Review - The Life & Death of Charlie St. Cloud...

"Trust your heart if the seas catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backwards" - E. E. Cummings

Taking chances in life isn't always easy. Sometimes you have to let go of the things and people you love in order to do so. Charlie St Cloud is just that, a story about learning to let go, and learning to take chances.

Zac Efron plays Charlie St Cloud, a handsome sailing scholar about to attend Stanford who has an unbreakable endearing bond with his younger brother Sam (played by Charlie Tahan). Charlie, knowing the fatherless family cannot afford baseball camp for Sam offers to practice with him an hour everyday before he leaves for College on one condition; Sam must never be late. That evening the two brothers are involved in a fatal car accident, Sam dies but Charlie is bought back to life by paramedic (Ray Liotta). Consumed by grief and tormented by the loss of his brother, Charlie is unable to cope with the funeral and runs off into the woods. It is here we are reintroduced to Sam's ghost, who reminds Charlie of their deal to practice everyday at sunset.

5 years on, and Charlie has taken a job as the Graveyard caretaker to be closer to his brother. Sticking true to his word, he practices everyday with Sams ghost and all is well, until Charlie starts to fall for Amanda Crew (Tess Carrol), an attractive sailing aficionado, about to set sail round the world. Their budding relationship starts to threaten Charlies ability to keep his promise to Sam, and Amanda doesn't have long before she leaves. Charlie is left with the difficult decision of choosing between the two and learning that in order to move on, you have to let go.

I was neither moved to to tears by this movie, (although there are plenty of moving scenes) or tempted to leave half way through. Efron and his leading lady Crew carry this movie and hold it together well. Efron is brilliant as Charlie, he is sincere, real and truly believable and you will find yourself really connecting to his character throughout the movie. His acting ability is not the only reason to see Charlie St Cloud, his impeccably toned arms and divinely pretty face make this 99 minutes of pure pleasure to watch. Plenty of close ups, great settings, well written script, a few laughs and a very decent kissing scene make this movie a real treat. I was really taken aback by the twist, didn't have a clue. So ignore the harsh critical write ups, 'The Life and death of Charlie St Cloud ' is really pleasant and I recommend it for every Efron fan. This is not a chick flick, so boys don't worry if the girls want you to go, you may actually find yourself liking it.

Winter Sun

Over the years Thailand has been a very popular destination for travelers not only because of its beauty, but the fact that it’s cheap and easy to get to.

When I visited Thailand I went to Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi (famous for it’s beaches featured in the movie ‘The Beach’). Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve had the pleasure of going to! As soon as I landed in Bangkok I knew I’d love every moment of it.

Bangkok is a vibrant city but is not to everyone's liking. I however loved every moment of it and really enjoyed the food, and not to mention the cheap shopping. The city is full of vibrant colours and packed with people. The best way to see Bangkok is by tuk tuk (not for the faint hearted), small 3 wheeler motors without doors. The drivers speed in and out of the chaotic traffic as quickly as possible which whilst very fun, also very dangerous.

I then went to Koh Phi Phi easily the most beautiful Island off Thailand, which is yet to be completely taken over by tourists. Phi Phi offers great scuba diving experiences, not to mention tranquil beaches and a laid back nightlife. I was lucky enough to swim with the reef sharks (v.shy) between Phi Phi Li and Phi Phi Don. Trips like this are a must a really great way to see this amazing island. The only let down was the food. If you like fresh fish its great, but the chicken and meat isn't great! I'm not sure if it's because the animals are so small or whether they actually use dog instead! :), but just to be safe I stuck to fish and Rice. Phi Phi was hit badly by the Tsunami but they've managed to rebuild what was lost. You can actually walk through the jungle to the evacuation points up to View Point which is really amazing. I recommend it. Phi Phi is a good place to recharge if you've been partying

Phuket is the largest Island off Thailand and most probably the most over run by tourists and people looking for a cheap holiday. Patong is infamous for its rowdy nightlife, sex scene and prostitutes. This may sound alarming but it’s worth visiting for the experience, just be careful with the locals as they expect to be paid for everything, even if you have your photo taken with them. Phuket does have some nice places too though. I stayed in Kata Noi, a really pretty town, with nice evening markets and good surfing. The food was the best I had on the trip and the hotel (Villa Royale) was nestled nicely in exotic gardens. I lived like a queen for little money, what more could you want.