Film Review of ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless - Nintendo DS Winner

Chris, age 16, from Carlisle won the Nintendo DS Lite

Here is his winning review

Film Review of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'

"Would you erase me?" is the tagline, but I certainly wouldn't erase this film from my mind. A clever plot, witty dialogue and impeccable acting skills make this movie a must-see.

'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' is an unconventional romantic comedy, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as the couple. During the course of the film, Joel (Carrey) is undergoing a procedure to erase his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Winslet) from his mind after a bad break up. However, as he relives some of his best moments with Clementine, Joel realises how much he still loves her and is reluctant to let her go.

The greatness of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' cannot be described; you have to see it to believe it. Since Carrey is not playing one of his usual comedic parts, he shows depth and sensitivity in the role of Joel. However, there are some comedic aspects in the movie that he makes laugh-out-loud funny. Winslet is also remarkable as the lively, free spirit Clementine who contrasts perfectly with quiet, nice guy Joel. What's more, there are some strong supporting performances by Kirsten Dunst and Elijah Wood.

Astounding cinematography adds to the excellence of this movie and communicates some aspects of the film better than dialogue. For example, the fantastical way Joel's world 'crumbles' around him in his mind as he loses Clementine and how he skips from one scene to another convey how disjointed and unconventional their love was, but even so he cannot live without her.

The plot is an extraordinarily amazing idea from director Michel Gondry that explores a bizarre, sci-fi scenario whilst keeping the moving realism of Joel and Clementine's relationship intact.

I would recommend 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' to anyone due to its broad genre-defying storyline, great acting and filming that make the movie both heart-warming and remarkable. So, kick back on your couch, bed, floor or even car seat if you have a portable DVD player, and get watching!

Batman "The Dark Knight" - Ipod Nano Winner

Josh, age 14, from Whitehaven won the Ipod Nano

Here is his winning review

Batman "The Dark Knight!"

I watched the Dark Knight at the cinema and I thought it was absolutely brilliant. Heath Ledger performed brilliantly as the Joker, true villain characteristics.

It was a lot darker and sinister than I expected, but it was still magnificent. Christian Bale makes an excellent Batman.

Him and Heath Ledger make the perfect hero and villain combination. I would definately give this film at least a 4 out of 5. The only reason i wouldn't give this film a 5/5 is because i found it a bit far fetched, but the storyline keeps you rapt in anticipation.

I also loved the way they gradually introduced Harvey-2-face to the movie.

Radiohead Gig Review - Wii Winner

Arran, age 16, from Morton in Carlisle won the Wii.

Here is his winning review

Friday 27th June 2008

20,000 people passionately singing every lyric, bouncing up and down in awe to Thom Yorke's breathtaking, falsetto voice. This was the Radiohead gig at Glasgow Green - the best gig I've ever been too.

Me and my 2 mates arrived at the Green about 3pm, feeling pretty stupid as I was the only one lined up at the gates with just my Radiohead T-shirt on, everyone else had jumpers and jackets!! From the moment we arrived people were selling ponchos - overpriced of course so we didn't bother - from the minute we took that decision the heavens opened and it never stopped raining…

As soon as the gates opened hundreds of people started running towards the stage, myself included. I looked behind me and could see the stampede. At this moment we also were told there would be delays - another 5 hours!! However this didn't lower anyone's spirits - people were steadily filling the green, all wearing yellow ponchos and talking about the gig.

By now the rain was getting worse so we took shelter under the chip van's roof - luckily the ladies took pity on us and gave us each a bin liner which we made into our own ponchos - sorted!!

Finally at about 8pm the support band 'Bat For Lashes' appeared, although a member short they still kept us occupied with beautiful new songs. Once they were finished the main act was being prepared - huge lights were hung from the enormous stage - the roadies tested the equipment and the crowd started roaring and shouting for Radiohead. Then they appeared, the atmosphere was unexplainable - the crowd went crazy.

The band kicked off with '15 step' from their newest album 'In Rainbows' every word was being sung by crazy Glaswegians who had waited hours drinking in the bar!! The atmosphere was immense and I got pushed with the crowd to the very front where my heroes kept playing just like I had imagined them too. This continued for a good 2 hours. The set list for the gig was flawless they continued to play songs from their latest album and added in songs from 'The Bend's' and 'Ok Computer' - they also played some of their other experimental albums, all as mind-blowing as each other.

The highlight of the gig was 'Karma Police' a lovely acoustic song that Thom sang with all his heart - as did the 20,000 people watching.

The band was amazing and played us 2 encores finishing the night with a favourite song of many, 'Idioteque'. As soon as the intro started the crowed went crazy, jumping and pushing like always - high in the moment - crowd surfing to songs you wouldn't think possible to crowd surf to.