31/12/2019

My Favourite Films of The Decade

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omg we're about to enter the roaring 20s and my parents won't throw a themed New Years party. RUDE!!!! anyway, over the past few weeks, I have been busy putting together lists of my favourite films from each year of the past decade. I thought it'd be pretty simple, but no, there are lots of films in existence and it will take longer than I few hours if you do it again in 10 years time future anna.

So, to hear me and my pal James chat about all of these on the podcast, I'll link the double episode special, as again, it's a lot of films to just spend an hour talking about haha! it took us quite a few hours to record! Also, not all the films on my list made it into the episodes as there was just SO MUCH to talk about, but these were the lists that I went to the recordings with, and would've mentioned them all if I could!

Click here to listen: https://closeupculture.com/2019/12/30/listen-to-our-recap-of-the-2010s-in-film/

But, if you wanna see my list (simply the film title because I can't be bothered to type out a specific reason why I like it for each film), it will be below! the films are listed in no particular order.


2010

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World
Easy A
The Social Network
The King's Speech
127 Hours
Toy Story 3
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Diary of a Wimpy Kid

2011

Limitless
The Muppets
War Horse (might be classed as 2012)
Bridesmaids
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Cars 2
Hop
My Week With Marilyn

2012

The Hunger Games
Django Unchained
The Avengers
Wreck It Ralph
Moonrise Kingdom
The Amazing Spiderman
The Five Year Engagement
Katy Perry: Part Of Me

2013

We're The Millers
Saving Mr Banks
Now You See Me
The Wolf Of Wall Street
Monsters University
The Great Gatsby

2014

The Imitation Game
Birdman
Kingsman: The Secret Service
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash
Godzilla
The Lego Movie
Still Alice
The Falling

2015

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Lobster
Amy

2016

Eddie The Eagle
Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Finding Dory
Florence Foster Jenkins

2017

Spiderman: Homecoming
Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri
Dunkirk
Baby Driver
Loving Vincent
T2 Trainspotting

2018

The Week Of
The Incredibles 2
Crazy Rich Asians
A simple Favour
Assassination Nation
BlackkKlansman
A Star Is Born
Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse
Vice

2019

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
The Farewell
Joker
Avengers: Endgame
Booksmart
Eighth Grade (may be 2018 in the USA)
Rocketman
Us
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Sorry We Missed You
The Peanut Butter Falcon


So those are my favourite/top film choices of the last decade! I haven't seen every film released (including big ones like Lady Bird and The Shape of Water would you believe!!) and obviously everyone likes different things, but for me, these films either spark memories, I can remember the first time I saw it with magic and emotion, or whenever someone mentions it I could chat about it for hours!!! what are your faves of the last decade? let me know!!

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30/12/2019

2019 Look Back

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so, another year has passed extremely quickly and here I come to do my typical end of the year blog posts when I see that I didn't start blogging this year until April. lol ok anna, sure. Although that does mean that I didn't write down my goals for the year for me to tell you that I didn't complete them a year later. Instead, I'm going to do what I did last year and answer some questions to basically go over my year and what I did achieve! I will write a blog post early next year/over the next few days of my goals for 2020 and will link it here when it's up!


Was it the best year of your life?

it was a good one.

did you move?

yep. I've recently moved home. I've spoken about it on the podcast and on my instagram that I've moved away from London and back home to do things here! so this is my life for the foreseeable future and I feel pretty happy about it!

did you make a lot of new friends?

hmmm, I'd say I've possibly made more professional connections, but other than that, my friendships have just grown lovelier and stronger.

what's the hardest thing you went through?

hmm, I think maybe trying to teach myself that I am only 21 and I don't need to have my whole life figured out. that it's ok to cry and worry about the future, but it shouldn't bring me down. I wouldn't say it's been a tough year, but it has made me think about my life, and what I'm doing with it.

did you achieve a goal?

I achieved things I didn't know I would, or even could! I did my first interview, and it wasn't just anybody, it was Lashana Lynch!! I finished my first novella and I'm working on the sequel. I started to host a podcast what he heck?? I feel I've done lots! Even if it wasn't something I dreamed of doing at the start of the year, I'm really happy with what I've achieved this year.

did it go by fast to you?

gee whiz yes!!!

did your clothing style change?

it hasn't dramatically changed, but I guess I've tried to grow up a little bit. I've got a thing for blazers and cool jackets and coats to dress up outfits, and I've now got a necklace that I wear everyday! so more accessories really and how I finish an outfit!

what was the dumbest trend in your opinion?

people ignoring climate change

what's something you wish you could redo that you did this year?

