Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Movie review - The Wolverine (2013)
The Wolverine (2013) / action, adventure, fantasy
Directed by James Mangold
Screenplay by Mark Bomback,: Scott Frank
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Brian Tee, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Will Yun Lee, Famke Janssen, Haruhiko Yamanouchi, Brian Tee
Trailer: click.
PLOT
Logan (Hugh Jackman) lives as loner while he's still devastated and haunted by events that happened with Jean Grey in the third film of X-Men. He is found by a Japanese woman Yukio (Rila Fukushima) who delivers him a message from a man he rescued in 1945, called Yashida (Hiroyuki Sanada). He is dying of cancer an would like to met Logan for the last time. Wolverine travels to Japan, meets Yashida's son Shingen (Hiroyuki Sanada) and granddaughter Mariko (Tao Okamoto) but soon realise that a county of samurai, ninjas and yakuza are very much real.
REVIEW
First of all, I'm a huge X-Men and Wolverine fan so let me get that straight. This film is really focused on Logan's character so consequently the movie is a character study first. If you expect mindless action you will be disappointed.
Many fans were quite stroppy after the first Wolverine's film years back so this one is in a way a redemption. The reason lies in staying true to the comic's original panels although the story lines have been shifted and shuffled. Some fans are saying this superhero film is one of the best comic based movies but it's clear that you can never satisfy everyone.
As I said before, Wolverine explores his inner conflicts, tries to distance himself from the rest of the X-Men, while facing immortality and soul searching. Hugh Jackman again delivers reprising Logan. His performance is strong and most supporting cast does a wonderful job as well. Setting is beautiful and it was so refreshing to see the traditional Japanese culture and non-Hollywood cast. Many films take place in some country but then we only see Americans in it.
Action. To be honest, I expected more action-fighting scenes that would make more sense. Some of them felt a bit forced to me (for example when Yukio and Shingen fight). I understand that they wanted to include scenes because of film's dynamics but still.
Sadly the writing is very two-dimensional for everyone other than Logan. I get that main focus is on Wolvie but other characters are underdeveloped yet there is so much potential for characters like Yukio, Kenuichio and Viper. Story could interlace in a more sophisticated way yet I can imagine how hard it is to adapt a story like this. I love the fact that women in the film are portrayed as strong but I wish there would be more to their stories. I also enjoyed a bit darker mood of the film, Jean Grey's appearances and occasionally humorous scenes.
Main three thoughts that I got from watching The Wolverine:
1. he's freakin awesome (hands down to Hugh!);
2. I would like to see Logan and Yukio travel and kick some ass together;
3. aaaaaaaaa, can't wait for next year's X-Men: Days of Future Past!
4/5
P.S. Watch out for he post-credits scene in the end.
Directed by James Mangold
Screenplay by Mark Bomback,: Scott Frank
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Brian Tee, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Will Yun Lee, Famke Janssen, Haruhiko Yamanouchi, Brian Tee
Trailer: click.
PLOT
Logan (Hugh Jackman) lives as loner while he's still devastated and haunted by events that happened with Jean Grey in the third film of X-Men. He is found by a Japanese woman Yukio (Rila Fukushima) who delivers him a message from a man he rescued in 1945, called Yashida (Hiroyuki Sanada). He is dying of cancer an would like to met Logan for the last time. Wolverine travels to Japan, meets Yashida's son Shingen (Hiroyuki Sanada) and granddaughter Mariko (Tao Okamoto) but soon realise that a county of samurai, ninjas and yakuza are very much real.
REVIEW
First of all, I'm a huge X-Men and Wolverine fan so let me get that straight. This film is really focused on Logan's character so consequently the movie is a character study first. If you expect mindless action you will be disappointed.
Many fans were quite stroppy after the first Wolverine's film years back so this one is in a way a redemption. The reason lies in staying true to the comic's original panels although the story lines have been shifted and shuffled. Some fans are saying this superhero film is one of the best comic based movies but it's clear that you can never satisfy everyone.
As I said before, Wolverine explores his inner conflicts, tries to distance himself from the rest of the X-Men, while facing immortality and soul searching. Hugh Jackman again delivers reprising Logan. His performance is strong and most supporting cast does a wonderful job as well. Setting is beautiful and it was so refreshing to see the traditional Japanese culture and non-Hollywood cast. Many films take place in some country but then we only see Americans in it.
Action. To be honest, I expected more action-fighting scenes that would make more sense. Some of them felt a bit forced to me (for example when Yukio and Shingen fight). I understand that they wanted to include scenes because of film's dynamics but still.
Sadly the writing is very two-dimensional for everyone other than Logan. I get that main focus is on Wolvie but other characters are underdeveloped yet there is so much potential for characters like Yukio, Kenuichio and Viper. Story could interlace in a more sophisticated way yet I can imagine how hard it is to adapt a story like this. I love the fact that women in the film are portrayed as strong but I wish there would be more to their stories. I also enjoyed a bit darker mood of the film, Jean Grey's appearances and occasionally humorous scenes.
Main three thoughts that I got from watching The Wolverine:
1. he's freakin awesome (hands down to Hugh!);
2. I would like to see Logan and Yukio travel and kick some ass together;
3. aaaaaaaaa, can't wait for next year's X-Men: Days of Future Past!
4/5
P.S. Watch out for he post-credits scene in the end.
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Last week's favorite looks (July 22 - 28)
Who is excited for last week's favorite looks (July 22 - 28)?
Parenthood stars Mae Whitman and Lauren Graham attend a panel for their show at NBCUniversal’s in Beverly Hills, Calif. Mae in red and beige ensemble and Lauren in black and white.
Miranda Kerr launched her organic skincare Kora Organics at a press conference held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. She wore Roland Mouret dress, Louboutin shoes and a Cartier watch and bracelet.
Naomie Harris attended the Audi International Polo at Guards Polo Club in Egham, England. She wore a fit black and white landscape print Mary Katrantzou Fall 2013 dress.
Erin Heatherton and Jessica Hart at the M Missoni is for Music summer event in New York City. They both wore strepless up to knee dress and black pumps.
Lindsay Ellingson looked radiant while promoting the Victoria’s Secret on Angels Swim summer tour at the mall in Orlando, Florida. Love this bright fit dress!
Ella Rae Peck attended same event as Mae and Lauren. Welcome to the Family actress wore white summer dress with colorful stripes.
Kaley Cuoco and Rose Byrne attended the Blue Jasmine LA premiere. Kaley in a Zimmermann lilac short set and Manolo Blahnik purple heels. Rose in white cotton broderie Christopher Kane dress.
Katy Perry is promoting her latest movie The Smurfs 2. She made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in a blue short-sleeve loose Celine leather dress and Louboutin spiked pumps.
Naya Rivera at the 2013 Giffoni Film Festival in Italy. She wore pink strapless Michael Kors dress and silver Monika Chiang ankle-strap pumps..
Jordana Brewster in a powder blue Balenciaga mini at TNT’s 25th Anniversary Party.
Ladies in black.
Heather Locklear also at TNT’s 25th Anniversary Party. She showed off her fit figure in a sexy shoulder black dress which had a crotchet top section and fell just below the knee.
Laura Whitmore attend the Aqua Shop opening event in London. She wore AQ/AQ Divine black jumpsuit.
Alexandra Daddario in a DVF dress and Jimmy Choo shoes at premiere of her film Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters held in Southampton, New York.
Elizabeth Chambers and Armie Hammer at the premiere of his newest film The Lone Ranger in Paris, France.
Moving to the street looks.
Five combinations with white tops. Two looks from Kristin Cavallari, Ellen Pompeo in the middle, plus Hailee Steinfeld and Eva Longoria while going out.
Diane Kruger looks in style even on hike with her beau Joshua Jackson. Lovely dress, ankle boots and sunglasses is all you need. Reese Witherspoon on right side in two outfits: turquoise dress and black and white combo.
