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The Essentials: Helena Bonham Carter

6/13/2014

by Melissa Haggar

As seems to be the case, trying to pick out a few films from such an expansive career seems like the impossible task. Helena Bonham Carter has portrayed a wide variety of roles for both film and television, and her style is so distinctive that you can’t help but love her. Garnering a multitude of award nominations ranging from the Academy Awards to the Golden Globes (and winning a few too!); she is truly a talented actress. With the release of The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet this week in the UK, it seems like a perfect time to look at some of Helena Bonham Carter’s best films.

The Essentials: Matt Damon

6/10/2014

by Hayley Charlesworth

Actor, writer, and professional Best Friend of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, is just one of the many stars of The Monuments Men, which gets its DVD release this week. But with a long and versatile career behind him, what are the essential films of the Damon oeuvre?

The Essentials: Nicole Kidman

6/6/2014

by Paul Costello

Nicole Kidman is an interesting actress. Actually, she’s a very interesting actress. Since first grabbing our attention back in 1989 with the solid Australian thriller Dead Calm, she’s been steadily growing as one of the best and most capable actresses in Hollywood. She is also regarded as one of the most beautiful women ever to walk onto the movie screen. Her talent and beauty have generally combined to give her a certain air, the distinction of being regarded as a true movie star, a status only ever attained by a select few. What makes her so interesting, though, especially given her movie star status, is that she is also one of the most wilfully reckless actresses out there.

The Essentials: Jared Leto

6/3/2014

by Robbie Jones

Jared Leto is one awesome guy. He’s the front man of 30 Seconds to Mars, an Oscar winning actor, and a supporter of charities alike. Add that to his luscious hair and amazing voice and you’ve almost got perfection. Dallas Buyer’s Club has hit DVD shelves, and you know what that means? It’s time to take a look at his best films!

Of course, there are several I’ve yet to see, the likes of Lord of War and Requiem for a Dream, both of which have received nothing but acclaim. So, what’s on our list?

The Essentials: Tom Cruise

5/30/2014

by Cookie N Screen

There was a time, long before Edge of Tomorrow (which is in cinemas today), when Tom Cruise was known for more things than just running to save the world. There was a time when he was known for more things than being teeny tiny, part of the Scientologist religion and having a couple of failed marriages (that are unfair because the guy is actually awesome). In fact, the actor has had a career full of longevity that anyone can be envious of. Starting off in 1981, he has appeared in hundreds of movies and has become one of the most famous actors of all time, yet still doesn’t have an Oscar.

Departing from the classic 80s garb such as Top Gun and Days of Thunder, which are basically the same film anyway, here are some Tom Cruise movies you need to watch.

The Essentials: Angelina Jolie

5/28/2014

by Liam McMillen

Love her or hate her, there's no denying Angelina Jolie has run the gambit of roles in film. From heroin chic to video game character to distraught mother, Jolie has made a name for herself in dramatically different films. When she’s not working on blockbuster movies, Jolie can be found around the world working with charities and engaging in humanitarian efforts. And if that isn’t enough, she always manages to make someone’s list as one of the most beautiful women in the world. With the release of Maleficent, we look at her essential films.

The Essentials: James McAvoy

5/22/2014

by Cookie N Screen

Let’s just say this: James McAvoy is one of the most important actors of his generation and will continue as such for what hopefully will be a career of longevity. First coming to acclaim in hit television show Shameless, he was propelled to stardom through blockbuster roles such as Mr Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Wesley in Wanted. Now the new face of Charles Xavier in the phenomenal X-Men series, he reclaims the role again for the latest hijinks X-Men: Days of Future Past. Not only does he do superb stuff on the screen, but his work on the stage, such as his engaging role in Macbeth, makes him a visceral and talented actor. Oh, and he also does voice-work for loveable cartoon characters, recently popping up in Muppets Most Wanted, too.

But what makes McAvoy such an enthralling character actor is his intellectual insight into his roles, able to layer, convey and emote much more than the ordinary actor. Don’t believe me? Check out the essential films in McAvoy’s magnificent roster.

The Essentials: Chiwetel Ejiofor

5/12/2014

by Cookie N Screen

A little while ago, not many people knew the name of Chiwetel Ejiofor. Especially outside the British Film Industry and even then his name was unknown to audiences everywhere. This is a massive shame because Ejiofor has been an undeniable talent and an incredible actor, conquering the stage in productions as brilliant as Othello. None of this was more clear than his stellar Oscar nominated turn in 12 Years A Slave which saw him happily scoop up the BAFTA for Best Actor this year. Taking the pain and hope of Solomon Northup, a free man sold into slavery, Ejiofor collected plenty of much deserved awards, recognition and hopefully, will continue increasing his status for years to come as one of Britain’s most diverse and impeccable actors.

But before his career spirals so prolifically, let’s have a look at his other works that you need to watch.

The Essentials: Studio Ghibli

5/9/2014

by Gloria Daniels-Moss

With one of the world’s most skilled director/animators announcing his retirement late last year, Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have stuck together and given us one last film - The Wind Rises. Due to land in cinemas Friday 9th May, from the trailers and posters it appears to be as magical and as beautiful as ever. Ghibli have been round for some time now and have wowed audiences across the globe with their breathtaking narratives and lavish animations. This unique studio pride itself on working without the constraints of the industry and even after their distribution deal with Disney back in 1996, they remained true to their rules of independent filmmaking. Even the company name, “Ghibli” is an Italian word based on the Arabic name for wind, evoking the idea that they would, “blow a fresh wind through the industry”... and so they did, transforming animation as we know it into something truly magical and superbly drawn. With the release of The Wind Rises, let’s take a quick look at some of Studio Ghibil’s best work.

The Essentials: Arnie

5/7/2014

by Melissa Haggar

Oh yes, this time we’re looking at the mighty mountain that is Arnold Schwarzenegger (or Arnie, for short). With such terrific acting roles underneath his belt, Arnie is well known for his acting films, as there is truly no one else who can play the tough characters with such a dedicated, steely glaze, as he does. With Arnie’s latest role in Sabotage, which crash lands into cinemas in the UK today, we take a look back at some of his most epic films.

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The Essentials: Helena Bonham Carter

The Essentials: Matt Damon

The Essentials: Nicole Kidman

The Essentials: Jared Leto

The Essentials: Tom Cruise

The Essentials: Angelina Jolie

The Essentials: James McAvoy

The Essentials: Chiwetel Ejiofor

The Essentials: Studio Ghibli

The Essentials: Arnie

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