I was lucky enough to see so many good films and theatre shows this year. I'd love to be able to wipe my memory and watch them for the first time again to get all those good feelings again! you know what I mean!

how many relationships did you get in?

still in the same as last year. whoop!!!

what's something you did that you never had before?

I said it before, I interviewed someone in a professional setting. I'd done bits at school but to have the whole thing rely on me, it really introduced me to the more journalistic side of the industry and what I possibly want to do more of! In a dream world, I do it all: create, write, interview, etc, so to be able to experience a big part of it, especially with a big hollowed star is something I'm so grateful for and will never forget!

was school good or bad? why?

again, no school for me. but job wise, I left my job as an au pair in London to move home and do creative things here without worrying about bills and things til my life seems more settled! job was good and I feel positive about what's next although I have no clue and everyone keeps asking me hahaha STOP.

best memory you made?

there isn't one thing that really stands out, but this year I've definitely made more time for friends and family and spent it well. you never know what might happen so we have to make the most of every second with each other, and this year I have done that and I'm so glad! it's been so nice to make memories with so many people and I'm excited to continue that!


it's been a good year. I feel happier and calmer and just overall a lot better than previous years. I hope the next year/decade continues being good to me as I continue to work hard! who knows what the future will bring future Anna!

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29/12/2019

Netflix's The King & 6 Underground

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hello hello, it's that odd time between Christmas and new year where no one has no clue what day it is and I'm literally just sat on my bed in my pyjamas eating a box of chocolates whilst writing this. don't judge me, you're doing exactly the same!!!

I was gonna say that Christmas is a time to watch films and TV shows but that is literally my life all year round, I guess I just have a better excuse for a few days! We've been fed well this past Christmas week: the Gavin and Stacey special which was so good and omg if we don't get more episodes I think the whole of the UK may riot, we've had the final Star Wars film in the saga which I went to see with my brother and dad and it's been a nice tradition to do so over the past few years! It was a good one, especially for the fans, but my dad and I have come to the conclusion that basically every Star Wars film is exactly the same, so it did disappoint us a little, but it was still great to get some snacks and watch it all together on the big screen! And as well as our typical selection of films shown on the tv (loved rewatching finding dory on BBC 1 and my family loved watching Paddington 2 whilst I played monopoly, and sadly lost), Netflix has treated us to a few new films!

I am unsure of all the latest releases, but I thought it'd be cool to chat about the 2 new ones I've seen tonight and the other day! I literally have no clue with timings anymore, it's Christmas baby!!!


6 Underground

(this film is quite gory, so be aware if that's not for you! there's a whole list of what's in this film on the Netflix page so give it a read before you press play)

um ok I loved this. Tarantino meets Guy Ritchie meets EXPLOSIONS!! My brother said we should watch this, so we did. If you love violence (I know, I know, violence is bad, but come on, it makes some films quite fun.... omg does this make me sound insane? you know what I mean. right??), badass characters, big soundtracks and insane visual effects, this may be one too watch!

It's definitely not a film to be taken too seriously. It's meant to be enjoyed, and you're meant to feel satisfied! Basically, 6/7 people fake their deaths and become this cool gang who kill bad people. And well, lots of others in the process hahah!

I really loved it. The editing, the direction, just how alive and insane yet cool it was! The acting really was great and like I said before, the effects and music were top notch!

Of course it wasn't perfect, and I would've loved to have seen a training sequence or something because I just couldn't believe how all of the gang were so good at fighting, but I guess you can't have everything. And you never know, it may have been filmed but removed in post!

It's a film that's not to everyone's taste, but if you give it a chance, you may really like it! And who knows, there could be a sequel! I'll wanna watch it, but I'm sure my mum won't hahaha! (she felt it was unrealistic, which is understandable and if you listen to the podcast, you'll know I like realistic films too, but this was a good release of a film with just utter craziness, and sometimes you need that. especially if it's done well!)


The King

(again, gore etc, so check out what's happening in it before you watch if you're not sure about it!)

so, I've wanted to see this since I saw the adverts and things around LFF, and when my dad announced that he was gonna watch it tonight, I literally ran to the other room to watch it with him!

I personally didn't enjoy it as much as the previous film in an excitement sense, but in an acting and visual way, it was stunning.

