Life with ADHD #1

This blog is intended to educate those that don't understand the condition and to help support those living with it that they are not alone. 

How does ADHD affect me personally? 

ADHD is not a mental illness. ADHD is not a behaviour disorder. ADHD is not a specific learning disability. ADHD is a developmental impairment of the brain's executive functions. Please don't call it ADD, medical professionals haven't used that term since 1990! There are three different types of ADHD. Hyperactive-Impulsive, Inattentive ADHD and combined ADHD. I have primarily combined ADHD. Unfortunately it means I am impulsive, inattentive and hyperactive. 

It's possible if you know me well enough you don't even notice my symptoms anymore, because you know me well enough to not think any of it, or you just see it as part of my personality. It affects me from the moment I get up in the morning to the moment I go to bed. 

Sleep problems: My mum will tell you that I've never needed a lot of sleep. I hate sleeping. I could wake up a 4am and go to bed at 10pm and I'll still be hyperactive/mentally on. Most people will be crashing and burning. I find it hard to shut off. It's not the same as being up at night and worrying about things. Sometimes it feels like a radio station on in my mind. Songs playing in my head over and over. Chapters from the book I just read. That time I rode Space Mountain at Disneyland. Sometimes it's funny, I have to laugh about it, other times I need to rest and I pay for it in the morning. I wore a fit-bit to bed one night, it didn't surprise me to see that I'd only slept 3hrs despite between the hours of 9pm-5:30am. 

Stimulants have the opposite affect on someone with ADHD: I haven't drank caffeine in 5 years. I used to drink Coke Zero or Monster Energy to control my symptoms. Self-medicate if you want to use that term? Most people would wake up, become energetic, hyperactive from these type of drinks. I'd go quiet, my thoughts would slow down. I'd be able to think straight. This isn't the answer. Stimulants increase dopamine levels in the brain. My dopamine levels are too low. Essentially the neurotransmitter associated with motivation, concentration etc doesn't work properly. 

Hyper-focus is a very real phenomenon: Living with ADHD doesn't mean we can't concentrate on anything. In fact at times we can intensely concentrate, to the point we can forget the world around us. Hyper-focus. It's times like this that I am likely doing something I enjoy. Although not always, there's a reason why I've never seen Lord of the Rings. The idea of a 3hr movie is torture, I'm sorry. I envy those that can binge watch TV shows back-to-back. It can take me months, because it can take me a week to watch two episodes. Avengers: Endgame was amazing, but....I haven't seen it since it was in the cinema. 

Our brains work in wonderful and bizarre ways: We tend to have amazing long-term memories but poor short term. I can remember the number on my bank card off by heart, but forget that my mum needed me to get eggs on the way home from work. Don't get the wrong idea, this isn't the case with every little thing. Parking and paying in a public car park is easy, I know my number plate off by heart. When Kelv and I watch movies together (If I can sit through the whole thing) I have all the words memorised. Learning a script at college before a show was never a problem. Yet I have to remind myself five times to hang the washing up because it's still sat in the washing machine. Don't ask, even we don't know.

ADHD is complex. 

50 things I love!

1. Roll Over Beethoven by The Beatles.

2. The smell of coffee brewing.

3. Fresh cookies out of the oven.

4. Late night shopping at Christmas time.

5. Songbird. 

6. The television show I Love Lucy.

7. Anything and everything to do with Buster Keaton.

8. Jack Daniels on the rocks.

9. Lily of the Valley and Peony's.

10. Friends who have become family.

11. Walking barefoot in the grass.

12. Red velvet cake.

13. The bath bombs from Lush Cosmetics.

14. The law of attraction.

15. Liquid Drum N Bass

16. Butterflies. Lady Bugs. Bumblebees.

17. Getting lost in a bookstore with Kelvin.

18. Lazy Saturday mornings with Kelvin, catching up on our favourite show.

19. My fiancé, not just my fiancé but my best friend too.

20. People who aren't afraid to be themselves. Punk's who stand up for everything they believe in.

21. Trying new food.

22. The beach at sunrise and sunset.

23. Laughing so hard your almost sick. 

24. Adult colouring books.

25. Music that touches the heart and soul.

26. Hygge

27. Pub meals in a traditional English pub.

28. Leaf tea. Particularly Earl Grey.

29. Cooking anything and everything with Kelvin. Our speciality is Italian.

30. Bucks Fizz.

31. Scott Baio and his punk attitude.

32. Dressing up smart to go to the theatre.

33. Stranger Things and The Mandalorian.

34. Musicals. Bugsy Malone, Grease, The Sound of Music are firm favourites! 

35. Vintage homeware.

36. Old black and white slapstick comedies.

37. Superman, The Flash and Aquaman.

38. Ice Cream parlours.

39. Physical comedy.

40. The art of filmmaking.

41. Going out for dinner with friends.

42. Watching home movies from when I was a kid.

43. Laurel and Hardy.

44. Parisian culture.

45. The homeware range from Anthropologie.

46. Anything and everything Disney.

47. Body products that smell of watermelon.

48. Encouraging people to follow their dreams no matter how crazy they sound.

49. Chocolate. Chocolate. Chocolate.

50. Going through old photo albums. 

Jumanji

Cast: Robin Williams, Jonathan Hyde, Bradley Peirce, Kirsten Dunst and Bonnie Hunt.

Director: Joe Johnston

Release Date: 1995

Running Time: 1hr 39 minutes

Genre: Adventure

Rating: PG

Synopsis:

When two kids find and play a mysterious board game, they released a man trapped for decades in it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

Jumanji was always a movie that I truly loved watching as a child, something that has thankfully followed me on into my adulthood. It has the whole caboodle, action, adventure and magic. One day, young Alan Parrish finds himself followed home by a group of bullies. Forced to find sanctuary in his dad's shoe factory, he stumbles across a building site that contains more than he thinks. Buried deep into the muddy grounds, lies a game of drums. Eager to show his best-friend Sarah, upon returning home, both get more than they bargain for when Alan finds himself sucked into the board game. Little would he know, that it would take 26 years for him to return home again.

The beauty of "Jumanji" is that it isn't just a film about two youngsters that stumble across a board game. The storyline dives into time travel, parallel universes, and physical transformations. Did the events that you see actually take place? Or were they all just dreaming? Were they shown life through a parallel universe, and the consequences they would have to face? It's wonderfully mind-boggling. If you dive even deeper, it's really quite an emotional story. The storyline also focuses on death, love and friendship. It's up to you, how you interpret it.

Robin Williams performance as Alan Parish is magnificent. William's characterisation is fantastic, with the perfect balance of humour and emotion. You really get this spark of emotion that makes you sympathise with his character. Williams is able to express so much emotion through his eyes that your convinced he's really been stranded in the jungle for twenty-six years. Alan's had no human contact and from the age of twelve had to defend for himself. I really love the mystery that comes with his character, what happened to him in the jungle? How did he survive all this time on his own? Why is he so scared of Van Pelt? A good film should always make you question more than what the director and writers originally intended. It doesn't have to be black and white.

Bonnie White stars as Alan's best friend and high school sweetheart, Sarah Whittle. Psychologically twisted by the events that took place. Sarah now seeks the guidance of the afterlife to help her through, or so she thinks. I love the idea to use Jonathan Hyde as a duel character. Samuel Parish and Van Pelt. This is where it's very easy to believe that the whole story could be a dream. Is Van Pelt, an inner demon, linked in with the fear of his father pressuring him into becoming a Parish and attend boarding school? The same concept was also used in Walt Disney's "Peter Pan" where Wendy's father was also Captain Hook. You really do find yourself asking so many questions. The writers really wanted us an audience to see the story from several different angles.

It's hard to believe that this film is almost twenty-three years old, it still looks gorgeous in 2019. The production design is not only creative, but fantastically thought out. Some could claim that it's not geographically accurate. Lions for example live in the deep grassland of Africa, not the jungle. Remembering though of course that people also don't get sucked into board games. It's fun and magical and wasn't intended to be taken that seriously. It was made purely for entertainment. We see at the beginning of the film that two young lads are desperately trying to get rid of the game. For each time that someone plays the game, does someone else get sucked into the game? Are all of these characters and creatures from previous games played over the years?

The special effects are very impressive. The use of CGI and props together works incredibly well. Unfortunately these days, films are ruined because so much CGI has been used that we've forgotten what it feels like to witness real effects. It's very easy for filmmakers to step over the mark to the point it doesn't look convincing to audiences anymore. Fun and lively, Jumanji is an absolute masterpiece and certainly one film that shouldn't be missed.

5/5 stars

Oz: The Great and Powerful

Cast: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Joey King and Zach Braff

Director: Sam Raimi

Release Date: 2013

Running Time: 2hrs 10 minutes

Genre: Family

Rating: PG

Synopsis:

A frustrated circus magician from Kansas is transported into a magical land called Oz, where he will have to fulfill a prophecy to become king, and release the land from the Wicked Witches using his great powers.

It's astonishing to believe that Victor Fleming's beautiful musical "The Wizard of Oz" was released seventy-four years ago. In 2013, director Sam Raimi brought us the anticipated prequel to one of the most beloved musicals of all time. The beauty of L. Frank Baum's original stories was the fact that he wrote more than one, leaving room for a fair amount of creative ideas when it came to filmmakers. In this charming prequel set in 1905, Oz is not yet powerful, but a circus magician struggling to make ends meet, after a very unsuccessful magic show, Oscar Diggs (Franco) finds himself in the heart of a catastrophic tornado, blown away to the land of Oz. Upon his arrival the townsfolk believe him to be the wizard they were all told about in an ancient prophecy. The wizard that has come to save them from the evil Wicked Witch of the west.

Director Sam Raimi has taken the enchanting magic from the original film, putting his own modern twist on it. The familiar faces of Kansas also make their way over to Oz too. James Franco stars as the ever so charming circus magician Oscar Diggs, Oscar spends most of his days, fooling the local townsfolk into believing his magic is real, however upon his arrival to Oz, he learns that the late King of Oz predicted his arrival. Franco delivers a tremendous amount of humour to his role, zany facial expressions that speak volumes without him even needing to talk. Oz is a wondrous land full of enchanting creatures, munchkins and China villages. Upon arriving in Oz, Oscar meets the good witch Theodora, performed beautifully by Mila Kunis. Is she all good though?

Theodora however, is not the only witch, her sister also is a good witch, Evanora performed terrifically by Rachel Weisz. Although Weisz doesn't offer a lot of characterisation, her character is full of surprises. As Oscar embarks on a journey to find the Wicked Witch of the west to kill her, he stumbles across a gorgeous China girl. Scared and alone, Oscar takes her under his wing. China girl is played fantastically by young child actress Joey King. Although the monkeys in the first film were thought of as the Wicked Witch's evil minions. A monkey called Frank latches himself onto Oscar, as he too searches for the witch. Brilliantly over the top, Zack Braff is hilariously funny in his antics.

A magnificent storyline written by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire. Wonderfully entertaining and easy for children of all ages to understand. Although a prequel, the storyline has plenty of references to the original musical. The fact that director Sam Raimi has taken the theme from the original film and put a modern twist on it is absolutely fantastic. Disney too made sure to have their own references in the film, if you have children it's always fun to look out for hidden easter eggs. Be sure to look out for a reference to Snow White throughout the movie! The storyline is left very open at the end, making you crave more! The  best stories are the ones where you get so lost in it that you not only believe it's real but you don't want it to end.

Raimi has certainly taken a unique approach when it comes to directing the film, his choice for using  sepia tone in the opening of the film was a superb idea, not only is it a unique approach to a very modern film, it also brings back the originality of the musical. The magic unfolds as the film turns into widescreen. Beautifully shot, with stunning use of CGI and green screen. Unfortunately the use of a green screen can be overused, actors are unable to work with a real production design and don't have as much creative freedom, however, Raimi's choice to have physical sets formed the perfect balance of physicality and creativity when it came to the actors performing, allowing them to give a more genuine and heartfelt performance.

Wonderfully entertaining.

Blade Runner

Cast: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Daryl Hannah and Edward James Olmos.

Director: Ridley Scott

Release Date: 1982

Running Time: 1hr 57 minutes

Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 15

Synopsis:

A blade runner must pursue and terminate six replicants who stole a ship in space, and have returned to Earth to find their creator.

Loosely based on the 1968 science fiction novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" by Philip K Dick, director Ridley Scott delivers quite possibly one of the most influential science fiction movies ever made. Set in post apocalyptic Los Angeles in the year 2019, the Tyrell Corporation advanced the robot evolution by designing replicants that worked on off world colonies. It didn't take long however, for them to become far more advanced than humans, so they were declared illegal and terminated by special police squads known as Blade Runners. Four however remain alive and have returned to Earth in the hope they will find their creator. Is it plausible that "Alien" and "Blade Runner" as set in the same universe? Ridley Scott's "Alien" is set further into the future, however is Ash on board the Nostromo ship thought to be a replicant? Have they come from a post apocalyptic world? Unlike most film adaptations, the film is far more entertaining than the book. Although no one can put the author's imagination down for conjuring up creative technologies (some of which are actually used today), it just didn't have the same thrill factor that the movie did. The novel in fact, at times is incredibly boring and lacks serious imagination.

Harrison Ford was still a newcomer when the film hit cinemas. Having only just had the success of "Star Wars" and "Apocalypse Now" behind him. Ford stars as Blade Runner Rick Deckard, a lonely bounty hunter who is sent on an assignment to track down the last of the four replicants. It is in this time that Deckard begins to question his own existence as a human. Deckard is called into see Rachel (Young), someone whom they believe to be a Nexus 6 model. Both Ford and Young deliver excellent performances, both of whom begin to question their own existence, the more we're introduced to their characters. The beauty of "Blade Runner" is that it will have you constantly asking questions, one minute you'll be convinced you've worked the story out, the next minute you'll be wondering if you had it right to begin with. Is he really the bad guy? Is he a human or a replicant? To say the storyline is violent is probably a bit of an exaggeration. It does however, have it's moments, some of which are surprisingly gory. The more the story continues, the more intense the characters and the plot gets. We're introduced to characters Pris (Hannah), J.F Sebastian (Sanderson) and Roy Batty (Hauer). Each of their characters are incredibly complex and beautifully executed. I'll leave you to work out who's a replicant and who's human.

Realistically if anything were to happen to Earth, "Blade Runner" is  possibly the closest we would get in it being very similar. Robots that are designed to act and look like humans, our technology today is already going down this route, particularly amongst warfare. Although it's never mentioned in the film, in the novel, the characters communicated through electronic animals. It doesn't take long to realise what they are in fact describing is an Amazon Alexa, a piece of technology that is very popular today. There's no doubt that director Ridley Scott and author Philip K. Dick had very vivid imaginations when it came to describing 2019. In the year 2019, it is very rare to see a real animal, all animals were wiped out in the devastation of the war. In the book and in the movie it is seen as something that heightens one's social status. The soundtrack has that wonderful 80's feel to it, superbly scored by Vangelis. The score is not only wonderfully futuristic but brilliantly mysterious too. Dark and cold it's post apocalyptic without being over the top. Now at the height of cult films, "Blade Runner" is a film everyone should see at least once. Once a flop, now a masterpiece!

5/5

Jaws

Cast: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary and Murray Hamilton.

Director: Steven Spielberg

Release Date: 1975

Running Time: 2hrs 4 minutes

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 12

Synopsis:

When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach resort, it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.

Based on Peter Benchley's best-selling thriller of the same name. Director Steven Spielberg delivers one of the best thrillers of the late 1970's. Spielberg wasn't actually the first choice to direct the film. In fact, Spielberg hadn't long finished the thriller "Duel" when "Jaws" came into play. I think it's safe to say that he was a marvellous choice to direct the film as "Jaws" soon went onto become one of the best-selling thrillers of the past forty years. Adapting a novel into a film is always going to be challenging. Naturally, a lot of changes need to be made for screen. Although Spielberg chose to tame the storyline down somewhat, in order for it to have a "12" rating, it still works remarkably well and is equally as haunting as the novel.

Christie is out partying with friends one night when she takes a young man down to the beach for a midnight swim. Little does she know, upon entering the ocean that she is being watched by a monster, a great white! A fearsome creature that in a split second takes her life. Chief Brody (Scheider) is informed immediately of the attack, finding himself in very deep water when he learns the safest thing to do is going to be to close the beaches, on the weekend of July 4th. Chief of police on Amity Island, Brody resides with his wife Ellen (Gary) and two sons Michael and Sean. Sheiders performance is magnificent, a real family man, a man who is very new to Amity Island after moving from New York. Brody finds himself having to convince local Mayor Larry Vaughn that there is in fact a killer shark surrounding Amity Island in search of it's next meal.

Marine biologist Matt Hooper (Dreyfuss) is brought in to help kill the shark, much to the dismay of Amity Islands local Mayor Larry Vaughn. Dreyfuss really is fantastic, almost comical in his emotions and characteristics, Hooper is wonderfully enthusiastic and charismatic. Equipped with everything imaginable, spears, shark cages and sonars. The chemistry that is soon developed on screen between himself and fisherman Quint is superb. Both actors in reportedly didn't get along in reality, needless to say, it certainly shows on screen too. Tension between the two of them is very genuine. Quint is an extremely dominant individual. A well known fisherman on Amity Island, he desperately tries to convince Brody that he is the only man for the job. The three characters soon soon find a way to overcome their differences and work together in killing the shark. Showing off scars and tattoos in the process. The tension is so strong you can practically feel it oozing from the screen.

Beautifully shot in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Cinematographer Bill Butler has captured the scenery perfectly. A stunning looking film that has been brilliantly shot. The camera work is excellent. What's most impressive about Steven Spielberg's terrific camera work is that you don't see the shark until 45 minutes into the film. Spielberg heavily relies on the reactions from his actors to build up the suspense and fear without his audience even getting a glimpse of the shark. The attention to detail is excellent, from Quint's boat The Orca, to his harbour house full to the brim of shark teeth, fishing nets and creatures of the deepest darkest depths. Spectacular special-effects, a shark so convincing it's hard to believe it's not real, or in some cases it was due to accidental live footage. That of course, just adds to the magic of the film.

Composer John Williams wrote quite possibly one of the most famous theme tunes of all time. A theme that most will recognise. A score so beautiful it practically tells the story on its own. The score becomes fast and intense when the shark appears to create fear and suspense. Quieter and more soothing when the shark is in the deepest depths of the oceans. The score takes you on a journey from beginning to end. Absolutely thrilling! An absolute masterpiece, one not to be missed!

5/5

Cinderella (1950)

Cast: Ilene Woods, James MacDonald and Eleanor Audley

Director: Wilfred Jackson Clyde Geronimi

Release Date:  1950

Running Time: 1hr 11 minutes

Genre: Animation

Rating: U

Seen On: Sky Movies

Synopsis:

When Cinderella's cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, she gets some unexpected help from the lovable mice Gus and Jaq, and her fairy godmother.

Originally an European folktale, it's no surprise that Walt Disney wanted to put his own fingerprint on it. It is said that Walt Disney's young daughters loved the story of  "Mary Poppins", begging him, until he finally gave in to making a live action adaptation. Is it thought that perhaps his young daughters were also big fan of this classic folktale? Cinderella has touched the hearts of millions. The story of a beautiful young woman who has been ridiculed and abused after the death of her father by her insidious stepmother Lady Tremaine, forcing her to be a servant in her own home.  One thing I truly love about Walt Disney's first few animations was the idea to open each film with a gold plated book, always beautifully narrated.

One of the best things about the storyline is the beautiful friendship that Cinderella shares with the mice. The stunning animation of Gus is extremely impressive, here you have this animated mouse, that speaks no words but his own cute little language and yet he has more characterisation than The Looney Tunes did in Space Jam. It goes to show just how clever animation is, when it comes to touching audiences. The animation really is spectacular, considering this was one of Walt Disney's earliest films. One scene in particular stands out, where Cinderella is cleaning a gorgeous marble floor in which Lucifer the cat comes along with his dirty paws, making a mess everywhere. Cinderella's reflection is shown in the iridescent bubbles descending from her bucket. Although the animation is simple, it's effect is still clever.

When we hear the name Lucifer we primarily think of Satan or the devil. It's no surprise that Lady Tremaine's cat has an insidious name, very much like her personality. Lady Tremaine is performed brilliantly by Eleanor Audley. Eleanor has a very distinct voice. You may recognise her as the voice of Maleficent in Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty", cruel and haunting, it's no doubt that Audley was a little bit typecast when it came to Walt Disney's films. The character of Lady Tremaine is your typical gold digger. The morals behind the story are simple, but yet very powerful too. Those who treat others badly will have their karma, those who are treated badly but remain beautiful inside, will find their dreams do come true. Fairy Godmothers, glass slippers and a soundtrack that will touch your heart, a truly spectacular animation.

5/5

Insidious

Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye and Leigh Whannell

Director: James Wan

Release Date: 2010

Running Time: 1hr 42 minutes

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 15

Seen On: Blu-Ray

Synopsis:

A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their child in a realm called the further.

A horror film is essentially a movie that seeks to provoke a psychological reaction, to induce fear upon us. Unfortunately, horror movies over the years have relied heavily on jump scares as a means to frighten their audience. Director James Wan did something really quite extraordinary when he made this picture, he managed to somehow merge the paranormal with the real world, as if the two were the same thing. Back in 2004, James Wan produced one of the biggest slasher horror movies to date, "Saw", a story about the fight for survival, the only way out, is to fight your way out, to escape. What if, our world and another world came together, creating a new dimension? What if, your fight for survival was to find home, to find your body, your soul? Insidious will take you into a world, that you may not realise has the potential to actually exist.

After recently moving into their new home, the Lambert family start to notice that something isn't quite right. Personal items dissapear, Renai and Josh (Wilson) start hearing bizarre noises coming from their attic, but more frighteningly, they believe their house is haunted. Convinced, they hire the help of psychic, Elise Rainier. The story is so much more than ghosts and demons. Don't be fooled by the plot, the premise behind the storyline is exceptionally clever. The first thing that caught my eye was how different this is in comparison to other movies of the same genre. I was generally blown away the first time I viewed it. The storyline will have you questioning your own existence. Are we capable of so much more than we realise? The concept is not only clever but deeply fascinating.

One of the most disappointing aspects about the film is the lack of character development. The characters are very black and white, although every character plays a vital role in the development of the story, Lin Shaye is the only actor to really give her all with her performance as Elise. Patrick Wilson delivers a good performance as Josh Lambert, as the story progresses, the more you truly start to understand Josh and the premise behind the story. Rose Byrne could most certainly have given a better performance as Renai Lambert, although her acting is convincing at times, for the vast majority of the film, her performance is very wooden. On a more positive note, Leigh Whannell who wrote the story, stars in the film as Elise's psychic sidekick Specs. Offering just the right amount of humour to the story, without ruining it.

Director James Wan is very clever when it comes to giving audiences hints of what's to come, without actually spoiling the plot. The colour red for example is very prominent throughout the course of the film. It'll crop up everywhere. It particularly stands out because Wan has made sure to use only neutral and dark colours for everything else, the sky is always gloomy and grey, Renai and Josh's clothing are creams, browns and greys. The cushion on their sofa however is bright red. Why? You'll soon find out upon viewing and when you do have the situation explained, you'll understand that Wan was sending hints, straight from the get go. The special effects are simple, but clever. The lighting is excellent and really gives a eery feeling, particularly in the second chapter of the story.

James Wan has relied on jump scares, however he's also made sure to use the soundtrack to it's full effect in scaring audiences. Most jump scares will consist of a character jumping out on another, a chair falling over for example, the audience is startled suddenly. The idea to use the jump scare through sound rather than performance was a terrific idea. James Wan took a lot of risks when it came to making this film, however the story did not disappoint. Realistic, terrifying and wonderfully entertaining.

4.5/5

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Cast: Asa Butterfield, Vera Farmiga, Cara Horgan, David Thewlis and Jack Scanlon

Director: Mark Herman

Release Date: 2008

Running Time: 1hr 34 minutes

Genre: Drama

Rating: 12

Seen On: Netflix

Synopsis:

Set during WW2, a story seen through innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight year old son of the Commandant at a German concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences.

Based on the novel of the same name by John Boyne. Award winning director Mark Herman, delivers the bone-chilling story of a young boy who befriends a Jew at a German concentration camp during WW2. The story is primarily shown through the eyes of Bruno (Butterfield) to emphasise the innocence that we are being witnessed to. One day, Bruno gets news that his father SS Commandant (Thewlis) is being promoted and that they will be moving immediately to Poland. Little does Bruno and Gretal (Beattie) know that their father is in charge of a Jewish concentration camp, one would imagine is, Auschwitz?. Bruno, of course isn't happy about leaving his friends behind, building a new life in a new town, in a new home. Cut off from everybody except his own family.

Young Bruno dreams of becoming an explorer, forced to learn about Jews through a private tutor. One day he decides to explore beyond his back garden and into the camp, where he meets Shmuel (Scanlon), a boy of the same age who is forced into slavery at the camp. There is some speculation that this would not have been historically accurate. Jewish children were put into separate barracks and treated the same as adults, often starving to death, or even being subjected to gas chambers and experiments. Deeply unsettling it's hard to comprehend that Hitler demanded that Jews were treated in such a way. All of their belongings taken from them, glasses, shoes and even their hair removed.

Asa Butterfield's performance as Bruno is sensational, innocent and selfless, his character reminds us  of the importance of not judging those by their religion. Thousands upon thousands of people were murdered because one person believed that Jews were the cause of all evil in the world. Even today, it's hard to comprehend that any of this really happened. It did however and it's important that we know what happened.Vera Farmiga delivers a very strong performance as Elsa, Bruno's mother. Farmiga always has a way of bringing a lot of realism to her role, wonderfully convincing, the emotion that she shows, particularly at the end of the film, is incredibly touching. Farmiga's performance, is nothing short of amazing.

David Thewlis performance as SS Commandant is magnificent, his character is based on Rudolf Hoss, who was executed for being head of the concentration camp. Throughout the course of the film you really see the strain that it takes on his marriage with his wife Elsa, sworn to secrecy, she had no idea what was really happening at the camp, nor that they were living so close to it. I'd imagine this was a common occurrence for anyone that was working at the camp as a Nazi? The relationships between characters are very intense. Jack Scanlon delivers an unforgettable performance as Shmuel, knowing that he is eight years old and has no understanding as to why he's being treated cruelly. Some scenes in particular are very emotional when you understand what is most likely happening to his character.

You can see a lot of research has gone into the film and that Mark Herman has done a magnificent job at following the book. It's important to understand that not only is this based on a book, in terms of the characters and the storyline but that the film also has a "12" rating. I'm sorry to tell you that it'd be wrong of you to go in expecting "Schindler's list", this is toned down for quite a few obvious reasons. The ending is not only haunting but incredibly powerful too. An excellent adaptation of the novel and one of which shouldn't be forgotten anytime soon. Educating, touching and emotional, with one of the most shocking endings in film history.

5/5

Wonder

Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts, Izabela Vidovic and Noah Jupe

Director: Stephen Chbosky

Release Date: 2017

Running Time: 1hr 53 minutes

Genre: Family

Rating: PG

Seen On: Netflix

Synopsis:

Based on the New York Times best-seller, this movie tell the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. A boy with facial differences who enters the fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by R.J Palacio, about a young boy with Treachers Collins Syndrome. August Pullman (Tremblay) dreams of becoming a world famous astronaut, however he's about to fight his biggest challenge to date, middle-school. August has an outstanding personality with an infinite love for Star Wars. The outline of the storyline is shown through the perspective of four different people. August, Via, Miranda and Jack. Home-schooled until now, August must learn to adapt to school life. Beautifully written, this isn't just a story about a young boy starting school, the storyline also goes into great detail about true friendship, love, family and the consequences that must follow on from bullying.

Real beauty comes from within. The hunk/stunning woman you see walking down the street, could also be the nastiest man or woman alive. Looks don't mean anything, especially when someone looks a bit different because they were born deformed. They are beautiful, but maybe not as you first see fit. Those that are different, often have the biggest hearts. They understand the importance of not judging a book by it's cover, accepting everyone for who they are on the inside. You're always going to get some who do judge. In a school/work setting, they are bullies. Imagine how difficult it must be in a school setting for a child who's different to fit in? The beauty of the storyline is that not only does it show what happens when someone is bullied, but the serious consequences the bullies must face afterwards too.

