Music Video Review: Bounce by Iggy Azalea

Artist: Iggy Azalea

Song: Bounce

Director: BRTHR Films

The girl who enlightened us with her rags-to-riches story in first single, 'Work', is back! Although I don't think she's a front-runner for best female rapper, when we've got the likes of Nicki Minaj and even young Becky G, ruling that scene, I think she tries her best. What I hate the most about female rappers is that they over-sexualise themselves, it's like they need to flaunt every bit of their body to stand a chance of being successful. Both Minaj and Azalea are very eager to highlight the fact that their rapping is not their 'biggest ASSet', if you get what I mean...

'Bounce' is an extremely...erm, bouncy song, with a good beat that will have most people shaking their money makers Azalea-style. I absolutely LOVE this video! With my Indian roots, the whole Bollywood and Indian culture makes me smile. The colours are gorgeous, the outfits are gorgeous, SHE is gorgeous, and everything is perfect.

The video is very location orientated, focusing on India's streets, before singling out Iggy Azalea on an elephant. There's a lot of beautiful imagery, highlighting India's beauty, and the fact that India is slowly developing in to a better country.

The Bollywood inspired dance fits in really well with the music, and the fact that Azalea embraces Indian culture makes it even better. She isn't scantily clad, but she's wearing a sari, or a gold tunic, and everything comes together really well.

I really liked the fact that she was inspired by a country and it's culture for her video. Here's to hoping she goes somewhere equally as exotic for her next video.

Music Video Review: How Ya Doin'? by Little Mix Ft Missy Elliott

Artist: Little Mix Ft Missy Elliott 

Song: How Ya Doin'? 

Director: Carly Cussen

With competitions from current girl bands like The Saturdays and Stooshe, Little Mix are steadily working their way up the pop ladder. Coming from X Factor as solo artists, and put together by the judges, this lot have brushed up their skills in no time, as we welcome the fourth single from their debut studio album 'DNA'.

The music video reflects the song in any way possible. The girly, peppy, colourful video identifies with the personalities of young girls everywhere, with the video set on the background of a girl's bedroom, and A LOT of clothes. What I love is when they use the camera as a mirror, sorting out their hair and singing in to it. It's actually what girls do when they get together! Eventually they go from bedroom to the stage, which seems as though it's reflecting the lives of these four girls who went from bedroom singers, to stardom.

Many will have been awaiting the arrival of non other than Missy Elliot, who features on the track. The rap star has been AWOL on the music scene of late, and its great to see her back on the screen. Unfortunately, it was obvious Missy did the video in a separate studio, but they tried to make the studios to look the same, and edited it well enough for most people not to notice.

With a cute video, and a dance routine to learn, most teenage girls will love this video. It doesn't however, mask the fact that the song is not very good. Ooops!

Did You Notice?

Product Placement of Live Hair Dye!

“The number you have dialled... has been changed,” Brilliantly used the phone lady at the end of the video, with their own personalised message. Really fits in with the song!

Music Video Review: Heart Attack by Demi Lovato

Artist: Demi Lovato

Music Video: Heart Attack

Director: Chris Applebaum

Demi Lovato is back, and many of us should be thanking Simon Cowell for picking her up and thrusting her back in to the spotlight where she belongs. There's no doubt she's got heaps of talent and I absolutely adore her as a judge on the X Factor (don't you?)

With the release of her come-back single 'Heart Attack', I'm so excited to see and hear exactly what she's bringing. It's no secret that Demi went through a rough time not long ago, but we're glad to see her well, and back to what she's best at doing.

I originally first heard 'Heart Attack' on the radio, imagining a cheesy Disney-style video to go with it; Demi in pretty clothes, being angst-y and fierce at the camera. Although the emotions are there, director Chris Applebaum has gone for a darker, Gothic look, that would more likely suit a rock song, than the pop song that it is. He's forgiven for that though, considering he claimed the video was reflecting the obstacles of her past, and what she's been through. Does he mean the very public Joe Jonas break-up? Hmmm... it is a song about relationships and love.