Following the life and rule of Henry V, we see the retelling of Shakespeare's plays based on the Henry's rather than full historical accuracy. Although I am told that the bowl cut is historically accurate. phew.

It did feel a little long, but as period films go, it's definitely up there! The editing, the cinematography, the script, it really was great. I felt like we needed all that happened to learn about the story and the reasons why things happened and people did what they did. Just the overall style was dark and serious and something that the film really needed to ground it and make it feel powerful, like the King truly was.

It's funny because after watching, my dad and his friend just couldn't quite get it, yet I could see the metaphors and what the film often meant, but I guess I watch more and study it, so that's just normal for me to see.

So, if you're into period dramas, history, or just love a true gritty film, this is one that you may like! I think I liked it better than everyone in the room, but for me it did have it's downsides (length). But I'm really glad that I've seen it, can go and learn more about Henry and the battle, and to have heard the soundtrack and seen that acting, I'm happy!!


So, 2 very different films, but amazing that Netflix is funding these multi million dollar projects to keep their platform and the industry fresh! I really do get excited when Netflix show what they're coming out with, and I'm the first to say when something isn't up to scratch (cough cough Holiday Rush cough cough) compared to their other releases, but they do make some good films (these and another one of my faves is The Week Of) and series that hopefully we can keep supporting.

It is different and new and scary for the industry, but if that's the way it's going, that's the way it's going! Yo Netflix, wanna buy a script?? :) :) :)

Enjoy whatever is out next future Anna, and people who aren't future me, send me your Netflix recommendations! and let me know what you think of these recent releases!

13/12/2019

My Thought's on Harry Style's Album Fine Line

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Taylor swift is 30, the UK election results are in and HARRY STYLES' NEW ALBUM IS OUT!!! yasssss! ok, in typical anna fashion, I'm gonna listen to the songs and talk about them as I do so you can have my actual reactions!

I haven't listened to any of these songs apart from the previously released singles, but I do chat about them too! I recommend listening to the album as you read my thoughts to understand where I'm coming from, but if you don't have time, scroll to the end to see what are my faves for a shorter listen!

So, this is Harry Styles' album Fine Line. Enjoy!


Golden

oh this is pretty. it's light and then wow ok BOOM! ugh I have missed harry and his music. he's just so good. I'm in love with the lyrics!!! I just love the vibe of this one so much. it's definitely more pop-y but I love how harry has this calm style and also rock n roll style. I feel this fits perfectly in the middle. "Loving you is the antidote" I really love this song! I don't know if being golden is a good or bad thing but it's cool to see each side being toyed with. what an entrance to an album!!!

Watermelon Sugar

ok I think this was the second single released for the album and I am so in love with this song!! I could dance in the kitchen for hours to this tune. it's light and electric and just so so cool. it's a summer bop, and feels so safe and warm yet so new and different. this is the harry styles sound that I love! hopefully there's more like this on the album!

Adore You

(for my thought when I first heard the song, read this: https://annasnothere.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-music-friday-woop-woop.html )

this was the most recent single, accompanied by an odd music video. I'm still not super sure on the song. I ADORE the lyrics lollll but um the vibe and flow just isn't right for me. I love it but I'm not in love with it. I'm sure it'll grow on me. I really like the chorus, it's just the verses I feel. but still a good tune! one for my chill playlist I feel!

Lights Up

this was the first single released! after this it'll be all songs I haven't heard before! this was so different and interesting when I first heard it. and to be honest, it just wasn't what I expected! I love the chorus, the electric guitar, the harry-ness of it!!!! really like this one! I'd say it's my second fave single after WS!!!! "shine! step into the light!!!"

Cherry

this is a pretty lil tune. I expected this to be a BAM hit like kiwi but omg it's like 2 ghosts with a bit more. omg this is so pretty and sad and omg harry!!!!!!! this is so freaking gorgeous! this is so going on my chill playlist!! "I just miss your accent and your friends, but you know I still talk to them" omg this is so sad oh hello a bit more drum. yeah, this is so beautiful I LOVE!!! oh hello like a lil acoustic guitar moment. I think it's in French and it's just people chatting. how beautiful and magical.

Falling

piano!!!! hello!!!! this is so pretty and emotional, such a beautiful ballad for the album. "you said you care" CRY!!! someone really has captured his heart yet broken it too, but this sums up the whole story perfectly. "I get the feeling that you'll never need me again." omg this is so so raw and deep and so full of emotion. these lyrics really cut deep. this song is all about harry's voice and the words he's singing. so much power. silence.

