Let's Start With This One...

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

Last year, the force of the X-Men rained down upon us with the first teaser for Dark Phoenix and now they are back! With a brand-new action-packed Jean filled trailer to end all X-Men trailers!


Check it out below:

Good Afternoon Lovelies,

This week, it is National Eating Disorder Awareness week. Since I was diagnosed with anorexia last year, I’ve noticed a lot about society. I’ve noticed how much we throw around the word’s fat and skinny. How people speak about others weight without even knowing what a person is going through. And it is not acceptable!

I’ve had people tell me to not worry and to just eat what I want. I’ve had people tell me to stop being so emotional. People have come up to me and before they have even said hello, they have told me to put on weight. I’ve had people ask if I even listen to the doctors and dietician. I’ve had people try to make jokes about my illness to my face. All of which harmful in recovery and all experiences I know others will have had too.

Right now, I am the lightest I have ever been. A side effect to eating more food, although many wouldn’t believe this. I attend weekly weigh-ins that terrify me and speak to people about what I am eating, whilst slowly introducing new things. I am doing this because I want to finally look in a mirror and love what is reflected. I want to eat meals with a mixture of foods instead of fearing them. It is taking its time, but slowly I will recover.

This week is a time to truly cherish yourself and others. Don’t make comments about people’s bodies. Talk to them instead about life, love and the world. Stay positive and don’t ever be afraid to speak out about your illness. Recovery is all about letting your voice be heard over the demons. It is something that everyone deserves however long it takes!

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

If by now you don’t know, I am not the biggest hair and beauty queen. I wear my hair in Wednesday Addams plaits every day and rarely put makeup on my face. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t try and look after myself. I just do it in different ways. Methods that are not normally shown in public!

When it comes to my hair, the shower is where I like to look after it. As many of us do. If you were to look in my bathroom, you would see the different products I have tried, tested and loved so much I have brought again. Dove, TREsemme and Garnier have been my brands of choice for years, but when a friend got in touch to see if I would like to try a curl product with a difference, I instantly said yes.


I was born with my dad’s big, thick Italian hair. It is wild in Mufasa from The Lion King wild. I often battle with frizz and dream of having a hair stylist like the stars, who can tame it, but that isn’t going to happen anytime soon I’m afraid aha! There so, I am always trying new things and with The Curl Company collection by Creightons Professional having landed on my desk I decided to give it a go.

Kindly I was gifted the Care for Curls Sulphate Free Conditioner, Deep Conditioning Curl Masque, Style your Curls Enhance & Perfect Curl Cream, Shape & Define Styling Crème Gel and Hold & Body Curl Defining Mousse to try. All containing a unique blend of Moringa Oil and Meadowfoam Seed Oil, specifically formulated by hair experts to help enhance and define curls and waves through locking in moisture, controlling frizz and creating curl definition.

I will start by admitting that I knew I probably wouldn’t use the curl cream, mousse or gel, so I decided to test the masque and conditioner. Heading into the shower, I brought the masque with me and applied it easily. Leaving it to do its magic whilst I shaved, the first thing I noticed was the gorgeous smell that came with the product. It smelt like summer days and that made me happier in an instant. When the five minutes leave-in time was up, I rinsed my hair with my normal shampoo, before applying the conditioner. Again, it smelt lovely and I could feel that my hair was already a lot smoother than it was before.


Upon getting out, I normally towel dry my hair by leaving it wrapped on top of my head for a bit. This is probably where my normal bit of frizz comes from, but with so much to deal with, it is often the quickest way for me. After a few minutes, I headed back into the bathroom to sort my plaits and could see a difference already. My frizz attack starts as soon as the towel is off, yet I could see my natural ringlets so clearly. There wasn’t a fight with them either and putting my hair in plaits was done quick and easily. Plus, less frizzy!

I don’t know if I am fully ready to give up my trusty hair care products, but as a treat every so often, I would use the Curl collection again. They have left my hair silky smooth with a lovely curl and wave, which I haven’t seen in a long time. I have passed on the gels and cremes to my mum, who commented on the nice non-sticky feel they left her hair in and the gorgeous smell.


To find out more and to see the collection, head to the Creightons Professional website, which has tons of beauty and hair pieces to suit all needs. Whilst I may not be getting that stylist anytime soon, I now know I can rely on brilliant products like these to help tame the mane.

