Film Review | The Huntsman: Winter’s War

Once upon a time, there were two sisters. They were inseparable. The older sister was endowed with great beauty, but with great beauty comes a grave cost. Her younger sister, though she too was beautiful, was more gracious and loving. But in her graciousness, she was blinded by a love far greater than her elder sister could handle.

The Story

Jumping on Disney’s success with, Frozen, Universal Studios takes Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale, The Snow Queen, in order to redeem their previous film, Snow White and the Huntsman.

Using Snow White and the Huntsman as a middle ground, we see Eric’s (Chris Hemsworth) past: how he met his wife, Sara (Jessica Chastain), how they fell in love and how he lost her. Although Charlize Theron reprises her role as the evil queen, Ravenna, she gives way for Emily Blunt, a.k.a Freya, to truly capture the cold-hearted ice queen.

The story surrounds Freya’s journey of supposedly naively falling in love, only to have her heart broken, thus unlocking her dormant power. Taking hold of her own kingdom out of her anger and discontent, her frozen heart drove her to extreme measures. In order to fill to void of a losing her daughter long before she even knew her, she builds an army of Huntsmen and conquers the northern lands. She has one law: Do not love; it is a sin. But regardless of her hard heart, love breaks through her frozen walls in more ways than one.

As a whole, the story bookends the previous film really well. It is well written and well adapted in terms of merging two fairytales into one. Although I do have a few questions like:

• Where does Finn (Sam Spruell) sit in all of this power play between the two sisters?
• Wasn’t Eric the one who woke Snow White to begin with?

AND… (*SPOILER ALERT*)

• So…why did she marry William in the end?

I guess three easy questions aren’t so bad considering its predecessor…

The Cast

Chris Hemsworth still takes your breath away as he wields his axe and plays the hero of the story. Hemsworth depicts his character with much more liveliness in this film than the first. It’s as though this film brings out a lighter side to the Huntsman – and so it should! The story gives way to multiplicity within characters and Hemsworth stepped up to the plate.

Emily Blunt is divine in her own version of what it means to be a broken and tortured queen to that of Theron. Her portrayal of a seemingly loveless ruler was as believable as her portrayal of a lovesick, obedient sister. She too understood the power of duality in her portrayal of the ice queen. There was a delicate balance of demanding respect and weakness in her character – she truly was chilling.

Jessica Chastain is a beautiful support to Hemsworth and Blunt. In a film where oestrogen runs strong, it is great to see another girl harnessing physical prowess rather than magic or a spine-tingling speech. Her character also plays a central role to the story and it’s great to see that actions really to speak louder than words – especially when it come to love.

Charlize Theron is still as devious as she was in the first film, but instead of over powering her fellow cast members, it is clear that her talents have been matched. Commanding power with presence was great, but it was excellent to see that Blunt and Hemsworth equally matched her in line delivery and heart-racing action.

Overall…the story is MUCH better than the first film; the acting is not just excellent in every single cast member, but also very well balanced. It’s worth every penny you pay. If fairytales with action is your cup of tea, then this is for you.

sL Star Rating: ★★★★★
Next on sL: Eddie The Eagle

Film Review | How To Be Single

Alice (Dekota Johnson) just wanted to find herself, only problem is she doesn’t know the first thing about who she is because she’s always been surrounded by people who love her. Truth is, she never really knew what it meant to love herself, nor does she know how to start.

Robin (Rebel Wilson) is the epitome of the independent woman. She has no care in the world what people think of her; her goal in life is to live life. No strings are attached anywhere but where she chooses to, in this case, it’s Alice.

Meg (Leslie Mann) thought she was an independent-career-orientated woman who never needed a man or a family to live a full life. The only problem is, she delivers babies into the world for a living – how can she not ignore her maternal instincts?

Lucy (Alison Brie) has everything else in life figured out, only problem is, Mr Right seems to be hiding from her. Regardless of what a womanising, bar-tender, Tom (Anders Holm), thinks about her methods, she still believes that the Internet will sift through the rabble and point her towards Prince Charming.

