Tuesday 23 April 2013

FUCK YOU ASK.FM

This isn't a review. This isn't some chatty post about my favourite song.It's about something that is bothering me. It's going to be, as usual, opinionated, detailed and you're probably going to disagree with some of the things said.
That's okay. 
Let's begin.

Ask.fm is no secret to our youth nowadays. Like Facebook, Twitter, Formspring, it blew up like any other old social networking website. But it was more interesting. With the feature with the promise of complete anonymity and confidential messages, you can say anything you want on someone else's page with the reassurance of not being discovered.
You'd think it would encourage cringey relationship proposals, confessions of love, but that's too innocent for our youth. Being seventeen myself and in the correct boundary of this 'youth' I speak of, I can relate to the excitement it would bring.
Unlike Facebook, unlike Formspring, your identity is a complete secret and unfortunately, not even traceable by the authorities.

Cyberbulling has been around for a while now. Ever since the social networking sites began, it's been a primary arena for hate, trolls and bullying.
It's been the source of every rumour, the messenger that spreads the word and regretfully, the cause of many teenagers problems today. 
Sadly, this particular website is famous for not a good reason. It's famous for being the cause of approximately 6 teenaged suicides from as young as 14 years old. That's not a reason for the creators of this website to be happy, to be proud, to be satisfied with the global phenomena it has.
And yet, kids as young as 11 continue to make accounts on this website.

Ask.fm is filled with questions to do with virginity, crushes, snog marry avoids but the prominent post on nearly ever single account I've looked at is hurtful comments encouraging suicide, self harm and self abuse.
It's disgusting how innovative people are nowadays with insults - with curse words too revolting to repeat, statements too degrading to write on here and just generally horrific things that people are victim to.
When someone insults you in the street, a random stranger, you'd stick up for yourself, right? Confront them? Demand to know what their problem was? I mean, how can someone insult and judge you when they don't even know you?
When a friend admits to you they think you're a 'slag' or an 'idiot,' you're more hurt, aren't you? Because this person knows you and therefore must have justification for insulting you.
So how come, when an anonymous troll tells you to commit suicide, it's taken seriously?

It's beyond me why this website still exists. Why teenagers, young adults, CHILDREN subject themselves to this bullying. It's simple. Get rid of the website.
Bullying would continue, sure. I'm not doubting that. CyberBullying has only recently been taken seriously into account of authorities. Comments and status' on Facebook will continue to be filled with low lives who have nothing better to do and find pleasure in hurting others through a fucking computer screen.
Celebrity Twitter spats will press on with rival fanbases at eachothers throats (thank you Louis Tomlinson and Tom Parker for that amusing and yet pointless argument the other day where Directioners are actually threatening the lives of Wanted fans - good message you guys portray)

Truth is, the balance has tipped. The endless amount of support bullying victims get from celebrities, songs, movies, charities is pointless against the increasing amounts of children taking their own lives.
Escape the Fate is right, 'violence is a vicious cycle' and unfortunately, it's forced upon others just like it's forced upon the bullies.
But back to my main point. FUCK YOU ASK.FM you're a goddamn waste of an URL and internet space.


Friday 5 April 2013

Bad Boys You Love To Hate

I don't know about you but I always tend to be drawn to the baddies in television shows and movies. If they've got a traumatic background, motive and a hilarious streak, they're most likely to be my favourite character. In television shows and movies, here are a few of the bad boys that I'm sure everyone cannot stand but cannot help to love.

Klaus - Vampire Diaries
To be fair when he made his appearance in Alaric's body, I found him annoying. Until he was given a face, an English accent and gorgeous eyes and then he became the bad guy who does something wrong and I'm sat on the sofa going, 'awww he so sweet.'
He's a fan favourite and almost everyone I talk to loves Klaus. He's not as good looking as Damon or pretty boy like Tyler but he's got a whole lotta charisma and such a lovable personality. He's a lonely boy at heart desperate to keep his family with him 24/7 under any circumstances necessary.

Lestat - Interview With A Vampire
One of Tom Cruise's best performances EVER in the history of his film career. He plays the morbidly hilarious and mysterious Lestat whom next to sensitive Louis really makes you dribble at the mouth. He becomes psychotic and murderous towards our favourite vampire but his storyline is flawless and his personality is so attractive.

Bane - Dark Knight Rises
It wasn't just Tom Hardy that made me love this villain, it was the single tear on his face during Tate's revelation that made my heart break. His hot body, smoldering eyes and those one-liners to die for just make this movie that much bearable to watch (not that it isn't a good movie in itself)


Joker - Dark Knight
Joining Bane with our Batman villain fetish, again the incredible Heath Ledger who plays this lovable character just enhances this characters performance as one of the craziest, psychotic and murderous villains in a superhero movie. Again, his story about his scars make him realistic and give him a little motive behind his insane nature.

David - Lost Boys
Keeping up with the seemingly obvious pattern of vampires, here's my favourite vampire from my favourite vampire movie of all time.
David is lovable on the pure reason of his sexiness. He's a proper vampire, he isn't doing anything wrong, he's feeding from humans because that's in his nature, he was kind to Michael and took him in before he was betrayed. He plays the perfect part of a scorned leader wreaking vengeance on his treacherous legion.

Thursday 4 April 2013

Hey, guess what?! I write!

I rarely ever in fact I haven't posted anything on here that wasn't a review, walkthrough or opinion of some sort. But...

I wanted to let you know that I'm writing an original fiction on the story sharing website Mibba.com.

If you're interested my username is ElloHarley and the story is called Game.

Here is a link: http://www.mibba.com/Stories/Read/515436/Game/

You don't have to but it would be awesome to get some of you involved in this.

Wednesday 3 April 2013

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2013)

Post will contain, as always, spoilers along with tips, opinions and walkthrough methods.

As an avid player of the Tomb Raider series all the way back to 1996. 'Course, I was only one then so I didn't play it, instead I watched my dad play it until I was old enough to hold the controller. Being young, stupid but incredibly adorable, I triggered the first tiger sequence, paused it and then turned the game off. I then only vowed to watch others or I would run around her training arena in her home just pretending I was playing the actual storyline. When I was old enough to understand the game, I went on to play and complete the first three games along with Angel of Darkness, Legend, Anniversary and then subsequently this new one.

