Monday 31 March 2014

photo thought of the day

Movie review - 300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

300: Rise of an Empire (2014) / fantasy, war, action, drama

Directed by Noam Murro
Screenplay by Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad
Based on Xerxes (unpublished) by Frank Miller
Produced by Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Bernie Goldmann
Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, Rodrigo Santoro, Jack O'Connell, Andrew Tiernan, Igal Naor, Andrew Pleavin
Trailer: click.

Forgettable fail!

PLOT
Follow-up to the 2007 film 300 is taking place before, during and after the events of that film. A naval commander Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) is trying to reunite Greece while Artemisia (Eva Green) and Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) seek revenge.

REVIEW
It may delivers all the necessary elements: action-packed (a lot of fight scenes and blood), cool visuals, strong characters but it still fails. Zero stoy (funny enough even simple stories doesn't make much sense), two dimensional characters, no real history facts, over all uninspired empty film. Hate to say it but Sullivan was so disappointing. He just didn't bring charismatic likeble heroic presence of a lead. You're like: seriously, I should root for him?! Why? Meanwhile Eva was terrific and a joy to watch. Don't get me wrong. I know that kind of genre is not about great script or to be meaningful but the only thing epic about this movie is how much it fails. 2/5


Sunday 30 March 2014

photo thought of the day


Weekly health tip: Put on exercise gear!

You just got from work, you're feeling tired and only a tought of working out makes you exhausted. Stop thinking so much and just put on exercise gear. You're thinking again what would that do for me instead of just do it! :)

Even researchers have found that by simply putting on exercise clothes, you are more likely to get into the right frame of mind to start exercising.



Sports clothing can really make a mental difference! If you have sport clothes that you love and think that look great... Well, that's even better for your motivation because you want to wear them and already feel good in them! Putting on sweatpants, colorful t-shirt and cool snickers will give you drive and confidence like you're born athlete.




Another excuse resolved! Change your clothes and GO! And if you just checked the clock... It's always a good time for workout ;)

Movie review - To the Wonder (2012)

To the Wonder (2012) / romance, drama

Directed and Written by Terrence Malick
Produced by Nicolas Gonda and Sarah Green
Starring: Olga Kurylenko, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Javier Bardem, Tatiana Chiline, Charles Baker, Romina Mondello
Trailer: click.

Even beautiful images get irritating!

PLOT
Neil (Ben Affleck) is an American traveling in Europe who in Paris meets and falls in love with Marina (Olga Kurylenko), a Ukrainian divorcée who is living with her 10-year-old daughter Tatiana (Tatiana Chiline). Neil invites them to his native Oklahoma, fairytale romance continues but also ends. For now?

REVIEW
I'm open to differnet and artistic approaches but beautiful images and whispers are not enough for a good film (too much beauty, zero content). Cinematography has already been seen before and it actually gets annoying. Marina is dancing all the time, Neil hardly speaks a word. Love seems so superficial, one-dimensional, stereotypical and without a deep emotions and connections. The religious undertone is even worse. I don't mind putting puzzles together (there are no dialogues) but when I get blank final image I'm not happy. Pretentious and dull! 2/5


Saturday 29 March 2014

photo thought of the day


First Spring manicure

''Is something wrong?'' asks a friend.
Me: ''No? Why?''
''Becasue it's been a while since I last saw you wearing a nail polish.''
I laugh out loud.

As you propably know, I love nail polishes and colors so if my nails are nude friends assume that something is wrong. Funny right? If I have a lot of work I usually explain them or have same color for longer period but my nails have been totally nude for a few months now.

So what's wrong?
Well, my nails have been cracking and splitting so much I just had to do something. I guess I was over exaggerating with manicures, ingredients in nail polishes and removers can be aggressive so I just decided to give them a break. At first it was quite difficult (it was so weird to look at my nails and they were nude!) but I got over it. Also I didn't feel excited about most winter shades.

