FILM AND TELEVISION SHOWS: Starstruck // Sonny With A Chance

I'm sorry I haven't been on. It's been hectic lately! Anyway as promised, we're are going to have a STERLING KNIGHT fest girls. For those of you who are totally out of the Disney-loop and don't know who I am talking about, you'll recognise Mr. Knight in the Zac Efron film 17 Again. He plays Matthew Perry's son, Alex.

If not, I suggest you hire 17 Again or...


Starstruck starring: Sterling Knight and Danielle Campbell

Ever thought the life of a celebrity is only about the glitz and glamor? But for pop-star Christopher Wilde (Knight), it's all about the next step - which means doing everything it takes to prove that he's ready for a movie deal.

Now everyone knows that image is everything in the world of Tinseltown, but when Christopher comes across Jessica Olsen (Campbell), his purpose in life is tested. For a day Chris gets a taste of the normal life. But when the two worlds collide Christopher breaks Jessica's heart and Jessica turns her anger on the "prying mouths" of the tabloids.

But even Jessica can't deny that she's been Starstrucked.


This is definitely a typical Disney film. All good clean and fun, it's like High School Musical meets A Cinderella Story. But for what it's worth, it was much too fasted passed for my liking. I though the turn of events were well written but, overall too many things were happening one after the other.

Overall, a great cast dynamic, but the standout performance goes to Maggie Castle who plays, Sara Olsen - Jessica's sister. She definitely brought out the stereotypical "die-hard-fan" and brought to the classic Disney humour to the film. The other standout performer had to be new comer Danielle Campbell. She brought a delicate balance of the classic Disney heroine who is the perfect opposite to the male lead.

Fun Fact: The role for Christopher Wilde was actually given to Cody Linley (Jake Ryan of Hannah Montana), but was later given to Sterling.

sL star rating: 4 stars


SWAC: Episode 10 (Part II): Falling with the Falls starring: Demi Lovato, Sterling Knight, Tiffany Thornton, Brandon Smith, Doug Bruchu and Allisyn Ashley Arm.

Last episode, we saw Sonny falling in love with the number one show The Mackenzie Falls, this episode, we see Chad and Sonny on their first date!!! But is it all they've bargained for?

Both wanting a perfect date, as a result: DISASTER! You can almost hear the cast of So Random saying, "We TOLD YOU so!!!"

Is that all for the Greatest Actor of the Generation?

It's so good!!! Have a look:

It's about mid way, just go to YouTube to see the rest of it. :D

sL rating: 4 Stars




Next on sL: TOP 10 Chick Flicks chosen by YOU. :D

FILM: The Wedding Date // The Other Boleyn Girl //Julie and Julia

So as you know, I promised to write about the TOP 10 Chick Flicks as voted by you and my facebook friends. There's a lack in response at the moment so I decided to postpone the list until later - just like the Glee Finale.

So I decided to review three other movies in stead...


The Wedding Date starring: Debra Messing, Dermot Mulroney and Amy Adams with Peter Egan and Holland Taylor.

Kat (Messing) never thought she would ever need an excuse to ever dial a number of an escort, but 7 messages and $6000 later, Nick Mercer (Mulroney) was sitting right next to her on a plane to London for her sister's wedding.

Amy (Adams) is ecstatic! In a few days she going to be Mrs. Edward Fletcher-Wooten. Everything was perfect! - that is until a dark secret is unlocked a few days before the wedding. Tying past with the present and seemingly into the future - it seems as though Nick is not being payed enough for what he bargained for.


I don't really know what to think about this movie. I don't think I liked it very much, it's not that I didn't get it, I just didn't appreciate it as much as I though I would. But a shout-out to my friend Nardine who suggested it. I don't know about this one really.

It was an alright movie, just not my thing I think. LOL.

sL star rating: 3 stars

(Notice Natalie Portman's necklace is the same necklace America Ferrera wears for Ugly Betty.)

The Other Boleyn Girl starring: Natalie Portman, Scarlette Johansson and Eric Bana

Henry VIII (Bana) is renowned for his track record as a King who has the power to have any woman he wants and dispose of her in any matter. But this movie, based on Philippa Gregory's novel, relates a story on the possible rise of the famous, Anne Boleyne (Portman).

If you've got brothers and sisters you know what sibling rivalry feels like. In the Boleyn home, the Boleyn girls have been raised to prepare themselves for marriage. And with true historical fashion, they are raised to believe in the possibility of marrying above their ranks, therefore, the best sister must be placed forward - in the case of Henry VIII, Anne is the only eligible daughter due to Mary's (Johanssen) recent marriage to William Carey (Benedic Cumberbatch).

But in the turn of the events, the King takes a liking to the the younger Boleyn girl. Forced to enter the King's courts, Mary find herself also entering his personal chambers when ever he pleases. Loathing her sister even further, Anne is exiled due to unladylike conduct. In her return Anne has learnt the art of manipulation. But is her craft enough to win the heart of the King and the people?


Though based on a novel, their are true historical figures that most people know about in British History. Figures such as Ann Boleyn, Henry VIII and Katherine the Great. But this movie was really good in the way that the events are almost believable. I love the different portrayal of Anne Boleyn. Often she portrayed as just another figure in history. But this film shows her as a feisty and ambitious woman.

Along with that, I think Natalie Portman delivers a strong performance. Eric Bana played the role of Henry VIII very well, although I couldn't take him seriously in Henry VIII's signatured over-sized coat. Scarlette Johansson does her character justice in her timidness and her gentleness.

What annoyed me was May was the one who gave him a son and he still didn't marry her. I mean think about it, he just executed Anne - who bore him a daughter - it's a win-win situation. England gets an heir and a queen. LOL...but that's not the point of the story is it?


sL star rating: 4 stars


Julie and Julia starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina.

Ever felt like your life was going no where? Ever felt like you have no control of anything in your life? Welcome to the lives of Julia Childe and Julie Powell. Two women from different eras with a common interest, cooking.

Julia is in France and his trying her best to be more than what she was, so she decides to go to cooking school and work her way up the ranks. Julie on the other hand just wants a little bit more meaning in her life, so she decides to challenge herself.

With cooking school done, Julia's next endeavor is to get herself published as a cook. But it seems as though all she seems to receive are rejections. As life takes a toll on her goal to finish Julia Childe's cookbook in a year, Julie is almost convinced to give up.

So how does both story end?


This is a movie to see with your mum, although when I told my mum about it, she didn't seem interested. LOL. But it was so nice how well written it was. How the parallel worlds, though never once colliding, met because of similar encounters of life. It was a really good winter watch. Plus it inspired my to want to cook something, but I didn't. LOL.

I recommend it for the days to just want to feel warm and fussy. :D

sL star rating: 4 stars.


Next on sL: SWAC: Falling for the Falls - Part 2 and Starstruck, girls, we're going to have a Sterling Knight fest! Woohoo!!!

FILM: I Love You, Man

I don't now if there's such a thing as "guy-flicks" but I seriously think there should be. I mean think about it, "chick-flick". I guess I should make my own one up...hmmm...I got it!

"BROVIE® " it's a "Brovie".

BROVIE® (Bro-vee): A movie that is not under the "action" genre, but is very much enjoyed by mostly MALE audiences. (Definition by A. Kitong)

So if you're a guy and you know the movie you're watching is not an action film, or gory or even about war, but instead it's more like a guy version of something you've seen female friend watched and was a chick-flick, know that it's a Brovie®.

So, if you got all that...

I Love You, Man starring: Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones and Jason Segel

Peter's (Rudd) always been a lady's man - and by that we really mean a LADY'S MAN. He doesn't have a best friend and the only friends that he has seem to be tangible attachments who cares nothing about. Fiance, Zooey (Jones), is worried that he won't have anyone to stand by him at their up coming wedding.

So Peter goes in search for his best man.

In the twisted fate of coincidence, he meets Sydney Fife (Segel) at one of his open house. Finally finding someone, other than Zooey, who knows what he's thinking, Peter gets in-touch with his manly side for the first time.


This is a hilarious movie that I recommend any guy to see. As a girl I thought this was an awesome movie. But don't let my gender full you. This is seriously one of the best guy movie I have ever seen. It's full of guys humour (that I had to think really hard to get) and lots of manly things that don't even include anything dirty.

I really enjoyed watching this film. It is totally something that both guys and girls can appreciate.

sL star rating: 5 stars.

Next on sL: The Wedding Date, The Other Boleyn Girl and Julie and Julia

FILM: BandSLAM

So I have this theory that people who have been Disney-stars are stuck in a bubble. I mean, there's only a small percentage that escaped: Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake. People like: Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff and now Miley Cyrus - along with the cast of HSM, are unders harsher criticism. It's like Shirley Temple all over again - you know, they changed her birth year to make her appear younger and kept making her dress shorter so it looked like she wasn't aging at all, until her parents decided enough was enough. But you know, Miss Temple made her own decision later on to go back into the limelight.

