Group Video

This video is a compilation of the many movies and television shows myself and my team members reviewed for our blog. We hope you enjoy it!

High School Musical (2006) Review

After watching the movie, I have to say it is more than just a movie. I learned a lot from it which one can not fully understand by reading our textbooks only. 

The first thing I learned is that we should learn to change .Don’t stick to the status quo. In the film, some people wanted to change while other people objected to this. The hero is a typical example. He had also don’t dare to change at first. But at last he changed, and obtained a win-win situation. The plot inspires us to change. If you dare to change, you can achieve even greater success. And the same is true in our study. The second thing I learned is teamwork spirit, which is also the clue of this film. The song at the end of the film sang like this: we are all in this together and it shows when we stand hand in hand make our dreams come true. So if you have teamwork spirit, you will get endless strength.

Rating:

4/5

Trailer:

Olivia Gao

2012 (2009) Review

Movie 2012, a famous movie made in USA, which was showed in China 2012What I have to admit is that this movie is wonderful, such as its advanced digital video effect and the worry about the future of human beings.

In fact we do not agree the result of this moive, in which only but some scientist and politic leaders can survive not common people. all of us have the right to survive, what the key reason of survive is not this man can offer a larger contribution to our society, because for a future rebuilding, everyone is important. Another thing we have to remember, that is the development of creat China, in that movie, the work of manufacturing the surviving ship was completed by China, this advice us that China is admitted by the world more and more. that is a fact, and so we should love our conutry, a great and powerful motherland can allow us a happy, safe life.


Rating:
3/5



Trailer:

Olivia Gao

Kung Fu Panda (2008) Review

The dream factory has always been the high standard, the screen exquisite detail, vivid characters vivid, touching story twists and turns, the most important thing is it in the most simple and easy to understand that the way of a token, that is - there is no shortcut to the world and Cheats, the only winning Famen is believe in themselves.

More do not want to repeat the story, because it really well. Look at the process, appeared frequently Huiyi people laugh, the whole atmosphere is relaxed and go. This film has done very authentic, a little bit by the Westerners did not interpret the feeling, no matter which story or convey the moods, whether the screen or the details are all the way east; only special is probably the Speaking of modern.

Rating:

3.5/5

Trailer:

Olivia Gao

Puberty Blues (Season 2) Review

Everything Aussie in a show! Puberty Blues is the rare Australian television show that comes not so often that showcases pure talent as well as writing and filming. Australian television is usually bombarded with American shows with very few quality ones of our own such as Underbelly. However less gruesome yet accurate, is the story of Deb and Sue of Cronulla in the 1970's. Right in the midst of their teenage years, the inseparable pair undergo the trials and tribulations any teen experiences of sex, romance, family, friendship, and in their cases, gender politics.

Debbie Vickers is a bright and intelligent student who comes from a very studious family. Her father being a research scientist and mother who is the local primary school's principal. She also has a younger brother, David, enjoys annoying her to no end.
Sue Knight on the other hand, is more free spirited and adventure seeking than Deb. She is the youngest daughter of Roger and Pam who are high school sweethearts, still madly in love as ever.

The Greenhills Gang

Throughout season one, we have watch Deb and Sue struggle to become accepted into the Greenhills gang, the 'coolest' gang of the area that is consisted of surfer dudes and chicks. They eventually are accepted, by conforming to the pressures of the gang such as sex, drinking, and drugs. They also start dating boys of the gang which ultimately prove disastrous for both girls as they were forced into their gender stereotypes and are only seen as sexual objects. Deb slowly starts to develop genuine feelings for Gary Hennessy, a promising surfer and the most desired of school. From the start, the audience can immediately sense that Gary is unlike the rest, with a kind heart for others he is noticeably more sensitive and caring. Deb and Gary's relationship by the end of season one is promising and full hope, their characters blend well together, both offering love and support to each other.

Season two focuses on the aftermath of Deb and Sue's official acceptance into the gang and the impact it has on their relationships to others, with emphasis on their families. Debbie's new friends and their influence on her puts a large strain with her mother, who expects her to become accomplished in academia and in life. The lifestyle of the Greenhills gang forces Judy to send Debbie to a prestigious boarding school in Sydney's CBD, hoping that the 'old' Debbie will return. Without her best friend, Sue feels isolated in Cronulla, "why does every girl in suburb have to be an untrustworthy bitch?". Finding no comfort in the gang, Sue develops an unlikely friendship as a result of a science project with the school 'nerd', Woody. Sue is surprised by his interest in her personality and opinions rather than her body. She at first holds reservations about becoming a couple with him, keeping in mind her status as a Greenhill member and his social status at the bottom.

Sue visiting Debbie at her new boarding school

The parents of the Greenhills gang have a noticeable more screen time, with their own complex dilemmas rather than just a touch and go in season one. Martin and Judy start to have serious marriage problems as seen in season one which resulted them in attending marriage counselling sessions. This is mainly caused by Martin's short fling with one of his research assistants at work, that Judy discovers after her sudden death. Feeling betrayed, by now her husband and daughter, she feels as if she is loosing control of her family life.

Roger and Pam Knight's problems are less drastic with only financial problems being their main concern. After being miserable at his job as a graphic designer at a city firm, Roger decides to start a new business of making bikinis with the full support of Pam. Throughout season two, their love for each other is just as strong since the first season. Their feelings for one another is proof that it is possible for the other characters to find genuine love and happiness, whether the circumstances seems like it or not.

Debbie and Gary

Puberty Blues is an amazing show and this review does not do it justice! There are many more issues in which this shows explores and really puts light on the Australian lifestyle in the 70s. The writing perfectly portrays the struggle young women face while growing up, not only in the past, but also in today's society. The fact that Deb and Sue's struggles are real today, really wakes the audience up and make them take notice. This is television show falls perfectly under the category of coming of age, just like The Breakfast Club and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, with a great message to send to both young and mature adults. I highly recommend you watch this show!


Rating:
4/5


Trailer:

Amadea Auwrangzeb

G.B.F. (2014) Review

The Gay Best Friend or G.B.F. is the ultimate accessory for any girl. But at what cost?
This teen flick definitely has a great message to its views and uses a comedic element to do so. The story centres around Tanner, a closeted gay alongside his best fiend Brent. Together they roam the hallways of high school determined to go unnoticed to avoid being the next school's punching bag. When word of the hottest accessory reaches the three most popular girls at school, Fawcett, 'Shely, and Caprice, they are determined to find North Gateway High's first gay.

Brent is a prima donna who enjoys all things theatrical, is determined to come out of the closet "fabulously" to have the three Queen-Bees to battle it out for his attention. However, when a last minute cold-feet leaves Tanner to take the fall, it not only hurts Tanner's "loser" status as well as his friendship with Brent. Having no desire to be outed or to be a G.BF., Tanner is furious with Brent and decides to take revenge by embracing his new status and living the life Brent had wanted.

Topher and 'Shley, Caprice, Tanner, and Fawcett

make their grand entrance at school

Tanner embraces his new found status as G.B.F. and is no longer a nobody. Spending time together and individually with the three queens of school, Tanner makes a connection to each of them, but especially Fawcett. 'Shley, short for Ashely, reigns over the religious side of NGH being an in-your-face Mormon who proudly preaches her faith to her fellow students. She represents all that is good and pure but is ironically the worst Mormon ever. Her friendship with Tanner makes her come to understand that homosexuals are not evil nor do they want to "steal her father and brothers". The stereotype of gays that 'Shley has been taught from her faith has changed for the better.

Tanner spending time with the Queens of NGH

Caprice on the other hand is a force to be reckoned with. Her sassy demeanour pairs well with her colourful personality and works to her favour in the Drama Department. Caprice is the leader of the minorities and artistic students of school. Spending time together, Tanner understands that Caprice's ambition is to break the stereotypes for not any gays, but for all minorities alike and to give them a greater voice at school. 'Shley's comedic aspect comes from her naivety whereas Caprice is straight up sassy and aggressive.