The Story

Following several strands of what it means to be a single person in this world, How To Be Single takes audiences through the hardships and the highlights of the understanding the difference between being alone and being single.

Alison's and Robin’s strand sees a growth in understanding that being single is not liking or being comfortable with being alone, it’s actually about understanding that it’s ok to pursue your dreams and enjoy doing things without obligations.

Meg’s strand sees a release in knowing that it’s ok to be a feminist and still be a person's special someone. It’s all about being humble enough to say, "Yes, I will share this journey with you, even though I can do this on my own."

Lucy’s strand sees a diligence in taking every bad relationship with a grain of salt until someone real offers you an alternative.

Although the film is marketed to women, men are also addressed here – and not just men who like to sleep around…but I won’t spoil it for those of you guys out there who genuinely want to watch this movie.

The Cast

Dekota Johnson is brilliant in her portrayal of a young adult figuring out life outside of relationships and chasing paper. She goes through the motions of trying to find herself, but only finding that she needs someone else to show her who that is!

Rebel Wilson is a beautiful spirit guide as she shows Johnson’s character how to be single in the city that never sleeps. She is as funny as we’ve known her from Pitch Perfect, but she’s also very realistic in how to be a friend, regardless of how truthful she can be.

Leslie Mann is also as comedic as she is in The Other Woman, but there’s a delicateness to her character that she brings out nicely as an “older” woman realising that she can still have a family along with her career.

Alison Brie continues to show her many sides as she portrays a slightly psychotic-love-sick single woman destined to find Mr Right. She is as loveable and endearing as she is crazy.

Anders Holm is a great contrast to Wilson as we see his character figure out that sleeping around may not always be the best way to be single.

Damon Wayans Jr. brings the heart-wrenching portrayal of different kind of singleness – but again, I won’t spoil it for you.

Nicholas Braun gets a special mention for doing a great job of being Alice’s “one that got away”.

Overall…this film is for anyone really! Single people don’t get all the fun, but hey, we’re not missing out either. It’s a good film to help you see that there are perks in both being single and being in a relationship.

sL Star Rating: ★★★

Next on sL: TBA – so many films coming out, I can’t keep up!!! AHHH!!!

Out This Week:

Film Review | Deadpool

Following its comic book origins, Ryan Reynolds reprises his role as fast-talking, comedic, anti-hero, Wade Wilson (a.k.a. Deadpool). Wilson narrates the whole film as we see Marvel undo…or make sense of…Deadpool from its prequel, X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

We follow a story of a hit man going about his daily routine, falling in love and living a normal life as a thug in New Your City. Unfortunately, a common diagnosis forces him down the path of experimental treatments and voila, a mutant is created.

Only…it’s not that simple.

If people always hated Wade for his snide comments and well...his ability to never know when to shut up, then it stands to reason that so too would anyone treating him. His debatably loveable trait hits the wrong spot with one of his mad-scientists, which in turn encourages him to push Wade’s mutation to its full potential – immortality and really bad skin defects.

Stripped away from his good looks, Wade is now forced to hunt down Ajax (a.k.a. Francis) to turn the beast back into a beauty so that he can go back to his normal life, as well as avoid joining the X-Men at all cost.

The Story

As a whole, the story has you laughing from start to finish. Past and present intertwine in a comedic smashing of the forth-wall as Reynolds willingly invites you into the world of Deadpool, as well as openly comment on what happens beyond the screen.

He, along with the film’s writers, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, let loose with their poetic licence making several jabs at studio budgets, previous X-Men writing inconsistencies and openly name-dropping as many X-Men cast members as they can.

It’s a love-story wrapped in action, blood and inconceivable fight sequences. It’s worth every minute you’re holding your stomach due to laughter.

The Cast

Ryan Reynolds is just brilliant. He is much too comfortable in this character than any other I’ve seen him portray. He does not bring Deadpool to life, he is Deadpool. I am so glad he got his own film!

As brooding and hateable Ed Skrein is as Ajax / Francis, there are times I have no idea what he was saying! Although…that may have been on purpose, I do recall Reynolds making a side comment about it at the start of the film. Either way, I still think Skrein is a good villain for an anti-hero…however that works!

Although Stefan Kapicic brilliantly lends his voice to bring Colossus to life, he still did a great job! My favourite part is when he’s making a profound speech about what makes a hero and Deadpool completely ignores him, which then causes him to he throw up.

Brianna Hildebrand is a great young-mutant who also so happens to be a stereotypical teenager. As typical as her portrayal is in portraying teens for all generations, it was nice to see that she knew which side she was on and fulfilled the roles of being a face for the X-Men.

Morena Baccarin does an incredible job at keeping up with Reynolds as his leading lady. She’s just as funny and pulls your emotional heartstrings very well.

T.J. Miller is a great comedic side-kick as he deflects Reynold’s insults with matching sarcasm and useless advice.

Overall…Deadpool is too funny to miss. It’s a nice break before all the seriousness of X-Men: Apocalypse comes out. Go see it!

sL Star Rating: ★★★★

Next on sL: How To Be Single

Blog | Greetings One and All

Well, where do I even begin?!

Ummm...

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

Happy 6th Birthday strictlyLeisure

and...

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Having a hiatus over the Christmas season really calls for a lot of catching up! As you guys know, if you follow me on Instagram, I've been in the USA. And, because I'm a teacher and school's already started here in Australia, catching up has been the last thing on my mind.

But before I officially "return" tomorrow and because I've got a little thinking spaces, I thought I'd take the time to say, "G'day," and, "Happy New Year" before I let you know what's coming up.

Well, 2016 starts with me and my besties celebrating Galentines at eVent Cinemas. We're going to see our bea, Ryan Reynolds, bring Deadpool to life and enjoy every bit of being single during this holiday.

I'm also keen to see...

I'm sure there are more, but these are the ones I'm really excited about!

I have seen...

and 

since I've been back. But I just wanted to enjoy being in Event Cinemas before I dissected anything.

Anyways...

I hope you had an amazing Christmas, a lovely end to 2015 and incredible beginning to 2016. I also wish you much love for Valentines Day.

Love always,

sL xxx

Film Review | The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II | * Some SPOILERS *

The rebellion is here. Snow’s end is coming. The Capitol will fall. 

This is war.

The Story

Katniss has one goal: kill Snow.

Her goal is tainted with lies and deceit; friends turn into enemies and enemies turn into allies. No one is safe and there’s no way to know what’s real and not real. Katniss, Gale, Peeta and the rest of Panem need to determine who is for them and who is against them.

Picking up where Part I finished, we see Katniss recovering physically and mentally from Peeta’s grasp – or more accurately, The Capitol’s grasp. Following Suzanne Collins’s book closely, this final instalment to The Hunger Games franchise has you at the edge of your seat from start to finish.

There are no surprises for those who’ve read the book. Director, Francis Lawrence, accurately portrays every aspect of Collins’s devastatingly dark finale. I cannot wait to have a Hunger-Games-Marathon when the DVD / Blu-ray box set comes out next year.

The Cast

Jennifer Lawrence closes this trilogy with the same prowess that she harnessed in the first film. Josh Hutcherson grew into his character and gave us the Peeta that we all know and love from the books. Donald Sutherland continued to captivate you as his icy, yet truthful portrayal of tyranny came falling graciously.

Liam Hemsworth, along with Sam Claflin both get two thumbs up for their incredible performances – and keeping their American accents well in-tact. It was nice to see Gale’s more emotional side in this film and Claflin gave Finnick a beautiful (*SPOILER ALERT* for non-readers) send-off with his incredible fight sequence, fighting “Capitol Mutts” powered by special effects – not to mention being waterlogged and underground.

