Does Superman’s grand return to the big screen live up to the hype, as well as his namesake? (Spoiler Free Review)
entertainment
Review: ‘The Purge’
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.
Review: ‘After Earth’
Despite having Will Smith under its banner, After Earth is nothing more than a high-concept afterthought.
Top 10 Fun. Songs
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.
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Review: ‘Arrested Development,’ Season 4
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.
Top 12 Mat Kearney Songs
Even if you’ve never heard of Mat Kearney, this is a great list to get you started. Kearney has been my favorite singer/songwriter since 2005, so making this list was absolutely painful.
I’ve been following his music religiously since his first album, Bullet, and I currently own every song he’s written (with the exception of some EP songs he wrote that aren’t available online plus some variants of songs such as live versions and iTunes sessions.)
That said, I’ve put together a comprehensive list that looks back to the beginning of his work in an effort to show you which tracks best represent my favorite solo artist. Enjoy!
12. Lifeline- City of Black and White
One of Kearney’s biggest strengths is his lyrics, and the words he sings for “Lifeline,” definitely set it apart in an album full of melodic pieces. City of Black and White was Kearney’s first album to use no rap or spoken word (a style he used with acoustic that made him famous), so the pressure was on here. “Lifeline” is a great example of his ability to craft beautiful songs and evolve past what first made him great.
The world is too big to never ask why. The answers don’t fall straight out of the sky.
11. Never Be Ready- City of Black and White
Kearney is brilliant at writing about relationships. With “Never Be Ready,” he writes about his real experiences with his wife Annie (who has her own song named for her in the album) and the raw emotion of the lyrics matches the song’s melody perfectly.
Love isn’t borrowed, we aren’t promised tomorrow. We’ll never be ready if we keep waiting.
10. Ships in the Night- Young Love
Currently one of Kearney’s big hits, “Ships in the Night” is impressing everyone with its eclectic style of hip hop and acoustic. Kearney’s acoustic/spoken word has really evolved since he left it behind back in 2007, and Ships really delivers just by its message alone. The song addresses the challenges couples face late in their relationships as the initial spark of love fades. It’s a hopeful, yet somber song about a subject not many other artists bother to explore.
Feels like we’re learning this out on our own. Trying to find a way down the road we don’t know.
9. Closer to Love- City of Black and White
This is a beautiful song that is widely misunderstood. On the surface, it seems like a love story between two people, but if you actually listen to the song, it is more of a reflection of Kearney’s relationship with God. The song is about people turning to God only when they need help, as Kearney recounts a tragedy that apparently shook him. The hopeful message is that even though bad things happen, Kearney feels that God is using it make him closer and more dependent on the love of God.
I guess we’re all one phone call from our knees. We’re gonna get there soon.
8. Renaissance- Bullet
This is from Kearney’s first album, though it was repackaged in Nothing Left to Lose. The song features two ballads about two different people who hit rock bottom. The first is in a car accident that takes his family away from him. The second person gets dumped by his girlfriend and slips into depression. In-between verses, Kearney stresses how God offers something “real” to people who experience tragic situations. This is one of Kearney’s most layered songs and features one of his more powerful and uplifting choruses.
I can be the wall when you fall down. Find me on the rocks when you break down.
7. Fire and Rain- City of Black and White
“Fire and Rain” channels a very unique message: the distance between friends over time. Throughout the song, Kearney talks about a sort of prodigal friend (or love) that he often wonders about. The themes of friendship and how people move on are beautifully portrayed here, and the lyrics really tug at something I’m sure most of us have been through.
Do you ever think about me? Do you ever call my name? Ask me now. I’ll give you the reasons.
6. Everyone I Know- City of Black and White
This is actually a bonus track that isn’t as well-known, unfortunately. Kearney gets a little more philosophical in this song, talking about how his experiences have shaped his view in the world. Specifically, he talks about how love is something we’re all looking for, and this is something that everyone shares. I mainly love this song for its acoustic, which is probably the best melody in the album.
Because everyone that I know, every place that I go, every story that I’m told, it’s love that we’re looking for.
5. Nothing Left to Lose- Nothing Left to Lose
This is the song that propelled Kearney to mainstream music. It is a song that, in its core, appeals to a wide audience with its coming of age feel. Like most of his songs, Kearney sings about his own experience of moving from Oregon to California and how liberated he felt. Nothing Left to Lose (the album) is actually a compilation of the first songs he ever wrote, making them some of his more emotional and heartfelt songs.
Come on, and we’ll sing, like we were free. Push the pedal down, watch the world around fly by us.
4. Lifetime- West in November EP
Kearney did two EP’s before releasing his first album, Bullet, in 2004. The first was Revive Us EP (2002) and then West in November EP (2003). The tracks here are extremely difficult to find and can’t even be purchased on Amazon or iTunes, which is a testament to how early these came out. Thankfully, YouTube exists and I happen to have a copy of “Lifetime” in my library. This song is about finding purpose in life and making the most out of it. Tough questions about whether or not Kearney’s music will really help anyone in the long run are addressed, and you can tell that this is one of Kearney’s more introspective songs. Click here to hear the song on YouTube.
