Day 12 of #Blogmas | Films at Christmas

Just like everything there is always something that links back to a memory or holiday. A particular song or film. And that's what I'm gonna post about today. Films that I have to watch every year without fail else it isn't a typical Christmas!

The Santa Clause

It doesn't matter if it's just one or all 3. This is my favourite Christmas trilogy of all time with one of my favourite actors; Tim Allen. It never gets old, I'd say the most "relatable" and the least childish Christmas film because they're just a normal average family who's lives completely change just because (Tim) was silly enough to try on Santa's outfit after Santa fell off their roof Christmas Eve. Makes me laugh every time, every year, every film.

Toy Story

The best animated films only come on at Christmas time and this is an all time classic for the whole family. Following Woody and his gang on their crazy adventures beyond Andy's room, everyone grew up with Toy Story whether it was 1, 2 or recently 3. And you have to cry at least once a film. Toys have feelings too!

Elf

Now judge me, I only watched elf for the first time like 2 years ago but I instantly discovered why everyone fell inlove with it so much! How can you not love Buddy who grew up as an elf but he is HUMAN then he has to adapt to the real world in search of his parents. It's so heart-warmingly funny.

Shark Tale/Finding Nemo

Either or both. You can't beat an animated film about fish can you?

Shrek

Another one of my all time favourite trilogy's. Nothing I love more than a play on the classic fairytales with all my favourite characters. These films are genius.

High School Musical

The original. Everyone knows the first scene of New Years Eve, the first time Troy and Gabriella meet sending our "OTP" scales through the roof! (one true pairing for those not with the lingo) the whole film just has a Christmassy Winter feel all the way through I love it! And who doesn't love a good karaoke sesh?

Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone

Again the original! I think because this is the least played in the series I associate it more with Christmas and I don't know why but I get teary in the Christmas Day scene where Harry is like "I've got presents?!" Breaks my heart. But all of the Harry Potter's are incredible!

There are probably a few more I associate with Christmas but these are the staple films. Call me crazy but I'm not mad on Christmassy films other than the 2 mentioned. I am so bad with watching classics and new releases because I don't tend to have the patience to sit through a whole film.

Suggest some films for me to watch and I'll give them a go I promise! 

Dear 12 Year Old Me ...

Beaut Year 11 School Photo.

Dear 12 year old me,

You've just started your first year at Secondary School, to put it bluntly it's going to be an emotionally draining, rollercoaster ride and that's on a good day! But eventhough I came out alright, I survived, there are a few things I'd like to give you hints and tips on to make the school experience just that bit more bareable. 

• It is NOTHING like Primary school, not everyone is your friend. Just because they said hello to you doesn't mean you're suddenly in their clique, oh god no. Those "popular" groups you secretly want to impress and be a part of, they don't last long by belittling everyone. By Year 9 the majority of your year group would have integrated a bit like High School Musical so they are virtually unheard of by Year 11. Concentrate on the real friends you have made.

• Do not do that dreadful Bebo chav pose when you make your profile. Honestly, it is not worth the stick or hype. You will definitely regret it. HAHA.

• Brands you wear do not define you as a person. Without sounding like a middle-aged woman, this isn't a fashion show no matter how much everyone makes it one. It's school, we all wear the same uniform just in different ways, BE COMFORTABLE. Do not splash out on an ugly Helly Hanson coat or Nike trainers that will apparently go out of fashion within a week. Trust me, Primark will open soon in Plymouth and 90% of girls in your year will be rocking £3 envelope bags that you can't fit anything into. (WHO REMEMBERS THOSE BEAUTIES?)

• I'm all for being yourself but girl invest in some tweezers and stop shaving your monobrow, you will soon regret it and end up spending the rest of your teens trying to even out your brows, I wish I was told this sooner!!

• Girl, foundation and lippy will change your life but please you are pale as a snowflake, you need to use 000 or 001, don't raid your mothers or use 3 different Miss Sporty liquid foundations, absolute no no! And don't get me started on that pastel-pink-mixed-with-foundation lip shade.

• Hair. Now everyone suffered with the last little bowt of headlice in the first year but to prevent this, use Full Marks Mousse and wash your hair frequently WITH conditioner. Also your natural hair colour is bland and it needs taking care of but here's a little spoiler; by the time you are 16 you will be that dream blonde you've wished for. Maybe even invest in the colour sooner to avoid the ginger stage.

• Be more outgoing. Stop being so insecure, it makes you an easy target. Be comfortable in your own skin and if you know the answer to a question, girl put that hand up high! If some girl starts on you, don't be a push over, you are more intelligent and worth a million of that little wannabe. Rise above it, these girls and boys are not intimidating at all, they are no different from you they just have a gob on them and think it's big and clever to disrupt a class. FYI it's not at all. 

• Work hard. Doing all your homework, listening to the boring bits, even doing the "optional" classes will prove very beneficial in the future. Take every opportunity and choose your subjects wisely.

It's going to be okay. Life will give you obstacles and there will be rough times throughout but stick with your friends and be yourself and you can't go wrong. It's a long 5 years but it truely is the best days of your life so make the most of it.

20 year old Katie.

[Disclaimer: This is based on my experiences and lifestyle choices throughout school. All my own views and opinions.]

REVIEW // Disney's Descendants.

I am a sucker for Disney, I have a Mickey and Minnie tattoo on my back and I have no shame sitting at home spending the afternoon watching Disney Channel. However, even I have to admit recently, the standards that were set growing up has not been entirely matched, (A Dog With A Blog anyone?!)

However, when I saw Descendants advertised I thought the concept was genius. As a new generation is being introduced to Disney, I think collaborating old favourites and creating children of the characters to reinvent the fairytales is such a good idea, although, the realisation that our favourite stories and characters are aging with us is very unnerving.

Directed by Kenny Ortega; the mastermind behind the phenomenon and complete guilty pleasure that is High School Musical, this in itself gives high hopes for the film. Cheesy pop numbers, cheorography, "forbidden love" what more could you want from a tween movie?!

Here is a bit of a back story to help you understand and bring you up to date;

20 years ago, the notorious Fairytale Villains were banished to live on The Island of The Lost, a prison like island. with no use of their powers and a barrier which prevented their escape. This meant the Princes and Princesses could finally live 'Happily Ever After' in The United States Of Auradon where Belle and The Beast rule the kingdom.

Villains of The Island Of The Lost

Now, the story begins 20 years on, where Ben, the son of King and Queen Belle and The Beast, grants that 4 of the villains offspring should be given a chance to experience life in Auradon and attend Auradon Prep where The Fairy Godmother is headmistress. (genius right??) Of course, the villains; Malificent, Snow Queen, Jafar and Cruella De Vil see this as their perfect opportunity to seek revenge and regain their evil status, but they can only do that with the power of The Fairy Godmother's wand.

We follow princess of evil Mal, prince-hungry Evie, resident thief Jay and dog-hating Carlos (use your shameless Disney knowledge to work out which child belongs to who) on their mission to retrieve the wand and free their parents from the Lost Island for good. But are they really bad or were they just born into it? You're gonna have to watch to find out!

The constant character references and inside jokes regarding the original stories makes my inner child squeal meaning that although this musical movie is designed for tweens and children, Adults and parents will enjoy it just as much for that reason alone.

Of course, you can't expect it to be completely mind-blowingly awesome, sometimes the acting and the jokes are a bit questionable but take it with a pinch of a salt, after all it's a children's fantasy played by teenagers who probably aren't even old enough to remember these classic fairytales!

Overall, the catchy songs (I've had 'Rotten To The Core' in my head for days!) and the credible, classic to modern storyline makes Descendants an easy watch for all ages, with all the traditional traits you'd expect from your typical Disney movie. For what it is, and for who the primary target audience is, I can't really fault it.

Although, I do have mixed feelings about the hip-hop esque version of 'Be Our Guest' ....

Have a watch and let me know what you think?

Katie x