Part 2: And the Best Picture goes to...

On the day of the OSCARS  I give you the second part to my series on the favourite movies of Joe Public. I surveyed a variety of people and so far we have had films such as, Rob Reiner's 'Stand By Me' to the modern Christmas caper, 'Elf'. This second post provides an eclectic selection of films visiting the land of 'Oz', the town of Bedford Falls and the wilderness of Alaska. Nonetheless, we'll also meet prostitues, choirmasters and magicians but perhaps most surprisingly, Lindsay Lohan. 

Robin Hood: Prince of Theives

A 90's version of a classic tale sees Kevin Costner take the title role with Alan Rickman starring as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Whilst some audiences liked it, one top film critic wrote, 

"A murky, unfocused, violent and depressing version of the classic story, with little of the lightheartedness and romance we expect from Robin Hood."

Not exactly a ringing endorsement then...

Starring: Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman
Director: Kevin Reynolds

Fanpop.com

It's a Wonderful Life

I've written about this film before as it is certainly in my top five. James Stewart perfectly plays the role of George Bailey, a man down on his luck who is contemplating suicide. Bailey receives a visit from an angel who shows him how the world would be had he never existed:

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

A story about family, friendship and compassion but also greed. My only criticism is that its adopted the role of a Christmas classic but Frank Capra has created masterpiece that should be watched all year round. 

Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed
Director: Frank Capra

dvdizzy.com

Gone with the Wind

There is no doubting that this film is a classic and if you don't agree, well...frankly my dear, I don't give a damn. Winner of ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh keep us enthralled for a whopping 238 minutes. Nevertheless,  don't let the mammoth running time put you off this story of romance and drama set in the Deep South amongst the backdrop of the American Civil War. 

guardian.co.uk

Starring: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh
Director: Victor Fleming

Les Choriste

This is the only foreign language film in my survey and what a film it is. Gerard Jugnot stars as a teacher at a boys boarding school in the French countryside. Jugnot's character attempts struggles to get through to the boys but soon finds success by assembling a choir . The pupils transform from misbehaving  youngsters into motivated and inspired individuals in a heartwarming story with a wonderful soundtrack, 

Starring: Gerard Jugnot
Director: Christophe Barratier

The Wizard of Oz

'Follow the yellow brick road..." The iconic tale of Dorothy and Toto rocketed Judy Garland, at the age of just 16, into stardom and film history. Described by a voter as a masterpiece for its time between its transition from black and white to colour and how it's remained an all time classic to this day proves what a classic it is!"

Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan
Director: Victor Fleming

"There's an audience for Oz, wherever there's a projection machine and a screen." John C Filnn Snr.

 thefilmstage.com

Into the Wild

Based on a true story, 'Into the Wild' follows the story of Christopher McCandless who travels to various places in North America spending a lot of his time in an abandoned bus out in the wilderness of Alaska. Sean Penn is behind the lens of this non-linear narrative, as McCandless graduates from University but rather than pursuing a career he leaves his conventional life. He embarks on an adventure that sees him forge friendships but ultimately live a life of isolation, a leap into the wild. 

Starring: Emile Hirsch, Kristen Stewart
Director: Sean Penn

firstshowing.net

Donnie Darko

A mind boggling film that includes a six-foot rabbit but still a movie that althought it didn't do too well on its release, has become a firm favourite with audiences and critics.  A thought provoking story and a stellar performance from a young Jake Gyllenhaal combined with a 'genius soundtrack' ensure that Donnie Darko will boggle minds for many years to come. 