See the difference between Shirley Temple and these Disney starlets is that she knew what the limelight was like. She started really, really young, these Disney stars started when they were still trying to figure out what they want. Take Miley for example - she was 12 when she started being Hannah Montana and now she realises that she doesn't want to be "just-Hannah" she wants to be Miley. Her mistake? using her own name for the show and then changing it in real life. I mean common! If you want to be separated from your character stick to the script -ZOE Stewart.

With the cast of HSM I say they've got a better chance, they've been doing other films and television appearances before the musical - Efron: Summer Land and Hudgens: Thunderbirds. The thing is the only person doomed to be a Disney protege for life is Ashley Tisdale. She's been on the Disney channel for ages. I suppose she's blessed with some kind of eternal youth. But the good thing with Tisdale is the fact that's loyal to Disney, that's why she's been kept on for ages.

Anyway...

(I picked this picture is it resonates the non-Disney feel. The other one just didn't cut it. :P)

BandSLAM starring: Gaelan Connell, Alyson Machalka, Vanessa Hudgens and Lisa Kudrow

Ever felt the need to be invisible? Will (Connell) has. But when his mum (Kudrow) gets another awesome opportunity, they pack up their past life and saddle up for a new one. With Billy Idol as his constant guide (even if he doesn't reply to his e-mails) Will faces a new town and new school with the same skepticism that he's carried with him.

When an unexpected Samaritan by the name of Charlotte Banks (Machalka), asks for his help, he finds himself creating a new life for himself. His new identity as I can't go on, I will go on's MANAGER for this year's Band SLAM competition, he twists his past life to gain full approval.

But as fate would have it, Will has twisted fate's hand far to hard and now she's ready to unwind and hit him back with the truth.


To be honest, I thought this movie was going to be a real bore. I new it wasn't a Disney film, which I was really happy about. I like to see Disney people breaking out from the Micky-mold and experiencing other things. But the reason I thought it would be a bore was because I've seen so many movies like this already. I mean there was nothing new that the trailers presented. They only reason I watched it was to see all the funny parts in the trailer.

But I genuinely thought it was an awesome movie. I thought it was a good excuse to really get up-coming bands to be known. I also liked the fact that the music was really at the centre. It reminded me of my views with School of Rock. I though that movie was going to be boring too - I think I have this view with movies that seem to be aimed at kids - but it was a really EPIC film.

I will say that the other reason I saw this movie was to see how well Disney stars, Alyson Michalka and Venessa Hudgens go without the stereotypical Disney vibe. Sometimes a movie can do that. But honestly, they did really well. But I think the out-standing performance goes to Ryan Donowho, who plays "Basher" Martin, the drummer. I thought he was just awesome! LOL.

sL star rating: 4.5 Stars


Next on sL: I Love You, Man and why there such things are "guy-films" beyond the action genre.

FILM AND TELEVISION SHOWS: Cinderella III - A Twist in Time // Love Happens // Sonny with a Chance

So this time I thought I'd take a ride down memory lane with Cinderella III: A Twist in Time. The funny thing is, I totally forgot how the first Disney movie was. Since there's been so many versions today, I got lost in all the idea of "same story - different life" or the whole "modern take" on things. For once, I would like a normal version of a classic fairytale to be told. In saying that though, I can't wait for the release of Beastly starring Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary-Kate Olsen and (get this!) NEIL PATRICK HARRIS!!! I will be honest, been a big Pettyfer fan since Stormbreaker, but really going to watch this movie for Neil Patrick Harris! LOL.

Anyway, the story behind Love Happens is I saw the add for it and thought it'd be an awesome watch. So that's why I'm talking about that today. As for Sonny with a Chance: Ep 10 Part 1: Falling for the Falls it's just 'cause I like this show better than any other Disney show at the moment. :D So...

Cinderella III: A Twist In Time voices of: Jennifer Hale, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Holland Taylor and Gina Tuttle.

On the eve of their one year anniversary, Cinderella (Hale) and Prince Charming (Barnes) receive an unwanted gift from Cinderella's step-mother (Taylor). By the twisted hand of fate, Cinderella's evil step sister, Anastasia (Tuttle), gets her hand on Fairy-godmother's wand. Seeing her opportunity to get what she's always dreamed, Evil step-mommy rewinds time to when the grand duke enters their home to allow the girls to try on the glass slipper.