And five, most casual looks for the end: Anne Hathaway, Audrina Patridge, Malin Akerman, Lily Collins and Chloe Moretz.
Parenthood stars Mae Whitman and Lauren Graham attend a panel for their show at NBCUniversal’s in Beverly Hills, Calif. Mae in red and beige ensemble and Lauren in black and white.
Miranda Kerr launched her organic skincare Kora Organics at a press conference held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. She wore Roland Mouret dress, Louboutin shoes and a Cartier watch and bracelet.
Naomie Harris attended the Audi International Polo at Guards Polo Club in Egham, England. She wore a fit black and white landscape print Mary Katrantzou Fall 2013 dress.
Erin Heatherton and Jessica Hart at the M Missoni is for Music summer event in New York City. They both wore strepless up to knee dress and black pumps.
Lindsay Ellingson looked radiant while promoting the Victoria’s Secret on Angels Swim summer tour at the mall in Orlando, Florida. Love this bright fit dress!
Ella Rae Peck attended same event as Mae and Lauren. Welcome to the Family actress wore white summer dress with colorful stripes.
Kaley Cuoco and Rose Byrne attended the Blue Jasmine LA premiere. Kaley in a Zimmermann lilac short set and Manolo Blahnik purple heels. Rose in white cotton broderie Christopher Kane dress.
Katy Perry is promoting her latest movie The Smurfs 2. She made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in a blue short-sleeve loose Celine leather dress and Louboutin spiked pumps.
Naya Rivera at the 2013 Giffoni Film Festival in Italy. She wore pink strapless Michael Kors dress and silver Monika Chiang ankle-strap pumps..
Jordana Brewster in a powder blue Balenciaga mini at TNT’s 25th Anniversary Party.
Ladies in black.
Heather Locklear also at TNT’s 25th Anniversary Party. She showed off her fit figure in a sexy shoulder black dress which had a crotchet top section and fell just below the knee.
Laura Whitmore attend the Aqua Shop opening event in London. She wore AQ/AQ Divine black jumpsuit.
Alexandra Daddario in a DVF dress and Jimmy Choo shoes at premiere of her film Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters held in Southampton, New York.
Elizabeth Chambers and Armie Hammer at the premiere of his newest film The Lone Ranger in Paris, France.
Moving to the street looks.
Five combinations with white tops. Two looks from Kristin Cavallari, Ellen Pompeo in the middle, plus Hailee Steinfeld and Eva Longoria while going out.
Diane Kruger looks in style even on hike with her beau Joshua Jackson. Lovely dress, ankle boots and sunglasses is all you need. Reese Witherspoon on right side in two outfits: turquoise dress and black and white combo.
And five, most casual looks for the end: Anne Hathaway, Audrina Patridge, Malin Akerman, Lily Collins and Chloe Moretz.
Monday, 29 July 2013
Bella Oggi teal blue
A few days back I noticed an Italian nail polish brand I never tried before. It's called Bella Oggi and my first purcuse was shade n.52. I really wish that nail polishes would have names because it's much more interesting, fun and memorable than just numbers.
Nevertheless, the shade is amazing! I used two coats (plus a base coat). Love it!
Price: 1,90€ for 11ml. I will definitely purchase this brand again...
Nevertheless, the shade is amazing! I used two coats (plus a base coat). Love it!
Price: 1,90€ for 11ml. I will definitely purchase this brand again...
Sunday, 28 July 2013
2013 Comic-Con ladies 2/2
Second part of 2013 Comic-Con ladies. If you missed first part, here.
Kristen Hager, model Peyton List, beautiful Sandra Bullock in red Roland Mouret, fit Anna Gunn in white and Meaghan Rath.
Katie Cassidy twice, I like Houghton white outfit more. Her co-star Emily Bett Rickards in the middle and two looks from Zoe Kravitz, Osman jumpsuit and simple jeans with black t-shirt and pumps.
Cast of Vikings and almost unrecognizable Katheryn Winnick and Jessalyn Gilsig.