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore
Director: Richard Kelly

Pretty Woman

The second RomCom in the survey and again it stars, Julia Roberts. Set in L.A. it sees a businessman, played by Richard Gere, hire an escort for various business events. Nonetheless, over time, Gere falls in love with her. It may sound cheesy but what's wrong with that? Sometimes everyone needs a feel good, schmaltzy film. It has also been seen as one of the most popular films ever, with the highest ever grossing in the United States for a romantic comedy and often regarded by critics as the best of its genre.

cineplex.com

Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts
Director: Garry Marshall

The Prestige

Christopher Nolan is one of Hollywood's hottest directors after a series of fantastic films during the past decade and 'The Prestige' is certainly one of them. Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and even David Bowie star in a story about two battling magicians (Jackman and Bale). For years they have been rivals as they search for the ultimate illusion. Obsession and jealousy are prominent themes in a twisting, mysterious and atmospheric film. 

movpins.com

Starring: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman
Director: Christopher Nolan

The Parent Trap

A bit of a curveball in my survey sees the Lindsay Lohan remake of Disney classic, 'The Parent Trap' enter the survey. Perhaps Lohan's second most famous film after 'Mean Girls', this sees her play both separated twins who meet at an American summer camp. They then swap places, one goes to the mother's home in London and the other to the Father's house, in the beautiful vineyards of California. They are determined to reunite their parents but face various obstacles including an interfering two-faced potential stepmother. Lots of laughs and a perfect film for the whole family. 

"Movies like this remember how much fun escapism can be"- Roger Egbert, film critic

Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson
Director: Nancy Meyers

mirror.co.uk

And the award for Best Film goes to...

What is your favourite movie? It is often one of the most difficult questions to answer. Some people can tell you straight away. Nonetheless, many people have different films for different moods and thus it becomes very difficult to single one out. 

The critically successful films aren’t always the most popular films and this is illustrated when looking at the highest grossing films for the last fifteen years. Blockbusters such as ‘The Avengers’, 'Harry Potter' and most recently 'Skyfall' feature , with audiences flocking to see these films but they are rarely that successful during Awards season.  The films that generate the highest box office figures are crowd pleasers and so often sequels. Perhaps the average cinemagoer would rather spend their money on a feel good rom com, the latest instalment of their favourite franchise or a superhero film  rather than gritty war films, biopics and artistic masterpieces. 

Rank	Title	Studio	Worldwide	Domestic / %		Overseas / %		Year^
1	Avatar	Fox	$2,782.3	$760.5	27.3%	$2,021.8	72.7%	2009^
2	Titanic	Par.	$2,185.4	$658.7	30.1%	$1,526.7	69.9%	1997^
3	Marvel's The Avengers	BV	$1,511.8	$623.4	41.2%	$888.4	58.8%	2012
4	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2	WB	$1,328.1	$381.0	28.7%	$947.1	71.3%	2011
5	Transformers: Dark of the Moon	P/DW	$1,123.7	$352.4	31.4%	$771.4	68.6%	2011
6	The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King	NL	$1,119.9	$377.8	33.7%	$742.1	66.3%	2003^
7	Skyfall	Sony	$1,094.3	$302.8	27.7%	$791.5	72.3%	2012
8	The Dark Knight Rises	WB	$1,081.0	$448.1	41.5%	$632.9	58.5%	2012
9	Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest	BV	$1,066.2	$423.3	39.7%	$642.9	60.3%	2006
10	Toy Story 3	BV	$1,063.2	$415.0	39.0%	$648.2	61.0%	2010

Box Office Mojo 

Nonetheless, it must noted that Titanic does buck the trend as James Cameron's epic was both a commercial and critical success, taking home eleven Academy Awards including Best Picture.

So it could be argued that the favourite films of Joe Public are not necessarily those that win the Academy Award for Best Film. So what are the most popular films?  I surveyed a variety of people of different ages to find out what their favourite film and why they think this.

Some Like It Hot

Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon
Director: Billy Wilder

Daily Record

Released it 1959, 'Some Like It Hot' remains one of the best comedies ever made. Perhaps Marilyn Monroe's best performance alongside Lemmon and Curtis dressed up in drag. A timeless, laugh out loud movie perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon. 

Stand By Me


Starring: River Phoenix, Will Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland
Director: Rob Reiner

Based on Stephen King's short story, 'The Body' this is a wonderful coming of age film that shows the relationship between a group of school friends. The four friends set out on an adventure to find a body and on their journey stories are told, friendships are tested and leeches are removed.

"I think its adorable, beautifully shot and touching" - @rozzyunwin

Notting Hill

Starring: Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans
Director: Roger Mitchell

The romantic comedy was a genre that dominated film about Britain between the 1990s and the mid 2000s.  It has been suggested, “romantic comedy has proved to be one of the most enduring cinematic genres” (Mortimer, 2010, p1). A genre that uses a traditional but successful formula that is reliable in attracting a large audience. Film studios place greater focus on maximising returns on their initial investment thus they replicate a ‘recipe’ that has been successful in the past. At the heart of the success was the triangle that has been so influential in moulding an audiences’ perceptions of Britain. Working Title is the British film production company behind the biggest British romantic comedies of the last twenty years.  Nonetheless, it was their collaboration with screenwriter, Richard Curtis and British actor Hugh Grant that provided the key ingredients. These three components created three of the most known romantic comedies that arguably epitomise quintessential Britain. These include 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', Love Actually' and of course 'Notting Hill'. 

A formula that sees a bumbling Englishman (Hugh Grant) meet an American woman leading to a feel good film that has women and even men flocking to the cinema. 

"Upsy Daisy"-William Thacker

Sideways

A comedy drama that sees two middle aged men set off on a road trip through California's wine country. Paul Giamatti's starring role combined with "brilliant humour, stunning California scenery and great wine facts."

decanter.com

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church
Director: Alexander Payne

Kill Bill Vol. 2

Tarantino has arguably been one of the most consistent directors over the last twenty years producing modern classics such as 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Reservoir Dogs' but also finding success in the past few years with 'Inglorious Basters' and most recently with the fantastic, 'Django Unchained'. Nonetheless, @James_Mullinder decided his favourite ever film was Kill Bill Vol. 2 as Uma Thurman returns seeking vengeance. 

Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine

Director: Quentin Tarantino


Forrest Gump


Starring: Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Robin Wright Sally Field
Director: Robert Zemeckis

This is one of my favourite ever films. Tom Hanks heads up a fantastic cast as Forrest Gump, an innocent but rather dumb man who finds himself at the heart of some of history's biggest moments including serving in the Vietnam War and witnessing the Watergate scandal. Based on the book by Winston Groom, the film won an Academy Award for Best Picture with the ability to make you take your emotions on a roller coaster. A classic American soundtrack, combined with a unique tale and formidable cast leads to a relentlessly quotable modern classic. 

"Stupid is as stupid does"- Forrest Gump

Capescoaching

Shawshank Redemption

'The Shawshank Redemption' is a staple of top ten lists' and also the second inclusion of a Stephen King adaptation in my survey. A compelling story described by @Emma_Kelson as a film that opened her eyes to a world she knew little about. This is a powerful, thought provoking tale with one critic suggesting that "if you don't like Shawshank, you're beyond Redemption."

Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman
Director: Frank Darabont

theguardian

Elf

Perhaps a bit of a curveball in this list? People may ask how can you go from Shawshank to Elf? Easy! That is the beauty of film and people's opinions. Film critic, Mark Kermode described Elf as a 'turkey' but surely that shows how you shouldn't listen to the critics. This has become a staple of many people's Christmas viewings and is arguably the greatest Christmas film of the last fifteen years. Stick an innocent Elf played by Will Ferrel into a bustling New York and hilarity ensues. 

Empire Online

Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel
Director: Jon Favreau

That's it for Part 1 but check back soon to see even more favourite films including, 'Its a Wonderful Life',  'The Wizard of Oz' and 'The Prestige.'