With 'a bitty-bopity-boo' Anastasia's enormous foot slides into the glass slipper. But they're going to need more than a glass slipper to fit this fairytale. Magic may have brought them into the palace and help Prince Charming forget about Cinderella, but can true love really brake all boundaries in order for the two people who are meant to be together to end up together in the end?

The Answer: Y.E.S. - that is, according to Disney.

I thought this was a really cute movie. Granted, I know that fairy-tales are as the name suggest "fairy" = non-realistic (imagined) and "tales" = stories, but you have to admit, there are some truths and messages that these stories embed.

I mean, when I grew up to know that fairy-tales were just mythological tales told to pass time and entertain the people, I thought they weren't worth listening to. But I still had to ask myself, it these stories are so worthless, then why do people still re-tell them and hell, make movies from them?

My conclusion?

It's because, when you pull away all the non-realistic stuff, when all the fairy dust is shaken off, there's elements that we can connect with. Elements like:

• Hope, when all else fails - the fact that even if life gets you down, there's always someone willing to help, granted, they may not be humming birds or other talking animals, but they're there. In a kind stranger, your neighbour, or even the person you never thought would forgive you.
• Prince Charming is worth the wait - sure, we all believed at one stage that we were the princess in pink or yellow or even a fishtail, and the guy we had a crush on would sweep us off our feet and we would share "true love's FIRST kiss", but as we grow we tend to find that some frogs, were not our Prince Charming. Sometimes, it even takes divorce or bad reality check before we realise that we were just flies in a pool of frogs. But I think the lesson we need to learn from fairy-tales with princes and princesses, is that, "true love" is not a myth. Patience always leads us to the right one, often we like to beat the clock and a tell the hands of time when to tick. Sometimes, we just have to let time take its course and maybe it hands will bind ours with our true loves.
• Happily ever after IS a myth - I mean let's look at stories in general, there's always a beginning, middle and end. So often in life we forget about the middle and go straight to the end. I always hate it when people go straight to the end of the book to see how it ends because they can't handle the suspense or the boring parts. It's the middle that makes the end memorable. what I mean is, it's the struggles in life that allows us to enjoy the overall out come. "Happily Ever After" is open to whenever we enter a new door in life. "Ever After" is the key in this ending phrase, "Happily" is the momentary state. If all relationships had "Happily Ever Afters" then Eve never took that forbidden fruit and gave it to her husband.

But this is the point, this movie was about making our own happy endings and chasing someone else's true love, only to find, that that's not what we wanted at all. Overall, the story was about the fact that we can't rewind time to what we want and change the course of things so that we can have the life we want. Things happen because they're suppose to, not because we want them to.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 5 Stars (Disney pulls the heart strings!)

Which is no shocker when I talk about:

Sonny with a Chance: Season 2: Episode 10 (Part 1): Falling for the Falls staring: Demi Lovato, Sterling Knight, Tiffany Thorton, Brandon Smith, Doug Brochu, Allisyn Ashley Arm and Nancy McKeon.

The episode begins with Sonny (Lovato) and her mum (McKeon) fighting over watching the McKenzie Falls. Sonny sees it as a betrayal against So Random while her mum thinks she needs to give the show a chance. But when The Falls drama hits Sonny's attention, she is hooked and becomes an official "McFalls fan".

As they catch Sonny out, the cast of So Random fight for the sake to keep her "pure" and keep the wedge between the two shows alive. But little do they know that "giving McFalls a chance" also means giving Chad Dylan Cooper (Knight) a chance to date Sonny.

How will this pan out with Part 2 of this episode? Will Sonny and Chad hit it off? Will and So Random and McKenzie Falls fall apart because to star-crossed lovers are about to unite?

I just can't wait for the next half!!! OMG!!! I'm thinking, "FINALLY! As if fans of SWAC never saw this coming!" It's one of those moments where you know it's going to happen, you just don't know when. And with Sonny and Chad, it's been a long time coming.

I would have to say this is a very sweet episode, there are just elements that were witty and were just totally called for.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 5 stars.

Love Happens starring: Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston

Chapter One: When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade my friends. Burke Ryan (Eckhart) is renowned for his best seller, "A-Okay". In Seattle to promote his book and get a better publishing deal, Burk finds his way into the one place he can't face - reality. Living a lie and hawking in the fame and fortune, Burk also finds his way back into the dating game.