But now, colors are back and I'm happy! For my first Spring manicure I used Catrice's nail polish 540 Am I Blue Or green? Lovely pastel color. And to be honest I was a bit clumsy painting my nails because it was a while since my last manicure.







So yeey! I'm back with manicures and can't wait for more colorful Spring/Summer shades. I'm okey and hopefully my nails are and will stay that way too!

Friday 28 March 2014

photo thought of the day


Movie review - Ender's Game (2013)

Ender's Game (2013) / sci-fi, adventure

Directed and Screenplay by Gavin Hood
Based on Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Produced by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Gigi Pritzker, Linda McDonough, Robert Chartoff, Lynn Hendee, Orson Scott Card, Ed Ulbrich
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin, Aramis Knight, MoisĂ©s Arias
Trailer: click.

A solid sci-fi flick!

PLOT
Unusually gifted kid Andrew "Ender" Wiggin (Asa Butterfield) is sent to an advanced military academy in outer space to prepare for a future alien invasion. He draws the attention of Colonel Hyrum Graff (Harrison Ford) and Major Gwen Anderson (Viola Davis) when he cleverly defeats one of his classmates (Stilson palyed by Caleb J. Thaggard) in a space battle simulation. Ender finds himself often alienated and must overcome incredible pressure from everywhere.

REVIEW
Firstly, I haven't read the book so my opinion is based only on the film itself. What I liked about it is definitely performance by Asa because he was great once again. Visuals were amazing with exciting CGI an the ending (final epilogue) is very good. Negatives. Movies seems rushed and leaves no time for character progression (you have no sense of who any of the characters are) and the growth of friendships. Relationships are just left at the surface level while the story is happening too fast and confusing at times. It could also been even more thought-provokingif you ask me. That being said, the movie falls into average but still quite enjoyable category. 3/5


Thursday 27 March 2014

photo thought of the day


Movie review - August: Osage County (2013)

August: Osage County (2013) / drama

Directed by John Wells
Written by Tracy Letts
Based on August: Osage County by Tracy Letts
Produced by George Clooney, Jean Doumanian, Grant Heslov, Steve Traxler, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein
Starring: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Juliette Lewis, Julianne Nicholson, Sam Shepard, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper, Abigail Breslin, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney, Misty Upham
Trailer: click.

Tense. Dysfunctional.

PLOT
This is the story of the Weston family. When Beverley (Sam Shepard) dies, the family gathers but tensions and unsorted issues get loose. Violet (Meryl Streep) has now became widow, plus she's a drug-addicted cancer patient. Than we have their daughters Barbara (Julia Roberts), Karen (Juliette Lewis) and Ivy (Julianne Nicholson); Violet's sister Minnie Fae Aiken (Margo Martindale), her husband Charles (Chris Cooper) and their son, known as Little Charles (Benedict Cumberbatch). Crazy and even sick secrets and stories are revealed so be prepared for anything.

REVIEW
First of all, Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts performances are magnificent! So poweful and real. Brilliant! If you ask me both could get an Oscar. Other cast members were excellent as well. Amazing acting ensemble for sure. Moving forward to the story. It's dark, exhausting, intense, quite depressing and tragicomical at times but the roles are so strong and acting so terrific, that you don't want to miss it. Then again, I'm not sure the casual viewers will like it because it's not your typical entertainment. 4/5


Wednesday 26 March 2014

photo thought of the day




The Face! Which one is your favorite: US, UK or AU?

Last year Tv series THE FACE premiered. In case you didn't hear about it: it's a reality television modeling competition series that follows three supermodel coaches as they compete with each other to find 'the face' of a make-up brand (similar to The Voice). 12 model hopefuls are divided into three teams and whoever team wins the challenge is safe from the elimination. Each mentor of losing teams must nominate one girl from her team and the mentor of the winning team decides who'll stay. Yep, it's not easy!

