The Importance of The Bechdel Test in Films

While the Bechdel Test was only ever meant to be a jokey, tongue-in-cheek way of showing a lack of female representation in the media, it really took off as a measure of female agency in TV and film. However, our contemporary media landscape is wildly different from that of the test’s origin in the 80s, and many criticise the Bechdel test for being over-simplified, minimum requirements for diversity which overlook other problems around underrepresentation in the film industry such as race and sexuality.┬á Continue reading The Importance of The Bechdel Test in Films

Fashion in Film Series: Wes Anderson

It is no surprise, considering the extremely specific and accurately tailored nature of Wes Anderson’s films, that the stylistic decisions he makes are so widely discussed. From The Grand Budapest Hotel to Fantastic Mr Fox, the fashion choices in Wes AndersonÔÇÖs films act as a powerful tool through which audiences are pulled into the unique spaces that his characters occupy. He has even gotten involved … Continue reading Fashion in Film Series: Wes Anderson

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Foot in the Door: How to become a Film and TV Extra

By Laura Dazon It’s scary, but possible The film industry is an impenetrable fortress in which only the luckiest can step. But there is one oft-forgotten way to make it on the sets of worldwide productions without having someone open the door for you. DonÔÇÖt expect this article to teach you how to glide through the grand entrance. Today, weÔÇÖre going through the back door, … Continue reading Foot in the Door: How to become a Film and TV Extra

Doctor Who – A Promising Season of Change

I have watched Doctor Who since it returned over a decade ago, IÔÇÖve read the comics and the novelisations, IÔÇÖve worn thee wristband every day since I bought it, the best sound in the universe is the TARDIS materialising and IÔÇÖll fight anyone who says otherwise. IÔÇÖm a little bit of a fan. This year to much excitement, and no small amount of trepidation Doctor … Continue reading Doctor Who – A Promising Season of Change

Review: Killing Eve

For a long time, TV and film fanatics have been suckers for psychopathic serial-killing antiheroes. We bow down before John Wick, obsess over Dexter and hail the impossibly brutal and deliciously violent escapades of Vin DieselÔÇÖs Riddick. Well, move over men, because youÔÇÖve met your match. Meet Oxana Vorontsova (alias Villanelle). The sexiest, coolest, and most stylish killer to grace our screens in years. Rather … Continue reading Review: Killing Eve

Films and TV Shows that get the university experience just right

Fresh Meat by Isabel Cosford University can be a dauntingly awkward experience, whether youÔÇÖre a hot-shot singleton, a career-ridden bookworm, or troublemaker with a serious attitude – which is why the U.K. hit series Fresh Meat is a must-watch for all students either continuing their studies or for those who are about to indulge in the shameless and shabby world of higher education. Fresh Meat … Continue reading Films and TV Shows that get the university experience just right

Cartoons for Adults

As a kid my life centred around cartoons; every day before taking the harrowing steps to school, watching Cartoon NetworkÔÇÖs fantastic line of programming would fill me with determination. The vibrancy of creativity in the shows would constantly blur the line between ‘child-friendly’ and ‘adult content’. In recent years I have watched episodes of Courage the Cowardly Dog via Netflix and realised the extent complex … Continue reading Cartoons for Adults

Family Guy: Brian Set To Return Very Soon

Last month the world was rocked, or at least gently nudged, by the sudden demise of one of Family Guy’s most beloved characters, Brian. Before the character’s death it had been announced that the show would be killing off one of its core family members, and yet nobody expected it to be the popular canine. Many believed it would be one of the less favoured … Continue reading Family Guy: Brian Set To Return Very Soon

Trailer Watch: The Amazing Spider-Man 2

With the release of the first trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 the levels of anticipation are about to start building. As first trailers go this is amazing (pardon the pun), because Sony reveal a lot in this trailer, so much so that it feels like the final trailer before the movie. But letÔÇÖs take a closer look at some of the reveals within the … Continue reading Trailer Watch: The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Review: Captain Phillips

James Ayles reviews Captain Phillips The long-anticipated big screen retelling of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama does not disappoint, with veteran director Paul Greengrass offering up two hours of brilliantly played-out tension, as the action moves from the darkness of the ships engine room to the creeping claustrophobia that engulfs the latter part of this epic and intense film. With the Bourne Ultimatum … Continue reading Review: Captain Phillips