The imagery in the video is amazing, with splashes of black paint used as transitions between sequences, and random black motifs on the screen. I loved the iconography behind the black pain leaking on the walls, it felt like all her dark secrets were running down for everyone to see.

It's a very handsy video, with her hands covered in black paint being the focal point of some sequences. It seems Demi likes to use her hands when she's singing, A LOT!

I like the video, more for the fact that it's not just another video, but actually represents the artist herself. If you want to check out the video for yourself, watch it below...

Opa Bollywood Style!

Opa Bollywood Style...

Jackyy Bhagani dances his version of Gangnam Style.

After the craze that is Gangnam Style swept over the world, it's no wonder Bollywood wants a piece of the success, after Bolly-star Jackky Bhagnani can be seen using the song in his new film 'Rangrezz'. The steps have been re-coreographed to suit the usual Bollywood style dances, yet still incorporating K-Pop star Psy's original horse inspired steps too.

Psy was the mastermind behind the craze that is Gangnam Style.

Many people are already bored or fed up of the song, after it dominated the music chart with it's endless appeal, yet the steady mount of 'hits' on You Tube proves otherwise. The song is the most viewed video on the website, and I personally am a huge fan of any dance that is fun and helps me lose weight at the same time! The popularity of songs with a good dance routine has always been a party favourite, and this song is undoubtedly one that will get everyone on the dance floor.

It's brilliant that Bollywood are adding a bit of popular culture, and adding a little bit of 'desi spice' in to the mix. It's essential for them to dip in to the latest trends to keep things fresh and appeal to a wider audience, as well as keeping the 'ammi-jis' in the loop over the latest hypes. I'm sure there are many Gangnam Style spoofs worth watching on the internet, and this is another one to add to the list.

Bollywood fans can enjoy a mash-up of Gangnam Style and the current craze of the Harlem Shake in Rangrezz from March 21^st.

Is Kajol the BEST?

Whether you're a new fan or a fully fledged Bollywood junkie, chances are that one of your favourites will include the pairing of Sharukh Khan and Kajol. The on-screen chemistry shared by these two actors is something to be reckoned with, and Kajol herself has stated this as fact in a recent interview. The 38-year-old actress also insisted she was incomparably the 'best' actress in Bollywood, shunning the likes of much-loved Madhuri Dixit and Ashwairya Rai (who managed to break in to Hollywood for a small time too.)

My constant criticism of the acting ability in the Bollywood industry won't go amiss here, as we consider the types of roles Kajol herself played. When I think about her performances in Kuch Kuch Hota Hain and Kabhi Khushi Kabh Gham, they had little substance within them, and there wasn't anything fresh that she brought. Although her ability was of a good standard, she never had the oomph, one would expect from a performance. I think her acting skills matured as she got older, choosing better films, such as 'My Name is Khan' and 'Fanaa', which showed her excellent skills and really made me appreciate he screen appearances.

Bollywood in general is pulled forward by pretty faces and little acting ability, as the audiences are expected to come running if trailers consist of Katrina Kaif in small shorts, shaking everything she's got as much as she can. So yes, in comparison to those actresses Kajol wins hands down.

Work for Bips takes a Dip...

Work for Bips takes a Dip...

Bipasha Basu at saucy video shoot.

'Thirty, flirty and thriving', that's how the saying goes for single women entering their thirties in our post-modernist world. So it should be no surprise that when I think of a woman in her thirties, I think of maturity, beauty, and possibly being at the peak of her success in the chosen profession. I wouldn't however, regard it as the end of her career, where work is drying out because she's now considered too 'old'.

That's exactly the terror faced by Bipasha Basu, where our beloved 'Bips' is finding trouble getting work because she's now 34. The model-turned-actress was once hot property, but now the emergence of newer, younger actresses have caused her to be swept aside, allowing the likes Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone to take her place!

This causes me to question her relationship with the very handsome, yet younger Ranbir Kapoor, and whether she's just using him to make herself seem younger. Don't misunderstand me, I think Bips is extremely talented, but her efforts come across a little too 'try-hard' when she's scantily clad in her saucy little numbers, with legs wrapped around a man ten years her junior.

Wouldn't we prefer to see a film where she plays a mature yet classy lady, instead of the cheap roles she's played up until now? I'm not sure her age is the problem, but the fact that Indian cinema has become a little too racy of late is sure to take a toll on audience figures. Personally, women who leave more to the imagination than less, come across better on the screens, so take notes Bipasha.

Bull-ywood: Masking the Real India

Bull-ywood: Masking the Real India

The beautiful scenery, the spectacular music numbers, the fast-paced dance sequences, these are all components needed to create a truly successful Bollywood film. From the beginning of classic Bollywood, and even now, we have experienced the rich culture of India through these films, yet are slow to question the underlying issues involved within the country.

As a British Indian, the majority of my experience of my native country comes from Bollywood films, although this may come across as a naivety, it also causes me to wonder whether we are given a realistic portrayal of the country itself. Remembering my first and only visit as a young child, ready to soak up my roots, and heartbroken to find that I wasn't prepared for the reality faced when I got there.
The country was ridden with poverty and disease, and the beautiful mansions with their vast rooms and swimming pools seen in the films were difficult to find amongst the villages and slums that encompassed most of India. The cities thrummed with activity, yet still lacking the simple facilities we take for granted in our affluent countries, and I was beginning to see why Bollywood was so popular not only in India, but around the world; escapism.

Slums in India

Why is it that Bollywood create silly films with the typical casting of Akshay Kumar in these horrendously un-funny comedies, where he usually shows off his ripped, muscular body and how he can throw a girl around on the dance floor, when they are slow to show the reality faced in their own countries. Hollywood seem to be making films of the real India better than the Indians themselves, with films like Slum-dog Millionaire becoming blockbusters, and winning multiple awards as well as raising awareness of serious issues in India.

Madhuri Dixit in Bollywood film 'Devdas'

Danny Boyles blockbuster 'Slumdog Millionaire' shows the real India.

I remember an interview with Danny Boyle, where he tried to find a skinny Indian actor to play the role of Jammal, yet all the actors were big and muscular, trying to become the next Salman Khan or Amir Khan. Is the glamorisation of India so eminent to these people? I understand that we all want to watch these fun films, but would it not hurt to have a serious  once in a while, that isn't action-based but issue based instead. Hopefully they'll soon realise how bad their current actors might be, when faced with a role that really questions their abilities.

Album Review: One Direction- Take Me Home

If you haven't heard of One Direction by now I think it's fair to assume that you've either been travelling to another planet, or indeed do live under a rock but even then it's inexcusable. The five-part boy band are proving the success behind Simon Cowell's X Factor TV show, as they continue their world domination, releasing yet another album. 'Take Me Home' is their much anticipated second album, with a lot to live up to considering their aforementioned worldwide success.

The album opens up with 'Live While We're Young' and 'Kiss You' which are up-beat pop songs, typical of the band's previous sound. The songs feature songwriters and producers from their former single 'What Makes You Beautiful', and while they don't sound similar, you get the same vibe from both songs. Kiss You' continues to uphold the cheese-factor, with a catchy chorus that gets everyone tapping their feet and singing along. The prevalence of Harry Styles' vocals are ever-apparent, causing you to wonder whether the other voices are even needed. It's hard to decipher the voices of the other boys as they blend in to one, while Styles' voice carries a unique sound which is easily recognised against the others.

Not being a fan of their slower songs, 'Little Things' is a little bit of a surprise at first listen. Penned by talented singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran, the song is different to any previous material, and the lyrics are intelligently constructed in comparison to other songs such as 'More Than This'. The instrumental is simplistic consisting of nothing but a guitar, which is usual in terms of Sheeran's music, and gives a chance for their vocals to shine through. As usual, Harry Styles takes the biscuit for best vocal, fronting the chorus he adds a rasp to his voice that could potentially leave you with hairs standing on end- he's that good.

