500 Words Film Review

 Skyfall

The name’s Bond, James Bond

Skyfall- A James Bond like never before

License to kill... James Bond pulls the trigger: 

a license to thrill. 

Photograph taken from: 

http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/skyfall-breaks-uk-box-office-record.html

Since Dr. No, the collection of James Bond films has not failed to disappoint, and neither will Sam Mendes’ (director) new Bond movie- Skyfall. James Bond (Daniel Craig) unwinds an action packed mission, full of twists and stunts the MGM Studios have never seen before, argued to be the best Bond movie yet. In a world of fighting, guns and Bond girls, 007’s mission continues.

With an intense opening scene, you’ll find your heart in your mouth as James Bond’s opening chase for a computer drive that holds the documents of all British agents. However this is no typical Bond car chase, as rivalries Patrice (Ola Rapace) and 007 end up fighting on a moving train. Sidekick, Eve (Naomie Harris) is meanwhile trying to keep up, like most of us! Using the JCB on the train to Bond’s advantage, the intense fight at break-neck speed runs for fifteen minutes, however Eve is losing track, and time. As the train heads towards a bridge, she finds herself in the position of having to take a shot by the instructions of MI6 manager, M (Judi Dench). The shot is not clean. POW! But it’s Bond that skyfalls into the river below. Surely James Bond can’t be dead?

The British government and M are truly upset for losing the data file and 007, and M refuses to retire until she has resolved the mess that has been made. However, on her way back to work, MI6 is blown up right before her own eyes. Meanwhile, James Bond who is actually still alive finds himself in a difficult place, enjoying the normal life a little too much, resulting in a drinking and drug addiction. He learns what has happened back at MI6, and decides to return to fulfil his duty.

Before Bond’s mission is extended, being out of the field has set him back a few steps, so training is required to become fit to work how he used to, but the results are worrying when he finds himself frustratingly lacking in his old skilful Bond ways. However, Daniel Craig soon finds himself yet again performing stunts for Bond’s next mission. For the first time in 007 history, we get a slight insight to not only M’s past, but also James’ past, and they both find themselves against villain, Raoul Silva, an ex agent of M’s past.

The music and subtle hidden messages refer back to the older traditional 007 movies, especially when James Bond takes off a cover, revealing the timeless Aston Martin DB5 with the famous injector seat. Mendes also cleverly decided to introduce the classic famous character of Q (Quartermaster) back into the James Bond movies, supplying Bond with simple however technological gadgets for his missions ahead. Through various thrilling fight scenes, beautiful scenery and passionate association with Bond girls, 007 finds himself trying to get out of the spider web of traps that Silva has had planned for years. Silva has waited a lifetime for this moment- payback. Will his payback go to plan, leaving the MI6 in jeopardy once more?

 Word count: 539

 Bibliography:

Style Model: http://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/jul/15/inception-review

http://www.skyfall-movie.com/site/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1074638/

'Lounge'- Total Film- The Total Film home entertainment bible

November 2013 edition- page 140-141 skyfall behind the scenes + director information

500 Words Article

Photographs: Google Images

MILEY CYRUS: SHE CAN'T STOP

AND SHE WON'T STOP!

Is Miley Cyrus behaviour getting out of control?

Since Miley Cyrus’ first single of her new album Bangerz, We Can’t Stop has managed to 'twerk' itself up to number one in the UK charts. It seems she has also managed to swing in and out of the newspaper’s headlines due to the outrage of her provocative actions in her new music video, Wreckingball and conflict between her and singer, Sinead O’Connor. We’re all thinking the same thing- right? Where did the old Miley go? Of course I love a bit of Miley Cyrus, don’t we all? I think that she is a very beautiful, inspiringly strong icon to many. However I have found myself asking myself that certain question quite a lot recently- where the hell did she go? 

It seems that Miley has taken the whole ‘grown up’ aspect to another level, trying to part from her old Hannah Montana ways; however I think that its message to the public hasn’t been so successful. In fact, I think that she has given off more of a childish impression, especially when watching her performance at the VMA’s. I feel as though she is trying too hard to give off a different look compared to her younger acting days, especially during her performance at the VMA awards, where she sexually exploited herself with a skimpy outfit, 'twerking' upon Robin Thicke. The shock horror hit Twitter with tweeters and celebrities raging and posting tweets about Miley’s behaviour, where everyone seemed to have shared the same views- her performance, Blurred Lines, with Robin Thicke went too far and instead, she crossed the line.

Miley Cyrus’ new single, Wreckingball was also criticised and left the nation shocked when her video was released of her swinging on a wrecking ball in full nudity, and licking a sledge hammer. I was in total shock, let alone the public, and this seemed to flag up the chance for many people, even celebrities themselves to mock Miley’s music video. Now don’t get me wrong, publicising yourself as much as possible to increase your popularity is a given in the music industry, however since when has it been okay to publicise through an explicit way? Is this the kind of role models we want young girls to aspire to be like - bringing them up to follow Miley’s inappropriate behaviour? What must her father thought- as he watched his daughter swing on a wrecking ball naked?