In first US season mentors were Naomi CampbellCoco Rocha and Karolina Kurkova. The first winner that now represents ULTA beauty cosmetics is 21 year-old single mom Devyn Abdullah (coached by Karolina Kurkova).



This month season two started! Still hosted by Nigel Barker but the show welcomed two new mentors, Anne Vyalitsyna and Lydia Hearst while Naomi remains. Model that wins will be next face of FrĂ©dĂ©ric Fekkai Hair Care Line. In addition to this amazing prize, the winner will also get a feature article in Elle magazine.


In case you didn't start watching it yet here are teams:
Team NAOMI: Kira Dikhtyar, Afiya Bennett, Alana Duval and Felisa Wiley
Team ANNE: Isabelle Bianchi, Sharon Gallardo, Khadidiatou "Khadisha" Gaye and Tiana Zarlin
Team LYDIA: Nakisha Bromfield, Allison Milar, Amanda Gullickson and Rachel "Ray" Clanton

Until now, standout for me is 20 year old Tiana Zarlin from San Diego, CA (Team Anne).



I was even more happy to find out The Face Australia started also! Besides Naomi we have two Australian model coaches, Cheyenne Tozzi and Nicole Trunfio. Model that wins will be next face of Fresh Effects by Olay.


Team NAOMI: Brittaney Johnston, Chantal Monaghan, Ruth Willmer and Sarah Tilleke
Team CHEYENNE: Natalie Roser, Nikolina Kovacevic, Olivia Donaldson and Yaya Deng
Team NICOLE: Anouska Freedman, Melise Williams, Shenika Rule and Susan Yovan

Until now, standout for me is 18 year old Sarah Tilleke from Perth (Team Naomi).



There was also The Face UK tv series. Naomi compete with Caroline Winberg and Erin O'Connor. The Face of Max Factor became 17 year old Emma Holmes from Canterbury (Team Naomi).


I was positive surprised with UK models and Naomi seemed most relaxed (if I can use that word:)) with Caroline and Erin. It was competition but they had some laughs together. I'm very excited for Aussie models as well but it's hard to be more specific after only two episodes. American ladies have potential as well (this group is even better than in the first season). Definitelly looking forward for what's to come!

Which of The Face Tv show is your favorite?

Last week's favorite looks (March 17 - 23)

We're in the middle of the week so it's time you see my last week's favorite looks (March 17 - 23).


Jennifer Lopez looked gorgeous in figure-hugging light-blue SAFiYAA dress with gazaar inserts. She wore it for American Idol XIII Top 10 live performance show.



Claire Holt at the PaleyFest panel for tv show The Originals at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The Australian star who announced she's leaving the series wore a Zimmermann floral jumpsuit with an elastic waist and a scuba back.

Meanwhile Emma Watson in chic, silk, long-sleeved, V-neck black-and-white J. Mendel jumpsuit at the premiere of film Noah in Madrid, Spain. Emma accessorized the look with Gianvito Rossi blac PVC slip-on pumps, dark red lips and side-swept tresses.



Olga Fonda while attending [BLANKNYC] SS’14 celebration in Los Angeles. She wore a jeans and a white jacket from already mentioned brand while she kept shirt and ankle boots in black color.

Plus two casual street outfits. Nicole Scherzinger at LAX international airport in a see-through sweater over a white tank top with loose-fitting jeans and a trucker hat.

Naya Rivera in comfy Twenty Tees pants with a cool pair of black kicks while sipping on an iced coffee in Los Feliz, California.



Tuesday 25 March 2014

photo thought of the day


Movie review - Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Saving Mr. Banks (2013) / drama, biography, comedy

Directed by John Lee Hancock
Written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith
Produced by Alison Owen, Ian Collie and Philip Steuer
Starring: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Annie Rose Buckley, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, B. J. Novak, Ruth Wilson, Kathy Baker, Melanie Paxson, Rachel Griffiths
Trailer: click.

