'Cold Souls'

Cold Souls is writer/director, Sophie Barthes, debut feature film, starring Paul Giamatti, of Sideways fame. The film follows Giamatti, playing himself as a neurotic actor who is carrying a heavy burden; an unhappy soul. Whilst preparing for a difficult role he finds hard to interpret, he stumbles upon an article in the New Yorker about a new, high-tech method of storing peoples’ souls as a solution to alleviate the suffering of complicated lives.

After having his soul- which resembles a chickpea- removed and stored for the duration of the play, he realises that being soulless isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. However, before he has the chance to have his soul returned, he discovers that it has been stolen by a mule and taken to Russia to aid a failing Russian soap-opera actress, leaving his only option to travel to Moscow and save his soul.

The film, dubbed as a comedy-thriller, is a truly original concept that has been beautifully shot, flickering between real life and visions of the unconscious. And whilst it has been compared to the likes of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich, it proves disappointingly dreary with the odd comedic moments being few and far apart.

At only 101 minutes, the film is extremely tedious, with a slow and at times non-existent plot, leaving you wondering when it will end. Ultimately, the film is an artistic letdown that lets you peek into the dark comedy of the soul only to leave pre-anticipated and the audience rather unexcited.

Score: 3 out of 10

'This It It'

Whilst Michael Jackson’s untimely death still dominates the news, ‘This Is It’ allows us to glimpse into the rehearsals of what would have been, single-handily, the greatest tour the world would have seen.

Shot between March and June of this year, we follow the tour preparations from the dancer auditions to the last few ill-fated days of rehearsals at the Nokia Theatre, LA, before the whole tour was meant to be transported to the O2 in London for the final dress rehearsals, and the 50 tour dates themselves.

As the footage was only meant to be used for Michael’s “personal library’’ and not for public viewing, it is extremely grainy and at some points not very clear. However, this adds a sense of reality to the footage, and you can’t help but to watch in awe. The different footage is artistically stitched together in order to show complete song sequences, as well as the whole tour itself, but still allowing us to learn more about the legend he was. Although at times Michael looks slightly frail, and forgetful, he makes up with the effort and class he puts into his dancing and overall performance, as well as demonstrating his hands-on approach to the tour process, overseeing everything for the musical interludes, to the dance sequences.

The film is in no way being offered as a substitute to his shows, but is a tribute to the man, the legend, and what would have been a thrilling stage show, cementing his status as the King of Pop for good. It’s a must-see for fans and critics alike.

The Queen's Royal Visit

Two Cardiff University students were recently given the opportunity to play a major role in the Queen’s visit to the city of Gloucester. The two third year students are part of the University of Wales Royal Naval Unit, based in Penarth, who were given the responsibility to transport the Queen, down the Gloucester Canal, into the historic docks and the city itself. Aboard their ship, HMS Express, they were able to demonstrate ceremonial duties, like parading their dress uniform on the flying deck and hoisting the Queen’s Pennant, as well as securing the boat once they reached the docks, all of which were conducted in front of the Queen and the thousands of spectators who lined the banks of the canal.

Senior Midshipman Aaron Corp commented that “It was an absolute thrill to have Her Majesty on Board HMS Express”, whilst Divisional Midshipman Andrew Barley said “Being able to say that the Queen was aboard and to be part of that was a fantastic opportunity for me. I think we were all feeling very proud that we’d been chosen to do this”. Neither knew until a few weeks before that they would be a part of this great experience.

The University of Wales Royal Naval Unit is made up of 60 dedicated students from a variety of Universities across South Wales, who are carefully selected, and frequently spend weekends training around the South West, as well as weeks away, deployed around Europe, during the Easter and Summer Holidays.

Snow Patrol- ‘Just Say Yes’

Snow Patrol’s latest single, ‘Just Say Yes’ is one of the three new songs taken from the bands greatest hits album, ‘Up To Now’. Written by lead singer, Gary Lightbody, the track has an 80’s feel to it, with the use of keyboard that resembles early ‘Simple Minds’ tracks. However, the song feels very much like a trademark Snow Patrol song, very similar to that of ‘Chasing Cars’, with catchy lyrics, that you can’t help but to sing along to.

Score: 7 out of 10

La Roux- ‘Quicksand’

‘Quicksand’ was originally released by La Roux in 2008, but has been re-released after their quick rise to fame. The song resembles their previous singles, but however lacks the same ‘wow’ factor that they all had. Whilst the other singles left you wanting for more, this single leaves you slightly bored and is easily forgettable, with a lack of catchy lyrics and overly repetitive tune.

Score: 4 out of 10

Little Boots- Earthquake

‘Earthquake’ by Blackpool’s Little Boots is the latest single from her debut album, ‘Hands’. The single follows the same style as her hit single ‘Remedy’, with a pure trance-pop feel and catchy lyrics that you can’t help but to sing along with. The song received great reception at the 33 festival dates she played this summer, and is destined to be a big hit, and help secure Little Boots’ status in the pop world.

Score: 7 out of 10 stars

Kurt Vile- Childish Prodigy

‘Childish Prodigy’ is Philadelphian Born Kurt Vile’s third album release in the last three years. The label debut on Matador is a mixture of American folk with classic rock, producing a truly unique sound.

Opening track ‘Hunchback’ provides a promising start with a modern Rock style that resembles an early Kings Of Leon, whilst still holding onto Vile’s Bluegrass roots. However, by the second track ‘Dead Alive’, the whole sound changes and begins to resemble an early Bob Dylan.

The Next few tracks sound similar to Coldplay’s dreary sound with tracks like ‘Overnight Religion’ dragging on for an agonising five minutes. ‘Freak Train’ tries to bring the album back from its hideous grave with a good beat and distinctive tune, but once the screechy guitar appears, you’re quite ready for the song to end.

By the time you’ve reached the two bonus tracks, you’re not surprised when Vile breaks into another style of music, this time imitating the sounds of R.E.M but without the crazy blue stripped face. The final track, a three minute instrumental, defiantly has you reaching for the stop button.

The lengths of the songs, along with the change of styles mid song remind me a lot of Green Days more recent releases, without the catchy lyrics and memorisable tunes. It really feels as though Vile is trying too hard to be his idols, but without the some success that they had.

All in all the album, along with the artist himself, does hold some promise, but it is overshadowed by the large collaboration of the many genres that are features, which leaves the listener feeling bombarded by style.


Score: 4 out of 10 stars

BONDAI BREAKFAST

The Sydney Harbour Bridge played host to a giant picnic last week, for the first time in the structures history. The iconic landmark, which usually sees 100,000 cars a day, was closed to all traffic and instead, its eight lanes of road were carpeted with grass, allowing 6,000 locals to enjoy an early morning breakfast, suspended 134 meters from the ground.

The two hour event, which began at 6.30am, was a scheme to showcase the best of Sydney’s local food and outdoor lifestyles, as part of the cities month long food festival.

Local musicians provided background music whilst the lucky guests, chosen by a random lottery from the 45,000 people who applied, enjoyed their home packed breakfasts, as well as having the opportunity to sample some of the state’s best produce.

"I don't think we were ever doubtful of the success of this event today," a government spokesman said. "It was a unique world first for this iconic attraction. This type of event typifies the Australian personality."

The guests themselves were just as impressed by the event. “It’s amazing to see the bridge in this perspective’’ comments Don Fuchs, “Usually you sit in the car, you cross it, and that’s it.” Linda Curnow, who attended the picnic with her family, said “The grass was so thick it was like being in your back yard”.

The popularity of the event has caused the organisers of the cities food festival to consider making the event an annual feature.