horrors that the people would have faced in World War 1 & 2 - pretty terrifying. 

To sum it up, a nice movie but not one I'd remember as the best of 2014.
What do you think of the series? 

The Cuckoo's Calling - J.K. Rowling under 'Robert Galbraith'

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"notice Strike's mind work in a million different ways, looking  at the faintest clues which (we) would disregard and think useless"

 You know those times when you're really into reading and read a million books in around 2 weeks? Well, I haven't had a time like that in a while, yet I did manage to finish reading this book in 3 weeks - I was up 3 hours past my 'bedtime' finishing it off last Tuesday, so you already know the ending is intriguing and a complete I-don't-want-to-put-this-down moment.

"I could see this story becoming a movie, and I hope one day, it does!"

The story is a murder mystery of a supermodel whom allegedly jumped off the balcony of her London apartment.  Former soldier, Oxford University student and now homeless private detective, Cormoran Strike (you better believe I had to sound out his first name every time it came up), has been asked to look into it further by no other that the supermodels brother.

Throughout the novel, you notice Strike's mind work in a million different ways, looking at the faintest clues which someone like me would generally disregard and think as useless. As a reader, you're curious to note why certain clues are so important to the detective, but worry not, it is amazing to see how it is all bought together in the final conclusion.

"a complete I-don't-want-to-put-this-down moment"

This is a novel which is read with a good flow, with the storyline vividly playing in your head like a movie, who needs the cinema, hey?! But seriously, I could see this story becoming a movie, and I hope one day, it does! It is fun to read and really grips you, although the ending creeped me out a little with the amount of detail J.K. Rowling (or should I say Robert Galbraith) went into, and the harsh 'reality' of the story.

Overall a good read! Definitely recommend it to you.
Are you a crime/mystery book fan or prefer another, less gory, genre?

Movie Watch-List - Spring 2014

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If you've been watching the movie headlines out in cinema right now you may notice some that would catch your eye: Godzilla, Superman, Captain America....

Well, these two have caught my eye - helloooo Zac Efron and Cameron Diaz! How can they not catch our eyes, hey? 

Bad Neighbours

To be honest, the rating of the movie doesn't even matter (it's 7.2/10 btw) as long as we get some Zac action, it's good! haha! 

The Other Woman
When reading the description the movie 'John Tucker Must Die' popped into my mind - great movie that was and if this is anything like it, it'll be a great watch!! Rating: 6.6/10



What movie are you dying to see at the moment? 

BerryReads: The Fault In Our Stars

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Well, you're probably quite annoyed at how much TFIOS has been hyped about (mentioned it about 4 times on BBXO alone!) - but one more post won't hurt you, right?! On the other hand, you may love TFIOS and don't mind reading another post! Either way, lets read on! :D

I actually finished reading the book and have got to say: It was quite moving! I love the story behind it but the ending I didn't love!! Throughout the whole story, Hazel, the protagonist, has a favourite book which ends abruptly without all the questions answered and I feel TFIOS kind of ends like that - though not as badly! Wait, does that mean there's going to be a sequel?! :O

Anyway, I liked how the book really made me realise how lucky I am - it shows the way a person with cancer feels, yet I love the idea behind it that they can still live a fantastic life, which I have always believed. Everyone deserves an amazing life and I love that the book portrays it.

If I am honest, considering how hyped up the book is, I don't feel it completely met my expectations and high hopes for it. Although it wasn't the best book I have ever read, it was a lovely one, with a great moral behind the story to live life the best you can everyday - which reminds me of a motivation monday post! I do recommend the book, yet just a warning to you that it has been overhyped! The movie is coming out this summer and I am excited to see how they have transformed it into a motion picture!

Have you read TFIOS? What do you think?

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Read before Watching the Movie - Spring/Summer 2014

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I find that I am reading a lot more now, sometimes for longer than I should, but reading never hurt anybody, right?! Also, I feel like The Fault in Our Stars has been getting a lot of attention and there are other books/movies coming out very soon that deserve credit too! If you're just looking for new books to read or movies to see, read on! 

Vampire Academy

This movie is actually already released - which I haven't seen. It seems like a fun, girly movie which is quite light hearted. It is basically about a girl who gets turned a vampire by her best friend, she is extremely cheeky and feisty!
Because I can't describe very well, heres the description from Wiki: 'It tells the story of Rose Hathaway, a seventeen/eighteen-year-old Dhampir girl, who is training to be a bodyguard for her Moroi best friend, Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir. In the process of learning how to defeat Strigoi (the evil undead vampires) in St. Vladimir's Academy, Rose finds herself caught in a forbidden romance with her instructor, Dimitri Belikov, while having an unbreakable bond with Lissa'
Trailer: here 
Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
Movie Release: 7th February 2014


Divergent 

Another very thrilling, interesting and rather popular book - a different take on life, one would say! From Amazon: 'For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice. Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs.

Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her. The hardest choices may yet lie ahead….'

Trailer: here
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Movie Release: 21st March 2014


The Fault In Our Stars

After featuring it on another post - click here to view - I decided it was too good to miss out on this post too! The storyline from Wiki: 'The story is narrated by a sixteen-year-oldcancer patient named Hazel, who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she subsequently meets and falls in love with the seventeen-year-old Augustus Waters, an ex-basketball player and amputee.'
Trailer: here
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
Movie Release: 6th June 2014


The Hundred Foot Journey

Oprah Winfrey is helping produce the movie. Just to put that out there!
The storyline from amazon 'The Hundred-Foot Journey is about how the hundred-foot distance between a new Indian kitchen and a traditional French one can represent the gulf between different cultures and desires. A testament to the inevitability of destiny, this is a fable for the ages—charming, endearing, and compulsively readable.' 

I thought the storyline seems wonderful and exotic, as well as Oprah being part of production, I'm excited to see how the movie turns out! 

Trailer: N/A
Amazon Rating: 3.8/5
Movie Release: 8th August 2014

I hope you got some ideas from the post and tell me, what is your most looked forward to movie?

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