Well guys, I reccommend you either watch this film again straight after you’ve seen it or go and read the book first because although this film is classic British brilliance, it is EXTREMELY confusing if you haven’t read the book!  With a line up of well known actors such as Colin Firth and Gary Oldman (Smiley) the film can’t go too far wrong and even though it can be confusing (understatement) it is nonetheless a fantastic film.

  Set in 1961 based on the bestselling novel with the same name by John le Carré, the film is all about a series of events happening in the British Secret Service due to a Mole – double agent – who is placed at the top in the ‘Circus’ (I realised this meant the top dogs of the Secret Service) by the Russians to be mean by feeding all the British Secret Service’s important information back to the naughty Russians – so mean .  But George Smiley (Gary Oldman) – an ex-agent who was part of the circus, that was dismissed from duty along with his boss ‘Control’ due to a mishap in Budapest – is on the case to find this Mole.  And so the film ensues as we follow Smiley’s discoveries of what exactly happened in Budapest and which one of the 4 remaining men in the ‘Circus’ is the Mole.  

  The film is fast paced and this – I imagine – is the same with the book, and this is it’s downfall when concerning those who haven’t read the book first; unless you magically understand it all straightaway (jealous if you do…) I found the film at times as confusing as Inception when you watch it for the first time.  But there is enough substenance in the plot to support the 2 hours 7 minutes it lasts, keeping you hooked to the screen, wanting to find out WHO ON EARTH THE MOLE IS!!!  

  Taking everything into account though – yes, even the confusing-ness of the story – I would still rate this film high and urge people to go and watch it!  But, like I have said, READ THE BOOK!  I am sure this will sweep away all the questions I still have about the plot – and the ones you will surely have if you don’t read it!  So go forth and read the bestselling Spy novel “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ by the ex-spy John le Carré for then you can go and watch this brilliant British blockbuster of a film!

  Verdict: 92%, 4.6/5 stars, 9.2/10 

  Summary: Watch this film and be prepared for a non-stop journey of discovery, with some slight gruesome scenes and try to read the book before or after you go and see this film, it will answer many questions!

Duchess of Cambridge has successfully passed the first official appearance, wearing a bright pink dress. Catherine and William attended last night at a charity gala held at Kensington Palace garden.

The two were guests of honor of the evening, although the dinner was attended by stars like Liz Hurley, Elizabeth Murdoch, Colin Firth and Kevin Spacey.

Each ticket cost £ 10,000, money that will be donated to organizations for children in Africa. Catherine has chosen for the event a £ 4,000 dress.

A pale pink dress with sequins and crystals, very elegant, was coordinated with heeled shoes decorated with bows and a tiny bag, all pink. An inspired choice and extremely chic, fashion critics have concluded.

At the entrance of the show, Elle and Dakota Fanning, Bianca Brandolini and Franca Sozzani, all guests of the Valentino company, arrived with its designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. Elle Fanning, who is 13, wore a white lace blouse paired with a black miniskirt and cropped jacket. “It’s a little severe,” Mr. Piccioli said, “and a little primavera.” .

They were followed by Riccardo Tisci and the tribe of Givenchy: Marina Abramovic, Liv Tyler, Mariacarla Boscono and Alicia Keys. Then came team McCartney, led by Iman, in a jumpsuit plastered with gold sequins; Rihanna, in see-through black lace; and Gwyneth Paltrow, in a backless crystal gown. (Madonna headed straight to dinner.) Bringing up the rear was Sarah Jessica Parker, wearing a beaded McQueen dress from 2005. You always wonder just how they decide on a particular dress.

“I had never worn one of his like this designer handbags for wholesale,” said Ms. Parker, who had borrowed a dress from the McQueen archives. “And there was one stipulation if I wanted to wear it: that it could not be cut or altered in any way. When I put it on and it fit, I thought that was some sort of kismet.”

