Cherrybomb

Now I know this film has been out since 2009 but its really worth a watch because I can guarantee 9/10 of you will appreciate it. With a cast of brilliant British actors who I predict will be seeing a lot more of soon and (to quote a Wikipedia warning) nudity, drinking, drugs, shop-lifting and stealing cars, Cherrybomb is an edgy film for older teens.
I loved being immersed in every level of the main characters, peeling back the layers on there what looked like ordinary life to see a bigger picture. Rupert Grint played your standard teenager with a loving family, a crush and a wildcard friend leading him astray. This seemingly predictable rogue chum was portrayed heart-wrenchingly by Robert Sheehan and dealt with tough family issues and constant drug use and really made the viewer wonder why we (people in general) do these things to ourselves. And finally watching Kimberley Nixon battle between friends and parents and eventually giving her sleazebag Dad the finger only to be faced with the sobering consequence was really a eye opening plot twist.
But honestly if you are not up for the emotional roller-coaster that comes with this film or don't want to be subjected to the hideous costumes they put Rupert Grint in then don't bother. However if you can bare with the tracksuits and the occasional slipping Irish accent then give it a try, what's the worst it can do?

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Upon reading this book I felt a tad dubious about watching this film as I found the first few chapters a struggle to get into. Don't get me wrong the book is good and well written but until the story really gets going it's pretty much like a constant cringe waiting for Clary to see the unrequited love of her friend Simon. So while watching the film it came as a great relief that although that factor was there, it was not constantly played on.
Despite some mixed reviews I think this film was good, although it truly is another teen fantasy romance. It really does show promise of progression into something with a level of intellectual demand than a film such as Twilight (which I hate a love/hate relationship with) and contains some really quite complex and intriguing plots twists. However I think the part I found most interesting was the attention to detail on costume, set and props. everything was so well done I occasionally found myself in that space where you forget your watching a movie.
So really I urge you don't dismiss this film just because it's a teenage love triangle and you all believe Twilight wrecked that (and let me remind you SHAKESPEARE DID IT FIRST and no one thinks he over played it). I would give this film my seal of approval any day and partially because of the wonderful number of young English actor within it, so go buy that cinema ticket and take a chance.

Hick

To make up for the greatness of my lateness on posting a review this week (sorry my internet went down) I am writing a bonus review for you all.
So this week’s second film to be reviewed is slightly out of date but still a brilliant teen film. Released in 2011 and based on a book, Hick is the story of feisty country girl Luli packing her bag with a notebook, clothes and a gun and heading off for Vegas. Despite the almost all round terrible reviews after its release, watching I really felt like it was something special and maybe not a relatable lead character for many adults. Luli is so far removed from her family and has no friends that we see within the film and that is something most NORMAL teens have felt at one time or another, so packing up and heading off is very understandable to me.
When watching the story unfold I was pleased to see that so many actors within it had come into the public eye in the past two years such as Chloe Grace Moretz, who as I earlier mentioned was in Kick-ass or Eddie Redmayne who was in Les Miserables and the stunning Blake Lively who was the 'O' in the drug-related film savages in 2013.
Hick created a beautiful mix of excitement, fear and sadness watching these three young character fall apart and hurt one another, from the starting moment when Luli steps in Eddie's cars to bleak moment on his bed, it's almost as if all along you've known it was coming but hoped to God there was some saving grace. I would happily argue any day that this film was wonderful and such a film lesson for Teen's who feel distanced from the world they are in, so give it a watch and see if you relate.

 

The Lone Ranger

Despite not knowing the story of The Lone Ranger, I must say I was utterly enthralled by the shear genius of the plot line and felt a great admiration for complex jokes that only an observant audience would get. I think it shows great strength in a writer when they can trust that their viewers will have listened close enough to pick up inside jokes and these writers had strength to spare. The entirety of the film was quick quips and an odd mix of sensible slapstick comedy, which was merge brilliantly with outstanding actors.
However my main complaints with this film was the similarities to its relative film Pirates of the Caribbean which was made by the same collaborative team. Personally I felt there were moments when (excuse the pun) they pushed the boat out to far, such as when the scrawny longed hair pirate put on a stolen bonnet and walked around with a parasol which was almost identical to Mackenzie Crook in the first Pirates film (and let's face it that joke only works if your employ the same actor). I would like to voice another complaint regarding beards.....MAKE A DECISION WHETHER THEY ARE TO LOOK REALLISTIC OR BIZARRE because in Lone Ranger they were driving me insane. Honestly hair and make up people I don't care whether you choose non-naturalistic or just normal beards but for God's sake don't mix and match, although I do understand this is a personal pet peeve and I will get back on track.
Overall I think that for any teen who like a western film or even the Pirates of the Caribbean series this film is ideal with an eccentric mix of actors and great wit, it was a two hours well spent!

 

Kick-Ass 2

Although I loved the Kick-Ass comics I truly think Mark Millar struck gold when turning them into film. When watching them on the big screen not only does the action and violence have a greater impact but characters really have more depth and believability. The big question I have been asked since watching the action-packed sequel is "Is it better than the first one?" and my answer would have to be a big fat YES!!!! The reason for this highly exclamation pointed  response is because the audience gets to watch a lot more of the fantastic Chloe Grace Moretz developing her role of Hit-Girl and battle contradicting thoughts of normal and super-life.
What I think really puts this film at the top of the Teen Freaks' to watch list is the struggle of leads Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl and Mother F***er against their family commitments and friends and moral choices, which I believe most teenagers can relate to. And lets not forget the enormously funny use of strong language and violence which  makes this a film purely for the strong-minded and non-faint hearted Teen Freaks out there!