Eloise Chandler (Aniston) is a florist who always seems to find herself in dead-ended relationships. But with the strange encounter with Burke, she finds herself in a different light. But seeing past Burke's mask, Eloise pushes him to face his biggest fears, just like he pushes his readers to do so.

Maybe, writing about how you deal with grief is more than just know what to write or what you wrote, maybe it's about experiencing what you you're writing about.


This story got me because it wasn't the typical chick flick. I think if you've felt loss or even lied about something and told people, "I'm fine." you'll relate to this story. It's not even about the love story between two people, it about the love story between the inter-connection of people. It's about facing the fact that we need people - we need to be with people and not isolate ourselves.

It depicts an essence of life that people don't see. With the hidden messages from the characters and the cinematography itself, the film captures what it means to really be human. The fact of the matter is, we make mistakes, it's not learning from those mistakes is what brakes us. That's the essence of this film. Reality.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 5 stars.

Wow! Lot's of fivers!

Next on sL: BandSLAM and Passion: AWAKENING - Chris Tomlin along with other artist create the most amazing album ever!

PS. Sorry about the Gleelay - yes, I did just do that - but it's because Australia's been delayed by a week due to another show, so I'll have that review for you ASAP. :D

FILM: Prince of Persia // Dear John // Last Song

Alright, so a lot to get through today. So let's get right down to business.

Prince of Persia: The Sand of Time staring: Jack Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton and Ben Kingsley

Based on the famous video game, Prince of Persia, we follow the ascent of a peasant boy from the slums of the streets of Persia to the palace. Dustan (Gyllenhaal) finds himself in a world full of duty and honour.

In search of unauthorised arms against the Persian empire, Dustan and his brothers lay siege on the Holy City of Alamut, where something greater than arms lies. But when certain tern of events leave "murderer" stamped across Persia's Lion's forehead, Dustan is forced to flee from the city and into a quest to finding out who tainted his image and why.

In true action fashion, a few red-herrings are let lose and The Sands of Time are let falling fast before an Armageddon is unleashed all over the world. With only the aid of the Holy Princess, Tamina (Arterton), Dustan must race against time and stop the great dagger that holds the precious sand into getting in the wrong hands.


This movie is EPIC! I am telling you it's worth watching. I've played the game (for like 5 minutes) and I'm telling you, the movie is pretty accurate. In the game you've got this annoying chick just talking in the background reminding you what to do - and they've captured that well with Gemma Arterton's character, Tamina.

There's a minor love story intertwined with this film, but not too much - which leave more room for all the fighting and sword fights. It's a really well crafted film. Tops to Boaz Yakin, Doug Miro, Carlo Bernard and (of course) game creator, Jordan Mencher for their collaborative scree adaptation of this video game.

It was a great casting team as well. They all worked really well together. The costumes were authentic and I have to say the highlight was all the parkour stuff that they did. Have a look:

It's just insane! And it's all REAL - no joke! People do this for fun man.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 5 stars


Now I'm going to talk about what I'd like to call, THE NICHOLAS SPARKS EMPIRE. I mean this guy is a chick-book-into-movie genius - no joke right? I mean let's make a list:

1. 1999: Message in a Bottle - actually haven't seen this movie, although granted, I was 8 years old when it came out. Wasn't much into teen movies back then. But I will attach a trailer: 

As you can see, for those of us who only know his recent "must reads", it has that typical "Spark" alright.

1. 2002: A Walk To Remember - who does not know this movie. If you don't I say go and hire it right now. Herald as one of the classics I would beg to differ. For those who haven't seen the 1970 film Love Story go hire that and compare it to Sparks' creation. Truth be told, I loved this movie - most girls do. For those who don't I'm not sure why you don't, but it's the same for all chick flicks though isn't it? For some people to love one and hate the other. Can't blame if you do.
2. 2004: The Notebook - men and women have all seen this film. It's another one of those movies herald as a classic. Again, if you haven't seen it go hire it and make your own judgment. I liked it, but I didn't cry in it - I got teary, but that's it really. LOL.
3. 2008: Nights in Rhodanthe - Again, didn't see this one. Here's the trailer: 

You know, I've seen this ad so many times in 2008 and it's never been as appealing to see until now. Isn't that weird?