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

Since last week’s Disneyland Paris content went live, I have been desperate to go back! I have begun planning, looking and even getting close to booking my next Disney adventure, which I think will be at Halloween.

One thing that I have noticed about the week was how much you all liked the how and where to book piece. I find it useful to see how others sorted their trip and I am so happy you all enjoyed it so much. When I witnessed this happening on the blog, I decided to reach out to MagicBreaks to see what events they knew the park had planned and they kindly sent me some brilliant info on an upcoming jazz spectacular.

On the 15th June 2019, for one evening only, the Walt Disney Studios Park will be hosting their jazziest Disney characters from 8pm until 2am for the Disney Loves Jazz event. Those attending will have access to the park and selected rides during the night, with two Jazz Loves Disney concerts also taking place at 8:15pm or 10:30pm, on the big stage of Motors ... Actions! Stunt Show Spectacular.

To find out more about getting a place at the event, it is best to check the Disneyland Paris events page. However, MagicBreaks have a great offer, which includes tickets. For £179 per person, guests can enjoy a two-night stay at Les Villages Nature Paris over the Disney Loves Jazz weekend, based on two adults and two children sharing a Country Premium One Bedroom Apartment, including 2-day Disney Park tickets. When the event is over you can also enjoy the outside pools at the Aqualagon, heated to 30°C all year round, whilst your kids or even you enjoy the waterslides. Or head inside for a treatment at the Deep Nature Spa! With many MagicBreaks trips, there is also the benefit of a free magical call from Mickey Mouse, Disney Activity Book and a 15% discount off dining at Planet Hollywood and Earl of Sandwich.

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

I am back and finally feeling a bit more human after not sleeping for 38 hours! Believe me, I love the Oscars, but it is one big mind mess when it comes to sleep. For anyone who did the same as me, I salute you aha!

After a few posts yesterday regarding the big night, I wanted today to be about the films that made an appearance during the ad breaks or over the course of the evening. From a sweet Lion King adventure, an Irishman and new comedy, Little, there is a whole host of goodness. Catch them below:

Good Morning Lovelies,

The 2019 Oscars was a night full of surprises, laughs and joy. With many of our favourites picking up awards (so happy for Black Panther!!), the ceremony started on a high with the looks taking to the red carpet.

Here are a few of my favourite outfits that the stars wore:

Emilia Clarke


Constance Wu


Lady Gaga

Good Morning/Evening/Night Lovelies, 

The 2019 Oscars are finally underway, and I am here to share all the winners as they happen! You can also come and join me over on Twitter, where I am live-tweeting what I am sure is going to be a very fun and glamourous night lovelies!

As each winner is announced I will be posting it, so keep refreshing and checking to see who has won throughout the night. Let the 2019 Academy Awards begin...

Best Picture 2019 Award Winner: Green Book

Best Actor 2019 Award Winner: Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody

Best Actress 2019 Award Winner: Olivia Colman for The Favourite

Best Supporting Actor 2019 Award Winner: Mahershala Ali for Green Book

Best Supporting Actress 2019 Award Winner: Regina King for If Beale Street Could Talk

Best Directing 2019 Award Winner: Alfonso Cuaron for Roma

Animated Feature Film 2019 Award Winner: Spiderman: Into The Spider-Verse

Costume Design 2019 Award Winner: Black Panther

Documentary Feature 2019 Award Winner: Free Solo

Documentary Short 2019 Award Winner: Period. End of Sentence.

Makeup and Hair Styling 2019 Award Winner: Vice

Original Song 2019 Award Winner: Shallow from A Star is Born

Animated Short 2019 Award Winner: Bao

Sound Editing 2019 Award Winner: Bohemian Rhapsody

Sound Mixing 2019 Award Winner: Bohemian Rhapsody

Film Editing 2019 Award Winner: Bohemian Rhapsody

Foreign Language Film 2019 Award Winner: Roma

Original Score 2019 Award Winner: Black Panther

Live Action Short Film 2019 Award Winner: Skin

Production Design 2019 Award Winner: Black Panther

Visual Effects 2019 Award Winner: First Man

Adapted Screenplay 2019 Award Winner: BlacKkKlansman

Original Screenplay 2019 Award Winner: Green Book

Best Cinematography 2019 Award Winner: Roma

Good Morning Lovelies, 

For years, Gerard Butler was known as the man to turn to if you were making a rom-com.  Now he is choosing a new path to be known for in, Hunter Killer, alongside Gary Oldman. Taking on the role of Commander Joe Glass, Butler’s on-screen hero must fight to save his Hunter Killer class submarine from the threat of World War III.

