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Review: Lean on Pete (2017)

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Andrew Haigh’s Lean on Pete is horrendous and is a ludicrously awful attempt to show a loveable relationship between a boy and a failing racehorse.

Fresh from its press screening at the London Film Festival, Haigh’s fourth feature film follows 15-year-old Charley Thompson (Charlie Plummer) as he embarks on a journey across America’s Northwest on a search for a new home. Charley lives alone with his working class womanising father, Ray (Travis Fimmel) following his Mother’s departure at a young age. Desperate for cash and another fresh start, they move to Portland, Oregon. Charley meets Dale (Steve Buscemi), an old-fashioned and washed-up horse trainer. He gives Charlie a part-time job helping with the horses, which is when he meets Pete, an underperforming racehorse who Charley takes a liking to.

This film is none of the above. To be brutally honest, the adapted screenplay from Haigh is an abomination. It is without a doubt one of the worst screenplays I have witnessed in a long while. I would say it is that of the standard of a school media student, but that would be an insult to those students. The film drags and drags, with no dramatic or fulfilling payoff that would enrich your experience. The second half of the film is essentially wide-shots of Charley walking with the horse, and a chaotic scramble to establish a selection of bitesize character defining moments. These prove to be unfulfilling, out of character, boring and bizarre.

However, the biggest problem with this film is the character of Charley Thompson. It’s established that our protagonist has no contact with his departed Mother, his favoured Aunt Marg and that his home life is rocky, to say the least. Then, he is left parentless when he witnesses an angry husband of one of his Dad’s partners kill him. We see no emotion from Charley, we see him stagger on by collecting what he can from his work with Dale. It’s nigh on impossible to connect with the character we see on screen, as it seems to barely impact him, why should it impact the audience? We see next to no character development throughout the film, and when there are those rare attempts, it’s simply hopeless shots in the dark that have not been set up and totally and bizarrely out of character.

We see no real emotional connection between the two, until 75 minutes into the film, when Charley makes his first active decision to do anything in the film. Charley finds out that Dale is to send Pete away for a pretty penny, resulting in his slaughter in Mexico. Charley steals the horse and Dale’s truck, and leaves for, well nowhere, he just takes him across the Northwest, hoping to find Aunt Marg somewhere along the way if he can. How did this 15-year-old learn to drive, is the first question that goes off in your head, there is no remote indication set up of Charley ever driving. Yet, this still isn’t one of the strangest and worst things in this film. I look the other way, as finally, Charley stops being passive and totally reactive throughout the film, and starts making something happen. He quickly runs out of money, and steals food from a diner on the highway and manages to get away scot-free. We anticipate this is the formation of some eventual character development, and finally, the plot going somewhere.

Sadly, this is not the case. It’s pretty much Charley dragging the horse throughout the desert, meeting uninteresting and insignificant characters along the way. The film largely focuses on Charley’s relationship with the horse and tries to market itself as a ‘Marley and Me’ style, an endearing relationship resulting in emotional outpouring at the animal’s death. Pete becomes free of his rope and escapes from Charley as quickly as possible, galloping into a road where he is struck down by a driver. The police arrive and state that they’ll be taking Charley somewhere safe, when he bizarrely decides to run away, with no attempt by the police to go after him now. We then see him stop his plan to find Aunt Marg, become homeless and start new jobs. The relationship formed between Charley and the horse that we suffered through for 90 minutes has no impact on the character following his death. He moves on again and eventually tracks down his Aunt Marg who he so greatly loves, to no emotional reaction in the slightest when he finally finds her.

This insufferable film lasts for 120 minutes, with the story content of less than half. I can genuinely never recall viewing a film where I’ve had my head in my hands like this. It will leave you viewing the exit door as a gate to heaven, and I’d rather lean off a cliff than Lean on Pete again.

Lean On Pete will be released in cinemas in February 2018.

Review: Pecking Order (2017)

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This quirky and hilarious documentary follows ‘The Christchurch Poultry, Bantam and Pigeon Club’, their love of chickens and rivalries as they enter the 148th New Zealand Nation Championships.

We are welcomed into the lives of a group of people who’s love for chickens bring them together in the form of The Christchurch Poultry, Bantam and Pigeon Club. As the lead up to the Nation Championship begins we are introduced to a variety of different people and personalities who’s ages range from young to old, all of them care and tend to their flock of chickens, making sure they look fabulous for the championship, but as the championship grows closer conflicts emerge between the chairman of the club, Doug, and the members.

Even though the club is strange to people who aren’t so called ‘Chick Fanciers’ it’s always pleasant to see people so passionate about the thing they love and these members truly love chickens, they are so ardent about taking care of them, waking up at 6am and working all day to tend to them, these chickens are their lives.

