Potter Turns 20: The Legacy of the Wizarding World

By Libbi Kettle On a train from Manchester to Kings Cross, 1990, an ordinary muggle with an impeccable imagination starts to plan a franchise that will shake up millions. She doesnÔÇÖt know that yet, but her idea is going to become this widely beloved fictional world beyond the pages of a book. It will spur the creation of magical movies, theatrical theme parks, suspenseful spinoffs, … Continue reading Potter Turns 20: The Legacy of the Wizarding World

Contributing WriterDecember 25, 2021December 21, 2021

Film & TV, Interview

Filming Locations: An Interview with Thomas Duke (@steppingthroughfilm)

A couple of weeks ago, I got the chance to sit down for an interview with Thomas Duke, who runs the Instagram account @steppingthroughfilm, which you may have seen floating around the film portion of the internet. The account spotlights filming locations of many beloved movies and series, including Sex Education and Hot Fuzz, providing in depth exploration of the integration of our world into … Continue reading Filming Locations: An Interview with Thomas Duke (@steppingthroughfilm)

Pui Kuan CheahDecember 14, 2021December 13, 2021

On Masculinity

This is Us By Rume Otuguor ÔÇÿMen donÔÇÖt cryÔÇÖ is an adage as old as patriarchy itself. Yet This is Us takes this trope and turns it on its head. Kevin and Randall Pearson bring male fragility to the fore in this evocative family drama. Randall ticks every box of the male mandate; he is a successful businessman who provides for his brood. Kevin is … Continue reading On Masculinity

Contributing WriterDecember 4, 2021December 4, 2021

Review: No Time To Die

By Libbi Kettle ÔÿàÔÿàÔÿàÔÿà The highly anticipated 25th adaptation of Ian FlemingÔÇÖs James Bond series┬áwas finally released to our big screens on September 30th. More than a year after its initial release date (April 2020) due to the pandemic, we┬á are delivered the epic conclusion of Daniel CraigÔÇÖs successful run as 007. It has all the ingredients for a box office hit; a villain played … Continue reading Review: No Time To Die

Contributing WriterNovember 27, 2021November 27, 2021

Review: Spencer

By Rowan Davies ÔÿàÔÿàÔÿàÔÿàÔÿà Where the f*** am I? The first spoken line from Pablo Larra├¡nÔÇÖs Spencer, and the first sentence I muttered to myself as the credits rolled. Every detail from cinematography to score was meticulously choreographed which, ultimately, crafted a beautifully sombre portrait of the peopleÔÇÖs princess. As the camera casts a birdÔÇÖs eye shot over an aesthetically depressing Sandringham Estate, DianaÔÇÖs desire … Continue reading Review: Spencer

Contributing WriterNovember 18, 2021November 18, 2021

Review: Britney vs. Spears (Netflix)

By Pui Kuan Cheah ÔÿàÔÿàÔÿà One of the biggest pop culture moments of the year was that Britney SpearsÔÇÖ 13-year conservatorship seemed like it was finally coming to an end. SpearsÔÇÖ father Jamie Spears has recently asked for ÔÇ£immediate terminationÔÇØ of the conservatorship – an outcome that many fans would think is long overdue. However, the #FreeBritney movement that preceded this has been going on … Continue reading Review: Britney vs. Spears (Netflix)

Pui Kuan CheahNovember 14, 2021November 13, 2021

To The Top Of The Leaderboard: Squid GameÔÇÖs Worldwide Success

By Eszter Gurbicz A few weeks ago I decided to hop on the bandwagon and watch the new worldwide success Netflix show everyone was talking about: Squid Game. Not surprisingly, it didnÔÇÖt take long to finish the series but doesn’t this happen all the time? Something becomes popular and everyone starts watching it, regardless of whether they are interested in the theme or not. We … Continue reading To The Top Of The Leaderboard: Squid GameÔÇÖs Worldwide Success

Contributing WriterNovember 6, 2021November 6, 2021

What the Kim’s Convenience Controversy Tells Us (Once Again) About the Industry

KimÔÇÖs Convenience was arguably one of the biggest Canadian television exports as of late, going beyond local broadcasters to Netflix worldwide. What was once a small, humble comedy series based on a theatre show became a smash hit among television audiences, and even garnered awards in its five-season run. It was hailed for being a win for Asian representation on the small screen in the … Continue reading What the Kim’s Convenience Controversy Tells Us (Once Again) About the Industry

Pui Kuan CheahNovember 2, 2021January 1, 2022

wales coast

On Location in Wales: Freshwater West

By Joshua Allen Wales is more than well known for having some of the most stunning views in the UK, so it was only natural that when it came to choosing a location for the staggering conclusion to the Harry Potter series, that a part of it came to Wales. Freshwater West, located in Pembrokeshire, was already a popular spot amongst those both visiting or … Continue reading On Location in Wales: Freshwater West

Contributing WriterOctober 23, 2021October 23, 2021

Hidden TV Gems on Streaming

We’re always looking for more to watch on streaming platforms, in an age where we’re truly spoilt for choice. Here, our contributors share series that they’ve been watching on streaming that they feel are not talked about enough, despite being hugely entertaining and binge-worthy. Perhaps you’ll find your new favourite show in here? Inside No. 9┬á(BBC iPlayer) By Leona Franke Available for free on BBC … Continue reading Hidden TV Gems on Streaming

