1. Captain Philips (2013)- is the true story of Captain Richard Philips, an american, who, with his crew was attacked by Somali pirates. If you like action movies this is the film for you, but with a bit of violence added in. This film is full of action and can be a bit of tear jerker, especially as its based on a true story! I definatly recommend it, a classic Tom Hanks performance is always worth a watch!
2. Divergent (2014)- Although some might see this film series as another Hunger Games type thing, its not! I have to be honest, I did believe it would be too similar, however it is quite different! It has a very alternative view of the future of society and offers the perfect coupling of action and romance, with the female lead taking the role of the heroine.
3. The Great Gatsby (2013)- A throwback to the the New York of the 1920's, this film is full of colour and liveliness. The film features great music from artists such as Will.i.am and Fergie which blend well into the historic setting. It encapsulates a series of themes, from romance, hypocrisy, deviance, anger and heartbreak which in turn provide a range of emotions for the audience. Also Leonardo doesn't look too bad! I defiantly recommend it!
4. The Other Woman (2014)- I went to watch this film in the cinema on a whim with a friend at University and it was the funniest film I had seen in ages! Focusing on three women, who have all been cheated on by their husband/ boyfriend by one another they play various tricks to make his life a little more difficult. Starring Diaz, again looking sublime, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton, the film focuses on girl power! I recommend for a girly night in!
5. The Perks of being a Wallflower (2012)- Is a film about coming of age, experiencing those first parties, learning how to adjust to high school, and the cliche one...falling in love. The film ventures into some deeper themes and makes you reflect on yourself and how others portray you. I would recommend a watch, because its a film you will love for its innocent and adorable main character Charlie. Plus, its good for you to reflect on those around you and yourself.
6. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)- One of the top grossing films of 2013, this film is brilliant but crazy. I went to see it with a group of friends at uni last February and the we loved it, well especially the boys for the beautiful Margot Robbie, and the girls, Mr DiCaprio, well for me in particular as a big Leo fan. The film tells of the classic cathartic tale of the rise of Jordon Belfort from rags to riches through New York's stock market. It does have frequent use of swearing, drugs and sex, but who doesn't like to watch a bit of bad behaviour once in a while! The only downside to this film is it is rated an 18, and is very long! Make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand!
7. Frozen (2013)- You may be thinking, Disney haven't brought out any fantastic films since the likes of Toy Story 3, or even Finding Nemo! But Frozen, now a worldwide sensation is a must see! First introduced to me by my 11 year old cousin at Christmas time, the film was brilliant, in keeping with fantastic Disney tunes which you must of heard, 'Let it Go' which have entered the charts. The tunes are unbelievably catchy and the film has a modern feel to it, whilst maintaining its fairytale charm.
8. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)- Having read the book, admittedly over the course of my first year at University, I was touched by the sensitivity of the story of a young person living with cancer. The film did live up to my expectations, with great actors Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort to play Hazel and Gus. If your a bit of a softie, i would recommend it for an evening, but beware you may shed a tear or two!9. 12 years a Slave (2013)- A heart wrenching watch, this film tells the tale of a free man who becomes enslaved in America's deep South. It is a very interesting watch, and as a history student, it teaches you a lot about the divide in America over segregation in the 19th century. It is, as you expect, violent and upsetting but it is a film that makes you think and appreciate what rights you have in this day and age. A recommendation for a sunday afternoon!
10. Les Miserables (2012)- The classic West End musical is brought to the big screen, and as much as people doubted it, it was a triumph. The cast, in all honesty, seem to make this film, with lead roles being taken by Hugh Jackson, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Samantha Barks, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter, who give amazing performances and really can sing! Having seen Les Mis on stage, nothing seems to beat that experience, however, this film comes very close and the songs throughout the musical are amazing, not to mention the costumes!
11. The Host (2013)- The book, written by Twilight extraordinare and inventor Stephanie Meyer was apparently fantastic, unfortunately I still haven't read it! But the film was also great! Set in a future life, it focuses on a young girl escaping an alien invasion, with her gorgeous boyfriend, played by Max Irons. This film has that mixture of action and romance with an ultimate twist!
12. About Time (2013)- This film was produced by the makers of Notting Hill and Love Actually, and it most defiantly has the feel of both those films throughout. It focuses on a young guy starting out in life, being told he has the ability to turn back time which comes in handy with his difficulty with girls and later becomes important in some serious situations. It is very romantic and also hilarious. If you like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill or Love Actually, this film is for you.
13. Warm Bodies (2013)- Unlike most zombie movies out there, not a Dawn or the Dead or for that matter Shaun of the Dead, it is unique as it incorporates a love story. With the classic tune 'Hungry Heart' as the theme of the film, it examines how evil can become good again, and the traditional theory that love can bring you back to life, but this time its literal. I recommend to all you romantics out there, and those who love zombie films!
14. Safe Haven (2013)- A Nicholas Sparks creation, this film is slightly more edgy than his other stories. It involves a bit of a mystery, the police, a fire, its lets say, less innocent and therefore quite different to his other stories. However it still has the classic romantic moments and the times when you want to cry. A worthwhile watch.
