Star Wars: The Force Awakens

This is the seventh Star Wars film in the saga. This is also the first film released since the announcement that Disney brought Lucasfilm. It was produced by J.J. Abrams who also wrote it, Kathleen Kennedy and Bryan Burk. 

It was also directed by J.J. Abrams, this is the first Star Wars film he has directed. It has some well known actors and this attracts a lot of the viewers. These include: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamil and Adam Driver. 

The budget for this film was $306 million (gross) and $245 million (net). But, the box office exceed to $2.068 billion, it was the fastest film to gross $1 billion. The film closely sold over 110 million tickets just in North America. 

The film was filmed across the whole world near enough but the main locations where England, Ireland, Scotland, United Arab Emirates and Iceland. Also, Europe were able to view the film before the United States. Its debut was the 16th December 2015 in Europe.  

On the opening weekend it only previewed on 3900 screens across the world. The reviews are mainly consistent. Rotten Tomatoes scored it 8.2/10 and IMBD also rated it 8.2/10. So, this is quite highly rated. Many critics on Meteoritic scored it highly, giving it the majority score of 81. 

The soundtrack was composed by John Williams. This album was released by Walt Disney Records in 2015. It features 23 pieces and reached the peak of 5 in the US Billboard. The marketing for The Force Awakens was very broad. This is because they released lots of teasers and trailers on the week coming up to the release. They also appealed to all ages by even releasing toys for children and joining with Kraft to incorporate Star Wars in there food items. Merchandising played a large role in the budget to the film. 

A lot of SFX and CGI is integrated into the film. This includes all the sound effects and moving effects. Lots of technology was used including prosthetics and robots to create the characters and make them come to life. They also helped create the droids used in the films. 

Overall the film is a very good blockbuster, but there were some issues just like any other film. Many life long fans were upset with the change in characters and actors as they have not featured in the other films. Such as Luke Skywalker only getting a tiny amount of screenplay. And because he is one of the main aspects of the films, many viewers were not happy. 

5x5

Favourite Albums

The Libertines - The Libertines.

-14 songs from one of the greatest self titled album of 2004. Doherty and Barat return to make an impressive second record.

Favourite Worst Nightmare - Arctic Monkeys.

-The most anticipated album of 2007 which smashed all the way up to number one. This set of unique songs changed the indie industry forever.

Carry on the Grudge - Jamie T.

-Making one of the greatest comebacks of 2014, Jamie T returns with a belter of an album containing real tear-jerkers like 'They Told Me It Rained'.

The Age of the Understatement - The Last Shadow Puppets.

-Alex Turner's and Miles Kane duo join forces to create a sensational bunch of songs. An amazing spinoff; almost topping the Arctic Monkeys.

We'll Live and Die in These Towns - The Enemy.

-Probably the most English album out there. Tom Clarke and crew create the most realistic indie rock album of the reality of growing up in the UK.

Favourite Music Videos


Howl - Biffy Clyro.
-This video of the more indie pop Biffy song will leave you wondering what just happened. You will be left thinking of so many questions but they will never have an answer.

Someday - The Strokes.
-Featuring many guest appearances, this video will put a smile on anyone's face. As the upbeat tune and vocals of Julian Casablancas lead to a fictional game of 'Family Feud' in this video. 

Last Night - The Sherlocks.
- The almost parody music completely matches the lyrics and leaves the viewer completely enthused and engaged for 3 minutes and 14 seconds. It's almost like a short film.

Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend.
-The catchy tune that even your mother knows. The video tells an interesting story in one long shot inspired by Wes Anderson.

You're My Waterloo - The Libertines.
-My favourite video. With the iconic first verse 'You'll never fumigate the demons, no matter how much you smoke' this video is the most heart-warming and beautiful of 2015.

Favourite Films


Submarine - 2010.
-A story about a misunderstood teen whose life is a rollercoaster. This film is great and has an amazing soundtrack. 

Spike Island - 2012.

-Heavily influenced by the British legends the Stone Roses, this film will have all music fans laughing throughout.

10 Cloverfield Lane - 2016.
-Probably one of the strangest movies released this year. With some unexpected occurings this film leaves the viewer tense throughout and will leave you with the question why?

Shutter Island - 2010.
-I have watched this film more than any other and can never seem to get bored of it. Featuring Leonardo DiCaprio it is a very good interesting thriller. It was directed by Martin Scorsese so it is bound to be good.


  
Toy Story - 1995.
-Everyone's favourite film. This classic film is just the best and will make even the saddest people wear a smile.

Favourite Singles

Sulk - Moose Blood.

-Taken from the most recent album 'Blush' this single contained some emotional lyrics and it one of the best pop punk songs of 2016.

Sally Cinnamon - The Stone Roses.

-1987's most amazing song that never hit number one. The lyrical genius Ian Brown tells a story throughout this song and is still loved to this day.

What Took You So long? - Courteeners.

-Musical master Liam Fray smashes his 3rd single by making it a Courteeners classic. Which has now made tradition to be played at the end of every gig.

Fallout - Catfish and the Bottlemen.
-The rising indie heroes make an entrance to the music world with this great single.

Some Might Say - Oasis.
-The number one song with a very good reason to be so. If you listen to it once you will understand why.

Favourite Frontmen/women

Ellie Rowsell - Wolf Alice.

-The lead singer of the rising rock band. She has an unique voice and is an inspiration to many as she breaks the stereotype of women

 in bands.

Noel Gallagher - Oasis/High Flying Bird's.
-Probably not everybody's cup of tea but he has to be one of my favourite frontmen. Purely for the fact that he is completely himself and doesn't care about what others think of him.

Dan Reynolds - Imagine Dragons.
-The most down to earth frontmen of this era. He speaks openly about mental health issues and shows this in his songs. He teaches people that its ok to be who you are. 

Pete Doherty - Libertines/Peter Doherty/Babyshambles.
-Not being biased but Pete is one of my favourite. Many reasons include his dedication to his fans and all the secret gigs he does for charity. Just shows his is in it for the fans and not the money

Tom Meighan - Kasabian.
-Proud supporter of his own town and obviously his fans. As he frequently does gigs to show is support. The perfect frontman.