Tomb Raider 9 is a reboot to the franchise. It's a retelling of her story and a somewhat prequel to the first game. It focuses on how she became a survivor from a adventurer.
This game is, no doubt my favourite out of all of them possibly because of the new graphics, the platform and the storyline itself isn't too complicated.
With the tight places and over the shoulder camera angles, you get an indepth insight to the claustrophobia Lara is experiencing. You can really relate to how new she is to the whole survival instinct. Her story is realistic and her determination to find and save her friends is the snippet into the personality of the Lara Croft we were accustomed to in the old games.

Good points: the graphics most definitely. Shadows, details, blood, dirt, it's all there and there's no fault really  concerning the graphic part of the game. Developers really went all out to ensure fans of the game wouldn't discard it. Lara's development really intrigued me. At the start of the game you are newly equipped with a bow and arrow and when you get the pistol, it's obvious Lara's never fired at anything before considering the aiming starts off really badly. The cut scene in which she kills someone is actually really emotional and it hurts to watch this video game character that you're so used to seeing being badass actually has a vulnerable side.
The storyline was good. Even though it seems really straight forward, the notes you find along the way written by either Lara's friend Sam, cult leader Mathias or just random people who were on the island, give insight to different opinions and thoughts and gives each character you encounter their own storyline and reason for being there.
The relationships Lara has with each character is different. Throughout the game your primary mission is to rescue Sam along with finding the other survivor friends along the way. The losses encountered in the game aren't, like most, disregarded as if they don't matter. Lara is emotionally affected by each death of a character.

Bad points: not many to be honest. The aiming was really bad for me. It began terrible but Lara isn't used to a weapon so I figured the bad aiming and over the shoulder camera was deliberate but as the game progresses, it gets increasingly difficult to pull off a shot.

I feel the battle and action scenes in the game are similar to Uncharted - enemies free roam, they attack you from either angle using a range of firearms or melee weapons depending on your distance. You have to rely on cover to save health and a lot of it is trial and error. Unlike Legend and Anniversary where enemies were only a mere entertainment purpose rather than an actual obstacle.

My favourite character is as expected, Lara only because she's the only character you get a bond with. She's the lead character, you're not really introduced to anyone else apart from her survivor friends.
The only struggle I had was nearing the end when you're getting stopped by enemies from entering the temple. They send an Oni type guard at you that you have to get close to, dodge and then shoot with a shotgun.
If you are able to get the hang of the aiming it's pretty easy to deter him by shooting at his head but if like me, you had trouble with it use the dodge and attack method and he'll go down pretty quickly.

Holding up to it's original name however, there are side mission where Lara is able to explore tombs and solve puzzles to earn extra XP.

Overall, it's an incredible game. Remakes are seriously making a comeback for the better and getting positive reviews too. Most definitely my favourite game and I hope SquareEnix continue and make another.
Lots of action, storyline and girl power throughout.

Monday 25 March 2013

Classic Teen Movies

Being a movie buff in 2013 means you've watched Christopher Nolans Batman trilogy a hundred times and can name every Kristen Stewart movie.
Well, I am a movie buff on the sheer reason why I prefer old classics over any modern movie ANY DAY.
I was brought up on John Hughes and Joel Schumacher. Being born in 1995 didn't give me much opportunity to watch these when they were popular but I was lucky enough to have a movie buff relative who loved the 'brat pack' movies just as much as I do today.
Here are a few of my favourites and why they annihilate the modern teen movies made today.


Weird Science - 1985 - John Hughes
One of my favourites and possibly the best sleepover movie when you're a dweeby geek and dramatically declining in the social circle. Anthony Michael Hall made his debut as the stereotypical nerd that he portrayed in other favourites Sixteen Candles & Breakfast Club and let's not forget how Kelly LeBrock is just a BABE in this film. It makes me laugh every time and remains at the top of the teen movies. There's 17 Again and god forbid, Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging that girls will argue are the best movies for a girly night in but when I'm in the house, there's some 80's teen comedies, Reeses chocolates and a whole lot of panty hats.


Pretty In Pink - 1986 - Howard Deutch
Although directed by someone different, it was written by John Hughes most people mistake it for one of Hughes movies although it isn't. It's a cult favourite and is practically the epitome of teen movies. Molly Ringwald made her debut in the 80's with other notable favourites such as Sixteen Candles and Breakfast Club alongside Anthony Michael Hall and is now referred to a lot in most modern movies. In 2001 Not Another Teen Movie was a spoof movie dedicated to parodying every teen movie in the 80's making a special appearance at the end was Ringwald herself. Pretty in Pink remains my favourite of her movies and again, is an awesome movie to sit around with your friends and swoon over Blaine and cry over poor little Ducky.

St Elmo's Fire - 1985 - Joel Schumacher
This film was released around the same time as every other teen movie and yet it remains one of the best. A film about life and love and the hardships of adjusting to adulthood, it's a movie I can never tire of. Not to mention that Andrew McCarthy and Rob Lowe just make me swoon in this movie. Like every other teen movie in the 80's there's humour and drama mixed into one masterpiece. Teen movies nowadays really don't run your emotions like the old classics to. Someone once said to me, 'High School Musical 3 is like St Elmo's Fire, they're all adjusting to life.' Ladies and Gentleman, I could've shot them down like a poacher in a  rabbit hutch. Anyone who claims to be an old classic movie buff may have watched Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles but they're not a true 80's movie kid if they haven't sat through this.

Breakfast Club - 1985 - John Hughes
Here it is, ladies and gents. The film that made the 80's pop culture that was the 'brat pack' and teen comedy. A film made in the same year as St Elmo's Fire and similar in content but completely different characters that you can not only feel for but relate to as well. Each character symbolizes the stereotypical cliques in high school's back then and even today. There are movies like Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging that make fun of the stereotypical geeks in social turmoil due to the popular crew but there's no other film that depicts the realism and how if affects others. And let's face it, no other actor can pull off being a realistic geek than Anthony Michael Hall. The film is a work of art and a genuis' masterpiece. A perfect movie to sit down and laugh with. I wanna say I'm in the Anthony Michael Hall clique but Ally Sheedy and her basket case self probably suits me right now.

Sixteen Candles - 1984 - John Hughes
Another Ringwald classic that once again features our very own favourite geek. This film just screams teen sleepover movie. I'm sure every sixteen year old girl can relate to Molly's distress when she crushes on the most popular boy who is in a relationship with the popular girl and her parents don't acknowledge her and her bratty siblings just don't know the meaning of the word 'sensible.'
I became so obsessed with this film, I didn't take it out of my DVD player for a month. It was on replay all the time. Not only does it provide you with killer humour and knockout one liners but it's a brilliant ending that yes, is predictable but it's alright because it's just so great and romantic.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1986 - John Hughes
Another Hughes masterpiece. There's not one person I know that hasn't heard of this movie. This movie struck the whole truant is cool phenomena. Everytime I skip school, my thoughts are always with our favourite little truant and his innovative ways to avoid everyone and yet have the best day ever.
Like Weird Science, Matthew Broderick constantly breaks the fourth wall to talk with the audience and it's humour and close calls is what drives the story ahead. It's a classic that doesn't feature many actors from his previous films although it's similar to Home Alone that Hughes goes on to direct later.

Lost Boys - 1987 - Joel Schumacher
Another one for the resentful 'brat pack' nature although not really a teen comedy. It's a vampire classic that truly 100% represents the vampires that are as real as they're gonna get. Forget sparkles and convertibles with fancy ski resort houses and Claire De Lune. Lost Boys brought teen movies to a comedy/horror level when Schumacher directed this all time cult classic. It's all about rock n roll, motorbikes, mohawks and leather jackets. This is what vampires were about in the 80's.

Saturday 16 March 2013

Guilty Pleasure: One Direction

Alright, everyone know's 'em, they're like marmite. You love 'em or hate 'em and then there's those who secretly love them and just cannot bring themselves to admit it.
Well, it's like it's programmed into the mainstream to hate these guys but my question is WHY? They're five young guys who are easy on the eyes and bring out great music. They're just a boyband. I don't see Girls Aloud getting compared to Hannah Montana like these guys are getting compared to Justin Bieber.
Okay, fair enough, their first album was like Disney crapped all over it but their new music is really developing.
Take Me Home has got some awesome tunes on it. I'm seventeen years old and still find these guys sorta, pretty, kinda amazing.

3) I Would
So, my third favourite song on the album is I Would because it's fun, lively and it's kinda jolly not considering the lyrics. It's real easy to catch on the tune and it's great to sing along to. One thing I really enjoy about this album in particular is the fact all the guys get at least one solo part in every song except for Back For You which I think is only Louis and Liam for their girlfriends, if I'm correct. Anyway, the chorus will stick in your head for ages and you'll be humming it on the bus stop tomorrow.

2) Over Again
This is a slow and rather sad song. Apparently, the boys cry when they perform it live which doesn't surprise me to be honest. It's a meaningful song that isn't the conventional love song. It seems to be about a guy pining over a heartbroken and damaged girl. My favourite part in this song is Harry's verse and Louis' straight after. The 'showers that are British' part just makes me wanna break down in tears and makes me proud of my cuppa tea accent. It's a song that will make you fall asleep, make you cry or make you smile if you can relate to the lyrics because they work out in the end. I hope. Maybe I should listen to it again...

1) Rock Me
So, I've actually heard this song is really, really popular.
It's undoubtedly the best song on the album and it's probably the first song I've managed to listen to a hundred times without getting bored this year. I'm scared to listen to it again just in case.
It's brand new from their original material. All of their voices sound amazing and really rock n roll and their live performances of this song makes Harry be shown in such a new light. His stage presence is really overpowering and you can tell he is really into this kinda of genre music. This song makes you rethink every stereotype you've ever placed upon this group. They're capable of other genre's and pull them off successfully.

So, if you haven't guessed already, I've got a huge soft spot for Harry Styles, who doesn't? I just think he's really misunderstood. He seems to listen to his crotch rather than his brain and he's 19 years old, famous and good lookin'. Who are we to say who he can and can't sleep with? As long as he doesn't release a stupid song out of it. *cough* Miss Swift *cough*
Louis comes a close second just because he's so effing funny.
Anyway, I know some of you have at least ONE song on your phones or iPods and I know you've hummed What Makes You Beautiful at least once.

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Blue Valentine & Crazy, Stupid, Love

I went on a little Ryan Gosling adventure over the weekend and watched two of his movies. One, underrated and boycotted due to critical acclaim and another, a popular one but nobody really paid any attention to how gorgeous he is in it. Anyway, I thought I'd share my thoughts on the two movies and also how I support 100% this man to play Christian Grey in the upcoming but not yet confirmed Fifty Shades trilogy.

Blue Valentine is one of those indie films that everyone has overlooked and underrated except for those who have a particular interest in one or two of the actors and can truly appreciate the true perfection of this movie.
Don't believe anyone who says it's a love story. For it's half right and you'll dive into this movie with the intent of a happy ending and that is far from what happens.
The movie cuts back and forth from the meeting of two young adults and their budding relationship to the present where the pair are married, unhappy and at breaking point. I can understand why some might say it's a love story, in essence it is but it's the realism that comes with their relationship that gets you to think back and consider whether or not falling in love is really worth it. I was thinking to myself near the end 'I don't want this to happen to me' and 'I am never falling in love.'
But, moving past the tearful storyline, the acting from Michelle Williams and the perfect Mr Gosling is faultless and according to Wikipedia, they were instructed to not only live together during filming but to act like a married couple to 'get a feel' for one another. How authentic is that?

Crazy, Stupid, Love was the movie I watched afterwards and I had to say it was the best choice of a movie after I was recovering from that ending from Blue Valentine. Surrounded by teary tissues and a pessimistic attitude to the whole concept of love, I wasn't ready for this movie. The title alone of this movie made me want to shut off the whole world and just cry over my future that will undoubtedly involve hundreds of cats. Anyway, this movie is a romantic comedy. It's a film that encourages people to not think negatively about love and rejoice it. It basically contradicts everything Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams were depicting in Blue Valentine.
Steve Carrell does an impressive job in portraying a man who is torn up over his cheating wife and approaching divorce along with struggling to regain his 'manhood' that Gosling's characters, a womanizing rich boy claims he's lost.
All in all, it's a star studded cast of Julianne Moore, Emma Stone and Jonah Bobo. Excellent job, everyone.

Friday 1 March 2013

Mama Review

This post will contain spoilers and opinions you may disagree with - feel free to leave at any point.

This movie is a must-see for all horror fans. Whether you prefer gore over jumpscares or psychological over emotional trauma, this film is perfect for horror fans to unite.
From the trailer, it appealed to me. It was scary and after 9PM, the jumpscare was amazing. You don't get much information at all from the trailer itself, really. There's quick, snappy images to keep you engaged and guessing but where the storyline is concerned, there's hardly anything there to make you go, 'so that's what it's about.'
This movie isn't original, the storyline has been done before. The plot holes are there, the acting isn't the greatest in some cases and there are predictable scenes.
That's not to say it's not a great movie to sit down with and scare the shit out of you.