The characters that are focused on are all so unique and fascinating; they are unknowingly hilarious and stay interesting throughout. They never shy away from the camera and you can really tell that they care about the club and championship, specifically one, who is happy constantly; with no wife or family as it seems he is contempt with his chickens.

Furthermore, the chickens themselves are really impressive, I’m not an expert in chickens or how they are supposed to look but the time the people take and precision they go to is so remarkable. Similarly, the judges of the championship take the matter incredibly seriously, judging the chickens on their eyes, feathers, shape, size, colour etc… any mistake will go noticed as they following the New Zealand Poultry Standard.

Additionally, the film’s story includes fowl play and tension inside of the club; many of the members disagree with how the club is run with the current chairman, Doug. As many of the members want young Mark to take over he is reluctant over what Doug has done for him in the past. It is quite heartbreaking to see the 148-year-old club slowly crumble and you want them to resolve their issues and for everyone and their chickens to get along.

Pecking Order is a delightfully well-told story that follows a number of wonderful characters whose dedication and excitement shines through, sure to keep you laughing throughout and interested in who will rule the roost.

 

Interview: Party Favor

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Party Favor is one of the most exciting electronic artists around today.

With his European tour finished Party Favor has joined us for an interview to talk about music, festivals and culture.

Hi, how are you?

Great, I’m eating eggs. You can’t be feeling bad when you’re eating eggs.

So, how did your first European Tour go and did you enjoy it?

I’m counting the days until I get to come back if that gives any indication. The response was amazing, people places and cultures were awesome.

What has been the best moment yet whilst touring? 

Getting to see people wearing my merch and seeing people in countries around the world singing to my songs which aren’t in their language.

Are you working on anything at this moment? 

Oh yes. Tons of new music, a big official remix and just wrapped production on Lil Jon’s newest single featuring Offset and 2Chainz.

Do you have anything big planned for the rest of 2017 that may excite your fans?

Beyond the music I have coming out, my US tour I’m featuring brand new production and a new stage. Excited to show my fans what a Party Favor show really looks like.

So, how would you describe your music style? 

Hectic but feels good.

What are your main influences when making music? 

The feeling I can try to give to people when they listen to it. Even if I’m making a heavier song I want it to still have a positive effect on people.

Our final question as usual, what is your definition of culture?

Culture is the melting pot of things in your life that shape who you are and where you come from. Culture is kind of blending nowadays with the internet and how closely connected we all are.

To find out more about Party Favor you can follow him here.

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ nets an impressive $39 million at the weekend Box Office

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Matthew Vaughn’s directed ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ made an impressive $39 million at the weekend Box Office taking over ‘It’.

With an estimated production budget of $104 million ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ had to make an impressive start, and so it did. Worldwide it has already netted an estimated $100 million which puts it a couple million away from taking over its budget in just a few days of its release.

In second place came the beloved horror film ‘It’ which dropped from first place to net still quite a nice amount of $30 million, taking its worldwide gross to $478 million. Whilst in third came ‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie’ which made around $21 at the box office weekend.

‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ is coming to Netflix

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Eagerly awaited comedy-drama film ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ is officially coming to Netflix.

The film was given big praise at the Cannes Film Festival, even Adam Sandler who is known for his comedy films was in the talks to be a contender for an Academy Award. It actually did so well that it even got a four-minute standing ovation.

With the film getting much praise many were waiting for the release of the film, and just four days ago Netflix has officially announced that Noah Baumbach’s ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ will be available on Netflix from the 13th of October.

The film’s cast includes Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Grace Van Patten, Dustin Hoffman, Elizabeth Marvel, Emma Thompson, Danny Flaherty and dozens of other notable actors.

Here is the trailer for ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’

 

Sound Selection 011

Sound Selection is back and this time with more fantastic music to fill your playlists.

Tungevaag & Raaban ‘Cold Blood’ feat. Jeffrey James

To start our selection we have ‘Cold Blood’ by the fantastic Tungevaag & Raaban featuring Jeffrey James. The vocals are truly splendid in this song, purely calm and dynamic just what is needed for a blood-pumping song like ‘Cold Blood’. Overall, the production is splendid, great drum structure and the commercial influenced synths really come out well in this song – a great song for any dance playlist.

Mike Simmons ‘Wherever It Goes’

Alternatively, with more of an indie vibe we have Mike Simmons with his single ‘Wherever It Goes’. The single has terrific structure, lovely hooks and simply a stunning vibe that will be staying inside your head for weeks to come. Mike Simmons is the one to add to your follow lists straight away!

DESIIRE ‘No Feelings’ feat. Jordan Jones

Another fantastic song in our selection is ‘No Feelings’ by the splendid DESIIRE, who showcases terrific music production skills and vocals alongside Jordan Jones. The single is for those that love the weekend vibe, a true car ride hit.

KLANGPLANET ‘Solitude’

KLANGPLANET is back on Our Culture Mag and this time with another solid emotional deep house track ‘Solitude’. Other than being very talented at combining diverse elements, KLANGPLANET has a great sense of how the structure works and truly showcases that in his latest single ‘Solitude’. One for the playlists for sure.

Skylar Bouchard ‘Montreal’

Beautiful, raw and simply touching. ‘Montreal’ is a stunning single by the very talented Skylar Bouchard. Other than showing his truly terrific vocals Skylar showcases his great lyric writing skills. This one is for the playlists.

Safetalk ‘Gold of the Highest’

Furthermore, we have ‘Gold of the Highest’ by the great Safetalk. This electronic psychedelic-like song combines majestic synths and jaw-dropping drum patterns to make it a nominated song for any playlist. A truly wonderful song, that takes you on a journey beyond the wildest expectations.

The Desert ‘Playing Dead’

Charming, mysterious and simply magical. Another great single to hit our selection is ‘Playing Dead’ by the up and coming band The Desert, who showcase true talent to write songs and perform, whilst also giving us a fantastic ride to go on.

Edeline Lee’s SS18 Inspired By The Idea Of Feminine Courage

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Spectacular presentation captures the essence of Georgia O’Keeffe, her vulnerability and her strength.

Edeline Lee’s presentation was showcased at the BFC Showspace which was transformed in an inspiration of the contrast of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and her surroundings. This was joined with live music from the musician Junk Male. How the model poses and the strong silhouettes created by the garments really catches the notion behind the collection.

Edeline Lee mainly uses the technique of creating knots and twisting ties for this season. She also creates interesting playful floral shapes on pieces of garments using the inspiration she had for O’Keeffe’s iconic flower paintings. Keeping it feminine she uses delicate techniques such as smocking and embroidery, this gives the looks of delicacy and vulnerability. Her colour palette for this collection are Blush, Adobe, Cerulean Blue, Nude, Ivory and Black. Some which are reminiscent from her trip in New Mexico.

The models gracefully enter the space and creates different poses for different areas on the space. Just little poses like how their hands and arms are, adds to the notion of strength as well as how they actually pose.

Adam Slama

Here is the Look Book from Edeline Lee.

 

Faustine Steinmetz SS18 Revisits the Old with the New

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Faustine Steinmetz first catwalk show revisits the clothes we wear.

Faustine Steinmetz’ show was surrounded by the concept of taking something that people already have for example a pair of jeans or a tracksuit and replicating the look by recreating the clothes with different fabrics such as silicone or yarn.

The collection includes things like classic denim, trench coats and white t-shirts, so to sum up a look that is known to a casual consumer. The SS18 collection was dedicated to the male look, which is new to the brand as it is normally unisex.

Wes Anderson’s ‘Isle of Dogs’ trailer is here

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The upcoming stylistic film ‘Isle of Dogs’ by auteur Wes Anderson just got its first trailer.

After many months of waiting the fans of Wes Anderson have received the gift they have been waiting for, the first trailer for the upcoming film ‘Isle of Dogs’.

The trailer itself is around two minutes thirty in length and gives a short tease about what the story is about. It looks like the story will include dogs, comedic touches and simply life. The film looks to adopt the style of ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’.

‘Isle of Dogs’ will be voiced by actors such as Edward Norton, F. Murray Abraham, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson, Harvey Keitel, Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Jeff Goldblum, Liev Schreiber and many more critically acclaimed actors.

The film is currently scheduled to be released in March, 2018 and is currently in post-production.

Pam Hogg’s Vibrant SS18 Collection Called “Innocence”

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What seems like a sweet innocent collection turns out to be much more than meets the eye.

Pam Hogg’s show was held at the Freemason’s Hall showcasing her collection called “Innocence”. When the show starts you hear the music Teddy Bears Picnic by Henry Hall (1932). By how it started it was like a childish innocence but as soon as the model came out it was anything but that.

The model came out in a sheer bodysuit with only a minimum amount of fabric covering the boobs and her down below. We see more of this as the show progresses on,  with almost the bare minimum fabric covering the private areas with pom poms and frills.

Down along the catwalk come out the models in catsuits full of geometrical patterns and vibrant block colours, some showing a little bit of glam rock. These skin tight clothing is her signature design. Some models wore the catsuits in a sheer, PVC, lace trench coat. Which to our surprise a model took off halfway down the catwalk and revealed her bosoms.  The coats are absolutely stunning and worn by Pam Hogg herself at the finale.

To end such an amazing collection came out two models in beautiful tall head piece masks, covered in frills and pom poms and similarly to the first model they wore a sheer body suit where pom poms and frills covered their bosoms and down there.

Here is the full view of the collection Innocence.