Eat. Pray. Love.

A guilty pleasure for the ladies.

Watching this film felt as if I had entered a secret women's club: Not a single male in the audience. By now you would have heard a lot about the film and its all true. It's good and it's not so good.

Adapting any best-selling novel to an entirely different medium is no doubt a difficult task. It always surprises me when people are upset that it's not the same as the book. Novels are more often than not jam packed with interior thoughts and 200+ pages of prose; which is not easy to translate into a 90 minute, purely visual and audio experience. Saying that, I actually think this film did quite well.

Eat Pray Love stayed true to the book and highlighted all of the key events and people Elizabeth Gilbert experienced. Julia Roberts fitted the role perfectly and encapsulated the persona of Liz without fault. But I'm saying this with a greater knowledge of the character because I've read the book.

Sadly, if you haven't read the book, the course of events may seem irrational and unsubstantiated.

The soundtrack was pretty damn awesome though! So go and enjoy it for what it is. A sensory and visual pleasure with glorious scenery of Italy, India and Bali.

I'm off to the travel agent.

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Remember Me

This film didn't stay at the box office very long. And to be honest that's probably because the trailer doesn't do it justice.

I think people who do not particularly enjoy the Twilight films avoided this film just because it stars Robert Pattinson and the trailer presented it as your ordinary cliche romantic drama without any depth of character.

But those few who did see it (because you're Twilight fans admit it) would have been pleasantly surprised. This film has a wonderfully unique ending that is totally unexpected and holds plenty of emotional weight.

For the vast majority of the film though, I couldn't help but think I've seen this story a hundred times before and didn't realise the craft of the film until it was revealed in the final scene. So be patient when you watch it. It's worth it.

I really don't want to spoil the film. If you haven't noticed already, I only seem to write about the films I like. So the very fact that I'm writing this means I want you to see it. It's a powerful and emotional ending that stays with you and reminds you that life is a blessing and to make the most of every moment and every opportunity.

Well performed by the notable cast and beautifully made by Director, Allen Coulter who has bought to life some of the best episodes of Sex and the City, Law and Order and Six Feet Under.

Put it on your must-see list.

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(500) Days of Summer

500 Days of Summer International Trailer from Rosie de Belgeonne on Vimeo.

My favourite film of the year! This romantic comedy has it all without any Hollywood cliches to be found, perfectly defying all genre conventions yet still captivating. This is not a love story, but a story of modern romance: the courtship of Gen Y's. Words like 'commitment', 'love', 'divorce' are feared by Gen Y and this romantic confusion is explored beautifully in this sweet, quirky film.

My hat goes off to Joseph Gordon Levitt for his heart-warming performance. Hasn't he grown up since 3rd Rock From The Sun? Zooey Deschanel is equally adorable and delivers a lovely performance, with style.

Watch this film for the soundtrack alone. It perfectly compliments the narrative and pace, whilst keeping this non-love story upbeat and fun. With its un-conventional ending, the soundtrack works brilliantly to transform it into a happy one.

The directors style is fresh and absorbing, with an array of visual delicacies but I won't spoil them here. I loved this film so much and think all other Gen Y's will adore it as well. See it for yourself!

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The Young Victoria

I do love biopics and this film was no exception. The element of truth (albeit it sometimes a loose tracing of truth) fascinates me and I find it easier to connect with these films, remembering that these people were real and ordinary once upon a time.

The Young Victoria was a fascinating film, exploring the life and early years of Queen Victoria who reigned as Queen of England from 1837 til 1901. Victoria was crowned as Queen at the very young age of 18. This film establishes her transition from childhood into life as Queen: a lonely child eager to fulfill her destiny so that she can make a difference in her life and the lives of others. Secluded from the world during her childhood she soon finds a friend and soulmate in Albert. This film is their love story.

Emily Blunt was regal in her performance as Victoria; confident, determined and stubborn. However, her youth was not convincing. Perhaps though I'm wrong and this portrayal - void of childhood mischievousness - is an accurate representation of the young woman who grew up in seclusion. Emily Blunt is however wonderful and engaging in her role as Victoria. Yet Rupert Friend steals the show as Albert. And so he should; a powerful force in this film and a powerful force in Victoria's life.

Without a doubt the design of the film is superb and without fault. Costumes and locations are gorgeous and set the scene perfectly, transporting you back in time into a royal world.

If you are intrigued in English history then you are sure to love this film. However I'm not sure it will have a significant response from those who already know the story of Victoria and Albert; it's lacking deep exploration of the characters and insight into the wonderful Queen she became and her relevance. At it's core its a simple love story with beautiful design and strong performances.