Must see films of 2013- Part 1

"That's what I like about the cinema- it can be bizarre, classic, normal, romantic. Cinema is the most versatile thing." Catherine Deneuve

Cinema has the ability to educate, excite and inspire its audience. It transports you to a different place with different lives and different stories. It can stir every emotion, from laughter and happiness to anger and tears. Cinema has the ability reflect society but also misrepresent it.

telegraph.co.uk

2012 saw the return of Bond with 'Skyfall' breaking the seven day UK box office record with £32.7 million. 'The Avengers' stormed the US box office overtaking the Harry Potter finale with $200m. Moviegoers eagerly anticipated the final instalment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy with 'The Dark Knight Rises' and the public we transported back to Middle Earth with 'The Hobbit' hitting cinema screens this festive season.

comicbookmovie.com

What does 2013 hold for fans of the big screen? More sequels, the return of big name directors, remakes and literary adaptations? So grab the popcorn, avoid noisy sweet wrappers and find your seat as I preview some of the movie highlights of 2013 coming to a cinema near you.

Les Misérables

Many people have been waiting for the release of this film for a long time. When first performed on stage in the mid 1980s,  Les Misérables was panned by some critics but since then the French Revolution has never looked back. Rousing choruses and emotional songs have captivated audiences for over 25 years and now Cameron Mackintosh's musical moves from stage to screen. A stellar cast including Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe combined with 'The King's Speech' director, Tom Hooper means this adaptation is bound to be an epic journey that is already proving 'magnafique' with the critics. It has already received several Golden Globe nominations and fans of the stage version will be flocking to cinema's to see Jean Valjean and company belt out classics such as 'Bring Him Home', 'Master of the House' and 'Do you hear the people sing'.

UK release date: 11th January

Django Unchained

Tarantino is back and back with a fantastic cast. Leonardo DiCaprio, Christopher Waltz and Jamie Foxx lead the line in the new western, 'Django Unchained'. This marks Tarantino's first film since the fantastic, 'Inglorious Basterds' in which I believe Christopher Waltz delivers one of the greatest villainous performances in cinema, a performance which was recognised with an Academy Award. Jamie Foxx plays the title character, Django, a slave who is bought by Christopher Waltz's character, Dr. King Schultz. The two of them make a pact in that if Django can help Schultz kill the vicious Brittle brothers and DiCaprio's character, a plantation owner and slave master,  Calvin Candie. This film, like Les Miserables, has been nominated for various Golden Globes including best screenplay, best drama film and best director.

UK release date: 18th January

Monsters University

A bit different to the previous two movies but for many just as eagerly awaited. Monsters Inc was arguably one of Pixar Disney's finest with a creative and imaginative story coupled with phenomenal animation and loveable characters. Mike and Sully return in 'Monsters University', a film that shows the characters relationship and lives whilst at the University of Fear, perhaps when they were not even best of friends. Pixar usually get it right and this one has been a long time in the making with Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi all reprising their roles in this year's most exciting animated feature.

UK release date: 12th July

slashfilm.com

Flight

Denzel Washington takes the lead role in 'Flight' and has already been nominated for a Golden Globe in the best actor category for his performance. 'Flight' is the story of a pilot (Washington) who saves a plane from crashing. Nonetheless, Washington's character isn't an exemplary pilot being an alcoholic and frequent drug abuser. Castaway director, Robert Zemeckis, brings us an interesting and alternative view of the life of a pilot.

UK release date: 1st February

nytimes.com

Catching Fire

'The Hunger Games' was undoubtedly one of the big success stories at the box office in 2012, raking in $685.5 million worldwide. Consequently, many will have high hopes for the sequel, 'Catching Fire' in which Jennifer Lawrence will reprise her fantastic performance as Katniss. Fans of Suzanne Collins trilogy will hope that director, Francis Lawrence (previously directed 'Constantine', 'Water for Elephants' and 'I am Legend') can do the second novel justice.

