TO KILL A MOCKING JAY - Adieu Ms Everdeen

The outlook was grim from the onset which is why it took me so long to finally get round to it. I knew Mocking Jay Part Deux would be a sombre affair for a number of reasons. The first of which being that it is the last film I will see Philip Seymour Hoffman in. That alone makes it a sad day in cinema. 

The Hunger Games franchise already brought along its fair share of melancholy to the table. Dystopian nightmares in the form of totalitarian states and gladiatorial combat. Also the loss of likeable, key characters is always a bummer.

That said, here's to a strong, non-sappy, non-objectified, female hero. Still such a rarity in Hollywood. (Incidentally it was also great to see Julianne Moore getting in on the villain action.)

"....ever in your favour."

Jennifer Lawrence has not been flying the flag alone as there has been no shortage in other genres too. Film has been enjoying a recent influx of solid female leads across the board. My favourites this year?

1) Jenny Slate as Donna Stern in Obvious Child.

2) Ok, technically a documfilm but Iris Apfel in Iris is distilled chutzpah.

3) Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke in Mistress America (actually anything that Greta Gerwig touches). As you well know, I'm a sucker for an 80s soundtrack.

Hurrah for the solid, female protagonist and may the odds be ever in her favour.

IF YOU CAN PIN IT, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT - Right?

Edward Young once said that procrastination was the thief of time. But I have come to believe that the thief of time is actually PINTEREST!

"I pin, therefore I am"

Living vicariously through a carefully constructed set of pins ain't living at all. However an alternate life seems that little bit more within our grasp when you see it on a mood board. And the pictures are oh so pretty. I could pin Mads Mikkelsen all day!

ETHNICALLY SPEAKING - Miss International Love

Its officially British Summer Time and while Manchester still feels rather autumnal, there is a distinctly tropical vibe on the high street. Large geometric shapes in the most vibrant hues can be seen gracing the rails of most retail giants. 

The good news is that we have evolved beyond the generic 'Ethnic' or 'Tribal' as a one term fits all to refer to such prints. And the even better news is that everyone from Atmosphere to Zara is partaking. However if you are by any chance looking for the real deal. Here are just a few examples of what to look out for: -

"Dutch wax, Holland wax print, Chinle Pattern, Ikat print, Ganado pattern, Tapa print, Kente cloth, Shibori fabric, Aloha print and on and on and on..."

It doesn't matter if you're from Abuja or Aberdeen there are plenty of prints for everyone.

FIFTY SHADES OF BOREDOM - Cinemasochism.

So the  UK release of Fifty is upon us and I'm underwhelmed. So far, 2015's Go-To film about sadomasochism has to be Whiplash (I may be forced to eat my words at a later date as I am yet to see The Duke of Burgundy which looks sublime)

"A wealth of love..."?

Strictly speaking, Whiplash is not a film about sex or indeed jazz as many critics would add. Its historical references may be notoriously inaccurate but the cruel power dynamics make for compelling viewing. And beyond the great music J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller keep the momentum going all the way through.