Another Adele, with an indie twist

album review

Laura Marling brings a touch of folk to the alternative rock loving Britpop scene and it's worth listening to

Artist: Laura Marling
Album: Once I Was An Eagle

Indie folk darling Laura Marling may only be 23 years old, but she has already done much she can be proud of. The British singer-songwriter has previously released three well received albums, impressed critics, and earned two Mercy Music Prize nominations, and now her fourth album is another feather in her already well-decorated cap.

Her most confident release yet, Once I Was An Eagle sees the singer collaborate once again with producer Ethan Johns, who also helmed her last two records, I Speak Because I Can (2010) and A Creature I Don't Know (2011). The album's 16 tracks that together run for a little over an hour are delivered in two parts that are separated by an interlude: the intense first half that plays with the same tones and paints them slightly differently over the course of a number of tracks, and the more dynamic second half that continues to veer through even more relationship musings, undertaking a journey from fragility to self assurance.

Combining eastern and western influences, and making use of diverse instruments such as the sitar, tabla, cello, organ, and guitar, Marling weaves a poetic tapestry on a canvas that can be sparse or enchanting and sometimes both. The initial songs melt into one another, weaving in and out of the melody that also eventually returns to end the record, while the latter tracks incline more towards her folk roots. The inevitable Joni Mitchell comparisons and hints of Bob Dylan-esque lyricism might signal towards derivativeness but that takes little away from the album's many merits. Its moodiness is affecting, and its charm gives Adele a run for her money.

With a voice as beautiful as hers and a delivery this fluid, it is easy to see why she has been getting so much love from the critics. But those who want instant pop gratification might be better off looking elsewhere. Reflective, pensive, and perhaps even a little self indulgent, Once I Was An Eagle does not feel young and modern, and for some listeners it might lack the playfulness and immediacy that would have made it generate the kind of earworms that generally reside on pop charts. But for those who have a taste for its genre, the set is powerful and memorable, and its take on the feelings and struggles of a difficult relationship might resonate with the audience.

Be it the brooding of 'You Know' or the fieriness of 'Master Hunter', Once I Was An Eagle is a captivating set and the most accomplished record created by a talented young singer-songwriter. Laura Marling has come a long way since her association with Noah and the Whale and Mumford & Sons, and the future promises great things to come for and from this British songstress. It won't be a shock if Eagle's tracks don't become a fixture on the Top 40 charts, but don't be surprised if you see it on a few 'best of the year' lists; it certainly is a worthy candidate.

- By Sameen Amer

 Instep, The News on Sunday - 18th August, 2013

“'Koi Rokey Mujhey' is the roar of an individual who believes he can achieve anything if he wants to.” - Junaid Khan gets back to where he once belonged

interview: one on one

From hard rock to television, the hunky lead singer of Call is all set to release his single right after Eid and the album at the end of 2013

After beginning his solo career with two mellow songs, singer Junaid Khan is back in rock star mode with his new single 'Koi Rokey Mujhey'. A guitar-led rock track that brings to mind some of the early material he released with his former band Call, the song and its accompanying video are set to be released very soon. In a chat with Instep, Junaid discusses the new track and video, and also tells us about his latest acting projects.

Instep: You have finally made a heavier rock song after releasing two mellow tracks in a row. How does it feel to return to the sound/genre you initially gained recognition for?
Junaid Khan: It feels great to be back to the sound that I always loved and began my musical journey with. Rock is my passion and my drive and always motivates me to be progressive in life, so that is something which was waiting inside me to burst out and I am finally letting it out in the form of 'Koi Rokey Mujhey'.
I believe any message has to be conveyed through its unique sound. What I communicated through 'So Close So Distant' and 'Keh Do', I needed that mellow sound behind it. But in this case, when the message is about aggression and struggle and motivation, it has to be done through a heavy rock sound and 'Koi Rokey Mujhey' is the result of all those emotions.

