Lets talk Film & TV

unsolicited opinions on things i've watched

[ritikasreviews]

About

Hello, my name is Ritika, I have created this space to provide you with my unsolicited opinions on film and TV shows I have watched. Warning in advance ⚠️ I mostly watch rom coms and comedies so don't expect any sci fi reviews!!!

If you would like to contact me (probably not) here is my email: [email protected]

Happy reading ☺️

[ritikasreviews]

Is anyone else in a Bridgerton chokehold 

They’ve done it again! I don’t know what kind of magic they put into every season of Bridgerton but I am SAT for it. 

Every single couple trope is so endearing to watch, Benedict and Sophie have the cutest Cinderella love story. 

I will admit for a period drama I don’t think a lot of the costumes or some of the ideologies are completely accurate but I can look past that.

The writers of the show nail it ever season when it come to keeping the audience engaged and hooked to the show. Every episode ends with you racing to watch the next one.

I was left very satisfied with the latest season and cannot wait to see the next one. Here’s me hoping we finally get Eloise's season (fingers are being crossed!) 

[ritikasreviews]

Drive to survive more like scripted to survive 

Apologies for my horrible pun.

I have been watching Formula 1 since I was a kid, not by choice. It was the only thing that would be on during lunchtime on Sundays. However, I grew up to love the sport and drivers. 

When Drive to Survive came onto Netflix I’ll admit that I was excited to see a different side to the paddock and an insight into the drivers lives outside of racing. 

However, as popularity around the show grew and money becoming a bigger interest for the producers, the basis of the programme completely fell off.

A lot of drama and controversy is edited in to make it look like drivers hate each other or bosses don’t get along etc. When that is far from the truth. Even the drivers themselves, such as Norris claimed he doesn’t watch the show because ‘it’s bulls**t’ (mind his language). 

Watching an episode of DTS honestly feels like I’m watching an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

What are your views on the show, has it benefitted the sport in a way, or has it created unnesicary narratives for clicks. 

[ritikasreviews]

We are now on Scream 7…I think, I lost count 

When my mum came up to me to ask if I wanted to watch Scream 7 with her I did a double take. I was like that franchise is STILL going?! 

Is there a point where they should just stop making movies and leave it to rest, apparently not. 

Anyhow I did give the film a chance and went and watched it. I will say they did get right into it with the gory killings, which I appreciated, but they are just recycling the old cast again and again trying to make it as good as the first few movies. 

No offence to Courtney Cox but I just don’t get a wow factor when she has her dramatic entrance into the film. Not to add, her facial expressions are like fully frozen, no emotion whatsoever. 

They did once again leave an open ending so I won’t be surprised if a part 8 comes out. 

Let me know your views, is the franchise dead or can it be revived? 

[ritikasreviews]

‘People We Meet On Vacation’, are old school rom-coms making a come back?

For the first time in a while, I really enjoyed a new age rom com movie. No offence to other Netflix or Prime rom coms but I HATE all these new romance movies where social media or TikTok is somehow intwined in the storyline, it’s BORING!

However, ‘People We Meet On Vacation’ felt like a breath of fresh air, it took back to the early 2000 rom coms where they weren’t afraid to be a little corny and cheesy. 

It was the right level of comedic and romantic whilst also giving us an insight into the characters complexities. 

Also don’t get me started on the dance scene in New Orleans (it was so cute), or when Poppy was singing her heart out to Paula Abdul in the car (I can relate). 

If you are looking for a new rom com to watch, I highly suggest to check this one out!!! 

[ritikasreviews]

Will Scary Movie 6 compare to originals? 

I don’t know about everyone else but this is the film I am most excited for this year! If you’re unfamiliar with the franchise, they are parodies of famous horror movies. 

Scary movie (2000) was created by the Wayans brothers who also made comedy film, White Chicks. 

I will say, I was surprised when they announced a new instalment of the franchise as a lot of the jokes and comedy in the past movies would be considered controversial in today’s society. 

The brothers did say that they have not censored any of the comedy and it will be like the other films from the 2000’s, I personally cannot wait!!! But I am very intrigued to see how the internet will react to the films?! 

Apparently if this film does well in the box office they promised to make a White Chicks 2!!! (So please guys go easy with the reviews 🙏🏽)

[ritikasreviews]

Was “Wuthering Heights” an excuse to make a Jacob Elordi fanfiction? 

Many fans around the world waited in anticipation for the release of the Hollywood adaptation of Emily Brontë’s most popular novel. Both Brontë fans and fans of Margot and Jacob could not wait to see what Emerald Fennell’s version of the book would be like on the big screen. 

I personally couldn’t wait to see the outfits and cinematography elements of the film because the trailer ATE. 

I mean Kathy was portrayed as an only child in the film, which cuts out half the plot….and don’t get me started on the skin room, that was a bit freaky. But I give the costume department a 10/10 for those dresses because WOW! 

Now i’ll admit, Jacob Elordi is easy on the eyes but I do feel like Fennell played a lot into the star power, kinda felt like I was watching a 2 hour long TikTok fan edit of both Margot and Jacob (not complaining). However, it seemed like they lost some focus on the complexities of the characters and how Brontë portrayed their personalities in the novel. 

I can see why book fans wouldn’t have enjoyed this movie, BUT at the end of the day it is a Hollywood production and they had to deliver a film that would sell!

What were your thought on the film? Did y’all appreciate the Elordi fanfic or were you expecting more? 

[ritikasreviews]

How The Lizzie McGuire Movie shaped my childhood (and no I'm not exaggerating)

I couldn't write a collection of film blogs without including the best early 2000's Disney film ever made (apart from the Cheetah Girls of course).

Now I know what you're thinking, why is she recommending a film targeted to teenagers? But here's the thing, even my mum enjoys watching this movie! Although, it is rated PG it doesn't mean it lacks the wit and comedy of 'adult' films.

Lizzie embarks on a school trip to Rome with her classmate; some she gets on with well and others not so much. Somehow she manages to get herself caught up in a media frenzy with Italian gossip pages. She gets mistaken for Isabella, who is an Italian pop star (aka Hilary Duff in a brown wig). At the picturesque Trevi Fountain in the heart of Rome, Lizzie bumps into (a very gorgeous) Paolo who is Isabella's singing partner.

Don't worry, I won't drone on about the plot as I don't want to give away any spoilers. However, Lizzie gets taken into a whirlwind romance around the glamorous city whilst trying not to get caught by her grumpy teacher Ms Ungermeyer.

The mise en scene of Rome and it's famous sights, the contrast between Lizzie's costumes as a student compared to when she is dressed like a pop star; it makes the audience want to book the next flight out to Rome!

Even now as an adult, I still fantasise over finding a Paolo who will sing to me. Which takes me to my next point, not being bias; but the soundtrack for this movie is what takes it to the next level. The hit song 'This is what dreams are made of' performed in one of the best scenes in this film will forever live rent free in my head.

It goes without saying, give this film a watch. and I am certain you will be looking at Ryanair flights to Rome by the end of it.

[ritikasreviews]

Why Bridget Jones diary is so damn relatable

Now I'm not the biggest fan of novel turned Hollywood film as it just doesn't do the books justice. HOWEVER, I believe Bridget Jones Diary was destined for cinema!

Bridget Jones as a character doesn't get any more relatable. She doesn't look like your typical protagonist that has just walked off of a Victoria Secret fashion show. She acknowledges her imperfections, she is worried about her weight, her job, her love life…like the rest of us!

Conventional to most 2000's rom coms, Jones locks eyes with the dreamiest man she has ever seen, Mark Darcy. What gravitates me to this film is Jones' inability to keep her inner thoughts to herself, she will say what everyone else is thinking. As the audience you will want for her to get with Darcy.

However, before she can enter a relationship with Darcy, she manages to find herself entangled with her colleague, (low key freaky) womaniser Daniel Cleaver. I'm not sure how they were able to make Hugh Grant so insufferable but they managed it.

Bridget's diary is probably a reflection of many of our New year's resolution lists stored somewhere in the notes app. She wants to be a better version of herself, lose weight, stop smoking, stop drinking, and find her Mr Right. Let's be honest, how many of us decided to join a gym at the start of the year and never used the membership?

The struggles and realness displayed with a light hearted vulgar humour, is the essence of Bridget Jones. She is a character who is uniquely different to traditional romance protagonists. This is why I believe this film sequence has done so well. Plus, I may be bias but English humour is unbeatable.

I highly recommend giving it a watch, just in time for the third film coming out next Valentine's day!

[ritikasreviews]

How 13 going on 30 shaped fashion in romcoms

The wardrobe budget was insanity! Now you don't have to be an expert in fashion and couture to know the outfits worn in this movie were exceptional.

I believe their bold choice of costume had inspired many other romcoms to become more daring with their wardrobe. Garner's character, Jenna Rink is a fashion editor; so there is no surprise that she has access to a fantastic wardrobe. However, they pulled out all the stops with the iconic Versace party dress (photographed above), vintage Moschino, and quirky kitten heels.

The beauty of costume, hair and makeup corresponds with the storyline. Jenna made a wish on her 13th birthday which finds herself waking up to her 13 year old self trapped in her 30 year old body. She stands out from her work colleagues in her bright outfits and creative hairstyles (the space buns with the chopsticks will always be a personal favourite!). The contrast emphasises the fact that Jenna is still a 13 year old girl trying to navigate life as her more mature self.

This era of film was impactful for the fashion industry, films such as The Devil Wears Prada followed a similar style with their costume design, featuring brands such as Hermes and Valentino. Although this is arguably product placement, it becomes engaging for fashion fanatics that can spot the latest Pucci dress they saw on the runway. It creates a sense of desire for these brands that were appearing in major Hollywood films.

Not only were these outfits popular in the early 2000s, they became a phenomenon in fashion. It has inspired celebrities such as Ariana Grande to source the exact Versace rainbow dress and recreate Jenna Rink's look, show casing the longevity of this style. Evidently, mise en scène is a key factor in film, as in this case it has marked significance in fashion which is still admired today.

[ritikasreviews]

Why confessions of a shopaholic is one of the best romcoms of the early 2000s!

Now many of you probably think the statement I've just made is highly subjective, which it maybe. HOWEVER, I have curated some points to support my argument; and if you make it to the end of this post it might change your mind as well.

This 2000s romcom is set in NYC. The iconic yellow taxis, the hotdog truck in the middle of the bustling streets, passerby's strutting down the path in their new season Chanel bags, it doesn't get better than that?

We cannot deny that Isla Fisher is a gorgeous lady, I mean I don't think there's a scene where her hair doesn't look like something out of a Pantene commercial. She's the epitome of struggling journalist with a knack for fashion, which is the whole point of the plot right? And don't get me started on Hugh Dancy! He is the right amount of dreamy without being overly attractive that it's kind of creepy (if you know what I mean). The chemistry between the characters just has you clutching the comforter. I know many people think the storyline is cliché or predictable but isn't that the beauty of romcoms? A comfort film that doesn't cause minor heart ache by the end.

Fisher's character battles through a shopping addiction that starts to take over her life. Now when was the last time you scrolled on instagram or twitter and not stumble upon an advert for a clothing company? I surely couldn't tell you. And this isn't me calling you all shopaholics (which it may be true for some), but a lot of the younger generation is hyper fixated on what the new fashion trend is or how to fit in. Maybe this film can help many of us realise there is more to life then buying that new bag or those shoes you saw in the window.