Top 10 Video Games.

I'd say quite a good majority of any free time I have is spent playing Video Games. I've played A LOT of games, and my collection is quite extensive. I'm a fan of lots of different genres, mostly Noir-type games and I like story based games, I like having something to follow. I decided to do a short list of my favourite games so as to recommend them :)

1. Beyond: Two Souls

This is a Noir game, made by the same developers of Heavy Rain, which will be number 6 on this list. It's basically a story, told like an interactive film where you can make decisions and those decisions affect the way that the story plays out, but you also get to take control of the character and interact with your surroundings and get to take part in situations like in regular gameplay for example shooting etc. It follows the protagonist Jodie, right the way through her life from early childhood to now, when she is in her 20's. This is such an incredible game, I've played Noir games before and they're always my favourites but this surpasses all of them. The story is gripping and I never wanted to stop playing 'till I got to the end. I would definitely recommend this if you like this style of game, or if you're new to gaming this is a great way to start off. I'd give this game 10/10.

2. The Last of Us

This game is like an open world game to a certain extent, but you're always on a path going somewhere. It follows characters fighting their way through a new world, filled with zombies, of all different kinds, and where the living are segregated by walls and gates and military personnel. There are many obstacles which prove difficult to overcome but the gameplay is absolutely beautiful. The story is great but the scenic backdrop of the story is amazingly life-like and looks incredible. All in all this game isn't an easy one, and I wouldn't recommend for beginners, but for anyone who likes a challenge, I would definitely suggest this be the next game you buy. 9.5/10.


3. Assassin's Creed

Most of you will have heard of the Assassin's Creed series, which follow individuals throughout history trying to figure out the answers to age-old questions. You get to play as an array of characters and get to increase your skills and wealth. The stories are great and the intricate character details too. I would definitely recommend these to anyone. 9/10.


4. Red Dead Redemption

Probably one of my favourite games of all time. This is a fully open world game, set in the 1800's you get to play as a reformed criminal who is ordered by the government to atone for his sins by capturing his old criminal companions. You get to complete an array of side missions too. This game play is very similar to the likes of Grand Theft Auto except there aren't many cars and you get around on horseback travelling through 'New Austin' on the border of Mexico, and then in Mexico too. There is also a DLC game, or you could buy the disk, where the world becomes overrun with zombies and you have to fight your way through that with only antique weaponry at hand. I've played this game over 3 times and it's still my favourite, and I can't wait for the rumoured sequel. All in all, 10/10.


5. L.A Noire

From the title of this you can rightly assume that it is another Noir game. You play as Cole, who is the guy in the image, he is a police officer working in LA in the 40's/50's. It follows Cole's career from constable through to detective, solving crimes and working with other police officers, but it also shows large chunks of Cole's personal life and how things happening at home affect him and his career. You even get to 'solve' one of the most famous unsolved murders in real history, that of Elizabeth Short or 'The Black Dahlia'. This is a brilliant game, and one where your decisions affect the progression of your character. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in a good story, and I give it a 9.5/10.

6. Heavy Rain

Yet another Noir type game, I mentioned it briefly when talking about Beyond: Two Souls because they are from the same creators. The graphics in this aren't quite as amazing, obviously given that it is a few years older, yet the story and interactions you get as the characters are just as great. You follow four different characters, all in some way connected the the disappearance and murder of children. One character is the father of a boy taken, one a police officer investigating, one a private investigator and one a journalist. Depending on how you play the game and your choices, you may or may not solve who the 'Origami Killer' (aptly named because he/she leaves a piece of origami with each body) is. It all depends on which characters are still alive at the end of the game. This game is great and I love how my decisions sculpted it in to what it was. I'd give this game 9/10.


7. Tomb Raider

When I was a kid I was always terrified of Tomb Raider games because every time I tried to play I'd get killed by a tiger or a wolf and it would be such a shock I never tried again, until a couple of years ago when I got given a Tomb raider game on PSP and I loved it. More recently I played the 2013 version on PS3, and I thought it was amazing. You get to play as Lara Croft when she was just starting her exploring, at 21 years old. On her first real expedition, you get to explore an island off the coast of Japan and you find yourself alone and lost, and have to reconnect with your team whilst facing many challenges (including the occasional wild animal!). 9/10.


8. Saint's Row Series

Saint's Row is a game I've been playing for years. The first game was good but they've got gradually better and better. You start off joining a gang, and then you progress and lead the gang in two different cities, one in game two and another in game three. By the fourth game you're president and the world is being taken over by aliens. They get more far fetched the further you go however, still so much fun to play. Especially given that you get to fight your rivals using super powers. I love the character creation part of the game and the option to dress your character to look how you want. I've played these multiple times and I'd rate them 9/10.