Instep: Please tell us about 'Koi Rokey Mujhey'.
Junaid: The title describes the song completely. 'Koi Rokey Mujhey' is the roar of an individual who believes he can achieve anything if he wants to. He challenges the world to come in the way of his struggle and also he challenges himself so that no matter what, no matter how many obstacles make him fall, he rises back strong and fights harder and will keep on doing so till he succeeds. This is the message that I strongly believe in because in today's world, no one is going to make our lives any better; we have to achieve things ourselves, we have to improve ourselves, only then we can stand tall in front of the world. It's time we stop depending on our so-called leaders and make ourselves strong.

Instep: When will it be released?
Junaid: The song will be released right after Eid.

Instep: What was the inspiration behind 'Koi Rokey Mujhey'? Did you write the song yourself?
Junaid: For a musician, the world is an inspiration. The happenings around are the inspiration. I seriously believed at this point in time we all need to stand up for ourselves and our rights. What happened post elections when people stood up together for their rights is a clear example that people are believing in themselves and the power of one. But this journey shouldn't end there. It's not just politics, it's way beyond that. We as individuals should have the courage to make the impossible possible. Whether it's for ourselves, or for the country or for our family or friends, we should know that we can do what's right; we can fight for the right. Gone should be the days when we complain and play the blame game. It's time we admit our shortcomings and improve them and work hard to get over them. And yes, I wrote and composed the song myself.

Instep: Please tell us about the video.
Junaid: While writing the song, I was thinking about the ideal character which should be the center of the song. Keeping the current situation in my mind, I think Pakistan Police is that department of the country which is struggling at the moment. The department has always been blamed for its shortcomings or its lack of sincerity. But I believe the whole bunch shouldn't be blamed because of a few bad fish. We should acknowledge the sacrifice they make for our security. They have families like us, friends like us, but still they give their lives for duty. This is to the bravery, the strength, and the patience of just not police but all those individuals who struggle in daily life and fight for their cause, and fight for what's right. Though the bad fish might be a lot in number, I would still like to believe that they should also come under that framework that we should follow as ideals for law and order. The video will have me playing that character on duty.

Instep: Who came up with the idea for the video?
Junaid: I was discussing the idea behind the song with my two dear friends, Waqas Qureshi and director/producer Jawad Bashir after I recorded this song. Waqas devised the character details and Jawad executed the whole story board.

Instep: How was the experience of working with director Jawad Bashir on the video?
Junaid: It is always fun working with Jawad. As he is my friend, I can easily exchange ideas with him, and also as he is a musician, our communication becomes quite comfortable. I have already done two TV serials with him a few years ago so already have that working chemistry, but this is our first video together and looking at the shots and the ideas, I am really hopeful and Insha'Allah the end result would be great. We had to shoot this video under a strong and harsh sun, but still we managed to survive and finally were able to complete the shoot in three days. Trust me, shooting under the sun made us realize how difficult it is for the security department individuals to stand all day under the sun and make efforts to enforce the law. It's not easy and we should acknowledge that.

Instep: How is work on the album coming along? Any chance it will be released this year?
Junaid: The album is almost near completion and it will probably be released this year. The album is a journey and I am compiling it as I go along expressing myself and I already have enough tracks for the compilation, so the album is near release.

Instep: Working as a solo artist versus being in a band - how different is it?
Junaid: A band is a relationship which has its ups and downs. Sometimes people compromise, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they help you succeed, sometimes they pull your leg and pull you down. I have had my share of a relationship that went through for a decade, and I am glad that happened to me as they were the best days of my life and I learned a lot from it. But now it's time to take those experiences and explore more of me as an individual and I am loving it too so far.

Instep: Which musicians have you been working with to record your new songs? Are there musicians you regularly work with?
Junaid: I am working with a lot of musicians as I want to explore new sounds as I go along in my musical journey. In 'Koi Rokey Mujhey' I worked with guitarist Umair Nadeem. The boy is just 18 years of age but has those raw skills, which can take him a long way. Plus he has also played with bands like Overload. He did the whole guitars for this and I must say he did a fabulous job. The sound that I needed for this particular track, he translated it on the record perfectly. I needed loud crisp guitars for this track and he did the job well. Alongside him, the track has been produced by Sami Khan at Black Mug Productions and mixed and mastered by Afzal Hussain at Stylus Studios, both stationed in Lahore. Plus I am working with another fabulous guitarist Mahmood Rehman (Meesha Shafi's band) for my next track, which is also near completion.