So, the movie focuses around a family, or more prominently, two young girls and their uncles girlfriend, Annabelle.
The movie begins with a distressed father taking his two young girls, one around 3 or 4 and another only around 1. He drives them dangerously in the snow towards a destination, however, they crash and end up in the woods. They encounter a lone house where they take refuge, just as the father is about to shoot his eldest daughter (and assumed he's going to murder himself afterward) he is brutally attacked and killed.
Five years later and the father's brother has been spending years trying to find his nieces. His girlfriend, a punk rock musician who doesn't like to be tied down and celebrates when she's not pregnant, is less than enthusiastic when news comes that the girls have been found. The two girls are underweight and animalistic in behaviour. They snap, claw and bite when approached, they've been feeding on racoons and badgers and cherries, they know little communication skills and are predatory.
Soon, the eldest girl learns quickly how to communicate with their uncle and becomes significantly close to Annabelle who is forced to care for the girls once her boyfriend is thrown down the stairs by an unseen force.
The two girls continue a relationship with a woman they call 'Mama' as she visits them in the night and play with them. Anna becomes suspicious when the youngest still talks little and begins to sleep outside. Once Anna and the girls begin to bond, 'Mama' an ex mental patient who attempted to escape with her baby but was killed when she threw herself off a cliff, makes herself known and begins to attack Anna claiming she wants the girls back. The movie ends with the youngest girl, Lily falling off the cliff with 'Mama' and the eldest staying put with her uncle and Annabelle.

I definitely think Jessica Chastain's acting deserves significant acclaim for this movie. Not only sacrificing her long, red haired locks for a choppy, rocker style, she really pulls off being a non enthusiastic single mother who wants nothing but these children to go away, she plays the damsel brilliantly and when her character warms up to the girls, she plays it perfectly.
I have to say the storyline was, although not original, was pretty good. Mama was just a ghost like character but they gave her a really deep past and motive for capturing the children. By the end, I kinda felt sorry for her character and understood why she wanted her own baby.

I give this movie a 7/10 for scares and 6/10 for storyline. Definitely recommend it but don't see it expecting awesome action sequences and psychological horror.

Saturday 23 February 2013

Beginners Guide To Walking Dead

The Walking Dead airs in America on AMC on Monday's if I'm not mistaken. Here in the UK, we're able to get it on FOX on Fridays, a weekend later than the rest of the world. If this is not the best TV series on television right now - please direct me to one that is better than this masterpiece.
To all those who want to get involved in this series but think it's too late, do not fear, here is a detailed beginners guide to overviews, episodes and characters.
This post will contain HUGE spoilers so please do not read if you don't want it to be ruined.

Season 1
Season 1 Episode 1 was, admittedly one that I missed. I was not interested in the show at all and didn't tune in until the third episode.
It begins with the main protagonist Sheriff Rick Grimes who awakes in hospital after being in a coma to a world overrun by zombies - or 'walkers' for colloquial TV talk - he quickly taps into his survival instincts and encounters a father and son. He continues communication to them via a walkie talkie to which he always gets no reply and yet he continues to direct them to safe havens. He is reunited with his own wife and child along with his best friend and some other survivors that have created a camp. As a group, they come across hardships and must work together. It ends with a CDC incident where Rick is told the virus is airborne.

Season 2
Rick is once again thrown into the deep end when he is met with more survivors, a vet and his farmer family who remain optimistic and hopeful. They harbour 'walkers' in their barn as they consider them 'sick people.' A woman within the original group loses her daughter and Rick's son has been shot so they take up camp on the farmers land. More lives are lost, relationships and friendships wither and build and soon enough, at the finale ends with the farm being overrun and the group once again on the road - with a pregnant Lori Grimes included.

Season 3
This present season has been action packed with more people dying and more survivors being encountered. Rick is hesitant about every stranger and is right when a new foe is introduced, The Governor, who leads a small town called Woodbury. Rick becomes insane due to the death of his wife and begins neglecting his newborn daughter. The mid-season finale ended with a torturous cliffhanger included a showdown between fan favourite Daryl Dixon and his long lost brother, Merle.


Rick Grimes
Ever since Season 1 he's been the official leader. Having killed his best friend for the sake of the group, he's ended up taking on everyones responsibilities and leading them to potential safe havens. Since Season 2, he's hesitant and almost indefinitely reluctant to accept strangers into his group considering everyone a threat. Rick is probably the best bet for a leader. I know for a fact, I'd feel safe around him. He's kept everyone safe, feels bad when somebody dies and tries to keep personal ties on the downlow. However, I think of him as almost selfish too. Almost every decision must benefit him in some way, whether it's protection for his son,  acceptance from his wife or just pure self gratification, Rick leads to the group into some dangerous situations sometimes to prosper and protect his own family. Season 3 sees him at his most vulnerable. He's grieving over the loss of his wife, neglecting both his son and newborn daughter and is most definitely unfit to lead the group. Considering the Governor is also vulnerable but able to keep his priorities intact, it's an internal battle between the two.

The Governor a.k.a Phillip
The leader of small town Woodbury. He depicts a caring, responsible and charming man who seems sensible, lovely and stable but it's been evident through Season 3 he has his own intentions. Using gladiator like matches against walkers, he sees the zombies as entertainment trying to teach the citizens of Woodbury that they're harmless. They feel safe around him. I see this man as one clever little individual. He's declared war against Rick and his group, I presume because they're not willing to bow down and accept him or that he isn't willing to bow down accept there are people alive that are not in Woodbury. He takes unkindly to those who aren't eager to trust and be loyal to him. His zombie-fied daughter was killed by Michonne, he uses that anger to drive him forward.

Hershel Greene
The previous owner of the farm that was overrun, he's the father of two girls who he devotes all his love and care toward. He has overcome his naive ways and now finally, sees the danger in the walkers. He stands beside Rick in all decisions and proves useful with his medical expertise. In the first episode of Season 3 he was bitten by a walker and evoked Rick to cut off his leg, he is still able to fight and work as normal if not with the help of his daughters or the crutches he now carries.


Maggie Greene
My favourite female character and my second all time favourite character in this series. She's the eldest daughter of Hershel and from the beginning, it's obvious she's the toughest out of all the females and her whole family put together.
She knew all along about the dangers of walkers but loved her father too much to say anything. She begins a relationship with former pizza boy, Korean kid Glenn. She is the only female to assist in 'runs' for supplies and one of the few to scout and secure areas. In Season 3, she's taken by the Governor and sexually harassed to which she wants to keep secret from the others, not including boyfriend Glenn who was present at the time.

Glenn (surname not specified)
A former pizza boy and first survivor Rick encounters. He is excellent at runs to gather supplies due to his knowledge of the city in Season 1 and fast and agile physique.
He begins a serious relationship with Maggie Greene and it forces him to grow up a little bit. After he's captured and held hostage in Woodbury, Merle Dixon pounds on his face and sets a walker on him to which is fights and gets dangerous close to being bitten. After seeing his girlfriend topless and sexually harassed, he grows angry at everything and Season 3 sees him try and take on a leadership role to which he attempts to force the group into rash decisions like sneaking into Woodbury and killing the Governor not thinking about the consequences.


Beth Greene
17 year old daughter and sister of Hershel and Maggie, she began Season 2 as a minor character only really coming into play when her boyfriend and stepmother die and she attempts to kill herself. Season 3 sees her taking on the role of a mother as she nurtures and looks after the baby 'Judith' a lot. There's a budding relationship in the works for her and young Carl Grimes but specifics about it hasn't been clear nor confirmed.
A promo released saw the teenager getting increasingly close with Rick which I think will be an interesting storyline if it plays off which is doubtful but not impossible.


Carl Grimes
Starting out a complaining and unhelpful member of the group, after losing his best friend Sophia and getting shot, he followed his fathers footsteps into leadership. At only 14 years old, he's suffered the loss of two of his best friends and his mother. He's able to handle himself in any situation and member of the group treat him like a twenty year old rather than the young youth that he is. He shot his own mother before she became a walker and took on the responsibility of looking after his baby sister 'Judith' because his father is unfit to do so. He's witnessed and caused a lot of death but this boy has so much depth, it's hard to comprehend.


Carol Peletier 
Season 1 began with Carol as a struggling mother of twelve year old Sophia and sufferer of domestic abuse by the hands of her husband, Ed.
Ed later died in an attack and her daughter shortly afterward went missing and ended up being killed when she was discovered to be a walker. This character has gone a long way from being a depressed, complaining and doubtful follower of Rick to a strong asset, a useful gun handler and a budding relationship partner for Daryl Dixon.



Andrea (surname not specified)
After the loss of her sister Amy in Season 1, she tried to commit suicide in the CDC. Saved by fellow group member, Dale Orvath, she continued her journey with the group becoming more and more disliked by myself and fellow fans. She became eager to try out a gun which she shot Daryl accidentally with, she slept with Shane and now, sleeping with the Governor is a determined and devoted member of Woodbury, holding her friends responsible when she was accidentally left in the farmhouse when it was overrun.



Merle Dixon
Season 1 Episode 1 began with him being in a group with Glenn, T-Dog and Andrea. After proving unfriendly and dangerous, he was handcuffed to the roof of the building and unintentionally left there. Along with Rick, his younger brother who was thought of as the same hostile and dangerous man his brother was, went to look for him only to find his hand had been cut off and he was now missing. Season 3 sees him as the lieutenant of the Governor. He's pleased to discover his brother is indeed alive. He's soon blamed for being a traitor and is forced to face off against his brother in a showdown. Both brothers work together to get out of it alive thanks to the help of Rick and Maggie. After receiving a not so friendly welcome party from Glenn or Michonne, Merle and Daryl seperate from the group only to return later on and save Ricks life.


Michonne (surname not specified)
Appearing at the beginning of Season 3, she became friends with Andrea after saving her from a walker. The girls came across Woodbury, whilst Andrea was being charmed into bed by Phillip, Michonne went with her gut feeling, attacked the Governor, killed his zombie daughter and escaped. She is now a new member of the group although it's not confirmed by Rick.
She's a huge asset using samurai swords for quick, fleeting and ammo saving attacks. She's not a big fan of Merle Dixon and attempts to kill him several times.


Daryl Dixon
And now finally, on to my all time favourite character just like almost everyone else who watches this programme.
Daryl Dixon started Season 1 being the outsider. He, along with his brother, were rednecks assumed to be just as dangerous, just as volatile, just as angry as eachother. When Merle goes missing, Daryl begins to grow closer to the group becoming the unofficial leader when Rick is absent.
The group are undoubtedly weak without him and his trademark crossbow, he helps gather food, supplies and proves a useful asset when attacking walkers and securing locations. He shortly becomes Rick's right hand man when Shane dies and Season 3 sees him being close with fellow group member Carol. Daryl has an interesting past and it's seen in the recent episode that he has scars on his back and that he was abused by his father. He looks up to Merle as a role model, protector and idol but gradually does the right thing and returns to the prison with the others.

Deceased Characters

Lori Grimes
After giving birth to her daughter, later named Judith, she dies during the c-section Maggie is forced to give her while being under attack by walkers. Carl later shoots her so she doesn't return and her remains are eaten by a sole walker which Rick brutally kills. Rick handles her death badly and begins to see her as a ghost in his mind making him unstable and unfit to lead or make decisions regarding the groups safety.


Shane Walsh 
Best friend of Rick and lover of Lori, he is an idol to Carl. He is seen in Season 1 attempting to get Rick out of the coma he's in to save his life, he fails however he barricades the door so walkers cannot get in.
After telling Lori and Carl that Rick is dead, he begins an affair with Lori. When Rick returns, Lori's anger makes him insane due to him still loving her and keeping them safe all this time. Although his intentions are understandable, he turns violent and kills innocent people to save his own life. Rick and Carl later murder him.


Dale Orvath
Dale owns the popular RV that is everyone's sleeping quarters throughout Season 1 and 2 while on the road. He becomes close with Andrea and comforts her when her sister dies, he saves her from committing suicide to which she reacts angrily at and makes an effort to hold him responsible until he later dies on the farm. Daryl shoots him in the head to ensure he doesn't return as a walker and a bond is seen when he says, 'sorry brother' although the two never really had any communication at all, I believe it was a Daryl personality boost to show the viewers that he's becoming more closer and accustomed to the group.



T-Dog
T-Dog is the character who didn't really hit off well. He wasn't disliked but he didn't have any important roles or plotlines. He began in Season 1 as being the culprit behind Merle being left on the roof after he dropped the key to his handcuffs. He got hurt in Season 2 and was rescued by Daryl, he was eventually bitten saving Carol from walkers and I think that was the hero's end he deserved. If writers kept him in, he'd be such an unhelpful person within the group. There's nothing about him that screams a storyline.


Sophia Peletier
Carol's daughter who goes missing. After running into the woods to stop walkers from attacking her, the group soon loses sight of the young girl. Most of Season 2 is about Daryl Dixon on his unending search to find her, devastation ensues when she's found in Hershel's barn as a walker - Rick shoots her in the head.

There are loads of others that have died -
Jaqui
Dr Jenner
Amy
Jim
Morales and his family
Ed
-Other survivors that are not mentioned but are presumed dead
Beth's boyfriend Thomas
Hershel's wife
Phillip's daughter
Other Woodbury townspeople
Oscar
Axel
Other prison inmaters that died

I hope this encourages you to watch the Walking Dead, it's a great show and not hard to catch up at all.
It ended with a shootout between the Governor and Rick's group and walkers being led into their prison. Check out the next episode online or on TV on AMC or FOX.














Friday 15 February 2013

Anti-Love Playlist/ Love Playlist

For some, Valentines Day can suck. It's now the 15th - you can celebrate, you survived it. Whether you've just gotten out of a relationship or never been in one, if you're single, you may have a rather negative opinion on the day completely dedicated to partners. But it's not all bad. The day is more or less a way of expressing love for everyone. My best guy friend sent me the most wonderful message about how he loves me as a friend and it made my entire day. A simple kind message to a friend can do that. That being said, here's an Anti-Love playlist for those who are still regretting their Ben & Jerry's binge with The Notebook on replay.

1. 2NE1 - Go Away
For those who don't know Kpop, it's Korean Pop Music and one of my favourite genre's of music. Most KPop songs are more or less love songs but this jewel right here is for those who just wanna say 'fuck you' to their partners. Self explanatory title of 'go away' talks about a relationship that is unrequited and the girl has finally had enough. Even if you cannot sing along, join CL, Dara, Bom and Minzy for a party. They're single girls too.

2. Jason Derulo - Ridin' Solo
I remember how popular this song was when it was released and that's because it's the ultimate single tune. For those who are consider the 'forever alone' status positively and look at it as a 'free pass' for everyone and everything. Do those things you couldn't when you were in a relationship. As a singleton myself, I get depressed at the sight of loved up couples but what're you gonna do? Break them up? Envy them? That's unhealthy. Everyone finds someone eventually so enjoy the free time while you can.

3. Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark
When it was revealed FOB were off hiatus, I think I actually cried.
Thankfully, I discovered the news and this awesome song the day before Valentines so this was a helpful track to forget all about the pink, flower infested and love heart stupid day. This song is so damn catchy and you wanna do nothing but headbang to that awesome chorus! This song has nothing to do with love, anti-love or being single but it's a song you can just rock out too and forget all about the day itself and remember it the next when you're waking up with a stiff neck.

However for some, Valentines Day is gonna be put to it's best and there's going to be ring exchanges, flower giving, cards, fancy restaurant dates, some steamy stuff in the bedrooms and young puppy love. That's okay. So, I put some love songs as well for those who are not boycotting this day.

1. Bon Jovi - Always
You can't have a lovesong playlist and not include this song. Every single rock fan out there will have your head for a moshing object.
The music video is kinda upsetting but the song itself is the loveliest song all about undying love for your beloved. And let's not ignore the fact that Jon Bon Jovi looks his absolute best in this video ;)

2. Nsync - This I Promise You
Nobody fucking judge me.
This song is old, underrated and sang by the gayest of pop boybands but nobody can deny that this song is effing cute and it speaks a lot to me. I first heard about this song when someone online said they want their other half to sing it to them. It talks a lot about problems in relationships and external factors that may potentially damage the relationship but it doesn't and that the other person (boy/girlfriend) will be there for them no matter what. It's a nice love song and it may mean something to someone out there.

3. Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
I heard this song on the radio in the car and it's been on my mind ever since as the most real love songs out there. It talks about the realistic hardships that couples face and the risks that young couples have to face in order to make it work and how mistakes are made and regrets are formed but love was always the intention and goal. It's a lovely song, sad in places but it's a love song nonetheless.

Hope you guys had a wonderful Valentines regardless of the social situation and relationship status <3

Tuesday 12 February 2013

How Music Saved My Life

As a typical seventeen year old, I've had my ups and downs. I won't go into detail how I went through the whole suicide/self harm and overall self destructive behaviour.
People use the expression of 'music saved my life' alot almost to the point it's kinda overused and I was one of the many that sighed and said, 'it doesn't save mine.' Truth was, I'd never really listened to the right songs.
Here are some songs that literally moved me to the point that I love myself when I listen to them. I feel inwardly strong and know I can overcome any internal or external battles in my life.
1. Black Veil Brides - Savior
When I first heard this song, I cried. I cried so hard I didn't think it was possible for me to stop. I didn't think one song could trigger so many emotions in me. I wasn't a hardcore fan of this band at all and I happened to listen to this song when my CD skipped from their popular 'Fallen Angels' and at the time I was listening, I was going through such a hard time in my life. The lyrics tell you a story of how hard the band try and be with you through everything but also how they're only men and what they create is only music and that you cannot always rely on them to get you out of your rough patches. The Savior they talk about in the song isn't them, it's you. Be your own angel. Be your own savior.

2. Taylor Swift - Innocent
Admittedly, mixed opinions on this singer and I for one am not a fan.But when I heard this song randomly online I cried. I could relate to the lyrics so much because I felt so mature and felt like I had this massive burden and I missed how the innocent ways of a child could become so effortless and I missed the fearless attitude we had. Everyone knows that famous saying 'the biggest problem I had when I was a kid was choosing which crayon to use.' Now it's so different. That's something nobody tells you when you're young. Is how goddamn difficult it's going to get when you get older and how you won't always get what you want and how things won't be easy. I wish someone told me that.

3. Pink - Fuckin' Perfect
Curses and swear word aside, this is the most aspirational song from this artist. She sings about not allowing yourself to think negatively about yourself. The video is about a young girl who is treated differently by others and there's a snippet scene where she's shown to cut herself but she instead transforms her emotions into Art and becomes a famous Artist where she meets her husband and eventually has a kid. The best advice anyone can give you is never to listen to pessimists. They'll only bring you down. You are perfect. You, reading this, I don't care who you are, black, while, Asian, short, tall, male, female, gay, bi, straight, loner, emo, geek, I honestly couldn't give a shit. You're just perfect. You're fucking perfect.

4. You Me At Six - If You Run
So, people who have read this blog before know that You Me At Six is my absolute favourite band and they've gotten me out of some bad times. One time in my life I didn't return home from sixth form. I just got on a random bus and didn't get off until I wanted to. I ended up somewhere I knew thankfully but it wasn't somewhere I wanted to be. I ended up somewhere that I knew well and that was a place that is forever in my heart as being one of the best places spent with the best person in my life at the time. This song came on in my headphones and made me turn around and go back home. It talks about thinking you have so many problems but how smarter you are and how you have so many reasons to stay. This song made me go home. I don't know where I would've went or what I would've done if this song didn't come on in my ear. I'm thankful to this band for a lot of things.

5. Lost Prophets - Rooftops
When I first heard this, I wanted nothing more than to climb to the nearest car park and just fucking scream. When I listen to it now, it makes me truly listen. How I interpret these lyrics is scream as if you can't. Scream your heart out as if you will never be able to. Don't physically scream but make your mark. Scream your heart out in life every single day. Make it known you were there, you conquered and you can say when you die that you lived life and you screamed. 'Do something every day that scares you.'

So, that's five songs to listen to and I hope if you're struggling with life and all it's stupidness, I hope you find a song one day that helps you through it. I hope you find an outlet whether it be artistic or physical, make it beneficial and constructive instead of destructive.
You are a temple. You are your own best friend, the only one who will understand you, be there for you, sit with through the bad times, cry with you, laugh with you through the good times and will be the only person who can stand up after you've endured so much shit and walk away. Don't rely on anyone else to understand you better than yourself. Don't hurt yourself. Love yourself. If you're destroying yourself, you're defeating the point of living, right? You're letting everyone who ever doubted you, win. You're allowing them to be the razor to your arm, the pill in your mouth, the alcohol in your throat. Don't let them kill you.

Friday 8 February 2013

Warm Bodies Review

If there's something I like better than vampires, it's zombies. As sick of a dream it is, I really hope the world gets overrun by zombies.
Not the obnoxiously screaming running ones in 28 Weeks Later, I want the old school Resident Evil 1 zombies - slow, stupid, vulnerable.
I'm absolutely convinced I can survive. I can put to use all of my skills on the Xbox to save the world.
Anyway, when I saw this movie advertised it was a must-see for me. Zombies? Check. Nicholas Hoult? Check. Romance? Check. Black comedy? Check.
I had heard it had mixed reviews but honestly didn't care.
I went to see it a few hours ago and just got back and am writing this so the movie is fresh in my mind not that I think it will go away anytime soon.
So, let's start with the positives.
The soundtrack to this movie is brilliant, ranging from Bon Iver to The National to Guns N Roses, it's got an epic OST and I recommend you download at least a few just to bring back the musical element this movie brings to you.
The romance in this movie is so cute. I'm not saying it's realistic because let's face it, he's still a zombie.
But there were times I was almost brought to tears. Nicholas Hoult is a tremendous actor. Some know him as the cute kid in About A Boy next to Hugh Grant, some know him as manipulative Tony Stonem in Skins but I believe this film is really gonna put him on the map. He never really got a show a vulnerable side to him in the Skins series and you can tell just how tormented and lonely this 'R' is in Warm Bodies. He's a zombie with only one friend, he's confused, lost and lonely. He inexplicably falls in love with a zombie hunter who subsequently falls for him.
John Malkovich was another huge reason I was desperate to watch this film. I wasn't disappointed but wished he had more screen time.
Even though I believe this film was supposed to be a thrilly romance, it made me laugh so hard in some places. The stereotypical zombie elements the director really played about with, mocking it and parodying it.
Now onto the negatives.
There isn't many but there was something really far fetched about this whole story. In the start of the film, 'R' and his friend 'M' can only communicate through grunts, moans and one syllable of simple words.
Before 'R's heart even starts beating and his human instincts and feelings are triggered, he's able to communicate with 'Julie' better and more frequently. This really bothered me.
And another thing, I felt 'Julie' reciprocated his feelings a little quickly. It seemed really rushed. She trusted him because he saved her life but he still ate brains, y'know?
He killed her boyfriend who it looked like she'd known for at least 6+ years and she wasn't even mad. I felt the actress (I forget her name) didn't know how to show emotions well. She was either badass or crying. She felt like another Kristen Stewart only more tolerable.

I rate this film 7/10.
Awesome soundtrack, Nicholas Hoult's acting is faultless and the original storyline that put a whole new screen on supernatural romance.
Downrated due to the lack of feelings depicted by lead actress and the unrealistic, rushed aspect of their relationship.
Regardless, totally recommend to watch whether with a boyfriend/girlfriend or the family. I'd watch it again and am gonna buy it on DVD when it's released for sure.

Thursday 7 February 2013

Wear Sunscreen - Baz Lurhmann

As I'm learning to drive, I've become pretty close to my driving instructor. I'd say he's in early 60's, he's a retired truck driver and probably the most loveliest man you'll ever meet.
When I had my first lesson, I had never been anywhere near the drivers seat of a car. I knew little to nothing and he had to be incredibly patient with me.
He said he has never lost his temper at a student even when they've blatantly not listened to instructions or smashed his car up.
When my lessons first began, I was a nervous wreck, I felt nauseous and sick before every lesson and gotten pretty close to cancelling them on several occasions.
I didn't though and I've had almost fifteen lessons now. I'm almost at test standard, I'm fine with maneuvers and only stall once or twice a lesson.
Anyway, as I've become close to him, a mutual love we have is music. Albeit our music tastes differ tremendously but he's gotten me into some pretty awesome bands, e.g Eagles, Moody Blues and Yes.

So, a common topic of conversation is my lack of direction in life.
I confessed to him about how utterly confused I am with what I want to do in my future. It depresses me and he's noticed it's something I worry over frequently. Anyway, this morning during my lesson he told me to pull over and he said, 'I think you should listen to this.'
He put a blank CD in the player and we waited. He turns to me and says, 'some truth and advice for you, just listen.'
And then it began. The advice that changed my life.
It was the Always Free To Wear Sunscreen by director Baz Lurhmann.
In it, he talks about always looking after yourself, not worrying about other people, don't be reckless with relationships, understand people come and go in your life, get to know your parents and respect your elders. And then the part he grinned at me was when Baz said, 'never feel guilty about not knowing what you want to do in life.'
It struck a chord in me and I almost cried.
It meant a lot to me to know he took into account what I stressed over frequently and tried to find a solution. It's something nobody else has ever tried to do and therefore, this will stay with me forever and I might pass it onto fellow friends and family. I don't think I've ever been so moved in my life.

If you haven't listened to it, do. I've put the video above so you can watch it and listen to it while reading this and if you have then you understand what I'm talking about.
My driving instructor told me everything is true and he's experienced it firsthand and that the first part of the song applies to me, 'don't take advantage of your youth.'
I really shouldn't. I always believe I can't do something unless I hit a certain time period in my life. I feel I'm trapped at home because I haven't yet passed my driving test, I can't go out and have a good time because I'm not old enough to drink, and this is such a bad way to live life.
There's nothing stopping me from getting on a random bus and stopping anywhere, having to make your way home with nothing but some headphones and your phone.
Who says I need drink to be happy? Like the song says, 'don't rely on something or someone else to support you.'

I thought I'd share this with you. I hope this becomes more popular. I have no idea why I haven't listened to it before. It would have saved my life long ago.

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Harleey Plays: Devil May Cry 5 (DmC)

This post may contain spoilers to the game itself along with any of the other games, it may include tips and walkthrough types of content to help you advance in the game along with heavy opinions.

I really don't think this game should be referred to as Devil May Cry 5 as it isn't a direct sequel to DMC4. This is more of a prequel where Dante has no idea of his 'devil trigger' or memories, even of his brother Vergil. He is a lone warrior who seems not to question why he is in Limbo and why monsters are always after him and instead just goes with the flow of life.
DmC is most definitely my greatest game of 2013 so far.
It is one of many good games made my Capcom and I'm proud to say they collaborated with independent game developers Ninja Theory who're from England! :D
Ninja Theory didn't have a big line of previously successful games like Capcom but their game before this, 'Enslaved' proved a good thrill game.

So, the game begins with an epic introductory cut scene where it flashes from credits to glimpses of Dante's lifestyle. It shows glances of monsters along with him walking into a night club, drinking and having sex with two women.
When Dante awakes in the morning by a knock at his trailer door, it's a woman able to switch between Limbo and the real world and she claims she's there to help him. The cut scene continues with Dante uninterested and, bare naked, advancing out of his trailer before it switches to a scene of a monster on it's way towards him.
Like mostly all action games and DMC's, you're thrust right into action after an immense dressing cut scene from his truly where Dante faces combat with 'Lesser' demons.
Right now, you're only equipped with Rebellion, your sword and it teaches you immediately how to combat and subsequently be victorious in the battles that follow.
Before long you're reunited with Ivory and Ebony, your guns and the battle ensues. Afterward, Dante and Kat 'the medium' progress to her boss which the player can see is Vergil. At this point, Dante has no recollection of his past or his memories with his brother. Vergil and Kat force Dante back to his home and there, the player can gain more insight into what happened to Dante as a child and that he is a Nephilim.
As the game progesses, the player can tell the game has got a lot more in depth characters than the other games and that the storyline is closely linked with the loose ends associated with Dante's past and the relationship between him and his brother, Vergil.

Okay, so, I completed this game in... a day. About six or seven hours and that was without bothering much about collection all the keys to open the secret doors.
I tried to save as many lost souls as possible just 'cause I feel sorry for them and get easily annoyed with their whining. I played on Normal mode.
The hardest battle was probably the last boss battle with Vergil. Just after I collected my bearings after the Mundus fight where I got my ass handed to me, trust me, I was quickly thrown into another battle. Not that I didn't expect it but I wasn't prepared much. Vergil has intentions now to run over the city and Dante wants to  allow humans to remain free considering his feelings for Kat who is human.
Vergil may look bookish in the game but fuck me, he is strong as hell. He is able to briefly disappear, deflect attacks and plainly just block them. In the middle of the battle, he summons a doppelganger which you must defeat before Vergil takes any more considerable damage. This allows time for him to heal. So be careful. Switch between your scythe and sword for quick and relentless attacks against the doppelganger and when you're able to attack Vergil, just AXE the shit out of him. It does the most damage, although slow and you need his health to decrease as much as possible even if it means going slow and steady.
However, when you're done, you're officially done. He doesn't respawn into a separate being, he doesn't grow another head, he is just dead. Hallelujah.

Right from the trailer of this game, I was hooked. I loved the image change for Dante. I heard it received negative reviews before it was even released due to the dislike of the image change.
Dante is known for his long-ish, heavenly looking white hair and youthful face in contrast to his brother who has the same white hair which is partly slicked back and an older looking face.
I can understand why some fanboys were getting fickle about the image change. It's a drastic change. Dante is now in rather thuggish attire, a vest, coat and jeans with short, cropped brown hair which looks as if he'd cut it himself. Vergil has white hair, a posh looking coat and an uptight, snobbish persona.
Dante is depicted as arrogant and cocky which is nothing new but as he has no recollection of his memory, it's hard to understand why he's fighting at all.
Anyway, when the game was released, it was nice to see most negative reviews had been withdrawn and the game score 9/10 on most gaming media.
I think although drastic, the image change was necessary. The game is an absolute prequel type and remake of the first Devil May Cry.
It's Capcom and Ninja Theory's interpretation and it's an overall amazing game. The image change within Dante I think, is supposed to emphasize the difference between the two brothers. Vergil is level-headed, wealthy, smart with technology and bookish. In the game, he is portrayed as someone who seems to prefer to stick to behind the scenes work as compared to hands on fighting.
Dante is a lone wolf, slashing down enemies mercilessly and confidently. You're supposed to understand right away that these two brothers have very different ways of getting things done which eventually leads to the rivalry later on.

Dante's love interest in the game is not Trish and instead a medium, Kat, who is human. Although no physical or obvious interaction between them is evident, when Kat is captured, Dante seems upset and goes through hell and back, literally, the get her back. He ends up turning his back on his brothers offer to rule the city with him due to his newfound admiration and respect for humans and thinks they deserve their own free will and freedom.
So yeah, this was long. Overall, it's a brilliant game. No skill is necessarily needed, no puzzles that stress you out, no impossible battles and the music is tolerable.
When it comes down in price, I recommend you buy it. It will keep you entertained for hours. Plus, who gets tired of playing as a sexy, gorgeous, badass demon hunter?