Unlike his roles in the action-packed, Olympus and London Has Fallen franchise, this rescue mission sees Butler’s Glass attempting to rescue the Russian president to try and stop World War III from happening. However, very much like his previous features, the film follows a similar fight and shoot message to try and achieve this.

Directed by Donovan Marsh, the thriller has everything you would be expecting. High-class chases, villains and a special forces team, who are surprisingly at the top of their game (especially Toby Stephens who excels in this role). However, the clichés that you would expect are also there too. Often flowing too close to the danger line to ever be fully safe in the water.

With a strong script, it is unfortunate to witness, as the film is a sharper feature than you would expect it to be. The actors, especially Butler, are presenting a story that they seem fully passionate about and could be the relaunch or launch of lots of careers. It is a shame to see a small element make an impact.

The team won’t have to do much hunting though for a strong rating, as I am giving the film…

Good Morning Lovelies,

Since I was made redundant, I have fallen into a trap with my mum. She has begun to show me what she watches when I am not normally at home. One of those shows being, A Place To Call Home, which she spent a whole Sunday binging on when discovering it on BBC iPlayer.

Set in 1950s rural Australia, the romantic drama follows nurse Sarah Adams (Marta Dusseldorp) and the Blighs, a family, who have many secrets amongst them. All of which threatens the relationships within their community. The sixth series marks the end of the show, with Sarah returning to marry George Bligh, whilst dealing with what needs to be done to the home before it can really be called home.

The show is quite sweet and mixes in a lot in hour-long episodes. From New Years to new babies, the family face every element of life and sadly death to bring the saga to a close. Each character becomes an extended member of the family in many ways during watching and it is nice to see at the end how they all end up.

With Australian entertainment booming, it is sad to see this series come to a close, but it does mean that newcomers can binge on it to their heart's content. That is why I am giving it a homely…

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Get ready to party tonight because the 2019 Academy Awards have arrived!

I will be live tweeting and blogging the whole event from 10pm tonight lovelies and I would love for you to join me in talking, crying, laughing, cheering and drinking too much tea to stay awake. Plus, all the fun to be had, as we celebrate some of the best feature films from the past year.

Grab your gowns, get your treats in and prepare for the night of nights, where hopefully your favourites and mine will be walking away with an award in their hands!

Good Afternoon Lovelies,

Today is the final day of Disneyland Paris week on the blog lovelies. However, I have left the best until last. Before I go anywhere, I always like to see if there are any hidden spots around that you will only find in that place.

Having gathered tips and tricks throughout my trips, I have discovered some hidden features around Disneyland Paris that I wanted to share with you to enhance your trips. It is time to get searching for these:

The Disneyland Paris Castle’s Dragon: No other park in the world has the Dragon from Sleeping Beauty within it. Hidden in the bottom half of Sleeping Beauty’s castle too, the dragon moves around, breaths out smoke and peers around with its glowing green eyes. Just try not to wake it up.


Main Street Illusions: Not only is Main Street in Disneyland Paris one big illusion - the castle seems further away than it is - the shops surrounding it have little gems too. Windows above the shops have signs on them that interact. Noises can be heard from many, including someone having a piano lesson, a dentist’s operation going wrong and a person having a shower that is a little too hot for them. Some of the signs on the building also let out steam, such as the coffee poster. Look up and listen out when walking about.


The Hidden Exhibit in the Main Street Market: If you decide to skip walking through the Main Street market area on the way in or out, then you may miss the chance to see a secret exhibit highlighting how America got the Statue of Liberty. It’s small but interesting to see. Take a peek inside when it is raining.

The Handprints in Disney Village: Since the parks and village first opened, many familiar faces have been and left their print on it. In the Disney Village, there is a white wall with handprints from stars including James Stewart, Jack Nicholson and many more. It is next to Planet Hollywood, so make sure to look next time you go past it.


A Tiny Taste of Up: When you visit Adventureland, take a look and try to find Mr Frederickson and Russell from Up sitting by a river. They are quite close to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, so help them out before Jack gets to them!

