Sandra Says Blog

  The Queen This film is based on true events, before and following the tragic death, of Princess Diana in Paris. However, how much of it is factual and how much of it is guess work or artistic licence is unclear. Helen Mirren who plays the Queen, does so exceptionally well, capturing her stance, persona and decorum perfectly. Princess Diana wasn’t your ordinary Princess, as portrayed by the reaction of the world to her death. I can see why this film was made, it shows the turning point in the royal family, when they realised they had to become more modern, but in a reserved way and not losing any of it ’s status. The film, at the start shows Tony Blair (Played in the film by Michael Shee n) winning the general election, and becoming the Labour Prime Minister. It is said, that he wants to have a more modern outlook, and a scene in the film, suggests, that he would want to modernise the Queen and the royal family. This film shows, that he didn’t have to, Princess Diana’s...

  AKA Staged Killer Right or wrong, why do I get the impression she is going to start a family just for the show. I think I know what happened and what is going to happen. ‘Boring’ life seems a great set up for the ultimate outcome he is trying to achieve. I like it. This is a subtle and strong film. I was right. The clues are there. I love the ‘Inspiring’ nature of what he did, but I hate it came from a tragedy. I love all the ideas, it is however, a shame that I am worried for him and wish it all could happen without loss and worry. Then again there would be no film. No. I want to shout ‘NO don’t drive’. I hate Jake (Jason Dolley) yes, we are supposed to, but this shows the dangers of justice not being properly met. Phew, I am so glad. This is nice to watch. That is until a visitor arrives. The script is really well done, solid and realistic. I like that things are starting to be noticed. Some people’s downfall is their own helpful, pleasing ego. No, don't eat it. I knew as soon ...

Smallville This serial is a spin off from the ‘Superman’ story, but this is the back story of Clark Kent (Tom Welling) being sent to earth to escape his home planet, which is being destroyed. Sadly , when he reaches earth, his arrival causes a meteor shower, and tragedy strikes. Having being adopted as a little boy by a farmer and his wife, Jonathan (John Schneider) and Martha (Annette O’Toole) Kent, with the help of Lionel Luthor (John Clover), we now see Clark, having grown up and starting high school. This is where the story really gets going and shows all the trials of being in a high school environment but also trying to keep your superpowers a secret and also your one disadvantage, as in Kryptonite. We see that Clark and Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) were never going to work, because Clark felt guilty of the tragedy that happened at the beginning, but how much blame should, if any Clark take for what happened? I can see enough so as to not tell Lana the truth. It seems Lex Lut...

  AKA Mum’s the Word It is nice that Abbey (Brooke Shields) met up with an old flame, what is not so nice is his back story since school. It was also nice that she helped.  This film is fast paced. I also like how being on the phone plus talking allowed plus licence plates helps. Now what? This isn’t a mystery for nothing. Too many ‘Flower’ puns this is, eye rolling, amusing to watch. Bad ‘Ticket’ yes, fight it and no he didn’t ‘Win’. craftily done, smooth move. I like it. So helpful and no she clearly won’t stay out of it. Another ticket. What is happening? I do find it amusing that her being a lawyer can be helpful. I like that line. How come she hasn’t seen the ‘Tank Commander’ pictures before? I suppose it is possible to just not enter places we pass or are near. I just know it all works for the film. It could be too soon or too obvious but I think I know what happened and why. My theory is flimsy so I will see.  This film should be called ‘Help’, ‘Helped’ or ‘Helpful...

  The Premiere for this film was on Thursday 19th May 2022. You can search for dates and times for other film premieres in your search engine. For the Top Gun Maverick Premiere I caught the 12.20pm train to Liverpool Street London, got the Central Line to Holborn Station then the Piccadilly Line to Leicester Square. I followed the signs to exit the station at the right one and arrived at Leicester Square at around 2.20pm and stood by the barriers and Red carpet. Be aware the security team cannot give out any information as to where people/stars will be. There was a screen showing the main event and just before 7pm I saw Tom Cruise on the stairs down to the Odeon Cinema that was showing the film. My advice would be, and I intend to do this if/when I get a chance next time to attend a premiere, to walk around the area to see if I could get closer to the event. However, I did see a good few stars on the Red carpet. So overall it was a good day. Be prepared to stand, as I did, f...

  Grease 2 The sequel to Grease, this is set in 1960/61 but this one seems more modern compared to Grease set in 1959. The songs are just as catchy as the first film but they didn’t seem to become as popular for a sing along as the ones in Grease has nowadays. Grease 2 works as a sequel, but it still has the essence of Grease running through it, with Frenchy (Didi Conn) returning and being a friend to Michael (Maxwell Caulfield), Michael being Sandy’s (Olivier Newton John, Grease) cousin. Also with it being set at the same high school (Rydell High) you also have the same headmistress and other members of staff. However, this film could also work as a standalone. There are enough differences to be as the same quality as the first. The swap from cars to motorbikes is an example of one of them. There is some great casting in this film, the chemistry between Paulette (Lorna Luft) and Nogerelli (Adrian Zmed) is there for them to make a great couple, even though it is not all ...

  Grease Iconic; this film is still popular today, people are still singing along to the songs and the characters are as well-known as they were when this film came out. You hear of people who have got married, tha t were high school sweethearts. T his film is the journey of two very different characters, Danny (John Travolta) a leather clad ba d boy and Sandy (Olivia Newton- John) a pure good girl. The film proves opposites attract and true love will break all barriers in the end. Rizzo ( Stockard Channing) was mean resulting in Danny hurting Sandy when they meet up again unexpectedly at school ( Rydell High) . This is not nice to watch but Danny has a bit off growing up still to do. None of the others can see the journey the two characters are taking throughout the film, the look on Danny’s face after he hurt Sandy and a lthough Sandy is out of her comfort zone at Frenchie’s ( Didi Conn) sleep over, everyone is friendly towards her despite the song. The scenes are well...

  Different for Girls This film is a BBC film that came out in 1996. It is about a transgender man karl /Kim Foyle, played by Steven Mackintosh, and helps answer the question about sexual preferences (Gay or straight) in transgender people. it is good to see the back ground to this film where Karl and Paul Prentice (Prentice) , played by Rupert Graves go to the same school and are friends Now we jump to present day by chance Prentice and Karl, now Kim, meet again, but Prentice struggles to know where he has seen Kim before, until he realises he is now a she. it is good to see that Kim has turned out to be an independent woman with her flat, job and she quietly gets on with her life, Prentice however is immature and living precariously. Although he has a job he is behind on his rent and struggles to budget within his earnings. After a night out Kim goes to kiss Prentice on the cheek resulting in him telling her he is straight and her reply is “so am I” . it se...

  I Heart Forever by Lindsey Kelk I have been waiting for this book since I read in a previous book from the ‘I Heart’ series that Angela didn’t want to see an ex-girlfriend of Alex have a baby with him. This book is the seventh and the latest in the series. After reading the prologue, and knowing Angela to be, shall we say, disorganised and chaotic to say the least. You just know that this latest edition will be a fun-filled rollercoaster of a read. Let Alex go off travelling and let chapter one begin. It seems strange to bring up ‘I want to propose’ conversation in the middle of a very important work meeting. This book is certainly keeping up with what is happening with magazines in modern times. It also gives an insight into what happens to bands when their popularity waivers. The last six books were about Angela and Alex life being on the up and up, now true to form as in most cases we see the beginnings of a new chapter in their lives. After a bad day it seems Angela’s d...

Operation Eiffel Tower by Elen Caldecott This book has been cleverly written from the children’s point of view, as they experience their parent’s separation. The book starts off at a fast pace, it introduces us to the characters in the book, but for a time I don’t where one of them will fit in in the story, as in Paul. The storyline gives a strong, realistic look into how children can be affected, when their parent’s marriage is failing, and the mum and dad are trying to keep their problems away from their children. Sometimes this is seen, as protecting them, but, as in this book and in real life, the children can see something is obviously wrong. The storyline is well researched, and it is a unique, good idea putting actual email form, to and from the character Paul, enhancing the story, interweaved into the chapters of the book. This shows, this is an all, up to date book, and will appeal to modern day children. Using a realistic magazine article, is a clever way of introduc...