With Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, iTunes, and Amazon all battling it out to achieve the monopoly on streaming entertainment, one question is constantly on my mind: When will the bubble burst?
Yes, Netflix is king when it comes to sheer numbers, boasting a large catalog and subscription base. Still, we all know Netflix doesn’t satisfy everyone’s needs. I can’t be the only one who finds it unbearable to wait up to a year for a season to be released on Netflix, if at all.
So, I also have Hulu, which allows me to keep tabs on ongoing seasons, again, if they even have it.
I also have Amazon because there are just some shows that I can’t access anywhere else on demand (legally), plus Amazon now has the sole rights to many Viacom programs such as Spongebob Squarepants (which, let’s face it, is the most important).
Do you see the problem I have here? By the end of all this, I’m still paying more money to watch my favorite shows that may or may not be available. I might as well return to classic cable, even though that costs hundreds.
Well, I have a possible solution that I believe the streaming giants will eventually fall into. You see, Netflix is already packing their storehouse with original content in an attempt to take in more profits, and it’s working for now.
But we don’t just want new shows, at least not yet. Instead of the streaming giants becoming streaming networks where only certain shows fall into them (which we absolutely don’t want), why can’t we simply subscribe to programs we want to watch in a limited fashion?
Amazon and iTunes have already used this format for movies, allowing us to rent full movies for a fraction of the price. Why can’t we rent shows? After all, I am far less likely to revisit a show after I’ve seen it once, especially if it is bound to be syndicated on Netflix within a year.
If we could subscribe to a show’s season, we could essentially pick and choose which shows we want to watch throughout the regular TV season. Don’t we do this already? By October or November, I’ve already settled into what shows I’m keeping up with and don’t have the time or patience to catch up on something I completely missed.
Yes, Vudu, Amazon, and iTunes let you pick and choose already, but you can’t rent a TV show. Instead, you have to buy the entire season in some cases. My idea combines the pick/choose mentality with a subscription.
Think of it as a “My 5” plan made famous by cell phone carriers. You pick 5 shows you want to watch full seasons of as they develop. If you fall behind, that’s okay because after the season is over, you are able to watch the remaining episodes just once before they disappear.
That’s where I want this whole streaming business to go, anyways. It empowers the consumer and provides valuable insights and data to the networks. Sure, the logistics are lost on me, as every network in the world is at each others’ throats right now, but don’t expect that to last forever. Eventually, something’s going to move.
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The makers behind Paranormal Activity and Insidious really understand how to make horror movies, at least financially.
After all, the return on investment for their films is astonishing.
Recall that Paranormal Activity only cost $15,000 to make and brought in almost $200 million. Every sequel since has replicated this, albeit with higher budgets.
This weekend, The Purge, debuted at #1 in the box office, already making its entire budget in the first weekend. In a decade when horror movies aren’t exactly a safe bet for investors, Jason Blum has managed to change that with his high-concept horror movies that seem to really bring in audiences.
So, is The Purge worth watching? You’ve probably heard some bad buzz. It has been panned by critics who were disappointed at the misuse of the film’s interesting concept of what would happen if crime was legal for 12 hours.
Casual film goers have been giving mixed to bad reviews, proving that this isn’t just a critical dismissal.
The problem with The Purge is two-fold for me. The biggest issue is how limited they were with the premise. Here you have this wonderfully original backdrop for a great commentary on laws, utilitarianism, and the actual effects of unrestricted humanity.
The movie does little to address the interesting themes surrounding man’s depravity and our ill attempts at restraining it.
The second issue I had, and many casual viewers had, was the “in-your-face” subtext that sent a clearer message than I think they attempted. They basically could have called it, “This is What Would Happen If the Tea Party Won” and “Class Warfare 101.”
You see, the orchestrators behind this ridiculous “Purge” law are a political party that is eerily alludes to the conservative “Tea Party.” I don’t really have a problem with this concept, except that it is handled so terribly and offensively.
The real message behind this law, if you really think about it, is that the best way to handle the poor is to let criminals wipe them out once a year (hence it is called the “Purge”).
After all, the only people who are safe from the “Purge” are the rich, and the villains of the movie are clearly upper-class maniacs who are letting their true nature shine once a year.
It’s just so obvious and obtuse. Class warfare commentary was already really old when In Time came out. The whole Robin Hood thing is just getting preachy at this point, and this is coming from someone who is far from rich.
So, no I don’t think this movie is very special. It doesn’t have an interesting horror story behind it that you haven’t seen before, and the exhausting subtext does nothing to alleviate that.
There is already a sequel in the works, and I actually look forward to seeing if they can get it right the second time, but for now, this is a “nothing else to watch” rental.
Like Fun.? So do I. I’m such a big fan, actually, I wrote an entire screenplay based on their music.
Don’t worry, I’ll rewrite it about 100 times after it gets rejected, but expect to see my Fun. musical hitting the market within the decade.
Anyways, we all love lists and using opinion to dictate interest, so I thought I’d make another Top 10 list for one of my favorite bands yet again.
Keep in mind that I’ll be leaving The Format(the band’s predecessor) off of this list to keep things simple. Also, this is just my opinion, not a feign attempt at being objective. The point of this list is not to say one song is better than another. Instead, use this list as a way to either discover or rediscover some great Fun. songs that happen to be my favorites.
10. Take Your Time (Coming Home)
From the album, Aim and Ignite, this 7 minute track captures one of Fun.‘s best traits. The feels. It’s not a slow song by any means, but it manages to crescendo spastically without losing effect, and Nate Ruess (the lead singer) shows off some real vocal range here I haven’t appreciated since Freddie Mercury. There’s a shorter, acoustic version on the deluxe album, but the full version here is easily my favorite between the two.
Favorite line: It’s a beautiful thing when you love somebody, and I love somebody. Yeah I love somebody.
9. Carry On
I’ve noticed this track from Some Nights has been getting a little more popular lately, so I’d be remiss to leave it out. When I first bought this album, “Carry On” popped up on the playlist four songs in, and I just remember fully appreciating the lyrics and tone the very first time I heard it. The song is about recognizing our fatal flaws and moving past them. As Nate sings it, we are still “shining stars” and “invincible” even on our “darkest day.” Great advice to live by.
Favorite line: But I like to think I can cheat it all, to make up for the times I’ve been cheated on.
8. At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)
Okay, it’s easy to kind of interpret this song as looking down on people who haven’t “grown up.” The whole track is basically Nate running into old friends who are still living a crazy lifestyle past their prime. It’s a little harsh, but most of us can absolutely relate. Also, this is a ridiculously catchy song, so there’s that too.
Favorite line: I don’t keep friends, I keep acquainted. I’m not a prophet, But I’m here to profit.
7. Walking The Dog/ Walking The Dog II
Early in the album, the first version of this song, “Walking The Dog,” is an upbeat and positive song about getting over someone. Then “Walking The Dog II” comes on, which is the exact same song slowed down to a somber melody, reflecting how easy it is for us to fake a positive attitude after a breakup. Powerful songwriting, and my favorite “slow” song from Aim and Ignite.
Favorite Line: I wish you could see me, whoever I am. It’s not like a movie. It’s not all skin and bones.
6. Some Nights
This is definitely one of the more recognizable Fun. songs, and for good reason. It’s loud, catchy, and well, fun. There are probably a million ways to interpret this song, but my favorite is how the song seems to really capture the band’s career over the past decade. Also, there is probably no better song on this album to display its namesake.
Favorite Line: The other night, you wouldn’t believe the dream I just had about you and me. I called you up, but we’d both agree, it’s for the best you didn’t listen.
5. All Alright
Where to begin? This one is definitely a little more depressing, capturing the awkward tension between two people who have drifted apart. It reminds me of all the past friendships and relationships I’ve lost over the years and how we tend to say that everything is “alright,” even though it’s really not. Odd detail: there’s cheering at the very end. Weird end to a somewhat down song.
Favorite Line: And now I’ve given everyone I know a good reason to go, but I came back with the belief that everyone I love is gonna leave me.
4. Be Calm
The first song in any album should, in my opinion, hit it out of the park. Fun. gets this and manages to deliver on both of their albums, giving us upbeat tracks without fooling us into thinking we’re about to listen to a bunch of light, pop music. “Be Calm” is an inner monologue that both inspires and provokes laughter with its scattered lyrics. There really is no better way to write a song about our chaotic (and insane) thoughts that manage to almost, probably make sense.
Favorite Line: Take it from me, I’ve been there a thousand times. You hate your pulse because it thinks you’re still alive.
3. We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae)
The first song from Fun. I ever heard, “We Are Young” resonated with me and my friends immediately. I like to think that the band made this song difficult to sing (the chorus hits a really high note) because they knew it would get popular, so they wanted a chorus that people would embarrass themselves by singing. I really hope that’s the reason…
Favorite Line: Now I know that I’m not all that you’ve got. I guess that I…I just thought…maybe we could find new ways to fall apart.
2. Why Am I The one
It’s easy to miss this song, as its buried in the album and not given as much hype as “Carry On.” Still, this one always stuck out to me, especially when I left my hometown to start a new life. I guess I needed an introspective song like this to get me through the major life changes that occurred during my first year out of college. And the music video is flawless.
Favorite Line: For once, for once, for once, I get the feeling that I’m right where I belong. Why am I the one always packin’ up my stuff?
1. Some Nights (Intro)
People always ask me why this is my favorite Fun. song. It’s not very long, and the lyrics are kind of confusing to be honest. But there is just something about how this song is first on the album and transitions us perfectly into Some Nights. This is definitely my favorite album intro of all time, mostly because of how it manages to be perfectly simple and yet perfectly complex at the same time. It’s a fun-sized “Be Calm” that manages to accomplish the same thing in just 2 minutes.
Favorite Line: There are some nights I wait for someone to save us, but I never look inward, try not to look upward. Some nights, I pray that a sign is gonna come to me, but usually, I’m just trying to get some sleep.
Like what you read? Connect with me further via twitter @JonNegroni. I’ll follow back if you seem like a real person. You can also subscribe to this blog by clicking the “follow” button in the top-left corner.
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I’ll be doing two separate reviews of the new season, starting with a review of the season premiere, “Flight of the Phoenix.”
So, is it worth watching?
The answer to that question actually has very little to do with the actual episode. It really depends on the viewer, of which there are two main types:
The longtime fans: these are the ones that have been through it all. They know all of the inside jokes, have obsessed over the show for years, and are to this day still mad about the show’s “abrupt cancellation” (as the new episode describes it).
A lot of these longtime fans seemed to really dislike “Flight of the Phoenix,” and the entire 4th season in general. I had one friend who referred to the whole thing as garbage. Other longtime fans said that the new episodes just weren’t as good, and they were disappointed.
I’m only speculating, but I believe this has more to do with them than the actual quality of the new season. For the past seven years, Arrested Development has evolved from being a hidden gem to a mainstream meme. I think this has led to fatigue.
A lot of people who have stuck with the show from the beginning have been expecting the worst because they are honestly sick of the show’s rise to popularity that made this new season happen in the first place. I had one friend even admit that his disdain of the new season comes from the fact that this new season was made for the new fans of the show (hence, it’s on Netflix), ignoring the longtime fans who discovered the show in the first place.
Some longtime fans have been a little more forgiving, claiming that the new season, while not as good as the previous, is okay. They were a little more apprehensive going into the new season, but they still gave it a chance.
Which leads me to,
The newer fans: I’m one of these. See, the show came out when I was in high school, so I was too young to know what it is or appreciate it. I was more into Scrubs and Family Guy, to be honest.
Like many people, I didn’t discover the show until much later after the series finale. In 2010, one of my friends let me borrow the first two seasons, insisting that this was “the best show ever.” I was immediately hooked and have been watching the series on repeat via Netflix ever since.
When I first heard about the new season, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to see more of the Bluth gang, so I was pretty confused when a lot of other people were acting like they just found out they have a cavity.
The longtime fans, and even some of the newer fans, were being incredibly pessimistic about the new season, and I think it’s because to them, this show represents more than entertainment. They feel like they have a certain ownership over the show, being the early adopters, and us newer fans sort of swooped in.
I get that to a point, but I feel bad for those who went into the 4th season with such abysmal expectations, because I thoroughly enjoyed “Flight of the Phoenix.”
It was different, for sure, and the timeline of the story was a little difficult to follow at times. But it delivered. Everything I love about the show is still here: the clever writing, easter eggs, perfect delivery, and hilarious story were all present and accounted for.
I was especially surprised by how well the characters fit back into their previous roles. The first episode focused primarily on Michael, and what he’s been up to since the end of Season 3. It was depressing at times, but still lighthearted. The chemistry between the characters has always been the show’s strong point, and I saw that on full display.
Speaking of which, most of the cast showed up in the premiere, including the Bluth parents, Buster, Gob, George Michael, Maeby, and even Barry. But I was glad that they decided to gently bring back Tobias and Lindsey, who are apparently showing up in the second episode. Seriously, Tobias should just have his own show already.
The cameos were amazing, save for Seth Rogen trying to portray a young George Sr. That just didn’t work, especially when you have Kristen Wiig flawlessly capturing young Lucille. The Workaholics gang was even there, too, which was hysterical.
Is the new season worth watching? Absolutely. It has everything that made fans like me fall in love with it in the first place, and it is still ahead of its time 10 years after the pilot.
If you’re on the fence about diving into the new season, I definitely recommend you give it a chance. Worst-case scenario, you will have made a huge mistake.
2 years ago, we were handed one of the worst movies of all time that was depicting one of the greatest animated series of all time. Our feelings were hurt when The Last Airbender (TLA) failed to capture the greatness of Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA).
With the rising popularity and success of the animated series’ successor, The Legend of Korra, it’s high-time that Hollywood try again with the Avatar series while the timing is still good.
By the way, I spent a lot of time talking about social media last week, so expect this week to be a little more entertainment-heavy.
Now, let’s get some basic points out of the way. ATLA is my favorite animated series of all time. Debuting in 2005, this show had everything I could possibly want in a sprawling epic.
Amazing animation (it is an American cartoon animated in South Korea), deep and interesting lore, a high-stakes storyline (making it accessible for an older audience), some of the most memorable characters on television, and even humor.
So, making a movie out of this show should have been a cinch. As we understand it, the show’s studio gave Hollywood a lot of freedom with the story, over $150 million was put into its production, and the show lends itself very nicely to a trilogy since it was made with three seasons.
The movie even had M. Night Shyamalan directing it.
Well, okay, all of these things ended up being a negative. Hollywood ruined the story because they had too much freedom, they spent way too much money on the wrong things, making three movies meant changing the length of the story to keep up with aging actors, and M. Night Shyamalan wrote and directed it.
If you haven’t seen the movie or know what I’m talking about, watch these videos that recap everything wrong with the movie pretty perfectly (SPOILERS from here on out).
The question being asked by some is whether or not Shyamalan will follow-up this disaster of a movie with a sequel the movie begged.
Obviously, no one outright wants it, but the movie did manage make $300 million worldwide. So, the movie does make sense financially, if not critically.
Still, that’s no guarantee the sequel will manage to pull off the same magic, especially if none of the first movie’s mistakes are corrected.
That said, I have two possible solutions that would please everyone.
We should either reboot the first movie or go the way of The Incredible Hulk (Most people did not like Ang lee’s Hulk that came out in 2003, so 2008’s The Incredible Hulk served as an unofficial sequel to the 2003 film).
A reboot is the nice solution, because it would take less effort to rework the movie’s mistakes.
Here’s my wish-list for a reboot:
1. Change the writers. The animated series had different writers for almost all of their episodes. Tapping into their talent for a movie just makes sense, especially since they’re the biggest reason (along with the creators) why the series was successful.
2. Pronounce the names correctly. Shyamalan decided that the names in the show were not pronounced correctly in Asian. That was misguided, considering the show takes place in an alternate world influenced by Asian themes, not Asia. Changing the pronunciation did nothing but annoy all of the show’s fans.
3. Change the casting strategy. In the movie, the Fire Nation was depicted by Indians, the Water Tribe was caucasian, the Earth Kingdom was chinese, and the Air Nomads were diverse. This doesn’t make sense alongside the show at all.
The Fire Nation was clearly influenced by the Japanese, which we see in their culture, architecture, and how we find out later on that “firebending” originated with dragons. So, why not carry that over to the movie? Also, a Japanese actor playing Zuko would be way more interesting.
The Earth Kingdom makes way more sense as the “diverse” nation because they are largest. Even the show implies this, since Zuko and Iroh were able to pass as Earth Kingdom refugees in season 2, and many of the characters in this part of the world look very different from each other.
The Water Tribe is composed of two separate tribes, the North and South Pole. You can get away with having Europeans depict the North Pole, but Katarra and Sokka should just be darker skinned like they are in the show to please the fans. A “white” Katarra is just too much of a change, and our pop culture could really use more diversity anyways.
Also, Dev Patel would’ve made a far better Sokka than Jason Rathbone. Sokka is humorous and very animated. Patel’s “Anwar” in Skins was one of the most animated characters in that show, so why not give him a character with more to do?
Finally, the Air Nomads should be Chinese for the same reason that the Fire Nation should be Japanese. They clearly represent Tibetan monks, and we’d have an easier time casting a child actor for Aang who can handle all of the physical stunts throughout the trilogy.
4. Rework the plot. The first season of Avatar is the most challenging to compress into one movie because almost every episode is “standalone.” It’s basically about a group of friends travelling the world having various adventures.
That said, the movie left a lot of really critical characters out, including the Kyoshi Warriors and King Bumi, who play major roles in the other seasons.
Here’s how I would break it down: The first act would focus on Aang, Sokka, and Katarra. We needed that more in TLA, which glossed over major character development points.
The second act should introduce us to the Kyoshi Warriors and King Bumi, who could be Aang’s method of receiving his world-saving mission from Roku. This could all culminate with Book 1’s most important episode, The Blue Spirit, which teaches us a lot more about Zuko.
Finally the third act would focus on the North Pole, giving us more time to commit to Yue’s character, Aang’s confrontation with Koh, the fight between Zuko, Katarra, and Zhao, and Aang’s epic fight against the entire Fire Nation navy.
5. Make the movie longer. Yes, this is a kid’s movie, but that didn’t stop us from letting Harry Potter have at least 2 hours, and there’s really no other way to tell the show’s story.
I’d go on, but you get the point. A reboot would be a much-needed, major overhaul of the 2011 iteration.
As I said before, we could also just skip the reboot and do the sequel as an unofficial follow-up to the reboot I just described. After all, season 2 of the show was far more like a serialized saga with major set pieces, making a movie easier to create.
Or we could leave ATLA alone and just skip to a prequel for Legend of Korra. After all, who wouldn’t want to see a young version of Korra mastering water, earth, and fire?