Julianne Moore and Willow Shields also get honourable mentions for their incredible commitment to bringing iconic characters to life. (*ANOTHER Spoiler Alert*) Shields gave an incredible salute to her character as she gave the camera one last look of innocence to spoil the one connection that Gale and Katniss truly had – a promise to keep her family safe. Moore gave everything she had in order to become the new voice of autocracy. She gave a beautiful performance in order for Katniss to destroy all spectacles.

As a whole, the cast (including: Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Elizabeth Banks, along with Paula Malcomson, Stanley Tucci, Jeffrey Wright and Jena Malone) all deserve ★★★★★ for their performances over the last four years. Their dedication to bringing this trilogy to life was incredible.

Overall, this ending is bittersweet for this film enthusiast. I have enjoyed watching every movie that they’ve produced for this franchise, but I am also glad that they were able to close the franchise with a proper goodbye. It’s not just a message about strength and having a voice, it’s also about learning from the past in order to prevent damage for the future – a message we all desperately need to hear.

sL Star Rating: ★★★★★
Next on sL: WRITING HIATUS

Hey Guys!

I'm heading off to the U.S.A. for the holidays, so I won't have anything for you until the New Year. But if you go to my YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/strictlyLeisure), I'm sure to have great adventures to share with you!

Merry Christmas and I'll see you in the New Year!

Love always,

sL xxx

Album Review | One Direction | Made In The A.M.

The highly anticipated fifth studio album from One Direction, Made In The A.M., has made its mark in the airwaves and the charts everywhere since its release on Friday, 13th November. With the announcement of their hiatus for 2016, it is evident that Made In The A.M. is One Direction’s gift to their loyal fans all around the globe before their well-earned break. Their fifth album is jam-packed with promises of their return as well as their gentle plea to have a moment to take a breather from touring and recording.

Hey Angel opens the album with a heavenly array of electric keys and a melodic chorus of, “Oooh, Oooh, Oooh”. It’s catchy from start to finish, leaving you ready for their first single, Drag Me Down. It only seems fitting that the next track talks about not being dragged down since the album starts all the way “up in the sky”. One Direction’s first single from this album carries the same devil-may-care attitude that rang throughout their third album, Midnight Memories. Their second single on the other hand, Perfect, sees their playful side come out a little more in this fifth album. Rumoured to be about T-Swizzle, this song shows a little bite as H-dog decides to return the lyrical favour and stand by the fact the sometimes the reckless guy is what every girl needs when curiosity hits. 

Infinity changes things up a bit as the boys try to tackle with the heartache of cheating and still loving the person who’s done them wrong. It’s a powerful song that oozes with the emotion behind the lyrics. End of the Day takes another turn as the track turns up the playfulness in both the accompaniment and the melody. The lyrics are sweet and will get you dancing and head-banging for sure! If I Could Fly reals in the playfulness and really pulls the heartstrings as the accompaniment is stripped back completely. The lyrics are beautiful and the vocals are top notch! It’s definitely one of my favourites. Long Way Down slowly builds things up again, but retains the laid-back nature of the previous track. It unites the heavenly sounds of Hey Angel and the lyrical prowess of If I Could Fly and Infinity.

Never Enough is another one of my favourites as it ignites the inner child in me. It reminds me of The Lion King’s, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and has me singing at the top of my lungs whenever it plays. Olivia continues this playfulness as it integrates lyrics from the classic 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory to it’s over-the-top carefree sound. It is also “unfinished”, according to Harry, so we may see it as a comeback single in 2017. What A Feeling carries and enigmatic feel that reminds me of, C’mon, C’mon from, Take Me Home. A bit more of a dance–vibe, this track has you singing along as you sway along to the accompaniment.

Although Love You Goodbye is my favourite track on the album, I can’t help but think that the verses are too close to Timbaland’s, Apologize. Regardless of the similarities, I think the lyrics are well written and carry the most emotion in this album. 

