What movies should you watch this summer?

Summer. Even when it's hot and sunny outside (well... for England), and when we've not fled to a different country to actually see what a bit of summer looks like, we go to the cinema. This is when all the major blockbusters of the year, all the films that have been anticipated for a long time, are released. So I've put together a little collection of all the films that I am personally excited for but also ones that I think will be popular with others. For example, I'm not a big fan of superhero Marvel type films but I've still put them in here for those who do. Now, ever since Harry Potter ended (sob), going to the cinema in the summer/Christmas holidays have never really been the same for me - and this year has some films that I'm extremely excited for, but none that REALLY stand out compared to other years. 2014 saw huge films such as "22 Jump Street", "Maleficent", "The Inbetweeners 2", "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" etc, 2013 saw the sequels of "Monsters Inc" and "Despicable Me" and the final Hangover movie and so on and so on. But this year's selection doesn't quite capture my enthusiasm. But, anyway. So whether you're going for a laugh, going to be shit scared, going because you're a bit of a comic book geek or going with kids, the cinema will be a wise choice this summer...

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" (out April 23rd)

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elisabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Samuel L. Jackson
Verdict: With the success of the first film and how it became the third highest-grossing film of all time worldwide, I've got a feeling this is going to pull out all the stops. As I mentioned before, I'm not a huge fan of superhero movies but I really enjoyed the first Avengers movie for some reason. All the original Avengers return (including my fave Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man), along with new guys Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch (Taylor-Johnson, Olsen). Only trouble is... No Loki, meaning no Tom Hiddleston. BOO. Also, due to popular demand, the film's release date has been brought forward for UK residents.

"Unfriended" (out May 1st) 

Starring: Shelley Hennig, Moses Storm, Renee Olstead, Will Peltz
Verdict: No. 1 of the variety of horror films released this summer - and one of the most original ideas ever seen. For me, horror films get a bit same old after a while, but this looks like something else. After a video is posted online of an ordinary high school student Laura Barns, she commits suicide - but who posted it? During a Skype conversation between her taunters, Laura comes back. It literally looks horrifying - and I can't wait.

"Pitch Perfect 2" (out May 15th)

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfield, Anna Camp, John Michael Higgins, Elizabeth Banks
Verdict: This is probably the film I'm most excited not just for the summer, but for the year. From the looks of the trailer, after a performance of "Wrecking Ball" involving Fat Amy goes wrong, the Barden Bellas must regain their reputation. I think we can expect another great soundtrack too. 

"Poltergeist" (out May 22nd)

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Jared Harris, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Catlett, Saxon Sharbino
Verdict: Another scary film - yay! It's a reboot/remake of the horror classic from 1982, guaranteed to have more special effects and probably more scary things e.g. CLOWNS.

"Tomorrowland" (out May 22nd)

Starring: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, Tim McGraw, Judy Greer
Verdict: There was original speculation that this was going to be based on the futuristic themed land in Walt Disney parks - but unfortunately, I don't think that's true. Instead, it revolves around a place in time and space where actions affect the whole world. Summer would not be complete without a Disney film. 

"Spy" (out May 22nd)

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Allison Janney, 50 Cent

Verdict: Now there's a bunch of people you wouldn't put in a film together! It could be a disaster, or it could be perfection. My bet is on the first one, but that still doesn't mean I'm not excited - MIRANDA HART'S FILM DEBUT!!!

"Insidious: Chapter 3" (out June 5th)

Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Lin Shaye
Verdict: Another horror film! But this is from one of my favourite horror sagas. Looks like we've got a completely new story/family, too. Advertised to be the scariest installment in the saga, we'll have to wait and see.

"Jurassic World" (out June 11th)

Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio, Omar Sy
Verdict: Set to be the highest grossing film this summer, it doesn't look it's going to disappoint. It's unknown how similar it is to the originals but with Steven Spielberg on board, I've got good feelings. Let's just hope we get some T-Rex's. 

"Minions" (out June 26th)

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Allison Janney, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan
Verdict: Producers of the Despicable Me spin-off are keeping very hush about the plot - but things are becoming clearer with the second trailer - and Sandra Bullock's Scarlet Overkill looks like a fabulous version of Gru. Definitely going to go head-to-head with.......

"Magic Mike XXL" (out July 3rd)

Starring: Channing Tatum, Amber Heard, Joe Manganiello, Elizabeth Banks, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andie MacDowall
Verdict: Need I say more? However, Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConaughey's absence will be noticed.

"Ted 2" (out July 10th)

Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Patrick Warburton, Jessica Barth
Verdict: Pretty sure it's going to be one of those sequels that is awful compared to the novelty and originality of the first movie - but it's my kind of humour, so I will most definitely be watching it.

"Ant-Man" (out July 17th)

Starring: Paul Rudd, Hayley Atwell, Evangeline Lilly, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Michael Douglas
Verdict: The second marvel summer of the film sees Paul Rudd as an ant-sized superhero. Not really a massive fan of superhero films, but this does look like it could be quite funny! And I love Paul Rudd.

"Pan" (out July 17th) 

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Levi Miller, Rooney Mara, Cara Delevnigne
Verdict: Now, this looks GREAT. Before Hook became Peter Pan's sworn enemy, he was actually his ally. Hugh Jackman looks like he's going to make a great pirate too, and newcomer Levi Miller doesn't look like he's going to go anywhere any time soon.

"Inside Out" (out July 24th)

Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan 
Verdict: One thing Disney Pixar is known for: originality. And that is what I cannot wait for. For me, this is one of the most original plots of all time for an animated production. If you don't know what it's about, the primary characters are all emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust all in the mind of a young girl. Pixar NEVER disappoint - so I've got high hopes.

"Fantastic Four" (out August 3rd)

Starring: Jamie Bell, Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan
Verdict: ANOTHER Marvel movie. It's always a bit risky re-making a film where the original was only released ten years ago, but with a stellar foursome, this is not going to disappoint audiences.

"Pixels" (out August 12th)

Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Michelle Monaghan
Verdict: This had the opportunity to be quite a high budget, original blockbuster movie where video games come to life and try and take over the world... And then they recruited Adam Sandler. Good one!

"Paper Towns" (out August 21st)

Starring: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne

Verdict: As a big fan of The Fault In Our Stars, I imagine this is going to be a nice little romantic drama/comedy/mystery movie.

"Sinister 2" (out August 21st)

Starring: Shannyn Sossamon, James Ransone, Nicholas King, Tate Ellington

Verdict: Based on how disturbing the first film was, I'm preparing myself for this one.

It's almost over for good... The top 40 "Glee" musical moments from all 6 seasons! (20-1)

So that's it, it's gone. Glee is no more. It was a perfect ending to a perfect series for me (but more on that in a future post), and it really will be missed. 

Here are my top 20 musical moments from all six seasons:

20. "Start Me Up/Livin' On A Prayer" - by the Girls of New Directions

19. "I Know Where I've Been" - by Unique and the Transgender Choir

18. "Don't Dream It's Over" - by Finn Hudson and New Directions

17. "Faithfully" - by Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson

16. "Rumour Has It/Someone Like You" - by The Troubletones

15. "Born This Way" - by New Directions

14. Season Two Regionals: "Get It Right", "Loser Like Me" by New Directions

13. "The Scientist" - by Finchel, Klaine, Wemma and Brittana

12. "Roots Before Branches" - by Rachel Berry

11. "Don't Rain On My Parade" - by Santana Lopez

10. "Thriller/Heads Will Roll" - by New Directions, the Cheerios and the Footballers

9. "To Love You More" - by Rachel Berry

8. "Come What May" - by Klaine

7. "All You Need Is Love" - by Blaine Anderson

6. "Not the Boy Next Door" - by Kurt Hummel

5. "For Good" - by Rachel Berry and Kurt Hummel

4. "Seasons of Love" - by New Directions and Alumni

3. Season Three Nationals: "The Edge of Glory", "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" and "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" - by New Directions

2. "I Lived" by the whole cast of "Glee"

1. "Don't Stop Believing (100th Episode Version)" by New Directions

It's almost over for good... The top 40 "Glee" musical moments from all 6 seasons! (40-21)

This time tomorrow, the show that has taken up the majority of my life for the last six years will be over. I have no idea why, but Glee has had a significant impact on my life since it began - I've fallen in love with the characters, I love all (well, most) of the musical performances and have laughed/cried/got angry at all the storylines that Ryan Murphy has thrust at Gleeks. I'm sure a lot of people would agree with me that Glee cheers on the outcasts, and tells you it's okay to be different (usually through some cheesey but loveable musical numbers). Oh, and gives you an unusually odd obsession with one particular gay power couple... (KLAINE!?!)

So without further ado, here is the first part of my top 40 musical moments of all time;

40. "Being Good Isn't Good Enough" - by Rachel Berry

Rachel stuns the audience of the NYADA winter showcase with this Barbara Streisand number.

39. "I'm Still Here" - by Kurt Hummel

Kurt comes back fighting after his attack with this song from "Follies".

38. "Getting Married Today" - by Emma Pillsbury, Will Schuester and the guests of Wemma's wedding 

This number really displays Emma's incredible rapping skills, shortly before she runs away from her own wedding.

37. "Run the World (Girls)" - by Brittany Pierce, Santana Lopez and the Girls of McKinley High School

As part of her promotion for school president election, Brittany enrols all the girls of McKinley for an empowering dance number.

36. "Pumpin' Blood" - by Rachel Berry, Kurt Hummel, Blaine Anderson, Mercedes Jones, Santana Lopez, Sam Evans and the Gay Club

After Rachel's killer opening night, she decides to miss the after party and hit a gay venue with her pals.

35. "I'm the Greatest Star" - by Kurt Hummel

Kurt auditions for Tony in the school production of "West Side Story" and displays some sai sword skills and some impressive bar swinging.

34. "Pure Imagination" - by the original New Directions

The glee club pays an emotional tribute to Sue Sylvester's sister at her funeral, with a dedication to her favourite film.

33. "I Am Changing" - by Kurt Hummel and Mercedes Jones

In a bid to get Rachel and Santana to become friends again, Kurt and Mercedes join together to sing my favourite song from Dreamgirls.

32. "Smooth Criminal" - by Sebastian Smythe and Santana Lopez

One of the oddest Glee performances became one of the most praised. Head Warbler Sebastian and head bitch Santana fight in song, accompanied by cellos?

31. "Love Shack" - by Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson with the original New Directions

Kurt was surprised by Blaine on Valentine's Day with this disco classic.

30. "Pompeii" - by the Alumni 

In the final moments of Season Five, each of our favourite alumni went their separate ways to this Bastille hit.

29. "Shake It Out" - by Santana Lopez, Mercedes Jones and Tina Cohen-Chang

In one of the most moving storylines that Glee has ever had, the girls of New Directions sing a cover of Florence and the Machine to Coach Beiste, after her violent relationship ends.

28. "Anything Goes/Anything You Can Do" by Harmony and the NYADA Hopefuls

Kurt and Rachel are astounded by the talent of NYADA's hopefuls.

27. "Boogie Shoes" by Wade "Unique" Adams

Unique in her musical debut was an amazing moment in Glee's third season.

26. "Suddenly Seymour" by Rachel Berry and Blaine Anderson

Two of Glee's best singers collaborated for this Little Shop of Horrors track in Glee's last season.

25. "Brave" by Rachel Berry and Santana Lopez

As Santana begins to grow jealous of Rachel's success, the two join together for this Sara Bareilles song.

24. "Rose's Turn" by Kurt Hummel

My third song from Kurt (he's my favourite character, ok?!!) is his first solo in Glee - after Kurt's dad takes a liking to future stepbrother Finn, Kurt belts out this Gypsy number.

23. "Toxic" by Will Schuester and New Directions

The New Directions cause an unexpected school sex riot when they sing this Britney Spears tune in a school assembly.

22. "Give Up the Funk" by the Original New Directions

New Directions completely mug off rivals Vocal Adrenaline by putting on an outstanding funk number, with some incredible dance moves.

21. The Season 6 Invitationals: "It Must Have Been Love", "Father Figure" and "All Out of My Love" by the final New Directions

Our final batch really stole the spotlight with their three love numbers, aimed to melt Sue Sylvester's heart (it worked). I couldn't pick a favourite - with the Kurt and Blaine kiss during It Must Have Been Love, Roderick's incredible voice in Father Figure and the general amazingness of All Out of Love, I combined the three.

The final 20 will be released soon!

Reminiscing! My guide of the BEST things to do in Disneyland Paris.

July 2014. My best friends Hannah, Jay and I jetted off from Bristol to Paris in promising weather. How wrong we were. I think the picture above is the only time it wasn't really raining (even though it looks like it is). But the rain didn't matter, our holiday was still amazing! Two days in Disneyland Paris, two days in the beau city of Paris, endless food, a gorgeous hotel. I wouldn't of changed it for the world (other than the weather of course), and I'd love to go back again!

Now, those of you that are still reading my blog, we've established I'm a little bit of a Disney fan so the main highlight for me was of course Disneyland Paris. Thought not quite as great and big as Walt Disney World in Florida, it's still amazing. If you fancy a holiday where you don't want to be too tired, I would suggest Euro Disney. In Florida (if you haven't been there), Walt Disney World is spread out over 25,000 ACRES as opposed to Disneyland Paris which is roughly only 500 acres. Massive difference, eh?

So first, I thought I'd give you a bit of a summary of what is at Disneyland Paris - there are two parks which are next to each other. Disneyland Park is the bigger of the two and is home to a 5 lands; 

• Main Street USA (no attractions but a number of gift shops and a spectacular view of Sleeping Beauty's castle - also where the parades happen)
• Frontierland (themed to the American Old West in the 19th century e.g. cowboys, saloons and home to the Riverboat)
• Adventureland (themed to resemble Africa, Asia and South America)
• Fantasyland (personal favourite of mine - full of rides featuring all your favourite Disney characters and films)
• Discoveryland (a futuristic land)

The other is Walt Disney Studios. Significantly smaller, its main theme is Hollywood, noticeable as you walk in. Walt Disney Studios is recognised for featuring more adult-designed rides and attractions.

As well as this, you've got Disney Village, full of restaurants, gift shops and night-time entertainment, including a hot air balloon. This is literally just a step out of Disneyland.

So, to make it a little easier, I've assembled another little countdown; my top 20 things to do in Disneyland Paris.

20. Ratatouille Land 

When we went last summer, we were in Paris for the grand opening. We didn't actually get to go on anything within the area (because it was packed), but it's worth it just to have a look around. There's a posh (expensive) French restaurant called Gusteau's (if you've seen the film, you'll probably expect this) and a new dark ride attraction called Ratatouille: L'Aventure Totalement Toquee de Remy (or Ratatouille: the Adventure, for the less French of us).

19. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Or the French version: "Blanche Neige et les Sept Nains". Very old fashioned, a little bit dated and terrifying for kids, but seeing as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is my favourite Disney film, this is a classic.

18. Sleeping Beauty's Castle (or le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant)

The very heart of Disney, and probably the landmark. Don't just look at it from afar, go inside and see some stunning glass murals of the story of Sleeping Beauty.

17. Big Thunder Mountain

I enjoyed this a lot more when I was younger - consider it a rollercoaster designed for kids. However, it's still a very famous Disney attraction so shouldn't be missed.

16. Buzz Lightyear's Laser Blast

Think the picture says it all. Three things are required - concentration, skill and a fast finger. Just point your gun at the alien and your score will flash up on your vehicle. But it can get extremely competitive (just look at Hannah's face)

15. Toy Story Playland

Great fun. You've got the RC Racer ride, a fast car ride, Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, a tame drop-down ride and the Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, a rollercoaster for kids. As you can probably see, it's probably not best for older kids but young 'uns will love it!

14. Phantom Manor

A typical, terrifying haunted house classic.

13. It's a Small World

Now if you've never heard of this, you shouldn't be going to Disneyland. An absolute classic that is one of the first ever Disney rides, a relaxing boat ride that goes through a number of different countries where "It's a Small World" is sung in many different languages. Underlying themes = diversity and unity. Prepare to have the song in your head FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

12. Peter Pan's Flight

Yet another classic. Hop on a pirate ship and sail over London as if you're flying, witnessing the classic story of Peter Pan. 

11. Indiana Jones et Le Temple du Peril

One of the more grown-up rides in Disneyland Paris, this is a thrilling rollercoaster in a mine train through a lost temple. Must-do.

10. The Princess Fairytale Hall

Now, this was kind of accidental because we wanted to get out of the rain, but I am a sucker for Disney princesses. Wait and see which Disney princess you'll get to meet - they don't tell you until you walk around the corner and see who it is! (Expect ridiculously long queues though)

9. Crush's Coaster

I can't really remember doing this ride, but I remember I LOVED it. 

8. The Blue Lagoon restaurant

One of the most gorgeous, picturesque restaurants I've ever been to. Yes okay, it's very pricey, but it's completely worth it. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride goes through the restaurant so keep an eye out for the boats.

7. The Rainforest Cafe

This just clinches the best restaurant for me. Despite not being just in Disneyland Paris (there's ones in London, Las Vegas and Disney World in Florida) but the atmosphere in here is incredible. You genuinely feel like you're in a rainforest, with large audio-animatronic animals and draping branches covering the entire place. About every half an hour, an earthquake hits, so expect the lights to flicker and the animals to go nuts - it's awesome.

6. Space Mountain: Mission 2

One of the main thrill rides in Disneyland Paris - travel through space at what feels like the speed of light. If you get chance to look at the scenery, do, but I doubt you will. And you might feel a tad sick (I did).

5. Rock'n'Roller Coaster (starring Aerosmith)

One of the two rollercoasters at Disneyland Paris that takes you upside down (the other being Space Mountain) to "Dude Looks Like a Lady" by Aerosmith. One of the best rollercoasters you will ever encounter.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean

Another classic, and the ride that the films were loosely based on. Travel through the village of Tortuga and witness a number of pirate occurrences. This isn't as tame as the Florida version, which has been recently updated to feature Captain Jack Sparrow. This is completely traditional, with a couple of surprises.

3. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Hollywood, 1930. A busy hotel's elevator is struck by lightning, breaking the lift and killing all the people inside it. Chilling, eh? Trust me, it's terrifying. You enter the elevator and see the ghosts of the killed beckoning to you to join them. And then you're off, literally defying gravity as you drop over and over again (no, seriously, your bum will come off the seat, pretty sure my bag hit the ceiling). Incredible!

2. Cinemagique!

 

This is hard to explain. It's more of a "you have to do it" to fully understand how amazing it is. It mixes the live performance of an actor with synchronized classic movie scenes on a big screen. There are loads of films that you will know and they're so neatly and cleverly combined, it makes it a laugh-out-loud, moving and just extraordinary show. You will never see anything like this in your lifetime.

1. Disney Dreams!

Now if you've left Disneyland Paris and haven't watched this, your whole trip was a waste of time. With images reflected on the castle from classic Disney films, water fountains and fireworks, it is an unforgettable show. Everything is so perfectly timed, it actually feels like magic. Sounds really cheesey, but it does honestly.

So that's it. I hope you enjoyed my little countdown, and if you're thinking of going to Disneyland Paris any time soon, I hope this helps as a handy guide. But for me, it was a nice little flashback and a reminisce of a perfect holiday with my two favourites.

"Glee": Season 6 Premiere "Loser Like Me/Homecoming" - REVIEW!

So, "Glee" is coming to an end. For many people, Glee is a very cheesey programme with a very acquired taste so this will come as a relief, but this show has been a huge part of my life for the last six years, teaching me some valuable life lessons and most importantly, that you can be whoever you want to be. I never thought it would impact me as much as it did. But enough of that cheese (for now - that will be a later post) and more about the awesome 2 hour premiere. The first episode was probably one of the worst "Glee" premieres since the show began, but the second episode was where it really stepped up a notch. I'm going to round up the main events that occurred and the best song performances from the night.

SPOILER ALERT - If you have not yet watched "Glee" and plan on doing so, don't read on!

New beginnings for Rachel, Kurt, Blaine, Sam and Will!

So, if we go back to the final episode of Season Five and where everybody was headed - Rachel had just bagged herself a brand new contract for a reality show about her life ("That's So Rachel") and she moved to LA (yep, just giving up her Broadway dream that we waited five seasons for - yawn), fiancees Kurt and Blaine moved in together in New York, Sam moved back to Lima after a modelling career in New York flopped and Will had just a baby with Emma but after the New Directions were disbanded, his future was unpredictable.

SO? What actually happened?! Rachel's programme was an absolute disaster so she has moved back to Lima to attempt to bring back the glee club (with success but no members), along with Kurt who has taken a year out of NYADA to accompany Rachel as a co-director of the Glee Club, Blaine was kicked out of NYADA after his grades faltered so he is the new coach of the Dalton Academy Warblers, Will is the new coach of New Directions' rival glee club Vocal Adrenaline and Sam is the co-coach of the McKinley Titans. So, in summary, every one of these characters (apart from Sam) is now competing against each other with rival glee clubs... But surely Kurt and Blaine wouldn't compete against each other surely? Oh wait...

Kurt and Blaine are no more... And Blaine's bagged himself a weird and very familiar new boyfriend!

So, one of the most shocking parts of the season premiere is that my personal favourite couple in television history have broken up... And Blaine is dating Kurt's former bully and admirer Dave Karofsky! So weird.. And I don't like it.. I'm hoping that he sees sense. Kurt and Blaine = endgame. 

Return of the alumni! (Except Mike Chang)

All (well, most) of our favourite characters came back to recruit a brand new Glee club, some successfully, some not so. They all joined together for a great cover of A-ha's "Take On Me" which aimed to be exactly the same as the original music video - one of my personal highlights of the episode.  

Meet the new newbies: Jane, Roderick and Mason and Madison!

I was very sceptical about the fact that once again, we are getting newbies. I wanted the series to be about the originals and how they went back to their roots - but this surprisingly worked well. The last newbies e.g. Marley, Jake, Ryder and Unique were appreciated when they first appeared but gradually, viewers lost a lot of interest in them, hence the move to New York. (However, Kitty is still in it!) But these new ones are a special bunch - Jane (right hand side) is a Dalton Academy who joins the New Directions after the Warblers refused to recruit her as she's a girl. Her audition song was a great moment from the premier, as she showed the Warblers her moves in "Tightrope". Roderick is an overweight soul singer, who's voice is pretty similar to Sam Smith's, and Mason and Madison are twin cheerleaders (isn't Mason just... lovely? And very Blaine like.) I can't wait to see how their stories develop throughout the series.

6x01 "Loser Like Me"

BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT

"Suddenly Seymour" (from Little Shop of Horrors)

Rachel Berry and Blaine Anderson

Other songs:

"Uninvited" (Alanis Morrisette) by Rachel

"Sing" (Ed Sheeran) by The Warblers

"Dance the Night Away" (Van Halen) by Vocal Adrenaline

"Let It Go" (Frozen) by Rachel

6x02 "Homecoming"

BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT

"Home" (Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros)

Alumni & New Directions

Other songs:

"Take On Me" (A-ha) by Alumni

"Tightrope" (Janelle Monae) by Jane and the Warblers

"Problem" (Ariana Grande) by Quinn, Santana and Brittany

"Mustang Sally" (Wilson Pickett) by Roderick

The 87th Academy Awards: The Best, The Awkward and A Full List of Winners!

So, the highlight of my year is once again, over. The Academy Awards is a big deal for a person who loves films AND award ceremonies (I personally can't think of anything better) and the 87th Academy Awards did not disappoint. Okay so Neil Patrick Harris wasn't as hilarious and wacky as Ellen DeGeneres last year (I mean, who can forget the Oscar selfie and the pizza ordering?) but it was still great to watch and it still came with its' surprises e.g. Birdman beating Boyhood?! So I've assembled a little post rounding up the highlights of this year's ceremony, the most awkward and cringey moments (there were quite a few) and then I've given you a full list of winners just in case you haven't seen them yet! Enjoy!

THE BEST:-

- One of the best opening numbers in Oscar history (featuring Neil Patrick Harris, Anna Kendrick and Jack Black)

- Patricia Arquette's female empowerment acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress for Boyhood 

(featuring Meryl Streep as a strong independent woman)

- The incredibly moving performance of Best Original Song winner "Glory" from Selma 

- Graham Moore's extremely powerful speech for winning Best Adapted Screenplay for The Imitation Game

- Neil Patrick Harris... in his underwear (don't think anything more needs to be said?)

- My personal favourite... Lady Gaga defied expectations with her "The Sound of Music" tribute

UMM... AWKWARD...

- After winning Best Original Song, Common very awkwardly misses Oprah Winfrey's high five

- Eddie Redmayne's over-excitable and cringey acceptance speech for Best Actor in The Theory of Everything

- The director of Ida, winner of Best Foreign Language Film won't stop!

- John Travolta getting a bit handsy with Idina Menzel

- Terrence Howard gets a bit overly emotional

THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS:-

Best Picture

"Birdman"

Best Director

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - "Birdman"

Best Leading Actor

Eddie Redmayne - "The Theory of Everything"

Best Leading Actress

Julianne Moore - "Still Alice"

Best Supporting Actor

JK Simmons - "Whiplash"

Best Supporting Actress

Patricia Arquette - "Boyhood"

Best Original Screenplay

"Birdman"

Best Adapted Screenplay

"The Imitation Game"

Best Animated Feature Film

"Big Hero 6"

Best Foreign Language Film

"Ida"

Best Documentary Feature

"Citizenfour" 

Best Documentary - Short Subject

"Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1"

Best Live Action Short Film

"The Phone Call"

Best Animated Short Film

"Feast"

Best Original Score

"The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Original Song

"Glory" by Common and John Legend - "Selma"

Best Sound Editing

"American Sniper"

Best Sound Mixing

"Whiplash"

Best Production Design

"The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Cinematography

"Birdman"

Best Make-Up & Hairstyling

"The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Costume Design

"The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Film Editing

"Whiplash"

Best Visual Effects

"Interstellar"