Award winning British producer Jake Gosling, who has worked with the likes of Paloma Faith and Ed Sheeran amongst many others, worked on 'Little Things' and 'Over Again' (both penned by Sheeran) on the album. I like the fact that British talent is encouraged by the label, despite the success of the band and the Americanisation that usually comes with it.

The album includes more well-known British names, with Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter of Mcfly-fame, writing 'I Would'. It was controversially revealed that the Mcfly boys had admitted to selling off their less favourable songs, while keeping the better ones for themselves, however this song implies those rumours may not be true. The lyrics are humble, and tell a story about being unpopular in love, and how the girl they are singing to is choosing the wrong guy. It's still a typical 1D (as they are socially known) song, but with less Harry Styles and more Zayn Malik. Malik even manages to hit a high note as he shows off his versatility as a vocalist. In my opinion he's the underdog of the band, with a rare RnB-like tone to his voice, which can often be overlooked.

The album is full of songs, typical to what teenage girls would want to hear. Although I wouldn't call the music tasteless, it seems to contain a few hidden gems amidst a sea of badly written lyrics on the backdrop of well composed music. 'They Don't Know About Us' is a beautiful song, clearly constructed to cause girls everywhere to swoon for their favourite band member, yet it leaves me feeling as though I've heard the song before. Maybe it's because of the typical lyrics, carrying the essence of love to millions of girls, or the fact that the tune has been so overdone that all slow songs are starting to sound the same.

'Back For You' comes across as an autobiographical song, about leaving a girlfriend behind and constantly reassuring her about coming back, so it's no wonder that band-members Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson helped to co-write the song. Tomlinson and Payne have publicly been in long-term relationships, which suggests this song is a dedication of some sort to their other halves. Band-members also helped co-write 'Summer Love' and 'Last First Kiss', and while the songs claim a good steady beat, the lyrics are somewhat childish considering they are all in their late-teens now. I would suggest that they leave the song-writing to the professionals and focus on their hair or clothes for now.

My favourite song on the album has to be 'Heart Attack' with it's silly, quirky lyrics and a slight cheekiness to it, it's sure to put a smile on anyone's face after a bad day. The song is about heartbreak obviously, but presents it in a light-hearted way, which is apt because I doubt any 1D fans will have suffered any real heartbreak at their tender ages. The boys feign their hurt, screaming 'ow' continuously throughout the chorus to show their pain. A bit cheesy I know, but I love it.

Of course, no album is complete without some sort of a rock song, and 'Rock Me' is a slight chance at trying just that. The mid-tempo rock song has a slight 'clapping riff' similar to that of Queen's 'We Will Rock You', but all similarities stop there. The lyrics themselves are idiotic and seem like not much time has been spent on perfecting them. Sexual references are prevalent throughout the album with 'Live While We're Young' featuring the words 'Tonight let's get some' (and it doesn't take a genius to work out what they are getting), with this song being no different. The words 'I want you to rock me' give an obvious underlying message of the sexual nature, and I'm not sure it's an education in the most positive sense. On the whole, it's a courageous attempt at soft rock, but it's not going to be a classic in years to come.

Fans who enjoyed their previous music won't be disappointed as they continue to make music akin to the previous album, steering clear of the [Justin] Bieber-esque motive of 'growing up' with each album released. Whether you're a fan of pop or not, there's sure to be something on the album that you'll enjoy, and the bubble gum pop influences will please the child within you. As music is constantly criticised to be on the downfall, you can't fault One Direction for trying to bring back old-school 90s style cheese.

That is SNOW Annoying

(My cat's paw prints in the snow! <3)

That is SNOW Annoying

(For those wondering, the pun was intended!)

