Quenchmas Countdown: Day 18 – ‘Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special’

In the words of Nessa, ÔÇ£OH, OH, OH, Merry ChristmasÔÇØ. This comedic show written by Ruth Jones and James Corden creates the perfect image of Christmas in Wales in comparison to Essex, guaranteeing to make any student studying in Cardiff laugh at their token ÔÇ£Welsh friendÔÇØ. On the other hand, if you are the token ÔÇ£Welsh friendÔÇØ, as relatable as the show may be, you … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 18 – ‘Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 17 – ‘The Santa Clause’

ÔÇ£Seeing isnÔÇÖt believing. Believing is seeing.ÔÇØ Arguably one of Tim AllenÔÇÖs films, aside from his recognisable role as Buzz Lightyear, The Santa Clause is truly a 1994 family Christmas classic. It is centred around Neil who, with the help of his young son Charlie and the North PoleÔÇÖs head elf, has to adapt to the biggest promotion of his life, i.e. becoming Santa Clause. After … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 17 – ‘The Santa Clause’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 16 – ‘Notting Hill’

Notting Hill is the quintessential boys meets girl tale, preeminent of all other soppy rom coms it boasts, possibly, the most charming setting and cast to date. Whilst it might not be the first film that springs to the mind during the festive season, for me, itÔÇÖs a dreamy nineties classic that forces that indescribable fuzzy sensation upon you (without the aid of a small … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 16 – ‘Notting Hill’

Christmas edition: Agony Aunt

Merry (week and slightly under a half till) Christmas! Do make sure that you enjoy every second of your festive break- yes even try to enjoy revising and writing essays. I for one will be listening to Last Christmas┬áevery day until the 1st of January when the work-out motivational playlist will be on everyday. Well until I make a little detour to the nearest McDonalds … Continue reading Christmas edition: Agony Aunt

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 14 – ‘Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire’

First aired in 1989, this was not only the first Simpsons Christmas special but The Simpsons‘ first episode ever. It sets up a typical Christmas in the life of the dysfunctional family and begins the trend of what would be a series of eventful Christmases. The story starts with Bart getting a tattoo, which causes Marge to spend all their money on its removal. What … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 14 – ‘Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 13 – ‘Krampus’

When you think of Christmas, the last thing that probably comes to mind is a scary movie. But for those of us who may not be the biggest fan of this season, Krampus provides us with a way to feel a little Christmas-y without having ÔÇÿjingle bellsÔÇÖ and soppy love stories shoved in our not-so-festive faces. Krampus is based on an old myth; naughty children … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 13 – ‘Krampus’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 11 – ‘The Holiday’

My controversial Christmas opinion? The Holiday is better than Love Actually. IÔÇÖm not even sorry about it. The Holiday follows Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, who are lonely at Christmas and decide to swap houses for the holidays. ItÔÇÖs your usual festive rom-com ÔÇô they each find their perfect holiday romance. What makes this better than Love Actually? The stories have time to develop, itÔÇÖs … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 11 – ‘The Holiday’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 10 – ‘Nativity’

Nativity is the perfect example of a family Christmas film in my opinion, because it embraces the key magic ingredients which make Christmas such a special time of year as a child. In the wonderful motion picture starring Martin Freeman, we re-learn about friendship, the love from those close to you and bringing joy to the world. Being part of the school Nativity was always … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 10 – ‘Nativity’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 9 – ‘Arthur Christmas’

I didnÔÇÖt think I couldnÔÇÖt love James McAvoy anymore, until I witnessed the wonder that is Arthur Christmas. With Christmas becoming a military mission, Arthur, the youngest of the Claus clan is one of the few working elves who just wishes for everyone to have a Merry Christmas, away from the hustle and the bustle of modern festivities. Young Arthur tries with all his might … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 9 – ‘Arthur Christmas’

Low In High School- Morrissey Album Review

Morrissey has come a long way since his days with The Smiths. ‘This Charming Man’ has become a little, wellÔǪ cranky. As an artist who is known for having an (often controversial) opinion on anything and everything, itÔÇÖs not an entirely unexpected evolution. Morrissey has never been one to shy away from political comment, but it becomes harder to take seriously when he comments on … Continue reading Low In High School- Morrissey Album Review