Well here’s another stone in the walls of this lifetime, of this lifetime. I built them tall but they gonna fall when the day’s gone by, when my children cry.
3. Count on Me- Young Love
This is actually my most-played song on iTunes…though I am objective enough to only put it at number 3. Yes, this is my favorite track from his most recent album, Young Love, and for good reason. The song is unlike anything you’ve probably ever heard and presents a message so upbeat, positive and entertaining, it will surely make you smile.
Emails and coffee in the evening. Effort ya brother you’ll believe it. Gee, I don’t know your secret! Each “I love you” singing:
2. Undeniable- Bullet
Though it’s more famous for being on the Nothing Left to Lose album, the song first debuted on Bullet as one of its surprise hits. The song basically sums up everything there is to love about Mat Kearney. It has the story-telling lyrics, the spiritual redemption, and the eclectic style of spoken word and unrestrained acoustic that has impacted so many people. This is the song that really started it all.
It’s undeniable how brilliant you are. In an unreliable world, you shine like a star. It’s unforgettable now that we’ve come this far. It’s unmistakable that you’re undeniable.
1. All I Need- Nothing Left to Lose
If only you could have seen my face after the first time I heard this song. It’s in a league on its own. Kearney has not yet written a song that comes as close to being as powerful as “All I Need,” a ballad about two of his friends who suffered from Hurricane Katrina in 2006. The song boasts a set of lyrics and piano that rival that of “Fix You” by Coldplay. If this song doesn’t make you tear up, then you are rock solid.
We’re grabbing at the fray for something that won’t drown.
Of course, there are a TON of other fantastic Mat Kearney songs, making this list feel criminal, even to me. So, I guess I have to include some honorable mentions:
- In the Middle- Bullet
- Bullet- Bullet
- Girl America- Bullet
- Breathe in Breathe Out- Nothing Left to Lose
- Can’t Break Her Fall- Nothing Left to Lose
- Where We Gonna Go From Here- Nothing Left to Lose
- Crashing Down- Nothing Left to Lose
- All I Have- City of Black and White
- Rochester- Young Love
- She Got the Honey- Young Love
- Hey Mama- Young Love
- Runaway- Young Love
Disagree on anything? Be sure to let me know in the comments!
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Are Hulu and Netflix the New ABC and NBC?
Or Fox and CBS? Or CW and AMC? Okay, I’m going too far obviously, but my point is that the two streaming giants are making noticeable strides in becoming “real” networks, whatever that means.
Like pretty much every other millennial, I prefer Hulu to broadcast television and Netflix to renting movies. As a result, I’ve noticed Hulu and Netflix have been pushing original series that can only be seen on their platform (in the states at least).
When I first noticed this a couple of years ago, I presumed that they would only be able to afford miniseries with forgettable actors and web series, but they are proving me wrong with the release of these new shows that actually have a lot of recognizable talent.
Hulu, for example, is releasing three big shows this year. The first is an animated comedy series about superheroes who quit their jobs called The Awesomes. If the show has one thing going for it, it’s that Seth Meyers of SNL is the head writer and the teaser is pretty funny.
The next is a show Hulu is doing in partnership with BBC called The Wrong Mans. Family and friends of mine know that I am a huge fan of British television (if you haven’t watched Skins or Misfits, you are missing out), so this one is at the top of my to-do list. This is a dark comedy, of course, about friends who stumble upon a criminal conspiracy. The best part? It has James Corden. Check out the trailer.
They’re also coming out with a documentary about sports mascots. Read that sentence again.
Netflix is being even more ambitious with the release of Season 4 of Arrested Development this spring, which is really catering to their fan base (the connection being that Netflix users watch Arrested Development ALOT, myself included). They are also coming out with 5 other shows to debut this spring, such as Lilyhammers, House of Cards, Hemlock Grove, and Orange is the New Black.
Like I said, Hulu and Netflix are serious about original programming, hence they are pouring huge sums of money into this investment. Even Amazon Instant is joining in on the action with their own programming.
So, what does this mean? Will Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon eclipse the traditional format of broadcast television?
I say follow the money. Right now, the money is behind CBS, Fox, ABC, NBC, etc. Unless streaming platforms gain the lobbying support of investors, major networks won’t go away, and streaming will be the next cable. It’s like how FX, TBS, AMC, and Comedy Central will never actually kill CBS. They’ll just be better.
Keep in mind, however, that the majority of shows being consumed on streaming platforms is produced by cable, with Hulu being the exception, just barely. Though the major networks have American Idol and The Big Bang Theory, streaming and cable have Breaking Bad.
So the future ultimately rests on the tastes of the masses. God help us.
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