Every winter the UK sees some snowfall, whether it be heavy or light, so its no wonder we saw a weeks worth of the white stuff, just last week. What I don't understand is the constant media uproar that encircles the (un)expected weather, to the point where the BBC News did a 30 minute 'special' focused on snow. While I understand it may have been a slow news day, what is the need for this frenzy amongst not just the media, but people in general, or is it the media causing people to go crazy?

Many people are affected by the adverse weather conditions, as most public transport, motorways, and frankly the entire country shut down with a slight falling of snow, however why do we, as a nation feel the need to grumble about every little thing? The weather is under constant scrutiny, being either too cold or... too cold, (we only have one season all year round, let's be serious) but why don't we take this in a positive way? For those parents who got the day off work, I hope you managed to spend the day out as a family making a snowman or having a snowball fight. The fun in the snow is limitless and it's FREE! (Which is a plus in this economic climate) So quit the groaning, and have some fun next time the country is covered in a white blanket. I will definitely be outside, wellies on, sledge out!

Review: Life of Pi

Review: Life of Pi

Going in to a film completely blind (metaphorically of course!) is the best way to gain a thrilling cinema experience, but with the trend of book-to-film adaptations ever increasing, it's hard to have the delight of finding a good film by surprise. As an avid reader I find it difficult watching the film after reading the book, as they often face difficulty living up to the expectations set beforehand.

 

'Life of Pi'; The highly acclaimed book by Yann Martel, is a captivating story of survival when a young boy, Pi (Suraj Sharma) is thrown in at the deep end after surviving a thunderstorm on a ship to Canada. Thrown aboard a lifeboat in the darkness of the night, he finds himself accompanied by a bunch of animals from his fathers zoo, which were accompanying them on the trip. He ends up spending his time cast away with one other survivor; a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. They build a comradeship between them while depending on each other for survival from the surroundings which could easily diminish them.

It had been dubbed an 'impossible' task to convey this story on screen, as director, Ang Lee, took it under his wings and worked his magic. The man who brought us well-known titles like 'Brokeback Mountain' (2005) and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' (2000), is already on the nominations list for a BAFTA, for his work on Life of Pi, and rightly so.

Lee married breath taking visuals (especially in 3D) with a beautiful narrative, as you find yourself ooh-ing and aah-ing from the opening credits. The story is heavily backdropped by a narration from an elder Pi (Irrfan Khan, you may recognise him from Slumdog Millionaire.) which helps to fill in the gaps for viewers who haven't read the book and possibly even helps the film make sense. Sharma's acting is brilliant and he has the ability to infuse emotion in to his performance, helping the audience connect with his character. I often find it difficult to take the Indian accent seriously, being from an Indian background myself I have grown up using it for humour, yet Sharma's emotion felt so real it just hits you. 

 

I really liked how one particular tear-jerking scene was followed by humour, which seemed as though the narrative wasn't dwelling on the negatives, a bit like the character who stays positive, constantly living in hope of reaching land soon.

The visual pyrotechnics of the tiger were to such a standard, that I was constantly trying to figure out whether it was real all the way through the film. It may seem idiotic to even think they'd use a real tiger for it would be costly and dangerous, but it was very realistic, and unbelievably so.

I think most people who don't like the film will probably complain about the ending, which can be hard to understand. The ending involves the audiences own interpretations of the story, and I love how we can choose to create a subjective link to what we see. I have read many explanations of the ending on the internet and because there is no right or wrong answer, it's amazing to see how different minds have tried to make sense of the story.

Overall the story was charming and really made me question the meaning of life. We take for granted all the luxuries we have in our life, but at the same time, do we really need them? The simplistic life Pi lead on his voyage living only to survive, shows that the luxuries we crave to make our lives easier, could really be what makes life harder for us. That said, companionship too is part of survival. This is why he depended on Richard Parker's company so much, because in life everyone needs a friend.

I would recommend this film to anyone, even if you think you won't like it you might be pleasantly surprised. I, myself have already ordered the book and will be making another trip to the cinema to watch it with my mum.

Star Rating: *****