1. 2010: Dear John AND The Last Song - Two in one year, now THAT is impressive. I did see both actually and I must say I enjoyed both, but before I review them both I will say that the ironic thing is that the leads in both movies were NOT the stand out performers. There supporting cast were BETTER - so I suggest when they come out in DVD and Blu-ray go hire them out.

So...

Dear John staring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried and Richard Jenkins

When two strangers meet unlikely over the summer, a love so strong is formed. But when fall settles in and education calls along with your country, love comes under fire - in the war zone and the world of emotions.

John Tyree (Tatum) and Savannah Curtis (Seyfried) envelope the hearts and send them to each other over the course of six months. When John finally gets a chance to come home, the evens of 9/11 occur. Forced to choose between a life back at home with Savannah or to serve his country, John pleads with Savannah to continue to send him her heart.

But a lot happens in two years. People change. Places change. Love Changes. When Savannah gives John a final piece of her heart, he decides to burn all of it. But when his father (Jenkins) suffers from a stroke, John realises that perhaps, his heart was never really full enough to give to someone else. Writing his final letter, he finally gives his father the love that he deserves.


Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, I'd have to say I was a great film. But the standout performance was definitely from Richard Jenkins, Mr. Tyree. He plays John's autistic father who's obsessed with coins. His portrayal of that character just blew my mind away. He was just so authentic and never faltered.

Overall, I though it was a good story, the had a good progression of the plot and was not hard to follow. It was really well written. I didn't feel that Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried had much chemistry though. They grew into their characters, but I definitely thing that Amanda out-shined Channing. Channing was a bit awkward in this role, I mean he played the soldier character well, I'm just not so sure that he carried the "boyfriend" role really well. But he wasn't too bad.

stricklyLeisure star ratting: 4.5 Stars


The Last Song starring: Miley Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, Liam Hemsworth, Kelly Preston and Bobby Coleman

Ronnie Miller (Cyrus) has heard all the promises before. She tired of hearing them again and again and then the promises never follow through. Stuck with her father for the summer, she has to find a way to survive the torment of the remnants of broken dreams of a happy family.

Her brother Jonah (Coleman) seems content and glad to be with their father (Kinnear) this summer and spends everyday with him. In the course of events, Ronnie finds herself. She finds herself, through an unlikely figure (Hemsworth) who allows her to find herself in what she use to love - music. What Ronnie also finds, is love - not just for Will, but also for her father.

In a world where possibilities seem limited; where lives seem fragile Ronnie finds the strength to carry on.


Not as well written as Dear John, but it had a good storyline. (Fun Fact:) This movie was actually written FOR Miley. She said she wanted to be in a movie that was similar to A Walk To Remember and viola! Nicholas Sparks give her Life As A House - if you haven't seen that movie hire it. Seriously! No joke there is like a resemblance. (Is it weird that I seem to watch a lot of movies?)

But I can say that it is a tear jerker. Reason is, I think we as humans relate at any level to loss. So if we've ever felt that kind of pain, something in us will be prompted. Oh! Outstanding performance came from Bobby Coleman and Greg Kinnear who play Ronnie's brother and father. They were just such a great team. They worked well off together and just had that real sense of emotion that each character needs - if you watch it you'll understand.

Miley doesn't really fit the "bad-ass" kinda role. I know her character is suppose to be this ice-queen, but really a nice person who just pushes people away, kinda thing, but she just didn't carry it well. As bold-as-it-is-say, I think she was way to love-struck by Australia's Liam Hemsworth. I'm only kidding. She just didn't feel the dramatic role, she's more of the fun-loving kind of actress on the screen. I think she's had a certain kind of loss, but I don't think she really related to her character.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 3.5 Stars

I ran out of time so...

Next on stricklyLEISURE: Love Happens when you have Sonny with a Chance: Falling for the Falls and Cinderella (III): [Takes] A Twist in Time.

Miley's Back-Up Plan with Justin

Ok...so this week the media's all up in the storm with Miley Cyrus - yet AGAIN. This time it's all about her new single, it's video clip and her performance. Obviously this is the first time Cyrus has come under fire. When Party in the USA came out she was under fire for her short-shorts and her alleged "pole-dancing". But this time, the Disney starlet has blown away her child-star past by continuing her path down "maturity lane".

Fighting to have her own identity as a soon-to-be adult, Miley has made enormous efforts to go beyond the world of Hannah Montana.



This was this weeks major controversial:



The allegation by the media is that she actually shares a "lesbian kiss" with one of her dancers.