The Teen Wolf actresses, Holland Roden's outfits on left and Crystal Reed's on right.
Once Upon a Time stars. Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla. Jennifer in Randi Rahm striped dress and in floral-print purple Philosophy frock. Ginnifer in white Derek Lam dress and green Vionnet Demi Couture.
Also in two outfits: Emma Rigby and Sophie Lowe.
Once again, two ladies and two outfits: Gillian Jacobs in green skirt and purple long sleeve shirts, plus in Oscar de la Renta dress. Grimm star Bitsie Tulloch in white and blue frock.
Alyssa Milano, Molly C. Quinn, Anna Faris, Vera Farmiga in Calvin Klein and Kristen Bell.
Three fit outfits on Danai Gurira, curly Evangeline Lilly and Abbie Cornish in Herve L. Leroux.
Kristen Hager, model Peyton List, beautiful Sandra Bullock in red Roland Mouret, fit Anna Gunn in white and Meaghan Rath.
Katie Cassidy twice, I like Houghton white outfit more. Her co-star Emily Bett Rickards in the middle and two looks from Zoe Kravitz, Osman jumpsuit and simple jeans with black t-shirt and pumps.
Cast of Vikings and almost unrecognizable Katheryn Winnick and Jessalyn Gilsig.
The Teen Wolf actresses, Holland Roden's outfits on left and Crystal Reed's on right.
Once Upon a Time stars. Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla. Jennifer in Randi Rahm striped dress and in floral-print purple Philosophy frock. Ginnifer in white Derek Lam dress and green Vionnet Demi Couture.
Also in two outfits: Emma Rigby and Sophie Lowe.
Once again, two ladies and two outfits: Gillian Jacobs in green skirt and purple long sleeve shirts, plus in Oscar de la Renta dress. Grimm star Bitsie Tulloch in white and blue frock.
Alyssa Milano, Molly C. Quinn, Anna Faris, Vera Farmiga in Calvin Klein and Kristen Bell.
Three fit outfits on Danai Gurira, curly Evangeline Lilly and Abbie Cornish in Herve L. Leroux.
Saturday, 27 July 2013
2013 Comic-Con ladies 1/2
As promised here are 2013 Comic-Con ladies (1st part)! I picked my favorite gals, outfits, plus add some more known celebrities.
One of my favorite was Yvonne Strahovski. She was promoting film I Frankenstein and Dexter. She wore a Rachel Zoe top and DVF skirt on the left. Than in quarter sleeves blue mini. Beautiful again in green Sportmax dress and in white Amanda Wakeley frock. On the right side in dot dress with Jennifer Carpenter in white.
Different looks but I love them all! Emilia Clarke in hot Christopher Kane dress, Elizabeth Olsen in Balenciaga, Emily Blunt in Wes Gordon. Emily VanCamp in A.L.C sleeveless top, J Brand skinny leather leggings and black and white Christian Louboutin Paulina heels. Scarlett Johansson in floral Versace.
Firstly Anna Paquin in black David Koma dress, than posing with Jennifer Lawrence and Halle Berry at the 20th Century Fox X-Men: Days of Future Past panel. Anna and Jennifer both wore Alexander McQueen. We've seen Jennifer also in monochromatic ensemble by Proenza Schouler. Lily Collins looked bold in cropped top and high-waisted, A-line shorts by Paper London.
Tree looks from Hailee Steinfeld and two from Shailene Woodley. Hailee wore red eye-print maxi Kenzo dress, green and white printed long-sleeve top with a contrasting blue and white trumpet skirt with by Bibhu Mohapatra and in black and white Michael Kors top and cropped pants. I love Kenzo dress!
Shailene in all black: a 3.1 Philip Lim top and Ernest Sewn black jeans. Plus jeans combo with white shirt, a Pilgrim hat and Robert Clergerie shoes.
Aimee Teegarden in black and white trendy dress, Cobie Smulders in L’Wren Scott, Emilie de Ravin in the middle, Olivia Munn and Minka Kelly in Thakoon.