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 8 – ‘Deck the Halls’

Maybe not the most famous festive film of the season however, guilty pleasures donÔÇÖt always have to be the most well-known or the most acclaimed. The 2006 movie Deck the Halls is one of my top essential viewings of the season because of its endless comic stunts, one-liners and hilarious on-screen chemistry between Mathew Broderick (Steve) and Danny DeVito (Buddy). Or maybe I just love … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 8 – ‘Deck the Halls’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 7 – ‘Home Alone’

ÔÇ£Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.ÔÇØ Home Alone is probably the most iconic family Christmas movie I have ever seen. It follows adventures of Kevin McCallister after, by mistake, he is left home alone at Christmas. He faces incredibly incompetent robbers and protects his home while getting to know the neighbour heÔÇÖs always feared. … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 7 – ‘Home Alone’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 6 ‘A Muppets Christmas Carol’

ÔÇÿWeÔÇÖre Marley and Marley ooooÔÇÖ or is it just me singing along to yet another absolute banger from The Muppets? The season of Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. Whether youÔÇÖre religious or not, Christmas gives us an opportunity to refresh our lives with peace, joy and forgiveness – a message central to DickensÔÇÖs A Christmas Carol. But just when you thought Dickens … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 6 ‘A Muppets Christmas Carol’

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 5 – ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

“What is it you want Mary? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.” It’s a Wonderful Life is, simply put, essential festive viewing. Frank Capra’s 1946 classic encapsulates true Christmas spirit and goodwill like no other and is bound to warm your cockles on the frostiest of eves. If you don’t know the … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 5 – ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

LP- Interview and Review

ÔÿàÔÿàÔÿàÔÿàÔÿå Laura Pergolizzi, LP for her fans, is one of the most unique and astonishing voices the panorama of American rock music has ever seen. Her break-through album Lost on You was a big success around the globe and particularly in Europe where it reached peaks of 100,000 copies sold in France. In an interview with Quench last Wednesday, we talked with Laura about her … Continue reading LP- Interview and Review

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 4 – ‘Love Actually’

ÔÇÿI feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes. Christmas is all around me and so the feeling growsÔÇÖ are the recognisable tones of Bill Nighy in the jolly, heart-warming Christmas classic that is Love Actually. And when I hear this song on TV, I know that Christmas is just around the corner. Love Actually has become a staple of the Christmas … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 4 – ‘Love Actually’

IRIS PRIZE SHORT FILM REVIEW: We Love Moses

During my time at the Iris Prize Festival I was lucky enough to be able to see a few of the competition winners, which includes ÔÇÿBest British ShortÔÇÖ, and ÔÇÿBest International ShortÔÇÖ, to name a few. We Love Moses Until last yearÔÇÖs astonishing ÔÇÿMoonlightÔÇÖ, it is safe to say that black, gay masculinity was a subject rarely explored in film. At least, not with the … Continue reading IRIS PRIZE SHORT FILM REVIEW: We Love Moses

Quenchmas Countdown: Day 3 – ‘Elf’

Hi itÔÇÖs Molly the Elf, whatÔÇÖs your favourite colour? It must be said (and I will festively fight to the death on this), that Jon FavreauÔÇÖs Elf is one of the best Christmas films ever, and if not, one of the best films ever. To exist. Ever. If you havenÔÇÖt watched Elf at least 7 times before Christmas Day, then you are not doing Christmas … Continue reading Quenchmas Countdown: Day 3 – ‘Elf’

IRIS PRIZE SHORT FILM REVIEW: ‘One Summer’

During my time at the Iris Prize Festival, I was lucky enough to be able to see a few of the competition winners, which includes ÔÇÿBest British ShortÔÇÖ, and ÔÇÿBest International ShortÔÇÖ, to name a few. One Summer The pastoral to gay narratives is what waterlilies were to Monet; inseparable and unimaginably beautiful. ÔÇÿOne SummerÔÇÖ is the quiet, sun-drenched story of two sheepshearers wiling their … Continue reading IRIS PRIZE SHORT FILM REVIEW: ‘One Summer’