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

With Disneyland Paris week in full swing on the blog, today’s post is all about getting there and places to visit to prepare you for your big trip. Having been twice, during two very different times of the year, I hope that I can help you prepare for a summer or winter break, the best I can!

Below I have popped down the best places I have stayed, booked through and ultimately had the best Disneyland Paris holidays because of. Many of which are affordable, friendly and excellent at being near everything you may need during your break. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime…

How to Find Your Perfect Holiday

Magicbreaks: If you want a holiday with loads of added extras, super friendly staff members and the best experiences, then Magicbreaks, which is part of the Thomas Cook family, is the place for you. Daily I get emails with some amazing deals that include free food, goodie bags, affordable tickets and guidance on what is on at the parks at that time of year. You can also book travel through the site at an affordable rate as well. I contacted the team before booking my December break on Twitter and they were so good at trying to find me the best deal for my money.

Last Minute: The second time I went to Disneyland Paris, I used Last Minute to book the hotel mentioned below. Super easy to do and super cheap compared to some of the other places around. I wasn’t charged anymore when I got there – apart from City Tax of £13 - and checking in was a breeze thanks to the helpful booking service online from Last Minute.

Wowcher: Having followed Wowcher since it first began, I have witnessed some very affordable deals on trips to Disneyland. Often including travel, park tickets and places to stay, the only thing you will need to think about is food and drinks from what it seems. The website also offers great choices to head into Paris with the team, if you wish to escape from the parks for a day.

Disneyland Paris Website: If you wish to stay in one of the Disneyland Paris hotels, get your tickets or to find out everything about the parks, then you need to visit the Disneyland Paris website. I always get my tickets for the parks through the official website, which I then pick up when I get to the two areas. The team at Disneyland are always super helpful and on hand to make your stay easy, which is reflected in the online chat service on their website.

Hotel to Book

Hipark by Adagio Serris-Val d'Europe: I stayed here when I went in December with my mum and I can honestly say it was the best hotel I have experienced when coming here. The rooms were comfortable and full of space, with up to date kitchen and bathroom facilities. Staff members are super friendly and helpful in guiding you to the parks, which is about 10 minutes away by foot. However, the hotel provides free shuttles to and from them throughout the day. There is also a supermarket and shopping centre about 5 minutes down the road, which have restaurants in them too.

The Best Way to Travel

Eurostar: I have been by plane to Disneyland Paris and I don’t know if I would do it again after experiencing the Eurostar. With one change between London and the parks, the train is super comfy, full of room and you can take as much luggage as you can carry. Great if you were like us and had a few extra items after hitting up World of Disney. On the way back I fell asleep I was so comfy. Although it did mean I nearly missed my stop aha!

Where to Book Park Tickets

Magicbreaks or Disneyland Paris Website: Around the internet, there are lots of places that offer great prices on tickets. However, I would stick with these two, as they are both official places. You can buy tickets when there, but if it is busy you may be waiting around a while. The official website also allows you to see what rides will be open or closed that day/week and has tickets available for special events throughout the year, including the annual Halloween and Christmas parties.

With these two sources, everything can be sorted before you get there. I personally have used the official website for my trips, but I know Magicbreaks is very reliable. Check before you book though that your tickets aren’t already included.

These are just some of the places and websites I have used. For both my trips, I have also been to see travel agents in person, but I like to have everything available online and these places have always been super easy to sort. I know that when I book with them, me and my money is in safe hands.
Let me know in the comments below what you have done in the past or used to have the best Disneyland Paris experiences!

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

Thursday’s I always think are a good day! The hard three days are done with and the weekend is in sight! They are also brilliant days for dropping the first full for Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton!

Let your weekend party start right here:

Good Afternoon Lovelies,

Before I go to Disneyland Paris, I always keeping an eye on what fancies I want to bring home with me or at least look at whilst I am there. All of which normally leads to me spending the day before I am due to go debating whether I needed to take an extra suitcase or not!

With my last trip having been in December, Christmas shopping was on the top of my list. However, it all went out the window when I got to the World of Disney shop and ended up spending a bit too much money on Christmas and everyday items. Here are a select few that I picked up and some that you just have to buy:

Disneyland Paris Christmas Mug: Every year in our house we all buy each other a Christmas mug. Last year, my mum got me a Groot one, whilst I got her a big chunky Coca Cola Christmas themed one. In December, we were sipping from these Christmas treats. I could have easily come home with a whole host of other mugs but limited myself. Until next time!