Contributing WriterOctober 16, 2021October 16, 2021

10 Years Since Bridesmaids: Exploring Womanhood Through Comedy

By Sophie Revell Paul Feig’s 2011 comedy Bridesmaids proves that comedy can be used to highlight more serious social issues, without really lightening it either. Writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo blend hilarious moments of cringe and vulgarity with touching conversations about female friendships and other important social dynamics. Bridesmaids follows single Annie Walker (Wiig) in her mid-thirties whose life is in a bit of … Continue reading 10 Years Since Bridesmaids: Exploring Womanhood Through Comedy

Contributing WriterOctober 9, 2021October 9, 2021

The Effects Of Streaming Induced Paradox Of Choice

by Haris Hussnain When I was younger, we didnÔÇÖt have streaming and instead would rely on the traditional cinema or DVDs coming out to watch movies. In my opinion, this made things plain and simple. I would save up for one specific DVD which would be something that I was interested in. Although this was a slow process, it didnÔÇÖt make me wander about the … Continue reading The Effects Of Streaming Induced Paradox Of Choice

Contributing WriterOctober 2, 2021October 2, 2021

Channeling Our Hot Girl Summer Through Film

Introduced by rapper, Meghan Thee Stallion, this phrase has become a mantra for summer 2021. Having a ‘hot girl summer’ is truly all about good vibes and living your best life, so with that said here are some of our film suggestions that perfectly encapsulate this feeling: Grease┬á By Megan Shinner The Pink Ladies from Rydell High have just the right amount of bad b*tch … Continue reading Channeling Our Hot Girl Summer Through Film

Contributing WriterJune 1, 2021June 1, 2021

The Asian Silver Screen: Horror

Train to Busan By Gabii Rayner Dubbed ÔÇ£horror as it should beÔÇØ , Train to Busan took the film industry by storm in 2016. The creation of director Yeon Sang-ho and writer Park Joo-suk, this is a classic zombie-movie through and through, and yet manages to climb the ranks of critique and cinematic prowess. The story follows a father and daughter as they travel (surprise, … Continue reading The Asian Silver Screen: Horror

Contributing WriterMay 29, 2021May 29, 2021

Behind The Lens: Murder Mystery

By Harriet Lowbridge Murder mysteries have captivated audiences for centuries, dating back to Edgar Allan PoeÔÇÖs novel The Murders in the Rue Morgue from 1841. Since then, heroes such as Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot and Phryne Fisher have established the genre into what we know and adore today. We are constantly drawn back into these gruesome stories of butlerÔÇÖs murdering for fortunes or spouses killing … Continue reading Behind The Lens: Murder Mystery

Contributing WriterMay 22, 2021May 22, 2021

Paddington 2: The Best Movie Ever?

By Rubie Barker Thanks to the discovery of an 80-year-old review of Citizen Kane, the film went from a rating of 100% to 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. But one film which does still have 100% on the infamous film review website is the wholesome and charming Paddington 2. There are other films on the website that score a 100% like Singing in the Rain and … Continue reading Paddington 2: The Best Movie Ever?

Contributing WriterMay 16, 2021May 16, 2021

Most Anticipated Films Of 2021

The Suicide Squad by Shivika Singh After a year of living under lockdown, the idea of going out and socializing makes me beam with happiness. With easing restrictions, I am especially looking forward to watching movies in the cinema hall with my friends. As the releases of many major movies were indefinitely postponed last year, this year has a number of exciting movie releases. My … Continue reading Most Anticipated Films Of 2021

Contributing WriterMay 15, 2021May 14, 2021

Film & TV, Literature

The Tomboy in Literature and Film

by Shivika Singh Tomboy – a term used to define girls who are not stereotypically feminine, with their tastes and behaviors usually associate with being manly or boyish. Tomboy has been a major archetype across a wide range of literary and cinematic texts. The history of the term ÔÇÿtomboyÔÇÖ dates back to 16th century when it was used as a reference to rude and boisterous … Continue reading The Tomboy in Literature and Film

Contributing WriterMay 14, 2021May 14, 2021

Image of person holding a samurai sword

The Asian Silver Screen: Historical Dramas

Historical dramas are very popular in Asia. Many are fictitious representations but are set to be from ancient periods, like kingdoms and war. Everything from set design, the costumes and the language used (more formal and some words that are completely different from today) are all just a sight to behold. Here are some of our contributors’ favourite ones! The Rurouni Kenshin Movie Trilogyby Alex … Continue reading The Asian Silver Screen: Historical Dramas

Contributing WriterMay 1, 2021May 1, 2021

Download, Film & TV, Literature, Music

The Impact Of Digital Ownership In A Digital Age

Words by Lewis Empson, Marcus Yeatman-Crouch, Ona Ojo and Alex Payne Cover image by Gio Bartlett via Unsplash A while back we discussed how the video gaming industry is undergoing a major transformation in how gamers own the games that they play. As the cartridge became the disk, the disk is quickly being forgone in favour of digital game marketplaces and streaming services – as … Continue reading The Impact Of Digital Ownership In A Digital Age

Contributing WriterApril 25, 2021April 25, 2021