Christopher Nolan returned with yet another stunning picture. Telling the story of the epic evacuation mission that became a turning point in World War 2, recreating Dunkirk was set to be an ambitious challenge and he has done it.

Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children, I was skeptical - I've never read the books, there was just something that made me question whether I actually wanted to see it. However, despite my reservations, I absolutely adored this film. Another incredibly amazing film from Tim Burton and the actors were fantastic, with no further waffling let's get straight into this review.

This film was based on a series of books by Ransom Riggs (yes that's his real name) published in 2011. I remember first seeing the covers, wow, I was scared out of my mind. They just looked hella bizarre, I'd never seen them until we got them in the college library; I never read them because I was apprehensive about what I'd think. Tim Burton obviously loved the books, partly due to their not so normal narrative. I mean look at all the films he's produced or directed; The Corpse Bride (2005), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sweeney Todd (2007),  Beetlejuice (1988) etc, etc.  Burton did aim to use as little visual effects as possible, which again was a surprise to me. Personally, I find his films are like marmite- you love it or you hate it. This film I loved, it's a firm fave of the year!

If you've never read the books or simply haven't really paid much attention to the film, here's a bit of detail. Jacob (Asa Butterfield) discovers clues to a mystery that leads back to 1943 and the previous life of his Grandfather, it leads him to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. After he learns about his special power he finds out that danger is near and his 'peculiarity' can save them all from a villain in  the form of Samuel L. Jackson. It's quite thematic- I'd say romance, relationships, loss and self discovery. It's definitely a family drama, it's funny and lighthearted whilst still being able to convey a lot of meaning.

Let's stop and talk about the star in this movie for me, Asa Butterfield. Oh my, I'm obsessed. His performance was so genuine, you know what I mean? You could identify with him easily, you root for him all the way through. What's really nice about Asa, in a sense we've seen him mature through his acting career. From the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008), Hugo (2011), Enders Game (2013) and now Miss Peregrine he's changed so much and is still only nineteen. At the point in the beginning when his Grandfather died I sobbed, I think if you lose anyone you can empathize- especially if you've lost a grandparent. Just such a great performance, it did amuse me how awkward Jacob's romance with Emma is so awkward. He just doesn't know what to do, which is believable because a lot of teenagers don't with their first love/crush whatever you want to call it.

Besides Asa, the child actors were surprisingly good. I mean it won't be like Stranger Things, everyone's praising those kids left, right and center. The majority of them were older, the best were younger; the two twins (who turn you into stone), Bronwin (she's like eight and can lift anything), Claire (has a mouth in the back of her head) it was just insane. Eva Green as usual was fantastic, I remember the first time watching her in the series Camelot, I've always thought she was quite scary. In this film I thought she was tremendous as Miss Peregrine, bit weird at certain points although it is a weird film overall to be fair. I couldn't applaud the casting of this film anymore if I tried.

Finally, the miss en scene. The house that the children and Miss Peregrine lived in was something out of dreams, even though we were told the house was in Wales you'd actually find it in Antwerp, Belgium. Some of the film was shot in Blackpool to, which is quite close to home for me. It just made me want to be a peculiar, be in the loop. The costumes where so fitting for the various time frames too, everything I just adored.

I'd give this film a thumbs up, I didn't really know what I was in for. For sure I'll read the books soon, expect the reviews. I cannot stress how much I love this film. Please go and watch it guys!

Here I am back again, let's get straight into this! Nick chose The Big Sleep this week, a black and white film that was released in 1946. Now, I've never really watched black and white films (unless you count the first fifteen minutes of The Wizard of Oz) but I've always wanted to have a watch. The Big Sleep stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, on screen their chemistry is obvious. It's amusing, their characters don't seem to be that fond of each other it looks very hot and cold, for me sometimes a little awkward- it's all just flirting. They were lovers for a number of years I believe, never married just partners- they did star in various other films together such as; To Have and Have Not (1944), Dark Passage (1947), Key Largo (1948).

In film club for our Wednesday afternoon 'experiences' we watched Shawshank Redemption over a period of two weeks.  Just before I begin I'm just gonna put it out there, this is not an analysis of the film- meaning no shot types, nothing about mise en scene etc. Only my thoughts. Now even though Shawshank is known as a classic film I've never watched it, I don't really know why.

Here's a bit of background, when Shawshank was released it wasn't overly popular it was just another film, but suddenly it became widely popular. It's number one on IMDB's 'Top Rated Movies' list with Godfather (which I've also never watched) coming second. It was directed by Frank Darabont (The Green Mile, The Majestic) and was based on Stephen King's novel 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption', released in 1994.

The narrative is quite simple really, Red (Morgan Freeman) and Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) bond over the years they are imprisoned, finding comfort and even redemption through acts of kindness and I would say friendship too. Throughout the film Red recounts their story as it goes along.

Andy Dufresne was accused of murdering his wife and her lover in a drunken rage, the opening of Shawshank lets the audience know this through a replay of events as Andy stands trial. I won't lie I was convinced that he killed them both, during the trial I found Andy to have no genuine sense of guilt or remorse, which doesn't allow audiences to identify with the character! Thankfully, I was proved wrong later in the film. So long story short- Andy is found guilty and given a two life sentences in Shawshank prison. Throughout he beginning of his sentences he found it incredibly hard to settle,  what I found surprising is that I had a lot of empathy even though a lot I haven't been in Andy's situation; equally I've been in an uncomfortable situation before,like we all have, we feel as though we don't fit in.

What I did find fascinating was the fact that Red and all his friends found the entrance of new prisoners almost like a horse race really, betting on who would break first. Now even though I don't know what goes on within prison walls, you could definitely picture this happening; I mean for prisoners who've been in there for most of their lives and see people come in and out all the time it would be expected.

One element of the film that did shock me was the violence towards the prisoners,  of course it was unnecessary, of course it has gone on (I'd like to say has because I hope it doesn't now) but I just didn't expect such harsh beatings. Also, what is the pit. Why? If you didn't think having a life sentence is enough just behave badly and they'll stick you in a dingy, dark hole for however long you deserve to be in there.

Let's move on to one of my favourite characters Brooks. Oh my goodness, he tugged at my heart strings. I love old people, so for me Brooks was the cutest thing ever. He get's more brownie points as he looks after the books, as a book lover myself I'm all for it. If it had't been for Brooks our Andy would never have escaped laundry (which we'll move onto in a moment). Brooks helping the bird just echoed what happened in Shawshank, I think the board expects the prisoners to be rehabilitated whereas actually they mature and grow. The majority arrived when they were young and stupid, never having the opportunity to have a family or career. Just like Red said, if he could he'd go back, talk to his younger self and not make the mistakes he did. Anyway, Brooks, oh how it broke my heart when he died; on the outside we don't view prison as a home but Brooks death just reinforces the concept that maybe it is. In a dysfunctional sort of way, those who have been there for a long period of time don't know how to cope in the outside world; without friends or the routine.

If I didn't mention this, Andy is a banker. In the scene when Andy and the gang are on the roof, when he hears Heywood talking about his money problems and from that point on Andy basically becomes Shawshank's personal banker, money advisor etc. Eventually things get out of hand as the Warden asks Andy to help with his money laundering scheme, the whole idea is quite bizarre but it works in terms of storyline and plot.

I think one of the stand out features of Shawshank is no doubt Andy's escape. You just don't expect it at all, we all remember that Andy asked Red to get him that mini pick axe thing to do whatever he felt like doing. At the back of my mind, I did have my suspicions about the escape plan but I honestly couldn't figure out where Andy had gotten to. Then of course the posters, oh those pretty posters to keep Andy feel a tad more normal, hid his little secret. That escape route was horrendous, hands down would never be doing that, no way. Then of course the audience just want Red to finally be approved.

My favourite aspect of the film was Andy and Red's growing friendship, to think how far they'd come since Andy arrived. When Red was released it was a bit emotional, being put in the same room where Brooks died and working the same job. The oak tree was incredibly moving, Andy obviously wanted Red to come and create a life with him in sunny Mexico. That friendship is so strong it honestly hurts my heart, a friendship that developed in a time of struggle, need and the search for companionship.

Personally, I loved Shawshank Redemption, I think it's an inspiring story that makes us contemplate the things we have. It contains themes of friendship, hope, injustice, secrets, transformation and many more. Andy sticks to his innocence throughout and then finally we have reason to believe he's not a cold blooded killer, he stands his ground and never wavers. I can now understand why Shawshank is classed as a modern classic, Shawshank is one of the most thematically rich films I've ever seen. It tells us if we try hard enough we can go a long way if we don't let anyone define us. 22 years on the strengths of the film is conveyed through it's popularity to this day. If you've got an 144 minutes to spare, I recommend a watch.