Disneyland Paris Mouse Ears: If you go to any Disney Park in the world, the one thing you must buy is some Mouse ears. I have the classic black and red Minnie Mouse bow pair at home. Due to it being December, I went all out and brought a festive Christmas tree inspired pair, whilst my mum went for a Bambi pair with a Christmas tree.  When you go to a park, you instantly earn your Mouse ears!


Disneyland Paris Sweet Filled Bauble: This was the first of two treats that we got for our tree last year! Filled with sweet chocolate coin treats, they were a taste of Disney back home. I also brought home a tiny tin with sweets in, which my dad enjoyed all of, in about an hour.


Disneyland Paris Christmas Bauble: Seeing as it is the first time I have been at Christmas, I really wanted to get a bauble to go on the tree, to remind me of our festive trip. This one is simple but has a touch of magic to it. Plus, there is a whole host of others to go along with it.


Disneyland Paris Festive Biscuit Tin: When you mention anything to do with biscuits to my mum, you know that if it can, it will be coming home with us. When she spotted the festive tin, featuring all the main characters, it was like Christmas had come early. Surprisingly, she still has some left biscuits left in it from the festive season, as the tin is full of little packs of plain and chocolate treats.

Disneyland Paris Magnet: I love a good magnet! Some people see them as tacky but to me, that is the beauty of them. Why would you not want a reminder of one of the happiest places on Earth on your fridge? We picked one up for my nephew for his ever-growing fridge collection.

Disneyland Paris Spirit Jersey: Since Disneyland Paris announced that they would be bringing out their own spirit jersey, I have wanted one. After a very tough year, this was a present to me from me. When I went to Disneyland Paris, they didn’t have any in-store (they should be back now!), but I managed to pick one up online in black when I got back.

Good Afternoon Lovelies,

Disneyland Paris is full of rides that I and many others will never forget! From Star Wars rocket ship rollercoasters to flying elephants, there is something for everyone. Upon my return from experiencing them again, I thought long and hard about the ones that simply cannot be missed. 

From 360 loops, spinning machines and towers full of terror here are some of the few that you have to experience at least once:

Tower of Terror: Since I was little and my Auntie Caroline brought me back a popcorn cup with the Tower of Terror on it, I have wanted to experience this ride. Upon entering the Walt Disney Studios park, all you can hear are screams from it. I’ve done it twice now and it is absolutely my favourite ride! Playing a small classic clip from the show before you enter the elevator, it is the little details that make this ride so special. As well as the sheer drops and screams of delight once the ride really takes off.

I'm in the black leather jacket smiling away, whilst my friend Tessa was screaming to get off!

Big Thunder Mountain: When you look at this ride you do wonder what the fuss is about. However, when you get on it, you completely understand. I’ve done it three times now, including in the dark with my mum who screamed the whole time and I adore it.  I would say the whole family can enjoy this whatever the weather lovelies.


Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain: It took me two days to get on this ride. After seeing large queues, a zooming coaster from the outside and hearing my friend’s description, I had all but decided it wasn’t for me. Yet, when a quiet afternoon meant a 20-minute queue, we decided to jump on and although I nearly had a heart attack, I LOVED it. So much so that I ran around and went on it a second time, coming home a massive Star Wars fan.


Phantom Manor: Ever since my brother scared the living daylights out of me on one, I have never ever liked haunted houses. However, when you are at Disney, you really can’t miss the beauty that is the Phantom Manor. Terrifying as it was for me, I am really upset that it was closed when I went at Christmas, but that means we can all expect something epic when it reopens.


Rock n Rollercoaster: Hidden away at the back of the studio's park, this is a musical gem! As someone who isn’t a massive rollercoaster fan, this properly prepped me for the rest of the trip. Straight away the legendary music of Aerosmith gets you pumping, and you need it. Especially when the first thing you are greeted with is a 360 loop!


There are so many rides that could have been on this list lovelies and narrowing them down was hard. As well, there were a few big rides I missed when there last. Luckily, I was able to get on Crush’s Coaster this time around and it was not what I was expecting at all aha! When they say lots of spins, they truly mean it!

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

Before the end of last year, I let out a big, overexcited cheer. As a huge fan of Elton John and Taron Egerton, I was very happy with the first teaser we got from the upcoming Rocketman. It had crazy costumes, the songs and what looks to be like a very interesting storyline.