I Want To Write You A Song is a beautiful stripped-back track that returns to the playful nature of tracks eight and nine. I love the guitar riff and the lyrics are again well weaved together to build a beautiful love song. History closes the album with their promise to return from their break. It sounds like Randy Newman’s classic, You’ve Got A Friend In Me, from Disney’s, Toy Story – and why not? It’s been a great five years and the boys are not saying “goodbye”, they’re saying, “see you in a bit”.

Deluxe Tracks

Temporary Fix – Catchy and well written, but not my cup of tea message wise. It sounds like an eighties classic that’s survived through the ages. Think, Rock Me and Midnight Memories mixed together with a bit of a nineties alternative vibe.

Walking In The Wind – Another one of my favourites! Simple, catchy and one that will get you moving from start to finish. It’s another great example of their growing writing abilities.

Wolves – Carries the same playfulness already embedded in this album as they talk about defending their girl’s honour. It’s simple and has you grooving and singing along.

A.M. – This title track is one of the best I’ve heard from One Direction. All hands on deck lyrically, it’s a great place to close the deluxe version as it tells their story from the very beginning. Whether they’re five or Four; touring or recording, they were Up All Night in order for fans to Take [Them] Home. All their Midnight Memories were Made In The A.M.

Star Rating: ★★★★★
Next on sL: The Hunger Games : Mockingjay Part II

Film Review | The Intern

Ben (Robert De Niro) was enjoying retirement, that is, until he realised that being retired meant having to fill his days with endless leisurely activities that lead to nowhere. When he se successfully applies for an internship as part of a company’s community outreach program, Ben meets Jules (Anne Harthaway), and overworked entrepreneur trying to find the balance with work, family and life in general.

The Story

Nancy Meyers has brought us many heart-felt films in the past. Films like, The Holiday, The Parent Trap, Something’s Gotta Give and It’s Compicated – simple stories with meaningful, heartfelt happy endings. The Intern is no different. In a world where online shopping has become the norm, we see Robert De Niro as down to earth and very observant Ben. Being a seventy-year-old senior intern at one of the fastest growing online clothing store, About The Fit, Ben not only has find his way through the technological advancement of our time, but also impart the lessons he’s learned over his lifetime.

Imagine Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada. Imagine she went ahead with the fashion industry and banded together with the troops from The Internship – that is what this movie is like. Although there’s no real connection with fashion world, there are some similarities with the quips that Vince Vaughn and Jared Stern had in their film. In saying that, the family dynamics that this film plays with does separate it from the office banter that is also built in this film. We see Hathaway struggle with the perks of “breaking the glass ceiling”, while keeping face in front of the stay-at-home-mums at her daughter’s school. We see her try to balance work-life and home-life as success leads to sacrifice after sacrifice.

Amongst all this, Meyer’s develops a great connection between experience and learning. We see Ben and Jules learn and teach one another, as well as depend on each other during tough times. Overall, I enjoyed the simplicity of the story and the dynamics it created between the characters.

The Cast

Robert De Niro is a sweet Ben. He brings a light-heartedness to the screen that makes you want to reach out and hug him. He is a friend, confidant, uncle and grandfather-like figure that everyone can relate with and aspire to. There is simplicity to his portrayal of a searching retired senior citizen that made him endearing. Just brilliant.

Anne Hathaway has a delicate balance of elegance and craze. Portraying a forgetful and overbearing micro-manager, Hathaway was able to add a dash of politeness to her passive-aggressive character. She balances De Niro’s simplicity very well and make audiences believe that though sh’s stressed, she means well – no matter who she’s dealing with.


Overall… the film was enjoyable and one that everyone can enjoy. It’s not just for the ladies, I do believe De Niro will have some of you men out there crying and writing down notes.


Star Rating: ★★★
Next on sL: One Direction: Made In The A.M.