Having won American Idol, Kelly Clarkson's first album didn't quite make it over
here but her second, and much more refined album, Breakaway, is a different
story. So far each single has taught us something new about Kelly's amazing
writing and singing talent. Because of you pushes her past the likes of Avril
Lavigne and Amy Studt, proving she is more than a rock chick.

Kelly produces some soaring vocals that are more in tune with the likes of
Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston whilst the song retains her rocky, edgy sound.
In short, the vocal is, shall we say, stunning. The lyrics are also rather
impressive. They capture the vulnerability of a betrayed lover without losing
the underlying aggression that comes across in the backing and some of the
vocal style. They are also beautifully poetic.

This song is a definite must buy, striking the balance between tender and rough,
depressed and aggressive. If you have not bought the song, buy it, and if
you've been holding out on the album, have a listen to this and it might change
your mind.

All of the cinema was a buzz as the commercials ended. The excitement levels were through the roof in anticipation of Cameron Diaz’s latest journey into the realm of serious acting with the director of 'LA Confidential' and '8 Mile'. Also, a surprising return to the mainstream for Toni Collette of Murial’s Wedding fame. Much as it pains me to say, it has to be said, that both deliver stunningly with touching support from Shirley McClain.

The film, as it turns out, is actually a delightful cross blend between hard hitting issues of family, love and promiscuity and a cheery rom-com. The beautiful thing about this is that neither genre over powers the other and the balance met by the crew is heart warming. The audience is taken through moments of intense emotion with the tears flowing and the next moment we are swept away in a fairy tail-esque romance.

Toni Collette is an interesting choice for the role of Rose. At moments she looks like the dowdy, plain, unattractive workaholic that she portrays. However, there are flickers of a true inner beauty that penetrate the surface on occasion that can only come from a true commitment to character. As for Diaz, there is almost a level of disappointment in that she plays the seductress, the temptress, the dumb blonde. But she manages to draw the audience into Maggie’s journey of self discovery and fall from grace with a touch of class.

True, the film is not perfect and the ending is slightly predictable but this is definately not the film to miss this month. Go see it, don’t expect to be blown away, but do expect to come out feeling refreshed and happy.