To Be So Lonely

oh this is exotic. another one for the chill playlist I think! oh why are all these songs so sad??? love and loss have turned to loneliness which is so sad. "I miss the shape of your lips" harry has lost someone so important to him, and now he's going home alone. I love all the layers to each song: all the instruments, the voices and harmonies, they really make the songs next level!

She

yes give us some drums. this is giving me slight Woman vibes which is a song from his previous album. it's quite funny, the lyrics remind me of something a band called Madness would sing about, but obviously their music style is so so different and there would be trumpets and a happier, upbeat melody, whereas this is chill and slow and I actually really like it. "she lives in daydreams with me" I really love the story being told in this song. bloody hell we're only 2 minutes and 40 seconds in and this song goes on for another 3 minutes! a long one! ok yes it's just like full instrumental giving the players their time to shine! this song needs a daydreamy side and it's cool that it's done through the music! this is not what I expected, I really thought, like Cherry, this would be one similar to Carolina but cool that it's different!

Sunflower, Vol. 6

ok yes I love this beat!!!! I wonder why it's vol. 6, maybe there have been previous versions of the song, and this was the perfect 1 after working on them all! ooh it's definitely an odd one and I feel that not everyone will like it, but it's something cool to groove to and not what I expected at all! I wanna know what instruments are used in this because they sound exotic and so exciting and different from the rest of the ones used on the album! "kiss in the kitchen like it's a dance floor" love these lyrics!!!! all of them in every song have been so cool!

Canyon Moon

oh ok it's like a country song or something hahaha omg I love! this one is so nice, it's such a vibe! I feel transported to the places harry is singing about, like I'm there to experience them all with him! this is just so nice. it feels so different to the previous songs, but nice to see harry is still experimenting with different sounds!!!! love the whistling, if only I could join in but I cannot whistle to save my life hahah!

Treat People With Kindness

Queen is this you???? oh ok hello there I don't know how I feel about this hahah! this is weird but cool and I like it. it's different and not what I expected at all. what an anthem, to be kind to everyone no matter who they are and make everyone feel good! the bridge makes it sound like something from a musical which I'm not opposed to! I kinda wanna have a dance party to this! it's a mood, and a lesson for life!

Fine Line

the main title of the album is after this song, let's give the final tune a listen! gosh this one is a 6 minute one too! it's beautiful. the guitar, the voice, it really is divine. it's so calm and just absolutely gorgeous. I am so in awe of this tune, its magic. such a nice song to end the album on, as well as name it. oh hello drums and brass instruments! oh wow, this is such a glorious ending, to really fill this song with sound is so cool! "we'll be alright" it will all be ok. how fantastic.

FINE LINE ALBUM COVER
so that's the album, it's a jolly good one! I adore harry's first and it will always be one of my faves. I love how it's split, half the songs being really cool and electric, whilst the other half are very deep yet calming. even though this album does have rock and pop aspects, it does feature more calm and emotional songs, and I'm really glad that harry is doing that. to share these emotions in such a raw way is difficult, so all my respect!

I understand not everyone has time to listen to the full album, so here are my faves if you just want a few to stick in ya ears: Golden, Watermelon Sugar, Cherry, She and Fine Line. All the songs are gorgeous, but I think those are my faves!! although I'm sure I'll become over obsessed with them all after I've listened a few times!

So there we go, I now have more harry music to listen to! really really hoping I can Gert a ticket to his tour next year as it would be a DREAM but it's not looking good! hey ho, hopefully I can hear him sing live one day!

What are your thoughts on the album and which are your faves?

I hope you can see harry live one day future anna! omg, has it happened???

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06/12/2019

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY WOOP WOOP

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RIIIISEEE AND SHIIINEEE! lol!

It's 8:05am and we have been well fed this morning! New music everyday Friday always makes me so excited, and this week it's even more special because it's some of my favourite artists who have uploaded things!

I'm gonna do my typical: listen to it and write my feelings as we go, but because it isn't whole albums, I'll then give my lil thoughts on the song too! Enjoy!

Christmas Tree Farm - Taylor Swift

Before: Ok, this was so unexpected and we were notified about the release yesterday so I'm excited to wake up and feel christmassy! We have a Christmas song from my queen Katy Perry (Go listen to Cosy Little Christmas, it's so so good!) so we now have one from Miss Americana herself!