9. The Walking Dead

 This isn't like a usual video game. It's a story which is decision based but there isn't much else. There's not much interacting with surroundings, and no open world features. Basically it's just following a story. I'm a huge fan of The Walking Dead in all of it's forms. The TV Show is probably the most popular and is so incredible I've watched it through twice, but I've also read the comics, and then played this game. The game follows a different set of people, navigating their way through the post-apocalyptic world like on the tv show, but facing different obstacles and you have to help overcome them. The came is split in to chapters, and there are actually 2 games. I'd give these an 8.5/10.



10. Grand Theft Auto IV and V

I've been a fan of GTA for a very long time, since the original Vice City. I think though, that games four and five were by far the best, no only due to improved graphics (especially in five) but also because of the story and the open world, and the social side to things too. In four, you play as Niko Bellic, an immigrant trying to make it in the US. You get to have an online dating profile, meet new people, and hang out with friends. In five, you play as three different characters, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Whilst there isn't the option to date, and you can't hang out with many people other than the main cast, the story missions are much more intricate. There is also a couple of DLC Games for GTA IV. 'The Ballad of Gay Tony' and 'The Lost and the Damned' can also be purchased in disc form. In these you get to play as different characters, with cameos from the characters we know from GTA IV. I loved these extra stories so much as you get to understand more about things that happened in the original story. I'd definitely recommend these, however don't forget they can be pretty violent so no playing if you're under 18! ;) 9.5/10.

Do you have any favourite games that didn't make my list? Let me know in the comments because I'd love to check them out. Also let me know if you've played any of these and whether you loved/hated them :)

World Book Day! My Book Recommendations.

Today (March 5th 2015) is World Book Day!

As a huge literature fan, and just a fan of all things story-based, World Book Day is kind of a big deal. One day I hope to celebrate WBD with my own published novel, but until then, I'm just going to do a run-down of the best books of three genres in my opinion, and why I recommend them :)

You can read about my favourite book from 2013 and 2014, where there are some more in-depth synopses and reviews of some of the books I am going to talk about.

Children's Literature

This is a big category for me, I think it's so important that children read while they're growing up, because they can learn so much and have so much fun doing it.

1. Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling.

Always always always will I recommend Harry Potter. Starting at the beginning is crucial, however don't start them too young because the books get much darker. By the end, they're not really children's books anymore.

2. Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis.

A controversial one amongst scholars who study children's lit, some may not recommend on the basis of heavy biblical referencing. However, as someone who isn't religious, I must say that even I think that there's not much issue here. There are subtle links but nothing too serious that a child would pick up on, and they can just be left to enjoy the story and the whimsical characters.

Teen Fiction

1. If I Stay - Gayle Forman.

This is such a beautiful book. Every time I read it, it totally put life in to perspective. I would definitely recommend a read of this before you watch the film.

2. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green.

Everyone knows how much I loved this book. Most people will have already seen the film, which I loved, but sometimes I think if you watch the film and don't read the book, it takes away from the experience. So again, if by any chance, you haven't seen the film, read the book first.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky.

My all-time favourite book. It's so wonderfully written and completely hits the nail on the head when it comes to coming-of-age, introspective, intelligent teens. I actually saw this film before I read the book, and I had a completely different experience. The film is amazing, and anyone can watch it, the book, even more amazing, but it's not an easy read. With its sophisticated language, and heartbreaking storylines, it may not be easy but it's totally totally worth it. I've read it 3 times and I'll read it many more times in the future.

YA Fantasy Fiction

For me fantasy fiction was what I was reading when I discovered just how much I loved it, so very important to me, which is why there are 5.

1. Twilight - Stephenie Meyer.

I know a lot of people love this and a lot of people hate it, it's the marmite of literature, but I loved it, and when I read it in 2010, it was the first time since Harry Potter, that I'd read something I couldn't put down. These are great books, and I'd recommend them to anyone.

2. Divergent Trilogy - Veronica Roth.

These books are incredible. Fast-paced, exciting, and gut-wrenching at the same time, it's not wonder people love this series so much. The second book's film is being released in a couple of weeks and I can't wait. Plus, Veronica Roth, the author, wrote the first book when she was on Christmas break in her third year of College. She was published at 22, and is an amazing role model to all aspiring authors like myself.

3. Shadow Falls - C.C. Hunter.

This series is 5 books, about a girl who gets sent to a camp for delinquent teens, but it turns out to be something completely different. So good. I read the first three before the 4th and 5th came out and the wait was excruciating because they're just so brilliant. I'd definitely recommend these to anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction and is looking for an amazing series to read.

4. Hollow Trilogy - Jessica Verday.

I've read this trilogy twice because it's so beautiful. The story is wonderfully intriguing and had me turning the page over and over. These books incorporate the story 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving into them and it all wraps up together so well. They're well thought out and well written, so much so that I did a presentation about the author Jessica Verday on my degree course.


5. Morganville Vampires - Rachel Caine.

The last of my recommendations, but by no means the least. These were the first books I bought after Twilight, when I realised that I loved the genre so much. These I haven't really talked about before. I shared my love for them with someone who, at the time was a friend, I lent her my copies of the first two books three years ago and I've never got them back. I'm quite attached to my books, and when I had to wait for a new one in the series to come out, I wanted to re-read them all and I couldn't because I was missing some, so I haven't read these for a long time. However, they are amazing. Set in a town that seems normal at first but there's a big difference. The main character is so relatable and the story hops between fast-paced adventure and every-day life and it's such a great element because it makes the read so interesting. As my first real experience with fantasy fiction, I'd recommend these to anyone, however there are 15 books now so, be ready for a challenge! (I've included pictures of only the first 3 otherwise the list would be endless. :)

I hope I've made some good recommendations. And I hope you love them if you read them because of my reviews. If any of you have read these and loved/hated them, let me know, I'm always interested to find out what other people think :)

10 TV Shows I Want to See in 2015.

I'm a massive fan of TV shows, and I spend a good chunk of my life watching shows that I love. I'll try almost anything and if I don't like it I stop watching and if I love it I can't stop! There are a lot of shows I have yet to watch and I thought I'd list them, both to receive your comments if you've seen any and also so I can refer to it :)

1. Angel the series.

As a huge lover of all things Buffy, it'd be just a complete fail if I didn't watch this at some point. I only finished Buffy recently, but it'd be great to re-watch them and watch Angel along side in the right order.


2. Pretty Little Liars.

Everyone raves about this show. I've read up and know what it's about and I think it sounds like something I'd love so, a Netflix marathon is in order. :)


3. Veronica Mars.

I watched a few of these in a very fragmented order when it was on tv originally, and I used to love it (and Monk!). After the release of the new film I purchased a box-set with every episode of the series and the film, so I can't wait to get started.


4. Heroes.

A show I've actually never seen. It totally sounds like my thing, so I bought the box set from Amazon on 'Black Friday', and I can't wait to watch. :)


5. Gossip Girl.

Another show I have never seen, although I have wanted to watch it for years! It's next on my list on Netflix.


6. Top of the Lake.

This was recommended, it's a BBC Drama, and I'd never even heard of it! I was very interested and so I bought the box set of this too. :)


7. Breaking Bad.

I started watching this on Sunday. My first impressions were that it's a little bit strange, I don't know how this will go.


8. Desperate Housewives.

I watched the last series of this when it was on TV, but I've never seen the rest. The plan is to watch them all right from the beginning. :)


9. Once Upon a Time.

I saw the first two series of this, but unfortunately in the UK, Channel 5 (where it was aired) dropped the show, and now we can't see it! I need to get hold of series three etc so I can carry on my viewing!


10. Teen Wolf.

This is another show that was dropped by the channel in the UK. It was shown on MTV and we got the first two seasons and then no more! I must find a way of viewing the rest soon!

YouTubers Interview President Barack Obama.

This is a spur of the moment post.

"Fox News’ Kurtz: Obama YouTube Interview Was BENEATH THE DIGNITY OF THE OFFICE"

I have a few things that I want to say.

Children, Teenagers, and Young Adults don't all take an interest in politics. They probably should, but they don't because it's too confusing or it's too in depth or they're simply not interested. It's always been that way and it always will be. When Obama is on tv, making speeches, or on the news, young people don't tune in to catch up with the latest in politics. By participating in this interview, Obama has opened the door to millions, LITERALLY MILLIONS of people to get involved and to understand what he's aiming for and what he wants. Those millions of people wouldn't normally have access to political information and through the internet, have managed to access it.

Young people might now have a growing interest in the running of their country, and that is all thanks to YouTube as a platform and the YouTubers as content creators and positive role models. It's such a positive thing that they have done and it's going to encourage so many people to get involved, have an opinion, and maybe even to vote.

I want to say thank you, to Hank Green, Glozell, Bethany Mota, YouTube, and of course Barack Obama for doing something so positive that might just change the country.

As a British Citizen it doesn't affect me directly, but the USA is such a huge part of every economy in the world and the fact that this has happened is insane, and brilliant.

The media reporting negatively only goes to show their narrow-mindedness and their lack of willingness for change. It says more about them that anything else.

You can watch the full video on 'The White House' YouTube channel HERE.

Top 5 books of 2014.

At the beginning of 2014 I wrote a post about the top 5 books that I read in 2013 (I'll put a link to this post at the bottom). I decided, since mostly all I seem to do is read, and the year is coming to a close, to do another for 2014.

1. My favourite book that I read this year is 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky.

This book was an experience for me that I want to re-live over and over again. It's a coming of age story which follows the main character 'Charlie' through his transition to High School and how he copes. He goes through the typical teenage stuff, friends, fallouts, girlfriends, music, family arguments, and the like. But Charlie is different to most kids. He's quiet, and clever, and wonderfully thoughful. This story of a short time in his life is heartwarmingly honest, and heartbreakingly tragic.
I'd give this book 10/10. My all-time favourite.

2. 'The Collector' by John Fowles.

This book is one I was assigned to read for class. I enjoyed it immensely and found that whilst reading it I couldn't put it down. It's not at all a light-hearted coming-of-age story like the books I usually read. It's dark, and confusing, and the main character is misunderstood, and very dangerous. It's a definite must-read for anyone who likes a thriller. This book from me gets a 8/10.

3. 'If I Stay' by Gayle Forman.

This is a book which I read because I saw the trailer for the movie and it seemed like something I'd enjoy. Admittedly I haven't yet seen the movie, I will do in time but the book was so incredible. The protagonist 'Mia' is caught in a world of confusion and loss and the book isn't about how she overcomes difficulty, it's about her deciding whether she should. I found this book so insightful and so thought provoking. It's only quite a short book too so it's perfect for someone who isn't a huge reader. Overall, 9.5/10.

4. 'Paper Towns' by John Green.

Already a fan of John Green, having read 'The Fault in our Stars' and 'Looking for Alaska' I was keen to give this a read. I was so happy to hear it was being made in to a film! I found this story one that I struggled to put down when reading and I didn't want it to end. I was slightly disappointed with the ending, having said that I feel it was the best thing to happen to the characters. It also comments on this thing we all do, where our admiration for someone makes them in to something more than human, in our eyes. We put people on pedestals and then are let down when they don't live up to our expectations. This book taught me that it's important to remember that everyone is flawed, everyone is human. 8.5/10 from me.

5. 'Slated' by Teri Terry.

This book is the first in a series, and I haven't actually read the next two yet. I'd describe this book as a cross between fantasy and sci-fi because it takes place in a dystopic future (around 2050 in England) where a war has caused consequences for the entire country. Kyla, the main character is an interesting protagonist because the reader follows her experience of re-learning how to live an ordinary life, and the trials and tribulations of not knowing who she can trust. I'd give this book 8.5/10, I found it gripping, and can't wait to get my teeth in to the next two!

Here is last year's post - Top 5 books/book series of 2013.

Zoella, Girl Online, Thoughts.

So as you might be aware the internet has been divided this last week over the 'news' that Zoe Sugg had help writing her book. I wanted to share my thoughts. I said 'news' in inverted commas because it's not news to anyone who watches her videos. She has spoken openly throughout the entire process that she has worked with the editorial team and been given guidance with the book, which I feel is fair, given that it's her first book. Most people's first books don't get published because they aren't good enough, writing well is something that has to be learned and just because she had help is no reason to punish her.

I've read the book, finished in just over a week. I loved it. Yes writing style is important, but the plot is just as important, if not more so. She created that, and it's a true achievement.

There are also discrepancies regarding how involved she was in the process, whether she just gave ideas or whether she did some of the writing herself, nobody knows. But i ask, does it matter? Look at Katie Price, she has written around 10 books, that have all been successful, ALL ghost written. Nobody cared then. (And I've just heard that Katie Price is fully supporting Zoe). Also people have questioned the money that the ghost writer made, wether or not it was fair... they didn't decide to be a ghost writer without knowing they weren't going to be loaded, however I have heard speculation of the sum, and it wasn't exactly a small amount.

Regardless, we can't deny that Zoe has grown from being a young girl filming videos in her bedroom, into a successful and respected businesswoman. She should be proud of what she's achieved.

