Monday, 29 October 2018

Bohemian Rhapsody Film Review

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And after watching the film Bohemian Rhapsody last night at the cinema, the first thing I did this morning is turn on my laptop to write the review.
Because I have some thoughts on it.


I just have to say that I love the aesthetic of the poster. The purple fading into yellow just really pulls your eye in. Its a simple poster, with a stage and the one and only Freddie Mercury performing on stage, and in my opinion, that's all the poster really needs to be. I just love how simple yet eye catching the whole poster is.


The Film
I had no expectations going into this film. I thought it would be a story about Freddie Mercury, his ups and downs with Queen, and an insight into his personal life. I got some of those things, and in this those moments I was singing along, (quietly, because I didn't want to be kicked out) having the time of my life as I witnessed Queen's rise to fame, but what I thought was lacking was the insight of what was happening in his personal life as his fame continued to rise.
Saying that, as much as I wish the film had got more into the thick of it, regarding Freddie's life from the time that he found out he had AIDS, I have to remember that it is a PG13 film, and it's more of a family friendly film, which it certainly was.

One thing that they did focus on quite a bit was Freddie's sexuality. That was one factor that was very well developed. There was one scene where Queen was at a press conference but instead of asking questions about the latest hit, they were asking (the word 'pressing' is kind of an understatement) questions about his sexuality instead. That scene was very well done and really grasped the idea of what it must have been for Mercury and any other person in the public eye at that time, what it must have felt like to be seen as queer.

Also, I got to find out more about the people that were in Mercury's life, instead of just Freddie Mercury alone. And I have to say, the people cast as these amazing people were absolutely perfect. You really got the feel of what it was like for Queen, in that recording studio, what their chemistry was like when they were making music. Also, the acting that came from Lucy Boynton (who played Mary) stood out in particular as perfect.  

The best part of this film was the soundtrack (because it's Queen.) But what I enjoyed the most was how each big song was woven into the story. It really helped to see what inspired some of Queen's songs, especially as I wasn't alive when all of this was taking place, like some of the people I went to see the film with (I went with my mum, auntie and their friend.) Because I wasn't able to live through Mercury's story, it really helped me to see the bigger picture.
 It was one of my favourite parts because it added so much to the story.

Overall, a really enjoyable film. My only critiques are that they could have gone into Mercury's experience living with AIDS, and the time between when Queen performed at Live Aid in 1985, and Mercury's death in 1991.
But other than that, I recommend going to see it with the best sound and picture you can, because this is one of those films when they do not hold back on the sound.
They are playing the film in IMAX, so if you can, go and see it in IMAX. (I just saw it in regular picture though and it was still amazing.)

Right, that is my review of Bohemian Rhapsody! I hope you enjoyed it, and let me know what you thought of the review, and the film if you've seen it!
That's all I have, and that's going to do it for this post!
Byeeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx











Friday, 26 October 2018

Completed Series' List (2018)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it's officially been two years since I have posted my Completed Series' List!
Now I am just including series' that I own, and maybe 1 or 2 that I don't (that I remember.)
Enjoy!


1. The "Demonata" Series, by Darren Shan

2. The "Vampire Beach" series, by Darren Shan

3. The "5th Wave" trilogy, by Rich Yansey

4. The "Lying Game" series, by Sara Shephard

5. The "Medusa Girls" trilogy, by Tera Lynn Childs

6. The "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" trilogy, by Jenny Han

7. The "Monsters of Verity" duology, by V.E Schwab

8. The "Mistborn" trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson

9. The "Hunger Games" trilogy, by Suzanne Collins

10. The "Legend" trilogy, by Marie Lu

11. The "Tiny Pretty Things" duology, by Sona Charaipotra

12. The "Divergent" trilogy, by Veronica Roth

13. The "Lunar Chronicles" series, by Marissa Meyer

14. The "Six of Crows" duology, by Leigh Bardugo

15. The "Infernal Devices" trilogy, by Cassandra Clare

16. The "Slated" trilogy, by Teri Terry

17. The "Passenger" duology, by Alexandra Bracken

18. The "Skulduggery Pleasant" series, by Derek Landy

19. The "Demon Road" trilogy, by Derek Landy

20. The "Noughts & Crosses" series, by Malorie Blackman

21. The "Red Queen" series, by Victoria Aveyard

22. The "Frostblood" trilogy, by Elly Blake

23. The "Dark Matter" trilogy, by Teri Terry

24. The "Fairytale Retellings" series, by Jackson Pearce

25. The "Mortal Instruments" series, by Cassandra Clare

26. The "Raven Boys" series, by Maggie Steifvater

27. The "Twilight" series, by Stephanie Meyer

28. The "Series of Unfortunate Events" series, by Lemony Snicket

29. The "Harry Potter" series, by J K Rowling

30. The "Songs About A Girl" trilogy, by Chris Russell


So those are the series that I own and have finished! There are probably some more that I've finished that I haven't included, but those are the ones I own!
How many series' have you finished? Let me know some of your favourites in the comments!

Right that's it for today's post. I appreciate that it was just a plain list with nothing else, but there should be more on Monday.
Right, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I will see you all on Monday!
Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

Monday, 22 October 2018

A Snowstorm and a Relationship

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I got the feeling that I wanted to write a short story, with minimal time and lack of inspiration.
Let me know if you like it!
45 minutes: countdown. No editing. Enjoy!


""Attention! Due to the extreme weather conditions, the train has been stalled for one hour. We are working hard to get the line clear as much as possible so bear with us."
Removing my headphones from around my ears, I glance around the stall.
Great, I think, relieved to find that I am finally alone, the rest of the passengers in the stall, having left to let loved ones know of the blizzard.
I think about doing the same, letting Dad and Jax know that the train has stalled, but I don't want to worry them. They were worried enough about me making the journey by train as it was.
I'll call them when I get there, so that they know there's nothing wrong, I think, wondering when that would be.

Closing my eyes, I think of what awaits me: a life at Uni, studying Business Studies, a life of friendship, laughter, and the start of a potential career. I can't wait to get there, and show that I can be an independent, motivated individual. Especially since everybody is convinced that I can't.

I flash through the memories: skin as white as a ghost, the fall that solidified the disease, the lack of strength...

I wake with a start. A face above me, shaking me awake. I can't quite make out what he's saying. It's a male, around my age, maybe a couple of years older. Shaking my head, I start to make sense of what he's saying.
"...So sorry, I didn't know if you were dead so I just wanted to check..."
Licking my lips, I try to speak, dumbfounded.
"That's alright, I didn't realise I'd fallen asleep..."
He grins, the sun from the window glinting off his teeth.
I start to smile again, somehow unable to stop. I just want to return his smile...
What the heck am I doing? I shouldn't be thinking these thoughts, I probably look horrendous!
Before a second thought, I'm back on my feet, bag in hand.  
"Excuse me." I push past him without a second thought.
"Oh, okay..." The smile is gone in an instant, replaced with a look of lost confusion. I rush off to the toilet as fast as my legs will carry me.

* * * * * * *
Dignity regained, I slowly make my way out of the bathroom. My head aimed at the floor, I try to think what to do.
"Hey!"
I jump like I'd just seen a ghost. Which would have been preferable.
"Are you following me?" Of course, it's the dream boy from the stall.
"No. Hey, wait!" He gets out before I attempt to run as fast as I can to the other end of the train.
But as quick as lightning, he grabs my arm and refuses to let go.
"Let go." I stop struggling and look into his eyes, knowing he won't unless I look him in the eye at least once.
"No. I wanted to formally introduce myself. I'm Jaime."
I look him up. Ruffled hair, blue eyes, and lightly tanned skin, like he's been abroad recently. Casually dressed, smiling. Attractive.
Hmm, attractive is an understatement. You just thought of him as dream boy. Stop daydreaming.
"Cara. Nice to meet you." I shake his hand vigorously, treating it business casual.

* * * * *
"So what brings you here?" He takes a swig of his Pepsi Max, but never for a second do his eyes come away from mine.
"Uni." I motion to the suitcase next to me.
"Oh. What are you studying?"
"Business studies."
"Oh..." He's quick, but not quick enough: I see a role of the eyes before he glances away.
"What's wrong with business studies?" I jump into a rage before I can stop myself.
"Nothing! It's just a bit... you know..."
"No I don't! What's wrong with it?"
"Just a bit... boring is all."
I don't even know how to respond at this point.

* * * * * * *
"All I'm saying is this: You learn business on the job. The idea, the premise, the product is what is going to get you noticed! The best way to learn to be a businessman or woman is on the job! That's all I'm saying." He crosses his arms to end the point.
To be honest, he has a point.
But I'm not going to let him think that.
"Good point. But, business studies is more than just being taught the tools. You have to put your own spin on it, so you can make it a business that you run your own way! If you're just following some other business, on the job, there's no way in hell you'll make it on your own!"
"I mean, I get that, but how many heads are actually involved in their own businesses? Take Lord Sugar for example. He invests in other's businesses', but does he ever get his hands dirty? Nope." He tucks his hands in his pockets. "You know I'm right."
And I can't help but smile.
* * * * * * *
"I guess I just realised that if I want something, I'll have to go and get it myself." He says with such heart-felt emotion that I steer my eyes away from my mug of coffee.
"What do you mean?" Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I shift a bit closer.
"Just that if I wanted a future career in music, then nobody was going to hand it to me."
I sigh. "I know."
* * * * *
The train machine wakes me up with a jolt.
"Attention! We have got the train moving again and we will be reaching Hull in five minutes.
I sneak a glance at Jaime, and am surprised to discover that he has fallen asleep. Deliberating on whether to wake him, I decide to leave this tale at it's end and leave him there.
Giving him a soft peck on the cheek, I pick up my bag, and make my leave before I change my mind.


Standing on the side, I see the train leave the platform,
a sprinkle of a tear, the return of hope that I can make my way once again.
Funny what an encounter can do.
Bye, Jaime. "


Hi guys!
Hope you enjoyed that!
I think, because I've finished my latest draft for my book, that I am ready for beta readers, and this was maybe a building confidence to send off some of my work off!
If you enjoyed it, let me know, I might start doing more of these, so let me know!
Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx