11 True Crime Documentaries You Need to Watch Now

Posted on January 30, 2019January 30, 2019 by Jack Connor

Why are we so obsessed with true crime documentaries? Is it because we’re somewhat strange or that we love to fear what monsters hide in the shadows or beneath our beds? Or is it simply because these documentaries are just so captivatingly good. But, what we’ve learnt from watching so many of these true crime documentaries is that nothing is ever simple; oh, and that you should never open your mouth without a lawyer present.

So, with this in mind, we thought we’d count down eleven true crime documentaries that you need to watch now.

Making a Murderer (2015)

Laura Ricciardi and Moria Demos’ Making a Murderer is the granddaddy, the forerunner of today’s true crime obsession. The docuseries narrates the story of Steven Avery, a man from Wisconsin who served 18 years in prison for a crime he (supposedly) did not commit.

The jewel in televisions true crime crown, Making a Murderer is enchantingly good to say the least.

The Staircase (2018)

The Staircase, a docuseries by filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, is often held up as one of the best true crime documentaries ever made. Lestrade never tries to solve the case, but rather examines how the criminal justice system treats the protagonist – Michael Peterson.

This noir masterpiece epitomises everything we love about true crime documentaries.

Mindhunter (2017)

We know that Mindhunter isn’t a true crime documentary. What it is, however, is one of the most intense, accurately portrayed crime dramas ever created.

Based on the book: Mindhunter: Inside the Federal Bureau’s Special Crime Unit, Mindhunter (2017) revolves around the creation of the behavioural science unit.

The interviews’ with infamous “serial murderers” yield what can only be described as one of the most intense scenes ever between Holden Ford and Edmund Kemper.

The Confession Tapes (2017)

Sarah Loudenberg’s The Confession Tapes is an indictment of America’s criminal justice system, the trust we put in law enforcement, and the reasons why people confess to crimes they didn’t commit.

This isn’t similar to any of the other true crime documentaries on our countdown as most of the criminals aren’t even criminals, some of them weren’t even in the country when their crimes were committed.

What makes The Confession Tapes so hard to watch is exactly why you should watch it; we did warn you that nothing is ever simple in the world of true crime documentaries.

The Seven Five (2014)

Former NYPD policeman Michael Dowd recounts how he and his partner ran their own cocaine cartel while working in New York during the 1980s and early 90s. Dowd’s conviction in 1992 led to one of the largest police corruption scandals in NYPD history.

The Seven Five is 104 minutes of jaw-dropping action and deserving of high praise indeed.

Louis Theroux: Miami Mega Jail (2011)

Louis Theroux is the godfather of documentary making. And, as always, he shows everyone how it’s done in this true crime documentary.

Louis tackles this sensitive subject, and the interviewees and inmates he meets, with his usual concoction of empathy, genuine interest and awkwardness that makes him the best at what he does.

Theroux’s readiness to report on the dark underside of American culture makes Miami Mega Jail stick out above not only the spew of Louis Theroux documentaries, but also the numerous true crime documentaries that run aground when endeavouring to imitate his unique style.

Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)

The Ted Bundy Tapes take a look inside the mind of murderer Ted Bundy, featuring interviews with him on death row.

One of the newest and best true crime documentaries on our countdown, Jon Doran’s docuseries coincides with the announcement of Extremely Wicked, shockingly Evil, and Vile – a Zac Efron biopic that didn’t feature on our countdown of the most anticipated movies of 2019, but we’re starting to think it should have done.

You almost certainly won’t be sleeping much once you’ve watched this formidable docuseries.

Manhunt: Unabomber (2017)

As with Mindhunter, Manhunt: Unabomber shouldn’t be on our countdown of the best true crime documentaries, however, as with Mindhunter, it’s too good not to include.

Andrew Sodroski’s drama miniseries depicts a fictionalised account of the FBI’s hunt for the Unabomber and is true crime at its captivating peak.

Team Foxcatcher (2016)

Recounting the downward spiral of John Du Pont, Team Foxcatcher is absolutely astonishing and extremely fearsome in equal measure.

With the grace and panache of a murder mystery novel, Team Foxcatcher is a must watch for those who love true crime documentaries.

The Witness (2015)

James D. Solomon’s directorial debut is outstanding and superb, shocking and alarming, and therefore making it a must watch.

The Witness pioneered a new wave of true crime documentaries – recounting a murder from the perspective of 38 witnesses.

The Witness, therefore, is the epitome of bingeworthy.

The Keepers (2017)

In mood, theme, tone, and content, The Keepers is everything you’d expect from a true crime documentary. That’s it: watch, tremble and bask in the true crime seesaw of emotion that is The Keepers.

Get everyone together and binge watch one of the amazing true crime documentaries above in some our awesome movie-themed rooms. Come and join us, we’d love to hear from you today to organise a superb stay at Arthouse in 2019.

You can contact us on 0151 601 8801. Also, check out both our Facebook page and some of our amazing deals now.

The 13 Best, Worst and Weirdest Oscars Moments

Posted on January 24, 2019April 18, 2019 by Laura Bowery

The Oscars is an incredibly prestigious evening which plays host to the crème de la crème and who’s who of the film industry. Each year, in the lead up to the star-studded event, we all wait with anticipation to see who’s nominated, what will be worn on the red carpet, whether we will see another ‘envelopegate’ and this year, how the night unfolds without a host.

Most importantly though, will Fiji water girl be there?

Whilst we’re all looking forward to this year’s awards ceremony, let’s look back at some of the best – and quite frankly, the weirdest – moments in Oscars history.

1. The Time That Fella Streaked Across the Stage Wearing Nothin’ but a Moustache

The 13 Best, Worst and Weirdest Oscars Moments

source: Giphy

In 1974, host David Niven was in the middle of introducing Elizabeth Taylor to present an award when suddenly artist and activist Robert Opel ran across the stage butt naked. He flashed the audience a peace sign and, well, quite a lot more.

2. Rob Lowe’s Bizarre Opening Number

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Let’s just say that the last time the Oscars went without a host, things got weird. Dead weird. In 1989, Rob Lowe and Snow White sang “Proud Mary” as an odd duet. Disney sued, and the likes of Julie Andrews and Paul Newman co-signed a letter describing as an “embarrassment.”

3. Meryl Streep Looking Like the Fairy Godmother from Shrek

source: Twitter

Need we say more?

4. Leo Finally Winning an Oscar

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After jokes surrounding his lack of wins snowballing year after year, our Leo finally got his hands on an Oscar in 2016 for his performance in The Revenant. Apparently, all it really takes is eating a bison liver and getting attacked by a massive bear.

5. Nicole Kidman Clapping

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Is it the Grinch? Is it a Seal? No! It’s Nicole Kidman clapping! She later explained her unique celebratory technique was to protect a very expensive diamond ring she was wearing.

6. John Travolta Being John Travolta

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When introducing Tony-award winning Broadway star Idina Menzel in 2015, Mr Travolta decided instead to utilise his platform to shed light on a new, undiscovered talent. Her name? Adela Dazeem.

Not really. He just couldn’t pronounce her name properly. She did get her own back the next year when she returned to introduce her “dear friend, Glom Gazingo.” John then proceeded to weirdly cup her chin.

7. Jennifer Lawrence Falling Over

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We love a relatable queen! Stumbling up the stairs live on air during one of the biggest events of your career? Eh, no biggie.

8. Jennifer Lawrence Climbing Over Seats Equipped with Wine

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Because this is all of us.

9. The Entire Time Maya Rudolph and Tiffany Haddish Were on Stage

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These two amazing women stole the show in 2018. Maya Rudolph told us all that her pinkie toe had fallen off and Tiffany told Meryl Streep she wanted her to be her mum. It was great.

10. That Selfie

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Ellen managed to break Twitter – and our hearts – with the celeb-filled selfie of 2014. It became the most re-tweeted photograph ever that year and even surpassed the original record held by Obama.

11. When Chrissy Teigen Fell Asleep

source: YouTube

It was either a genuine power nap or some meticulously timed Casey Affleck shade, but seeing Chrissy in the crowd snoozing on John Legend’s shoulder in 2017 was everything.

12. Bjork Laying an Egg

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We’re so happy this is a real-life thing that happened. Bjork’s 2001 feathered swan dress became one of the most iconic Oscars fashion moments in history – it’s now honoured in the MoMA – but what really stole the show was her then ‘laying’ a massive swan egg, right in the middle of the red carpet.

13. Angelina Jolie’s Right Leg

source: KnowYourMeme

The guest of honour at the 2012 Oscars? A leg. Angelina’s right one, to be exact. Angie’s leg gave us a full dose of that Oscars realness. She served knee. She served us up a hot plate of red-carpet glamour. She didn’t come to play – she came to slay. She even got her own Twitter account.

source: KnowYourMeme

If you’re anything like us, then you’ll be a film-lover who looks forward to awards season every year. This year, why not plan an Oscar’s viewing party & stay in a movie-inspired room at Arthouse? Make your reservation to stay at The Arthouse Hotel today to get you and your mates booked in!

Feel-Good Movies for the January Blues

Posted on January 15, 2019January 15, 2019 by Jack Connor

Despite our endeavors, January is probably not the most exciting month of the year; although it is the darkest, coldest and grimmest. Christmas is over, the decorations are down and everyone is drudging back into work one miserable step at a time. The January blues are certainly upon us in 2019.

Having said that, we thought we’d share with you our pick of the best feel-good movies to get you out of the post-Christmas slump.

The Pursuit of Happyness | 2006

The Pursuit of Happyness is feel-good personified. I mean, it even has the word ‘happyness’ in the title – although it is spelt wrong.

Directed by Gabriele Muccino, The Pursuit of Happyness is a must for those who are devoid of motivation in January. This feel-good movie is about a young man who, in the throes of homelessness, is trying to raise his son.

Armed with a slew of instagramable motivational quotes, ideal for helping you out of bed in the morning – the foremost being: “if you want something go get it” – The Pursuit of Happyness is as feel-good as it is heartwarming.

Grease | 1978

Memorable showtunes and magnificent dance moves: two of the reasons why Grease is the ideal feel-good movie for banishing the January blues. The most dubious ‘teenagers’ ever go a long way to have you dancing the gloom away.

Featuring on our pick of the greatest teen movies that changed pop culture forever, Grease is guaranteed to have you popping your hood like Travolta as the rain crashes down on your way to work in January.

Paramount Pictures

Another sure way to banish the blues this January is by staying in our stunning, Grease-themed room at the amazing Arthouse Hotel. You can guarantee you’re in for an exciting stay, as our room has been furnished to celebrate the hit 1978 musical.

Shape yourself up this January, you wont regret it.

500 Days of Summer | 2009

Now we know that 500 Days of Summer isn’t the happiest of happy movies, however, we believe it echoes everyone’s mood in January; not wanting to get out bed in the morning being one of them.

Indeed, this bubbling volcano of romance, comedy and everything inbetween is worthy of any January viewing on the bluest of blue days.

La La Land | 2016

La La Land is a technicolour behemoth of choreographed dance routines and musical numbers that are bound to banish the January blues.

The movie opens on a dreary overpass, and – in one swooping take – we find ourselves in the midst of a feel-good movie bursting with charm.

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are awesome in La La Land as it is preposterous, ludicrous – and exactly the movie we need in January.

Mrs. Doubtfire | 1993

Released in 1993, Mrs. Doubtfire is a transvestic cauldron of madness about a man impersonating a nanny from Scotland and therefore ideal for January, when everyone could do with a laugh.

This feel-good movie is sure to have you laughing one minute and weeping the next, but don’t fear, it is wrapped up in a heartwarming bow at the end.

Mrs. Doubtfire, like The Pursuit of Happyness – and each and every one of our movies – is feel-good personified.

Arthouse Hotel

As you’ve probably already guessed, we love the movies here at Arthouse Hotel.

So, why don’t you bring the entire family together and take advantage of our awesome hotel and movie-inspired rooms that wouldn’t look out of place in some of the marvelous movies listed above.

Come and join us! We’d love to hear from you today to organise a magical stay at Arthouse in 2019.

You can contact us on 0151 601 8801

The Oscars 2019: Who Should Have Hosted

Posted on January 10, 2019April 18, 2019 by Laura Bowery

For the Oscars 2019, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is doing something that they haven’t done in 30 years. Yep, that’s right – the 91^st Annual Academy Awards will have no host at all after Kevin Hart stepped down from the role when homophobic statements resurfaced on Twitter. Rightly so, the Academy delivered an ultimatum asking for him to apologise, but Hart has since completely pulled out of the job.

It seems the Academy has given up on the search for a new celeb to fill the post entirely and instead it is reported that the organisation will bring in various stars to pepper throughout the evening at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Producers have six weeks to compile a star-studded show of laughs, celebrations and awards – but we reckon we’ve got that no-host-conundrum covered. Kind of.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen

Instagram/John Legend

One of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, John and Chrissy have somehow remained down to earth, hilarious and downright lovable despite them residing in the basically parallel universe that is La La Land.

Chrissy would probably just end up stealing the show, and if her Twitter feed is anything to go by she’d have no fear in dishing the dirt on her beloved as well as her fellow A-listers.

Will Smith

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Why didn’t this happen sooner? We want answers! Will is endearing, radiates charisma and he’s so charming that it kind of hurts a bit. We’ve never met someone who wasn’t a fan. The Fresh Prince can sing, dance and act – he’s got it all.

Someone should probably look into the fact that it’s biologically impossible to dislike Will Smith.

Rihanna

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To be honest she might as well considering she’s basically doing everything but giving us an album release.

Seriously though. Rihanna would be a great contender to host the Oscars 2019 and she’s no stranger to Hollywood especially after her role in Ocean’s 8.

Cher

Because, well, it’s Cher.

Idris Elba

Twitter/Idris Elba

After sending James Bond fans into a bit of a frenzy after taking his Golden Globes selfie with Daniel Craig, Idris made very little effort to try and quash rumours that he was to be the next 007.

Not only is he a great actor, but he’s very clearly a bit of a joker. Sigh, we love you Idris. The Oscars needs some of that smooth talking, funny, talented handsome-ness.

He’s also a DJ, so they’d be sorted for the afterparty. It’s a no brainer.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra’s had a bit of a second wind and unwittingly has become a bit of a meme-queen after the success of Netflix hit Bird Box.

So, we’re basically saying if she could do the whole thing blindfolded that would be great. A huge health and safety issue but we’re pretty sure they’ll figure something out.

Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig

These two make up one of the most iconic best-bud duos in Hollywood. Kristen and Maya are goofy, sharp, witty and an all-around lovable pair. Their irreverence and mischievous nature are infectious – and when they break into fits of laughter mid-bit it’s even better.

We think these two would bring welcome relief from some of the more serious (and sometimes laborious) tones of the evening.

RuPaul & Co.

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Imagine this. Michelle Visage tells Ian McKellen he needs to cinch his waist, otherwise, he’s just resting on pretty. Margot Robbie dressed as Queen Elizabeth serves us some “ooh ah sensation” as she death drops on her way to accepting her Oscar. Ru has made a decision. Olivia Coleman and Helen Mirren are to lip-sync for their lives.

This is the Oscars we deserve.

Have your own suggestions or predictions for the Oscars 2019? Come and chat with us about all things film over on our Facebook page!

If you’re a cinephile just like we are, then why not have your own Oscars-themed celebrations and book yourself into a movie-inspired room at Arthouse. Make your reservation to stay at The Arthouse Hotel today.

Cinema | What to Look Out for in 2019

Posted on January 3, 2019 by Jack Connor

Excellence abounded at the movie theater in what was a remarkable year for cinema in 2018. From a mustachioed frontman to an opulent au pair, 2018 had something for everyone. But don’t be alarmed, 2019 is already looking like a rousing year for cinema.

So, whether you’re a would-be action hero or you go to the cinema for a bit more Hollywood glamour, 2019 has got you covered.

With this in mind, we thought we’d share with you what we’re looking forward to watching in 2019.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood | 7 June 2019

Source: Twitter.com/OnceinHollywood

A washed-up actor and his longtime stunt double; the former played by Leonardo DiCaprio, embark upon a crusade to make a name for themselves in Charles Manson tortured Los Angeles in what is also Quentin Tarantino’s most ambitious movie for some time.

A chic-looking premise set in the context of a murderous cult and gruesome violence: it is easy to see how Once Upon a Time in Hollywood points towards a Tarantino triumph.

Brace yourselves for the comeback of the 1960s as we expect Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to not only be a cinematic success, but it could also secure DiCaprio his second Oscar.

Star Wars: Episode IX | 20 December 2019

“An emotionally resonant finale” is what J.J Abrams has promised Star Wars: Episode IX will be. Nonetheless, the final piece of the intergalactic jigsaw is sure to both wow and enrage die-hard Star Wars fans.

Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant are to join anew while Joonas Suotamo, John Boyega – now the darling of the chat show – Anthony Hamill and Oscar Isaac are set to make their noble returns.

This being the newest big-screen cosmic adventure, Star Wars: Episode IX is sure to be both an uproarious quest and financial smash.

Rocketman | 31 May 2019

As was Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman is directed by Dexter Fletcher and, like its contemporary, it is sure to be a sensational smash in 2019.

This long-awaited biopic – which was announced back in 2012 – is a foot-stomping, uncensored, completely human account of Sir Elton John’s breakthrough years.

The movie chronicles the years preceding the frontman’s meteoric move upwards when John, played by Taron Egerton – who replaced Tom Hardy in 2017 – united with iconic songwriter Bernard Taupin.

We’re certain that Egerton’s performance as Sir Elton John will be deserving of acclaim and award; however, it’ll be Lee’s absorbing screenplay and Fletcher’s spectacular directorship that’ll empower this movie.

The Irishman | TBA 2019

Martin Scorsese’s newest gangster movie is to be released sometime in 2019 on numerous platforms. The Irishman follows self-confessed hitman Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) as he recalls his possible involvement in the assassination of union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino).

We think The Irishman will be a huge success in 2019 for two reasons: one being it’s enormous £110m budget and two being its stellar cast, which includes Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel and scouser Stephen Graham.

This being Scorsese, we can only imagine how good this movie will be.

The Lion King | 19 July 2019

From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s remake of The Lion King (1994) is guaranteed to amaze and excite audiences both young and old.

If the wondrous trailer is anything to go by, then The Lion King is sure to be one of the most celebrated and talked about movies of 2019 due to both its stellar cast, which includes Donald Glover, James Earl Jones – who will be reprising his role as Mufasa – Seth Rogan and Beyoncé, and it being a visual treat.

So ready yourself for what is guaranteed to be an even more heart wrenching conclusion than back in 1994.

Us | 15 March 2019

From the remarkable mind of Academy Award winning author and director Jordan Peele comes Us, an even more nightmarish sequel to his directorial debut triumph Get Out (2017).

Adelaide Wilson, played by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o and Gabe Wilson, played by Winston Duke, take their children to their beach house expecting to unwind. But as darkness descends, their serenity turns to tension and chaos when some hideous doppelganger’s appear uninvited.

Due to the longing for a sequel created by the success of Get Out, Us is certain to shock and excite cinema goers in 2019.

Arthouse Hotel

As you’ve probably already guessed, we adore the cinema here at Arthouse Hotel.

So, why don’t you bring the entire family together and take advantage of our excellent facilities and movie-inspired rooms that wouldn’t look out of place in some of the marvelous movies listed above.

Come and join us! We’d love to hear from you today to organise a magical stay at Arthouse in 2019.

You can contact us on 0151 601 8801