Robin Williams, "a lightning storm of comic genius"- Steven Spielberg

It is strange to imagine that someone with such child-like energy and so much comedy bursting from his seams could be in so much pain. It's evidence enough that we never see the full picture, merely a
fraction of best bits from the lives of the people we feel we grow up with. I myself can remember being just five years of age and being with my parents watching 'Flubber'. I couldn't make much sense of half of the events, being so young, but I can see even now this eccentric man who's brain was working at a million miles an hour bouncing around on the tv screen. My first experience of comedy and I was hooked.

From that point Robin Williams was someone who I was aware of as an actor, and I went on to watch him in a multitude of films. Mrs Doubtfire, which was filmed before I was even born, and Aladdin, realising that the genie sounded oddly familiar. I think that most people in the English speaking world, ranging in age from 15 to 75 could have told him how utterly brilliant he was, not just as a scripted actor, but his entire being. The man oozed comedy, like it would be harder for him to sit and be quiet than it would to shout and dance and sing with the energy pouring out of him and into the hearts and souls of so many people. And still I feel that none of it would have mattered.

Depression like so many other mental illnesses is exactly that, an illness. I think he must have known how many people loved him, and how many people respected him, and yet depression isn't so rational as to take these things into account. For those people who have a family member or friend who has battled in the past or is currently battling depression, and for those who work as health care professionals, caring for people with mental illness, and lastly for those who suffer themselves, I don't need to explain the intricacies of something you already understand. For those with no experience, the illness is nobody's fault, and isn't a direct result of any one thing. For those who do not understand, seek to.

Robin Williams was a man with un-fathomable talent. Let his performances be what he is remembered for, not his illness and death. Rest in peace you wonderful human being, may you live on in the hearts of so many.

My top 5 books and/or book series of 2013

Okay so, as it says in the tiny synopsis of me over to the right there, I'm most definitely an avid reader. Being an English student, reading is like a part time job, but I like to read for pleasure too. I decided to compile a list of the best 5 books/series of books I read over the course of last year, so as to recommend them to anyone looking for a good read.

1, The Fault in our Stars, by John Green.

This book is just incredible. Before I read this book I had recently found reading a little less exciting than I used to. I'd gotten myself in to a bit of a rut, and found myself lacking the enthusiasm to sit down and just read. But one day I was trawling the internet, as I spend so much of my time doing, and I came across a review of this book. Already aware as I was to the vlogbrothers YouTube channel I found myself intrigued even more, so I went to my local Waterstones and picked up a copy. As soon as I began to read it I was transfixed. I could feel myself wanting more, yearning for these characters whenever I put the book down. In 3 days I had it read, and even though I didn't want it to be over, I gained so much from the experience. Hazel Grace Lancaster is beautifully eloquent and intelligent, yet holds on to a blunt way of speaking and at times I laughed aloud at her witty remarks. And Augustus Waters, the tall, smart, good looking amputee is the epitome of both charisma, and innocence. The way their story unfolds in this teenage masterpiece had me reeling for days afterwards. Their experiences became my experiences, and I loved every minute of it. All in all I would give this book 9.5/10. I laughed, I cried, and I wish I could live the story all over again.

2, Divergent, by Veronica Roth.

Admittedly I have only read the first two books of this trilogy, however the third is on it's way to me as I type. This story takes place in a dystopia, which is actually our world, but more than 100 years in the future. There is a complicated system of factions and way of life, but once you figure it out a couple of chapters in, it opens the book up to be enjoyed immensely. Beatrice 'Tris' Prior is the protagonist of the story, she is a character struggling to find where she fits in and who she is. The development of her character is fast, but not too fast, and the changes in her are quite large, but it is extremely well executed and she grows with the story and becomes strong, and brave. The love interest, 'Four' is not your usual book hottie. He's moody, temperamental, and sometimes can come across as nasty and mean but as the story goes on it becomes clear why he is the way he is, and some of it is for Tris' own good. The book deals with many themes, familial love, respect, loyalty, fear, danger, strength, bravery, attraction, love, and trust. Trust is quite a strong theme throughout. There are many instances where trust is something that is not easy to find, even among friends. I would give these books a 9.5/10, and would recommend to anyone.

3, The Mortal Instruments, by Cassandra Claire.