It is also going to be suitably rocking, if this new poster featuring a photograph taken by David Lachapelle, is anything to go by…


As an extra bit of teasing, 20th Century Fox has also given us a behind the scenes first look at Taron Egerton recording tiny dancer for Rocketman…

Good Afternoon Lovelies,

Christmas is my favourite time of the year and last December was super special! After almost a year of planning, I headed off to Disneyland Paris with my mum - on her first trip - to revel in the magic of Mickey and co during the festive season.

Whilst packing is normally a really hard and boring task for me, which comes with a lot of anxiety that I will forget something important. I don’t get this with Disney packing. After heading there for the first time two years ago, I picked up a few tips and hacks to help along the way, which is what this post is all about. Here are my Disneyland essentials...

Minnie Mouse Ears: If you’re planning a trip to Disney soon, you must pick up a pair of ears whilst there. However, if you want to be prepared before you go there is a great selection in Claire’s Accessories, Primark and through independent creators online. Mine will be going on as soon as I step off the Eurostar!


A Cosy Jumper: When I went last year, it was in the middle of summer, so I didn’t need a jumper then. This time around I am being prepared for the cold nights watching the Disney illuminations with the thick jumper I got from H&M, featuring the main mouse himself.

A Water Bottle: I will be the first to say that food and drink can be a little costly when you go into the parks. Although, one tip I did pick up was that if you head into the village you can find things for a lot cheaper to eat and drink. To save even more though lovelies, take a handy water bottle that you can fill up throughout the day. It will definitely help you save your euros for the gift shop.

Disney Maps: I’m quite bad at shunning a map and thinking I can go it alone, but when I was at Disney last year, I found it really helpful. Not only do they tell you where the rides are, but there is a special map with show times and dates as well to ensure you don’t miss anything. Plus, we used the map to tick off what we did and didn’t do. You’ll be shocked at how much you can really get done in a day.

Badges: Whether it is your first time going, a special event or your birthday, make sure to head to the Disney hotel in the park to receive a badge. I have a birthday one and it made my day so much special, as the team members on that day treated me like royalty.

Fast Pass: There is a new option this year to pay for fast pass access to rides, but you don’t need to do that. Just turn up early and grab a ticket from the booths at the front of the ride. A little tip: if you have a fast pass ticket for one ride and it is going to be late in the day, check to see if your able to get a fast pass for another ride after a certain amount of time on the same pass.


Good Shoes: You honestly will not realise how much walking you do until you come home and look. Or fall into bed at the end of the day. When I went in the summer, I wore my Toms throughout and they are ruined now. I’m currently looking at walking boots for next week to help beat the weather.

A Backpack: It may seem a little bit odd to take a bag to a place where you will be spin upside down and round and round but trust me you will need it. Great to hold everything in, a rucksack is also easy to hold onto when on rides. Place it by your feet and put your legs through the arm straps. There will be no stopping you!

This will, I will be covering all your Disneyland Paris bases, so look out for some super exciting Disney fun! Plus, let me know in the comments below or on social what are your Disney holiday hacks lovelies!

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

After a super sweet first appearance a few months ago, Mr Link is back in a new trailer for the Missing Link. Hold on to your hat’s lovelies, because this one is super cute!

It is a trailer that will be sure to banish those Monday blues right away…

Good Afternoon Lovelies,

Whether you know a lot about Neil Armstrong or not, First Man and it’s rocket man Ryan Gosling will launch you into his world in one of the most realistic and accurate space stories ever told!

Before he was sent to the moon, Armstrong (Gosling) was a pilot. A skilled one at that. But his true role in life was that of a father to his sons and daughter, as well as husband to his wife Janet (Claire Foy). Tragedy grips the family though when Armstrong’s daughter Karen dies, leaving him unable to speak or express his emotions. All of which lead to his commitment to helping NASA be the first space station to have people walk on the moon.

Further tragedies occur, as his fellow astronauts, Ed White (Jason Clarke), Elliot See (Patrick Fugit) and Gus Grissom (Shea Whigham) are killed before they can witness history be made and strains are placed on Janet and Neil’s marriage due to the not knowing. However, as an audience, you already know the outcome.