Keri Russell, Zoe Saldana in Balmain, Hayley Atwell in Burberry Prorsum, Jane Levy in a Saloni jumpsuit and Lyndsy Fonseca in white see through jumpsuit.
Eva Green was twice in blue and once in black and white outfit. McQueen's sleevless dress looked amazing on her! Juie Benz and Jena Malone also in navy blue.
The Vampire Diaries cast. Kat Graham in Belle Sauvage dress, while Nina Dobrev in black-orange geometric zigzag print dress by Matthew Williamson pre-fall 2013. Love it! Candice Accola in simple pastel combo.
At Entertainment Weekly’s Celebration. Kat and Candice posed with Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. Nina Dobrev in playful Sachin + Babi Resort 2014 top and shorts. Plus Claire Holt in all white and Phoebe Tonkin.
One of my favorite was Yvonne Strahovski. She was promoting film I Frankenstein and Dexter. She wore a Rachel Zoe top and DVF skirt on the left. Than in quarter sleeves blue mini. Beautiful again in green Sportmax dress and in white Amanda Wakeley frock. On the right side in dot dress with Jennifer Carpenter in white.
Different looks but I love them all! Emilia Clarke in hot Christopher Kane dress, Elizabeth Olsen in Balenciaga, Emily Blunt in Wes Gordon. Emily VanCamp in A.L.C sleeveless top, J Brand skinny leather leggings and black and white Christian Louboutin Paulina heels. Scarlett Johansson in floral Versace.
Firstly Anna Paquin in black David Koma dress, than posing with Jennifer Lawrence and Halle Berry at the 20th Century Fox X-Men: Days of Future Past panel. Anna and Jennifer both wore Alexander McQueen. We've seen Jennifer also in monochromatic ensemble by Proenza Schouler. Lily Collins looked bold in cropped top and high-waisted, A-line shorts by Paper London.
Tree looks from Hailee Steinfeld and two from Shailene Woodley. Hailee wore red eye-print maxi Kenzo dress, green and white printed long-sleeve top with a contrasting blue and white trumpet skirt with by Bibhu Mohapatra and in black and white Michael Kors top and cropped pants. I love Kenzo dress!
Shailene in all black: a 3.1 Philip Lim top and Ernest Sewn black jeans. Plus jeans combo with white shirt, a Pilgrim hat and Robert Clergerie shoes.
Aimee Teegarden in black and white trendy dress, Cobie Smulders in L’Wren Scott, Emilie de Ravin in the middle, Olivia Munn and Minka Kelly in Thakoon.
Keri Russell, Zoe Saldana in Balmain, Hayley Atwell in Burberry Prorsum, Jane Levy in a Saloni jumpsuit and Lyndsy Fonseca in white see through jumpsuit.
Eva Green was twice in blue and once in black and white outfit. McQueen's sleevless dress looked amazing on her! Juie Benz and Jena Malone also in navy blue.
The Vampire Diaries cast. Kat Graham in Belle Sauvage dress, while Nina Dobrev in black-orange geometric zigzag print dress by Matthew Williamson pre-fall 2013. Love it! Candice Accola in simple pastel combo.
At Entertainment Weekly’s Celebration. Kat and Candice posed with Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. Nina Dobrev in playful Sachin + Babi Resort 2014 top and shorts. Plus Claire Holt in all white and Phoebe Tonkin.
Friday, 26 July 2013
Happy Birthday - Kate Beckinsale (40)
Happy 40th Birthday to foxy Kate Beckinsale!
Quick facts:
- born in London, England;
- when she was five, her 31-year-old father died suddenly of a heart attack;
- she has a paternal half-sister, Samantha;
- had a nervous breakdown and developed anorexia at the age of 15;
- studied French and Russian literature while a student at Oxford;
- was in a eight-year relationship with actor Michael Sheen from 1995 until 2003; they have a daughter Lily (14-years old);
- since 2004 she's married to an American film director Len Wiseman;
- doesn't like alcohol but smokes since the age of 16 (she only stopped for three years after becoming pregnant);
- last year we saw her in Contraband, Underworld: Awakening and Total Recall;
- this year we can expect her in the legal drama The Trials of Cate McCall;
- she's currently filming a thriller Eliza Graves.