As quoted in the movie "But neither could hold a candle to Fawcett Brooks." - and it was true. Fawcett was the Empress of the rich and beautiful, your classic requirements to be popular at any high school. Fawcett had the best of the best when it came to fashion, accessories, and status. Throughout the movie, Fawcett genuinely starts to enjoy her friendship with Tanner, unlike her minions who only worship her to gain popularity points. She was the only one who stood up for Tanner's rights when he was denied prom tickets because his date was male. This lead the pair to retaliate and planned to host their anti-prom prom. This starts to cause trouble amongst the three queens of NGH, as Tanner has indirectly sponsored Fawcett for Prom Queen.

Tanner and Fawcett confiding in each other

Tension starts building as prom is around the corner, furious at Tanner and Fawcett, Brent and Caprice join forces to sabotage their crowning at prom. Pulling a card out of Mean Girls, Tanner goes "full Lohan" and delivers a heart felt speech. He expresses the consequences of using labels at school, how everyone is worth much and should embrace the best qualities of ourselves that cannot be defined in a word. It is this speech, that reconciles Brent and Tanner's friendship and that of Caprice, 'Shley, and Fawcett.

G.B.F. was an funny and enjoyable movie with a great lesson to learn, especially for today's youth. The characters are all unique and different which are portrayed well by the actors. I especially enjoyed the dynamics of the three rulers of NGH and their friendship with Tanner. Overall, it was a good movie but screams "teenagers" - so steer clear if these movies are not up your alley.


Rating:
3/5


Trailer:

Amadea Auwrangzeb

Slumdog Millionaire/ Q & A Book Review

Slumdog Millionaire, a Vikas Swarup’s novel; is the story of Ram Mohammed Thomas, a nineteen year old orphan from the slums of India. Written in 2005, under the name Q & A, the novel rapidly became popular, and in 2009 was made into a movie and became a big blockbuster hit in the box office. Not only did it become a commercial success but went on to win accolades from the critics by winning numerous awards at the BAFTA and Oscars.

The novel opens with Ram as a millionaire, having won the prize money in a game show, and he is also shown in jail, because the producers charged him with fraud. They do not understand how a poor uneducated boy knows the answers to all the game shows general knowledge questions. As a lawyer comes to the orphan’s assistance, Swarup unfolds Ram’s tale in first person, told in short stories. As a plot device, this works very well. The chapters are not in chronological order and the first-person narrative weaves back and forth, as each chapter unfolds. Ram explains how various these events in his life, provide a key to the shows twelve questions.

Through these recounts, Swarup cleverly shows the reader snapshots of the extreme poverty which exists in India’s society. This is shown through this quote by Ram, “the sight of all this opulence makes me uneasy…seeing rich college boys spending money like paper…the contrast with my own imperfect life pinches me with the force of physical hurt.” I believe this quote shows the way we take our lives for granted, compared to the poverty Ram is dealing with. For me, this meaning gives the book a three-dimensional aspect, making it feel more realistic.

The story also depicts the child labour endemic which exists in third world countries. It is extremely moving to see young kids with a lot of dreams not able to fulfil them because of poverty and made to work for to put food on the table for the whole family. These children do not go to school to be educated get into the vicious circle of poverty and are drawn towards crime to survive.

With memories unfolded of rape, murder and robberies, this boy’s story becomes quite an emotional one.

The themes presented in the book are corruption, perseverance, courage, violence, and the ability to achieve anything no matter where you come from. Mostly the book is about the troubled life Ram Mohammed Thomas lived and how he comes to where he is in the present.

Vikas also entwines Romance into the story between Ram and Lalita, the heroine of the novel. The love story is an interesting sub plot that gives Slumdog Millionaire another dimension.

Over all, the entire book is about the fight between good conquering evil. Perfect for any age, Vikas Swarup takes the reader on a picaresque ride through the underbelly of urban India where evil hides in the most ordinary places.

Rating:
3.5/5

Trailer:

Slumdog Millionaire Movie Trailer:

Although different from the novel, it can give an idea of the rough story line of the original book. 

Swatika Suresh