Instep: Are you planning any live performances soon?
Junaid: Yes, alongside local performances in Pakistan, I will also be doing an international tour later this year.

Instep: You've also been acting in various television dramas. Could you please tell us about your current acting projects?
Junaid: Yes, television has been keeping me quite busy lately. My latest TV release is Ranj-e-Aashnai that comes on air every Saturday on A-Plus network. Other than that my next project for Hum TV Qadoorat was released on the 17th of last month. Un Suni has also been shot but the network hasn't been announced yet. Plus my new serial Kabhi Gumaan Kabhi Yaqeen starring me, Arij Fatyma, and Neelam Muneer, is being shot and will be release on Geo network in the coming few months.

Instep: What can we expect from you in the coming months?
Junaid: A few more scripts that I am going through for the upcoming projects, plus my next track that I am looking forward to complete and release in October this year. You can get all the updates regarding them from my Facebook page (facebook.com/ junaidkhanofficial) from time to time.

- By Sameen Amer

Instep, The News on Sunday - 11th August, 2013 (printed on 9th August, 2013)

Not really magnetic

album review

Goo Goo Dolls' new album plays it safe and suffers

Band: Goo Goo Dolls
Album: Magnetic

If the first thing that comes to your mind when the Goo Goo Dolls are mentioned is their 1998 single 'Iris', then you're certainly not alone. And if you haven't paid much attention to the band since the late '90s or early '00s, then you're not to blame. The New York based trio has been making music for nearly 27 years, and while they have steadily released albums over the last decade, their recent output has lacked both the charm and the memorability of their most popular hits. The band has gradually lost its edge to become more mainstream while also becoming more mundane in the process, and that is also the fate that befalls their tenth album, Magnetic.

A set of mid tempo, radio friendly rock anthems set to bland instrumentation that dole out cheesy lyrics, Magnetic does not seem like the work of the same group that made their eponymous debut record Goo Goo Dolls in 1987. Closer in sound to their more recent albums, albeit sunnier and more upbeat than some of their last few releases, Magnetic lacks the very magnetism that its title promises.

The 11 tracks that make up the record are quite uniformly inoffensive and predictable. The bubbly, up tempo first single 'Rebel Beat' and the electronic tinged 'More of You' are all the variation the set offers, although these two songs are not indicative of the rest of the material. There is plenty of melodic pop rock here - everything from the generally pleasant 'Slow It Down' to the sweet 'Come to Me' is all nice and radio friendly - but it's all pretty standard and straightforward. Bassist Robby Takac's raspy vocals on 'Bringing on the Light' and 'Happiest of Days' do help to cut down the monotony, although whether you find his contributions enjoyable or grating will depend entirely on your preference.

Overall it feels like the organic rawness, angst, and edge have worn off and what remains is bland and commonplace. The only thing that reminds us that this is the Goo Goo Dolls and distinguishes it from other similar bands is John Rzeznik and Robby Takac's voices. The material itself lacks distinctiveness and is at times so tired that it could fit in Train, OneRepublic, or even Taylor Swift's catalogue. And when you're writing something that would make sense in any average mid tempo pop rock and adult contemporary artists' discography, then it's time to reassess your position and try to reinvigorate your sound. The band's decision to work with different songwriters as well as a host of producers (including Rob Cavallo, Greg Wells, and John Shanks) might also have something to do with the diluted character this album displays.

Of course the songs on offer here aren't necessarily bad, nor do they suggest musical incompetence. What they do, however, exhibit is a lack of creativity and over reliance on a tried and tested formula. If there had been no 'Iris' or 'Name' or 'Broadway' or 'Black Balloon' or 'Sympathy', then maybe this record might not have seemed so mundane. In light of the better songs from their heyday, Magnetic feels thematically, lyrically, and musically unexceptional, and begs for variation and more complexity. Sticking to the same template makes the material unexciting and middle of the road. And while the Goo Goo Dolls may be content with generic pop rock mediocrity, their listeners deserve more than this.

- By Sameen Amer

Instep, The News on Sunday - 21st July, 2013

More all over the place than rock and roll

album review

Never judge an album by its title… this one has little to do with the genre it professes to save...

Band: Fall Out Boy

Album: Save Rock and Roll

Failed solo outings and unsuccessful side projects have inspired many a hiatus to be cut short, differences put aside, and comebacks pursued, which is why Fall Out Boy's reformation doesn't come as much of a surprise. Between Patrick Stump's solo album and Pete Wentz's venture with his less than successful group Black Cards, all signs indicated that the emo-pop band's reunion was inevitable. Sure enough, after months of speculation, the group members confirmed in February this year that the band was back together, marking an end to their three year “indefinite hiatus”, and were already readying a new album.

This comeback record bears the ambitious tag of wanting to “save rock and roll” but apparently wants to do so through pop music.

Save Rock and Roll is a collection of slick and catchy tunes that picks up where Folie à Deux left off in 2008. Flavours of punk, R&B, hip hop, soul, disco, and even folk graze the songs, all diluted to fit in with the band's sonic spirit, with producer Butch Walker in charge of the genre blending set.

The urgency of 'The Phoenix' kicks off the record with force, and leads straight to the feisty first single, 'My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light 'Em Up)'. Then, for some reason, the band decides to takes its cues from dance and electropop on songs like the synthpop-ish 'Miss Missing You', the repetitive 'Alone Together', and the catchy 'Where Did the Party Go', all of which seem to channel Maroon 5.

A host of guest vocalists are on hand to add variety to the set. Foxes provides sublime harmonies for 'Just One Yesterday'; Big Sean contributes an unnecessary rap verse to 'The Mighty Fall'; Courtney Love makes a snarling appearance on the punk flavoured 'Rat a Tat'; while Elton John croons on the anthemic title track, the piano ballad 'Save Rock and Roll'. While these artists add some flavour to the collection, their contributions mostly feel like nothing more than random cameos, and Fall Out Boy remain distinctly in control of the sound.

But for all its supposed diversity, Save Rock and Roll never really seems new or innovative. The set feels like it is attempting to splice various familiar elements, and you can hear influences of different bands (like Panic! At The Disco, Maroon 5, The Killers, and even Train) that have already done this stuff over the last few years and have mostly done it more convincingly. Plus the generic, clichéd lyrics drowning in teen angst don't help the songs much either.

Few if any songs match the catchy intensity of their previous hits like 'This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race', and the general adherence to the commercial pop vibe makes Save Rock and Roll feel uninspired and overproduced. Whether the album's name is misleadingly or ironic remains unclear; for their sake, let's hope the title is tongue in cheek, because ultimately this album doesn't present Fall Out Boy as the saviours of rock and roll, but as the connoisseurs of unsubstantial and inconsequential but enjoyable pop music. 

- By Sameen Amer

Instep, The News on Sunday - 7th July, 2013

Some child stars should just stop there, like Demi Lovato…

album review

Okay so Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake made it big as Mouseketeers by that doesn't mean every one will

Singer: Demi Lovato

Album: Demi

Despite a promising start to her career that helped her win over a massive fan base, Demi Lovato hasn't been as successful at defining herself as her more prominent Disney peers Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. After going from Disney princess to troubled teenager, then seeking treatment for “physical and emotional issues” in 2010 and subsequently leaving Sonny with a Chance, the former child star has put her acting career on hold and instead chosen to focus on music as well as joining the judging panel of the faltering U.S. version of The X Factor.

With the release of her fourth album Demi, however, her music career's lack of direction is becoming more apparent and feels quite confusing. Following two pop rock albums and one R&B tinged set, the singer has decided to tone down the urban flavours of her previous record in favour of bland bubblegum pop. On offer here are synth ridden dance tracks, uplifting ditties, and lovelorn ballads, all of which come off as nothing more than generic teen pop fodder.

There is little if anything about Demi that distinguishes it from music that, say, Katy Perry or Taylor Swift would make. In fact, the set feels like it pilfers elements from the pop charts and rehashes them to familiar effect. For instance, 'Made in the USA' feels Miley Cyrus-esque; 'Neon Lights' brings Rihanna, David Guetta, and Taio Cruz to mind; 'Nightingale' and 'Warrior' evoke Christina Aguilera; songs like 'Really Don't Care' (featuring Cher Lloyd) and 'Something That We're Not' channel Ke$ha; and 'Warrior' rehashes the singer's own previous single 'Skyscraper'. The tracks aren't necessarily shoddy; just unimaginative, generic, and lacking personality. And its run of the mill production doesn't do the material any favours either.

Also, the overdramatic, blaring vocals generally don't help the album. Displaying vocal chops is one thing; mistaking screaming for singing is quite another. Lovato does have the ability to deliver smooth vocal performances when she hones back her overly breathy dramatics and opts to convey something more tender. Softer songs work better for her, and subtler moments, like 'Nightingale' and 'In Case', make better use of her voice.

Ultimately, despite its title, Demi doesn't reveal who Demi Lovato really is, nor does it try to be personal and confessional like 2011's Unbroken. The only thing we do find out about her is that she is desperate for a hit. This is just another set of by the numbers teen pop that might be catchy and even enjoyable, but is also completely predictable, indistinct, and entirely forgettable. The singer sounds like she is still trying to develop her style and discover the direction she wants to take, and is, in the meantime, content with borrowing elements that have been successful for others and hoping they work for her too. Listeners who enjoy the current hits on the charts will probably like this album, but anyone who is looking for something that has a little more flavour and is a bit more distinct than average radio friendly pop is bound to be disappointed.

- By Sameen Amer

 

Instep, The News on Sunday - 16th June, 2013

The summer of sequels

cover story

Plus a few reboots and a couple of prequels...

Who says Hollywood is running short on ideas?

Aliens, zombies, monsters, and minions are all set to take over the big screen as Hollywood unveils its latest blockbusters this summer. Get ready for some exciting, big budget adventures that the film industry is going to churn out in the next few months in the hopes of entertaining you (and making them billions of dollars in the process). There is a lot in store for movie buffs; whether you like action, animation, comedy, or even boy bands, there is something on offer for everyone. So prepare the popcorn (and turn off the neurons, just to be safe) and get ready to be entertained…

Action

Prepare to be shocked ... the most anticipated film of the year is a superhero movie! Yes, I know. Somebody call Ripley’s! As always, franchise flicks make up most of the summer’s biggest offerings, as Hollywood seems convinced that we want to revisit the same subject matter over and over again. But who can blame them? The box office keeps validating their beliefs. Hence it should surprise no one that a number of franchises are making a return. Several action flicks – like Iron Man 3 (disappointing), Fast & Furious 6 (entertaining), After Earth (atrocious), and Star Trek Into Darkness (awesome) – have already been released during the last few weeks, but many of the big ones are still to come.

- Man of Steel (June): It’s a bird, it’s a plane ... no, it’s just a Superman reboot. An alien from Krypton raised by adoptive human parents has to confront his heritage and utilise his superpowers after Earth is attacked by members of his race in Man of Steel, the new superhero movie helmed by director Zack Snyder (with Christopher Nolan serving as a producer). Brandon Routh is out and Henry Cavill in as Clark Kent/Superman; joining him are Amy Adams as love interest Lois Lane and Russell Crowe as Superman’s biological father Jor-El. It’s all quite promising. Be cautiously optimistic.

- World War Z (June): Someone somewhere thought the world needed yet another zombie movie. And then someone decided to spend $200 million (or even more, as per some rumours) on it. Then someone figured it would be a good idea to rewrite, re-rewrite, and re-re-rewrite the script, and reshoots parts of the movie, delaying its release by months. It’s a wonder we still want to see this over expensive, over hyped flick, but with Brad Pitt in the lead role, how could we ever resist? Adapted from Max Brooks’ novel, the movie sees Pitt take on the role of a UN employee who is trying to solve a zombie epidemic. After watching it, we’ll hopefully be able to answer the all important question of why it was made.

- The Lone Ranger (July): The Lone Ranger comes to the big screen in Gore Verbinski’s new action adventure western comedy that tells the story of how “a man of the law” turns into “a legend of justice”. Two reasons to watch the movie: it stars Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp!

- Pacific Rim (July): Did anyone think Hollywood could go a year without an alien attack? Obviously not. Fighting off the extraterrestrials are giant robots piloted by humans in Guillermo del Toro’s latest project that stars Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, and Charlie Day.

- The Wolverine (July): Our favourite Aussie Hugh Jackman returns as the Wolverine, as he confronts an old enemy in Japan and faces his own inner struggles. Need we say more? Tickets please!

- Elysium (August): After the wealthy move to a man-made space station leaving the rest of the population on a ruined Earth, it is up to Matt Damon to bring back equality in Elysium.

- The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (August): Based on the first book of The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, City of Bones follows the story of a teenage girl (Lily Collins) who discovers things about her past after her mother (Lena Headey) is kidnapped by a demon.

- Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (August): Take Greek mythology and multiply it by fun! Percy Jackson is back in this sequel to 2010’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Based on the Rick Riordan novel, the film sees the demigod son of Poseidon (Logan Lerman) continue his adventures as he searches for the Golden Fleece to stop an evil force.

Comedy

This summer is light on prominent live action comedies for younger viewers, and, even worse, there’s going to be a sequel to an Adam Sandler film. WHO LET THIS HAPPEN?!

- Grown Ups 2 (July): They didn’t grow up the first time round, and now they’re back to give it another shot. Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade are joined by Salma Hayek, Maya Rudolph, and Maria Bello in this ensemble comedy that serves as a sequel to 2010’s Grown Ups. Can you imagine the LOLz this movie will exact? Me neither.

- The Internship (June): Two out of job salesmen get an internship at Google in The Internship, a comedy that reunites Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. Unfortunately though, the initial reviews don’t seem very favourable.

- The Way, Way Back (July): A lot more promising is the comedy drama The Way, Way Back, which sees a teenager (Liam James) befriends the manager of a water park (Sam Rockwell). With Toni Collette and Steve Carell also starring, this relatively low budget movie is getting a positive initial reception and could potentially be worth a watch.

Animation

2013 has a lot to offer for animation fans. We’ve already had Escape from Planet Earth and The Croods, and the summer slot seems more active than usual with animated releases, although most of them – shockingly! – come from established franchise.

- Epic: William Joyce’s children’s book The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs gets transformed into an animation in Epic, the story of a young girl (Amanda Seyfried) who finds herself in the middle of a battle between good and evil and joins a group of characters to save their world. It might be getting mixed reviews from critics, but the film at least deserves props for not being a sequel, prequel, midquel, or any other kind of –quel. And, seeing the rest of the offerings this summer, that in itself seems like an achievement … of epic proportions.

- Monsters University: One of the most anticipated films of the year, Pixar’s Monsters University reunites us with our old friends from 2001’s Monsters, Inc. A bid by Pixar to return to form following two films that haven’t met the critical acclaim generally associated with the animation powerhouse, this prequel is set for a July release and takes a look at the relationship between Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) during their days as university rivals. Cue nostalgia and hope the film amuses us just as much as its predecessor did over a decade ago.

- Despicable Me 2: Gru and his adorable minions return in this Despicable Me sequel, scheduled to be released this July. In his second outing, Gru (Steve Carrell) faces a new super criminal. (And fans of the minions can also look forward to their own spinoff that’s slated for next year.)

- Turbo: Race to the cinema this July to watch the story of a garden snail whose biggest dream is winning the greatest race in the world...

- Planes: ...and then cheer for Dusty the plane who dreams of competing in a famous aerial race, but happens to be scared of heights. Intended as a spin-off of the Cars franchise, this Disney film is set for release in August.

- The Smurfs 2: Good news for everyone who thought that 2011’s The Smurfs wasn’t a complete and utter travesty, bad news for the rest of us: the second instalment of the trilogy is being released this summer. Very creatively titled “The Smurfs 2”, because, you know, it’s the second film in the series, this live-action and animation hybrid takes the Smurfs to Paris, after Gargamel (Hank Azaria) kidnaps Smurfette (Katy Perry) and it is up to the rest of the gang to rescue her. Get ready to not see it this July.

Music

There is usually a music documentary from the latest pop sensation – be it the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, or Katy Perry – out every year, and capitalizing on that trend this year are the lads of the British group One Direction.

- One Direction: This Is Us (August): Who doesn’t love a boy band formed on a reality show churning out cookie cutter pop hits? That’s right, most of us. But expect rabid fans of corporate mannequins pop group One Direction to queue outside the cinema when Zayn, Niall, Liam, Harry, and Louis release a music documentary that charts their meteoric rise to fame. Put down that hatchet and back away slowly, Taylor Swift fans.

- Battle of the Year (September): In the neighbouring territory of dance movies, Josh Holloway, Chris Brown, Laz Alonso, and Josh Peck team up for Battle of the Year, as dance crews from all over the world compete in an international b-boying tournament. The film is based on director Benson Lee’s documentary Planet B-Boy, and is very likely to be all kinds of atrocious. Watch at your own risk.

So pick the movies that strike your fancy, escape into a cinematic adventure, and enjoy. Have a nice summer!

- S.A.

Us Magazine, The News - 14th June, 2013

Good things come in small packages

book review

Book: Size Matters Not: The Extraordinary Life and Career of Warwick Davis
Author: Warwick Davis

If you have seen the Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Leprechaun film series, then you must be familiar with Warwick Davis’ work. Yet it wouldn’t be surprising if you didn’t have the slightest idea who he is. Hidden inside an Ewok costume in Return of the Jedi, disguised as a depressed robot in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and concealed under layers of prosthetics and makeup in the Harry Potter and Leprechaun films, the actor has forged a career in film, despite – or perhaps because of – being smaller than the average person: he is only 3 feet and 6 inches tall.

Born with the rare (and thoroughly unpronounceable) “spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenital” disorder to average sized parents, Warwick chanced into an acting career at a young age, and has since gone on to be part of some of the most successful series of all time. His acting and personality have impressed the people around him so much that George Lucas even wrote the film Willow with Davis in mind for the titular role, and Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant helped him create the mockumentary Life’s Too Short (2011) in which he portrayed a fictional version of himself.

His career, as you can tell, has been quite impressive, and in his autobiography Size Matters Not: The Extraordinary Life and Career of Warwick Davis, the actor shares his many struggles and achievements – both personal and professional – with the readers in a very engaging and amusing way.

After battling physical problems right from birth – no one knew he was going to be born little – Warwick was given a grim prognosis; doctors thought he would be “wheelchair-bound and dead by his teens, if he survives these first few months”. “This, as it turned out,” he writes, “was completely, utterly, and entirely incorrect.” Despite the medical problems he faced as a child, Warwick had a fairly “normal” upbringing. “What I lacked in inches I made up for in explosive energy,” he pens. Then, at the age of 11, he got a chance to audition for a role in the new Star Wars film after his grandmother heard a casting advert on the radio, thus giving a start to his acting career, much of which he details in this book.

Warwick shares his experience of working on Star Wars and the many subsequent projects that he has since been part of, and also talks about marrying actress Samantha Davis (who has achondroplasia) and their heartbreaking struggle to start a family, as well as setting up the talent agency Willow Management with his father-in-law Peter Burroughs which represents other performers who are under five feet tall.

The actor’s personality shines through in Size Matters Not. He talks about his family lovingly and he discusses his career with passion, and by the end of the book it is hard not to be impressed by Warwick Davis and his unique take on life. His sense of humour is delightful, his determination and enthusiasm are remarkable, and his candid discussion on life as a little person offers a very interesting perspective on what it’s like to be short. Fans of the movies he has been a part of can also find behind the scene anecdotes that they might find interesting. Ultimately, Warwick’s unique voice makes Size Matters Not an interesting read, and his amusing style of writing is very likely to win you over.

- By S.A.

Us Magazine, The News - 14th June, 2013