What to Watch This Summer................................................................................................................ 18

LUCA

Pixar has developed a reputation for being one of the most original and innovative studios in animation and we always expect highly from them. While their most recent feature film Luca doesn’t quite reach the heights of their previous hits, it still remains an enjoyable summer flick for all ages.

This charming tale follows Luca, a young sea monster bored of his aquatic lifestyle under the sea, desperate to go out onto the surface that he’s warned is a dangerous place for creatures such as him. He decides to explore life beyond the water, convinced by his new friend, a self-claimed expert on everything human. They both travel to the nearest town, a quaint Italian coastal fishing village, which they soon discover harbours a longstanding hatred and fear of mythical sea creatures. The film’s message is clear and well-intentioned, a story about fitting fit and being yourself despite what everyone else thinks.

As you’ve come to expect from Pixar, the film is an impressive example of what animation can achieve. The voice acting is superb, particularly from young talent Jacob Trembley (room, wonder). The only reason the film doesn’t achieve more of an impact is that it doesn’t venture much further outside its own simplicity. There are hints of lore and unanswered questions that might leave more detail-oriented viewers wanting more.

At its core it’s a warm film about friendship and above all else it has heart, which is something we all need from movies lately. Sometimes playing it safe is fine, especially for a children’s film. Ironically, Pixar’s reputation for complex and deeply emotional storytelling has meant that it’s often reviewed outside the world of animated film, which in itself is a massive compliment.

The sequel to the 2018 nail-biting horror hit, once again helmed by director and co-writer John Krasinski. Following on moments from the events of the first film, the Abbott family are forced to travel outside the safety of their home to the unknown world beyond. The begins with an effective opening that shows us the very first day the creatures arrived. Within a few minutes the entire cinema was silent – the film demands you to listen and watch carefully, much like the characters have to in order to survive. The world and the enemy that has changed the world these characters inhabit is the strength of this film.

It becomes more disappointing in retrospect. The experience of watching the film is one you won’t forget, thanks to excellent sound design and performances - a welcomed refreshment after a year of absence from cinema. Looking back however, the film lacks the focus of the original. It sets itself up for an obvious third instalment which in itself isn’t a negative, as I’m as happy as the next person to be transported to this world again, but it’s clear that this franchising of the film will affect the story. Already the second instalment feels slightly dragged out, lacking the wider scope hinted at the end of the first film.

A QUIET PLACE 2

THE PERFECT POOLSIDE READS

The past year gave us the luxury of time and as a form of escapism from continual negative news stories, most of us turned towards a ritual of daily reading as a form of escapism. Books are back in fashion and what better time to read than on a slow, summer’s day? If you’re like us, then you like to do your research into a book before making the dedicated purchase. We’re so happy to unveil the top two books we’ve read over the past year, that will be sure to compliment a growing collection.

Authentic, dramatic and one of those books that are perfect for an easy poolside read. Taylor Jenkins Reid adopted an interview style of writing to unearth the story of Daisy Jones and The Six that is so intriguing and original that it has left a multitude of readers questioning why they had never heard of this iconic rock band from the 1970’s - they’re fictional! The novel is based on Fleetwood Mac’s journey to stardom and is everything you could hope for from a story about a rock ‘n’ roll band. Music enthusiasts, this is a summer must read.

DAISY JONES AND THE SIX - TAYLOR JENKINS-REID

QUEENIE - CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS

Winner of Book of The Year 2020 and often described as the modern-day Bridget Jones. Queenie is a 25-year-old British/Jamaican journalist navigating life in London after her long-term relationship came to a sudden halt. However, this isn’t your typical romcom, Queenie allows the reader to experience life in London from the point of view of a young black woman and explores controversial topics of conversation including racial stereotypes, the Black Lives Matter movement, abortion, and sexual harassment. This novel is political, honest, full of humour and impossible to put down.