Truth be told, she seems like she's re-enacting a scene from The Twilight Saga. Although in the eyes of the media, this act is just another way of diverting from her role as Hannah Montana.

Miley has defended her self on her blog saying:

"...during my performance, I supposedly 'kissed a girl' - this is the newest thing to cause controversy. I promise you I did not kiss her. It's ridiculous that two performers can't rock-out with each other without the media making it into some kind of story. I really hope my fans are not disappointed in me because the truth is, I did NOTHING wrong. I just went out there and did my job - which is to perform to the best of my ability. Just want to put an end on this ordeal right now. I just want to say one thing to everyone, that they're making this performance such a big deal...GET OVER IT. There are more important things in this world."

I understand that she's been wrongly accused and that the media does sometimes prey on her, but you have to admit, she put's herself out there. No one Tinsel Town said, "Oh, I think I want to be a role model when I grew up." No they first said, "Want to be a star," and then, "I want to be someone people can look up to." Some stars don't even realise that they are someone's role model.

Miley tends to forget that no matter at what age she is, she will always have younger girls looking up to her. If she's trying to imitate people like Madonna or Britney or Lady Gaga, she has to take into consideration that her age DOES matter. Madonna can dress in her leotards and fishnet stockings because it's her thing and she's old. Plus the fact that Madonna balances out her outfits - I mean hello suits.

Britney on the other hand was the icon during the 90s. She came in when jump-suits were still awesome and were down to our ankles. She also leaves all the crazy stuff to Gaga. Gaga on the other hand re-invents herself to out do herself. No one, can be Gaga.

I understand that Miley is trying to separate "Miley" from "Hannah" - but let's face it, if the show's still on air and she's still the face of Hannah Montana, then she can't deny the fact that perhaps the media is playing "mum and dad" to a disobedient child.


That all said and done, let go to....


Yes, I know. Justin Bieber again. Let me tell you something about this song though. Since my brother gave my sister JB's My World 2.0 for her birthday, this is the only song that seems to be playing every time I walk into her room. One time in the car I was like, "Eeenie meenie minimo..." and she was like, "You know that song?!" and I was like, "You keep playing it!"

But I like this video clip because it actually make total sense with the song! What I don't get is, why the first verse says, "She's INDECISIVE, she CAN'T DECIDE..." doesn't "indecisive" mean "can't decide"?

stricklyLeisure star rating: 3.5 stars


Finally:

The Back Up Plan starring: Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin

Ever though "The One" is never going to walk into you life, so you just have to make a family all on your own? Well Zoe (Lopez) did, until "Mr. Right" (O'Loughlin)decides to walk straight into her...cab. What starts off as a harmless connection turn into a hilarious series of events that lead to parenting problems in the dating scene.

Struggling to find a happy medium between what she's always known and what she's discovering, Zoe has to do more than just give birth to twins, but also open her heart to new possibilities.


I though this movie was just great. With the potential of being cliche, writer Kate Angelo (What About Brian and Will and Grace), has turned it into a brilliant comedy. I loved the fact that you were always on your toes. I was always like, "Oh this is going to happen!" but it wasn't! There were so many little things that made to LOL. I don't think there was anything I didn't like, but it was a really good story.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 4.5 stars.

Next on stricklyLEISURE: Dear John, The Last Song, The Prince of Persia and The Glee Finale!

Letters To Watoto From Betty

Sorry I haven't written in a while. Life's just been so hectic. But since its the last week of uni, I thought I should herald it by writing about what I've seen lately. So I've just finished the whole final series of Ugly Betty and totally loved it. Watched Letters to Juliet and the highlight of my life: The Watoto Children's Choir.

Alright...let's get this show on the road hey?

Letters to Juliet starring: Amanda Seyfried, Marcia DeBonis and Chris Egan

Mama Mia!'s Amanda Seyfried plays Zoe, New Yoker's best back-checker. On her holiday away from a job that is only a step away from her success, she finds herself lost in a romantic whirl wind. Starting with a lost letter in the craves of the wall especially set aside for disheartened women. Gone unanswered for 50 years, Zoe decides it needed to be answered.

A journey to find the right Romeo for the runaway Juliet (DeBonis) begins. With her own dissatisfaction in her relationship, Zoe finds someone else's happy ending instead of working on her own. In all the commotion, she's found herself stuck between the love she's always known - a love that does even show her love - and the love that could be (Egan).