While I am aware that not everyone has the time or inclination to commit to a series, if you're going to read any series, this has to be it. It combines fantasy, action, suspense, peril, romance, friendship, loyalty and the (not-so) occasional demon. Recently adapted in to a movie, the first book offers a strong storyline and provides characters one can really invest in. However it also contains quite a sizeable twist towards the end. Having seen the movie, I would recommend the book before it as I feel there is more offered in the way of character and story development on paper. The story follows Clary Fray, a seemly average teen who's world unravels in a heartbeat, and we go with her in her struggles to piece it all together. Stand alone, the first book is brilliant, but followed by the rest? Magnificent. I would rate this series 9/10. Everything a reader needs, including a gorgeous, angelic guy to round things off.

4, Shadow Falls, by C.C. Hunter.

Another series, these books I actually began reading when only the first was out, much longer than a year ago. However I kept reading until this last year when the final instalment was released. I found these books engaging and exciting. I fell in love with all of the characters, and became so invested in the story that by the last book, it was like their world was a part of my world. The protagonist Kylie Galen finds herself leaving a world where she never really fit in, and entering in to a new world, a world of people like her, and still she doesn't fit in. The story follows her struggles to find out secrets about herself and her father to understand what she is. With two sidekick best friends Miranda and Della, and the affections of not one, but two deliciously attractive guys, Kylie becomes the centre of something much bigger than anyone could have anticipated. I give this series also a 9/10, and recommend to anyone willing to take on a five-book-series.

5, The Hollow, The Haunted and The Hidden, by Jessica Verday.

Abbey Browning is a young girl living in Sleepy Hollow NY, who's best friend is missing, and in her plight to find out what happened, she falls in love with a mysterious boy who turns out to be a part of a world that is more than she bargained for. These books were written beautifully, the stories each more intriguing than the next. The story stayed with me for a long time after reading, and gave me a 'book hangover' like never before. I was conflicted about the ending, both good and bad, but in hindsight, I loved it, and would have changed nothing. Of all the books on my top 5 list, it is this series which I have re-read and re-loved and still do love. With elements of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving, shaped to fit with the new world Abbey is discovering, these books have more than one level and are so wonderful I would always always always recommend. I give these books also a 9/10. For me, they're perfect.

I realise that I rated all the books at a 9-9.5/10 but they're all incredible, otherwise they wouldn't be on my top 5 list :) I hope I encourage at least one person to pick up a copy of any of these, they might just change your life.

The Bling Ring- Film Review

The Bling Ring Poster

(No real spoilers, but don't read if you're overly cautious)

Rating /10? 7.5
Recommend? Yes

I recently purchased and watched the bling ring on DVD. I thought I'd post a review so others can view my opinion before purchasing themselves.

I gave the film a 7.5 out of 10 because although I found it an enjoyable watch, I was in no way transfixed. However a lower score would have been unfair, as the story is based on true events, restricting the artistic license.

Okay so who doesn't want to watch Emma Watson on their screen all day every day? Her performance was believable and different to what many have seen previously of her. Her character Nicki has many levels and is sometimes difficult to read, but I think that is the way she was written, and Watson did a terrific job. Katie Chang, who was playing the part of Rebecca gave a great performance, and seeing as it was her first time acting in anything like this, and was given the part purely on the merit of a self filmed audition tape, I think the girl has loads of potential for the future. Watch out for that name. As for the rest of the cast, the acting was pretty even and well executed.

I must say the one thing that did disappoint me was the message portrayed by the entire film as a whole. When the real story was in the news, it was, rogue kids who had no respect for the law, committing crimes and acting foolishly etc. however, in the film, the story is told from the point of view of the criminals, rather than the victims, and I think in some ways it glorifies the lifestyle they were living. It becomes a film about kids who are having fun and enjoying life and getting away with what they can, and it makes the viewer forget the events truly happened. It loses seriousness and I felt that as a viewer I needed reminding that there were victims of these crimes, including Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson, and Orlando Bloom.

I'd recommend a watch as I think that the story is interesting, more so due to the fact that it is based on true events. Well worth the £5 from amazon.

New Blog!

So this isn't my first blog, I've been blogging since 2009, but it became time for a change and a new path. Just to introduce myself first and foremost, to the very few people who will read this, the name's Alex. I'm 20, I'm currently studying for a degree in English, I love makeup, I love reading, watching tv shows, playing video games, etc. I'm an aspiring author, and hope one day that I'll be at least slightly successful. My blog will consist mostly of makeup reviews, book reviews, and my general thoughts and feelings about current events and what is happening in my life. Maybe people will have their day brightened from reading, or find what I have to say useful in some way at all. I'll end this post here, and will be back soon with content.

Alex.