UK release date: 22nd November

imdb.com

Carrie

Stephen King's supernatural telekinetic story is being remade but will it match up to the iconic 1970's original starring Sissy Spacek. The 1970s version created is a horror classic that would always make you jump, especially the last scene. Kick Ass star, Chloe Moretz, takes the title role of Carrie as a girl who is taunted and isolated by her peers. Nonetheless, Carrie uses her telekinetic powers to seek revenge on those at school but also her mother played by Julianne Moore. Will this remake match up to the 1976 fright-fest?

UK release date: 5th April

imdb.com

The Great Gatsby

"Hello, old sport." Now this is a film I cannot wait to see, especially as it finished filming in April 2012 and was due for release at the end of 2012.. For many F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel is one of the best ever. Robert Redford and Mia Farrow starred in a film adaptation  back in 1974 but 2013 sees this American classic get the Baz Luhrmann treatment. The 'Moulin Rouge' director aims to recreate the style and glamour of 1920s America with glittering costumes and of course Gatsby's lavish parties.  DiCaprio has secured another great role as Jay Gatsby, spiderman actor, Tobey Maguire plays Nick Carraway and English star, Carey Mulligan is Daisy Buchanan. An incredible cast and memorable director coupled with a Great American Classic story mean that 'The Great Gatsby' could be one of the films of 2013.

UK release date: 17th May

What film are you most looking forward to? Leave a comment below or vote in the poll on the right.

Part 2 will look at even more films to relish in 2013 including 'Lincoln', 'The Lone Ranger' and 'Man of Steel'

The Graduate: The struggle of finding a job

A university degree nowadays is a pretty common occurrence. In a graduation speech at Dartmouth college in the United States, comedian, Conan O'Brien jokes to the graduates,

"Today, you have achieved something special ----something only 92 percent of Americans your age will ever know:  a college diploma.   That’s right, with your college diploma you now have a crushing advantage over 8 percent of the workforce."

 Whilst O'Brien's speech is dripping with sarcasm it also completely true. Consequently, there are thousands of graduates each year competing for a job, each have a university degree and each are trying to be unique. Some graduates decide to postpone entering the job market and undertake a masters, others travel but most are hoping to start their career. 

One of the key obstacles I have found in attempting to get a job is the need for work experience or internships. These placements themselves can be incredibly difficult to secure as yet again there are many people vying for these experiences. Accordingly, not only is it difficult to get a job but it is difficult secure experience that you need to get a job. 

Luckily I've managed to secure placements with two advertising firms and a regional newspaper. This has definitely boosted my CV and given me invaluable experience. Nonetheless, just like having a degree doesn't mean you are guaranteed a job, neither does work experience. Consequently, I decided it  was important to seek a longer internship that would give me a greater understanding of the media and advertising. However, this is yet again where one may run into difficulty. Very few of the internships I and several others have applied for are paid. This makes it very difficult to fund your time during the internships, unless you work both weekdays and weekends. Secondly, the majority of the opportunities are in London. I live in the North of England and thus need accommodation when living in the South but find it difficult to pay rent whilst undertaking an unpaid internship. Nevertheless, companies and agencies can do this because positions are so contested and thus graduates are willing to work for free. Desperate to start their careers. This then arguably isolates those who can't afford to undertake an unpaid placement. 

One thing that can't be doubted is the need to make oneself unique. Stand out from the crowd. Be different, original and imaginative. There are jobs out there. Don't be disheartened through rejections. Use interviews as experiences and learning curves. Be prepared to work for free, work hard and impress to enhance that CV. I'm still seeking a job in the media and advertising but I'm not going to give up. I've got to grasp the opportunities that come my way.

"When you've worked hard and done well and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you." -Michelle Obama, Democratic National Convention

Conan O'Brien's words of wisdom at the Dartmouth College Graduation are filled with honesty and optimism for graduates and everyone. Watch it and smile.