Charming!

PLOT
The film focuses on the development of the 1964 Walt Disney Studios film Mary Poppins. Filmmaker Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) would like to fulfil his daughter's wish and make a movie about Mary Poppins but it's its author Pamela ''P. L.'' Travers (Emma Thompson) who is financially struggling is not so fond of the idea. They try to make a settlement but negotiations are tough. Meanwhile in flashbacks we found out more about Pamela and her relationship with father Travers Robert Goff (Colin Farrell) and why Mary Poppins was so important to her.

REVIEW
What a wonderful film! Most of all I love the stoy and brilliant performances! At times hilarious, yet very touching and emotional at other stages. It makes you laugh, cry and really feel. Just beautiful, tender and so watchable! Simplly delightful, likable and one of my favorite movies in 2013. I highly recommend it! 4/5


Monday 24 March 2014

photo thought of the day


Movie review - Her (2013)

Her (2013) / drama, sci-fi, romance

Directed and Written by Spike Jonze
Produced by Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze and Vincent Landay
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson, Matt Letscher, Chris Pratt, Kristen Wiig
Trailer: click.

Love has no boundaries. Right?

PLOT
Set in the not-too-distant future, the film centers on Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) who develops a relationship with an intelligent computer operating system (OS) with a female voice and personality called Samantha (voice of Scarlett Johansson).

REVIEW
If you're looking for a movie that will make you feel and think at the same time, this is it. Her is without a doubt beautiful film in every single way. And don't be afraid the film is too sci-fi or unbelievable because that's not the case. Great original script with quirky cyber unique story about unconventional love, very good performances, direction and score. It's an interesting actual topic, thought provoking, you get involved and connect with characters. Overall good experience and must see film. 4/5



Interesting fact about shooting Her: Even though we only hear Scarlett's voice, she acted all the scenes with Joaquin physically. That's the reason why she sounds so believable and like she's actually there.

Sunday 23 March 2014

photo thought of the day


Weekly health tip: Get back up!

You've been working out properly but in the last period you've lost your discipline and stop with regular exercise. Maybe because of the work, maybe because you didn't feel like working out, you were uninspired because of the cold (winter), eat to much during holidays, etc.

Now you feel guilty, don't have any motivation and you are thinking like whatever...


Just STOP! Firstly, don't be so hard on yourself. There is nothing wrong if you take a break. Refocus, regroup and GET BACK UP! Start planing your workouts again, get moving and don't feel like all is lost because it isn't. You can do it!


Saturday 22 March 2014

photo thought of the day


Bye bye White Collar

This week I've been writing about the upcoming films but you also know I'm a huge fan of TV series. I think many times TV actors are underappreciated and the competition is really stiff. A few days back we found out one of my favorite TV shows White Collar will end after forthcoming 6th season :( I know everything must come to an end at some point but of course I hate to see my favorite tv show ending. Dexter, Breaking Bad... it sux.

In case you didn't know. The show was created by Jeff Eastin, starring Tim DeKay as FBI special agent Peter Burke and Matt Bomer as Neal Caffrey, a highly intelligent and multi-talented con artist working as Peter's criminal informant.


ABOUT SEASON 6
The series will get a six episode final season. At least there will be a resolution to the season 5 finale cliffhanger, where we saw Matt‘s character Neal Caffrey get abducted.


WHY?
The reason for ending the series is that it is very costly for the USA Network as the network is responsible for all of the show’s budget, though it does not own the series. It's all about the money, money, money...


No need to say how sad 'Collars' are to see partnership between charming con artist Neal and straightforward FBI agent Peter come to an end. And the rest of awesome cast as well: Tiffani Thiessen as Elizabeth Burke, Willie Garson as Mozzie, Marsha Thomason as special agent Diana Berrigan and Sharif Atkins as special agent Clinton Jones... We're going to miss you guys! And we don't doubt six episodes of season 6th will be amazing!