It’s just so disappointing to see Miley in the newspapers so much, being slated for what she has done or said, and knowing that she is a role model to so many people. I admire people who have the confidence to show off that they love the skin they are in, but since when was it acceptable to post pictures and videos of you half naked or even fully naked? The fact that she is relying on her presence and sex appeal to make her music career is beyond me. Does she not want people to appreciate the talent within the music she makes?

 Word Count: 546

Bibliography:

Style model: http://www.company.co.uk/magazine-hq/jameela/jameela-jamil-company-column-april-2013

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/miley-cyrus-liam-hemsworth-split-2237625

http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/03/miley-cyrus-hits-back-at-sinead-oconnors-advice-compares-her-to-amanda-bynes-4133651/

http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/03/the-music-business-doesnt-give-a-st-about-you-sinead-oconnor-gives-miley-cyrus-a-stark-warning-in-frank-open-letter-4132603/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miley_Cyrus_Bangerz_(Album_Cover).jpg

Twitter Article Intro

TECHNOLOGY BLOG

Twitter's Popularity Flying Sky High?

With the number of Twitter accounts growing, will the world of internet become the world of Twitter?

Giving daily updates on your day seems to be the new craze.
Photograph: Google Images

The world of social networking is expanding rapidly, and looking closely at the fashion of the internet, Facebook seems to be pushed aside with the uprising reputation of Twitter. With an incredible number of 100 million twitter users, fifty percent of these twitter users actively log on and use Twitter every day. Founders of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, Biz Stone and Noah Glass released Twitter in 2006, has profited £92,408 from records of last year, with the pound numbers rising drastically every year.

Twitter allows members of the public to post 140-character updates to their micro-blog. These posts, which are called "Tweets" appear on the timeline of the people who follow you. Unlike Facebook, you do not need to accept a friend request, or a 'follow' in Twitter's case. This is because Twitter is less private, and daily updates are usually made on the Twitter account, such as tweets and retweets (tweets reblogged onto your own Twitter account).



Sources: Collier, S (16/07/12) 20 illuminating facts about Twitter: 2012 edition article on PR Daily http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/20_illuminating_facts_about_Twitter_2012_edition_12138.aspx#  [accessed 11/07/13]

Bevan, K (06/03/08) article for The Guardian Why are there no spam or trolls on Twitter?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/mar/06/socialnetworking.spam [11/07/13]

Bowers, S  (05/07/13) Twitter UK reports retained profits of less than £100,000  Guardian article http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/jul/05/twitter-uk-report-retained-profits [11/07/13]

Twitter, which is tipped for an $11bn (£7.3bn) stock market flotation in New York, has filed small company accounts in Britain, reporting retained profits last year of just £92,408.

Travel Writing // London

Looking for somewhere that includes history, family fun and shopping? London is the right place for you. With the buzzing atmosphere that hums throughout London, there won't be a boring moment during your visit. London is full of places to see, whether it's for families or couples. The history that London holds is phenomenal, whether its from the London Dungeons, to Buckingham Palace. The Royal Family is a popular interest at London, as well as the famous monuments such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament or Tower Bridge. Festive Christmas lights are decorated throughout the streets of London near Christmas time, creating a beautiful high-street of well known, however expensive shops. Take a visit down Regent Street, Bond Street and Piccadilly Circus, where you will discover the stunning boutiques and enormous shops, such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and many more designer brands. Cosy pubs are also apparent through the streets of London, if you want a British pub meal or drink. For beautiful scenery that captures the hearts of the lovers, the London Eye continues to watch over London, allowing spectacular pictures to be taken, whether it's day or night. The pleasant ride to the top of the eye and back down allows couples to see London from a calmer perspective. Visit London- the heart of England.

My Monologue (Homework)

http://www.ace-your-audition.com/support-files/son.pdf

Absently Present

My Monologue:

The clean cut. The line of my jaw, perfectly smooth. (Pause) It didn't hurt, but I could feel each hair being tugged from its root as the blade glided over my skin. My manly skin. I'm no longer that 14 year old I was twenty-four hours ago. I'm a changed person. A man. (Pause) (Smile of reminiscence) My mother would nag "It's gonna grow back thicker" every time she was there when I picked up the razor. I put the razor back. But I finally managed to do it. However after a couple of times, pimples would appear on my freshly shaven face. It began to feel like I had tiny needles growing out of my skin. No matter how much I popped them, no matter how much I let them grow out and shaved again, the needles would find a way to push back out of the pores of my skin. I knew mum was right. I knew I should have listened. (Pause) But how could you blame me, when all a fourteen year old wants to do is feel the way an adult should? The smooth skin that is underneath the hairs on my face. (Pause. Ponder) Did you do this to me? I would ask myself that question every night. Were you the needles underneath my skin? How did you get so deep underneath my skin?