Did you notice she just loves the high ponytails? Yea, me too :)
I love Kate's sense of humor and style! Definitely one of those actresses I would like to hang out with. And with Len they're still a hot couple in love! Happy birthday Kate and all the best in the future!
Also celebrating today: Sandra Bullock (49), Helen Mirren (68), Kevin Spacey (54), Jeremy Piven (48), Mick Jagger (70) and Olivia Williams (45).
Quick facts:
- born in London, England;
- when she was five, her 31-year-old father died suddenly of a heart attack;
- she has a paternal half-sister, Samantha;
- had a nervous breakdown and developed anorexia at the age of 15;
- studied French and Russian literature while a student at Oxford;
- was in a eight-year relationship with actor Michael Sheen from 1995 until 2003; they have a daughter Lily (14-years old);
- since 2004 she's married to an American film director Len Wiseman;
- doesn't like alcohol but smokes since the age of 16 (she only stopped for three years after becoming pregnant);
- last year we saw her in Contraband, Underworld: Awakening and Total Recall;
- this year we can expect her in the legal drama The Trials of Cate McCall;
- she's currently filming a thriller Eliza Graves.
Did you notice she just loves the high ponytails? Yea, me too :)
I love Kate's sense of humor and style! Definitely one of those actresses I would like to hang out with. And with Len they're still a hot couple in love! Happy birthday Kate and all the best in the future!
Also celebrating today: Sandra Bullock (49), Helen Mirren (68), Kevin Spacey (54), Jeremy Piven (48), Mick Jagger (70) and Olivia Williams (45).
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Ways to burn calories
I hope you're keeping up with your workout routine despite the summer heat and find some quality time for you body. This summer I'm not only running but mixing it up even more: jump rope, tabata, yoga, fitness blender exercises, etc. Do what you can with what you have and no excuses... it's still better to do a little, than nothing!
And if you don't feel like doing conventional type of workouts you can try some suggestions presented in the video. Funny but they work, I guess :)
Keep on good work!
And if you don't feel like doing conventional type of workouts you can try some suggestions presented in the video. Funny but they work, I guess :)
Keep on good work!
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Happy Birthday - Jennifer Lopez (44)
Triple threat Jennifer Lopez is celebrating her 44th birthday today!
Quick facts:
- she's been married 3 times (Ojani Noa, Cris Judd and Marc Anthony);
- with Marc they have twins, son Maximilian and a daughter Emme;
- is in a relationship with her former back-up dancer Casper Smart since October 2011;
- was nominated for Golden Globe for her performance in film Selena (1997);
- in June she receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
- we last saw her in movie Parker, next year she will be in drama The 33 beside Antonio Banderas and Martin Sheen.
This time I decided to pick 5 old Jen's videos. I remember watching MTV and Jen always had cool ones. Meanwhile you can dance to her latest song Live it up.
1. Waiting For Tonight
2. Play
3. Ain't It Funny (Alt Version)
4. Jenny from the Block
5. Ain't It Funny
What is your favorite Jen's video?
Quick facts:
- she's been married 3 times (Ojani Noa, Cris Judd and Marc Anthony);
- with Marc they have twins, son Maximilian and a daughter Emme;
- is in a relationship with her former back-up dancer Casper Smart since October 2011;
- was nominated for Golden Globe for her performance in film Selena (1997);
- in June she receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
- we last saw her in movie Parker, next year she will be in drama The 33 beside Antonio Banderas and Martin Sheen.
This time I decided to pick 5 old Jen's videos. I remember watching MTV and Jen always had cool ones. Meanwhile you can dance to her latest song Live it up.
1. Waiting For Tonight
2. Play
3. Ain't It Funny (Alt Version)
4. Jenny from the Block
5. Ain't It Funny
What is your favorite Jen's video?