During: oooh it's like slow and classic and then boom here is the Christmas! Christmas is such a magic time and it's so cute how in her heart is this christmassy place and the person she loves! There's a music video that goes with it made up of her families old Christmas footage and it's so cute! This song feels so nice and safe and festive! I really like it! Aw this bridge is so totally cute!!!

After: ok I'm excited for Christmas and I'm very very happy that I have Christmas tunes from my 2 queens to play on repeat this whole festive season. I hope you'll join me hahaha! (p.s. I did my Spotify wrapped yesterday and TS is my artist of the year so congrats to her for always being played by me I guess)


Adore You - Harry Styles

Before: Ok, all I think of here is the Miley Cyrus song (Adore You) and that is cute so I'm excited to hear this one! We were all confused earlier this week when the trailer for the music video released with Harry's lil place of Eroda, and um? ok hahaha! the video isn't out yet so we have no further light on that at present, but I'm sure it'll all make sense soon!

During: ok, not mad keen on the beat. strawberry links to Watermelon Sugar? I adore that song ahaha! ohh this is super cute, harry just wants to love and adore the person he's singing to and that's it and if that isn't goals than I cannot say what is I am sorry. It's growing on me, but it's weird. it's super chill and not really what I expected. Love this more rocky style at the end.

After: not what I expected but I grew to like it. For me, songs have to flow and sound right and often I hate everyone's favourites because to me, they just aren't right. I think it's funny. Anyway, I probably won't be playing this as much as Watermelon Sugar, but I'm sure it'll soon wiggle it's way into my heart!


Finally // Beautiful Stranger - Halsey

Before: I love Halsey and her music and her style and this whole new era has been MY FAVE! I didn't think anything could beat her last Romeo & Juliet esque one, but here we are, thriving! Nightmare, Clementine, Graveyard, mmmmm yes hun!!! Ok, let's listen to this one which I think is 2 lil songs together? I'm also watching the video!

During: COUNTRY???? ok, beautiful stranger is first and it is so frickin beautiful. oh my life I adore it so much, yeah everything that harry said he would do for his love, I'd do it for this song. it's beautiful and so if the video like wow. oh ok no I was wrong, it is 1 song, not 2 little ones. that's just what it's called.

After: is it possible to love every single song that an artist releases? because I think I love every ingle Halsey song, this one especially.


Gullible Fool -La Roux

Before: with some smashing tunes, La Roux was always played at the school discos and on my friend's playlists. I feel like I haven't heard anything I ages so I'm excited for this new release! ok, let's go!!!

During: ok, it's 7 minutes long which I completely and utterly respect but I'm in a lil bit of a rush, so I'm gonna listen to the 4 minute edit and later on, I'll appreciate the whole song!!! promise!! ok it's kinda exotic and chill yet pumped up.

After: I don't know how I feel haha! it feels like such an old classic song from the 80s or something. I jam with it, but at the same time, it's nothing like what I've heard from them. I'm glad they've gone with their own style and made something fresh and new, which we don't normally get nowadays.

Admit Defeat - Bastille

Before: so y'all know that I love Bastille and I recently saw them on their Club Nights tour where they played this song but to be honest I literally can't remember it hahah! I'm excited to hear it again and definitely listen to it properly haha! The boys have just released their deluxe Doom Days album and I've heard most of the songs on the second side, so it's cool to finally be able to have them on Spotify!

During: Trumpets and a soundscape, mmm yes. ok I like this and the beat! it's cool! very like the rest of the album. "of course you have my body but now you have my soul" omg how and why is dan such a good writer ??? I like the idea that the song follows someone who is just giving into the night and their friends and will do absolutely anything they do or say. the bridge *insert heart eyes emoji*. I kinda remember it from the gig, but at the same time I didn't take any of the lyrics in so it's nice to properly hear it!

After: ok, I am so glad an extended album was released because this song was so good and needs it's time of day! It's definitely one of my faves from the day now and it's gonna be stuck in my head allll day which isn't a bad thing! hahah! (p.s. Bastille are my artist of the decade on my Spotify wrapped! go team!!!)


So that was my quick lil NMF lowdown! obviously there is so many amazing new songs out right now so go and listen to them, recommend them and support your fave and new artists! I enjoyed doing this because I often just do albums, so nice to have a few different songs and I can't wait to add them to my different playlists! Enjoy next Friday with more new music future anna!

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