Damien Chazelle is a director who likes his audiences to step away from the cinema with new knowledge. Whether it be on the beauty of how cinema is made or of that of his characters, he seeks to give audiences that little bit extra. A charm of Chazelle. Working with Gosling again was an excellent choice, as Chazelle discovers the best in him. Very few words need to be spoken to get his desired outcome or needs from the character.

They occur naturally with the close-up shots of Gosling’s version of Armstrong’s reactions. Intimate moments inside each spaceship. Tears in the corner of the eye. Fear embedded in the pupil. A slight smirk that shows that everything has gone to plan. All cleverly mixed to gather audience reactions.
Foy is equally as impressive in the role of Janet. In moments of pure tension, it is Foy’s family figure who becomes the focal point. A tense scene where Armstrong is facing a fatal situation sees Janet faced with the deathly silence of her box. Not knowing whether her husband is alive, or dead is where Foy ups her game entirely and brings out the Oscar-worthy performance. A scene that is later matched in her need for Neil to tell their children about the mission. The supporting cast, clench and pull at the heartstrings with their portrayals of historical astronauts who will never be forgotten. Especially Clarke, whose death is utterly devastating to watch.


The real beauty of Chazelle’s film is the moments in space. Unlike Gravity or other space films, Chazelle takes the time to add small details. The fine grains of the moon and the imprint left by the boot. The silence that fills space. An edge of a planet in the distance. The reflection of a world unknown in Armstrong’s helmet. All within a system so large that thrives on the small elements.
Picking up the techniques needed to show this, the cameras use cutting edge technology to transport audiences to experience the same elements as those on screen. Confined spaces upon launching and walking out onto the moon dust for the first time are not only pieces that the characters discover for the first time, but also viewers too. Intimacy at its highest form.

All of which is paired with an atmospheric score that creeps up and cuts out in perfect sync with the film. Scenes thrive on it, especially the rocket launches and the loss of it when they first open the door to space is a shock to the system but an incredible one at that.

Chazelle should be preparing for another best director award this year, as his carefully portrayed feature about one of the most important men in history is a pure beauty to view. Gosling and Foy pack a punch with their portrayals and the small details are a feature that will stick with all that watch. This giant leap to take Armstrong’s story to the big screen has earned this huge...

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Back in 2015, Goosebumps was one of the biggest shocks in cinema success stories, as it took a classic RL Stine’s novel and brought to life a funny feature with all the classic ghouls. Mostly down to Jack Black’s perfect portrayal as one of Stine’s mysterious figures. However, without Black the sequel to the feature, Goosebumps 2, fails to match up.

In the latest book to screen adaptation, two teenagers, Sam (Caleel Harris) and Sonny (Jeremy Ray Taylor) have just begun their own rubbish-disposal business. Upon their first day, the pair find an unpublished Stine manuscript, along with ever horrific ventriloquist doll Slappy, whilst cleaning out an abandoned home.

Taking the items with them, they are faced with the horrors of Slappy, when he comes to life - at Halloween – causing havoc for not only them but the entire town of Wardenclyffe, where they live. Filled with the nightmare of the evillest of figures from the pages of classic Goosebumps books, the young boys and Sonny’s sister Sarah (Madison Iseman), must protect those around them.

The sequel doesn’t flow or bring the laughs as hard as the first film, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable for the whole family to watch. The scares aren’t portrayed on screen as much as the first one and with the absence of Black (SPOILER: He does come back for a small cameo) felt, adults will find pleasure in seeing the books they used to read come to life. Giant spiders, Frankengnomes, Gummi Bear monsters and of course Slappy are just a few who will spark memories when watching. Whilst younger audiences will get the thrill of seeing them for the first time.

What really causes the problems in this feature is the lack of care given to the new characters. Comedy legend Ken Jeong who knows how to steal a screen or two isn’t given the room he needs to breathe, as the crazy scientist he plays. A similar issue faced by Wendy McLendon-Covey and Chris Parnell, who have been brought in – it feels - to give older audiences something to enjoy.

Goosebumps 2 isn’t a horrific Halloween feature. There are much worse. But the sequel lacks the feel of being worthy of being on the big screen. It feels more suited to something that should be placed on TV for families to enjoy throughout October. Cosied up in a blanket on a Sunday afternoon with. Young fans will enjoy it all and adults can reminisce with it, but it is just a simple Halloween feature to be watched once a year, which has earned it this: