How To Be Single Review

The Plot

A young intern Alice moves to New York to find herself and explore what it means to be single while taking a hiatus from her overly comfortable relationship. Taking advice from her workaholic older sister and her hard partying new best friend she soon struggles to work out who or what she really wants.

The Good

Dakota Johnson continues to rapidly establish herself as a charismatic and captivating performer, independent of her instant Fifty Shades Of Grey notoriety. She works very well with more light hearted romantic material and deserves credit for keeping her character likeable in spite of occasionally selfish or indecisive behaviour. Johnson visually embodies the ‘typical girl’ while also having great chemistry with both a neurotic Leslie Mann and the unapologetically free-spirited Rebel Wilson.

Rebel Wilson predictably steals scenes throughout with yet another flamboyant turn as an overly confident and blunt talking loudmouth. Pitch Perfect fans will particularly recognise her performance as ‘Fat Amy’ in all but name. In this film she injects a much needed silliness and serves as a pleasing contrast to the other characters largely self-inflicted dramedy.

Leslie Mann likewise is a perfect fit as a workaholic baby doctor revaluating her life priorities. Jake Lacy from The Office and Girls is another great addition to the cast, offering a genuinely charming young love interest for her. The hunkish funny man at times shows flashes of Chris Pratt like levels of puppy dog likeability.

Overall the film has a reliably fun tone that even smuggle the occasional real insight into modern dating life among a catchy soundtrack and some undeniably laugh out loud moments. The film propels itself quickly though a pleasingly rose tinted celebration of New York dating that should connect with happy couples and perpetual singletons alike.

The Bad

Those that don’t find Rebel Wilson’s signature combination of innuendo packed shouting and physical slapstick amusing will be naturally less enthusiastic about the film’s heavy reliance on her comedic efforts. Without those much needed laughs audiences may find themselves dwelling a little too much on the various romantic subplots, none of which really have enough actual drama individually, although collectively they offer enough superficial dilemmas and feel-good resolutions to satisfy most audiences.

The Ugly Truth

How To Be Single is a fun feel-good comedy that has much more genuine laughs to offer than the average piece of cinema romance thanks to a brilliantly assembled cast, great soundtrack and avoiding ever taking itself too seriously.

Review by Russell Nelson

The Walking Dead Convention In London

The Walking Dead fans should be afraid and very very excited as the leading international fan convention for the smash hit Zombie series makes it’s London debut this month on 20th and 21st February.

Walker Stalker Con is the fruit of The Walker Stalkers Podcast with James & Eric. The podcast began with an amazing trip to Senoia, GA where James & Eric visited the set of The Walking Dead and met the incredible actors from the show. As a result of this experience, a podcast began and then the idea of a convention focused around recreating that same experience with the cast and crew of the show, along with talented actors and artists from other zombie shows, movies and art.

Walker Stalker Con is not just a convention. It is a fan meet-up and an opportunity for each guest to come away feeling like they’ve had an amazing experience and became part of a greater community of zombie lovers.  Walker Stalker Con is three days of events, panels, and experiences that zombie fans won’t find anywhere else!

Guests attending the London event include Andrew Lincoln, David Morrisey, Sarah Wayne Callies, Jon Bernthal, Alexandra Breckenridge, Charlie Adlard, Melissa McBride, Greg Nicotero, Ross Marquand, Josh McDermitt, Chandler Riggs, Michael Cudlitz, Christian Serratos, Sonequa Martin-Green, Chad L Coleman, Lawrence Gillard Jr. Alanna Masterson, Tyler James Williams and Norman Reedus.

For more information about tickets and event details check out the official site here at http://walkerstalkercon.com/london/

Till then a few of interview with the cast below to wet your Zombie appetite:

Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates Trailer

Check out the official trailer for Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. In the new 20th Century Fox comedy hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) make a televised plea to find the perfect dates (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza) for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a respectable family gathering, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo.

A Bigger Splash London Screening Pictures

Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton and Director Luca Guadagnino attended a special VIP launch and London Screening for stylish drama A Bigger Splash last night.

The film is a dazzling, sensuous portrait of desire, jealousy and rock ‘n’ roll under the Mediterranean sun. When a high-profile couple – a rock star and a filmmaker decide to vacation on a remote Italian island, their rest is disrupted by the sudden visit of an old friend and his sexy, yet mysterious daughter. Suddenly, what was supposed to be an ideal getaway turns into a whirlwind of jealousy, passion and danger for everyone in the group.

The film arrives in UK cinemas this Friday February 12th.

Till then check out a gallery of pictures and and interview with Academy Award nominated director Luca Guadagnino below:

Evening Standard Film Awards Winners 2016

Brooklyn was named film of the year at the new look Evening Standard film awards last night in London. Other major winners included Idris Elba for Best Actor, Dame Maggie Smith for Best Actress and Best Newcomer Maisie Williams. Full List of Winners Below

Best Film Brooklyn

Best Actor Idris Elba – Beasts of No Nation

Best Actress Dame Maggie Smith – The Lady in the Van

Best Documentary Amy

Blockbuster of the Year Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Editor’s Award 45 Years

Best Screenplay Emma Donaghue – Room

Rising Star Maisie Williams – The Falling

Comedy Award  Emma Thompson – The Legend of Barney Thomson

Technical Achievement Mark Digby – production designer, Ex-Machina

Outstanding Contribution Alan Bennett

Bonus Interviews with many of this year’s winners below as well: