April is the best month for South-Africa. Seriously – we have so many public holidays people are actually nice to each other. I took off a chunk of time as well, and it did me the world of good. I actually got some sleep in, saw my bestie and watched some amazing films. Without further ado, here is my rundown of April 2017.
Movies:
Beauty and the Beast (2017): The painful excitement that came when I heard they were doing a live animation of my favorite Disney classic was excruciating. Would it work? Would it fail? The QUESTIONS that plagued me.Additionally, B&B was released in South-Africa later than the rest of the world because of South-Africaitis, and there were conflicting reports to be read. Anyway, grabbing popcorn and sitting down to see this was really wonderful. I liked it, and will watch it again. I had Gaston stuck in my head for a week. I better not hear that tune soon.
One Day (2011): HATED IT.
Basic Instinct(1992): This is part of my Blindspot 2017 series. This year I am doing remarkably well with it, because Zoë and I watched a bunch of them in December because #besties. Basic Instinct is next on the list and quite the shocker. OMFG my poor eyes.I might never recover.
Anywhere but home (2008): I thought this comedy was quite funny the second time around (I know I’ve seen this before but I can barely remember it). It’s also titled “Four Christmases”. I’ve never understood exactly why some movies get two titles. Anyway, if you can believe that someone like Reese Witherspoon would end up with someone like Vince Vaughn, you can get through the movie. It has some funny moments, and sure they are the typical things you’d expect, but they are funny regardless.
Twilight: New Moon (2009): I’ve been meaning to blog about Twilight as a set for ages now. I did Twilight (2008) easily, but had a couple of months delay by what succeeds it. New Moon is the most insufferable – both book and movie – but I sat through it eventually.
Twilight: Eclipse (2010): Eclipse is a strong successor and definitely superior to the ghastly New Moon. Edward is still an obsessive stalker, Bella is still pathetic, R. Patz and Kristen Stewart still can’t act. But decisively better than the infuriating New Moon.
Safe Haven (2013): The casting for Nicholas Sparks film is never specified for acting abilities. I guess the author/filmmaker knows his audience too well, and knows if he provides enough pretty people the film will be acceptable to his fans. He’s not wrong. I enjoyed Safe Haven and the acting is really better than the acting in The Lucky One. The kids were cute and the story was okay.
He’s just not that into you (2009): I always enjoy watching HJNTIY. My brother-in-law did not appreciate us making him watch it though, telling me that it is not also a guy-friendly film as I initially thought.
Warm Bodies (2013): I just love this film. Nicholas Hoult is a zombie, and when he eats the brains ofTeresa Palmer’s boyfriend, he starts seeing some memories and slowly returns to human form. The cast, led by Hoult, are all quite charming and for a story that shouldn’t work it works really well.
The DUFF (2015):yes, I watched it again. One of my favorite films at the moment. Such hilarity.
Lethal Weapon 1 (1987) & Lethal Weapon 2 (1989):
It was my first time around watching this buddy-cop series, and I really enjoyed it. The 1980’s were a glorious time to be alive obviously!
Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
SO SLOPPY.
Chef (2014): Chef is a film about good food and happy endings, and well deserved of its’ praise. I really quite liked this film!
Arrival (2016): My review will be up next week. I loved this. Handsdown one of the finest films of 2016.
Drive (2011): I remember enjoying Drive the first time around, but I really couldn’t remember everything about it. I enjoyed it so much this time too, it is a phenomenal film and some of Gosling’s best work.
The Guest (2014): This film has a lot of science reasons it works well to the appreciative eye, but I can tell you that I would have loved it without the science too. Gorgeous directing, a solid plot and excellent score, this film is a great film to watch again and again.
Prisoners (2013): Prisoners currently ranks as my least favorite Villeneuve film. It is on no level a poor film, it was just not my favorite of his. And it is five hundred hours long. *Scientific fact*
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016):
I can watch this movie indefinitely. It is the best!
Crazy Stupid Love (2011): I definitely need to review this film again – It has been ages since I’ve posted it on my blog. One of the most inoffensive romantic comedies produced in later years, this movie will make you laugh and relate with some character in here.
Nocturnal Animals (2016): This is my new hated film. Gosh, what a spectacular waste of my life. Pretentious bullshit.
This is a particular favorite book of mine. I enjoy Dr. Lillian Chance – she is passionate about her work in the refuge she built and is smart and cool.
The Concannon Sisters trilogy – Nora Roberts
While I do enjoy this series of books – Born in Shame, Born in Ice and Born in Fire, they certainly aren’t my favorite of the author. However, her love for Ireland does show when reading this, and I particularly enjoy the description of the scenery.
Two Broke Girls Season 4 and 5
I’m enjoying myself way too much with this comedy. It shouldn’t be as funny as it is, but I end up really laughing at it.
What did you do in April?
Life of this city girl 
You’ve been busy! I just quoted Arrival! I really liked Chef too. Didn’t see Nocturnal Animals as didn’t appeal.
One of the best perks of being on leave 🎉 Arrival is such an amazing film! Still thinking about it. You made a wise decision there Alex. It is complete nonsense
I’m glad you’re making the most of it 😄
Now I know why I can’t watch Twilight…I started with the worst one!! Haha! I am planning on marathoning through Twilight as a torture fest of sorts since its all on Netflix now. Hoping it’ll turn out like my Nicholas Sparks one which was a pleasant surprise that I did like (not really, since I’m such a romantic).
Lots of movies this month! Awesome stuff! You do have me a little sad about Nocturnal Animals though. Was planning on watching it after I got cracking on the novel.
Have an awesome weekend Natasha! 🙂
Haha you started on the worst one of the lot! The last three are okay though. The first one isn’t toooo bad. I hope you enjoy! I also have a fondness for Nicholas Sparks films. They are so sweet.
Nocturnal animals was horrible. Don’t waste your time. Novel might be worth it though!
Thanks Kim, you too!
Damn, April has been an amazing month for you movie wise! I’ve just added The Guest to my watchlist. How I’ve never heard of it I don’t know but it has Dan Stevens in and he’s turning into my latest obsession!
It was such a busy month! This post took me so long to schedule and then I realized just how much movies I watched… perk of being on leave! I am SO happy to hear you enjoy Dan Stevens so much. He is really talented and absolutely gorgeous. The Guest is a great film, I hope you enjoy it!