Zac Posen was accompanied by Christina Ricci, in a tightly corseted gown that gave her an extreme hourglass silhouette, calling to mind a McQueen signature.

“We’re two people who like themes, so we’re lucky we found each other,” Ms. Ricci said. Mr. Posen was distracted by Jennifer Lopez, who walked by in a raspberry Gucci dress with a criss-cross halter top.

                                                                       Rating: R

                                                                      3 ½ STARS

This new historical drama has every right to receive all the critical acclaim it has. The 2010 Best Picture Oscar winner is an extremely unique take on real events that most people don’t even know about. Everyone knows the story by now: King George VI must give a speech to his nation of England concerning the beginning of World War II, but has the problem of a terrible stutter. However, because of the R rating, many have not gone to see this intelligently written and excellently acted drama. The King’s Speech is a film that doesn’t match this day in age, so one could wonder why there is so much praise and success. What makes this film different? The way it is presented in this day in age is the answer. This is a time when people are standing down and not facing up to their fears, not living up to their true potential. And so a film that brings that idea to life in a crowd pleasing way is extremely necessary.

The writing is great; it superbly makes this film an epic drama, but at the same time a subtle comedy. The only error is that no real footage or sound bite is heard of the events this film describes. Other films like Invictus, and especially The Queen use images or sound of the real life event to give the sense of history to the viewer.

The acting is one of the most acclaimed parts of the film. Colin Firth plays the stuttering George VI (as if we don’t know), and brilliantly at that. One of the main arguments I hear is how hard it is to play a man with a terrible stutter and then come over it by the end of the movie. The best acting of the film, however, is the witty Geoffrey Rush. Rush plays the king’s speech therapist, a very humorous character who has some of the best lines of the entire film. His cool, calm, and collected attitude gives him the best performance.

In conclusion, The King’s Speech is a work of art that takes place over 60 years ago, but obviously shows an importance to the world today and Hollywood itself. It is a movie each and every young person should see, and is a perfect example of a film that doesn’t need a hint of action to be an amazing piece of cinema.

         George VI (Colin Firth) gives the first speech of the film, where he completely fails because of his stutter.

Oscars give rise to a multitude of lawsuits.  Everyone who came up with an actor, who went home with someone who had liposuction only for the night, they were the best & worst dressed at the Oscars in 2011 was international news.  Celebrities come to a crescendo in the minds of some, but when many are at a point in the mind can not compare both.  This is the Oscars and, in fact, on the red carpet.

Other winners &

Colin Firth is touted to be the winner for best actor for his strong performance in the King’s speech.  The public has the right and won her first Oscar.  Natalie Portman dynamics fired on the red carpet that she is visibly pregnant woman and her tenderness.  Her beautiful dress is easily one of the best used for this monumental night.  Many believe that she and her fellow actors Winona Ryder, selected for liposuction for her role as dancers in the film Black Swan, but it is not true that the fame of the vine.

No one is exempt

Lately, however, many actors decided to make a mark in the best-dressed list worst Oscars & or management of a large entrance with a new look, all thanks to liposuction or other surgery.  Last year was clearly a lot of plastic surgery.  Even Sandra Bullock turned to Botox relaxes before the big day, do not seem so different.  2011, but was unlikely celebrities who were not satisfied with the way he looked or more of them are able to achieve these great looks through modern technology.

The trailer, which can easily be found on youtube was very intriguing and what initially encouraged me to go see this fantastic film. The acting looked good and the plot seemed interesting, especially because it was based on true events, and because I am interested in the time period it was set. Furthermore, the film has received a rating of 8.6 on IMDB, so I knew this should turn out to be an entertaining and deserving film. 

The film is about the Duke of York (who later becomes King George VI after his brother is abdicated from the throne) who suffers from stammering when he speaks. He later is helped by Lionel Logue, an actor who pretends to be a doctor. Lionel Logue becomes great friends with the Duke (’Bertie’) and through impressive, and at times hilarious techniques, prepares the King to make speeches without stuttering just as World War Two becomes inevitable. (This in itself adds tension to the film and builds up the drama)

The scenes between King George VI and Lionel Logue are very interesting. The conversations they have are quality, and it is great to watch them form a very close bond. Whilst we see the nature of a King, good and proper, we also see the more ‘human’ side to his character – his vulnerability, his fear, which I think is what makes the film so beautiful. 

The film is 118 minutes, and whilst sometimes films this long can drag on or become boring, this film was good in the sense that the plot moved gradually and towards the end of the film a climax was reached. The ending scenes are absolutely gripping and ‘edge of the seat’ entertainment as the King prepares to do his significant speech. In addition, I think the ability to say the speech in such a way that it seemed very much real also made the film successful for being based on true events. 

IMDB rates this film at 8.6, but I believe this film deserves a much higher rating. This film, and its actors have been very highly praised and an 8.6 rating does not do the film, or the actors justice. 

Colin firth – 1960

image via nndb.com

2010’s Best Actor Oscar Nominee Colin Firth lost the Oscar to Jeff Bridges but he is critically acclaimed again this year with King’s Speech- he is nominated for Best Actor at 2011’s Golden Globes. Fingers crossed for Firth at this year’s Oscars.

Colin shot to fame with his classic role Mr. Darcy in 1995 BBC TV Series Pride and Prejudice adapted from Jane Austen’s popular novel of the same name. He got the play another Mr. Darcy at two other book adaptations. He played Mark Darcy, a lawyer living in the modern times but resembling the classic Darcy in more ways than one. You can learn more about Colin through my trivia article: Colin Firth Trivia.

Firth had his share of unimpressive roles, but he also made some fun films.

Here’s my recommended Firth:http://www.triond.com/submit

-          Bridget Jones’ Diary, Bridget Jones Edge of Reason

-          Love Actually

-          Then she found me

-          Dorian Gray

-          Easy Virtue

-          Mamma Mia!

-          The English Patient

-          Girl with a Pearl Earring

Scott Bakula – 1954

via creationent.com

Well, I saw Scott Bakula in various TV shows over the years.  I first saw Bakula in his short-lived TV series Mr. And Mrs Smith- co-starring Maria Bello.

You can currently watch Bakula in a starring role in Ray Romano’s new comedy/drama Men of a Certain Age. Men of a Certain Age is in its second season.

Recommended Bakula:

TV: Mr. And Mrs Smith

       Men of a Certain Age

Daniel Day- Lewis – 1957

You can read more about Lewis at my Lewis trivia.

Recommended Lewis:

-           The Last of The Mohicans

-           Gangs of New York

-          The Bounty

-          The Age of Innocence

Funny, but Hollywood doesn’t have that many tall actors. 90s heartthrobs like Antonio Banderas and Mel Gibson are not even 6 feet. Younger generation actors Orlando Bloom is just 5′ 10½” and James McAvoy is only 5′ 7″ (1.70 m), which is only as tall as Tom Cruise. So below are Hollywood’s tall(er) actors. The shortest starts at 6′ 1¼” (1.86 m) and the tallest stands at 6′ 5″ (1.96 m). Here we go:

1.       Keanu Reeves- 6′ 1¼” (1.86 m)

Favorite Reeves: A Walk in the Clouds, The Watcher, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, The Replacements, The Devil’s Advocate, Street Kings, The Lake House, Somethings got to give, Speed and Point Break.

If you like Keanu, you might also want to read: 

Who Do You Like More? : Keanu Reeves or Brad Pitt?Actor Musicians and Musician Actors: Keanu Reeves, Jon Bon Jovi, Kevin BaconCan he or can’t he? : Keanu Reeves

                                                                                      -

2.     Paul Walker: 6′ 1¼” (1.86 m)

Paul Walker has played in many entertaining movies. I have a top movies list coming up for Paul. In the meantime, you might check out Timeline where he stars alongside Gerard Butler.

3.       Troy Garity- 6′ 1¼” (1.86 m)

Troy is Jane Fonda’s grandson. I saw one movie with him in it but it was enough to leave an impression. You might read about Soldier’s Girl here:

4.       Pierce Brosnan- 6′ 1½” (1.87 m)

Maybe the most popular actor ever to come out of Ireland. A top Pierce list is also on the way.

Pierce’s movies I covered so far:

The Fourth Protocol

Laws of Attraction

Seraphim Falls

5.       Colin Firth 6′ 1½” (1.87 m)

A complete English gentleman who was called “adorable” by Craig Ferguson. Hey, when one hetero male calls another hetero adorable, you better believe him.

On Colin:

Dorian Gray

British Actors We Love

6.       Josh Holloway- 6′ 1½” (1.87 m)

Did anyone know about this guy before he played Sawyer on Lost? I didn’t but hey I don’t think we needed to. I  am not exactly a fan of the show. But I admit checking the episodes out once in a while and watch some parts if Joshua is there. Call me shallow if you like. It’s such a pleasure that I can’t even put it in the guilty category.

7.       Gerard Butler- 1,88 (6’2”)

Yes, the Scotsman we all love. A law school graduate, former rock band singer, an actor who played The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera  and is widely known as the King from the movie 300. He is one of my favorite actors and celebrities of all times. Reasons stated here:

On Gerard:

                5 Reasons to Love Gerard Butler

                Gamer

                Law Abiding Citizen

                Butterfly on a Wheel

                Top 10 Gerard Butler

                Gerard Butler- profile

8.       Chris Noth- 6′ 1½” (1.87 m)

Sex and The City fans recognize him as Mr. Big. So you might just check out my Sex and The City tribute. Oh, yes I am big fan who saw all the episodes in 6 seasons and the movie. I am waiting for SATC  2.

9.       Hugh Jackman 6′ 2″ (1.88 m)

As well as topping my list of Top Australian Celebrities and being the perfect Wolverine, Jackman is one multi-talented star. Here’s the Jackman Tribute.

10.   Jeffrey Dean Morgan- 1,88 (6’2”)

If you watch Grey’s anatomy, you will know about Denny Duquette. Or maybe you saw Watchmen and realized how perfect he portrayed The Comedian. Or maybe you saw P.S. I love you, a movie for which he learned to speak in an Irsih accent and play the guitar for.

11.   Matthew Fox- 6′ 2″ (1.88 m)

Another extremely popular lead from the tv show Lost. Matthew plays Jack, Sawyer’s friend/nemesis. You might also remember from another TV show he played in, Party of 5. For some reason he reminds me of actor/director/screenwriter/producer  Edward Burns (who just missed the list as he is 6′ 1″ (1.85 m))

12.   Ashton Kutcher: 6′ 2½” (1.89 m)

Oh, this guy knows what he is doing. He proved his comedy as the cute but dumb Kelso in the  sitcom  That 70’s show and then played in a bunch of hilarious comedies. His drama/thriller The Butterfly Effect was really solid and his TV prank show Punkd got him even more popular, as well as proving his wicked sense of humor. He married Demi Moore, gets on fabulously with her ex-Bruce Willis and their children. Oh, and he is also one of the actors to use twitter to take his fame even further. The guy is funny, smart and cute. And he gets social media. Yeah, I want to meet this guy. I would really like to talk business.

13.   Clive Owen- 6′ 2½” (1.89 m)

One of the most popular Brits ever. I featured a lot of his movies individually and hey, of course I included him in my list of favorite Brits. Clive Owen quite simply rocks. He makes great movies and he is well…gorgeous. Oh and he is happily married. I want to meet his wife and take pointers.

14.   Eric Bana- 6′ 2½” (1.89 m)

Another popular Aussie. You can find more info on him on my top Aussies list.

15.   Hugh Laurie- 6′ 2½” (1.89 m)

He studied anthropology so he could be in the rowing team. He made it big as a comedian in Britain and his most different and unique role came when he started playing Dr. Gregory House. One of the smartest and most intriguing characters ever to hit TV.

16.   Matthew Macfadyen- 6′ 3″ (1.91 m)

Matthew is the beloved Mr. Darcy from the 2003 movie Pride and Prejudice, a role which made him a worldwide sweetheart. Oh, and he is tall too. Seriously. Wow.

17.   Lee Pace- 6′ 3″ (1.91 m)

Actually I got the idea for writing this post when I was chatting to a friend of mine who is even taller than me and having even more problems finding tall enough guys. She is also a big Lee Pace fan. Who the hell is Lee Pace? Oh, where should you start if you don’t know? Here’s the list:

Soldier’s Girl

The Fall

Possession

Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day

18.   Josh Duhamel- 6′ 3½” (1.92 m)

Star of the tv show Las Vegas and husband of the Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie.  Win a Date with Ted Hamilton is not the best romantic comedy ever but I just love the scene where poor Topher Grace ‘s character sees Josh shirtless. Sure Topher Grace is cute but really….did you see Duhamel with his shirt off?

19.   Owain Yeowan- 6′ 4″ (1.93 m)

OwOwain on the left, Simon Bajer on the right.

           Owain Yeowan should be the definition of goofy cute, especially with his role as Agent Rigsby in       

           The Mentalist. Yes, Simon Baker is gorgeous. But Owain is…well cute and is really tall. I love that  

           show. Obviously I would have still loved the show if Owain was short but… I am 5’9” and I live in

          Turkey so show mercy! At the very least, I deserve to see some tall guys on the screen.

20.   Liam Neeson: 6′ 4″ (1.93 m)

         A wonderful actor who has had many impressive roles, especially in the Steven Spielberg classic

         Schindler’s List. But, my favorite Liam ever is Taken. And he also teaches how to kick ass at the age

         of 56. Watch Taken.

21.   Vince Vaughn- 6′ 5″ (1.96 m)

       Vince might have put on the weight but he used to be really good-looking. He is still cute but you  

       should really see him in Return to Paradise to see him in a different light. And he is among the tallest

       actors.

22.   John Corbett- 6′ 5″ (1.96 m)

This is a bad picture but hey, it does show John’s height.

Who better than Corbett to finish the list with? He has been acting for a while but what made him a household name was his character Aidan in The Sex and The City series. Many of the fans would pick him over Chris Noth’s Mr. Big ( me included). His character was just too good to be true. He was loyal, nice, romantic, fun, a non-smoker, a rock fan and he was tall. Damn. Good news though. He is in the second SATC movie. Yeah!

Please remind me if I left actors out. These are all I could remember.

Image via Wikipedia (Colin Firth at the IIFA awards in 2007 where he was an MD for Oxfam)

Ben Chaplin’s Basil Hallward is the man charged with capturing Dorian’s good looks in a portrait which will be the central piece of artistic work at the young man’s expansive London home. This is where things become more intriguing. It soon becomes apparent that the painting is much more than just a pictorial representations of our ‘hero’ and, when Dorian abandons his good morals in favour of a more decadent existence, it appears on the face of it (his face anyway) that he has found the key to unlocking the fountain of youth and agelessness. Dorian, operating as Lord Henry’s existential protégé, proceeds to take advantage of his own explosive sex appeal, leaving a trail of destruction and broken hearts in his wake. His actions bring to mind the words of another legendary writer (Michael Jackson): “People always told me, be careful what you do, don’t go around breaking young girls’ hearts” (from Billie Jean). A morality tale which lacks real spark but is occasionally enjoyable. The acting is passable.

Image via Wikipedia (The Picture of Dorian Gray by Ivan Albright, 1943)

4/10