I swear, if I hear Love Story by Taylor Swift again I am totally going to puke! Aiight, that's not all I think - really, I just don't like that song very much. But seriously, I think this movie was based on it. Bottom line? DEFINITELY a MAJOR chick flick. That says a lot. I enjoy a good chick flick I really do - I mean come on, I gave Valentines Day a 5 out of 10. But this movie was WAY too cliche.

It started off alright, but it just turned into one of those movies that's like, "Oh! This is what'll happen next..."

Alright, this is how you know a movie will be what I call a MAJOR CHICK FLICK:

1. It sets the storyline up with a typical introduction to the protagonist:

• They're in a job they either absolutely LOVE or absolutely Hate. There's no "in-between".
• Usually in an office or in front of a mirror.

2. You usually know what they're relationship is like 15 - 20 minutes into the movie:

• This one's the worst! How can you enjoy something that you already know the ending to? That's not the worst part! That worst part is having to sit through it because you paid for it!

3. They always have a journey towards a "Happy Ending":

• Why can't we ever stick to the tragic endings? Even when we do it's either too tragic or tragic enough to stop us from depression.
• "Happy Ending"? I always ask, what happens after "Happily Ever After"?

4. Signature "heart-tugger":

• That dialogue between the protagonist and their love interest that combines humour, sap and the need to extend how "deeply in-love" they are with the other person.

5. Signature music:

• They always play the songs that guys absolutely hate - the ones we girls totally love signing again and again. Guys, if you hear one song you just hate hearing, I commend you. You either love your friends too much or you got dragged into the cinemas. For couples, I commend the men who would sit through a film I (as a girl) gag at every two seconds.

Before I rate this film I want to list things I never understand in chick flicks.

1. Why is it that "prince charming" always comes in at the most random moments. Like: When the protagonist drops something or miraculously happens to bump into to her when she's has a problem or even the fact that he's the new kid. Seriously?
2. Why does her current boyfriend have to be a jerk or even worst - why is he always the perfect guy getting dumped for the bad ass? It's like make up your mind!
3. How come it only take a short time to realise that you really love someone, but it seems like a lifetime to realise that the guy you've been together with is a total jerk?

I mean seriously? I know the answers, but are these things really necessary to the so-called "formula"? Really? Just once, I want someone to make a movie that has a little bit more flare to it. Remove all the sappy one-liners and replace them with things real people say.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 2.5 stars


Ugly Betty starring: America Ferrera, Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams and Judith Light

In the fashion world, Betty (Ferrera) never thought with her amateur style she would last three years at Mode. Stuck in an environment where there's not room beyond the appetizers and where everyone has a secret, Betty sticks it through to finally get promoted as a Features Editor.

In the final season of the beloved show that gives the message that beauty is more than what you see, America Ferrera finishes the season with the greatest bow at the closing curtains.

Since Australia is not actually finished with Ugly Betty I won't spoil it. I will rate the recently aired episodes though. With everything ending for one of my favourite shows, I will say that it has been one of the best shows on television. With real life scenarios mixed with obscure situations, it's one of those shows that keeps you both on your toes and in reality.

Sees as I know how it all ends, I will say that the descent into the finale is very smooth and still leaves you wanting more. You feel as though Betty's only getting what she wants and then you never see her fully relish it. Each character receives everything that they've worked so hard for and you feel as though you'll never get to share it with them.

But that's how it is right? You can't have too much of a good thing. :D

stricklyLeisure star rating: 5 stars

And finally:

THE WATOTO CHILDREN'S CHOIR

A choir that consists of children raised in the villages of Watoto, Africa. Children who sing regardless of their situation and regardless of their past.

What was really striking about these kids was their faith. I mean I complain and rant on about these shows and films, but when I was sitting watching these kids and their passion, I was completely inspired.

These children either had parents who left them because of fear or death; children who have been abducted to join the armed forces; and even children of AIDS. These are kids who have ever right to be afraid or to complain, but instead they worship their Creator and their Heavenly Father for the simple gift of life.

These children have every right to ask why they exists, instead they are glad and zealous in their faith. I was so touched to see such joy. They were just so inspiring and joyful that I my heart was so full - it's a feeling that I can't explain.

I'm not going to rate this concert. It's not that it doesn't seem right, it's just that it's different. But I think you all know that it deserves anyway - I'll let you decide.


Next on stricklyLEISURE: J-lo's Back-Up Plan