Black Swan.

Natalie Portman stars as a ballerina in New York looking to get the big break. Like most in the business, she is consumed by the profession and will seemingly do whatever it takes to get the lead role in the latest production of Swan Lake. Despite the competition, Nina is the first choice for the role of the White Swan demonstrating both innocence and grace.


Swan Lake however requires a dancer who can play both the White and Black Swan. Overwhelmed by an obsessive mother who has a suffocating grip on her, innocent Nina (Portman) starts to take an uncharacteristic rebellious side. This is personified when she meets Lily (Mila Kunis) who is the perfect candidate for the devious and sly Black Swan. A twisted friendship envelops the dancers as the opportunity of fame begins to cloud Nina’s mind threatening to destroy her. 

The Hobbit: A humble classic.

Having just recently returned from New Zealand I become infatuated with the works of JRR Tolkien. I decided to read the Hobbit in the hope of filling all the gaps in that were left from the film trilogy of Lord of the Rings.

The Hobbit is Tolkien’s very first book published originally back in 1937 and what a masterpiece it was. Adapted many times over, this story evolves around a small Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who lives a quiet and quaint lifestyle. As a Hobbit, he is shut off from the realities of Middle Earth, but prefers the home comforts of warmth and food to any kind of travel.

That is all until wizard Gandalf arrives in Hobbiton. He has come in search of a ‘burglar’ for his quest, and with Bilbo’s delicate step he is the perfect candidate. With much persuasion Bilbo, Gandalf and a band of dwarves embark on an expedition to the darkest depths of middle earth in search of treasure guarded by the fearsome dragon Smaug.

A tale of elves, goblins, trolls, magic and mischief which is set to enthral people of all ages.

Ellie Goulding - Lights: A bright start.

Winner of the BBC sound of 2010 poll, Ellie Goulding was instantly shot to stardom with high expectations on her first album, and she doesn’t disappoint. Originally your typical acoustic singer with lyrical talents, Ellie found her part synth sound when she developed alongside Frankmusik.

The album opens with Guns and Horses expressing Ellie’s already unique sound. The softer tracks express a deep meaning and are beautifully written. More upbeat tracks such as Starry Eyed show that she is innovative in her music. It is refreshing to hear something so different.

Ellie is definitely paving the way of a new era of feminine musical dominance along with fellow newcomer Marina and the Diamonds. A spectacular debut.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PVH8G4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=the047c-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004PVH8G4

Zee Avi.

Originating from Malaysia, Zee Avi expresses a blend of acoustic indie pop music that is calming to hear. Lyrics that express arcane meaning are complimented by the soothing strumming that articulates the relaxed Malaysian lifestyle.

Many of the tracks surround stories of love and hardship but always demonstrate a cheery outlook on life at the worst of times.

A tasteful yet innocent sound. If you are a fan of artists such as Jack Johnson, Madeleine Peyroux and Norah Jones you won’t be disappointed. 

First They Killed My Father: The Reign of Khmer.

Recently whilst travelling in Cambodia I visited the S-21 torture prison and the killing fields of Phnom Penh. To find out more about the reign of terror that Pol Pot inflicted on the nation of Cambodia I was recommended a book by Loung Ung, who witnessed the revolution first hand. The book was called ‘First They Killed My Father’.

Right from the start this book gripped me. It tells the heartbreaking story of an innocent young Cambodia girl and her family who live in the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh. As Khmer soldiers under the influence of communist Pol Pot invade the city the public flee. Eventually captured the family is split up and sent to work camps. Unsure if her loved ones are still alive Loung is forced to make decision to stay and die, or escape into the unknown.

This book is truly unforgettable and it is unbelievable that this all only happened 30 years ago.

Coachella Festival 2011.

One of America’s biggest music festivals got underway again last weekend in California. Yes it was that time again for the annual Coachella Festival. The festival attracted all the biggest names in the business at the moment including Kings of Leon and Britain’s Ellie Goulding and Tinie Tempah. It was not only the performers that were drawn into the glorious sunshine that the ‘Golden State’ has to offer however. Big time celebrities including Rihanna, Kate Bosworth, Vanessa Hudgens and Paris Hilton were also on hand to demonstrate their latest fashion hits, and sometimes in the case of Tara Reid, big misses!

The three day event that is seemingly the US’s answer to Glastonbury features music from a wide range of genres including alternative rock, indie, and electronic music.

The weekend of music was closed by Kanye West who electrified audiences with latest track All of the Lights and Stronger which featured a few cheap swipes at ex girlfriend, model Amber Rose.

Harry Brown. A vigilante with a point to prove.

Harry Brown epitomizes the state of the youth culture in the UK today. The film opens with a ruthless yet insightful view into drugs and gang culture that is currently sweeping the country. This deep and meaningful opening scene grips you from the start leaving suspense throughout.

Michael Caine stars as a lonely pensioner struggling to survive on a council estate overrun by restless youths including Noel, played by the ever talented ‘Plan B’.

With his dying wife in hospital, and best friend being tormented by the youths he himself becomes a recluse out of terror. With the police unable to step in, eventually frustration and fear runs to boiling point and ex-marine Caine decides enough is enough and its time to take matters into his own hands.