The performances from the actors is what really stands out in this film. Jacob Tremblay delivers a magnificent performance as August "Auggie" Pullman. Funny, endearing, brave and touching, you can't help but want the best for August. You want him to become a world famous astronaut, to find love, to find friendship. Owen Wilson stars as August's father Nate, Wilson is more well known for his comedic performances, but let me tell you he's magnificent when it comes to more serious roles too. Julia Roberts is brilliant as August's mother Isabel, full of emotion, you can clearly see that Isabel just wants what's best for her son. Robert's shows so much emotion through her eyes, that you can't help but be touched by her performance.

The idea to show the storyline through the performances of four people was certainly different, but I'd imagine more true to the way the book was written? It is here that we learn that just because someone looks happy on the outside doesn't mean that they are not fighting a silent battle behind closed doors. Peer pressure, wanting to fit in, falling in love, watching parents go through divorce, the storyline really covers it all. You are shown the same scenes, from the perspective of someone different each time. Very cleverly done, you get a real understanding for these four characters.

The setting and the environment that we see these characters in feels very real and genuine. The cinematography doesn't need to be spectacular for you to feel touched by this truly inspiring story. You'll feel every emotion, you'll laugh, cry and most definitely come away feeling truly inspired and uplifted by the end of this film. If you don't, do you even have a heart? An absolute masterpiece! Most definitely one of the best films of 2017.

5/5

A Ghost Story

Cast: Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Barlow Jacobs and McColm Cephas Jr

Director: David Lowery

Release Date: 2017

Running Time: 1hr 32 minutes

Genre: Drama

Rating: 12

Seen On: Netflix

Synopsis:

In this singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased white sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to try and reconnect with his wife.

Despite its unearthly name, "A Ghost Story" should not be mistaken for a horror movie. Quite the opposite. It should also be said, that you should not go in expecting this film to frighten you. You'll be taken on an emotional journey through grief, sadness, loss, legacy and hope. C (Affleck) is a gifted composer with a love for history, with a dislike for his girlfriend's idea to move house. Straight away we get a look into these two people's lives, there is kindness, love and affection. When C is suddenly killed in a car accident, M's life is turned upside down. This is where director David Lowery has been exceptionally clever in his direction and in his writing.

At first glance, the storyline sounds rather ridiculous. A man dressed as a ghost in a white sheet, honestly? Yes. The beauty of the story is that you are not only witnessing the grief of those left behind, but of those that have passed on too. The story will have you constantly asking questions. Does he know he's dead? Is he comforting his girlfriend by staying behind? Does he have unfinished business? Director David Lowery, has made a strong point to not have a lot of dialogue throughout the film, there is just enough for viewers to understand the basics of what's happened. As time passes, you learn those left behind are moving on, adapting, coping, starting over. This is beautifully shown through timelapses.

At one point we are introduced to a Spanish family who have now moved into C and M's home. Time is a great healer. C is witness to time moving on, what was once an empty house is now filled with love and happiness. Although there is not a lot of dialogue, you are most certainly touched by the emotional visuals, you don't need dialogue to understand what's happening on the screen. The storyline is essentially showing the different stages of grief and how we begin to learn and cope without our loved ones. There is always a legacy left behind, although our loved ones have moved on, they are never forgotten. The story really allows you to question your own existence. Everyone's beliefs are different, the beauty is that everyone will interpret it differently.

Don't think about the length of the film, or the simplicity of some scenes. How does it make you feel? What emotions are you feeling? It's very rare in film that we are shown grief or loss from those that have moved on. Do they stand around watching us grieve? Do they desperately try to comfort us when they can't? If you've lost someone, chances are these scenes are going to be emotional for you, you know what it feels like to be alone, grieving privately, wanting nothing more than your loved one to come back, to feel their love. There are even elements of time travel incorporated into the film. It'll touch you on an emotional level that possibly you have never witnessed before.

Beautifully shot with a haunting score that'll touch you, allowing you to go through all the emotions. Remarkably unique in his story-telling it's hard to believe that David Lowery was turned down twelve times at the Sundance Film Festival for his short films. To go on and release something so different, that everyone can relate to on some level, all I can say is, what an earth were they thinking at Sundance? Lowery has a very promising career ahead of him. If all of his movies are like this, in the way in which they connect to you? I can't wait to see what he has in store. No one was more surprised then I was, when it came to watching this film. Wow! An open mind is all you need.

5/5 stars