Magazine Article - Gossip Magazines

Tiny Waists? More Like a Big Fat Waste of My Time!

Do you read every page of gossip magazines to squeeze out every drop of the juicy stories, or do you let them squeeze out every drop of your self esteem?

So the other day, I decided to purchase a gossip magazine, seeing as I don't usually read gossip magazines. Now I know why. I started to read through the magazine that was saturated with juicy gossip, however I was disgusted when I realised that every time I would turn to the next page, another bitchy article would lay in front of my eyes. They all had one thing in common. They were all about weight. Weight loss, weight gain, how to start an 'effective' diet. Every article was screaming 'WEIGHT' at me. By the end of this, I found myself screaming 'WAIT' at the magazine. Wait a minute- am I the only one who is fuming about this? Am I the only one who can't see the obsession with wanting to lose weight or slating a celebrity just because they've decided to have a cake or two?

I think that it is absolutely disgusting, that gossip magazines such as 'Heat', 'Now' and 'OK!' are crammed with 'beach bod' pics, before and after pictures, details and a record of how certain celebrities' weight has fluctuated throughout the years. Rubbish. I think that these magazines should be put where food wrappers should be left too- in the bin!

It's magazines like this that brainwash the human population to feel the need to follow their celebrity idols, or to look like them, aspiring to be as thin as they are. It is proven that we are exposed to nearly 300 advertisements or articles each day, subconsciously crushing our self esteem a little more every day. The articles that the magazines contain are weight and body size orientated, and if it isn't an opinionated article about celebrity's bodies or tips on how to get a perfect beach bikini body, then it's the progress of celebrity's bodies throughout the winter season, or a new eating regime for the winter.

After reading this magazine, I was fuming, and I also felt deflated to know how many of us in Britain pick up these opinionated, bitchy magazines. If the magazines are so obsessed with losing weight, then perhaps they should just lose weight (pages) themselves! I mean, don't get me wrong, it's great to be inspired to eat healthily because it is proven to make you feel a lot better about yourself, but the way that these gossip infested magazines are coming about the whole weight situation is making body issues grow. A major issue is also the target audience, as a lot of people who read these magazines are young or even in their teens, which can be soul-crushing when you have very little confidence in yourself already. These magazines seem to make out that consuming luxury foods is a crime. People should be encouraged to learn to love the skin that they are in, and to understand that there is only so much you can do to get a more idealised body, however in the meantime, us girls need to love what we have, and wake up every day smiling at what we see in the mirror's reflection.

Style model (monologue)

I am quite confused as to what the homework was for the 'style model', and after looking on other people's blogs for inspiration and ideas, I have interpreted it and tried to achieve the homework, however i am still unsure if this is correct. 

My Style Model

http://www.ace-your-audition.com/support-files/joanna-kramer.pdf

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

by Robert Benton

Joanna: Look, during the last five years of our marriage, I was scared and I was very 

unhappy. And in my mind I had no other choice but to leave. At the time I left I felt that 

there was something terribly wrong with me. And that my son would be better off without 

me. And it was only after I got to California that I realized, after getting into therapy, that I 

wasn’t such a terrible person and just because I needed some kind of creative or emotional 

outlet other than my child, that didn’t make me unfit to be a mother.

I know I left my son. I know that that’s a terrible thing to do. Believe me I have to live with 

that every day of my life. But in order to leave him, I had to believe that it was the only thing 

I could do. And that it was the best thing for him. However, I have since gotten some help, 

and I have worked very, very hard to become a whole human being. And I don’t think I 

should be punished for that. And I don’t think my little boy should be punished. Billy’s only 

seven years old. He needs me. I’m not saying he doesn’t need his father, but I really believe 

he needs me more. I was his mommy for five and a half years. And Ted took over that role 

for eighteen months. But I don’t know how anyone can possibly believe that I have less of a 

stake in mothering that little boy than Mr. Kramer does. I’m his mother. I’m his mother. 

Short analysis

I have chosen a monologue as that is what we have been focusing on recently, so I thought it would be useful to choose something that is fresh in my memory.

This monologue has used a repetition of the the word 'and' to start off the sentences. This suggests that the monologue is listing the points that the character is trying to prove her point about. There is a good use of personal pronouns, 'I', 'me', 'I'm' to show the reader that this monologue is about them self and their own situation. There is also a lot of short sentences to make the point come across very firm and straight to the point. The use of intimate language used within the monologue, 'mommy', determines the register of this monologue, fused with a sophisticated informal approach.